Tony Arbolino talks about what joining the Elf Marc VDS Racing team has meant to him. The Italian will face his second season in the intermediate category with the desire to demonstrate his potential.
Ana Villaécija Motosan
Tony Arbolino made the jump to the intermediate category in 2021. The Italian did it with the Liqui Moly Intact GP team. However, the results did not live up to his expectations and he had to settle for 51 points and finish fourteenth in the general classification. Next season, Arbolino will change horizons by making the jump to the team Elf Marc VDS Racing.
« I decided to come to the Elf Marc VDS Racing team because it is one of the best teams in the history of the Moto2 category “, he explained in an interview with motogp.com. “ It's a great emotion for me to be here and I can't wait to experience this new adventure. My first season in Moto2 was sometimes difficult, but I learned a lot and when I was given the opportunity to join this team, I didn't hesitate for a second. I am very proud to be part of this project and very motivated to make it a success ", did he declare.
Arbolino believes his new team can help him be more competitive in the toughest category of the championship. “ A driver always wants to improve and be better and I think the environment that the Elf Marc VDS Racing team offers me is the ideal place to do that. This is a team that can help me win and I am convinced that with them I can achieve better results and I can be a better driver " , did he declare.
Tony Arbolino « I see in everyone a great desire to succeed«
The first impression was very positive for the Italian driver. “ This team is incredible. I have already found a very good feeling with her. Everyone in this team is very professional and motivated to give their best at all times. I like the mindset of everyone involved. I had never felt such a powerful feeling in another project, and it always gives me a lot of motivation because I see in everyone a great desire to succeed ", did he declare.
Arbolino also took the opportunity to take stock of his first season in the intermediate category. “ I feel like it was a great first season in Moto2 for me because I was able to learn a lot “, he began. “ There were ups and downs, but I figured out a lot of things in this category that will make me stronger in the future. JI can't deny that I expected more from my first season and I thought I would fight for the podium in some races but it wasn't possible. It's time to take the plunge and with the Elf Marc VDS Racing team I'm sure I can achieve my goals. »
The transition from Moto3 to Moto2 is generally quite complicated for most riders. This is the case of Arbolino, who explained his feelings. “ Moto2 is completely different from what I was used to in Moto3. The bike is very different and it is not easy to understand the limit and it takes time to adapt to the weight, power and tires. And the level of the other drivers is super high. This is a very competitive category and it's up to the pilot to take this last important step ", did he declare.
« I always tried to keep an eye on Sam Lowes«
And, introspecting, Arbolino also talked about who he is, professionally and personally. “ First of all, I think I'm a good driver. I like to think that when I need to be, I'm an aggressive rider and also a consistent rider. I think I'm a talented pilot, but now I have to show that I am and what I am capable of doing. As a person, I think I'm very easy-going. Off-piste I'm a very family-oriented person and I love spending time with everyone close to me. I love sports and I love competing and I love pushing myself to be the best and try to win. »
Next year, Arbolino will share his box with Sam Lowes. " Even when I was in Moto3, I always tried to watch him closely because his results make him a reference rider in this category ", commented Arbolino. " It's amazing to be in the same box as him and I want to use his experience to help me progress. I know he can help me a lot and I hope I can help him too, but being with him gives me a lot of confidence and motivation. Plus, he's a really good guy and I really want to have fun with him on and off the track. »
With the new year, it is inevitable to set goals and objectives. As for next season, Tony Arbolino is clear: “MOur main goal is to go further as a driver and work to improve in the areas I need. However, the reason why I signed for this team is because I want to show everyone what I am capable of in Moto2 and I have no doubt that I will. I am convinced that with the help of this team I will soon be at the top and I can't wait to start the season. I am fully committed to making this relationship a success and ready to fight from the first race in Qatar. »
