De Diana Tamantini / Motoracing.
Celestino Vietti finished the 2019 campaign as the best debutant of the year. As a result, it raises high expectations for the next season. Our partner Motoracing put it on the grill…
Three podiums, the first pole position of his career, 6th place in the world and the title of beginner of the year with a significant lead... Often, Celestine Vietti deliberately stood out during the season, fighting for the first places with more experienced drivers. 2020 will be his second full year in the world championship, still in the ranks of Sky Racing Team VR46. With him, the team was able to celebrate the title of best rookie for the first time. Next year, “Celin” will undoubtedly be the leading man. No predictions at the moment, but we expect a lot from him.
Do you think you have achieved the objectives set for 2019?
“It was the first real season in the world championship. I started with the level of the races at the end of 2018, but I still had a lot to learn. Winning the title of best rookie was a goal and we did it. I then had to learn how to collaborate better with the team, improve the driving style, take advantage of the tracks I already knew and fight for the podium as soon as possible. These are the other points we worked on »
After the debut in 2018, did you feel a little more pressure?
“I tried to make the most of the beginnings to get to know the bike, the team, the pace of the championship. No pressure, trying to learn as much as possible. Perhaps this lack of pressure meant that in Australia I managed to get on the podium in the second race. I continued with the same spirit during this first season in Moto3 and I'm happy. Then the team created a very special atmosphere. »
Whatever the results, what was your best race?
“In Austria and Malaysia, I went quickly. I liked the Spielberg track from the start and Sepang is one of my favorite circuits. At the Ring, I made a good comeback, I opened up a gap of more than 5 seconds and I fought for the podium until the end. At Sepang I also managed to be really competitive, consistent and aggressive in the race, but ultimately I made some mistakes. »
Where do you think you will improve next year?
“I have to learn to better manage the combat phases of races typical of a category like Moto3. Especially the millimetric overtaking, the melee.
»
In which area do you think you have already made progress?
“In managing the weekend and during qualifying, we took a good step forward. We always dedicate Friday to developing the bike for the race, at pace. Often we are alone on the track and this sometimes forces us to play in Q1, but only in this way can we be really competitive for Sunday. »
Do you study any driver in particular, from any category?
“Everyone looks at their opponents. Only in this way can we improve, raise the bar higher and higher. Often we also evaluate ourselves with the other drivers of the Academy. »
What can you tell us about the first tests?
“Unfortunately, due to less favorable weather, we decided not to go to the Jerez track last November. We preferred to keep additional days to operate, in accordance with regulations, in 2020. »
What are the goals for 2020?
“We did a good job this year, we grew a lot. It is still too early for any kind of prediction, but with the arrival of Andrea Migno we can surely have fun and take away many satisfactions together. »
Read the original article on Corsedimoto.
