De Luigi Ciamburro / Corsedimoto.com
Exclusive interview with Tony Arbolino, the Snipers Team driver who took his first victory at Mugello. The importance of training with Jorge Lorenzo, comparison with Fenati and future dreams.
Mugello offered two great “first times” to two Italian drivers. Danilo Petrucci not only fulfilled his lifelong dream in front of the Italian public. Even Tony Arbolino , in his third season in Moto3, took the top step of the podium for the first time, after finishing third at Rio Hondo a few weeks ago. Sixth in the standings with 51 points, 32 points behind the provisional leader, the 18-year-old Snipers Team driver still does not want to think about the world title or a possible promotion to the intermediate class. The road is very long ahead of him, but the feeling is that Tony Arbolino will soon be talked about again. At his side, the multiple champion Jorge Lorenzo, who welcomed with sympathy the young Milanese who moved to Lugano a few months ago.
Pole position touched at Le Mans and reached at Mugello. Has the feeling on the Honda improved over the last month?
First victory in Italy, would you have ever imagined it? And what were the sensations on the podium as Mameli's anthem sounded?
“I had imagined it, I thought about it a lot and after a few races it was bound to happen sooner or later. The truth is that we did it and we succeeded in Italy, in front of all the fans. It was incredible. We still have a long way to go, we have won a battle but not the war.”
Fifth at the start of the last lap, you mastered the braking of San Donato. When did you really start believing in victory?
“At the start of the last lap, I was wrong to take the slipstream, I was too close to second and third. I was able to escape quickly, although I had difficulty getting out, but they passed me two or three times. I tried to keep the outside, not to give up, not to let myself pass and I closed all the doors. I came second at the last corner, as I wanted. I did what I planned because I knew it would be the winning move.”
In 2019, first podium and first success. What do you expect from Catalonia and for the rest of the World Championship?
« The first podium in MotoGP in Argentina, and even that moment, it was incredible! In Catalonia, I plan to continue as I am doing now and things will certainly succeed. We must not overdo it, but take as many points as possible.”
These days there is a lot of talk about Jorge Lorenzo. What type of relationship did you establish with him in Lugano? Do you ever train together?
“We talk a lot. I train with him often and just watching him has a big impact. He gave me this chance and I try to use it one hundred percent.”
What percentage of credit does Jorge Lorenzo have in this victory?
“Definitely a good percentage. Jorge, during the winter, offered me his sports trainer, Ivan, who completely changed my mind, while preparing me physically. I owe a lot to both.”
After six races, did you expect to be well ahead in the standings compared to Fenati? Now, are you giving him advice?
“I didn't expect to be this far ahead of him, but it's still nothing. Sometimes we confront each other, but I don't give him advice. Romano has great experience, he will succeed soon and it would be nice to be able to fight together for victory.”
Do you believe in winning the 2019 title? Would you feel ready for the jump to Moto2?
“I’m still not thinking about the World Championship or Moto2. I think about racing in the best way possible, winning and getting podiums, which is the most important thing. I don't feel any pressure because I work and do my best. The future will take shape, but in much longer time.”
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