Moto3, Paolo Simoncelli: “my riders are color blind”

Those who followed the Moto3 qualifying of the Italian Grand Prix at Mugello could not have missed the incredible scene of the two riders of Paolo Simoncelli's SIC58 Squadra Corse team taking to the track when it was not yet open, as evidenced by the red flag waved frantically by a track marshal.

This “feat” earned Nicolò Antonelli et Tatsuki suzuki to be sanctioned by canceling their best qualifying lap and imposing a (small) fine. This did not prevent the two starters of the Italian team from finishing 4th and 8th respectively in their team's home Grand Prix, and this undoubtedly explains the measure and humor shown by the father of the late Marco on his website.

Paolo Simoncelli : “My suspicions were well-founded and I had confirmation here at Mugello: My drivers are color blind, there is no other explanation since they went through the red light. The fact that we like to make life difficult for ourselves is now a fact, and the proof was the official tests on Saturday, when the man waving the flag rushed in front of them, in vain... In the fairing and full gas! The result was that Antonelli started in 18th position and Suzuki in 9th. Going red is such an absurd and rare transgression that there is no real sanction provided. A penalty was given to Valentino a few years ago when, for some strange reason, he left early.

I got angry, but not in the way I could have because it happened that that day I was happy. In the morning, Tatsuki gave me a beautiful gift. His special helmet made us smile because our Japo-Riccionese is not making a special helmet for his home GP in Japan, but for the Italians in Mugello. On the headset there is a caricature of me drawn by designer Aldo Drudi which depicts me as angry, which for me involves raising the tone of my voice by ten decibels (probably already at a good level) and asking the question : " You understand ?? ".

The moral of this story is that if you want to appease me, you have to give me a helmet. The reality is that maybe I didn't get more angry than necessary because I know their level of mental state right now, they are strong, the team is very strong and we are psychologically ready. We can stay in the lead, hold the reins of the race and lead the game. I certainly had a moment of uncertainty when Tatsu tried to reassure me with a Romagnolian accent: “ Paolo thinks of me! ».
" So everything is fine ! » I thought.

The races at Mugello are unpredictable, however, one moment you are 1° and the next 10°. One of the few not to know it was Tatsuki who, before finishing in 8th position in a race run superbly, between braking and overtaking at daggers drawn, had the brilliant idea of ​​exiting the last curve of the penultimate lap while letting others benefit from its wake. But even that is an experience.

Antonelli was also very good with a praiseworthy comeback, far from unexpected. He was even 23rd at turn 8 of the first lap on my advice to start slowly. From 23rd position, he made up for it by taking the lead of the group on the 17th lap, then he was a little aggressive with another driver and finished in 4th place. But that's shopping, if you don't want to do this sport, go shopping. But we are happy that he still took away important points in the standings from Canet.

We are already leaving Mugello with our minds turned towards the Pata Negra and the curves of the Hispanic circuit, with the awareness of being able to do more. We are 3rd in the team standings and, with Antonelli, thirteen points off the top of the drivers standings.
I also want to dedicate a thought to Tony Arbolino who had a great race. Mugello has always been his track and although our lives have been apart for some time and we are opponents, I cannot forget how far we have come together.

-PaoloSic58-