Paolo Simoncelli and his two drivers within Sic 58 Squadra Corse, Niccolò Antonelli and Tatsuki Suzuki, answered questions from their fans in a video published on the team's social networks. The translation is below.
How does it feel to race for this team?
Niccolo Antonelli : For me it's really important, and it's also a source of pride to wear the colors of this team which has such an important history.
Tatsuki suzuki : I especially like racing alongside Paolo and being with him as well as with this team which is like a family. I feel very good, I am very happy, and then there is a great story behind the team with Marco who was a great driver.
What are the team's values?
Paolo Simoncelli : It's not complicated: these are the values of all the teams! In my opinion we are a “family” team in which there are rules and where we try to help each other and solve problems together. It's true that for me this is the best way to lead a team: like a family.
What qualities of Marco would you like to have?
Tatsuki : I would like to be like Marco, especially for his hair! (Laughs)
Niccolò : I would like to have his determination and the positive approach to racing that he always had.
How is your shoulder?
Niccolò : She is going better. After the summer break it was important to recover because she moved a lot during the last races, both in testing and in the race, but now I feel better.
What do you like best about Riccione?
Tatsuki : What I prefer most in Riccione is summer… well, girls in summer!
If you arrived in MotoGP, which rider would you like to have as a teammate?
Tatsuki : I would like to ride in MotoGP… maybe with Maverick (Viñales).
Niccolò : Unfortunately it looks a bit complicated, but I would like to ride with Vale (Valentino Rossi).
An unforgettable moment this season?
Paul : For the moment we don't have any unforgettable moments yet, but it's clear that the first pole position in Qatar was a great moment.
How did you feel doing pole in Qatar?
Niccolò : It was a great emotion, but I didn't expect it, and neither did the team. Now it's important to do more because a lot of races have passed since then and we need more strong emotions like this.
Do you feel bad when you fall and have to return to the box where Paolo is waiting for you?
Tatsuki : If it's just a small fall, no. The problem is when the bike rolls over and ends up destroyed. At that moment I don't want to go to the box, I just want to go home because I know Paolo will be upset.
Who will be the Moto-E rider?
Paul : I haven't decided yet who will be the driver but we have a lot of “contenders” so we will see who represents the best option for us.
What advice would you give to Junior Championship drivers who want to reach the World Cup?
Tatsuki : Full throttle!
Niccolò : Apart from that, I would add that they have to wait for the right moment to do it, that they are ready and that they have won as much as possible in the small categories.
Why did you choose 23 and the tiger?
Niccolò : I chose 23 because my father also drove with this number. We were both born on the same day of the same month, so I like to wear 23. As for the tiger, I have always loved this animal since I was little. My father always gave me pictures with tigers that I hung in my room. Plus it's an elegant animal, especially in its movements, so that inspires me.
Have you learned Romagnol?
Tatsuki : (Quotes a famous phrase from Riccione).
Who do you think is Paolo?
Niccolò : For me Paolo is an important figure in the team because he is not only the team manager, but he also has a lot of experience and he knows how to give good advice in difficult times.
Tatsuki : Even off the track I see him almost every day so I can say that he is part of my family.
What do you expect from the second part of the season? Is the podium within your reach?
Paul : This question is simple! We want to win, period.
