It was with Aprilia that the Roman, now resident, Monegasque won five of his six world titles, three in 250 cc in 3, 1994 and 1995, and two in Superbike in 1996 and 2010. The sixth was obtained on a 2012 Honda in 250. His best results in 1997 / MotoGP were the second final place in 500 on Honda, for his debut in the category, then in 1998 and 2001 on Yamaha, without forgetting the third place in 2002 on Yamaha, then in 2000 and 2003 on Honda.
It is on this impressive career that Max returned during a meeting with his fans.
How do you feel when you take stock of your career?
“In a word, like an old man… So many years have passed, I have raced in so many categories and so many places in the world. There were joys and sorrows. There are also strong personal moments and sport” said Massimiliano to CasaSkySport.
When you were in 250cc, did you realize that you had awakened interest in motorcycling in Italy?
“In those years, motorcycling took a turn in Italy thanks to me and Aprilia. We moved a movement that had been dormant for decades, since the time ofAugustine. He woke up in the 90s, the results certainly helped. »
Are you missing the starting grid?
“It’s contrasting, a little yes but less and less. I realize that I don't miss competition. It's a lack of romance. I no longer have the competitive spirit, but at 50, I see the world with different eyes. Motorcycles were lightning from the sky, I loved football. It was a friend who brought me into the world of motorsport: since then, I have invested all my energy in this sport. I started at the age of 18, at 21 I was World Champion. Many factors helped me, the most important being my father…”
“My father convinced himself that changing the spark plug would make the bike move quickly. He tested me from the start. He was against me racing, and told me I needed to get a job and the money to buy the equipment. I was a courier for two months. »
Do you remember your time in the 500, with your victory in your first race?
“We didn't have time to do any tests, but I felt good straight away. It was like a shoe I had worn before, it looked like a bigger, more powerful 250. I learned a lot during those months. »
Excluding Suzuka 1998, which victory had the most impact on you?
“Mugello 1997, because it was a sporting retaliation. It was the best, because I didn't win with Aprilia but with Honda on a track where the Italian bike always won. It was almost worth a World Championship, I won it in the photo finish. »
You have won 11 times in Brno: how do you explain it?
“It’s a circuit that I have always loved since I was young, where exiting corners is very important. You have to do things well and get there strong. There are a lot of “esses” and changes of direction, for me it is a special track. »
Did it bother you to go from being the leading driver in Italy to being Rossi's antagonist?
“I never had an Italian antagonist before Rossi, and I faced him in 500, the most popular class. When you have antagonists, you divide the fans, the journalists, the crowd: it means you have left a mark. So many years have passed and if I look back, with a little romanticism, I find this period magnificent. It’s a bit like the moment the Spaniards are going through now: I would like to have Biaggi–Capirossi–Rossi on the track against the Spaniards…
Between MotoGP and Superbike, did you have the same fun?
“They are two different things, although they go well together. In 2007, I met a new world, new riders and new bikes. It was a learning experience, it stimulated me a lot. I won in my debut – in Qatar – as I did in 250 and 500. I prepared meticulously, I bought a house in America for this very reason and to train. »
How do you feel now that you own a team in Moto3?
“I liked the idea of staying in my environment and doing it behind the scenes. I let my technicians and my pilots do it, but if they need advice, I'm there. I want to try to win, it's not enough to participate. Canet thanked me, it was the best year of his career and I'm happy about it. »
