Graziano, Valentino, Luca… These three first names are enough in themselves to sum up the life of the one who shared theirs, Stefania Palma, respectively wife and mother of these motorcycling champions.
Even today, although she rarely goes to the circuits, she still suffers the consequences of the activities of her two sons, with the greatest dignity: « The butterflies in the stomach start a week before the race. I'm getting more and more nervous."
Discreet, she is the opposite of the glittery side of the Grands Prix and prefers to watch the races in the absolute silence of her house in Tavullia.
The mother of Valentino Rossi et Luca marini granted a rare interview to Maria Guidotti for Cycle World.
Excerpts…
With two wires on the trail, are your worries doubled?
“For a mother it is not easy, also considering that there is not much time between Moto2 and MotoGP races. »
You had three of the best drivers at your side. A unique experience…
“With Graziano, it was an adventure. We were traveling by car, and we enjoyed the atmosphere in the paddock, where we could sleep in tents or a small camper van.
I liked the end of the race when the drivers were lining up to receive their prizes; it was a sort of per diem for participating in the race. The drivers chatted, commented on overtaking and exchanged ideas. The air was still filled with the emotions of the race. It was a beautiful moment that united them.
One of my favorite rounds was Imatra, Finland. The light was very special, and it reminds me a lot of the Qatar Grand Prix under the floodlights. I went to the races with Graziano. Now it's different. I go there when I feel I have to be there. »
What was Valentino like as a child?
" Unique. I never thought he would become a world champion, but I was sure that with such a brilliant brain and such an open and friendly temperament, he would have succeeded in any profession. »
And Luca?
“In the past, I had said several times that I didn't want him to follow in Valentino's footsteps. It was a big surprise. He was very passionate about motorcycles. I still remember a specific moment: he was seven years old. We went to Assen together and I was amazed by his boundless enthusiasm. »
Luca has just finished high school. Few pilots are such good students…
“Luca has always studied a lot and obtained good results. He has a crystal clear mind. »
Luca was born in August 1997, when Valentino won his first world title in 125cc GP with Aprilia. It is difficult to compare the two eras…
“Yes, Valentino has a different story, but since he started racing, times have also changed. When he was in the small categories, there was more spontaneity. Today, everything has become more professional. »
Do Valentino and Luca always ask your opinion?
“I very well captured the moment when they had the trigger to take flight. With Valentino, it happened with a design. I was amazed and surprised by the light in the eyes of this child he had just drawn. The message was: "Mom, don't worry. I can take care of myself. » With Luca, it happened while he was playing the flute. »
How is your relationship with Valentino?
“We talk a lot, but now I ask the questions. I am very curious. I like spending time with him. Valentino has always been curious too. »
How do you see Valentino on the eve of the 2018 season?
“I see him so passionate and involved in the development of his Yamaha M1. He loves this time of year. You realize this from the detailed stories he tells you. He is passionate about the technical side. He is interested in knowing the smallest details, and he is fully invested in the development. He loves this preparation period before the start of the season. Then, in racing, he likes strategy, inventing something different each time, studying other drivers. »
What is the secret of his eternal motivation?
“He is passionate about motorcycles and racing. This passion comes first, then he loves the technical side and the development of the motorcycle. The daily training and all the efforts he must make to be competitive year after year is a consequence of this. »
How long do you think Valentino will run?
“Until he doesn’t like it anymore.” One day he will decide, but right now I see him fully involved. »
Photo credits: @fcalabuig10_15 and Sky Racing Team VR46
