CIV Junior: Cristian Farinelli, “Minimotos to help little motorcyclists grow”

CIV Junior, Minimoto – we met on the occasion of the San Marino Grand Prix in Misano Cristian Farinelli - FMI Minimoto Manager – who explained to us what the innovations and values ​​brought to the first competitive category that a very young driver encounters: the mini motorcycle.
Not all children can become the Valentino Rossi of the future, but it is necessary that each of them can try to chase their dream with the utmost respect for safety, rules and always putting fun at the center of the activity. This is the Italian Motorcycling Federation's recipe for making its own pool of young riders grow as best as possible.

What does your role within the Italian Motorcycle Federation consist of?
“I take care of the organization of Minimoto races and the coordination of the activities of children aged from 8 years onwards. We have two Junior classes: “Junior A” for children aged 8 to 10 and “Junior B” for children aged 10 to 12. Furthermore, there are also Open classes ranging from 13 years and above, for those who do not have the financial means to continue their motorcycling career, and for adults who, when faced with motorcycling, always retain their desire to remain children, becoming a point of reference. These classes are no longer just based on age, but also based on weight.”

What role does the Minimoto have in the training path of a young motorcyclist?
“It has a fundamental task: a bit like elementary schools in the cultural teaching of a child. Here they learn the basics: for example what gas is, how the engine works, how to approach the track and the curb, how to set a braking or acceleration. In fact, it should be remembered that Minimotos have 2-stroke engines - 40 cc. for the Junior and 50 cc. for the Open – which have a very prompt response to the throttle command”.

How is the staff that follows this championship made up?
“I am the National Manager and I coordinate a competition Secretariat and a Competition Management - made up of three Directors, a staff that is like a family. Furthermore, we have the support of the Federal Technical Sector which helps children on a technical level: driving settings, setting trajectories, etc. We have at least two Federal Coaches who follow us on the field: Roberto Sassone and Massimo Roccoli, a world-class athlete."

You organize races in conjunction with the MiniGP – the class above the Minimoto – what is the purpose?
“The MiniGP is the second step for a young aspiring motorcyclist, comparable to middle school. We try to organize, during the year, one/two events in conjunction between Minimoto and MiniGP so as to combine two events into a single major Civ Junior event. In this way the little ones can already see the upper class up close."

Do you feel in sporting competition with the Spanish motorcycling school?
“Italy is somewhat of the homeland of motorcycling, even if in this period the Spaniards are giving us a lot of competition. We believe that by doing the right promotion and setting the right objectives we will be able to return to being as strong as we once were."

What are these goals?
“First of all, focus on costs: with the economic crisis we are going through, this becomes a fundamental aspect. In addition to making registration for the races cheaper, we have introduced a second round of the race so as to double the total number of rounds while spending a smaller amount. Then we must keep the child's play as the first point of reference because if they are here it is to entertain them."

Are we already seeing the results of these innovations?
“Of course: in 2016 we can boast an average of around 90 drivers registered for the race and this makes us very satisfied but we are only at the "first bend" of a long journey".

Why should a parent take their child to the track?
“Because in this way a child learns what safety and respect for the rules mean. Unfortunately in this period we only feel the negativity that hits us first. For this reason I always tell parents to let their children grow up by having fun playing, but always respecting the rules for safety, sporting ethics and fair play and above all respecting the opponents on the track who are nothing other than the playmates in the paddock. For this reason it is necessary to take part in recognized, titled championships that have an organizational criterion compliant with federal rules, under the guidance of qualified people in the sector".