Moto3 | Exclusive interview with Niccolò Antonelli: “My future? I don't want to make any more mistakes."

Moto3 2018 – We exclusively interviewed Niccolò Antonelli, rider of Team SIC58 Squadra Corse, who is also part of Valentino Rossi's VR46 Riders Academy.

With the driver from Cattolica we discussed various topics, from the balance of the first part of the season, through the relationship with Paolo Simoncelli, up to the training methods of the VR46. Here's what he said.

What is the outcome of this first part of the season with the SIC58 Squadra Corse Team?

“It's a positive balance because for the moment it's what I set out to do, getting back to the positions that count and being fast. Now we want something more, we came close to the podium at Le Mans, I'm very happy.”

Has the working method changed compared to last year?

“A lot has changed compared to last year, this is a different bike and it's easier to ride. I get along very well with the team, it's easier for me to work this way.”

You race for the SIC58 Squadra Corse Team, do you feel the pressure of having to carry Marco's colors high?

“No one feels the pressure of having Marco's name behind it, on the contrary it is a pleasure and being a new team in the world championship, everything is done with more taste because it is also new for the team, as the pole position in Qatar could have been, the first for the team. Now it would be nice to give the team their first podium, it would be a very nice feeling.”

What is your relationship with Paolo Simoncelli (father of the SIC, ed.).

“Paolo is very strong, he is someone who says things to your face, he doesn't let them be said and I think this is the right thing to improve, everyone saying what they think. I really like the way he does it, it's not inappropriate, I really like working with him and what's more he has a very high level of "protection" for his pilots."

And the one with your teammate?

“We have a normal relationship, I can't say one of friendship, but of respect, where everyone does their duty.”

You are part of the VR46 Riders Academy, tell us how you train

“Most of the time we train in the gym, then there's the fixed stop at the Ranch on Saturdays. Then there are very fun days, like when they shot with the RMUs and we had so much fun, like crazy. It's another beautiful thing about the Academy, because training together with other riders of a certain caliber such as Vale, Morbidelli, Baldassarri, Bagnaia, Migno and Bezzecchi, all riders who go very fast, always stimulates you to go faster."

How do you see the 3 Moto2018?

“This year is very tight, but I think that from now on there will be a "gap" between the first and the others, we hope to be in the group of the first."

What is the objective between now and the end of the season?

“I would like to score some podiums and always be at the front fighting for the positions that count.”

Have you already defined your future? Will he always be in Moto3?

“In my career there have been too many ups and downs also resulting from incorrect choices, so I don't want to make any more mistakes, I don't want to take steps backwards as has happened to me in the past. I'll try to make the right choice, whether it's Moto3 or Moto2."

If you had a magic wand, what would you change about Niccolò?

“If I had a magic wand, I would like not to lose too much time in the first laps of the race, so as not to be forced to recover later.”

Honda Vs KTM

“In my opinion the two bikes are now equivalent, the Honda rides better, but the KTM has made a big step forward with the engine. Logically, if you form a small group, it is difficult to pass the KTM, even with the slipstream. However, if you manage to go away with the Honda, as happened at Mugello, everything becomes simpler."