MotoGP Red Bull Rookies Cup: the Italians of the Red Bull Rookies Cup take stock of the Championship

MotoGP 2015 Red Bull Rookies Cup – in Misano Will Bendsneyder took home the title of the 2015 edition of the Red Bull Rookies Cup, with two races to spare. It is a single-brand championship (with Moto3 Ktm) organized by Red Bull which takes place during some MotoGP events. Since its inception, thanks to the very high level of competitiveness and visibility, it has been a breeding ground for champions such as Batianini, Antonelli and Baldassarri; but also Zarco, Salom and Kent.
This season, dominated by the Flying Dutchman, however saw 4 Italians in great form.
Fabio DiGiannantonio (born in 1998), also fighting for the Civ Moto3 title, was in fact Bo's most fearsome opponent and is firmly second in the general classification thanks to 2 victories and 4 other podiums. Followed by two other young emerging talents of local motorcycling: Mattia Casadei (1999) and Bruno Ieraci (2000). But among our standard bearers there is also the smallest in the championship, but certainly no less fierce for this reason, it is Omar Bonoli (2002) coming directly from MiniGp.
With just two matches to go, the four Italians recount, exclusively for us, their experience directly. These young drivers often have different points of view, but they are all united by the great freshness of their age and the emotion of racing alongside their old idols:

How did this season go in the Red Bull Rookies Cup?
Fabio Di Giannantonio) It was hard because this bike isn't suited to my characteristics, it's a KTM that needs to be refined a lot, but I prefer the mileage. But, despite this, I fought with Bendsneyder up to Misano where he deservedly won the title.
Bruno Ieraci) It didn't go very well, we started the year with not very satisfying results. The situation improved in Brno, but I had a fall that caused me to fracture my fifth metacarpal and also caused me to miss Silverstone.
Mattia Casadei) At the beginning of the year I immediately achieved a 10th place and up until now I have always remained in those positions, except for the crash at Silverstone.
Omar Bonoli) I am the smallest of all the Rookies riders and I am happy with the results I achieved: I always finished in the points, except for the three times I didn't finish the race.

What does racing in a championship like this mean to you?
F) It's very important because you can compare yourself with riders from all over the world and start to get to know the World Championship tracks. Then it helps you grow a lot because, on bikes that are all the same, it's up to you to bring out the best.
B) However, it is a wonderful experience that can be more or less fortunate, as in my case.
M) It's a great thing because you're under the eyes of the entire MotoGP world championship, which is a double-edged sword because everyone sees you whether you're doing well or not.
O) It is a great satisfaction to be here with the greats and with people who come from all over the world.

Fabio DiGiannantonio

What emotions did you feel when you passed the selection process to be accepted into this competition?
F) I honestly didn't expect it, then when I got the news I was very happy.
B) I was very happy and couldn't wait to try a Moto3, because I had never ridden one.
M) Very happy, I was just waiting for the day of the first tests in Jerez.
O) Incredible stuff.

What do you think of the recovery of Italian motorcycling which is once again establishing itself at all levels?
F) It's very positive, but as far as the Rookies Cup is concerned, I don't think it makes a huge difference for Italian motorcycling, because there are only 4 of us. But if you manage to get in here, it can really be a springboard.
B) The talents are there and I hope that the Italians get better and better, we too have tried different training methods and I believe there is the possibility of doing very well. Having 4 Italians in the Rookies Cup is very important.
M) I'm pleased that there are so many Italians at the top of the world rankings, Bastianini and Antonelli are really very strong.
O) I think the situation is improving a lot. Being four Italians in the Rookies is important, and someone has to escape, and if it were me I would be very happy.

Bruno Ieraci and Mattia Casadei

What is it like to live in the paddock of the greats together with MotoGP?
F) It's cool, walking in the paddock you meet Marquez and Vale and start to get to know them. Nice nice.
B) It's exciting and, especially in the races in Italy where we also race with the Civ, it's very strange to think that we can walk in the same places in peace.
M) The World Championship paddock is nicer but it's also less fun: at Civ you are much more free to do what you want.
O) At first it was hard to see Vale pass, but now I've gotten used to it. I like this paddock more than the Civ one, here you have to be a serious person and respect the rules that are there.

Who is your favorite driver? Do you study it when you race on the same tracks?
F) Troy Bayliss. I obviously can't study him, but I try to watch the riders who race with Ktm like Migno and Fenati because they have bikes similar to mine.
B) Valentino Rossi. I actually study the Moto3 riders more.
M) It's worth it. I compare myself a lot with Enea Bastianini because we are friends and she often gives me help.
O) It's worth it. I look at it, even if Antonelli, who is a great friend of mine, is more useful.

What do you expect for your future?
F) I hope to continue racing forever and get to the World Championship.
B) I would like to race more and more at high levels and have good experiences.
M) I hope to get to the World Cup.
O) Going to MotoGP, but there's still a lot to do.

How is your life as a pilot?
F) A normal life, even my friends help me keep my feet on the ground and stay calm when I'm at home. The only problem is school.
B) My friends know that my life is different from theirs: training and commitments. I'm very pleased that they also follow me from home.
M) I train but I also like to have fun with my friends, I have a fairly normal life.
O) It's different from normal, I'm considered more serious.

Omar Bonoli

Objective for the season finale?
F) The Championship is closed, but my goal is to win the next two races, or in any case to make a good impression.
B) Look for good results because they would be very important for next year.
M) I would like a podium or a victory; even more than one.
O) Continue to finish all races in points.