THE LITTLE RIDERS GROW UP
15 February 2006 - Aprilia

Fifteen years old, a great passion for motorcycles, and a well-defined idea under his helmet: enter into the magical world of the world championship.

We are meeting with Marco in the Magione paddock (Perugia, Italy) as he comments on his first session of the day while his teammates alternate in and out of the box.
Just like the other boys between thirteen and sixteen, he is here to make his dream of riding in the Italian Speed Championship come true after being selected to the Junior Gp and being awarded the same trophy.
Coming from Cassino, we approached him for a spur of the moment evaluation and he confided in us the projects and emotions of someone who doesn’t want to miss out on a great opportunity.

“It has been for a while now that I have wanted to participate in a championship and the Junior Gp allowed me to indulge in that desire. I think it is a great possibility, now it is up to us riders to take advantage of it. For those who pass the selection, it is a golden opportunity that will allow us to enter into the in-group with a contained cost.”

And what objectives have you imposed upon yourself in the saddle?
“Without a doubt, to become #1. Sure, the road is long, but I am here to start off on the right foot. This trophy is important because it immediately offers you the possibility to compete and entering into the top thirty already represents a success.”

Are you satisfied with this first contact with the track?
“I would say it went well seeing that I have already had experience on the track (riding a 250cc). A few errors, although, which is allowed: the motorcycle that you are riding isn’t yours, you can’t rely on your own personal setting, and you need to get to know the track...However I would say it went well, I am fairly satisfied.”

Did you find any aspect particularly difficult?
“The entrance into the chicane is difficult, without a doubt. You need to confront it with the right number of turns and not too strongly since you run the risk of slipping”.

Riding on the track is more fun: can you explain why?
“First of all it’s safer and you can consequently have more fun. You need physical training, certainly, but it is more useful to know your own limits, that is really what your performance depends on. Just like everyone else, I started off on the road but then realized that you risk too much if you try to have fun. On the track it is something altogether else...”

Every young rider has a different champion that they admire: what is yours?
“Valentino, above everyone else and without a doubt. He is so strong. I like his riding style, personal and efficient, and his great personality. He also knows how to combine fun and victory, something fundamental in riding.”

Good luck to Marco. And all of his friends

www.aprilia.com

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