Moto2, Joe Roberts: “I've boosted US interest in the world championship”

One of the big surprises of the 2020 Moto2 season was Joe Roberts, the American rider competing with the American Racing Team. His year far exceeded expectations, with numerous podiums and pole positions. A performance that attrached the attention of team Italtrans, this year’s title winners with Enea Bastianini, who have snapped up the American for 2021.

Beaubier returns to Europe: will he be champion like Hayden and Kocinski?

"I thought I could win at Le Mans"

One of the hardest episodes for the rider to digest was the problem at Le Mans. Despite scoring pole, a team error meant he missed out on the win: "When I got to Le Mans I immediately realised I was competitive and after finishing practice in first place, I also set pole. I was really motivated for the race and thought I could win. It was a pity because the mechanics were unable to make the changes in time, forcing me to start from the back. These mistakes shouldn’t happen, but they do, just like crashes, which are rider errors".

Joe then spoke about next season, during which he expects to make another step forward: "When I started negotiating with Italtrans I was surprised, because it’s a top team and usually works with Italian riders while now they have an English speaker. I liked the atmosphere right away, from the first time I spoke with Giovanni Sandi and the other team members, so much so that I wish the first race were next week and not in a few months".

"Beaubier can also score great results"

He also refers to other American talents arriving on the world stage: "Thanks to me and Gerloff, who’s doing so well in Superbike, I think US interest in the world championships is growing. The arrival of Cameron Beaubier, who moves to my old team, will further boost this and I’m sure he can achieve great results. His presence will give me extra motivation, but my goal is always to fight for the win”.

Translated by Heather Watson

Moto2, Baldassarri: a return to Forward Racing after a tough 2020