Moto2, Vietti: “I don’t feel I have to win the title at all costs”

Following the unveiling of the Mooney VR46 Racing team’s bikes, riders Celestino Vietti Ramus and Moto2 rookie Niccolò Antonelli took to the stage to offer their comments.

Vietti: “The yellow reminds me of Valentino”

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“I really like the colours of the bike – comments Celestino – there’s been a real updating of both the team and the bikes. I love the fact that there’s yellow, because I think that’s an important aspect for Valentino Rossi”. Antonelli is also happy: “The bike is fantastic, the grey with yellow and black makes for a great colour scheme”.

While Celestino already raced in Moto2 last season, Antonelli makes his debut this year. Both are pleased to ride for the same team though: “We were already friends”, explains Vietti, “and even more so now that we’re also team-mates. Battling on track won’t be easy, but if there’s mutual respect, we’ll be fine. I really respect Niccolò and know he feels the same, so we’ll take each other on just as we’ve always done at the Ranch”.

Highs and lows during testing

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In recent weeks, the two riders have been able to test their Kalex bikes at both Jerez and Portimao, but the pair have come away with different impressions: “The tests went well”, explains Vietti. “We started with a different feeling compared to the final part of last season. We improved a lot day after day and so I’m pleased. The pace on the last day at Portimao was good and so was the race simulation”.

Antonelli is more restrained in his comments: “I cannot honestly say I’m totally happy, because we had some difficulties and I also crashed more than once. I lost a lot of time, and that’s an important aspect during testing. The last two days at Portimao went a little better. Now we need to try and improve step by step to close the gap with our rivals”.

Antonelli: “Acosta looks as if he’s ridden a Moto2 for years”

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As for Celestino Vietti’s goals for 2022: “Winning is one goal but I don’t agree that I have to win the title at all costs. Last year, I didn’t even reach the podium, so I can’t expect to head to Qatar and immediately win race one. I think it’s very important to continue working as we’re doing, so that we continue to grow. Our main goal is to achieve our first podium”.

As for rookie Niccolò Antonelli, his goals are of course different. He will compete alongside another rookie, Pedro Acosta, who has immediately made an impression and will not only aim for the title of Rookie of the Year but more besides: “Acosta is here too and it looks as if he has a very different goal. To tell the truth, I don’t know how it’s possible or what training he’s done this winter. But he’s ready and looks as if he’s been riding this bike forever. Unfortunately that’s not the case for me and I’m working to understand the tyres and how to stop the bike from wheelieing. I’ll follow my own path anyway, and then we’ll see”.

Translated by Heather Watson

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