MotoGP, the Clinica Mobile confirms its departure: "Taken by surprise, we’ll seek out new challenges”

It’s now official. The Clinica Mobile will no longer be a presence in the MotoGP paddock in 2023, as confirmed this morning by the structure itself. “A decision that took us by surprise”, the release reads, “maybe we weren’t ready for it, but how could we ever be ready to let go of something we love and are passionate about?”

"It's not easy to leave a job when it gets into your veins, in a positive way, as it almost becomes your lifeblood, just as supporting and caring for the riders has been for all those who worked in the clinic over the years", the press release continues. "Since its foundation in the 1970s, the Clinica Mobile has always been an important reference point for the riders and paddock staff. The paddock owes a lot to Claudio Marcello Costa because it is thanks to his “home for the legendary motorcycle champions” that international circuits have attained high safety standards and are sufficiently equipped to carry out first aid at the circuit. Clinica Mobile will continue to exist and is seeking out new challenges. In the meantime, we head into these final championship rounds with a great deal of emotion and a touch of nostalgia".

 Zasa: “I regretfully accept the organiser’s decision”

After the legendary Claudio Costa stepped back from paddock life, his work was continued by Michele Zasa, who is now tasked with making the final farewells on behalf of the entire Clinica Mobile team.

“As of next year, we will unfortunately no longer be a presence in the MotoGP World Championship. This obviously saddens me but at the same time, it provides an opportunity to reflect on the good we have done in recent years, since I succeeded Dr. Costa in running the mobile clinic. Tough years that were complicated for many reasons, not least the logistical issues that became even more significant during Covid”.

Zasa continues by highlighting the support provided to riders and, more generally, the entire paddock workforce.

“Despite this, looking back, I think I have done a good job, carrying on the teachings of Dr. Costa and the basic principle of always being there for the riders while striving to ensure this institution, created almost 50 years ago, remains up to date. We regretfully accept the organiser’s desire to move in a different direction during what a period of transformation”.

Now we can only wait to find out whether the decision to sideline an institution like the Clinica Mobile is in fact a smart one, or simply a financial one.

 Traslated by Heather Watson