MotoGP, Paolo Simoncelli: "Significant work on safety, but destiny decides"

Eleven years ago, Sepang International Circuit, the track that, coincidentally, has initials that make up the nickname of Marco Simoncelli, “SIC”, who died during the 2011 Malaysia GP. The 2022 edition of the race ran on 23 October, the same date on which father Paolo helplessly watched his son depart this world.

A delicate weekend then, and also an historic one. One of the saddest dates for Italy in MotoGP, which could have concluded with a significant event. Ducati and Pecco Bagnaia had a real opportunity to bring the title home to the Bel Paese, for a bittersweet Sunday, although Simoncelli sees this as something of a media construction: “I think we all have our own story”, he begins, seated on one of the only chairs in an almost empty office, as if suspended in time, “if Bagnaia had secured the world title, the situation wouldn’t have had any connection to the death of my son. It happened, and that’s that”.

But you agree that the 23 October and Sunday at Malaysia is a combination of note.

“If the same date could change something, I’d go back. Unfortunately, there’s nothing we can do. I just have to accept what happened. But yes, knowing that the GP falls on the same day that I lost my son makes it all more...”

More?

“This place has given us so much and taken so much away. And I have no regrets. My wife and I, as parents to our son, did what we thought right, and we’d do it again. Marco was very happy and so we’re pleased he felt that way”.

Eleven years have passed and yet we’re still seeing a number of deaths. Unfortunately.

“It’s destiny that decides. Each of us has our own story, as I’ve said. In terms of safety, a lot has been done, I think it would be impossible to do more. When something’s going to happen, it will happen and that’s that, particularly in group incidents, where riders risk being run over. It’s destiny. There’s nothing we can do”.

Father Simoncelli: "It’s easier to be a child than a parent"

How hard is it to be the parent of a rider? Who better to answer this than Simoncelli Sr.? No one, in fact: "Let’s consider the concept in general. Being a parent is complicated. Parents, although necessary and important, need to stand aside at a certain point. When the child reaches a certain age, they become part of a team. And that’s when mum and dad need to stand aside, overlooking family bonds. It’s best not to be intrusive, I don’t know whether I’m explaining myself”.

You’re very clear. Is it easier to be father or son, in your opinion?

“It’s easier to be the child, not the parent. I realized this with Marco. I’d tell him something, he didn’t agree. And then Alice would tell him the same thing and that was fine. The classic father-child relationship. But I did understand how much kids want limits”.

Limits?

“Yes, I’m talking about rules to respect. Kids love respecting rules, hearing them being repeated, following them. Without so-called rules, kids feel lost. And then it’s hard to get them back, because it might be too late”.

At what point do you let them go free?

“In terms of motorcycle racing, it happens early on, although the necessary approvals and signatures are required of course. Up to 18, parents have to sign. Without their OK, there’s no racing. After that things change, but we’re not back in Max Biaggi’s day, when the Italian quickly became a champion and a professional. Today that’s impossible. A guy needs the support of his family”.

What makes a rider successful?

“Hunger. The rider who is hungry, who wants to win every time and whatever the circumstances and will therefore try every time. Look at Marc Marquez after the Phillip Island race – he said that you can only do this job if you’re driven by a real hunger. If you don’t have that, you don’t go racing. It’s the rule. Talent is important, but the desire to eat up everyone else is more important”.

Father SIC: "Riders need that hunger. Otherwise..."

He’s already touched on it and so we’re asking a couple of specific questions. Just how important is the so-called "competitive hunger”? Very important according to Paolo, although he can allow himself to be less hungry now: "I could even stop eating and my life wouldn’t change. I’m talking about youngsters. A boy that starts with the minibikes, trains three times a day, wants to grow and become a professional, he manages it and relaxes the tension and then loses the way. That’s a real pity. I get really angry when I see so many young riders getting lost”.

Are you pleased with your team’s results?

“My team could do a lot more. Riccardo Rossi still needs to understand the sacrifices that racing requires. Lorenzo Fellon has gradually lost the way. Our potential is greater than what we’ve shown to date. And that makes me mad. One weekend we’re on the podium, the next we finish twentieth. A balance needs to be found, the bike is good but it takes an effective wrist and, as I’ve said, a real hunger. Otherwise, it takes just a second to get lost, and you can’t go back. Unfortunately, you can’t”.