The 2023 CIV Junior season concluded last weekend at the Varano de' Melegari track. An event that marked the end of a first full year of competition in Italy for Isobel Carter, a young Irish rider who is already well known on social media with her “Mini Rossi” nickname, a tribute to her idol Valentino. Having competed in the Ohvale 190 series with the Angeluss team this season, Isobel talks exclusively about this new experience.

Carter: “The level’s very high in italy”

Izzy, you’ve reached the end of your first season in Italy, how’s it been?

“It’s been a strange year, but I’ve really enjoyed it. It was very difficult at first, almost traumatic, because the level’s very high here and in my first race I found myself last, losing ten seconds a lap, but then I grew consistently throughout the season. Racing at Italian tracks, in such a professional paddock, has helped me improve a lot as a rider and so overall, I can only say it's been a positive experience.”

Are there many differences compared to when you raced back home?

“So many. It’s the polar opposite of the situation in Ireland, or Britian, because here there are a lot more riders and many of them are really fast, the tracks are bigger and more technical, and the teams are better prepared. It’s all more professional and I’ve felt like a real rider racing here.”

“I’d like to stay on in 2024. Rossi? I started thanks to him”

You’ve competed as part of an all-female team. Did you get on well with everyone?

“Absolutely, the Angeluss team made me feel at ease, despite the fact I’m actually far from home. It is mainly down to them that I was able to improve my performance from round to round and start fighting against the other Ohvale 190 riders.”

Do you already have concrete plans for 2024?

“Nothing confirmed yet, no, but I’d really like to stay here again next year, and in the same colours if possible. I think it would be the best solution in order to continue on the growth path I’ve taken this season.”

And you race with number 46 of course...

“Sure, 46 has always been my race number. Valentino Rossi has always been my idol and he is the reason I fell in love with motorcycling and decided to become a rider. I want to continue following in his footsteps as far as I can.”