Just imagine. Riding in the company of “Padre” Valentino Rossi, our “moonde champion” Fabio Quartararo, “Numero Uno” Alvaro Bautista and the new “King” Michael Dunlop… Trying to stay on the track for a moment in their aspiration, taking the time to chat in a box and find inspiration.
Unfortunately, this exceptional day of driving organized by Monster Energy on the Silverstone circuit was reserved for drivers under contract with the famous energy drink which will also be the title sponsor of the next British motorcycle Grand Prix, on the same English track. .
Rossi was accompanied by the premiers graduating from the VR46 Academy: the double MotoGP champion Pecco Bagnaia, the future Aprilia rider Marco Bezzecchi, the vice-champion Franco Morbidelli, the new star Fabio Di Giannantonio, the new WSBK star Nicolo Bulega… “Mamma my !”
“This is a great idea from Monster.“, recognizes “The Doctor” who took the opportunity to stretch the connecting rods of his Yamaha R1 GYTR. “It’s an incredible feeling to share the track with people like John McGuinness, John Hopkins and guys from different championships“.
“I always try to spend some time on the bike… because I don’t want to give up“, points out the 45-year-old driver who recently took part in his first 24 hours of Le Mans. The famous number 46 unfortunately had to retire when one of his teammates went off the track.
“I feel in pretty good shape and then, when you have a (track) day like this, you can attack while having fun because there is a little margin: you say to yourself “I’m going to try as hard as I can …but I don’t need pole position.” It’s a very nice feeling. It’s always difficult because it’s physical – cars are easier – but it’s always fantastic“, believes the former boss of MotoGP.
Same satisfaction for his WSBK counterpart, Jonathan Rea: “It’s really cool because I never get the chance to spend time with my friends. I had a good chat with John McGuinness and Michael Dunlop (Northern Irish like him, Editor’s note)and I shared the track with GP, TT, BSB riders and my Superbike comrades in a really relaxed atmosphere“.
“When you’re in the hustle and bustle of a race weekend, you’re in your own bubble and only care about your performance, whereas here you can just enjoy riding a motorcycle, spending time with the team and being less focused on performance“, relishes the six-time Superbike champion (2015-2020) but 14th in the provisional 2024 ranking…
Small committee, big attack!
Yamaha’s current top rider, Fabio Quartararo, was also delighted to take part in this ride: “it’s a chance to be on the track with drivers that you don’t usually meet“… or with loved ones in a different outfit: the big boss of the Blues, Lin Jarvis, donned leather for the occasion!
“I had a lot of fun and it’s the first time I’ve driven an R1 since 2021!“, calculates “El Diablo” who once again shared his box with the Spaniard Alex Rins. “ This is a great opportunity to take part in something unique“, appreciates our compatriot.
His great rival Pecco Bagnaia saw another benefit in this day: “I always struggle a bit with my first few laps here at Silverstone and (driving the Panigale) is completely different, but the more you ride where you need to race, the more it helps you“, estimates the Italian number 1.
A week after the Tourist Trophy 2024 on the Isle of Man and a few days after the 4th “round” of the British Superbike on the tiny Scottish circuit of Knockhill (!), Peter Hickman recognizes that “the transition between short circuits and the road is quite easy, but the return in the other direction is quite difficult!“The times remained confidential, phew?!
“It’s interesting how differently we see, approach or feel things“, observes “PeTTer” who appreciates this type of meeting. “It’s cool that Monster is involved in all sports. During the TT, we met snowboarders who were coming for the first time“.
“In fact, I had no idea about the specifics of this event“, admits the lap record holder on the Snaefell Mountain Course. “I think they purposely didn’t tell anyone about it. So, when we arrive, we see Valentino on the track, Johnny Rea, Bautista… there are a lot of them. It’s a real mix and it’s super cool“. So to do it again, but with a handful of fans… and with Moto-Net.Com, why not?!
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