Tony Arbolino is back home. Before heading to Barcelona for the final round of the Moto2 World Championship, the Garbagnate Milanese-born rider stopped by the ELF booth at EICMA. Where he was overwhelmed by the affection of fans, looking for an autograph or a selfie with their famous compatriot.
"This is always the hardest part for a rider. You have to accept it, but I'm happy to be here and see my people, since I was born 15 minutes from the fairgrounds. I feel right at home," he said, talking about his connection to EICMA. "When I was a kid, I used to come here on my bike to see all the riders. I remember coming here to see my idols, like Bautista."
Tony, what can you tell us about ELF's "leave a mark" campaign?
"I am very happy with the experience I had with ELF, even in these three years with the Marc VDS team. ELF has always involved me so much, they have always believed in it so much. Not only from the rider's point of view, but also with the workshops. I'm glad they consider me so highly and I hope to give them on the track what they deserve."
Your journey with Marc VDS, however, has now come to an end.
"It was very difficult for me to change teams for 2025. I believe a lot in the new project and these new people, as I still believe a lot in my team. But it was an emotional call and I had to make this change. I am very proud to have been part of this very big family, though. Especially with my team, my mechanics and my chief technician. They have all always been on my side, for better or worse, and I love them a lot, but now I have to do something else."
Like last year, you were close to MotoGP this season. But then the move with Pramac did not materialize.
"Let's say that when this time of the year comes when they have to decide which way to go, I'm happy and proud that I'm always taken a little bit into consideration. Even if it doesn't materialize later, being considered is important to me. As a rider, I have always felt stronger than others as a mindset. Not because of ego issues, but I have always had this mentality and I always hope for it. I think the big step will have to be taken next year, in 2025."
It will be a decisive crossroads.
"Exactly."
What can you tell us about Acosta's season?
"I expected him to be fast right away, because I know his level and in my opinion he is one of the strongest riders right now. We will see how he will be in the future. If he will be able to continue to grow and if he will have a bike that is as competitive. I hope to see him again in the future."
Your friend Quartararo is also here. What do you expect from him and from Yamaha, which will have two more bikes next year?
"I tell people every day who ask me about Fabio, who I think is No. 1 because of the way he has handled these years. I live close to him, we train together, and he is always the first one who wants to improve, who wants to win with Yamaha. I see him not only on the track but also off it, by the way he works hard. I respect him a lot not only as a rider as a person, for his determination: he always believes in it and every day he wants to do more. I respect him a lot and I think Fabio is an example to follow."
This was supposed to be your year, but there has been a major change such as the entry of Pirelli in Moto2 and Moto3. How much did these new tires affect you?
"It was quite complicated because, as with any change, you have to get used to it. But we had some problems at the beginning that we shouldn't have been afraid to deal with. We backed off a little bit, we went in other directions with the bike, with the set-up and with everything, instead we just had to stay calm. Because the bike I'm using now is pretty much what I used in winter testing. It's kind of crazy when you think about it, but actually in winter testing I wasn't slow-I was always in the top five. We went a little crazy in the first part of the season, but now I feel strong and ready to finish strong this 2024. And to start on fire in 2025. I see myself here celebrating a year from now. Pramac is my future."
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