He is a concentrate of ideas, energy, passion, fun, and perhaps a thousand more words would be needed to describe him. The fact is that his company is to all intents and purposes one of Italy's world-recognized excellences with a turnover of nearly 200 million euros.
And to think that at the age of 27 he started out with only five people working for him, but today, at the age of 71, he finds himself with more than 500 people in his employ. Remo Gobbi is known to all as the entrepreneur of the potato chip, thanks to his famous PATA brand, which was present in bars and supermarkets and then was transported to the world of racing.
For the occasion, the Lombard entrepreneur wanted to open the doors of his company in Castiglione delle Stiviere to us, telling us some curiosities and behind-the-scenes stories of what has been his commitment to two wheels amidst motorcycles, racers and more.
"I started at the age of 27 with chips, which is a product that unites and brings joy among people," Remo began, "this is the value of PATA, which it still retains today and of which I am proud. At the time it was a new challenge, where there was no shortage of risk. However, we moved forward believing in what our project was and we invested a lot, in people and of course economically. All racing fans saw our effort in Racing and at the same time that with our testimonials, above all Jerry Scotti, who for years brought PATA to the TVs of all households."
With PATA we then saw you in both Superbike and MotoGP...
"Of course! I still remember the beginnings with Borciani, then Fiorani with Honda. Of course there was no lack of involvement with two greats like Max Biaggi and Valentino Rossi. With Valentino there was always a close relationship that went beyond the track. When I had to discuss the contract I would talk directly with him, without having to go through the manager. I would sit at the table with Valentino and we would discuss the deal."
How did the idea of Rossi with PATA come about?
"Valentino embodied the values of our PATA, because in his MotoGP days he was a fun rider, but most of all one who embraced a cross-section of the public. Everyone knew him, from mothers to grandmothers. I have to say that I spent some millions on him, but I still carry the bond in my heart to this day. In all of this there is one thing that I regretted."
What is it?
"I was sorry for the way he ended his career in motorcycles, as he deserved a different ending. Several times in fact I advised him to end it in Superbike, it would have been a good ending, as a protagonist with Yamaha. If he had decided to jump on the R1, I was already ready to raise my investment, but in the end that's what happened. We were still entertained and excited by Valentino."
Remo, you mentioned Yamaha. Yours has been a beautiful story, but lately it is not going according to plan.
"I want to be very clear on the subject of Yamaha: the history with Yamaha has lasted a good 10 years and I think I have invested a lot. In these seasons we have reaped a lot of satisfaction, as we have won in Supersport all the way to Toprak's title in Superbike, which is a unique achievement. The question though is to look to the future, because the results of the last season demoralized me."
What do you plan to do?
"I have already spoken with Yamaha and asked them to put forth all the forces necessary to redeem 2024. Obviously the priority is to continue with them in 2026, and on this issue I want to be clear, but should the results remain the same as in 2025, we should make assessments for the future. With Yamaha there has always been a strong bond and I feel very sorry for their riders: on the one hand Locatelli, on the other Rea, a champion who has won six world championships and who for me remains the greatest ever in the history of Superbike."
You mentioned Toprak earlier. How sorry were you to lose him?
"Very much, because he represented the present and the future of SBK, but he wanted BMW and there was very little we could do. We tried to convince him, but there was no way. So we had to move to find a replacement who was up to the task, and Rea represented the best alternative on the table. I think Johnny represents the history of SBK, irrespective of the difficulties of this 2024."
Speaking of 2024, you surprised everyone by betting on Iannone?
"Exactly! In Barcelona we talked to each other and defined this project together. Iannone is a rider who expresses the value of PATA, and thanks to him we have already celebrated a victory, something we were unable to achieve with Yamaha this year. In my opinion Iannone can finish third in the 2025 World Championship, fighting for it with Bautista, since Toprak and Bulega are one step ahead of everyone."
What is your idea of him?
"He is an entertaining and very talented character. In my opinion his disqualification was out of proportion to what happened, but now I'm glad he's relaunched his career with the Go Eleven team and I think the whole public appreciates what he's done."
He might have been on a GRT Yamaha in 2025...
"That's true! I would have loved to see him on the GRT team Yamaha in 2025, because it would have been a great opportunity, but unfortunately it was not possible. However, we are excited about this new challenge with him together with Go Eleven and Ducati. In fact, we want to be confident."
You surprised everyone with this move...
"In my opinion you have to know how to seize what the opportunities are and at the same time understand what people like. Everyone knows who Andrea Iannone is and this year he gave us a beautiful victory at Aragon. In 2025 we will be together again and we could go even further in time."
Over the years, which rider have you been most fond of?
"I have sponsored so many young ones and have almost lost count. I mention Marini, Bulega, Pasini, Rossi as well as Biaggi, Rea, Locatelli, Iannone all the way up to Manzi. Regarding Manzi, there is a backstory I would like to mention, dating back to the 2023 World Championship, a key moment in his career. Stefano was having a great season and, given his commitment on the track, I decided to intervene personally to take charge of his victory prizes and placements. In the end Stefano is still starring with Yamaha today, and in 2026 I would like to take him to SBK. That is my dream."
This year we have seen that PATA also came down to parc ferme....
"Did you like that as an idea? It made me smile to see Andrea eating chips at the parc fermé. In the end it fits, because as I said the chip is sharing a moment of fun, and the person who comes to parc fermé is because he had a good race and had a good time. It also gives you some energy."
How many more years will we see PATA in motorcycles?
"In recent years we have broadened our horizons, in fact we have also arrived in soccer and soon we will have some interesting news regarding our testimonials. Motorcycles are a part of my heart and I can assure you that we will be there in the future. With whom it is still too early to say, but I can confirm that PATA will be there."