A new chapter in Lorenzo Baldassarri's career will begin in less than three weeks at Le Mans. After a troubled return to the World Supersport in 2024, marked by a change in teams and an injury, the 28-year-old from the Marche region is ready to nter the MotoGP paddock again and race with the Intact GP team in the MotoE. This is a new challenge and Baldassarri spoke to us about it with sincerity and enthusiasm, after the first pre-season tests carried out in Barcelona.
Lorenzo, how did it go on the Ducati V21L?
"The first time was different and rather strange because, the first day, I didn't really understand what I was riding. Then, slowly changing different automatisms, I adapted and started to have fun and enjoy my bike. I always kept progressing, improving with each turn. The team and I did a good job, and I was able to improve both my adaptation and riding style and also the bike a bit, to be able to tailor it to myself. It was a positive test."
How did the idea of competing in the MotoE with Intact GP come about?
"I didn't see opportunities or anything concrete on the horizon that I could do in 2025. They were mostly all things that, in my opinion, weren't at my level. So, I was on the verge of saying, 'either I find something solid, or I have to stop'. Instead, I then found this opportunity with a very solid team, which also has a team in the Moto3 and the Moto2, has good resources, and is proving that it's also up to the task of being able to fight for the championship in the intermediate class, having already won the title in the MotoE last year. This convinced me even more to join this family. It's an appealing new challenge, and that's why I decided to take this new path."
How does it feel to be back in the MotoGP paddock?
"I had to take a breather, and the Superbike paddock was a good but momentary solution. The truth is that I missed it, and I'm glad to be back in the MotoGP paddock, where I grew up."
How do you approach this new adventure, after the difficulties of the past few years?
"I live it with the spirit of facing something new, turning over a new leaf, and starting over again to write a new book. I want to leave behind all the difficulties and the most difficult moments of last year and take with me all the experience I've accumulated: I've grown a lot and learned a lot even with these difficulties, because I've never given up. I've always struggled and given it my all to get back to the top. I'm pretty psyched, and I can't wait to start this championship."
What are your goals and expectations for this season?
"I don't have who knows what expectations, just the goal to go as far as possible in progressing and getting back to the top, as soon as possible."