The 2016 Moto2 season started very well for Simone Corsi with a fantastic third place that night in Doha, Qatar. On lap five, the Roman was able to bring his Speed Up bike with a Honda CBR engine back to the podium and finished second in France behind the Catalan rider Alex Rins, who missed victory by just a few meters.
The driver turned out to be less competitive for the remainder of the season and he admits he expected more from his championship, but things didn’t go according to plan: “The first part of the season went very well, except for the race in Argentina – says Simone – where we had a bit of bad luck. The first five races were promising, but we couldn’t repeat those first results in the second part of the season. At a test in Austria we got a new frame that looked better than the one I was used to, but race after race I lost the feeling and ended the season well below my expectations and those of the team. “
We only see Kalex at the sharp end – are you at a disadvantage with one of the few speed ups?
“Kalex, which has supplied many drivers over many seasons, obviously has a lot of data that it has collected so far. If Speed Up also had more fast drivers, the development would progress better. But there is also an advantage – as one of the few who race in the Speed Up race, I can definitely think of new material. So it depends on how you see the situation ”.
Moto2 is a unique category, what does it take to win?
“You have to be very consistent to be at the front in Moto2. The technical basis of the bike has to be solid and the rider has to adapt to the bike. The Dunlops are the same for everyone, as is the Honda engine, the suspension suppliers are limited to White Power and Öhlins … so basically the riders in Moto2 have to adapt, especially in terms of frame and suspension. With the Speed Up, the tire consumption is less aggressive than with the Kalex and on certain tracks we had a slight advantage. There are a total of 10 Moto2 tests all year round and the key is to build a bike that suits you. “
Simone comes from the two-stroke 125 and 250 motorcycles and is still developing his style: “I train with my MX bike and also do supermotard to change and improve my style. It’s not easy to change because in Moto2 you have to be a little ‘dirty’ with your body outside and the bike tending to move inward. “
Next year Corsi will be on the same Speed-Up team and will have Axel Bassani as a teammate, the super sport is coming. The aim of the Roman rider is clear in view of his previous 5 victories and 21 podium places in the world championship: “It’s true that riders like Zarco, Lowes, Rins and Folger have switched to MotoGP, but guys like Lüthi, Baldassarri, Morbidelli and others will be right at the front. There are always new names in Moto2. I want to ride up front, I haven’t been at the top of the podium for a long time. In Le Mans last year I was close and … my goal is to win again, but I would also be happy to be in the top 5 in the overall standings. “
Simone Corsi represents together with Pirro and Petrucci the Italian state police in the world championship: “Enea, Michele, Danilo and I carry the name of Fiamme Oro and the state police on the track, but we don’t have a real team. Compared to other sports, motorcycling is more expensive and difficult to endure. We often train with our trainer Paolo Blora, who, thanks to his racing experience, helps us in every situation, comes to the race and gives us all kinds of advice. Being a cop is a great thing and I am honored to take on that role. “
Simone is a very disciplined young man and also sticks to the rules on the track: “When it comes to discipline, I have already adhered to the rules and, as a police officer, did the right thing in my behavior. That depends on my personal morals, yes, but my role also plays a role. “
What advice would you give to young people who ride bicycles as professional drivers / police officers?
“Me and my colleagues are lucky – to drive on the track and get paid for it is a privilege that not everyone can experience. For example, I have an A driving license, but I don’t ride my bike on the open road. Today you can buy bicycles with more than 200 horsepower, real rockets. Those who can do this would do well to use their bike on the route, while those who do not have a chance will be responsible on the road and respect themselves and others. A full-face helmet, low speed and compliance with the rules are essential to enjoy the bike unhindered and to keep dangers away. “
Motorcyclists and motorcyclists have always been in the eye of the storm, Simone didn’t like recent events in Barcelona and the stadium fans, and so did he hopes for a trouble-free and conflict-free 2017i: “Bicycles or motorcycling are dangerous and we all know that. Over the years the World Cup has improved its safety standards significantly and I think the tracks will become even safer. In sporting terms, rivalry between competitors is a good thing in any discipline, but it is never good to see and hear boos and insults against those who race and risk their lives. The fans of any driver should also respect the other drivers, especially if they win – the guy on the top step of the podium isn’t there by chance, but because he deserves it. “