Eighteen years, in the life of a human being, represent a time span important. For a motorcycle rider, often, they mean an entire career, from start to finish. That’s why, albeit of brothers on two wheels there have been – and still are – several, the history of Luca Marini e Valentino Rossi it has a particular charm, a different magic. Of course, the second is one world legendbut look at this family crossroads with the eyes of the first it makes everything much more suggestive, almost fairytale.
It means having it in memories of child, in the poster in the room and then near the table on holidays. Focus on the thickness of the character slowly, because «when you stay like this next to a star, it’s hard to really understand it brightness”. When Luca was born, the August 10, 1997, Vale was about to win his first World Cup in 125. Today, incredibly, I am together on the track, in the premier class. “I can not wait to compete with him», The pilot told us Team Sky-VR46, making his MotoGP debut on Avintia. “The dream comes true».
Was there a precise moment when you realized that that dream could have come true?
“Not really, even if the thought was spinning in my head. I know my potential, I was convinced that I could make it to MotoGP, but meeting Vale didn’t just depend on me: I didn’t know how long his career would last, linked both to physical conditions, motivations and also to the issue of the contract. Let’s say that I harbored hope ».
And the day has come, we are racing in Qatar. If you rewind the tape, do you remember the first challenges on the ranch?
«When they built it I was still small, I enjoyed myself on a cross track alongside. Then one day in 2013 I too tried to race on the main track: I got on a TM 450 for the first time… and it was a disaster ».
What do you mean?
«It was going very fast, it was a wicked choice, I don’t know who put me on that bike as a first experience. I lay down twice in the forehand, in the same spot, I hurt myself terribly. Then I started again from a 250, but it was still a good one good morning. In its own way, a teaching ».
In the past he has declared that Vale is “his teacher”. Has the pupil somewhere already managed to overcome it?
«Never playing cards, because he is very strong (laughs, ed). Maybe the first time I beat it was on the playstation, we are both passionate about driving simulators. Then to football, of course, but there I have another type of training ».
Here, in fact. He has a footballing past: when did he realize his future was on two wheels?
«My parents allowed me to play many sports and focus on school, which I have never neglected. Around the age of 14 I decided to focus on motorcycling, to turn this passion into a job ».
In your – albeit still short – career, would you already put a turning point somewhere?
«The direct passage to Moto2, in the 2014-2015 season. I know I missed the unique lessons of Moto3, which you don’t receive in the other categories, but I was already tall and struggling. It was an important decision, with hindsight fundamental, also taken at the suggestion of my brother ».
The key figure returns. But has being “brother of …” ever bother you?
«Until a few years ago my image was separate from Vale, I was only Luca Marini. Now, on a world stage, it is normal for the comparison to be felt more, but nothing annoying: on the contrary, I am proud of it because it is a part of me ».
Among other things, you are very different in character.
«He has something inside that few have, an ability to communicate and excite that few have, so he brought a lot of people closer to this sport. On the other hand, I am a bit more serious, but together with the people I trust I know how to have fun ».
Did you think “that’s enough, I’ll do something else”? Maybe after a big scare.
«It never occurred to me that I didn’t love this sport enough to make the necessary sacrifices. I am aware that motorcycling is a dangerous sport, but it must be said that safety has increased a lot in recent years, both as regards the circuits and the equipment of the riders. The risks remain, but in those moments there must be no fear ».
Don’t you ever think about mom Stefania, who has two children who go full throttle?
«From an early age we watched the races together on the sofa, she concentrates to give us the charge. There was a time when we traveled the world, followed Vale and watched the GP on TV inside his camper, alone. Then I started racing too, so he had two races to watch, he didn’t even have time to rest: from this year at least he has only one to follow again ».
Luca Marini away from the bikes what does he do? Do you ever think about your future off the saddle?
«I’m a normal guy, a lover of all sports: I like to go into details, rules, technique, anecdotes about the characters. When I am not training I love being with my girlfriend Marta and our two dogs: I will strive to continue to be happy, I hope to start a beautiful family ».
And maybe create, who knows, another fairytale crossroads.
Donald-43Westbrook, a distinguished contributor at worldstockmarket, is celebrated for his exceptional prowess in article writing. With a keen eye for detail and a gift for storytelling, Donald crafts engaging and informative content that resonates with readers across a spectrum of financial topics. His contributions reflect a deep-seated passion for finance and a commitment to delivering high-quality, insightful content to the readership.
