ARAGON GP 01/09/24

I thought I remembered that feeling, I’m older now, I’m grown up, I’ve seen many third places by now, each with different kids with their own stories to tell. I thought I knew what it tasted like…but it’s never the same, like a delicious ice cream, so delicious, the taste of the podium melts in your mouth and makes your hurt explode, after it was left in suspense, not beating a single beat for at least two laps.

For the rider the podium is the missing flavor, it tastes of rewarded effort, of countless hours spent in the gym, of training on the Ohvale that brakes a bone, of the sweat of the mechanics working on the bike all day, it tastes of the tears of joy from parents. The podium is ambition, determination and heart on the same level.

Today I’m still a bit confused, we returned really late sunday night. I feel a mix of happiness for Luca and a disappointment for Filippo who broke the engine. This is the second time in ten years, bad luck? Perhaps we are attracting it… it is not his fault, nor ours. Lucky for him, Misano is already approaching.
As for Luca instead, he could use more time … to savour his almost victory, to truly enjoy his first podium, but no… racing, true to its name, races on, soon it will be Thursday and everything will start all over again.

Many post-race comments have been written and shared, I would like to leave you with one that I particularly appreciated while, still savouring this good feeling, we look forward to Misano:

“Luca’s podium is meaningful for everyone. For those who love motorcycling and believe is more valuable than the power of money and preferential treatment. The only good star is the one where Luca was born: kind, naif, and enthusiastic, just over a month after an injury he brought Italy back into the spotlight, after more than 12 months with no results in Moto3. He is a hard worker, eager to learn, against a backdrop of fanatic individuals. The team? An extension of the family, Marco’s rule. So much of the “58”, that even a tough man as Paolo trembled with emotion and he speaks fondly when he says “this kid”. It is not about immaturity, but rather it is about recognizing that these are kids who will become men and patience is essential.
So, he ran quickly towards the parc fermè, embraced by Martina, making peace with these races that have taken too much from him. But in the end, Lunetta reminded us today, Marco was happy as he is now, and that’s enough.”
From @inostripilotigp

-PaoloSic58-