Pride of Italy. "Marquez is strong, but the favorite remains Bagnaia"

Giovanni Copioli, president of the FMI (the Italian Motorcycling Federation), pampers himself and plans the future of the two-wheeled world with the metaphor, the gesture, in short, that electrifying, engaging, and obviously indispensable move that has always ignited the emotions of those who have let their lives be carried away by motorcycles.

"How do I live the wait for the elective assembly on December 15th? And how do I imagine my work in the Federation in 2025? With the spirit of a pilot: therefore full throttle". Copioli, outgoing president, smiles, but already ready to get back in the saddle.

But before diving into the future, do we want to review 2024? What kind of World Championship was that of MotoGP?

"Fantastic, even if the cherry was missing"

Or?

"Bagnaia didn't win, and in my opinion he really deserved the title. OK, Martin was great, but Pecco was stronger than the Spaniard in certain phases of the season. In the end he paid a very high price for his falls, the times he was… pushed out. Bagnaia, however, was great also for the way he was able to live the final result. With unique sportsmanship. He is a champion in sport and in life".

But next year, they've even put Marquez next to him: what will happen?

"I'm very curious. Curious to see Marc on the official Ducati, but...".

But?

"Marquez is great and will give Bagnaia a hard time, but I say that Pecco can take the title again. He is very strong, and in the challenge he will get incredible motivation and results. For me he will be the real favorite".

Sincere: Did Ducati do well to create the Bagnaia-Marquez pairing?

"I would have preferred Ducati to keep Bastianini. I am president of the Italian Federation and I always bet on Italian riders. I feel sorry for Enea because he is a great rider and I would have been pleased to see him still in red".

Speaking of Italians, how do you expect our homegrown pilots to fare in 2025?

"Morbidelli and Di Giannantonio had a positive 2024 despite a few too many problems. Marini… I'm waiting for him, hoping that Honda will make a more competitive bike".

Let's go to his home, in the Federation: the most ambitious project?

"Continue working with young people. With the 'Talenti azzurri' program. In seven years we have come a long way and now we want to broaden our attention to even younger pilots. Maybe starting from 8 years old. 'Talenti' is a project that conveys sporting activity, technique, moral values. We accompany many young people from the simple passion for motorcycles to the dream of racing. In any of our disciplines, not just speed".

If I mention Luca Lunetta's name to you…

"He's right. Luca is the prototype of the 'Talents azzurri'. His 2025 will be a very important year, but the work with Paolo Simoncelli's team has already highlighted the many qualities of this boy. Who, let's remember, has already written history in some way: Lunetta is the first sports pilot of the Carabinieri. A force with which we have a direct and excellent collaboration".

Copioli, as president of the FMI and a motorcyclist, what is your opinion on the new highway code?

"We have reached an essential point, considering the motorcyclist a 'vulnerable user' on a par with pedestrians and cyclists. A big step forward. There are details that are crucial for our safety, for our world, such as the third band of guardrails... Now it's up to the administrations, the authorities, to move from written laws to actions. Yes, I will fight for this".

With gas, obviously, open.