Joe Roberts Is Ready for Mugello and Beyond

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Joe Roberts says he’s looking forward to Mugello. (Italtrans Racing/)

Crossing the finish line in front of everyone is a question of thousandths of a second, but the memory of a first GP win is a milestone that remains written in the best pages of motorsports. Joe Roberts’ Moto2 victory at Portimão in the 2022 Portugal GP is a beautiful chapter in American motorsports as it arrived after a long fast. “It has been a long road for me and it means so much, especially for all the American fans back home. It has been a long wait,” the Californian emotionally declared after the checkered flag.

The American dream continued with an amazing podium finish at Mugello the same year. A second place on the technically demanding racetrack owned by Ferrari confirmed the talent and the speed of the American rider from Los Angeles. Some up-and-down results followed, but this is over, promises Joe. Two weeks ago he was at the Mugello racetrack for two intense testing days in preparation for the Italian Grand Prix scheduled June 9–11.

Supported by Giovanni Sandi, the technical director of the Italtrans Racing team and the legendary crew chief who has won so much in the middle class with Max Biaggi, Tetsuya Harada, Jorge Lorenzo, and Enea Bastianini, Joe Roberts is prepared to face the Italian GP with one goal: returning to the podium.

It has been an up and down season so far, but this test at Mugello could be a reset. What was the purpose of the test?

I want to be a more consistent front-runner, so we tested things we had never tried before, looking for a new direction. In the last two years, we have had some great results, but many ups and downs as well. Honestly the start of the 2023 season hasn’t been great at all. It’s strange because we have been to circuits where I’m usually strong, but I didn’t get the results we expected. I have also suffered from arm-pump—that has affected some races.

The Italtrans Racing team has been focusing on improving the front end in preparation for Mugello. (Italtrans Racing/)

What did you test at Mugello?

We focused on the front end of the bike. It’s an area I haven’t been comfortable with. I feel great in some tracks while in others I cannot stop the machine. The purpose of the test was to find some new things to get a different feeling with the front.

Have you changed something in your approach as well?

I changed philosophy as well, as the level is so high and everyone keeps improving. I feel I’m getting wiser, more calm, and patient. The mental approach is crucial; in racing it really takes about five laps of really good feeling to change your mind and confidence. It takes one good race to turn everything around. I know we can come back where we deserve to be.

Roberts is becoming a smarter and more patient racer. (Italtrans Racing/)

Are you confident for the Italian GP this weekend?

In the last laps of the test, I did some very good laps matching last year’s qualifying lap time so I’m really happy with the test. This also helped the atmosphere in the team, because it is very important to have everyone motivated.

Last year you finished second at Mugello. What is special about this track?

I love Mugello; it’s the perfect racetrack In the world. Firstly, it’s in one of the most beautiful regions of Italy, the track itself is amazing for its layout and how it rolls on the Tuscan hills. It’s very demanding and fun to ride. I have always been a fan of flowing and fast tracks. They suit my style, this is why I am not surprised by my results here. As a kid I was watching the races on this track. I love Mugello’s flowing fast corners.

Which is the target for this Italian GP?

In 2021 we finished third (fourth in the end because of some strange rules), last year we finished second, so I’d like to repeat and possibly improve, which would mean to win.

America is famous for its incredible champions. Who has been your inspiration?

I have always loved those athletes who came back at the top of their game after a defeat or a difficult moment. It’s the “never give up” approach. I admire Michael Jordan for his work ethic, but I also look at many motorcycle riders. Just look at Marc Márquez’s mental strength and how he is approaching racing after all the pain and injuries he has been through. It’s incredible he’s come back at the top. He is a big inspiration for me.

On a personal level, you recently moved to the UK. How hard is it for an American rider to compete in MotoGP?

For an American it is not easy. It is different for any European rider, as they go home after every race. I have lived in Spain, Portugal, and now the UK. You are always looking for a place to call home, but it is not home. I’m constantly in a suitcase and mentally you miss a sense of home.

Roberts says missing parts of America is noticeable, even with living in the UK as a home base. (Italtrans Racing/)

On May 22 we remembered Nicky Hayden. He remains one of the most talented and beloved riders in motorcycle history.

Nicky will always be one of my favorite riders of all time. He has been a reference together with Casey Stoner, Valentino Rossi, and Dani Pedrosa. These have been the four riders who gave me inspiration to be in MotoGP. But Nicky was special for his great smile, his fantastic attitude toward racing. I would love to emulate his calmness. I met him and he was one of the nicest guys in the paddock, a great person, and a great motorcycle rider. Nicky is the last champion for us.

Finally, who is going to win the MotoGP title?

If I have to bet, I would say Ducati. Pecco Bagnaia looks the strongest and more consistent. MotoGP for me is the final goal.

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