Finding a replacement for the rush that comes with elite competition can take on many forms. For Max Biaggi, six-time a world champion, a full-time return to the grand prix paddock feels like “a kind of pure adrenaline.”
The Italian’s Max Racing outfit will graduate to the Moto3 world championship with rider Aron Canet as its sole rider. The new representation is a rapid rise in the fortunes for the team, created for 2017, a year in which it competed in the Moto3 class in the Italian CIV championship.
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A year on, and Biaggi’s squad moved to the FIM Junior world championship, but his ambitions were always set on the biggest prize. Now, with his own personnel, Sterilgarda sponsorship, the expertise of new team manager Peter Oettl, and KTM machinery, the Italian feels his rider can be a title challenger.
Crash.net spoke to the Roman Emperor about his team’s new foray into the Moto3 world championship, and his hopes for 2019.
Crash.net:
Can you tell us a bit about Max Racing and your entry into the Moto3 world championship with rider Aron Canet?
Max Biaggi:
There was a chance because Peter’s son (Philipp) was moving up to Moto2. There was one [grid] place available. I have my own team in the CEV (FIM Jr World Championship). In one year we did the Italian championship. Then we moved to the CEV. I think it was the right move to come to the bigger championship. We were looking for a good opportunity with the riders. In the small class if the rider is not good enough then the team doesn’t look good.
We knew Canet was going to change team. So we worked on trying to take him and then I asked Peter to join this project. Now we start 2019, but who knows, maybe it can be for a long time. I need also an operator guy, like a guy who is here and can put the team together. Peter is kind of the team manager. I asked him if he wanted to do this and he said, ‘Yeah, it’s what I’m doing with my son.’ So I thought, ‘Let’s make one team with one rider.’ The parameter is in the now. Also financially it’s better to start with one rider.
I guess Canet is a good rider and I see this year his performance going a little bit up and down. If we’re able to give him some regularity, some stability, he can be the one who can fight for the championship.
Crash.net:
So this is your structure, Max Racing, with Peter Oettl running the team?
Max Biaggi:
Yes. I will bring all my facilities, all my team and crew. Peter will be the team manager, which is an important role. I’m not going to be there. I’m just team principal, but I’m not affecting the team. If the team can run itself and Peter is on top of that. OK, if the rider needs some direction, or some way to work during the winter, or in terms of strategy, I can help him.
Follow Page 2 for the full interview...
