Filippo Conti, GRT: "Gardner? There was no need to convince him. SBK is thriving"

Filippo Conti, GRT: "Gardner? There was no need to convince him. SBK is thriving"

"He could have gone to a top Moto2 team, instead he chose us. Managing him and Aegerter? I hope it becomes difficult"

07.10.2022 ( Aggiornata il 07.10.2022 18:21 )

Faced both present and future, it’s time to draw some conclusions. And team GRT owner Filippo Conti is well aware of this as he considers a 2022 season that has fallen short of expectation in terms of results, but also a revolutionary 2023, which will bring two new riders and more besides. All in continued collaboration with Yamaha, for whom GRT remains the independent team of reference.

“We definitely expected more, begins Conti, “we have to be honest. The Barcelona podium gave us a boost, so now the hope is that we can conclude the season in a positive fashion. I don’t regret anything though, as difficulties often help us to grow, so I think a season like this can lay solid foundations for the future.”

Gerloff has struggled more than expected both this year and last, due to a series of factors on- and off-track. Has it been difficult to manage?

“No, and like I said the problems experienced over these two years have helped us to understand certain things. The important thing, both for us and him, is to finish the year on a high, so that we can look to the future with optimism.”

 "Aegerter and Gardner two world champions, they know how to manage difficulties"

A future that looks very bright for GRT. Was the decision to go with Gardner and Aegerter essentially down to you or Yamaha?

“The team and Yamaha work together, as one unit, with the same expectations. Gardner was a market opportunity, which Yamaha did well to seize. Aegerter has shown that he deserves a shot in Superbike, so the decision was logical. In a sense, Aegerter’s profile represents the growth mentality that Yamaha has always carried forward”.

Was it tough to convince Gardner to change paddock?

“Andrea (Dosoli), Remy’s manager and myself have a great relationship. Once his manager realised that there was no way for Remy to stay in MotoGP, he considered the available options. There was a possibility to go to a top Moto2 team but he chose Superbike, so we didn’t have to convince him.”

Do you think it will be difficult to manage two thoroughbreds like Remy and Dominique?

“I can only hope it becomes difficult (he smiles)”.

Can you outline your goals for next season?

“Both will need time to adapt to the bike and the category, but we’re talking about two world champions, who are not short on speed. The aspect we’ll need to understand is the mental side, essential if you want to win titles. They’ll have to deal with some difficulties at first, but I think they have everything they need to manage and overcome these. The goal is clear, everyone wants to be out front (he laughs).”

Changing the subject, as a Team Principal, do you consider Superbike to be in good health as a championship?

“Personally speaking, I can say that the platform is thriving and offers many opportunities, especially if you want to benefit from the support of a manufacturer. Nothing is easy, but the base is excellent for a team that wants to grow.”

In past years, there’s been talk of a possible move to Moto2 and you’re currently busy in MotoE. Are you considering a change of paddock?

“Our presence in MotoE is dictated by the fact that we consider it a championship with real room for development, and at the same time it doesn’t conflict with Yamaha’s strategy in Superbike. MotoGP and Superbike are two different products, with pros and cons rather than things that are better or worse: I don’t want to move to Moto2, I’m more interested in continuing to grow together with Yamaha”.

Traslated by Heather Watson

YAMAHA HAS DECIDED: BALDASSARRI AND RAY SET FOR SBK PROMOTION

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