.gpc - piergiorgio bontempi interview
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piergiorgio bontempi - W-SBK
Piergiorgio Bontempi - Xongshen Team Suzuki GSX1000R
Had a very friendly chat with Piergiorgio in the Zongshen pits during Friday's Practice at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit ahead of round 2 of the Superbike 2004 World Championship.
Piergiorgio Bontempi was about to embark on his 176th start in the Superbike World Championship when I met him. The friendly italian, from Lacona, near Misano, took time out of his busy schedule ahead of the first race of 2004 to chat with me about travel. We swayed between Italian and English so some of the quotations are approximations, more for my unsteady Italian than for Piergiorgio's English. Still, there's something very sincere about this man. When he talks it is with attention despite the obvious distractions of the garage on a set up day.
Where do you like to visit on the SBK calendar? I asked
"The Australian track at Phillip Island is the most beautiful track in the world. The very nice sea and beach, and the people are always very friendly!"
Do you have the time to enjoy places like Phillip island while you're on the road?
"There was no time this time, unfortunately, but other times I've enjoyed Australia very much. I took time to visit Sydney and the Gold Coast and the whole country is beautiful. For tourism, I enjoy to visit my own country. The place I don't like to visit too much is Japan, not because of the people, they are nice, but I've never had too much luck with the weather there. Always raining during race weekend."
And how did your career begin that took you to so many starts?
"My father was a racer. I went with him, watched, learned, learned to love the sport. This is how it began."
When you were a boy, did you go as a fan to the tracks in Italy?
"No, my first time was as a racer.
Are you lucky to have this life as a racer?
I like too much my job, to be a racer. But my career hasn't been the luckiest. In 99 I had the championship lead going into the last 2 races and I crashed in Assen (pointing out the deep scar on his wrist) and my championship was gone.
I sensed the deep regret at the lost oportunity that left more than a physical scar. But despite this disaster, you are fotunate to have your job!
Oh, yes. I am blessed by God that my life went this way. Many people never know their love!
And what about your favorite museum?
In Japan the Kawasaki Museum, near Osaka, is Amazing. Much to see for fans and much motorcycle history that I fell in love with!
Recommended?
Absolutely MUST see!
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