MotoGP Update: Interview with Simone Grotzkyj Giorgi

Simone Grotzkyj Giorgi, the 23 years old Italian who raced in 125cc World Championship with Phonica Racing Team talks about his 2011 season, his guitar and his addiction of social networking.

Simone missed 6 races due to wrist fracture but still managed to finish the season in 16th place.

Hi Simone, can you tell us about how you got into Grand Prix?

I started to race at 2004 in the 125cc class of Italian Championship with a "Family Team." My Dad was my mechanic, I was the rider and mechanic, and my mother was the chef! After a good season with a podium in the last race, I decided to move in with Aprilia bike that more competitive.

In 2005 season, I raced in the Spanish and Italian Championship. The Spanish Championship wasn't so lucky for me because I crashed in 4 of the 7 races, but I collected an important podium in Albacete in the first race. Instead, in the Italian Championship, I took all podiums in all races and I won the championship.

In 2006, I started my World Championship experience.

What is your highlight in 2011 season?

I think everyone will say Brno because I've been 8th in the race, but for me one of my best races was the GP of Silverstone. It was wet and cold but I could fight throughout the race in the top 5. Shame a puddle in the first corner didn't allow me to finish the race...

You have to leave some races due to broken left-arm last season, how did you take it? Have you recovered 100%?

It's not so easy every time it happdned, but we are riders and we know that our sport is dangerous. Anyway, now I'm ok. I’ve recovered 100%.

How is the off-season treating you? Are you in the gym every day and running every day?

Since end season until January, I took a break and I did everything that I couldn't do during the race season, like spend a lot of time with my friends, play and take guitar lessons and many other funny things. When the training began, I spent a lot of time in the gym. But my favorite way to train is by cycling. I don't like running!

Is there any ritual or special habit that you do before the race?

Yeah of course!! I'm really superstitious! Every time before the race, I always careful to wear my right glove first and then the left one. I have this habit since I was in the pocket bike races.

Who has been your best teammate so far?

My best teammate so far is my last teammate for sure, Taylor Mackenzie. I was fine with him from the first test. He is younger than me and I established a good friendship with him.

Every week I write to him or he write to me. This is one thing that made me love my sport.

How do you handle jet lag?

The secret is not to eat too much during the flight. It is not always easy, because in a long journey we are bored, and eating is a good way to combat it!

Your hobby is playing guitar, have you ever thought to leave racing and become a musician?

Never! I've been playing guitar for 3 years and I love it, but I'm not so good. The guitar needs to be played every day and I can't, because during the season I stay away from my home for a long periods.

What are your Top 3 songs on your Playlist?

I love the Beatles and Eric Clapton and I listen to all kind of blues music! But I always listen to these three songs before the race:

Crazy Train by Ozzy Osbourne, Cocaine by Clapton and Crossroad by The Cream. I listen to these songs in live versions because they are more powerful!

Describe your perfect woman in 3 words!

Smile, sweet, clever.

What is your favorite pickup line?

I'm not too much romantic, it usually sudden!

If you left in deserted island, mention 5 things you should bring and what is your plan in surviving?

Knife, lighter, a ball called Wilson, my girlfriend and for sure my guitar. My plan would be; light a fire, trying to hunt something around the island and waiting with my girlfriend and my guitar for someone to help me.

How important for you to communicate with your fans via Twitter and Facebook?

I'm a social networks lover! I wanted to have a way to contact my favorite rider when I was young, and this wasn't possible without social network. I'm not Valentino Rossi but I try to respond all fans who write to me. I think it’s so funny!

What are your goals and objectives for this coming race season? Will you stay with your team in Moto3?

My goal is always the same, try to win as many races as possible and fight for the championship. I think I can do it but every year I have some bad luck that didn't help me.

I will race in Moto3 but with another team. Now I can't say more but you have to wait for me! I'll be there, on the grid!