Exclusive interview: Michael Ruben Rinaldi talks title hopes
Michael Ruben Rinaldi bids to become Ducati’s first ever home-grown World Superbike champ
When it comes to passion in motorsport, you look to Italy. But while the red of Ferrari and Ducati gets the pulses racing they’ve been left wanting when it comes to home grown results. The car manufacturer haven’t had an Italian F1 World Champion since Alberto Ascari in 1953. While Ducati are still searching for an Italian title winner in both MotoGP and World Superbike. So could 25-year-old Michael Ruben Rinaldi, be the answer?
‘Michael’ doesn’t sound like a very Italian name…
My father just liked the name. When I was starting out my dad didn’t know that minibike racing existed. Somebody said, ‘Your son is fast, make him go racing!’ I was only five, so as soon as I turned seven I raced minibikes.
Tell us about your family
My mother is from Venezuela but came to Italy 27 years ago. She found work and love: my father. She never lived in Venezuela again. First my sister was born and then I came a year later. I’m the younger, innocent one!
Your English is very good…
It wasn’t that good at school but I always liked English and started to watch YouTube videos. There was a motivational speaker I liked but it wasn’t subtitled, so I had to learn more English for that. What I like more nowadays when I am not on the bike are relaxation techniques, breathing. Things like yoga! I use it to try to control my breathing and relax my mind.
Who is your hero? Valentino. When I was a kid, he was always winning. I can’t think of many athletes who are still competing at the top at the age of 42. He is a great inspiration for everybody – my friend and I ride with him at his ranch. I’m also friends with Dovi, we are good training partners.
Single or taken?
Single! I broke up my last relationship and started to enjoy my true life. It helped to become mentally free but relationships help in other areas. At the moment I don’t feel I need anybody, but certain things you cannot choose – they choose you. Fortunately, my family don’t come to races that much; I don’t like it when riders bring their whole family. I like to separate work from family.
How do you describe yourself? The kind of rider who needs trust. At GoEleven – a small team with a very big heart – last year, the thing that changed me most was the level of trust. That let me express myself 100%. Team owner Gianni Ramello invited me to his home. He said, ‘You’re the rider I was always looking for.’ We put our hearts into it, which is why we won a race. You need a good bike and good support, but the most important thing about winning is love. You need love to win.
How did you deliver the win at Aragon last year?
We had two weekends at Aragon. We used the first to improve bike setup. Then came the second: first in FP1, FP2 and FP3 then second in Qualifying. Before Race 1, a guy from Aruba said, ‘You can win this race’. I knew I could, but when that person – who is particularly important to me – said that, I really knew it. I had to pass Johnny Rea at the start to run my own pace. I did that. It was really, really nice.
What about that amazing fight with Jonathan Rea?
In Race 2, he decided I wasn’t going to beat him again. This is why he’s World Champion – he completely understands all situations. On Saturday I beat him by six seconds. On Sunday, I lost. When you fight headto-head with the World Champion, you realise randomness does not exist in our sport. Everything happens for a reason. Since then, I’ve always made sure that I have a very clear plan. Did you feel bad taking Chaz Davies’ ride?
Chaz is a very good guy and fast enough for a factory ride. I recognise that. I also believe that GoEleven never used to be a front-running team but last year we made a big improvement and won a race, showing everybody we were doing pretty well. That’s why Aruba Ducati chose me.
Is there much pressure being Scott Redding’s teammate?
I don’t feel pressure. It’s my first year in a factory team and I’m 25. All I feel is that the Ducatisti are happy I’m here, which brings me lots of confidence.
Michael Ruben Rinaldi: Ducati’s first Italian World Champion? [Laughs] Every rider’s goal is to win – especially an Italian rider on an Italian bike. Now we’re thinking too much into the future! Let’s stay calm! I won’t say, ‘I’m going to win the championship!’ or ‘I’m going to beat Johnny!’ You don’t have to compare yourself with others or put pressure on your own shoulders. What I can say is: If I do my best, good things will come. I just need to be myself, and enjoy riding.
‘I just need to be myself and enjoy riding’ MICHAEL RUBEN RINALDI