ITALIANS AT TT2005

TT 2005 promised to be very interesting for Italian competitors with a total of six submitting entries and the return of a factory Aprilia. Sadly, three, would-be newcomers, Adam Givani and Peter Ennemoser, along with “gentleman racer”, Giuseppe “Pino” Barachetti, had their entries turned down. There was further disappointment just a couple of weeks prior to
commencement of practice, when, due to financial problems, the Aprilia factory decided that a tuned RSV 1000 R could not be made available for Giorgio Cantalupo. It was a great pity that this fast, reliable machine, driven so successfully in the World Endurance Championships, was not to be seen around the Mountain Course, this year, at least. As the likeable and experienced Cantalupo had no other machines at his disposal, he had to withdraw his entries; he is, however, optimistic of returning in 2006.

The Italian contingent was down to two – newcomer, 32 year-old David Vieider, a short circuit and hill climb specialist from the Trentino Alto Adige region and one of 2004’s rising stars, Stefano Bonetti, who won both a Silver and Bronze Replica, missing out on the Newcomer’s Trophy to Guy Martin by only two tenths of a second.

Bonetti arrived on the Island after a creditable NW200 debut and together with Vieider reached qualification times during the first timed practice session. Steady progress for both during the first week of TT fortnight set them up for commendable performances in the races.

David came home in 43rd position in the Superstock class on his Suzuki GSXR 1000, 47th in Junior “A” and then another 43rd in “B” along with a much deserved Bronze Replica on his smaller Suzuki….a really good first year performance.

An electrical problem put paid to Stefano’s efforts in the TT Superbike Race, but the same Suzuki GSXR 1000 K3 took him to a fantastic 15th and a Bronze Replica in the Superstock Race the following day, setting the fastest lap ever by an Italian at 118.456mph. Sadly, a broken exhaust support meant that the machine failed to make the distance in the Senior, but his Yamaha YZF R6 did secure 58th and 27th positions in the two Junior Races; a misfire held him back in the first, but another Bronze was added to the trophy collection in the second

2005 was particularly significant for Italians in the Lap of Honour / Classic Nostalgia Weekend. The IoM dedicated the classic element of the TT Festival to Italian machines – MV Agusta, Benelli, Moto Guzzi, Ducati, Morini, Paton, Bimota, Bianchi, Mondial, Gilera, Aermacchi – which have competed on both the Mountain and Clypse Courses and to the Italian riders who have ridden them so successfully. It was so pleasing to see Giacomo Agostini on the Island again, but a special welcome was reserved for Carlo Ubbiali returning after 45 years. There was a massive contribution to the organisation of the event from
the Sport Club il Velocifero from Rimini [a town now linked very strongly with Douglas] and the Auto Motoclub Storico Italiano [ASI].

David Vieider and Stefano Bonetti, with their pit crews, were guests of honour at the 4th Italian TT Supporters’ Club Festival held in Cocconato d’Asti in July. Over 300 enthusiasts attended, including several who took part in the Lap of Honour – William Cavazzini, journalist Roberto Patrignani, Mauro Borella, Franco Forni, Giovanni Cabassi, Paulo Valgrande, sidecar specialist Franco Martinel and ASI representative, Ariel Atzore. Peter Duke kindly gave permission for the public showing of the 2005 TT Duke Marketing video which contrasted most effectively with the fantastic display of machines – Manx Norton 500, Egli Vincent HRD 1000, Ducati 450, Yamaha 610 Super Single and Franco Martinel’s new sidecar outfit ready for TT 2006.

It’s brilliant that there is so much Italian interest in the TT, let’s hope this continues. Meanwhile, let us also hope that top Italian competitor, Stefano Bonetti, can secure some really top class machinery to justify his talents and fulfil his undoubted potential next year.

Pier Ortalda