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Excellent performances from Italian competitors, Stefano Bonetti and David Vieider
provided some of the highlights of TT 2005. Bonetti’s 14th position in the Superstock
TT is a sound base for an attack on all solo classes on Suzuki GSXR 1000 and Yamaha
R6 machinery this year, but, sadly, work commitments prevent Vieider from returning this
time around, but he is confident of making the trip in 2007.
There has been much press coverage of a possible entry from top international
rider, Franco Battaini; sadly, although competitive machinery being available from the
Martin Bullock camp, Franco has been forced, due to other commitments, to put his
dream of racing around the Mountain Circuit on hold. He really does want to compete at
racing speeds, but may have to content himself with the Lap of Honour this year, providing
he finds the time in his busy schedule.
Also on the downside, the ever popular Giorgio Cantalupo’s commitments with
his Team PMS Corse in the Superstock 1000 FIM Cup prevent him making this year’s
races, but arrangements are already afoot to return for the centenary meeting equipped
with an Aprilia factory bike. Many will remember Cantalupo’s exploits on his naked Tuono
1000 R at the 2004 event.
The introduction of the TT Mountain Course licence is proving a problem for newcomers
to the event, but there are three fast and experienced pilots hoping to make their
debuts this year.
Roberto Antonellini, 42 from Conventello, Ravenna has a Yamaha R1 K3 for the
Superstock TT and a Yamaha R6 K6 available for the Supersport TT and Senior TTs.
Antonellini has been Italian 250 champion on two occasions and runner-up in the same
category of the 1993 European Championship. He is now competing in the Italian Yamaha
R6 Cup, in which he finished second last season after several victories.
Angelo Conti, 41 from Dongo, near Lake Como, made his road racing debut
after a successful moto cross career, being national 125 Champion in 1988. Onto the
roads…after competing in the Italian Suzuki Trophy and Sports Prduction classes, Angelo
won the 1997 European Supersport Championship aboard a Ducati 748R, the year after
he took the similar championship in his home country on a Suzuki 600 GSXR 600; he
also has a 16th standing in the World Supersport Championships to his credit after taking
part in just two races. Competing his CV are four titles in three years - 2003 Honda Hornet
Cup, 2004 Honda CBR 600 RR Cup, 2005 Honda CBR 600 RR Cup and Mobil 1 Trophy
Championship. Angelo has a Supersport Honda CBR 600 at his disposal for the TT.
Entering the Junior Supersport TT with a new Yamaha R6.will be 39 year old
Alessandro Burioli, a close friend of Battaini, who, hopefully will be on the Island to assist
him. Haling from Brescia, Alex started racing in 1993 and has since competed in all major
national championships and many international series including the European Singles
and Endurance World Championships. We wish all three newcomers safe and steady ride
Pier Ortalda
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