Interview: Alberto Forato on dominating EMX250 opener
What a weekend it was for Alberto Forato at the first round of the EMX250 series at Matterley Basin. The Italian went 1-1 and pretty much dominated a deep field of talented riders.
Forato has signed with the Maddii Husqvarna Racing team and looks like a new rider – even his starts were good despite his massive build.
We caught up with Forato to discuss his dominate performance and much more.
Gatedrop: Alberto, you were so dominate at the first round of the EMX250 championship going 1-1. You must be super happy with your day’s work?
Alberto Forato: Yeah, I am pretty happy. It was a good start to the season. In free practice, I was third or something then first, first and first so yeah! Can I be better? Maybe, yes but it’s good. Now we will work for Arco at the next round of the series. I will keep working for it.
Gatedrop: Before the weekend did you expect to be so dominate? What where your expectations coming into the weekend?
Alberto Forato: I just wanted to relax and do what I can. I didn’t expect to win, second or third or anything like that. I just wanted to have fun and enjoy my riding.
Gatedrop: Last weekend you rode really well at the Italian Championship winning a moto. Did that give you a boost heading into Matterley Basin?
Alberto Forato: I won the first moto but then in the second moto after two laps my bike was broken. In the Superfinal with the 450cc’s I was able to finish second so that was pretty good. It gave me a lot of confidence for this weekend.
Gatedrop: You’re with the Maddii Husqvarna team this year, just how is everything going with the new team?
Alberto Forato: I am so happy with my team, with everything. We work every day with everyone in the team and always together. It’s a really good group and we are going good.
Gatedrop: This weekend your starts were really good, is that something you’ve been working on because in the past that’s been a weak area for you?
Alberto Forato: (laughs) Yeah, the starts were my problem but this weekend I started pretty good. In the first moto just in side the top ten and third in the second moto. It was crazy, I was like this is good ey! It’s good to start at the front because it makes it so much easier (laughs).
Gatedrop: Last year you were with the Assomotor Honda team, but for you it wasn’t a great season and not what you expected. Just how tough was last year for you?
Alberto Forato: Last year I had no good feeling with everything, I wasn’t riding good and it was a mess. This year I’ve put everything to the side and I’m feeling good.
Gatedrop: I believe last year you were riding with a thumb injury too which must have been tough!
Alberto Forato: Yeah, last season I crashed more than a couple of times. I had a lot of concussion and stuff but this year everything has been going better. I hope it continues (laughs).
Gatedrop: Are you planning any MX2 World Championship races in 2019?
Alberto Forato: We will see, maybe I will race in Valkenswaard. Mantova and Imola is also possible.
Gatedrop: In 2020 I guess the goal will be to race the entire MX2 World Championship?
Alberto Forato: I would love too but we will see.
Interview: Andy McKinstry
Pic: Nigel McKinstry
