Moto3: Who the hell is Lorenzo Dalla Porta?

A wildcard appearance at Assen, a factory Mahindra for next season, spending the rest of the year as Romano Fenati’s replacement at his idol Valentino Rossi’s Team Sky – AND he’s leading the Junior World Championship; 2016 has been a hectic year so far for Italian Lorenzo Dalla Porta! MCN caught up with him recently to find out a bit more about him.

How did you get into racing and what was your first bike?

When I was a child, my dad had a bike, a Ducati, and I saw him riding. He took me to a go-kart circuit, and I tried a minibike for the first time and liked it. I started to race, and won some Tuscan championships and Italian championships. I won my first Italian championship in the 125 class then went to Moto3 in the Italian championship and then the Spanish championship, and now I have an opportunity to win it!

What’s the reason for your number, your logo, and your helmet design?

My race number is 48, because my grandmother on my father’s side was born in 1948! My helmet design is a very good idea of my graphic designer – I have a bull on the rear of the helmet because it’s similar to me, according to my friends! I have some fluro colours too.

What sacrifices have you made for racing?

In my life, I’ve made a lot of sacrifices, but I’m very happy to do what I do every day. If I work, I can get good results from it, and good results make me happy! If I don’t work, I’m not happy.

What is your favourite thing about racing?

The win! Hahahah!

What’s been your proudest moment?

This year, winning four races in the Moto3 Junior World Championship. Every race I win makes it even more fantastic, and it’s been the best moments of my career.

What has been your biggest challenge?

The race in Assen this year, going to Moto3 for the first time. It was a big change, a new experience.

Could you change the rear wheel on their bike?

When I’m at home training, I work at my own bikes, and I love doing it too! Every day, I do something on it. For me, if I can’t be a good rider I want to be a good mechanic – but I hope it’s the first one!

What did your teachers say when you said you’re going to race in GP?

Now nothing, because I’ve left school, but it’s not easy for a rider to do both things at once and to work hard at both. I worked hard on the bike, but not the same at school!

Which racer do you aspire to?

Valentino Rossi! He is the best rider in history.