Toward a Moment of Glory, with Clarity

Energetic Italian rider Andrea Locatelli showed no signs of intimidation despite being surrounded by the likes of 12-time All Japan JSB1000 champion Katsuyuki Nakasuga and current MotoGP contender Jack Miller.

Locatelli is himself a world-class rider too, of course. Between 2013 and 2019, he competed in Moto3 and Moto2, before moving into the Supersport World Championship (WorldSSP) in 2020, where he won nine consecutive races starting with the opening round to lift the title with a stunning record of 12 wins from 15 races. Since 2021, he has been competing in the Superbike World Championship (WorldSBK), where he has taken 21 podium finishes to date. He also took his first WorldSBK victory at Round 3 in the Netherlands this year.

The 28-year-old's momentum was fully demonstrated in the pre-event private test for the Suzuka 8 Hours. Taking to the track for the first time, he quickly set a fast lap and maintained a high pace from that point onward. At the end of his run, he immediately began providing feedback to the team, barely taking the time to wipe the sweat from his flushed face as he stepped off the YZF-R1. His communication was clear. "I want this done, I want what done, there's an issue here." Having gained ample experience with the YZF-R1 in SBK, he speaks with confidence.

"Suzuka is a really amazing circuit!" said Locatelli.

"The more laps you do, the more you realize how amazing this track is. There's a wide range of corners, from high speed to low speed, and there are chicanes, so it's technical. I really love this track. And the stands are packed through the whole 8 Hours race weekend, right? That makes it even better. I'm really looking forward to it."

Taking on Suzuka for the first time, he showed no fear. It didn't seem like he was feeling his way around the track, rather he was fast right from the start. He was consistent and already making his presence felt within the Yamaha Racing Team. This was not so much about his character as a rider, but more about the fact that he had done thorough research beforehand.

On the first day of testing, before making his first outing, there was a scene where Locatelli was going over what gears to use with Nakasuga. Looking at a map of the track, Locatelli said, "So you take this corner in this gear, shift down here..." as he traced a lap of Suzuka on paper. When his finger passed the control line to finish the lap, Nakasuga gave him a thumbs up and smiled, saying, "Perfect!"

"I learned a little from watching videos of last year's 8 Hours. I also learned a lot from Niccolò Canepa, who is our team manager in SBK. He has a lot of experience with the 8 Hours, so he was a big help. I got into a good rhythm quickly because I did some preparation before coming to Suzuka."

On his actual run, Locatelli says he tried using gears different from those he had anticipated and confirmed with Nakasuga beforehand.

"You know, this is my first time racing at Suzuka Circuit, and my first time riding the endurance spec YZF-R1. I tried out different gears and lines, and none of them were bad, so I think I'm already in a position to race fast. I think I'll be fine if I get some more practice riding the R1 during the race weekend. It felt good."

Seeing Locatelli's lap time on the monitor, Nakasuga said, "That's fast!" with a grin. When the team did some long run simulations for the race, Locatelli's times did not slow down even in the latter stages. The team felt good about his pace.

While demonstrating his speed and strength to the fullest, Locatelli remains humble. At the end of the test day, he approached all the staff members, shook their hands, and spoke to them all with a smile, showing his genuine dedication to racing. He is both meticulous and thoughtful. He is also particular about where and how his riding gear is arranged. He pays close attention to every detail, both in his interactions with people and in the care of his equipment.

"I think it's my personality. I'm the type of person who wants things to be organized. At home, I want everything in its right place. I want to keep the garage clean, and I like everything to be organized. Through my experience in life and observing many people, I just naturally want to be that way. I want to be a good human. ...Basically, I just don't like clutter! (laughs). I guess that's just my personality."

It is often said that Japanese people are meticulous and serious. Locatelli possesses a similar character. His relationship with Yamaha that began in 2020 has undoubtedly had a positive effect on Locatelli.

"I've been a Yamaha rider for five years now. I renewed my contract for another two years, so all together I'll be working with Yamaha Factory for at least seven years. This is very important to me. Yamaha is a huge company with a long history and many victories in racing. I still can't believe I'm part of the Yamaha family. I want to work hard at the 8 Hours and bring the title back to Yamaha."

In Locatelli's home country of Italy, he said he participated in a Yamaha event a few weeks ago where there were many families, and he said, "It was a beautiful scene." He also has a special attachment to Yamaha motorcycles.

"Yamaha offers a wide range of motorcycles, from scooters to sportbikes and off-road bikes. They make all kinds of motorcycles, from adult to children's bikes, so it's hard to choose. But riding a Yamaha is fun no matter what kind you like.

"My favorite is the TMAX560. It's spacious, so you can feel relaxed even on public roads. You don't have to change gears, so you can just enjoy the scenery around you as you ride. It's perfect for me.

"I've ridden many other Yamahas too. I test rode the YZF-R9 on the track, and I've also ridden the R7, R3, and MT-10. They're all amazing bikes! The engine characteristics are so good that I recommend them to everyone!"

When the conversation turns to Yamaha motorcycles, Locatelli seems particularly passionate and he can't seem to stop talking. His love of Yamaha bikes goes beyond a normal race-centered business relationship between factory rider and manufacturer. As he himself says, he genuinely wants to be a member of the Yamaha family.

"I'm Italian, and Yamaha is a Japanese manufacturer. So, our countries and people are different. Japanese lifestyles, how they spend time, and even restaurants are completely different from Italy. But through the 8 Hours, I've been able to learn many new things from Japan, and that's a lot of fun. In my life, any time I learn something new is good for me. That's why I love spending time in Japan."

Riders dream about winning the 8 Hours and about becoming SBK champion. Achieving both is very difficult.

"It's important to be realistic, but having a dream is even more important. After all, it could come true. At the 8 Hours, I have to work with my teammates to share the machine and make sure we don't fail even with different situations coming at us. It's all important, and we have to be prepared for every detail. I'm going to believe in myself and enjoy it."

What awaits Locatelli after all that fun is the glorious moment that comes at 7:30 p.m. on August 3rd. And when he heads home to Italy in the afterglow of victory, a neatly organized and comfortable garage will surely be waiting for him.