Today he acts as a consultant for Italtransa team involved in Moto 2, but behind us Livio Suppo has a first-rate career at the command of MotoGP teams such as Ducati, Honda and Suzuki. In the minds of many his figure is closely linked to that of the HRCin a period in which the Golden Wing won and knew how to make the difference, unlike what happens today.
Rewinding the tape to those years, the Italian recalled how the first task was entrusted to him by Shuhei Nakamoto was to hire a pilot. “When I landed in the Japanese garage I was asked to bring Stoner. Back then the brand wasn’t in bad shape, but it had only won one title with Nicky Hayden. The desire was to return to success and so it happened with Casey and later, several times, with Marquez“, he revealed exclusively to Revelo.
Speaking of the two champions, having worked with both, albeit at different times, the 60-year-old had the opportunity to get to know and appreciate them closely: “They had two different characters, but they had great talent and a constant desire to give their best. When you find yourself in front of riders like that, if you are a motorcycle enthusiast, it’s a pleasure“.
And here comes the unexpected confession. “Our goal was to have both of them to create a dream team – the words that make it clear that the team was ready to give up Pedrosa’s services – Dani, however, had many talents and a special sensitivity. If you think about his physique and how much these bikes weigh, you understand how difficult what he managed to do was. If he didn’t manage to win a World Cup it’s just a question of opportunity miss you, otherwise he had a wonderful sporting career and was able to create a very large following precisely because people understood how complicated it was for him. I think he should be proud of himself and what he achieved.”
Always looking to the past, the Piedmontese revealed something more about his way of approaching the profession of boss: “I tried to separate the profession from personal relationships. Today I am friends with Capirossi and I often talk to Daniel, but the rider I was closest to was Hayden“.
Finally, a dry joke about the best and worst moments experienced in the top class: “The championship won with Ducati after five seasons and the death of Simoncelli in Sepang 2011“.
