– Misano World Circuit, September 6, 2024 – During the weekend of Red Bull Grand Prix of San Marino and Riviera di Rimini, just a few kilometers away from Misano World Circuit a very different kind of motor challenge took place, featuring Marc Marquez and Tony Arbolino. Here’s all you need to know:
– Marquez and Arbolino didn’t have their ultra-high-tech MotoGP prototypes at their disposal, but instead they competed on an Apecar, a Ciao, and a Vespa, three iconic Italian vehicles. True to popular tradition, all the vehicles had been “pimped” to reach incredible performance levels.
– The two riders were joined by wakeboard champion Massimiliano Piffaretti – in the role of presenter – to discover the crazy challenges they would face through the streets of San Marino.
– The legendary Ciao was the protagonist in the first challenge, during which Marquez and Arbolino got acquainted with the vehicle and its pedals, competing to see who could pull off the longest wheelie.
– This first round went to the Italian rider but it was the six-time world champion who “dominated” the second challenge: a slalom course on a Vespa, all while holding a spoon with an egg in his mouth.
– The final challenge decided the overall winner: riding an Apecar, Tony Arbolino and Marc Marquez had to improvise a timed pizza delivery, maneuvering through an exciting slalom between the city’s alleys, trying not to let the pizza boxes fall from the back of the vehicle.
– The 24-year-old from Garbagnate Milanese triumphed over his opponent, winning the challenge and proudly raising the Italian flag in his “home” competition.
– Tony Arbolino was happy after the win – “today was really funny, but also difficult, because we had to ride something we’re not used to. My favourite challenge was the one with the Ape, because it’s so Italian, we have it in our blood, that I absolutely had to win it.”
– “It’s my first time here in San Marino, the location it’s amazing and these ancient stones remember me my homeland,” reflected 8-time MotoGP champion Marc Marquez. “We had a lot of fun with the three challenges and my favourite one was the “egg spoon race”. As for the next Grand Prix, we’re coming from the best week end of the year, so let’s see if we can fight for the top positions”.
– Marc Marquez comes into the weekend from the clean sweep in Aragon – his first win since 2021 and currently occupies 3rd in the championship standings. In the Moto2 standings, the young Italian Arbolino is 10th overall.
Watch Marc Marquez and Tony Arbolino go head-to-head in nostalgic Italian bikes HERE.
