The italian rider joined Red Bull KTM Ajo for his fourth year in Moto2. In a season full of new developments, Celestino Vietti continues to make steady progress and is confident of achieving his goals for the second half of the season.

You have come to Red Bull KTM Ajo to fight for new goals. What does it mean for you to join the team?
“I was really excited when I found out that I would be coming here, because this has been the best team in Moto2 in the last few years. For me it is an extra boost for myself and an opportunity to improve in some points in which maybe I suffered a little bit in the past. I’m able to manage some situations better and be more relaxed in the races. I have grown up, learnt a new method of working, and how to manage the weekend. I want to continue growing like we do in each race and close the gap to the frontrunners.”

2024 is a season in which a lot of technical innovations have been introduced, such as new tyres and the new WP suspension package. How has this adaptation process been for you?
“We’ve had a lot of changes. Maybe the biggest one was the new Pirelli tyres, but we also changed things with the bike. You have to adapt your riding style to different tyres, as well as the setup. We also have new suspensions, so we have more changes compared with other teams, but I think that we have improved a lot since the last test of last year to now. We make progress every weekend, closing the gap, and I’m feeling stronger. Now we just need to put it all together and sort out the final details, but in recent races I was really strong and I’m adapting well.”

Do you think the collarbone fracture at the Jerez test slowed down your progress?
“Of course, the injury stopped it a little bit. I didn’t race at Le Mans but the most important thing was that I had to stop training and riding the bike. After coming back at Barcelona and Mugello I was more prepared, so I didn’t lose too much feeling with the bike and too much riding time. Sometimes these things happen, but at no time do I think it was a major hinderance.”

Aki Ajo has a very specific working methodology, how do you think he is helping you to improve?
“Aki is a great help. It is really nice to work with him. I remember seeing him on TV and he looked like a serious person, but when you know him he is a really good man. He really wants to win and you feel that; Aki and the whole team work really hard to achieve the results that everybody wants. Sometimes he can be a bit stern, but in some situations it has to be like this. This is a strong point because he tells it to you like it is, but when he has to congratulate you on your work, he does so too. He helps me to clear my mind at important moments, such as before QP or the race. I like working with him.”

“We are fast and the pace is there, I just need to improve and be more focused and more calm, in order to put everything together.”

 

Did you expect more at this point of the season? What do you think you can improve for the coming races?
“Of course, I expected a little bit more because I want more and I know that the potential is there, so I know that we can do it. In some races, like Barcelona, Mugello or even the double header of Assen and Sachsenring, we were really fast. I especially have to manage Saturdays and qualifying better. Sometimes I lose some positions because I’m not so consistent and I maybe lose my focus, which leads me to make mistakes and be more nervous. That’s what happened at Assen, for example. Anyway, the pace is there, I just need to improve and be more focused and more calm, in order to put everything together.”

What is your assessment of the first nine races of the season?
“In general, I think it hasn’t been too bad. Is not a secret that we didn’t start off among the fastest riders. In the test we had to work to understand everything because there were many changes, with both new tyres and suspensions, so we had some extra work compared to others. In general, I’m quite happy with the feeling and the improvements, but I’m not too happy with the results because, to be honest, I don’t want to stay in those positions each weekend. In terms of the feeling, the work by everyone in the box, I am very happy, and I think that if we continue like this, we will be able to get the results we deserve.”

After the summer break, you have an intense schedule. What is your goal for the end of the year?
“We are already in the summer break but not many races have taken place yet. There are still a lot of points to be distributed so I hope to cut the gap to the front as much as possible. The main goal through to the end of the season is to get as close as possible to the Top 3 and maybe fight for something in the overall standings. We have to work very hard, and the first thing is to start having consistent weekends in Practice, QP and the race. Then we can focus on fighting for poles, podiums and, of course, victories.”

Did you have any special plans for this summer?
“I have taken some time off to be with my family, because during the season I don’t live in my hometown. After that, I have been working hard again to be in good shape for the second part of the season.”