Get to Know: World Sportbike Rider Matteo Vannucci
At 23 years old, Revo-M2 Racing’s Matteo Vannucci is already making a name for himself in the World Sportbike paddock. The Italian rider has transitioned seamlessly from World Supersport 300, bringing with him a racecraft honed through years of close battles and a mentality that appears remarkably calm under pressure. He currently sits fifth in the championship with three rounds to go; he has a win and multiple podiums so far this season, and he will forever be World Sportbike’s first-ever polesitter.
We sat down in Misano, and Matteo opened up about his journey into racing, the influence of Andrea Dovizioso, life with Aprilia, handling pressure, and why happiness is still the biggest reason he climbs onto a motorcycle. Matteo’s mindset stands out almost as much as his speed. Throughout the conversation, he repeatedly returned to the same themes: staying authentic, avoiding overthinking, trusting his instincts and, above all, enjoying riding motorcycles.
What first got you into racing?
“I started when I was seven years old. My father asked me if I wanted to go to a small track near Florence, where I live. Of course, I said yes. After that first experience, I completely fell in love with the sport. From that moment, I wanted to keep riding and keep improving. It became my biggest passion, and it still is today.”
When did you first realise racing could become a career?
“When I won my first Italian Championship in 2017. Even before that, when I was riding minibikes, I started believing that maybe I could do something important in racing. Winning the championship made me believe it even more. That’s when I really started thinking about what was possible.”
Looking back so far, what’s the race you’re most proud of?
“Imola 2023. I won both races, and I was wearing a special helmet dedicated to my uncle, who passed away in 2020. That made the victories even more emotional and meaningful for me. When I think about my career so far, that’s probably the race weekend I’m proudest of.”
What motivates you to keep going?
“I just love riding bikes. Every time I get on a motorcycle, I’m happy. For me, if something makes you happy, then it’s probably the thing you’re supposed to do. That’s what riding is for me. I enjoy it every day, and I always want to improve.”
How much has racing changed you as a person?
“Not so much. I don’t think you should completely change yourself because of racing. Of course, this world can be difficult mentally, and there are challenges, but I always try to stay authentic. I want to be myself and not become a different person because of results or pressure.”
When you transitioned into World Sportbike, what was the biggest difference?
“The level of the riders. Everybody is older, stronger, and has a lot of experience. In every race, there are many riders who can fight at the front, so the competition is very high.”
Was there anybody you watched closely when you arrived?
“Maybe Carter Thompson. I think he’s very strong and competitive.”
What was the biggest adjustment moving from World Supersport 300 to World Sportbike?
“The power. That’s the biggest thing. The horsepower is almost double, so you have to understand how to use it properly. In some ways, the bikes are similar, but when you open the throttle, you feel a very big difference.”
Did you have to change your riding style?
“Not a huge amount. The lines are similar, but tyre management becomes much more important. In Sportbike, the tyres drop off faster than in Supersport 300, so you have to think more about managing degradation throughout the race.”
How would you describe your riding style?
“Old style.”
Who inspired that style?
“Andrea Dovizioso. He was my idol growing up. Not only because of how he rode the bike, but also because of the way he behaved as a person. He’s somebody I really looked up to.”
What surprised you most when you joined Aprilia?
“Honestly, I already believed Aprilia was the best option. I always thought it was a very strong bike, and I wanted the opportunity to ride one. Then I got the chance to join the official team. For an Italian rider to ride an Italian bike with an Italian manufacturer is something special.”
How do you handle pressure before a race?
“I think pressure can be useful. I use it almost like a power that I add to my arsenal. Of course, there is stress before races because that’s normal, but I don’t let it become something negative. I try to use it in a positive way.”
You always appear very calm on the grid. Is that natural?
“I think so. There is always excitement before the race, but I try not to overthink things. You need to know what you’re doing in the moment and focus on your job. Nobody can predict exactly what will happen during a race.”
How important is confidence in modern racing?
“Very important. Confidence is one of the most important things. You have to believe in yourself and try not to overthink.”
What goes through your mind in those final laps when you’re fighting at the front?
“You need to know what you’re doing in that moment. You can’t predict exactly what will happen before the race because nobody can. You just react to what’s happening and make the right decisions.”
Can racecraft be taught, or is it talent?
“I think talent is very important. Talent also comes from the mind. Of course, you can learn things and improve through experience, but talent plays a big role. Racing intelligence is something special.”
How much did Supersport 300 prepare you for World Sportbike?
“A lot. Supersport 300 is a very good school for young riders because the racing is always close and usually comes down to the last lap. You learn how to battle with other riders. For me, moving to Sportbike wasn’t such a huge difference. You learn how to fight and how to race intelligently.”
Away from the track, who is Matteo Vannucci?
“I love working out. I love coffee. I spend a lot of time watching racing. Racing is my passion, so even when I’m not riding, I’m usually watching racing.”
Do you ever switch off from racing completely?
“Not really. I enjoy this environment too much. Racing is always part of my life.”
Do you follow Formula 1?
“I watch it sometimes, but I prefer motorcycle racing. MotoGP is more exciting for me.”
Do you play video games?
“Yes. Minecraft, Rocket League and Fortnite.”
Are you close with your family?
“Very close. I talk with them every day. Sometimes we go out for dinner together, but mostly we stay connected through talking every day.”
Who did you grow up watching apart from Dovizioso?
“Marc Márquez. Rossi was the idol for everybody, but Marc was the talented one. They are very different riders and very different people, but I enjoyed watching both of them. Rossi was the idol. Marc was the talented one.”
What advice would you give your younger self?
“Keep pushing. Always. Never stop and never look back.”
Quickfire Questions
Wet or dry conditions?
“Dry.”
Pole position or winning the race?
“Winning the race.”
Would you rather win from pole position or from the back of the grid?
“Pole position. I prefer to go alone because that’s my style. I like fighting, but I want the fight to be completely fair.”
Favourite Italian circuit?
“Mugello. It’s my home race because I live in Tuscany. Mugello is near my home, and it’s an iconic circuit.”
Favourite corner you’ve ridden?
“Acque Minerali at Imola. It’s beautiful because you arrive with a lot of speed and then have to throw the bike into the corner.”
Coffee or energy drinks?
“Coffee. Nespresso. I love Nespresso coffee; I have the Vertuo machine, especially with chocolate.”
Morning person or night person?
“Both. But I can be either person if I need to be.”
Most-used app on your phone?
“Instagram or WhatsApp.”
What’s your current hype song?
“I don’t listen to music on the grid. I listen to my mind. I talk with my bike, and I talk with myself.”
Do you listen to music away from the track?
“Yes. Swedish House Mafia. That’s my favourite. If I have to pick a song, Redlight.”
Favourite rider growing up?
“Andrea Dovizioso.”
What’s one thing casual race fans don’t understand?
“Everything that happens behind the scenes. All the work that goes into racing. I think people don’t always realise how much work happens away from the track.”
Dream bike from any era?
“Marc Márquez’s 2019 MotoGP Honda bike because it was an incredible bike in an incredible season. I’d love to know what it felt like to ride.”
Favourite post-race meal?
“Pasta.”
Favourite cheat meal?
“Always pasta.”
When have you felt the most pressure in your career?
“Mugello in 2021, when I was fighting for the Italian Championship. It wasn’t the last round, but it was the race before the final round. I felt a lot of pressure because I knew how important the weekend was.”
What moment made you feel at home in this paddock?
“Straight away. Everybody here is friendly and wants to help. That’s why it feels like home.”
Cats or dogs?
“Cats.”
Beach or mountains?
“Beach. Always.”
If you could add one circuit to the World Sportbike calendar, which one would it be?
“Balaton Park in Hungary. I don’t know why we don’t race there. I think it would be perfect for World Sportbike.”
Funniest rider in the paddock?
“My teammate, Mattia Sorrenti. You should interview him; he’s so funny.”
One word your teammate would use to describe you?
“Concentrated. Determined.”
Which rider would you trust with your life?
“Dovizioso.”
Whether discussing championship pressure, racing heroes or life away from the circuit, the Italian’s answers reflected a rider who knows exactly why he races. For Matteo Vannucci, success matters, but happiness on the bike matters even more.
Follow Matteo Vannucci on @vannucci.matteo.
Thanks to WorldSBK and Matteo for all of the photos included in this piece.
