Valentino Rossi’s Mother Still Gets Butterflies Watching MotoGP

“Butterflies in the stomach start one week before the race—I become more nervous.” Stefania Palma, Valentino Rossi’s mother, knows that feeling well, being the mother of a nine-time world champion.

Stefania's presence in the MotoGP paddock is never left to chance. She shows up when the pressure is high, the smell of champagne is in the air, and her support is needed to maybe even put the seal on another victory.

At Valencia in 2015, the tension was at an all-time high. Penalized for his clash with Marc Márquez in Malaysia, Rossi raced to fourth from the last spot of the grid. On the eve of the grand finale, Stefania was photographed gazing at her son with the sweet eyes of a mother.

The following season Stefania’s worries doubled when Luca Marini, Rossi’s much younger half-brother, entered the Moto2 world championship after achieving good results in the Spanish CEV series.

This year the 20-year-old Italian has joined Sky Racing Team VR46, which is supported by Rossi’s training academy and the UK communications giant. Rossi’s father Graziano was a top racer, but the genetic marker of two-wheel talent clearly comes from Stefania.

With two sons on track, are your worries doubled?

For a mother it is not easy, also considering there is not so much time between the Moto2 and the MotoGP races.

Where do you usually watch the races?

At home where the rule is absolute silence during the race.

You’ve had three top riders by your side. You are special.

With Graziano it was an adventure. We were traveling by car, and we enjoyed the atmosphere in the paddock, where you could sleep in tents or a small camper.

I liked the end of the race when the riders were in a queue to receive their prizes; it was a sort of daily allowance for having taken part in the race. The riders were chatting, commenting on the passes, and exchanging ideas. The air was still filled with the emotions of the race. It was a beautiful moment that unified them.

One of my favorite rounds was Imatra in Finland. The light was so special, and it reminds me a lot of the Qatar GP under the floodlights. I used to follow the races with Graziano. Now it’s different. I go when I feel I have to be there.

How was Valentino as a kid?

Unique. I never thought that he would become a world champion, but I was certain that with such a brilliant brain and open and friendly temperament he would have succeeded in every job.

What about Luca?

In the past I said several times that I didn’t want him to follow Valentino’s steps. He has been a great surprise. He proved to be very passionate about bikes. I still remember a precise moment: He was seven. We went to Assen together and I was amazed by his overwhelming enthusiasm.

Luca has just finished high school. Not many riders are also good students.

Luca has always studied a lot and got good results. He has a crystal-clear mind.

Luca was born in August 1997, when Valentino was winning his first world title in the 125cc GP class with Aprilia. It’s difficult to compare the two eras.

Yes, Valentino has a different story, but since he started competing times have also changed. When he was in the smaller classes there was more spontaneity. Nowadays everything has become more professional.

Do Valentino and Luca still ask for your advice?

I have very clear the moment when I realized they had made that step where they took flight. With Valentino, it happened with a drawing. I was amazed and surprised by the light in the eyes of this kid he had just drawn. The message was, “Mom, don’t worry. I can take care of myself.” With Luca, it happened while he was playing the flute.

How is your relationship now with Valentino?

We talk a lot but now I ask the questions. I’m very curious. I enjoy spending time with him. Valentino has always been curious too.

How do you see Valentino on the eve of the 2018 season?

I see him so passionate and involved in the development of his Yamaha M1. He adores this time of the year. You realize it from the vivid stories he tells you. He is triggered by the technical side. He is interested in knowing even the smallest detail, and he puts all of himself into the development. He loves the preparation time before the start of the season. Then in the race, he likes the strategy, to invent every time something different, to study the other riders.

What is the secret of his eternal motivation?

He is truly passionate about bikes and racing. This passion comes first, then he loves the technical side and the development of the bike. The everyday training and all the efforts he needs to make to being competitive year after year is a consequence.

How long do you think Valentino will race?

Until he doesn’t enjoy it. One day he will decide, but in this moment I see him fully involved.

It’s hard to imagine MotoGP without Valentino Rossi.

It’s always hard to close a chapter of your life. But I think we are motivated by the idea of improving ourselves. When Valentino understands he has more to offer another field, he will do it. But for the moment he has still a lot to offer MotoGP.