Bondi ready for WorldWCR battle, training partner Zarco "one of the best in the world"
With not long to go until the start of a new chapter in motorcycle racing getting underway, WorldWCR rider Emily Bondi shares her expectation for the season ahead
In 2024, French rider Emily Bondi is preparing for her second season in motorcycle racing, making the step up from her national championship—where she won the 600cc Women's Cup on her debut—to the new FIM Women's Circuit Racing World Championship. As the start of the new Championship draws nearer, Bondi attended the French GP at Le Mans, where she met a growing fanbase and caught up with fellow French riders Johann Zarco and Fabio Quartararo.
“IT’S AMAZING TO BE ON THE WORLD STAGE” – can Bondi convert previous success in 2024?
Speaking about what it means to participate in the inaugural Women's Circuit Racing World Championship, Bondi shared the excitement of many: “It is a very important thing for me. It is amazing to be on the world stage since it's only my second year of racing. To be with those women, the best in the world here on the world stage for the first time, is very important. Also, to be a reference for all the women who want to do some racing and motor racing, is also very significant for me. It’s incredible to get here just in the second year of my adventure.”
Preparation is always vital in motorcycle racing, with Bondi getting ready to take to the track against her rivals at the forthcoming Cremona test despite an injury: “Preparation is a very important thing and to be honest, I already began in January, so it's been a few months that I know the R7 and have been preparing myself mostly for the entire season—not only the Cremona test. I know this bike; I couldn't do much more to be honest. I know I will be OK despite the injury. I'm happy to be back on the bike very soon, which is great.”
“I GOT IN FRONT OF A HUGE CROWD!” – a popular figure in France
Speaking from the French Grand Prix at Le Mans, she was able to enjoy the warmth of the record-breaking MotoGP™ audience of over 295,000 across the weekend: “On Friday, I was able to go to the fan zone. I got on stage in front of a huge crowd, which was a first for me! The people’s reaction was amazing, and I now have a lot of support—not only from the women but from the French motorcycling fans community in general.”
“I HAVE A GREAT RELATIONSHIP WITH ZARCO… HE’S COACHING ME” – a special training partner
One of the key topics for Bondi’s preparation has been that she trains with the likes of MotoGP™ Grand Prix winner and double Moto2™ World Champion, Johann Zarco: “Obviously, when I became interested in MotoGP™, I started to follow them because they are the top French riders. I had the chance to meet them both and have formed a good connection with them. I have a great relationship with Johann Zarco as I often ride with him. He's coaching me, helping me a lot on the mental side of things and then on the bike. It’s very important to me to have the support of a rider like him and to get his advice, as he’s one of the best in the world.”
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