Roberto Locatelli is 35 years old and has marked a career on the World Championship podium spanning over 15 full seasons.  The Italian racer has decided to stop competing and turn his attention to aiding the development of young riders.

Locatelli will proceed in a coaching role and sports coordinator of Team Junior GP FMI, a squad associated with the Italian Motorcycling Federation who work towards training talented youngsters.

Locatelli, whose 15 years on the stage claimed both the 125cc and 250cc sessions, won the 2000 title in the eighth litre class. He also endured setbacks, with a shocking injury at Jerez in 2007 that almost ended his career.

“This opens up a new and exciting role as coach and sports coordinator of Team Junior GP FMI, working with young talent,” says Locatelli. “I am grateful to Paolo Sesti (President of the FMI) and Giampiero Sacchi (Piaggio Group) who believe in my passion for motorcycling and appreciate my professionalism.”

“With my technical experience and attitude, I hope to achieve higher competitiveness for riders of the Junior GP FMI on both a national and world stage, and also help them to be disciplined, loyal and fair with all their competitors on the track.”