Pierfrancesco Chili is a tough nut to crack and determined to get back into racing as soon as possible. Nevertheless it is starting to look as if he might not make it in time for Silverstone, as he was confidently predicting when he visited Monza as a spectator. During his last training session Chili suffered intense pain in the area of his pelvic fracture, and new tests will have to be done to ascertain the cause.
“I was busy training when I started to feel pain in my groin area and I’m pretty sure it’s not muscular in origin. I’m feeling a bit depressed about this setback but I’m certainly not going to give up. I’m determined to get back into racing again as soon as possible but obviously I can’t afford to take any risks and rush into things.”
- So when will the final decision be made?

“I’d like to see how I feel in the saddle before I decide whether to race at Silverstone or not. The plan is to ask the organisers of the Italian GP Championship to let me do a few laps on the Friday. [The next race is scheduled for this coming weekend at Mugello - editor’s note.] Riding the bike is going to be the only way for me to know whether I’m physically up to it or not.”
- How did you feel about the fantastic reception you got from the fans at Monza?
“It brought tears to my eyes! What an amazing reception! That one lap by car brought back memories of eleven years of racing at Monza. My fans have always helped me achieve great results, and that’s why I’m so frustrated now by the fact I can’t perform for them. Their support is keeping me feeling young and confident all the same.”
- Certainly, very few riders have had the honour of being awarded a salame at the Ascari bend!
“Exactly! That fan had actually promised me a salame, and when I stopped he threw it over the fence to me. I’d love to get in touch with him because I’ve already finished it and it was delicious!