Locatelli wants 'to close the gap to front guys, win races' in 2022

Pata Yamaha rider Andrea Locatelli is aiming to take another step forward in 2022, to the tune of winning WorldSBK races.

The 2021 rookie sensation finished last season fourth after a late charge saw him overhaul fellow Italian Michael Rinaldi, but with the former WorldSSP champion now entering year #2, it should come as no surprise that expectations are significantly greater for the former Moto2 rider.   

Locatelli, who was fifth fastest during last week’s two day Portimao test, still feels improvements need to be made in order to consistently battle at the front however: "For sure, I’m a little bit more ready, I’m a little bit more experienced," Locatelli told WorldSBK.com. 

"I can try to pick up a little bit more my level. For sure, it is not easy. We will see during the next test because we arrived here and started in a good way. 

"We have a lot of things to improve; me on the bike and also on the bike itself, but for sure, we will try to arrive ready for the first race because it’s important to start with the minimum (result) of the last race in Indonesia. 

"Step-by-step I’m looking to close the gap to the front group and try to win races."

With all signs pointing to Locatelli being a clear podium threat throughout 2022, the Italian rider could also play a pivotal role in helping team-mate Toprak Razgatlioglu win a second consecutive title, should he be able to take points away from the likes of Jonathan Rea and Alvaro Bautista. 

In terms of the gap between himself and Razgatlioglu, Portimao suggested Locatelli still had considerable time to find as a 1.1s gap separated the two on the final day, albeit that margin was much less during day one, as was the case last season.  

Locatelli continued: "We exited at the same time but with different tyres. I tried to follow him today, but it was impossible [laughs]. He was really fast. 

"For now I don’t want to be crazy because we have a lot of work to do and it’s important to stay calm, improve on the bike. But for sure, Toprak started really fast but he is also world champion."