Today Morganti is an official driver for: IGT8, RCtarget, Novarossi, Matrix, Capricorn, Xtreme Aero, Maxima MX, JZ Racing, Ko Propo, Avid RC and Tesla.
We sent him a few questions about how he lived the Worlds, what it means for him and for the IGT8 chassis:
PuntoRacing: How does it feel to be 1/8 GT World Champion? Paolo: It feels very good. It is an indescribable personal satisfaction.Puntoracing: Recio did not give you a break until the end — did you ever feel the title could slip away? Paolo : Recio is an excellent driver with a lot of experience and a 1/8 on-road Worlds finalist. We had a strategy and executed it to the letter. What mattered was not how much gap we could build on second, but finishing first.
PuntoRacing: When we race we sometimes worry about a breakdown mid-race — did you have any fear during the final? Paolo : I had no doubt, because we did extensive reliability testing and the fact that the first three cars were IGT8 shows it. However, in other Worlds semis and finals I have suffered unexpected failures that never allowed the expected result, so until you cross the finish line there is always a small fear.
PuntoRacing: Do you think your chassis (IGT8) is today the most competitive car for our category, and what sets it apart from other brands? Or is it more setup, driver and mechanics? Paolo: Obviously I am biased, but the results speak for themselves. At this Worlds we won everything: pole, super pole, fastest lap, full podium and victory. We have had the same results around the world this year, building an impressive résumé in a short time. The driver is always important, but if the car does not work you cannot perform magic. I think the dedication and commitment we have to the category has allowed us to evolve to the point where we are the reference right now.
PuntoRacing: What do you think of the Santana brothers' role at this Worlds? Paolo: They had an excellent Worlds, they are at a very high level and I am sure they will be tough to beat in upcoming events.
PuntoRacing: You work hand in hand with Rino Lino on IGT8 development — do you think aspects of the car can still be improved? Any evolution expected in the coming months? Paolo: Yes, we work together and constantly test to find new solutions in performance, durability and reliability. As in any activity, getting good results is hard, but staying on top is even harder. So we keep working to try to stay there.
PuntoRacing: The IGT8 is very widespread in South America and you are trying to introduce it in Asian and European markets. Do you think the Worlds results will noticeably help get cars running in Spain or Italy? Paolo: I hope so and that the category keeps growing in markets where it is currently weaker.
PuntoRacing: Since 1/8 GT started you have been there fighting — first with Serpent if I remember correctly and now with the IGT8. What future do you see for the category worldwide? Can it reach the same level as 1/8 TT, 1/8 gas on-road and 1/10 touring gas? Paolo: I don't know the category's real potential. In my opinion, the only way to bring new people to on-road RC is with GT, because it lets you learn to drive without worrying about breaking the car, and then eventually move to 1/10 and 1/8 on-road. We have seen this in several American countries and in the United States. With more brands involved, manufacturers seem to be betting on this. Only the future will tell if we were right.
Thanks Paolo for sharing time with the Spanish GT community!
Alberto Ibáñez