We are all tired of talking about a pandemic and hearing the news of the cancellation of this or that event. And we really missed interviews with the main characters of the world of retro cars. And since 2021 keeps being unusual, we decided to keep up and declare it the Year of the Family for our project. So, in the «Interview» section, we are ready to introduce you to the husbands, wives, brothers, sisters and parents of those who once became its guests. And we will start with the faithful companion of Giovanni Moceri, both on the road and in life, Valeria Dichembre. Please, show your love and affection!
-When you met Giovanni, was he already interested in classic cars or has it happened later?
-I met Giovanni, my husband, about 11 years ago. He was already a regularity champion and passionate about this automotive discipline since his adolescence.
-Did he actually «pull» you into the world of retro-rallies or there is someone in your family who is fond of it?
-My husband is the only person who has managed to involve me in the sport. I would never have thought of classic cars, let alone becoming a fan of them.
-Have you ever thought of taking part in Mille Miglia yourself? Would it be a united duo with your spouse or would you like to compete him?
-I think it is the dream of all regularity enthusiasts to participate in the Mille Miglia, undoubtedly the most prestigious event. I admit that I also would like to participate at least once in my life with my husband, to take part in this wonderful “Traveling Museum” and why not, be the first Sicilian co-pilot to win it!
-What is more difficult: following Giovanni while he is at the wheel or taking part alongside with him?
-Being the co-pilot to Giovanni is certainly no small thing; you must be calm, concentrated, maintain a certain balance inside the cockpit, read the roadbook correctly, make no mistake in giving directions and do not make gestures that can distract the driver in the crucial moment of time control sections or the passage on the pressure switch. But he manages to make me feel indispensable; this serves to give me the right energy so that we can create the right synergy to make us face the entire race in the best possible way.
-What is your attitude to the rallies for women only? Do you support the idea that women and men have equal chances to win races if they have the understanding of automobiles, a competitive car and a good partner?
-I believe that women and men, regardless in life as in sport, must have the same opportunities. I know women who, even in our discipline, are competent and competitive at the wheel, as much if not more than a man!
-Do you remember your feelings after your first victory? Which competition was it?
-My first victory, as first place overall with Giovanni, dates back to 2012. Getting on the podium is always exciting, doing it with your life partner, I think it is even more so.
-How many common awards are there in your collection?
-The prizes in common are not many, about twenty or a little less. However, I am linked to each of them because each characterizes a different moment of union and sharing not only with my husband, but with many friends who are passionate about the world of regularity.
-Is it difficult to be the co-pilot for your husband, considering the different number of rallies per season for each of you?
-I think being a co-pilot to my husband is challenging, not difficult, at least for me! I think it is a great opportunity for growth from a sporting point of view and a moment in which we can spend time together and escape from the daily routine. We have three daughters and being a co-driver at home is certainly more difficult than participating in a regularity race with him.
-Have you ever told Giovanni that he spends too much time on cars which interferes with his main occupation?
-Giovanni dedicates the right time to vintage motoring. At home he is a very present husband and father, at work an exceptional professional, so it is my duty to let him free to devote himself to this passion of his, even if it is not the only sport he practices.
-What is your attitude to the interest of the media towards the personality of your husband?
-My husband, I would not want to take anything away from anyone, I think he is one of the greatest Italian regularity drivers and for the interest that the media have in him, I really think I am not the only one to think so. He is not a champion because he has won the most prestigious events, but because, despite the lack of training as he is overwhelmed by work and family, he is able to sit in any pre-war, classic, modern car, managing to integrate perfectly with the car that welcomes him. In the best way, with elegance, reaching goals that for others are always only the result of a lot of training and only with their own car. I think it is in this genius performance that he manages to get every time on different cars, even from the museum.
-Do your daughters feel like following your footsteps and also try their hand at retro-rallies in the future?
-My daughters love vintage cars, I’m pretty sure you’ll see the Moceri-Moceri duo in a few years.
-What do your parents think of you taking part in rallies so often? Do they worry about you?
-My parents are very happy with our passion and proud of the results achieved. They often help us with the girls when we participate in regularity races around Italy.