Covatti: I have no doubts about my abilities

In the upcoming SEC Challenge, Nicolas Covatti will compete as a wild card entry. He is one of the most successful Italian speedway riders of recent years. Covatti has won the Italian Individual Speedway Championship seven times and has also been crowned Argentina’s top speedway rider on five occasions.

You were born in Argentina. How did you end up in Italy?

- I came to Italy in 2010 to compete in a qualifying race for the World Championship in Terenzano. At first, I represented Argentina, but then, after obtaining Italian citizenship, I raced for Italy. My grandfather was Italian, who later moved to Argentina.

You are one of the few South American-born riders to have competed in the Polish league. What can you say about riding for KSM Krosno in 2012 and Stal Rzeszów in 2016?

- I had a few experience in polish league Unfortunately, I didn't have the opportunity to showcase my skills as a rider. I think I could have done much better in the Polish leagues.

As I mentioned, you raced in the league, however, mainly in the UK. Why didn't you really try anywhere else?

- For many years I raced in the British League, in various clubs, and even in the Danish League. But as I said, I didn't have the chance to show my full potential in Poland. I was a rider who qualified for a GP Challenge five times. There aren't many riders in the world who can qualify for a GP Challenge five times.

In 2014, you were one step away from qualifying for the World Championship at Lonigo. What are your memories of the 2014 GP Challenge?

- In 2014, I was only one lap away from becoming a permanent rider in the SGP. Unfortunately, that heat was stopped due to a crash. At the restart, I didn't get a good start, losing this valuable point and remaining just one step away from the SGP. In 2015 I was very competitive and could have won the semi-final qualifier in Terenzano with 14 points. Unfortunately, two weeks before the 2015 Rybnik challenge, I injured my wrist and arrived at the competition in terrible condition. After qualified again for 2016 GP challenge 2020 and 2023.

Did you ever consider retiring after your serious crash in Argentina in 2024?

- After my very serious injury in Argentina, I thought about it many times during my retirement. But my passion and my determination were stronger and I got back up and I'm sure I'll get back to being at a good level.

How would you rate the level of Italian speedway?

- At moment the level in Italy is not the best. But we tried to help some new guys and probably in few years we see more good Italian talents.

Lonigo, along with Terenzano, are the most important speedway centers, hosting competitions. Recently, races were also held at Badia Calavena and Giavera del Montello. Do you have any other tracks for training besides these two locations?

- At moment only Lonigo and Terenzano tracks Is possible to ride and practice.

It's 2026. Almost 12 years have passed since your incredible performance at Lonigo which me mentioned. Do you think the older and more experienced Nicolas Covatti has a chance to shake things up in the SEC Challenge?

- I'm very relaxed about it. I'm almost 38 years old. I have nothing left to show. Right now, speedway is just fun for me. But I know perfectly well that I can have a good race; I've already had the chance to beat all the riders who will be there on Saturday in the past. I know the track well, it will definitely be tough, but I have no doubts about my abilities.