Sofia Rabino Interview

In Conversation with Andrea Sofia Rabino

Following in the footsteps of her family, Andrea Rabino became passionate about racing motorcycles from a young age and hasn’t looked back since. She took part in her first race when she was just eight years old and this year, is currently leading the Italian Motorcycle Championship.

We caught up recently to chat about this, one of her favorite racing stories to date, what it means to her to be a racing driver and much more.

I hope you enjoy our conversation.

What first got you interested in motorsport?

There wasn’t one specific thing that pushed me to practice this sport; I became passionate about it thanks to my dad and my older brothers who were already doing it.

Why did you want to compete on bikes, instead of a different form of racing?

I wanted to race motorcycles because ever since I started as a child, I immediately became passionate about this sport and wanted to keep going.

Tell me about your first racing experience.

I had my first racing experience when I was 8 years old. I was super excited but also nervous; however, I had a lot of fun, and that was another reason for me to keep going.

Talk me through what a normal race weekend looks like for you.

A typical race weekend for me goes like this: on Friday I arrive at the paddock, go through administrative control, do some training to test the bike, and then visit the race sections for Saturday and Sunday.

On Saturday, there’s the race, and at the end of it there’s a timed section called the “Power Section.” If you make it to the podium, there are interviews and then the awards ceremony.

Sunday is the same as Saturday. And during the days, there are autograph sessions.

Do you have a favourite racing related story from your career so far that you’d like to share?

One of my favorite racing memories happened during a very muddy competition a few years ago. It had rained a lot the night before, and the sections were incredibly slippery. At one point, I almost lost control of the bike on a steep climb, but somehow managed to stay on and finish the section clean.

Everyone, including the other riders, started cheering; it felt like a small victory inside the race. Moments like that remind me why I love this sport: it’s unpredictable, challenging, and full of adrenaline.

What has been the most difficult thing for you to overcome so far and how did you overcome it?

The hardest thing I’ve had to overcome so far has been the mental pressure during some important races. Sometimes you have really high expectations for yourself or feel the need to prove something at all costs.

In those moments, I learned how important it is to stay focused on myself, on enjoying what I do, and on my own journey without getting too distracted by what’s happening around me. Working on my mindset has been key, and it’s helped me grow both as a rider and as a person.

How is 2025 going for you so far?

2025 is going quite well for me. In the Italian championship, I’m in first place, while in the world championship, I’m second overall, and I finished second overall in the X-Trial.

What are your ambitions for the future?

My ambitions for the future are to win as many titles as possible in the Italian championship and to become world champion.

What does it mean to you to be a racing driver?

For me, being a rider means passion, dedication, and the constant desire to push beyond her limits. It’s a way to express herself, face challenges, and grow both as an athlete and as a person. Every race is an opportunity to improve and to show the hard work and commitment behind every achievement.

What is your favourite animal and why?

My favourite animal is the dog, because it’s a loyal companion, full of energy, and always ready to give affection. Just like in sports, a dog shows enthusiasm, loyalty, and a constant drive to take on challenges.

If you could learn one new skill (not motorsport related) what would it be and why?

If I could learn a new skill not related to motorsport, I would choose figure skating. I used to do it when I was a child and I’ve always loved it for its elegance, body control, and the discipline it requires. I would like to take it up again, even just for passion, because it’s a sport that combines strength, grace, and a lot of determination.

Thank you to Andrea for taking the time to chat and best of luck for the rest of 2025 and beyond!

Author: Thiemo Albers-Daly