MotoGP Media Manager Friné Velilla is used to setting up media for the riders and team personnel, but what happens when she is the subject of the interview? Well, just to show you, what started as a 10-minute sit-down, turned into a 20-minute passion project.
I can tell by the shine in her eyes and her extensive responses, Friné still loves her job and she’s no signs of slowing down any time soon. Enjoy my time with Friné Velilla.
A Conversation with Friné Velilla
BT: Friné Velilla, what is your job title?
Friné: I’m the MotoGP Media Manager at Dorna Sports, which is the company that holds the rights to organize MotoGP.
BT: How did you get involved with MotoGP?
Friné: I got involved with the company as a translator at the Barcelona circuit while I was still at university and I saw the people from MotoGP and Formula One lead such interesting lives of travel from week to week, that I applied to translate for the Spanish website at that time.
BT: Do you have an interest in motorcycles?
Friné: The truth is… not really, I like the people in the racing. I like the human side of racing, I don’t know anything about the technical aspects. It’s the human side that appeals to me. I’m the first point of contact for media and I love that. I like helping people.
BT: How many languages do you speak?
Friné: Fluently? I know Catalan, which is my mother language. I speak Spanish, English, Italian, French, a little bit of Portuguese, German… And a tiny bit of Japanese, which I started learning three years ago.
BT: How long have you been working for Dorna?
Friné: 21 years this summer. And I still have the same passion for the job. Because every race is different and things are constantly changing I have to learn something new all the time.
BT: What part of the job do you like the least?
Friné: The packing for leaving for a race and the Sundays when I have to pack and leave. Also missing out on everyday life things… Like birthdays and weddings and things like that.
Friné blushes at questions about relationships…
Friné: You have to remember (laughing), I’ve been with the company for twenty years, so I’ve been through all phases. Being single. Being married. Being divorced. Having a relationship with someone outside the paddock. Being in a relationship with someone in the paddock. I’ve been through it all. The best is being in a relationship with someone in the paddock, because they understand what you do and that it’s a job. We’re
not partying all the time.
BT: On race weekends, what time does your workday start and end?
Friné: We usually get up at 6:30 am. At the track by 8:30. We’re Spanish so we eat dinner late. Which means we’re never in bed before midnight!
As the questions flew fast and furious, I could see in Friné’s eyes that she really enjoys her job with a passion.
BT: How do you get Americans fully onboard with MotoGP?
Friné: Simple. Just watch the TV. If you have a short attention span, watch the Tissot Sprint Race. It has everything!
Friné Velilla is immersed in her occupation, but when asked what would she be doing if it wasn’t for MotoGP and how long does she see herself with the company? She replied with a laugh, “For as long as they can stand me. But if I wasn’t doing this, something in the tourism industry. Because I love to travel… And maybe a nonprofit!”
BT: How do you want to be remembered?
Friné: Just as someone who was helpful and passionate about their job!
If you are lucky enough to witness Friné Velilla working a MotoGP weekend and see the passion this woman has for her occupation, you will know what labor of love, truly means. After spending time and having a conversation with Friné, I’m certain of three things in life: Death, Taxes… and Friné working in MotoGP.
Thank you Friné Velilla for your time. I can speak for myself and my Editor, we and the MotoGP paddock are lucky to have you.
Images: Anthony Watt
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