There was a large amount of traditional pizza in the making on Thursday as World Championship racers Toni Elías, Simone Corsi, Scott Redding, Andrea Iannone and Bradley Smith all enjoyed a lesson about the processes of preparing the famous Italian meal at the Ristorante II Rustico in Scarperia, a short distance from where they will compete this weekend.

Moto2 Championship leader Elías, who holds an 18 point lead at the top of the rankings into the Gran Premio d’Italia TIM weekend, admits, “I thought it would be easier! It’s been difficult but good fun, and I tried my pizza after but I don’t think I’m such a good cook.”

The Spanish competitor is not getting preoccupied by his current rank, instead allowing each day to prepare for Sunday’s event. He adds, “I’ll take it step by step in practice and keep doing a good job with my team, and the target is to be ready for Sunday. We’ll try to be in a position to win, but if we can’t second or third is good – the most important thing is points.”

Fellow Moto2 rider Redding did not have more success with his pizza also. The Marc VDS Racing Team racer said, “The only thing I make is rice and pasta, so trying to make a pizza is very difficult! My job is with two wheels and not dough, so I think I’ll keep it that way!”

His goal is to strengthen his position on his 11th placed spot from Le Mans, the 17 year old says, “I just want to try and get a top-ten finish. Last time we were up and around the top ten and we were doing well. Every race we’re trying to progress a little bit more.”

Returning to a circuit where he was victorious last season, 125cc racer Bradley Smith’s cooking abilities did not arrive as easily as his racing skills. “The problem is that the chefs make it look far too easy! It was pretty tough but good fun, and I can see why these guys are so passionate about what they do,” he states.

Looking for a first stage appearance of the 2010 campaign this weekend, Smith adds, “Mugello has good memories for me. I won the race here last year and I’m pretty confident for this weekend.”