In Conversation with Nicoletta Deidda

Guest blog by Thiemo Albers-Daly

Nicoletta Diedda is an Italian Rally Co-Driver who’s been racing for just over a decade now. We caught up recently to chat about her decade of experience, how she got started, how and why she came to work with fellow Italian Racer Silvia Franchini for the 2023 season, her ambitions for the future and more!

I hope you enjoy our conversation.

What first got you interested in Motorsport?

Well, already living in Sardinia, and above all in my area, where the Rally is at home, I can say that it overwhelmed me right away!

The parking lot next to my school hosted the Service park for various races, such as the “Rally Costa Smeralda”, and I escaped from school for each race.

Then in 2011, there was the leap. With the purchase of my utility car, the “Yellow” DS3, I started organizing a rally in the area by creating a club called the “DS3 Sardinia” Club.

The Club has become known all over the world with the rallies organized within the “Rally d’Italia Sardegna” since 2012. From there, I met many people passionate about motorsport including Driver and CoDriver.

Why did you want to become a Rally Co-Driver?

In 2013 I started racing as a Co-Driver.

I didn’t know anything about this important role but I was lucky because I had teachers who taught me the basics and then I started practicing. With each race you learn and improve more and more. In this sport, you never stop learning.

Tell me about your first racing experience.

My first ever race was in March 2013 at the “Ronde Terra Sarda” with Fabio Modde and his “ALCU DI FOCU” (Opel Astra GSI).

I had a lot of fun, even if we retired due to a mechanical problem. This race will always remain in my heart.

How is it working with Silvia Franchini and when did you two meet?

With Silvia, we started the races of the Zone Rally Cup Championship (CRZ) on Zone 7.

There are 4 races scheduled and hopefully, we can reach the final with the 5th race in Cassino.

Silvia and I have been following each other on social networks for a few years.

Then we also have in common the participation in the “Rally Italia Talent”, a format created for those who dream of becoming a Driver or Co-Driver. We both participated in the Talent in 2014, she as a Driver and I as a Co-Driver.

In January, she contacted me to explain the project and ask me if I wanted to be part of this beautiful adventure. I accepted!

The intent is to gain experience together with an all-pink crew.

Who would you love to drive with/team up with in the future?

I have a big dream, that of racing with Gigi Galli in a race that he runs here on the island. One day I’ll be able to convince him to put me in a seat in his Kia Rio RX.

Ah, Ah, Ah!

Other than that, I would also like to go back to left seat jumps as a driver sometime.

How is 2023 going for you so far and what are your ambitions for the rest of 2023?

I started 2023 with a race I’ve always dreamed of. This year my dream has come true, the 1st Rally of Sulcis-Iglesiente is racing, passing through the center of my home town SAN GIOVANNI SUERGIU. I thank the organization for this. I also thank the Municipality of San Giovanni Suergiu, the entire municipal administration, “IS MASSAIUS SUERXINUS” and the ProLoco of San Giovanni Suergiu because on Friday (Reconnaissance Day) they organized a splendid party in the square.

This is how I celebrated my first 10 years of racing and motorsport.

For the rest of 2023 I will continue with Silvia for the “CRZ” and whoever will want me by her side on the Sardinian races.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

Good question, where do I see myself in 5 years!. Mh! Well, I always hope to keep racing, as it has always been my dream. Then I hope to always do what I like both in my hobby and in my work. I will keep dreaming and never give up!

If you could race in any rally in any car, what would you choose?

A small secret dream of mine is to race in the “Rally d’Italia Sardegna”, perhaps on a Hyundai i20 Coupè WRC. Even if it will remain a dream closed in the drawer for now.

What is the last book you read?

The Last Book? What kind of question is it? Ah Ah Ah!

All right, so I’ve read a book related to the world of car innovation.

The book is by “Mario Grosso” entitled “The latest petrol car, sustainable mobility for the 21st century”.

A very interesting book also for my work. I work in a car dealership and the future focuses on electricity and environmental sustainability.

Another book that I’m starting to read concerns the “Content Creator”.

The book is by “Angelica Siciliani Fendi” (on Instagram @angietutorials) and is titled “Created To Create, everyone can be a creator with the right tools”.

The book is very interesting for those who, like me, love creating content for social networks, and here you will find many useful tips for both Tik Tok and Instagram.

Social media is always constantly updated and I don’t want to fall behind.

I will always continue to study to keep up with the news, both in terms of Marketing and Social Media.

Would you rather talk to animals or speak every language?

I don’t know if I understood the question correctly or my translator isn’t working but I would tell you that I 100% prefer talking to Animals.

They are man’s best friend and surely if I could talk to them I would know how to help them especially when they are sick – I recently lost my little dog Beppe.

Surely they would be really good friends and they would also know how to cheer you up when you need it.

I’ve always thought that animals are better than some people. They have the power, even without the word, to make you feel good.