Tommaso's NMA Experience
Based in Italy, Tommaso Gatti has long been passionate about motorsport and is now taking the next step towards turning that passion into a career. Determined to gain a deeper understanding of the industry, he enrolled on the National Motorsport Academy’s MA Business of Motorsport to develop the commercial knowledge and practical insight needed to succeed.
Studying alongside his existing commitments, Tommaso is expanding his understanding of the business side of motorsport, from the commercial and strategic aspects of the industry to the opportunities that exist beyond the race track. The flexibility of online learning has allowed him to work towards his ambitions while continuing to build his experience.
Now focused on breaking into the motorsport industry, Tommaso is using his studies to lay the foundations for an exciting future in one of the world’s most competitive and dynamic sectors.
Read on to learn more about Tommaso’s background, his experience studying with the National Motorsport Academy, and where he hopes his journey in motorsport will take him next.
Can you tell us a little about yourself and your background?
My name is Tommaso Gatti, I am 24 years old and I am from Como.
Regarding my academic background, I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Management with a specialization in Sport and Event Management from LIUC University.
However, my passion for sport started long before that: for over 12 years, I was a semi-professional rower with the sole goal of turning my passion into my career. Unfortunately, a serious shoulder injury forced me to quit after five years of attempts and rehabilitation. This experience, however, taught me a lot about myself and my approach to everything I do. For this reason, I have chosen to pursue another passion of mine: racing and the motorsport industry.
My goal is to combine my practical experience as an athlete with the specific skills that make this sector economically sustainable, such as sponsorships and partnerships.
Beyond my studies, I am actively dedicated to competitive sim racing, which represents a way for me to compete with others and experience a passion that—without the budget to race in real-world motorsport—would otherwise be difficult to access.
In this context, the National Motorsport Academy is the bridge that allows me to connect my athletic side with the experience and skills needed to stand out in motorsport, both from a business perspective and for my own personal ambitions.
Growing up in Italy, what first sparked your interest in motorsport?
My passion for motorsport started when I was 6 years old, the first time I watched a MotoGP race on television on a Sunday. From that moment on, especially as I grew up, I followed every weekend from free practice to the race of all three classes of the MotoGP World Championship − which means roughly 18 years of races watched ahah.
I also follow Formula 1, the WEC, and the WRC, although with less regularity
As I mentioned before, my passion is also, and above all, driving on track. In fact, in addition to the simulator, I have tried a Legend Car a few times (something I want to repeat as soon as possible), competed in some rental kart races, and done some track sessions on pit bikes.
What is it about motorsport that continues to excite and inspire you today?
What truly excites me about motorsport is the constant search for the limit—both the rider’s and the machine’s—until they become one. When this happens, especially in motorcycle racing, it is truly inspiring.
Having grown up as an athlete since 2011, I have always looked to Marc Márquez as a personal and sporting benchmark. For me, what these riders achieve on their bikes is simply on another level. That fusion of human performance and mechanical precision is what continues to drive my passion and inspires me every day.
Why did you decide to study the MA Business of Motorsport?
After completing my undergraduate degree in Italy, I wanted to find a path that would allow me to explore the dynamics of motorsport from a business perspective.
After researching my options, I found that the available choices were quite limited, and in my opinion, this programme was by far the best.
It offered the opportunity to explore various areas while simultaneously integrating the knowledge I had already gained during my Bachelor’s degree.
What areas of the course have you found most interesting or valuable so far?
Having just completed Module 7, I can say that the course is highly engaging. It provides a solid theoretical and research foundation on the industry while simultaneously requiring me to conduct independent research to expand my knowledge and, above all, my critical thinking. I truly appreciate this approach, which, in my opinion, represents the main difference compared to the Italian academic system where I previously studied.
That said, among the topics I found most compelling and valuable, I would certainly highlight the areas related to sponsorship and media relations in elite motorsport, the commercial models of the industry, and the role of change management in applying these strategic aspects to individual organizations
How have you balanced your studies alongside your other commitments and professional interests?
As a full-time student, I have been able to dedicate the necessary time to fully understand and complete the various course activities to the best of my ability. Furthermore, I must say that the workload is well-balanced; it is demanding enough to be challenging, yet it allows me the flexibility to pursue and enjoy my other passions and commitments
Have you been involved in any motorsport-related projects, roles or experiences whilst studying?
For the moment, I have not yet had the opportunity to be involved in motorsport projects on the business side.
However, I plan to leverage Module 8 to connect with teams in my area and explore the possibility of supporting them with my research
How has studying the Business of Motorsport programme influenced your understanding of the industry?
This programme has taught me to ask questions and challenge what I see to truly understand what is around me, which is definitely the most important takeaway for me, regardless of motorsport itself.
Naturally, applying this to the industry has allowed me to better comprehend the dynamics and roles that the different areas of motorsport play within the ecosystem.
What has your experience of online learning with the NMA been like, and what advice would you give to prospective students considering the course?
My experience has been very positive overall.
The tutors and the entire staff have always been extremely helpful and available to clarify any doubts or concerns, which is something that shouldn’t be taken for granted in distance learning.
Furthermore, I believe the flexibility offered by this teaching method is excellent, especially for those who are already juggling other jobs or commitments, but also for those, like me, who are dedicating themselves full-time to their studies.
The only downside to distance learning is the challenge of maintaining motivation and discipline to study even when, inevitably, you don’t feel like it. For me, the only real drawback is being at home all the time, as it lacks the social aspect of in-person learning and the ability to connect with peers.
However, as noted, this is a common characteristic of all universities that adopt a distance learning model.
Looking ahead, where do you see yourself in the future, and what are your ambitions within the motorsport industry?
Looking ahead, my ambition is to put into practice everything I have learned during this programme, specifically focusing on the field of sports sponsorship and the way it generates value for both the motorsport property and the sponsoring brand.
A big thank you to Tommaso for sharing his student experience with us!
