On the ninth anniversary of Ángel Nieto's death, Fonsi Nieto spoke candidly about the moment that redefined his life and career. In an interview on Telecinco's Ya es verano, the former MotoGP rider described the pain of losing an uncle who was also the man he considered a second father. “Sometimes life tests you, and you ask yourself, how am I supposed to accept this now?” he said, recalling the shock after the traffic collision in Ibiza that claimed Ángel's life on 3 August 2017. Ángel was 70.
The loss sent ripples through Spanish motorsport, but for Fonsi it was deeply personal. From his earliest days on the track, Ángel was more than a mentor: he was a constant presence, guiding Fonsi through victories and setbacks alike. “He wasn’t an uncle; he was a father, a friend,” Fonsi reflected, describing a bond that went far beyond family ties. Ángel supported him especially during Fonsi's forced retirement after a serious crash in the United States that led to 14 surgeries.
Fonsi recalled how Ángel stood by him during his most difficult moments, encouraging him when he could no longer watch races on television. “He knew how hard it is to retire and always supported me,” he said. Even years later, people regularly stop Fonsi to share memories of his uncle. “There is no better reward than the affection of the people,” he said, moved by the public's continuing admiration for the “12+1.” The nickname reflected Ángel's 13 motorcycle world titles and his superstition about using the number 13.
The anniversary is a impressive date for the Nieto family. Ángel was its patriarch, a figure who held everyone together during hard times. Fonsi described his death as a “terrible blow,” made more painful by the doctors' grave prognosis after the accident. “Before he got worse, I would have preferred that he not remain with us,” Fonsi said, expressing the depth of his love and respect for Ángel. Ángel died at the Policlínica Nuestra Señora del Rosario in Ibiza, information from contemporary coverage by eldiariocantabria.es.
To keep his uncle's memory alive, Fonsi shares annual tributes on social media, posting phrases such as “Death does not exist; people only die when they are forgotten” and “If you can remember me, I will always be with you.” He has also found a place in motorcycling beyond his competitive career. Spanish sports daily AS has described him as a Pramac ambassador, with work that includes VIP rides on a Ducati two-seater and coaching in the Pramac Ducati garage. After Ángel's death, Fonsi rediscovered his passion for the sport and returned to the paddock with team owner Paolo Campinoti.
“I think of him all the time. He is very present, and when I have to make a decision about motorcycles, I tell him about it in my own way,” Fonsi explained. The story of Fonsi and Ángel is also about how grief can become a source of strength, a theme echoed by other MotoGP figures, such as Jorge Lorenzo, who has spoken about the personal sacrifices behind sporting success in his own reflections on family and discipline.
Ángel Nieto remains a central figure in Spanish motorsport history. His 13 world titles and charismatic presence inspired generations, while his “12+1” nickname became part of his public identity. For Fonsi, that legacy is both public and deeply private, a reminder that behind every champion stands a family, and behind every victory, a story of ability to recover and memory.
