Domi Pekkanen (Moto4 Northern Cup): "I can fight for the title"

The 2026 season of the Moto4 Northern Cup (formerly known as Northern Talent Cup) started in April with an exciting race weekend in Assen. On the Dutch track, one of the most interesting performances came from Domi Pekkanen, as he fought for the podium in both races despite starting 23rd and 22nd.

Starting his second season in the series, Pekkanen aims for great results and is making his way into motorcycle racing under the guidance of his father. The Finn, in fact, is the son of Pauli Pekkanen, who raced many years in Finland and in the British Superbike championship, plus a few starts in the Superstock 1000 FIM Cup and in the Supersport World Championship.

Palmen in Motorradsport had the chance to interview Domi Pekkanen to talk about 2026, and especially to know more about him and his story.

Domi, how was the start of the season in Assen?

The qualifying was a little bit tough for me. I got a really good pace and qualified second, but my time was cancelled (he was disqualified due to being below the minimum weight, ed), so I had to start in the back. The races were really difficult, but I made it to 4th place in Race 1 and 6th place in Race 2. I did many overtakes and I'm happy with my pace.

What are your goals for 2026?

My goals are to learn as much as I can and, of course, to win the championship. I had the same pace in the race as the leaders, so I think I can win, even if it's very hard.

How have you changed compared to the first year?

My riding style is a little different and I trained hard in the gym and also in Spain. Riding with some Spanish riders was very helpful, because I learned to be a bit more aggressive.

Let's now look back at the start of your career. How did your racing career begin?

My dad raced 20 years in Finland and in Great Britain. One day he asked me if I wanted to try, and then we went to a karting track. I tried it and it was really fun, so we started racing more seriously. My first season was in 2016, with pocket bikes, and I remember that I managed to finish second already in my first race. My dad saw potential in me and since then I have become step by step a better rider.

How was your path towards the Moto4 Northern Cup?

I was riding in Finland, in the Moto5 class. Then, in 2024, I went to race in Spain one weekend, in the MIR Racing Cup (now owned by Jorge "Aspar" Martínez, ed) and there I was already in the top group. In the first race I was sixth and in the second race I was tenth. Considering that I didn't know the track (Jerez, ed) and the bike was different as well, it didn't go bad at all.

And what's your goal for the future?

I want to go to MotoGP or WorldSBK.

Who is your favourite rider?

Valentino Rossi: I race with n. 46 in his honour. And my favourite Finnish rider is Rico Salmela.

Do you know Rico Salmela in person?

I know him really well. We raced together on pocket bikes in Finland, and during this year I have already ridden with him a couple of times, in Spain. I am also in touch with him and he gives me good advice to improve.

What's the main piece of advice you have got from Rico Salmela?

Maybe, the most important one is to focus on riding on my own, without following other riders too often.

And, outside racing, do you like also other sports?

I like to practice skiing, golf and running, and the only series I watch are MotoGP and WorldSBK.

In conclusion, do you want to say thank you to anyone in particular?

My sponsors and my team. And of course my family, who are also my team.

Palmen in Motorradsport is grateful to Domi Pekkanen for his time and Pauli Pekkanen for making the interview possible. Best wishes to Domi and his team for the next races and seasons.