If it wasn't for a less than perfect start Simoncelli might even have been battling for a podium finish, but fourth place felt like one to him and his legion of fans after coming through such a combative finish.
A series of mistakes from Hiroshi Aoyama limited the Japanese rider to eleventh place, although it has been a satisfactory weekend for him overall.
Marco Simoncelli:
“A podium finish is always more satisfying than fourth place of course, but this result feels just as nice because it was such a close and hard fight at the end. Unfortunately I made a mistake and chose the wrong engine map at the start which made me lose touch with the front three, otherwise I maybe could have run with them. I had to make up ground and when I got to fourth place I defended it tooth and nail to win a wonderful battle with Dovizioso and Spies on the last lap. I held fourth for 23 laps and I couldn't let myself lose it at the end. It was nice, I had fun and I think I provided some excitement for my fans. They deserve it because they have backed me through some tough times.”
Hiroshi Aoyama:
“I didn't have a good feeling this morning but in the afternoon things went much better. That was a really tough race and with the heat it felt like we were in Malaysia. I am not delighted with the result but I’m happy that we set some good consistent laps during the race that can give us confidence for the future. Unfortunately on lap eleven I made a mistake that cost me some time but overall we have had another positive weekend and that will help us in the final few races.”
San Carlo Honda Gresini press release.
