After a strong performance at Motegi, where he managed to finish fourth despite a ride- through penalty, Team San Carlo Honda Gresini rider Marco Simoncelli heads to Australia in high spirits.
In recent races, Simoncelli has discovered the consistency that he was missing at the start of the season and the Italian is ready to finish his campaign in style. The Australian circuit is a favourite of his, having won there in 2008 and 2009 onboard a 250cc. Simoncelli also qualified in fourth place in MotoGP last season in Australia.
Hiroshi Aoyama had a disappointing home race at Motegi, suffering grip problems in the race that prevented him from his exploiting his full potential. The Japanese rider is hoping for a turnaround in fortunes this weekend.
Marco Simoncelli:
“After a bittersweet Grand Prix at Motegi, I had the opportunity to test the RC213V, the bike I will be riding in Team San Carlo Honda Gresini colours next year. It was an amazing experience - 50 laps of pure adrenaline. The bike is so much fun and it keeps pulling in fifth and sixth gear. I gave some feedback to the HRC engineers that will hopefully be taken into consideration before the next test at Valencia. Before travelling down to Phillip Island I have had a short break in the Philippines, which gave me the opportunity to relax. Now I am feeling motivated and ready to fight again at Phillip Island. At Motegi I was able to see once again, that I can fight with the guys at the front and at a circuit where I won 250cc races in 2008 and 2009, I want to show it again. I was lacking some race consistency but we have addressed that and if it wasn't for the jump start at Motegi I would have been fighting for the podium, so that is something I want to make up for at Phillip Island.”
Hiroshi Aoyama:
”I really wanted to score a positive result at my home Grand Prix but I didn't manage it. We had some grip problems that prevented me from being consistent in the race, which was a real shame in front of my home fans. Now we go to Phillip Island, a circuit I love as long as the weather isn't too cold. If the conditions are good I enjoy riding there and I particularly like the atmosphere in Australia. I am desperate to have a full Grand Prix weekend where I show my true potential and hopefully along with the team, we can create the right conditions to achieve it. We only have three races left so that is all the motivation we need.”
Press release courtesy of San Carlo Honda Gresini
