Marco Simoncelli was back amongst the frontrunners in MotoGP today, lapping fourth fastest in free practice at Valencia. The Team San Carlo Honda Gresini rider confirmed his recent good form following his fourth place finish in Portugal five days ago, lapping second fastest in the closing stages of this afternoon’s second session before dropping two places at the end. Marco Melandri also found some confidence with his Honda and was able to lap eighth fastest as he looks to leave the team and MotoGP on a high.
Marco Simoncelli (4th 1´33” 468) “Since Motegi we have made continual progress and especially over the last two rounds I have been able to lift myself up the standings. In Portugal we were fighting for the podium and here in Valencia we are fighting for top positions, even though Lorenzo has seven tenths over us. The important thing is that I have gained confidence with the bike and even though the tracks are different the feeling is the same and we’re fast. Now we hope to reap the fruit of our hard work this weekend and especially next year. I have had some good races at Valencia since my days in the 125 class, when I fought with Stoner and Barbera for the win. I would love to be fighting with Stoner again in my first year here on a MotoGP bike. Our objective is the podium and that is what we are working for.”
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Marco Melandri (8th 1´33” 568 ) “For the first time I have found a better feeling for the bike, more confidence with the tyres and I was able to ride with conviction. I am still struggling a little under acceleration because the power delivery is not consistent and it performs differently from lap to lap. We have improved it a little bit though and I think we’re in shape to have a decent race. I hope I can do it because I would like to leave everybody with one final good memory of me before I leave.”
Fausto Gresini “We are really happy to see Simoncelli continue his good run of form. “Super Sic” was super again here at Valencia in the first couple of sessions and the team is working well, to the delight of Honda and obviously ourselves. We need to keep this up to improve again tomorrow and reap the fruit of all our hard work. Melandri also did quite well today, unlike recent races, even though I am sure he would like to be doing much better on a bike that was more to his liking. My hope is that he can take another step tomorrow and have a good race. I would be delighted if he can because I want to see him happy in his last race with us.”
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