Team San Carlo Honda Gresini rider Marco Simoncelli was the star of the show again today at Estoril, dominating qualifying practice until an unfortunate crash on his final flying lap deprived him of his first ever pole position in MotoGP. ‘Super Sic’ was on top of the time sheets throughout the session with an impressive performance, showing his superiority particularly in the final two sectors of the track. However there is every possibility that he can make up for his disappointment in the race, especially if he can resolve a small problem with the front end. It was also a positive qualifying performance from Hiroshi Aoyama, who showed impressive race pace despite not finishing exactly where he would like on the grid.
Marco Simoncelli (2nd 1’37.294) “There’s a bit of disappointment and there’s no use hiding it because after dominating the two sessions yesterday and then this afternoon the pole position was in my hands. Unfortunately I made a little mistake which prevented me from improving my fastest lap. Anyway, turning our attention to the race I have to be happy because my race pace is quick and I am confident with the bike even though we have a little problem with the front. The front tyre available to us is a little soft for us and moves around a lot so maybe a harder option would have been better. We have improved the grip on the rear so I think tomorrow we can be fighting for the win if not the podium. To be annoyed at not being on pole position is not a bad thing. Tomorrow will be a tough race but I’m ready to fight and give my all. ”
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Hiroshi Aoyama (11th 1’38.497) ”The track conditions were really difficult with a lot of humidity out there and it was hard to stay on line. Anyway, I found a good set-up and I was quite confident with the tyres – definitely better than yesterday. We still have a few small problems but we will analyse the data and try to solve them. I could have ended up with a better position but but unfortunately I made a little mistake that cost me a good lap time and a higher placing on the grid.”
Fausto Gresini “We have had two fantastic days here so far and now we just have the race to go. Marco has been strong throughout and showed his progress once again. Everybody is really enthusiastic and the only downside today was the crash that prevented him from improving his time and I’m sure from setting pole position. Anyway, it’s all part of the game and the important thing is that we know he can have a good race tomorrow and be fighting for the win. Our moment to believe has come. Everything is in place for us to take a major role in the championship.”
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