Marco Simoncelli’s second crash of the weekend cost him valuable time and confidence in qualifying practice for the Grand Prix of Japan at Motegi this afternoon, as well as the opportunity to make two outings on soft tyres. However, the sixth fastest time overall is enough for a second row start tomorrow and after showing good race pace ‘Super Sic’ remains optimistic about tomorrow. Hiroshi Aoyama was hoping for better than eleventh place but once again the Japanese rider struggled for a one-off flying lap and is relying on his race pace to help him make up positions tomorrow.
Marco Simoncelli (6th 1’46.211): “I was going quite well up to the crash but unfortunately I made a little mistake in turn five, hit a bump and crashed, which compromised the second half of the session. I struggled a little for confidence when I went back out and only got to use one soft tyre. Without that I could have maybe been fighting for the front row but in any case I am happy because I have good race pace and hopefully tomorrow I can be fighting for the podium.”
Click Here to Read More
MotoGP: Casey Stoner Storms to Pole at Motegi
MotoGP: Japanese Grand Prix - Race Line Up
Hiroshi Aoyama (11th 1’46.811): ”The final position is not particularly pleasing but my feeling with the bike is good and so is my race pace so I am confident for tomorrow. I will try to start as well as possible and make up as many positions as I can. The weather could change tomorrow and the track temperature will definitely be lower so we might have to change the set-up but we have a clear idea which direction to take. I want to have a good race in my home Grand Prix and give my fans a positive result.”
Fausto Gresini: “It wasn’t easy today because a second crash for the weekend cost us time and made life a little difficult. Anyway, Marco is happy with the bike it is just that whenever you crash you always lose confidence. He did well to stay on the second row and his race pace suggests he can have a good day tomorrow, especially if we can help him out a little in warm-up. Aoyama didn’t do badly and his position probably doesn’t represent his potential so with his race pace and this being his home Grand Prix I think he can do well. ”
| 
|