Both the San Carlo Honda Gresini and Gresini Racing Moto2 teams will race in the season-ending Valencia Grand Prix this weekend, just two weeks after the loss of leading rider Marco Simoncelli.
The team had previously stated it would attend the race to display Simoncelli's no.58 Honda in the garage but its participation in the race itself was in some doubt. But Team Manager Fausto Gresini announced today that Hiroshi Aoyama will fly the flag in the MotoGP class while Yuki Takahashi and Michele Pirro will continue in Moto2.
Gresini believes Simoncelli would've wanted the team to carry on and hopes his riders can pay the perfect tribute to him with their performances this weekend.
“The decision to take part has not been easy but we wanted to follow the intentions of Marco. Taking to the track in Valencia is definitely the best way to honour what he loved to do, race and live in this world of MotoGP. So I think the most significant demonstration of affection that we can give to Marco is with our team and our riders on the circuit. With “Super Sic” in their hearts, Hiroshi Aoyama, Yuki Takahashi and Michele Pirro will, I'm sure, do their best on the track to honour Marco.”