Hiroshi Aoyama - Photo Credit: Gresini Racing
Hiroshi Aoyama admitted he didn't feel completely comfortable with the Honda RC212V in qualifying at Valencia after finishing down in 14th. The San Carlo Honda Gresini rider is desperate to perform well in his final MotoGP race to pay tribute to his late teammate Marco Simoncelli but knows he needs to improve his set-up in morning warm-up.
Qualifying today did not go well, we had a chatter problem and I couldn’t get confident with the bike or push it as I wanted. I hope to find a solution tomorrow to improve the situation and recover positions.”
Team Manager Fausto Gresini is hoping to see Aoyama say farewell to MotoGP with a good result and has backed his rider to move forward in the race.
“Aoyama’s performance today was unsatisfactory and he wasn’t able to find confidence with the bike or a good position on the grid. It is not the best way for him to sign off from MotoGP so we hope he can find a better feeling tomorrow and make up some positions.”
At 9:10am UK time tomorrow morning, the paddock will pay a final tribute to the late Marco Simoncelli. Riders from all three classes will complete a lap of the circuit, led by former 500cc World Champion Kevin Schwantz on Simoncelli's no.58 RC212V and a two minute firework display will follow.
