Simoncelli (c) and Bautista (r) together on the podium in the 2008 250cc race - Photo Credit: MotoGP.com
Alvaro Bautista has promised to dedicate his result in this weekend's Valencia Grand Prix to his long-time rival Marco Simoncelli as MotoGP prepares for its first race since the tragic death of the Italian.
Bautista and Simoncelli have enjoyed many a battle over the years, particularly in 2008 when Simoncelli pipped the Spaniard to the 250cc title and the Rizla Suzuki rider will draw on those memories for inspiration this weekend.
Despite their future remaining uncertain, the Suzuki squad have improved throughout the season and Bautista is hopeful of ending the year on a high.
“I am really looking forward to going to the Valencia race. It has been a tough time for all of us since Sepang, but I am ready for the last race and the fact that it is in my home country always makes it a special occasion. I have done well in the last few races, and my Suzuki has felt great, but the results have not arrived so we need to put that right. My target for the weekend is to fight to the maximum, finish the race with a good result and dedicate it to Marco. We had so many huge battles together – I will use these memories positively in Valencia.”
