Hiroshi Aoyama - Photo Credit: MotoGP.com
Hiroshi Aoyama's final MotoGP race for the foreseeable future ended in disappointing fashion with the Japanese rider finishing down in 12th.
The San Carlo Honda Gresini rider is switching to World Superbikes to ride for the Ten Kate Honda squad and was hoping to leave the Grand Prix paddock on a high but a lack of confidence in the RC212V slowed him down.
“My final race in MotoGP was another very tough one. I didn’t have confidence in the bike because of the chatter problem we have had all weekend and couldn’t push it like I wanted. It was a real shame but I just want to thank the team and the sponsors for giving me the opportunity to contest my second season in MotoGP. Obviously I would have liked to have done better but the guys in the team have worked hard and I would like to wish them a fond farewell.”
Team Manager Fausto Gresini was sad to see Aoyama leave the team on the back of a poor result but thanked him for his service with the Italian outfit.
“There is not much for me to say because the result speaks for itself. I am disappointed more than anything for Hiro because he has finished his MotoGP career with a disappointing result.”
