MotoGP Mugello, Free Practice: Marco Simoncelli “Very positive day”

As has become customary for some Grands Prix, Marco Simoncelli once again got off to a great start today in the first free practice sessions of the Italian Grand Prix. On the Tuscan track, with its renewed asphalt, the Team San Carlo Honda Gresini rider entered the track highly motivated, lapped at a good pace and set the best time in the morning session. In the afternoon, the rather bizarre weather conditions greatly limited testing and few drivers took to the track while "Super Sic" was practically stopped in the garage, postponing today's work scheduled for tomorrow. The return to the saddle of the RC212V of Team San Carlo Honda Gresini was positive and, although in pain due to the fall in the Assen tests, he gradually regained confidence with the bike.

Marco Simoncelli (1nd 1' 48” 987) “It was a very positive day because I was immediately fast as soon as I got on track this morning. The bike feels good and I can't wait to get back on track tomorrow morning. It's a shame that this afternoon the conditions were really particular with the track not being clear whether it was dry or wet. At that point it was absolutely not worth wandering around taking unnecessary risks. Let's hope that tomorrow there will be dry track conditions because riding at Mugello on this asphalt is truly a pleasure. The bike basically has the Assen configuration and I immediately found a good feeling. Clearly we still need to refine something on the electronics and set-up, but overall I'm satisfied and happy.”

Hiroshi Aoyama (9th 1' 50” 629) “This morning I slowly regained the feeling with my bike after the Assen experience with the Repsol Honda Team factory RC212V and in the end I found the right confidence again. This afternoon, unfortunately, the track conditions were particular - neither dry nor wet - and we did a few laps to check my physical condition after the crash in Assen. I hope we can test on a dry track tomorrow."

Fausto Gresini “It's a shame about this afternoon because it would have been appropriate to go around to complete the set-up work. On Saturday, however, Marco together with the Team did a good job and was immediately very fast. We still need to make some adjustments but we are calm and convinced that we can run fast. We got off to a good start and this is always a good omen. Hiroshi Aoyama also returned to the ranks and slowly regained the feeling with his bike. He's still a little sore from the crash in Assen but I'm convinced that he will be able to recover tomorrow because he is motivated and wants to do well on a track that suits his riding style. ”

Gresini Racing team