Photo by: Bridgestone Corporation
Aoyama Satisfaction Partly Makes Up For Simoncelli Disappointment At Indianapolis
Marco Simoncelli's overnight fears were unfortunately confirmed today as a problem with front tyre wear ruined his race at Indianapolis. A minor breakthrough in this morning's warm-up did not prove to make the required difference and with track temperatures again exceeding 50°C the nightmare for “Super Sic” began after just five laps. From that point the Team San Carlo Honda Gresini was resigned to a rescue mission as he focused on simply on reaching the chequered flag. Things went somewhat better for Hiroshi Aoyama, who did not suffer from the front tyre problem and with a more aggressive start could have perhaps even challenged for a higher position.
Marco Simoncelli (12th) “Unfortunately today my race only really lasted five laps, during which time I had a lot of fun – it's just a shame about the other 23! We have had this problem all weekend and even though we thought we had improved the situation this morning it was only because the track temperatures were lower. In the afternoon heat the problem came back after just five laps and even though I was able to keep it consistent for the next six or seven laps I could do nothing to prevent the decline in performance after that. It was a real mission just to make it to the end – I was putting myself on the line just ride slowly. Now we need to look into exactly what caused this problem.”
Hiroshi Aoyama (9th) ”I am happy but not altogether satisfied with this result. The way the tyres worked and also my physical conditions in this intense heat were plus points for us and we went much better in the race than we had managed in practice but maybe with a better start I could have been fighting further up the field. Overall it has been a positive weekend and gives us a boost for the next races.”
Fausto Gresini “ It was a tough race for Marco, a real struggle. Unfortunately we have struggled all weekend with this problem with the front tyre and it held Simoncelli back in the race. He did well to finish, especially with the risks he had to take, and all this is good experience for him. Now we have to work out why this situation occurred from a technical point of view. Aoyama had a positive race and the only downside is that if he was more aggressive at the start he could have finished higher up.”
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