Simon: “I Love To Feel The Support Of The Fans”

 In Moto2, News

The Grand Prix of Catalunya takes place this weekend exactly one month earlier than last year as the fifth round of the 2011 season and the first of a run of five races over the next two months. A handful of Moto2 riders took advantage of the two-week break since the last round in France to complete a test session at the Motorland circuit in Aragon, with every tiny improvement a potentially decisive factor in the closest category in World Championship motorcycle racing. Stefan Bradl continues his quest to open a gap at the top of the standings this weekend although he will no doubt have to contend with a highly motivated ‘Spanish Armada.’

After following up his podium finish at Estoril with an excellent fourth place at Le Mans, Julián Simón heads to Barcelona as the German’s closest current rival in the overall standings. The MAPFRE Aspar rider is on course to become a serious title contender after making progress in recent weeks but last year’s championship runner-up is desperate for more. Having finished on the podium here last year he is determined to be there again on Sunday, if possible on the top step. The goal for his team-mate Xavi Forés is to score points at all costs. This is a circuit he knows perfectly and the rookie is hopeful it can be the scene of a top fifteen finish at last.

Julián Simón:
“I head to the Grand Prix of Catalunya full of hope and optimism, especially after the podium in Portugal and the good result last time out in France. The test we completed last week at Motorland was perfect for us and really helped me get confident with the bike. We found a setting that allowed me to be fast without taking too many risks. Now we have a home race to look forward to and personally I take a lot of motivation from racing in Spain. I love to feel the support of the fans and to go there lying second in the championship is another reason to be confident. We have to set our objective as the podium and maybe even our first win in Moto2. Montmeló has a lot of long corners, which I love, and you have to keep a good line so as not to lose time off your lap.”

Xavi Forés:
“We made a big step forward during practice in France and that gives me a lot of motivation for the next race. It is a circuit I love, I know it well and the crowd will be pushing us on. That is more than enough motivation to go for it and try to get a good result. Our objective is to finish in the points and now more than ever it is within our grasp. We will be giving everything from the first session to make sure there are no unwanted surprises in qualifying. We have already seen what a big setback it is in this class to be starting from the back. Montmeló is a long and wide track, it is well suited to my riding style and I think it could be a good weekend for us.”

Source: Aspar Media

Contact Us

We're not around right now. But you can send us an email and we'll get back to you, asap.

Start typing and press Enter to search