Julian Simon & Jordi Torres Targeting Indy Improvements
The capacity of the Moto2 class to surprise and entertain was once again in evidence last time out at Brno, where Andrea Iannone got the better of the favourites Stefan Bradl and Marc Márquez, and although the German and the Spaniard are clear at the top of the championship there is plenty of further opportunity for an upset with seven races still remaining. The eleventh round of the season sees the intermediate category riders ‘crossing the pond’ for the first time this year although it will be a fleeting visit as the Indianapolis Grand Prix is followed within a week by round twelve in San Marino. The flat, 4km layout of the historic circuit has been relaid in time for this weekend and will no doubt provide the perfect battleground for the latest chapter in the short history of Moto2.
MAPFRE Aspar riders Julián Simón and Jordi Torres have different aims this weekend, with the former continuing his return to fitness and the latter still adapting to life as a Grand Prix rider. Julián came back from a broken leg only to crash out of the last two races and even though he has a slight infection in his leg the injury is healing and his shoulder has also improved after the Brno fall. Having finished second at Indianapolis last year the Spaniard is keen to work hard for more success there this weekend. Jordi faces the challenge of learning another circuit this weekend as well as continuing his adaptation to the Moto2 machine. His target is to continue with the progress he has made so far and be involved in the battle for points on Sunday.
Julián Simón:
“Indianapolis is a very special circuit to me. Last year I scored my first pole position in Moto2 and I finished second in a great race. I think this could be the race to turn around our fortunes. It should be less stressful for my right leg because the majority of corners are to the left. The main priority for us is to make it to the finish. We haven’t had much luck since I came back from injury – we have set some fantastic lap times in practice but for one reason or another not managed to finish in Germany and the Czech Republic. We will be working hard to fulfil the potential we have shown recently though by carrying it through to the chequered flag, which will be important for everybody’s confidence after two tough weekends. I have worked hard over the last couple of weeks on my recovery and even though the leg is still not 100% because of the infection and my shoulder is still quite painful I will be giving it my all.”
Jordi Torres:
“It is pretty impressive to see everything shipped out on a long haul like this and as a rider you feel obligated to do your part by fighting for a good result, which for me means points. The motivation is there to keep working as hard as I have up to now and try to take that little extra step in the race that will lift us into the points. I have learnt a lot in the last few races and even though I am a rookie the team have helped me a lot and this is improving me as a rider. I have been training hard over the last few days and spent some time on two wheels, as well as watching videos to get an idea of what Indianapolis is like.”
Source: Aspar Media
