Hector Barbera Ready To Race Fitting Farewell To Marco & 800cc Era

 In MotoGP, News

After the excursion to Asia and Australia, the MotoGP World Championship returns to Europe this weekend for the final round of the 2011 season. The paddock remains in mourning following a tragic accident which took the life of Marco Simoncelli in Sepang, and this atmosphere will continue as the series reaches Valencia. However, the teams and riders intend to celebrate the Italian’s life with a fitting homage at the Ricardo Tormo circuit in Cheste, where fans will be able to join in with the tributes to a rider taken away far too soon. The title has already been decided, but World Champion Casey Stoner and the rest of the MotoGP field will be wanting to provide the best send-off possible for Simoncelli with a spectacular premier class race.

It will be the final race of the 800cc era, and Héctor Barberá will be racing this year’s Ducati for the last time. The MAPFRE Aspar rider is still recovering from a collarbone fracture and heavy rib bruising suffered in a crash at Motegi in Japan, but nothing could keep him away from a very special race for the Spaniard. The local hero has won in both the 125cc and 250cc class in Cheste, and wants to take a strong result this year in order to end the season in positive fashion -and to say goodbye to former quarter-litre class rival Simoncelli.

Héctor Barberá:
“The Valencia Grand Prix is very special for me, and the Ricardo Tormo circuit has always been one of my most successful. I’ve won here in 125cc and 250cc, so it has been a happy hunting ground for me in the past. I’m normally able to go fast from day one, and I am really up for getting back on the bike. It is going to be a strange Grand Prix, because we will all still be very affected by the loss of Marco. I won’t be in top shape, because I am really still in convalescence from the injuries to my collarbone and ribs and have spent a few days in bed with a fever. Being immobile and lying down has put a strain on my injuries, and I also haven’t been able to undertake physiotherapy. Getting fit again is a question of time, and I will take an injection if necessary this weekend. It’s going to be an exciting, emotional Grand Prix, but at the same time it’s going to be tough.”

Source: Aspar Media

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