Ángel Rodríguez returns to racing with Stop and Go Moto2 team
Former Spanish champion Angel Rodriguez finally makes his racing comeback after a two-year suspension. The 26-year-old from Elche had been tested positive for “recreational drugs” in a randomized test during the 2009 Spanish Championship season while he was reigning Supersport champion and already leading the 2009 campaign by a big margin. He was stripped of his championship points and lost his racing license for two years, prematurely ending a certain-looking successful move to the the newly created Moto2 category of the world championship in 2010.
With the suspension now having run out, Rodriguez hopes to make a competitive comeback to racing and put his knowledge of almost all tracks on the calender and his previous experience in the world championship to good use.
Rodriguez is already out on track with his new team at the private test at Valencia this week.
ÁNGEL RODRÍGUEZ (STOP AND GO RACING TEAM): “I could say a lot of things about my return to racing and explain those two years I’ve spent away from the competition, but now I want to look ahead. Starting a project together with Eduardo Perales motivates me 100% to achieve my goal in Moto2 next season, to be among the top five in every race. I know almost all tracks of the championship, so my experience will be an important factor to reach my goal. Furthermore, the relationship with Edu is very good and I know I have a team which support me with everything I need to be in front, so my message to them is that I won’t be a conformist, if I can fight to win I will, or if the best position I can fight for is fifth, then I’ll do everything possible to get it.”
EDUARDO PERALES (STOP AND GO RACING TEAM), team manager: “The next two seasons we have the privilege of having Angel Rodriguez in our ranks, a rider who I know will achieve great results. The relationship with Rodri is excellent and he knows what our philosophy is, working to achieve the set goals and there is no doubt that the SAG team will do everythig they can to get there.”
Photo: motogp.com
