The MotoGP title may be in the bag for Casey Stoner but the Grand Prix at Valencia won’t necessarily be a time of celebration as the World Champion and his fellow riders pay tribute to the memory of Marco Simoncelli...
There will be a real cloud hanging over the traditional season finale at the Ricardo Tormo circuit following the tragic death of Marco Simoncelli at the Malaysian GP, but the riders will be sure to put in their best performances in his name.
"It will be difficult to return to racing this weekend after Marco's terrible accident in Sepang but I think it is the best thing we can do to honour him,” says World Champ Casey Stoner. We know we all play a risky game and, even if compared to the past the safety of our sport is much better, unfortunately these kind of events still occur. We will go out there this weekend and try to put on a good show for all the fans and especially in memory of Marco."
"I'm very sad for the loss of Marco,” says current third-placed rider Andrea Dovizioso, before admitting... “I'm going to Valencia not in the right frame of mind for a race. I will wear Marco's number 58 on the chest of my leathers, close to my heart, this is the only thing that counts. I have raced with Marco throughout my whole career, he was ‘the rival’ and now that he is no longer with us, he has left a big void and I want to convert this feeling of emptiness to determination.”
Dovi’s channelling of energies will hopefully secure his current season ranking: “I hope to get a good result at Valencia mainly because it is important for me to finish third in the Championship, “ he says,” but I know the race will be difficult as it is not one of my favourite circuits and Dani is very strong there. Also, the GP of Valencia is my last race with Honda and I really would like to crown these ten years together with a good final race".
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With first and second season titles already confirmed for Casey Stoner and Jorge Lorenzo respectively, the real battle this weekend will be for the third-place podium between Andrea Dovizioso and Dani Pedrosa. Dovi currently has four points to his advantage but Dani has the best record at the Valencia circuit, with 5 victories and 7 podium finishes in 9 participations.
"Valencia is a track I like a lot and I'm looking forward to seeing all the fans there again,” says Dani. “Last year I couldn't perform very well due to injury, but this time I hope to have a good race and finish the season in a good shape."
With the season end in sight, the riders will soon be able to look back on a year filled with highs and lows: “The race this weekend is the final round of an incredible season for us,” says Stoner. “We worked hard all year and after clinching the title in Phillip Island we are starting to look to 2012. After the race here in Valencia we will have the two day test on the 1000cc machine and then we can take a well-deserved break and reflect on the ups and downs of a very long and hard season."
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