This upcoming MotoGP race at Valencia will be extremely difficult for everyone as it will be carried out under the dark cloud of the recent and tragic death of Marco Simoncelli.
The Repsol Honda team riders have admitted it will a tough one to get through, but are prepared to honour their fellow Honda rider, as is Dorna who is trying to organize the minute of noise requested by Simoncelli Sr.
All the Valencia marshals will be wearing black arm bands while hundreds of racing fans are probably going to show at the Spanish track wearing tribute ‘Simoncelli’ wigs.
Casey Stoner has already wrapped up the 2011 championship title and is already thinking towards the new 2012 season, while Dani Pedrosa will be looking for victory in this season’s finale which would place him third in the general standings ahead of departing team mate Andrea Dovizioso, who will making his last appearance as Honda rider (after 10 years) before heading to the Yamaha Tech3 squad.
Here’s what the Repsol Honda riders had to say:“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.
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.
My thoughts go out to his family and I hope that they are coping through this period.
”“The race this weekend is the final round of an incredible season for us, 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 hard season.
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,” commented Casey Stoner.
Andrea Dovizioso: “I’m very sad for the loss of Marco.
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.
”“I hope to get a good result at Valencia mainly because it is important for me to finish third in the Championship 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”“Valencia will be a very special race for everybody.
This weekend we will all have Marco in our thoughts and I hope the fans show their respect and appreciation to him, as the whole MotoGP family will do.
Valencia is a track I like a lot and I’m looking forward to seeing all the fans there again.
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,” said Dani Pedrosa.
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