Hiroshi Aoyama returns to Silverstone circuit recalling his last season injury – MotoGP news
San Carlo Honda Gresini rider Hiroshi Aoyama is back at the Silverstone circuit for the upcoming AirAsia British Grand Prix on June 12, 2011. It is the same venue where he injured his spine in the 2010 MotoGP season.
Aoyama said, “Naturally I don’t have good memories of Silverstone, because that’s where I broke my back in 2010. But that was last year. I trust I will have better luck in 2011.”
The Japanese rider praised his teamwork and said, “The team is working hard to improve the bike, we improve the set-up at every race, but the results have just arrived. I'm not getting the results I wanted, I need to improve and give more of myself, as my
goal is to be near the top five. I know it is not easy, but I’ll keep trying.” His last season injury kept him off the track for about two months.
The Japanese rider was also being considered by the Repsol Honda team to call him in for a wildcard ride in place of injured Dani Pedrosa of the sixth round of the season at Silverstone. Aoyama also said that the option was being considered by the Repsol
team.
The option was being discussed due to the absence of Dani Pedrosa. Previously, Pedrosa missed the crucial round at his hometown Barcelona. Even for the upcoming British Grand Prix, he is not yet fit. With two rounds of absence, he will drop further down
in the world championship.
At present, with no points the in Le Mans and Catalunya GP, Pedrosa has dropped to fourth place behind Casey Stoner (second) and Andrea Dovizioso (third). Both are his Repsol Honda teammates.
After all the discussions, Aoyama declined the opportunity to race with the factory team. Although it was a great chance for him, but his original San Carlo Honda Gresini team would have suffered as they would not have been able to find a replacement for
him.
There were two other options considered by the Repsol Honda Team. First was the former MotoGP rider John Hopkins and the other one was Jonathan Rea who was not available due to his commitments in the WSBK event at Misano.
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