Honda Gresini rider Marco Simoncelli takes second podium in 2011 at Phillip Island – MotoGP news
San Carlo Honda Gresini rider Marco Simoncelli took his second podium finish in 2011 during the Iveco Australian Grand Prix held at Phillip Island.
The Italian rider is now promoted to sixth position in the world championship standings.
On the other side Simoncelli’s teammate, Hiroshi Aoyama was fighting hard to take a top ten finish. Unfortunately, he was victimised by downpour after the mid race.
Super Sic said, “I am delighted! It was a really tough race with changeable conditions throughout and every time I saw raindrops on my visor I was unsure whether I could push or not. I managed to put a little gap on Dovizioso and Pedrosa but when the rain
came Dovizioso was able to catch me and make a pass.”
The Italian Honda Gresini rider closely chased his compatriot on Repsol Honda machine. Though Simoncelli ran at second position after few initial laps, when he overtook Nicky Hayden, but the downpour made him slow. This gave Dovizioso an opportunity to pass
him. However, Super Sic regained his position across the finish line.
He collected his second podium finish just behind the new 2011 MotoGP World Champion, Casey Stoner. He also paid his regards to Jorge Lorenzo and felt sorry for him missing the race.
The Japanese rider at Honda Gresini, Aoyama was riding in lower positions from the start off. He was placed at 12th position on the grid. However, he was victimised by rain in last laps of the race, that ruined his race finish.
Aoyama said, “It was a difficult race because of the strong winds and the mixed conditions. I really wanted to have a good race because these are my last few races in MotoGP, but this weekend has been particularly difficult with the crash yesterday.”
The Japanese rider also endured a hard crash during the qualifying round at Phillip Island. He was counted with other few riders who also crashed in QP session.
During the last few laps, a sudden rain shower hit the track. The downpour was unexpected as Aoyama entered the turn nine and slid into gravel just behind Cal Crutchlow who also crashed.
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