San Carlo Honda Gresini riders Simoncelli, Aoyama struggling at US Grand Prix – MotoGP news
San Carlo Honda Gresini riders duo Marco Simoncelli and Hiroshi Aoyama is struggling to improve its pace at the Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca for the upcoming US Grand Prix.
The Italian rider was placed sixth in both free practice sessions. Though his lap times had improved in FP2 but he could not improve his position on the time chart. Simoncelli’s teammate, Hiroshi Aoyama was 17th place in FP1 and after shedding
nearly a second off in FP2, he was placed at 16th position.
Simoncelli said, “I am struggling a little here at Laguna to get on the pace like I have done at other circuits. We are not far off but so far I haven't established a good feeling with the bike. I probably also need to find a faster way round the track,
which is not an easy one and not one I know so well.”
Simoncelli claimed that he is confident and fast in second and third sections of the circuit that also include the signature chicane, Corkscrew. The first and the fourth sections of the circuit are proving to be tough for the Italian rider.
Now Super Sic aims to improve his pace and last corner exit so that he can confidently accelerate earlier than other riders. He will also try to gain more confidence in the troubling two sections of the circuit.
The Japanese rider gave his best shot of 1:25.325 seconds in the first free practice session, while he was struggling to regain confidence and feel in his satellite RCV. Later in the afternoon, he was able to clear about a second with 1:24.590 seconds for
a 16th place in the final time sheet.
Aoyama said, “It has been a difficult day, especially this morning. The afternoon was slightly better and we were able to work on tyre choice for the race. I hope we can improve tomorrow and secure a good position on the grid.”
Both team riders are working hard to improve their pace. Simoncelli is working hard to finish on the podium as he still has the pace in him whereas teammate Aoyama is struggling to get himself a position in the top ten riders.
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