Dovizioso feeling “empty” ahead of Valencia GP
Added on Tuesday, November 1st, 2011 by Carole Nash Editor
Dovizioso feeling “empty” ahead of Valencia GP
Andrea Dovizioso has admitted that he feels “empty” going into this weekend’s season finale in Valencia following the tragic death of Marco Simoncelli in Malaysia.
The Repsol Honda rider, who enjoyed some thrilling duels with Simoncelli in the 125cc, 250cc and MotoGP championships, will race with the number 58 on the chest of his leathers in tribute to his “rival” on Sunday.
But Dovizioso, who will join Tech 3 Yamaha after Sunday’s race, has admitted that he is not in the right frame of mind ahead of this weekend’s race.
“I’m very sad for the loss of Marco,” he said. “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.”
Dovizioso will be trying to claim third place in the championship from teammate Dani Pedrosa. He is four-points clear of the Spaniard and he added: “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.”
