Simoncelli pens new Honda deal
Added on Thursday, September 29th, 2011 by Carole Nash Editor
Simoncelli pens new Honda deal
Marco Simoncelli will remain with Gresini Honda in 2012 after signing a one-year contract extension to stay with the satellite Honda team.
The 24-year-old, who first rode for Gresini in 2010 after moving up from the 250cc class, has signed a new contract with HRC that will keep him with the team for 2012, and ensure that he retains full factory support from Honda next year.
The former 250ccchampion, who has been at the centre of numerous controversies over his riding style, has enjoyed mixed fortunes throughout the season, with strong qualifying performances in the early part of the season often overshadowed by racing incidents.
But Simoncelli has performed well in the latter part of the season, with one podium and two fourth place finishes from the last four rounds of the championship.
After confirming the deal, the Italian declared his delight at securing his MotoGP future for another season.
“To be wearing the colours of Team San Carlo Honda Gresini for another year and riding a Honda RC213V gives me a lot of satisfaction,” he said.
“To be kept on as part of project that Honda HRC are so supportive of in collaboration with Team San Carlo Honda Gresini gives me a lot of confidence and all the motivation I need to show that I can be amongst the best in MotoGP again.
“2012 will be an important season for me and I want to give all those people who have believed in this project plenty to get excited about.”
Team manager Fausto Gresini added: “Over the past two years together we have been able to appreciate Marco’s qualities as a rider, as a man and as an extroverted communicator, which made us keen to continue our collaboration.
“Marco’s huge determination will give us all a lot of motivation ahead of what promises to be an exciting new season.”
