Valencian GP: Gresini Racing qualifying report

Marco Simoncelli dealt with the expectation surrounding his recent progress today, the Team San Carlo Honda Gresini sealing a fantastic first front row start in MotoGP with the third fastest time of qualifying practice at Valencia. The position is ...

Marco Simoncelli dealt with the expectation surrounding his recent progress today, the Team San Carlo Honda Gresini sealing a fantastic first front row start in MotoGP with the third fastest time of qualifying practice at Valencia. The position is no coincidence given the giant strides made forward in recent weeks by "Super Sic", who is hoping to be amongst the frontrunners again tomorrow in the final Grand Prix of the season. Marco Melandri was unable to build on an encouraging first day, meanwhile, and the former 250cc World Champion is holding little hope of ending his season on a high before leaving MotoGP.

Marco Simoncelli (3rd 1'32" 244) "It has been a wonderful weekend so far, from the first session yesterday morning through to qualifying this afternoon. I was able to ride fast and consistent and I am delighted we were able to turn it into a front row start. I have unbelievable confidence with the bike just at the moment and that has been coming over the past few rounds. Right now I just hope I can stay in the same postcode as the leader tomorrow because it would be a really great end to the season for myself, Honda and the team."

Marco Melandri (10th 1'32" 917 ) "It has been another negative day for us. I can't get the bike stopped or turned. The electronics don't do the job they should and it is always difficult when I open the gas. It doesn't even work correctly on the straights - opening and closing the throttle when it wants - and for me it is really hard to control the wheelies. I am very disappointed because I would have wanted to finish the season in a very different way."

Fausto Gresini "So far the final Grand Prix of the season has been fantastic because we have made incredible progress and secured a truly marvelous grid position. I think this is the best way for us to finish the season and even though it will be a difficult race for us Simoncelli will be looking to be amongst the leaders, which has been the goal since the start of the season. I have to thank Marco for his tenacity, all the guys in the team for their willingness to work, Honda's engineers for their input and everybody who has put so much effort and enthusiasm into Team San Carlo Honda Gresini. Today we have seen confirmation of the great progress being made by "Super Sic", who is making an ideal finish to 2010 and showing great signs for 2011."