Carmelo Morales to ride in Moto2 world championship for rest of season
32-year-old Spaniard Carmelo Morales finally sees his dream of riding in the world championship come true. Morales has reached an agreement with the G22 team of the Nieto brothers to participate in the Moto2 class for the rest of the season, starting at Catalunya in a week’s time.
The current leader of the Moto2 class in the Spanish Championship (sharing the lead with teammate Jordi Torres) experiences the most intense season since he got on the circuits in the mid 90’s. Since joining the Laglisse team, Carmelo has won in every category he has competed in: Copa Cagiva, Aprilia Cup, Formula Extreme (title in 2008 and 2009), Moto2 (2010). Therefore it is a dream fulfilled and a double success for the rider and the team that has seen him grow professionally.
He has also been successful in the European Championship where he has already won three titles, two in Superstock (2008 & 2009) and one in Supersport (2010).
The peak of his resume is yet to come and the goal is to win the Moto2 world championship. Since last season he has already participated in three Moto2 races as a wild card. The opportunity now has come at the hands of the Nieto brothers, Pablo and Gelete, who after testing this Wednesday at the circuit of Alcaniz (Motorland Aragon) have placed their trust in Morales.
The first race for Morales riding the Moriwaki will be on June 5th at his home race, the Grand Prix of Catalunya. The rider is excited about the new challenge and even without testing and riding with completely new tyres and a new bike (in the CEV he’s on a Suter and Michelins) he has a good chance to be among the top 15.
Morales will ride in the world championship as well as in the CEV to try and repeat his title win, again of course with the LaGlisse team.
CARMELO MORALES: “I want to convey my appreciation to the Nieto family for this opportunity they have given me. I also want to thank Jaime Fdez-Avilés and the Laglisse team for helping me achieve this goal. After so many years of trying, I’m finally in the world championship. My goal is to always finish in the points. The good thing is that now I won’t be under as much pressure as last season where I had to put everything on one card in my wild card appearances. I will use this opportunity to the maximum and I hope to give back the confidence placed in me by my new team, but also my family and everyone who has followed and supported me throughout this time. My intention is to retain the title of Moto2 in the CEV and also ride at the European Championship in Albacete.”
JAIME FDEZ – AVILÉS, Gigaset Laglisse Team Manager
“For us Carmelo is family. We have achieved great things with him in the national championship and it was in our hands to give back for his help. My goal has always been to help our riders to reach the top. Last season we negotiated with several teams to get a bike for Carmelo in the world championship. I think that was paving the way for what we’ve achieved this year. And something very important is that you don’t pay for riding, which unfortunately is only possible for a few. From here I want to thank the Nieto family for their support and for believing in our rider. I am convinced that Carmelo will do well, he is an elite rider, very skilled and serious, who will not disappoint.”
Source: Team LaGlisse
