Final race of the season beckons for Bautista: “It’s a shame the season ends this weekend”
As has been tradition since 2002 the Ricardo Tormo Circuit in Valencia plays host to the final round of the MotoGP World Championship this weekend. It is an important event for Team GO & FUN Honda Gresini as they look to sign off in style from a season that has seen major progress, particularly in recent weeks, with Alvaro Bautista now a consistent presence at the front of the pack. The Spanish rider was again on top form in the recent race at Motegi, despite the inclement weather conditions, showing the fruit of the hard work done by Showa, Nissin and Honda over the course of the campaign. The only thing missing now for Alvaro and the team is a podium finish but optimism is high that Valencia can be the scene of such celebrations in the 2013 grand finale.
Alvaro Bautista “Japan was a good race for us, even though it was a difficult weekend because of the weather, which limited track time and made it hard to find a set-up. We didn’t make a perfect start, but made up positions well, so it was a shame that we were too far back to fight for the podium. Anyway, it was satisfying for us to finish as the top satellite bike with a factory rider behind us and in a way it is a shame that the season is finishing this weekend with us in such great form. Unfortunately we haven’t managed to finish on the podium this season, but I maintain that we have been more competitive than last year and we have one more opportunity to show it this weekend at Valencia. It is a decisive race for the outcome of the championship, but I also want to be running at the front and there to take advantage of any situation that could favour us. Valencia is tight and twisty, not one of my favourite circuits, because you don’t get chance to make the most of the power of a MotoGP bike. We will need to work hard on the setting to make sure the bike handles well through the tight sections.”
Fausto Gresini “Valencia is here and another year is over! Time has flown past, but finally in the last few races we have been reaping the fruit of all the hard work done by the team, Showa, Nissin and Honda, who have given us a competitive package and lots of support. It has been exciting to share the experience with new partners in the shape of GO &FUN, who have put a lot of energy and enthusiasm into the project. So far the only thing missing has been a top, top result, but we have been very competitive lately and Valencia is another big opportunity. Hopefully fortune favours us this weekend, so that we can sign off from the season in style. Myself, GO & FUN and all the guys in the team believe it can happen!”
Source: Gresini Racing
