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.”
Bryan Staring
“Valencia will be an important weekend for me. It is the last race of the season and I want to sign off with my best performance. Unfortunately the season has not met our expectations in terms of results and that is disappointing for myself and for the team. However, overall it has been an incredible experience for me and I would like to end it in the best possible way.”
Go & Fun Honda Gresini Press Release
