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Julian Simon follow victory trail to Mugello

In MotoGP

26 maggio 2009

Julian Simon follow victory trail to Mugello

The MotoGP World Championship makes its annual stop-off in the hills of Tuscany this weekend for the fifth round of the season, the Italian Grand Prix. The fast and technical Mugello circuit, characterised by dramatic changes in elevation, is one of the longest in the world, measuring 5.245 kilometres. It is a fresh and different challenge for the 125 field, who will be hoping for better conditions after a crash-strewn wet race at Le Mans. The Italian contingent are sure to fight tooth and nail for a home victory but with victory in each of the past two rounds the Bancaja line-up will be just as keen to maintain their form.

Julián Simón dominated proceedings in France, leading from start to finish and taking control of the championship as a result. The Spaniard is confirming his reputation as the man to beat in the minor category as he prepares for his 100th Grand Prix appearance. Just five points behind him lies team-mate Bradley Smith, who was reminded just how hard he will have to work for every podium this season at Le Mans. The British teenager led this race for several laps in 2008 before finishing fourth place and he will look to go at least one better this Sunday as he tries to put the brakes on Simón. Sergio Gadea is the third Bancaja rider with designs on the podium this weekend, the Spaniard in fine form after scoring podiums in the last two races. Sergio finished second here in 2007 and is determined to fight for his first victory of 2009 on Sunday.

Julián Simón: "Myself and the team are buzzing at the moment and we head to Mugello looking to continue doing well. There is a feeling of optimism amongst the team generally but at the same time we know that we have to keep working hard to continue to improve. As far as I'm concerned I have to focus on improving my starts because I'm struggling and have to make sure that changes as soon as possible. Mugello is a long and fast circuit, where the other riders won't be backing off, and you can quickly find yourself out of touch. Our main objective is to work on making our bike perfect so that we have every chance of a podium come Sunday. Other than that, the goal is to pick up as many points as possible and, if possible, fight for victory. Winning on enemy territory always feels better. Mugello is a spectacular but difficult circuit. I've gone well there in the past and hope to do even better on the Aprilia."

Bradley Smith: "Mugello is a fantastic circuit, I love it. To compete in the Italian Grand Prix every year is a pleasure. I think you just get a special atmosphere there - the hillsides, the fast corners and the way it is tucked away just give it a magical feeling. I led the race over the final few laps last year but lost a few positions on the straight because of a problem with my bike and ended up missing out on the podium, even though it was still an incredible race for me. The temperature is usually good around this time of year in Italy so hopefully we can have good weather all weekend and a dry race on Sunday. My mechanics are Italian so this is their home race and they'll all be highly motivated, so I want to give my best to score a podium for them. As far as the track itself is concerned, I really like the Casanova and Savelli section because it is really fast and you have to have a good line to be quick through it."

Sergio Gadea: "I go to Mugello feeling very motivated after my recent podiums. I think we've done a great job ever since preseason and luckily the rewards are coming. The objective is to keep on this line and make sure of another top five finish - if it can be on the podium then even better. Mugello is a circuit I tend to do well at and it's a place where if you can stay with the lead group in the final lap you have as good a chance as anybody in the dash for the line. In 2007 I battled really hard for second place and last year despite a few problems we stayed with the lead group throughout the race and finished sixth. This year I'll be doing everything I can to get back on the podium and score my first victory of the year. You have to have a good set-up to enjoy riding at Mugello. You have to take a few risks in the fast direction and elevation changes but it can be great fun."