Repsol Honda Team pack up in England and rush to Misano for Sunday’s GP
With just a couple of days for traveling from England to Italy, the MotoGP paddock is preparing for round 13 of the 2016 World Championship, to be held Sunday at Misano.
The Misano circuit was constructed in 1972 and has since undergone several modifications. A regular scene for Italian GPs throughout the ’80s and early ’90s, it returned to the MotoGP calendar in 2007, when the racing direction changed from counter-clockwise to clockwise. Renamed in 2012 as the Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli, it’s 4.18 km in length and features five left turns and nine rights.
Marc Marquez has an incredible record in Misano, having taken a remarkable victory in mixed conditions last year and finished second in 2013 (MotoGP). He also won in 2012 and 2011 (Moto2) and in 2010 (125cc). Dani Pedrosa has also enjoyed good MotoGP results at the track, with one victory (2010), a second place (2011) and three third places (2014, 2013, 2009).
Marc Marquez
CHAMPIONSHIP STANDING: 1ST – 210 POINTS
“All in all we got an okay result in England, as even though we didn’t make the ideal choice with the front tyre, in the end we lost just three points. Now we head to Misano, which is quite a different track as it is twisty and slow. In San Marino I expect to fight again for the podium if we work well during the weekend. I’m happy to go racing in Italy, where I really hope the weather will be nice and give us the chance to make the most of every session.”
Dani Pedrosa
CHAMPIONSHIP STANDING: 5TH – 120 POINTS
“We arrive in Misano from a race that helped us to gain a little bit more confidence and motivation. Lap by lap, I was better able to understand our strong points and weak points. We need to keep the same style in the next race weekend, focusing in the practices, not making too many changes on the bike and working to understand how to use the tyres better, choosing those that adapt better to the track. We must remain completely focused on the job.”