Joined Feb 2007
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Rovrum S,Yorks Eng
It has been officially confirmed that reigning 250cc world champion Marco Simoncelli will ride for Gresini Honda in the 2010 MotoGP World Championship.
During the Grand Prix of Catalunya it was rumoured that Simoncelli had signed an agreement with HRC that would see the Italian make his MotoGP debut with Gresini in 2010.
Those rumours were publically denied, but an announcement by the Gresini team on the eve of this weekend's Dutch TT confirmed the 22-year-old as the first new rider on the 2010 MotoGP grid.
A new rule prevents rookies riding for a factory MotoGP team, except Suzuki, but Simoncelli could still enjoy factory HRC support within the Gresini structure.
By the end of this season, Simoncelli will have spent seven seasons in the lower grand prix classes, with three years in 125 being followed by four in 250.
Prior to 2007, the Gilera rider was best known for his extravagant hair style rather than race results, with only two 125cc victories to his credit and not even a podium to show for his first two seasons in the quarter-litre class.
But Simoncelli was transformed during 2008, fighting back from two DNFs in the first two rounds to claim twelve podiums from the remaining 14 races - including his first six 250GP victories - to wrap up his first world title.
The offer of a satellite Ducati MotoGP ride was politely declined, but Simoncelli's 2009 title defence got off to a nightmare start when he broke his wrist just before the start of the season.
After six rounds, Simoncelli has scored three podiums - including one win - but failed to score in three other rounds and sits fifth in the championship, 47 points behind arch-rival Alvaro Bautista. Bautista is also expected to move to MotoGP next year.
After a season with Gresini, Simoncelli will presumably have his eye on a place at the factory Repsol Honda squad for 2011.
Gresini Honda is currently experiencing a difficult season with Toni Elias and Alex de Angelis. de Angelis is 13th in the championship with 25 out of a possible 150 points while Elias, who has a factory spec RCV, is one place and two points behind the San Marinese.
At least one rider will now leave the team at the end of the year, and possibly both.
crash.net
During the Grand Prix of Catalunya it was rumoured that Simoncelli had signed an agreement with HRC that would see the Italian make his MotoGP debut with Gresini in 2010.
Those rumours were publically denied, but an announcement by the Gresini team on the eve of this weekend's Dutch TT confirmed the 22-year-old as the first new rider on the 2010 MotoGP grid.
A new rule prevents rookies riding for a factory MotoGP team, except Suzuki, but Simoncelli could still enjoy factory HRC support within the Gresini structure.
By the end of this season, Simoncelli will have spent seven seasons in the lower grand prix classes, with three years in 125 being followed by four in 250.
Prior to 2007, the Gilera rider was best known for his extravagant hair style rather than race results, with only two 125cc victories to his credit and not even a podium to show for his first two seasons in the quarter-litre class.
But Simoncelli was transformed during 2008, fighting back from two DNFs in the first two rounds to claim twelve podiums from the remaining 14 races - including his first six 250GP victories - to wrap up his first world title.
The offer of a satellite Ducati MotoGP ride was politely declined, but Simoncelli's 2009 title defence got off to a nightmare start when he broke his wrist just before the start of the season.
After six rounds, Simoncelli has scored three podiums - including one win - but failed to score in three other rounds and sits fifth in the championship, 47 points behind arch-rival Alvaro Bautista. Bautista is also expected to move to MotoGP next year.
After a season with Gresini, Simoncelli will presumably have his eye on a place at the factory Repsol Honda squad for 2011.
Gresini Honda is currently experiencing a difficult season with Toni Elias and Alex de Angelis. de Angelis is 13th in the championship with 25 out of a possible 150 points while Elias, who has a factory spec RCV, is one place and two points behind the San Marinese.
At least one rider will now leave the team at the end of the year, and possibly both.
crash.net
