2011 MotoGP: Takahashi Looking To Build On Estoril Result As Pirro Turns Page On Crash

A somewhat fortunate podium for Yuki Takahashi at the Grand Prix of Portugal has given the Team Gresini Moto2 rider a timely boost following the death of his brother Koki and renewed enthusiasm to tackle the remainder of what is sure to be a difficult season for him. The Japanese rider has more confidence than ever in the potential of his Moriwaki MD600 and he is determined to improve on his third place finish at Estoril. His attitude is reflected throughout the team and Yuki has the potential to reward their confidence sooner rather than later. For Michele Pirro the goal is to turn the page on a naïve crash at Estoril. The Italian youngster was fast all weekend in Portugal but he is desperate to make up for it by building on the progress he has already made in Moto2. This is virtually a new track for a rookie who has adapted swiftly to the category and is determined to make his mark on the top positions.

Yuki Takahashi “I was a little lucky with the podium at Estoril but I was happy that I was able to dedicate my first one of the season to my brother Koki. It wasn’t an easy weekend for me but with the help of the team I was able to have a good Grand Prix. The bike has improved and I believe I have a competitive package that will allow me to be fighting for top results. I will take to the track at Le Mans with the objective of equalling or improving on my result at Estoril because I know we have the potential to do so.â€?

Michele Pirro “I am still disappointed with the mistake I made at Estoril because I am sure I could have enjoyed a successful Grand Prix. It was a shame because we were fast in every session, confirming that the work the team had done during the three-week break had been effective. Now I go to Le Mans looking to make up for it. Unfortunately I barely know the track, having only completed a few laps there on a 125 in 2005 but I am not worried because virtually all of the circuits are new to me this year and I just have to try and adapt as quickly as possible. Whatever happens I will be doing my best to make up for my mistake in the last round.�

Fausto Gresini “I was really happy with the podium for Takahashi at Estoril. I am convinced that Yuki has the potential to do well and be consistently amongst the best riders in the category. The Moriwaki MD600 has improved and the team are working well to give him a competitive bike. Le Mans is a technical track where Takahashi’s quality could make the difference and as such I think he can look towards another positive result. I was a little disappointed with the mistake made by Pirro in the last round because he had shown his pace during practice and he could easily have been running at the front. It was a shame but at Le Mans he will have an opportunity to make up for it and I am sure he will because he has already adapted well to what is a new category for him.â€?

PaddockTalk Perspective