Estoril MotoGP: Marco Simoncelli rues early mistake

Marco Simoncelli blew yet another chance to break his MotoGP victory duck in Estoril yesterday after he crashed out in spectacular fashion on the opening lap.

Four weeks after he tumbled out of the lead in a rain-hit Spanish Grand Prix, the former 250GP world champion was third and looking to chase Jorge Lorenzo and Dani Pedrosa when he high-sided at Turn 4.

He escaped injury but the Italian couldn’t disguise his disappointment having fallen foul of a cold Bridgestone rear tyre.

The San Carlo Gresini Honda rider said: “I am really disappointed for myself and for the team. I had a warning from the rear tyre coming out of turn one. I also saw Pedrosa and Stoner have trouble so I tried to stay calm and decided to take turn three in a higher gear to keep the engine sweet.

“I did the same in the next corner to make sure it wasn’t too aggressive but in the middle of the corner with the throttle closed I was thrown out of my seat and that was goodnight.

“I am really disappointed and I don’t know what else to say. For sure it was my mistake and I have to be more careful next time. It’s a shame because I was fast! We’ll try not to make any stupid mistakes at Le Mans.”

For full coverage of the Estoril race including the exclusive thoughts from Simoncelli on accusations he’s too aggressive, see the May 4 issue of MCN.