Rossi dedicates 'special' podium to Marco Simoncelli

Nine-time World Champion Valentino Rossi dedicated his first dry-weather podium of 2012  to the memory of close friend Marco Simoncelli.

Nine-time World Champion Valentino Rossi dedicated his first dry-weather podium of 2012  to the memory of close friend Marco Simoncelli.

The Doctor took second in today's race at the Misano Circuit Marco Simoncelli, home track to both Rossi and the large-haired rider who was killed in a crash at Sepang at the end of 2011.

“It is something special. It was a really nice race, and I’m very happy. It’s a great result, which I’d like to dedicate to Sic and his family, Paolo, Rossella, and Martina. This second place is for him, I wanted to dedicate a victory but that might have taken to long. I’d also like to thank all the guys who work with me and everyone at Ducati Corse who are giving their best, like me: after two difficult years, we really needed that," said The Doctor.

Rossi employed the new chassis and swingarm first rolled out during a test two weeks ago at Misano which is starting to give him the feel he needs from the front of the GP12.

"I’m very pleased because we did a dry race at a high level, always with a fast pace, and with a limited gap to Lorenzo. We worked well. The new frame and swingarm allow us to make more changes to the geometry, and in fact here the feeling with the front was improved and the bike also seemed to be better balanced on acceleration. The setup that we found was also good, as I managed to be fast and consistent for the whole race. It will be important to continue working well and do our best to take the Ducati as high as possible in the next races as well.”

By David Miller

Image by Bonnie Lane