Marco Simoncelli's fears were confirmed today as a problem with front tire wear stalled his performance at the Red Bull Indianapolis Grand Prix.
A minor breakthrough in the morning's warm-up did not prove to make the required difference and with track temperatures again exceeding 50°C, the nightmare for the Italian began after just five laps. From that point, the Team San Carlo Honda Gresini was resigned to a rescue mission as he focused on simply reaching the checkered flag. Things went somewhat better for Hiroshi Aoyama, who did not suffer from the front tire problem and with a more aggressive start could have perhaps even challenged for a higher position.
Hiroshi Aoyama:
“I am happy but not altogether satisfied with this result. The way the tyres worked and also my physical conditions in this intense heat were plus points for us and we went much better in the race than we had managed in practice but maybe with a better start I could have been fighting further up the field. Overall it has been a positive weekend and gives us a boost for the next races.”
“I am happy but not altogether satisfied with this result. The way the tyres worked and also my physical conditions in this intense heat were plus points for us and we went much better in the race than we had managed in practice but maybe with a better start I could have been fighting further up the field. Overall it has been a positive weekend and gives us a boost for the next races.”
Marco Simoncelli:
“Unfortunately today my race only really lasted five laps, during which time I had a lot of fun – it's just a shame about the other 23! We have had this problem all weekend and even though we thought we had improved the situation this morning it was only because the track temperatures were lower. In the afternoon heat the problem came back after just five laps and even though I was able to keep it consistent for the next six or seven laps I could do nothing to prevent the decline in performance after that. It was a real mission just to make it to the end – I was putting myself on the line just ride slowly. Now we need to look into exactly what caused this problem.
“Unfortunately today my race only really lasted five laps, during which time I had a lot of fun – it's just a shame about the other 23! We have had this problem all weekend and even though we thought we had improved the situation this morning it was only because the track temperatures were lower. In the afternoon heat the problem came back after just five laps and even though I was able to keep it consistent for the next six or seven laps I could do nothing to prevent the decline in performance after that. It was a real mission just to make it to the end – I was putting myself on the line just ride slowly. Now we need to look into exactly what caused this problem.