Simoncelli: "I’m moving to MotoGP in 2010”

250cc World Champion Marco Simoncelli turned down offers last year to move up to MotoGP in favour of defending his title, but is determined to make a switch to the premier class for 2010.

The Italian spoke with motogp.com on Thursday, revealing that he can –to an extent- pick from a number of offers after initial discussions already made with interested parties.

“I think that I will go to MotoGP; having spoken a little with everyone I am now evaluating the situation. It is still to be decided, let’s say,” said Simoncelli, who reviewed some of his possible destinations.

“Apart from Suzuki (a manufacturer with no satellite outfit in the premier class), the impossibility of a rookie riding for a factory team next year has changed the plans. What happens with the other possibilities remains to be seen.”

For the moment, however, the Metis Gilera rider has some more pressing issues to contend with, namely the weekend’s race at Montmeló and criticism for an overtaking move on Álvaro Bautista two weeks ago.

“My aim is always to get the best result possible and, if I can, win the race. My rivals for the title will be Bautista and (Hiroshi) Aoyama, in my opinión. They are the two riders going best and that have the best credentials.

“The fine for Mugello? I don’t think that I deserved it and it left a bad taste in my mouth, but that was Mugello. Now we are in Barcelona.”