Simoncelli on front row down under

'Super Sic' will challenge Casey Stoner and Jorge Lorenzo for victory tomorrow at his favourite circuit, despite suffering his third crash in as many sessions at turn ten this morning. Hiroshi Aoyama's session was cut short by a crash this afternoon, limiting him to twelfth place on the grid.

Marco Simoncelli:
I am really happy because it has been a while since we started on the front row. We have been fast over the past two days although we have had a few crashes too. The day didn't start well because of the conditions, which were cold and windy, and that made it difficult. This afternoon we managed to do a better job and enjoyed an excellent qualifying session so my goal tomorrow is to push to the maximum from the start. Stoner looks untouchable at the moment but in racing you can never say never!”

Hiroshi Aoyama:
”Unfortunately when I went out to improve my position on the starting grid I crashed at turn six and that compromised the whole session. It was a violent impact and I decided not to go back out because I didn't feel in the best shape. The cold and wind did not help us to work as we wanted today but even though I had more confidence yesterday the set-up is not bad. I hope the weather improves tomorrow so that I can have a good Grand Prix.”

San Carlo Honda Gresini press release.