Gresini decides to race at Valencia in tribute to Marco Simoncelli

Gresini decides to race at Valencia in tribute to Marco Simoncelli

Gresini Racing has announced that it will compete in the Valencia Grand Prix as a tribute to its late rider Marco Simoncelli.

Fausto Gresini had initially indicated that his team would withdraw from the season finale in the wake of Simoncelli's death in a crash on lap two of the Malaysian GP.

The team subsequently decided it would be present at Valencia at least, and has now confirmed that it will race.

Gresini said he had decided to enter his bikes as he was sure Simoncelli would have preferred to see them racing in the circumstances.

"The decision to participate was not an easy one, but we have made this choice as it is what Marco would have wanted," said Gresini. "Going out on track at Valencia is definitely the best way to honour him by doing what he most loved to do: ride and experience the world of MotoGP.

"This is why I believe that the best show of affection that we can make to Marco is by lining up our teams and riders for this race."

Hiroshi Aoyama will be Gresini's sole MotoGP rider this weekend, with Yuki Takahashi and Michele Pirro running for its Moto2 arm as usual.

"'Super Sic' will be present in the hearts of Hiroshi Aoyama, Michele Pirro and Yuki Takahashi, and I am sure that they will give him a most fitting tribute with their performances on Sunday," Gresini added.

The event will also be Aoyama's final MotoGP appearance before he switches to World Superbikes for 2012 with Ten Kate Honda.