The MotoGP World Championship has traveled to Monterey for the ninth round on the calendar.
The Laguna Seca track measures 3.610 km (2.243 miles) and partly laid out on a hillside, rising abruptly from the bottom of the valley toward the crest. This section includes turns 5, 6, 7, 8 and 8A, the spectacular “Corkscrew” downhill chicane, before falling back sharply to the finish line and the short straightaway, which features two slight changes of direction, and where the maximum speed attained is around 270km/h.
The Ignite Pramac Racing Team is ready to welcome Alex De Angelis, substitute rider for Ben Spies, for this second of three U.S. rounds. Alex, who currently rides for the NGM Mobile Forward Racing Team in Moto2, is taking advantage of that championship’s pause to make a temporary return to MotoGP, the class in which he competed for two full seasons, 2008 and 2009, and for three races during the 2010 season.
Alex De Angelis – Ignite Pramac Racing Team
“The test that we did at Misano was fantastic. I enjoyed it very much because the difference in power between the Moto2 and MotoGP is amazing, much more than you can see on television, and also the use of electronics is impressive. Obviously I'm not here to get a result, but for sure I will give it my all to create a good impression. It was an experience that I absolutely could not refuse. I am glad that they thought about me and at the moment the only reason why I'm here is to do this race. I will race Ben’s standard bike and will try to enjoy myself as much as possible.”
Andrea Iannone will not be present in the Energy T.I. Pramac Racing Team's pit garage this weekend because of the injuries he suffered in a crash at the Sachsenring circuit. As a result, he will have to postpone his debut at this circuit until next year. Andrea Iannone – Energy T.I. Pramac Racing Team.
Andrea Iannone – Energy T.I. Pramac Racing Team
“I'm really disappointed. I did a test with a road bike on this track in April in preparation for the race, I was ready to ride at this special and charismatic circuit, and I really didn’t need this injury. Right until the last moment I thought I could make it, I did everything possible to be able to get back onto the grid but the doctors firmly advised me to not strain the shoulder. My only goal now is to get back in shape for Indianapolis, taking advantage of the summer break, and then resume the work we have begun on the new bike with the team.
Text und Foto: Team
