It was written in the stars that today would be the day Team San Carlo Honda Gresini wrote another page in their history. It had to be at the aptly renamed Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli that Alvaro Bautista scored his first MotoGP podium and his first with the team as Michele Pirro finished tenth overall and second in the CRT class. It was a special day for the team and an emotional way to remember Marco at his home circuit.

Alvaro Bautista (3rd)

“It is always nice to finish on the podium but especially for me today with this being my first in MotoGP. Above all this is a very special weekend for me and the team because our memories of Marco are so strong coming here to the circuit named in his honour. After a few tough races we have worked well here and managed to fight for the podium at last. I am so happy for the team and for Marco because I am sure that wherever he is right now he was pushing us along. I could feel his hand on my shoulder today and I realised at the end that my name had come loose from my leathers so you could say it was Marco that was with us today. It has been an extraordinary day and I almost crashed at the start – I picked myself up on my right elbow. I am happy for everybody who has believed in me and I want to dedicate this very special podium also to them.”


Michele Pirro (10th)

“After a few difficult weekends we have had a good day here and a wonderful weekend where Marco's presence could really be felt. I am so happy that at his home circuit we have been able to get back on the right track and I hope we can get more results like this between now and the end of the season. Unfortunately in the race I lost a little time behind Hernandez otherwise I could have been much closer to De Puniet. Anyway I am happy for me and the team, who have worked with so much determination. It has been a wonderful and emotional day.”

Fausto Gresini

“What a feeling! It has been an incredible day for us and I am sure that Marco has given us a huge push from up there. To be on the podium with Alvaro in MotoGP and with Michele second amongst the CRTs in our colours and at this circuit named in his honour is just unforgettable and it will stay in our hearts forever. We needed a day like this because it gives everybody the necessary enthusiasm to keep racing. Tomorrow we turn a new page in our history with Marco in our hearts every single day.”

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