Repsol Honda's Andrea Dovizioso has admitted he isn't in the right frame of mind to race after just two weeks have passed since the death of his career-long racing rival Marco Simoncelli at the Sepang MotoGP round in an horrific crash.
The Italian had raced against Simoncelli from an early age and says he will carry his conpatriot's number 58 on the chest of his leathers for this weekend's finale at Spain's Valencia circuit.
I'm very sad for the loss of Marco. I'm going to Valencia not in the right frame of mind for a race. I will wear Marco's number 58 on the chest of my leathers, close to my heart, this is the only thing that counts. I have raced with Marco throughout my whole career, he was 'the rival' and now that he is no longer with us, he has left a big void and I want to convert this feeling of emptiness to determination," said the quiet Italian.
I hope to get a good result at Valencia mainly because it is important for me to finish third in the Championship but I know the race will be difficult as it is not one of my favourite circuits and Dani is very strong there. Also, the GP of Valencia is my last race with Honda and I really would like to crown these ten years together with a good final race."
