"It would be great if Mugello can be our trampoline towards the top positions" - Fausto Gresini.
Alex de Angelis heads for his first 'home' event as a MotoGP rider encouraged by setting a similar pace to Honda's world championship contender Dani Pedrosa during recent testing at Le Mans.
"The test following the grand prix in France certainly produced better results than we achieved in the race," said Alex, who is yet to claim a top ten finish in the premier-class. "I managed to lower my times and lap consistently at a quicker pace. I also managed about ten laps behind the factory Honda of Pedrosa and noticed that I was able to follow him without too much difficulty.
"That means we have taken a step forward - now we have to see if the changes we made are also suited to a track like Mugello. As far as the tyres are concerned I tested the one Nakano used at Le Mans and it felt good - it shows that Bridgestone are working in the right direction," he added.
de Angelis is actually from San Marino, which uses the Italian circuit of Misano to host its grand prix later in the season, but the Italian speaker - riding for the Italian San Carlo Gresini Honda team - knows he'll get plenty of support this weekend.
"The Grand Prix of Italy is without doubt a special occasion for us: I have been on the podium there for the past three seasons in 250cc. This year, barring a major surprise, that won't be possible but obviously I'd like to put on a good show in front of my fans," he said. "Even if my real 'home race' is in San Marino at Misano, I know my fans are planning to be at Mugello too and I'm sure their presence will give me a little extra motivation to produce my absolute maximum."
Nakano also has high hopes - and is aiming for a top six on Sunday.
"The Grand Prix of Italy is a home race for the whole team so it is a little bit for me too. For that reason I am highly motivated and I can't wait to get out on track," said the Japanese. "We're convinced we have a good package, especially after the test at Le Mans. Working together with Bridgestone we managed to find a rear tyre that makes the bike much more manageable - an aspect that will be of fundamental importance to tackle the fast direction changes of Mugello. So far we have scored a few top ten finishes but we need and want to do better. My objective for Mugello is the top six."
"Racing at home always provides extra emotion and motivation," reflected team manager Fausto Gresini. "I think the test at Le Mans was useful to make some more steps forwards with the tyres - we did a great job together with Bridgestone and I think it could be the factor that brings us back to a competitive level and allows Alex and Shinya to get the most out of their ability as riders. We're all working extremely hard to close the gap to the fastest riders in the class and we're hopeful of a top result in front of our home fans. It would be great if Mugello can be our trampoline towards the top positions."
