Simoncelli confirms MotoGP switch

Dutch MotoGP, Assen
Date: 26-27 June
Friday 26 June: Qualifying: 1200-1500, BBC Red Button/online Saturday 27 July: 125cc and 250cc races: 0950-1205, BBC Red Button/online. Race live: 1240-1400, BBC Two/online

Reigning 250cc world champion Marco Simoncelli will compete in MotoGP with the San Carlo Honda Gresini team during the 2010 campaign.

Italian Simoncelli, 22, rejected the chance to step up this year in order to defend his title but will replace Alex de Angelis or Toni Elias next year.

"He's shown that he has the ability to be a major force in the premier class," said team chief Fausto Gresini.

"Also Honda rate him highly and believe he is a rider with great potential."

Simoncelli is currently fifth in the 250cc standings, having missed the opening race of the season because of a wrist injury and then crashing out of the most recent event in Barcelona.

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" The Hair Bear in MGP next year, watch out everyone, no prisoners will be taken!! "

This weekend he will try to revive his fortunes at the Dutch Grand Prix at Assen.

"Next year I will be a member of the Honda Gresini team and I am very happy because it is an Italian team," stated Simoncelli, who is set to take on the likes of reigning MotoGp champion Valentino Rossi next season.

"I think they are a very strong team. I am very happy to be with Honda and with Fausto. As many people know I am friends with Valentino Rossi and we sometimes go motocross training together but I would like to be fighting against him next year because that will mean I am doing very well."

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