Marco Simoncelli says he never gave up hope of achieving his maiden podium finish this season, thanking the Gresini team for supporting him through a period of difficult races. The Italian finished this afternoon’s Czech Republic Grand Prix in the final rostrum position, admitting that he is ‘really delighted’ with the breakthrough result.
"I am really happy," Simoncelli said after the race. "I have been very strong this year but it has been tough because we have had some difficult situations to deal with. Me and the team have never lost our faith though and finally the result has come so I want to thank all of them, as well as Honda and anybody else who has maintained their belief in me.
"On the last lap today I just wanted it to be over and nothing bad to happen and thankfully it all worked out. I am really delighted. I didn't make a great start and had to pass Valentino, who fought back for three corners and I have the tyre marks on my leathers to prove it! It was a nice battle even though it was short.
"I tried to attack Dovizioso at the end but he was pushing hard and I decided to settle for the position because I knew Lorenzo was making up ground behind me."
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| Pos. | Driver | Team | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. |  C. Stoner | Repsol Honda | 43:16.796 |
| 2. | A. Dovizioso | Repsol Honda | +6.532 |
| 3. | M. Simoncelli | Gresini | +7.792 |
| 4. | J. Lorenzo | Fiat Yamaha | +8.513 |
| 5. | B. Spies | Fiat Yamaha | +10.186 |
| 6. | V. Rossi | Ducati | +12.632 |
| 7. | N. Hayden | Ducati | +23.037 |
| 8. | C. Edwards | Tech 3 | +24.189 |
| 9. | H. Aoyama | Gresini | +25.202 |
| 10. | H. Barbera | Aspar Team | +36.566 |
| Full results | |||
| Marco Simoncelli | |||
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| More Marco Simoncelli photos | |||
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