Avintia Racing Ducati’s Hector Barbera says that the final round of the season in Valencia is ‘the most anticipated race’ of 2016 for him, as it is both his and the team’s home event.
The Spaniard comes home after three hugely eventful flyaway races. For the Japanese and Australian Grand Prix, he was called up to the factory Ducati team to replace the injured Andrea Iannone, though unfortunately crashed in both races. In Sepang two weeks ago, he battled hard with teammate Loris Baz in the wet conditions to take a career-best fourth.
After a strong 2016 campaign on the Desmosedici GP14.2, Barbera will be keen to cap it off by finishing ninth in the standings. Currently, he is just one point clear of Iannone and 11 points ahead of 11th placed Aleix Espargaro. Both will be difficult to beat as they are both factory-supported, but Barbera has proven time and time again this season that he is capable of fighting with the faster bikes around him.
The Ricardo Tormo Circuit has been good to Barbera over the years. The Spaniard has won twice in his career, once in the 125s in 2004 and again in 2009 in the 250cc class. Last year’s race didn’t quit go to plan and he finished just outside the points in 16th, though still beat Baz to the Open class title.
“We head to the Grand Prix of Valencia, the most anticipated race of the season for me. I’m very motivated after finishing in fourth place at the last race and, with the extra boost from my home crowd, I think it will be possible to finish 2016 on a high note,” said Barbera.
“I love the circuit, I’ve been training there during the season and now I look forwrd to the race. The weather forecast is good, so we will enjoy dry track time and the fans will have a great time during the weekend.”
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