Moto2: Mattia Pasini ready for grand prix return

125 and 250cc race winner Mattia Pasini will return to grand prix action as a Moto2 wild-card at Mugello this weekend.

Pasini, who spent last season at Forward Racing, will join Xavier Simeon at the Gresini (Kalex) team. The Italian has completed tests at Aragon and Misano to prepare for his home round.

"Both in Aragon and in Misano we carried out positive tests: I've been fast and I found a very good feeling with the bike, but the most important thing that makes me optimistic is the really good atmosphere I immediately felt inside the garage. I'm convinced that this factor is very important in racing," said Pasini, twice a Mugello winner on two-stroke machinery.

"I look forward to the Mugello race driven by great enthusiasm, although clearly in this moment it's difficult to make a prediction. I would just like to have the opportunity to fully express my potential; if we do it, I think we can have a good race, although the challenge we face is definitely not easy. Our rivals took part to all the first part of the season and they are all very strong; anyway, we will try our best to do well."

Fausto Gresini explained the wild-card decision:

"I've always loved Pasini's racing attitude and I'm glad to be able to give him the opportunity to take part to this event as a wild-card: adventures like these are even more stimulating when they involve such a talented rider like Mattia, who has always demonstrated a great desire to succeed. I'm convinced that he can do a good race: we wait for him with great confidence, and I think that also the fans will be happy to see him back on track."