Moto2: 'Potential very high' for Pasini Petronas debut

Mattia Pasini is targeting a top five finish on his Petronas Sprinta Racing debut at Le Mans this weekend.

Although without a full time ride, the Italian veteran will be taking part in his third Moto2 event of the season, this time as a replacement for the injured Khairul Idham Pawi.

And after a tough time on the Angel Nieto KTM chassis at Jerez, Pasini is expecting to pick up where he left off with the Kalex chassis in Austin, where he finished fourth for the Pons team.

Unlike the previous rounds, the 33-year-old also has the benefit of a prior test session with the Petronas team, at Jerez last Tuesday (pictured), when he was 'one of the fastest riders'.

"I'm very focused ahead of the French GP and I will try to do my best. The objective is to be at the front, or at least to fight to be in the top five, because after testing the bike last Tuesday I think our potential is very high," said Pasini, a twelve-time grand prix winnner.

"I've taken a podium and two pole positions at Le Mans in the past and I've always been strong there. It's a track that I like. As we put in more laps during the weekend, we will work on improving the bike, but the goal is to concentrate on going as fast as possible, because we have a very good base to work from.

"I was very strong at the Jerez test, so we must be focused on our goal, have a little luck and satisfy Petronas Sprinta Racing for the opportunity I have been given."

Pawi's hand injury is expected to mean the former Moto3 race winner misses several events.