Moto2 riders Roberts, Beaubier look to put on a show for home fans at COTA

In what’s been a tough season for both riders, Moto2’ Joe Roberts and Cameron Beaubier are aiming to put on a show as MotoGP returns to the US. 

The two Californian’s have shown huge potential at times, especially Beaubier who is a rookie in the class, however, it’s very much been a learning year for the former five-time MotoAmerica series winner, while Roberts is still without a podium - best finish of fourth at round three in Portimao. 

But while results might not have been what Roberts expected after joining last season’s champion Italtrans team, the belief is still there on both sides which has led to a renewal for next year. 

Speaking about why he chose to remain with the team and also performing in front of his home crowd, Roberts said: "It’s just amazing to be back here honestly. I'm thankful to MotoGP and Dorna for making this happen and coming back to America. 

"As an American rider it’s so crucial that we race in America. Even last night flying in and coming into the airport; seeing so many fans was already an amazing thing. I hope for a great showing and a great race. 

"It’s been a bit of a difficult season I think. Not a season that me and the team both expected. 

"Started it pretty decently and we were running out front, but I don’t know, for whatever reason we hit hard times I would say. 

"But I think it’s something that can happen in this class. It’s a pretty unpredictable class and it can be like that sometimes. 

"We wanted to stay together because I believe in the team and the team believes in me." 

For Beaubier, the transition from MotoAmerica to Moto2 has, as expected, had ups and downs.

But with that said, the former Red Bull Rookies rider some 14 years ago has been especially strong in race situations, often coming through the pack to challenge for points and the top ten. 

"It’s going to be nice rolling out on the track on Friday in front of the home crowd and everything like that," said Beaubier. 

"It’s been an amazing season so far. It’s been really, really tough because this Moto2 class; with the talent all across the board in Moto3, Moto2 and MotoGP is incredible. But, I’m looking forward to this weekend."

Like Roberts, Beaubier was part of the pre-event press conference and was asked about the differences between the Yamaha R1 - a bike which brought him so much success - and the current GP bike he rides for American Racing.  

Beaubier said: "I’m sure these guys would say the same thing too because they practice on some production bikes, but the GP bike is so much stiffer. 

"The chassis is stiffer, it’s more aggressive and I feel like I’ve gotten away from using the rear brake over a handful of years. 

"But on this bike that’s been an improvement and also the front tyre, the front tyre is quite a bit wider on the Moto2 bike compared to the production bike we’ve been racing - the R1 over the last few years. 

"At the end of the day it’s still a motorcycle and everyone is on the same one."