Ryan Villopoto visits MotoGP

Nine time AMA Supercross and Motocross champion Ryan Villopoto attended his first MotoGP event at Catalunya.

The 25-year-old (pictured with Lewis Hamilton) used time off following knee surgery, which has ruled him out of the American Motocross season, to make the trip to Europe as a guest of Monster.

"It's my first time at a MotoGP and it was a good one to come to - a really great race obviously," Villopoto told Crash.net.

"I'd heard about the size of the paddock, the hospitality and the sound of the bikes but until you actually get here it's hard to imagine.

"It was really interesting. I got to see a couple of different garages. It's been really cool."

Asked what impressed him the most, Villopoto replied: "I'd have to say the sound. We have a much lower sound limit. I'd been told the bikes were loud, but I didn't expect them to be this loud!"

Villopoto will now travel from Spain to Germany. "We'll be going in Teutschenthal next weekend for the German MX Grand Prix. We'll be in Europe for two weeks total."

Regarding his recovery, Villopoto stated: "I've had my knee worked on again. Everything is going fine as of now. Just waiting to start walking. I'm still on crutches as you can see.

"It's just about going through the motions as far as the recovery at this point, but I'll be back for the Supercross season."