Hiroshi Aoyama prepares for a circuit well known to him this weekend as the Japanese competitor looks to race the Le Mans track for the initial time as a premier class racer.

The Interwetten Honda MotoGP Team competitor has vast experience of the French track going back from his time as a 250cc racer, and following a pleasing day of testing after the GP at Jerez, he is excited about the Monster Energy Grand Prix de France.

“I expect a lot from Le Mans. I know the track and it seems to suit the Japanese riders well,” states Aoyama. “The layout is quite similar to that of the Twin Ring in Motegi with its stop and go sections, and I like this layout.”

Aoyama is hoping the weather will be fine, particuluarly after last season’s event was so heavily affected by rain. “Unfortunately the weather is critical in Le Mans. It changes between wet and dry all the time and it never stays all dry or all wet, so it can happen that the set-up work of the weekend has to start from zero on race day,” he explains. “Therefore I hope I will have a good feeling with the bike from the first practice and that I can improve each day.”

Aoyama is due to be completely fit following a routine operation on his left hand for stiffness. He adds, “I have recharged my batteries over the last couple of days and I hope I will have a good race.”