Brno MotoGP: Marco Simoncelli vows to ignore podium pressure

Marco Simoncelli has denied the pressure of trying to break his MotoGP podium duck has been a factor in his performances in recent weeks.

And the San Carlo Gresini rider is confident he can ignore the mounting pressure as he goes in search of his elusive first premier class podium in Brno this weekend.

The Italian rider has qualified on the front row of the grid in six out of 10 races so far in 2011. But he’s yet to convert impressive speed in practice and qualifying into a rostrum finish. Going into Sunday’s Brno race he’s not yet managed to finished higher than fifth and he’s crashed in four races, including two while fighting for a top three in Jerez and Silverstone.

But the former 250GP world champion, speaking to MCN in the Czech Republic earlier today, said: “Sure this pressure to get my first podium has been coming stronger but for me it is not a big problem. I try to race with a clear mind even though everybody is looking for me to get my first podium and I just try to do my best without thinking too much about the pressure. After the holidays I feel more relaxed and ready to fight for the last part of the championship.”

With eight races of the campaign remaining, Simoncelli is only 10th in the rankings and a massive 133-points behind series leader and fellow factory Honda rival Casey Stoner.