Simoncelli not allowed to race WSB

Marco tried the Castrol Honda for size at Monza

AT the Monza WSB round Marco Simoncelli was seen trying out the Castrol Honda Fireblade for size, expectations were that the afro-haired GP rider would make a wildcard appearance later this year but the taster was to sample the bike for training purposes.

A statement from Gresini Honda says that the team are preparing a Honda CBR1000RR for the Italian and that he will not take part in any of the 2011 World Superbike championship rounds. The FIM rules allow for a MotoGP rider to put in some training laps on certain circuits on a production bike.

Simoncelli made an impression on the WSB championship in a guest ride for Aprilia in 2009 at Imola, the former 250GP champion claimed third place in race two on board the RSV4 - with a tough pass on Max Biaggi securing his place on the podium in race two.

Watch this for your own walk-around of the Castrol Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade.