Marco Simoncelli is looking for his second career podium at Indianapolis this weekend.

Having finally broken his podium curse at Brno last time out, Team San Carlo Honda Gresini rider Marco Simoncelli travels across the Atlantic to the legendary Indianapolis circuit with his confidence sky-high this week.

Having shown podium potential from the opening race of the season, ‘Super Sic’ finally broke his duck in the Czech Republic and can now look forward to riding with a huge weight taken off his shoulders.

The legendary circuit this year marks a hundred years of the ‘Indy 500’ and Simoncelli hopes he can also be celebrating this weekend.

“A weight was lifted off my shoulders at Brno with my first ever podium in MotoGP and my 30th podium in all categories,” Simoncelli said. “It was a huge source of satisfaction because we have been chasing it since the opening race of the season and didn’t quite manage it for various reasons.

“We needed it and I am happy for myself, the team, Honda and everybody who has believed in me. That kind of cloud is no longer hanging over us and hopefully that will make everything easier in the second half of the season.

“I am feeling strong and determined and I travel to America in the right mood to continue this positive progress.

“Indianapolis is a circuit I like overall although I do tend to struggle a little compared to the other smaller riders because of the first gear final corner that leads onto a really long straight.

“This is a problem for us but we will do our best to work it out and try to ensure it hinders us as little as possible. I took the win at Indianapolis in 250 in 2009 and I was on pole in 2008 when the race was cancelled because of the hurricane.

“The team and I are highly motivated and hope to continue in the same way we found in Brno.”