After the successful introduction to MotoGP of superstar Dani Pedrosa (Repsol Honda RC212V) and that of reigning World Champion Casey Stoner, it was only a matter of time before hot 250cc property Alex de Angelis was given a chance in the 800cc category.
Now signed-up for the consistently competitive San Carlo Honda Gresini squad this engaging and fiercely determined 23-year-old has been a regular front-runner in the 250cc class for the past four seasons. He even scored podium finishes in his first full year in the tightly fought quarter-litre category.
His record of fifth, seventh and third overall in those first three seasons demonstrates a gradual mastery of a harsh competitive environment. And it is perhaps the San Marinese man’s combative instincts that have so far been both his strength and something of a failing when left unchecked.
He finished third overall again in 2007 after recording his first win on a 250 at the final race of 2006 in Valencia. It was anticipated that de Angelis would be more than a match for eventual series winner Jorge Lorenzo and runner-up Andrea Dovizioso, but his title challenge never quite took off despite only one failure to finish a race and eight podium places in his final 250cc World Championship season.
But seasoned observers recognised qualities in Alex that are likely to stand him in good stead when it comes to wrestling an 800cc machine around the tight twists of the Sachsenring or the open sweeping turns of Phillip Island.
He has aggression aplenty, and this was perhaps best on show in his 125cc days when his all-action style and uncompromising overtaking technique took him to runner-up spot in his fourth full season in the smallest capacity class.
Now having matured into a rider more likely to take the points on offer than risk crashing in vain attempts at rostrum positions de Angelis is ready to make the leap to the premier class.
Engaging and affable in the paddock, this steely adversary is perhaps most celebrated so far for recovering from what looked like the nastiest of accidents at the Turkish Grand Prix last season. He sensationally regained control of his 250cc Aprilia having been hoisted out of the seat after clashing with other riders on the high-speed back straight. Even though out of the saddle and on the grass, the dogged de Angelis brought the machine to a halt yards from disaster, averting what would have been a very unsavoury incident.
With so much experience under his belt and still with youth on his side, Alex has the class and the determination to succeed at the highest level and it’s in the MotoGP class that his talents are most likely to reach full potential. Randy de Puniet, now riding for the LCR Honda Team, has already showed how the right type of 250cc rider can make the grade in MotoGP – now it’s the turn of premier class rookie de Angelis.
