Round 6 – Grand Prix of Italy (Mugello)
PRAMAC D’ANTIN TO CONTEST SECOND HOME GP –
THIS TIME MUGELLO
Team Pramac d’Antin contests its second home GP so
far in this Championship after the mixed results obtained
in last weekend’s Le Mans race, when Alex Hofmann claimed
a sensational fifth position while Alex Barros was decidedly
unluckier.
MotoGP veteran Barros has previously been a regular protagonist
at the Italian Mugello track and claimed a premier class victory
there back in 2001.
Alex Hofmann, although with less experience in comparison
with his Brazilian team-mate, will take part in his 100th
GP in Mugello, determined to repeat the wonderful result obtained
in Le Mans.
The race in Mugello is one of the most exciting and eagerly-anticipated
MotoGP world championship events, where both Team Pramac d’Antin
riders will be supported by passionate fans that will adorn
the Tuscan resort. The race weekend will start on free practice
on Friday 1 June building up to the race on Sunday 3 June
that will take place at 2pm CET.
Alex Barros: “I know the Mugello circuit
very well and I think I was one of the first riders to run
there after its renovation. I also won a premier class race
there back in 2001 and, for this reason, I’m quietly
confident for the race. The most important thing is that my
team continue to work in a positive way. In fact, during the
two previous races, we obtained a perfect set-up with the
Bridgestone-Ducati package, but unfortunately, the race didn’t
give us the deserved result. I hope that in Mugello, everything
will be perfect. The track is really adapted to Ducati bike,
we have to make the best use of the engine potential that
we have.
Before I arrive in Tuscany, I will spend one day in Borgo
Panigale in Ducati’s company. I’m very happy to
receive this invitation and I hope I can reward them with
a good race; obviously I would also benefit from some overdue
luck when we start on track!”
Alex Hofmann: “The wonderful race
that I had in Le Mans has given me further enthusiasm for
the race in Mugello .For us it is a very important leg of
the championship since it is the home race for Pramac and
Ducati and I will do all I can to get a good result. The track
is one of my favourites, very fast and fluent, and it is perfect
for our Desmosedici. In my opinion the race in Mugello is
one of the most exiciting in the Championship. There is always
a special atmosphere and each year thousands of passionate
fans cheer us on which gives me an extra motivation.
My focus in this race is to finish in the top ten, because
I would confirm the level of performance I showed in France
and, furthermore, it would be a fitting occasion to say thanks
to Pramac, Bridgestone, Ducati and my Team for the consistently
good work they have accomplished so far this season and for
the confidence they have given me.
Luis d’Antin – General Director:
"For our Italo-spaniard team, the next world championship
event is really important. The Mugello GP is one of our home
races and we hope to be very competitive both to confirm the
potential we have shown this year and to say thanks to all
of our partners that will be there.
Certainly, we still have a lot of work to do, but since the
beginning of this championship, our team has demonstrated
its ability to be competitive, so if we have some luck and
everything works in the right way, I am sure that we will
achieve a positive and satisfying result."
THE CIRCUIT
Mugello held its first race in 1976. The 5,245km track was
relatively recently refurbished and is characterised by fast
and slow turns, changing gradients and a long straight, all
of which is enjoyed by riders and spectators alike.
Opened: 1974
Modified : 1999
Length: 5245m;
Width : 21m
Longest Straight: 720m
Right turns: 6
Left turns: 8
Pole position: right
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