DUCATI RIDERS FIND CATALUNYA A TOUGH CHALLENGE
Ducati Marlboro Team riders Loris Capirossi and Carlos Checa
could not replicate their fine recent showings at Mugello
during the Catalunya Grand Prix, as each had to make a compromise
choice of rear tyres for the 25-lap race. The resurface Montmelo
circuit proved abrasive and each rider had to modify their
ambitions before the start, despite riding to their full abilities
throughout.
Capirossi had a mid-race fight for four laps with his team-mate
Checa, until the Spaniard dropped back after a braking error.
Checa recovered his position in the race, finishing in 11th
place. Capirossi went 12th, with each rider earning championship
points.
“We have been struggling a lot with rear grip,”
said Livio Suppo, Ducati MotoGP Project Manager. “Together
with the Bridgestone technicians we made a tyre choice for
safety sake, with a hard compound rear. When we made the change
this morning we knew it would be less competitive, but much
safer. We have to work together with Bridgestone and we knew
that this was a partnership we would have to grow. We know
that they are working hard and we have to accept that there
will be difficult days, but of course it’s hard after
race like at Mugello. The difference in the surface from Mugello
decided everything. When we took the decision to change our
tyre supplier it was not an easy choice but we knew it was
a choice with a lot of potential, and we still believe it.”
CHECA UNABLE TO SHINE AT HOME
Carlos Checa had a tough afternoon of work in front of his
home crowd, his lack of rear traction reducing his possibilities
with his bike in full race trim. A battle with his team-mate
mid-race was followed by a dramatic moment when leading a
group of riders, as he ran on past his braking point at the
end of the main straight. A spirited fight back put him 11th
in the race.
“There was no possibility to race like we did at Mugello,”
said a disappointed Checa. “We had a problem with the
rear tyre life here, and the performance was nothing special.
I made a mistake during the race as well, when in front of
Bayliss and Xaus. The handlebars had been shaking from side
to side as I went down the straight and when I hit the brakes
I think my pads had been pushed back. I had to make a couple
of grabs on the lever, and that made me lock up the front
when it gripped again. I got past the riders again but by
that time my tyre performance was down, so for the last seven
laps I decided just to ride to hold my position and finish
the race. This was not the race for us, but considering everything,
I am reasonably satisfied.”
CAPIROSSI 12th AFTER TOUGH DAY
Loris Capirossi was as high as seventh after one lap of the
recently resurfaced Catalunya circuit, but after a few laps
his pace dropped as the rear tyre grip reduced. He had to
settle for 12th place, but was philosophical about his experience.
“It was a tough weekend,” stated Capirossi, who
had a last minute change to his race preparations. “We
worked a lot and made quite a few changes in set-up. Yesterday
afternoon we were OK. This morning I went out with the rear
tyre we chose yesterday, and we were OK again. After warm-up
I was advised to use a much harder compound rear. This was
almost an obligatory choice, but after a few laps I had very
little grip from the rear. It was as if it was raining. But
anyway, it was important to finish the race. Now we can put
this race into the past and we can focus on Assen.”
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