ANOTHER STEP FORWARD IN THE LEARNING PROCESS
The Portuguese GP will be remembered for a long time for
the difficult and changeable weather conditions which struck
during the race, and which complicated matters for all the
riders out on track. The FORTUNA YAMAHA riders had a tough
weekend in Estoril. Fortunately though, they both managed
to bring their bikes home in this second race of the year;
mission accomplished in this learning phase for the team -
Xaus to the bike, and Elías to the category. After
the first two races of the year, the third event in China
will hopefully see another chunk of progress for the duo at
this early stage of the season.
Ruben Xaus (11):
-Warm-Up: 1.53.569, 6th - 9 laps.
-Race: 10th, +1’22.431/ fastest lap - 1.41.397
-Championship: 13th - 6 points, 39 behind 1st.
“Throughout the weekend I was improving my rhythm steadily
and so when I saw there was rain this morning I felt bad.
I started on the fourth row, but in the first couple of laps
I struggled and lost ground and was forced to fight my way
back up the field. It was difficult to finish the race, but
we did it and that is the most important thing. For most of
the race I was lapping on my own and that was hard, especially
on slicks in the rain. I think the Gods set us a tough challenge,
but we got through it and that’s what it is about.
Toni Elías (24):
-Warm-Up: 1.53.634, 7th - 9 laps.
-Race: 14th, +1’36.492/fastest lap -1.41.228
-Championship: 14th - 6 points, 39 behind 1st.
“It was a very difficult weekend. Physically I wasn’t
in great shape because of the pain from my knee after my fall
yesterday. In the race the conditions were changing all the
time, and that meant I had to take decisions on the hop. I
believe I have gathered some important experience from this
race, though, and we must keep trying to improve from race
to race.”
Hervé Poncharal, Fortuna Yamaha Team Manager:
“I’m really happy with the work we have done
here, because this has been a difficult GP, and in the end
both riders have performed well. The important thing is picking
up the points, which can be so valuable later on. I’m
particularly satisfied with Ruben, who has been able to do
himself justice and get the best out. Toni meanwhile had a
great first day of practice, then after crashes yesterday
and with the weather as it was, his confidence took a bit
of a knock. However today he showed that he knows how to perform,
with a great race.”
Record: Valentino Rossi, 04’ 1.38.423
Pole 2005: Alex Barros, 1.37.202
Fastest Lap: Alex Barros, 1.38.480
|
