Red Bull US Grand Prix
XAUS AND ELIAS BATTLE BRAVELY IN LAGUNA SECA
The Fortuna Yamaha duo de MotoGP signed off from the United
States Grand Prix with 11th and 13th positions. Toni had to
have injections and suffered a lot with his wrist, at a circuit
which requires a very hard suspension setting, which didn’t
help his physical problems. Rubén, meanwhile, promises
to return in 2006 and do much better, although his team appreciate
his effort and let him know as such.
RUBEN XAUS
Race: 11th
Championship standings: 12th, with 33 points
Practice was unsatisfying for Rubén Xaus, who complained
of being unable to show his talent and experience at the Californian
track. At the end of the race the team congratulated him,
"They did so because we keep on picking up points. I
got a bad start, but sometimes starting from the back is suicidal.
The first corner is really dangerous and I tried to be calm.
It’s also true that after the kind of practice I had,
to start from behind takes your motivation away a little.
Anyway, the bad point was the first five laps yet again. Until
I got past Rolfo, who was holding me up a bit, I was unable
to go at my rhythm of about a second slower than the lead
group. My adaptation to the M1 means I’m slowly working
out its secrets. It’s hard work, but everybody’s
calm here. Through thick and thin. I’m here and I’m
full of determination. For now I’ll have to be content
with the Superbikes race I won here in 2003, but I promise
I’ll come back and win here. I don’t know how
and when, but I promise."
TONI ELIAS
Race: 13th
Championship standings: 16th, with 18 points
The Catalan rider got back on board the M1 after 3 grands
prix out injured, and he picked up valuable points. It was
important to finish, and despite the pain in his wrist, he
managed it.
"I’m satisfied. We were faced with a difficult
weekend and we will take home 3 points, which could be crucial.
The race was so tough. My han was hurting so much. I don’t
know why but after 4 laps it began hurting again; I think
that we didn’t manage to inject it properly. I was important
to finish though, and I hung on behind Hofmann. This is a
legendary track, and I’m lucky to ride here, which was
one of my dreams, and it’s another reason to be satisfied.
However we need to improve. I want to return next year and
give it all again, so I can improve on my result."
HERVE PONCHARAL, Fortuna Yamaha Team Manager
"It was a very difficult weekend, but we still knew
how to get through thanks to the hard work and effort from
everyone. Rubén didn’t start the race too well,
but after a few laps rode very consistently and had a good
rhythm. The points we picked up are of vital importance. As
for Toni, it wasn’t at all easy for him with this being
such a physical track and him not being at 100%. We hope that
in Donington he can ride in better shape and he can show the
potential we all know he has."
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