Gauloises TT Assen
FLYING DEBRIS DAMAGES FORTUNA YAMAHA HOPES
The FORTUNA YAMAHA riders both completed the Dutch GP at
Assen with performances that got stronger and stronger, typifying
their display over the whole weekend. RUBEN XAUS, who did
not get a good start, finished the race in 12th and with the
bodywork on his M-1 badly damaged after being hit by a stone
that had been thrown up by the bike of the Japanese rider
Tamada who was in front of him. Xaus posted his best lap three
laps from the end and his rhythm got stronger as the race
progressed. On the last lap he produced a fine finish and
even managed to edge past Hopkins just a few metres from the
line. The same incident with Tamada also had an impact on
the other Fortuna Yamaha rider, David Checa. The Spaniard
was hit on his right arm by the debris just five laps in and
it caused severe bruising that impeded him throughout the
race. Checa managed to finish the race in fifth position and
produced arguable his best display in the three races that
he has been standing in for Toni Elias. Thus, both riders
managed to score in what has proved a very tough weekend.
For the next GP, which takes place in the US on July 10, Toni
Elias will be ready to return to action.
Ruben Xaus (11):
Race: 12th + 49.864, VR: 15th 2.03.642 16/19
World Championship: 12th, 28 puntos
"I made a mistake at the start and I did not feel comfortable
for the first few laps, I did not have the right feeling.
When Tamada passed me, it took me a while to get back in front
of him because I had been struggling for a while. Then I battled
with Bayliss, Roberts and Hopkins and improved my rhythm and
the bike began to get lighter by the halway point. I have
to learn to improve my rhythm in the first five laps of the
race because in the last few races it's only been on the last
few laps that I felt like I could challenge for the top eight.
I have to improve a lot in that respect."
David Checa (94):
Race: 15th + 54.965, VR: 17th 2.03.997 4/19
World Championship: 21st, 4 puntos.
I felt very comfortable at the beginning. I was able to get
away quite well and even got in front of Tamada and Ruben.
But when the Japanese rider went back past me he threw up
a stone at me in the chicane that upset me a lot. I kept going
as best I could, but it hurt a lot and over the final laps
I was not able to accelerate and brake as I wanted which meant
I had to be cautious. Anyway, I am happy because I believe
I rode a good race. It's a shame my time with the team has
come to an end.
Hervé poncharal, FORTUNA YAMAHA team manager:
Both FORTUNA YAMAHA riders rode a good race today and clearly
progressed again. It's a shame about the stones thrown by
Tamada which damaged us a lot. Without that incident I am
convinced they would have finished much higher up. We are
happy with the team’s work this weekend and we are delighted
that Toni Elias will be back for the next race in America.
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