SPECTACULAR PODIUM FOR THE FORTUNA HONDA TEAM!
 Jorge
Lorenzo secured his first podium in the 250 class with a second-place
at the Italia Grand Prix. This weekend the Mallorcan rider
took pole position – the youngest-ever rider to do so
in the class, 18 years and 32 days - and also posted the fastest
ever lap by a 250 rider at the circuit. Lorenzo is now fifth
in the championship with 54 points, only two behind fourth
position. His compatriot Hector Barbera showed his undoubted
talent by taking sixth place despite being troubled by the
injury he has to his left arm.
Jorge Lorenzo, 2nd
"At Le Mans I showed I could be up there, and I confirmed
that today. I am now in shape to challenge for the podium
regularly. I always go into races wanting to win, but today
the Honda was not going quite as well as in qualifying. The
engine was not as smooth and you could feel it on all the
straights. But both the team and I gave it everything and
I must thank them for their work as the bike is now quicker
on the straights. I think I have to get a few more podiums
to make up for some of the mistakes I have made, but at least
this is the first. I did not get away well, but I rode right
on the limit at a track that does not suit me that well. I
think that at Montmelo and Assen I can improve further. I
am not worried about the championship, I am only interested
in winning races at the moment.”
Héctor Barberá, 6th
"I was suffering a lot throughout the race. My arm hurt
a lot and I could not change direction easily. By the end,
though, I was enjoying myself despite the pain. I believe
we took an important step forward in the race, we’ll
have to see if we are closer to the podium at Montmelo. Tomorrow
I’m going to visit a doctor in Spain, the World Championship
doctors have advised me to rest it as much as possible, but
I want a clearer diagnosis because the next race in Barcelona
is only next week.”
Dani Amatriaín, Fortuna Honda 250cc Team Manager
"I am very happy for Hector because he was suffering
physically but still finished the race like a man. He deserved
his sixth position and I am sure he will improve again at
Montuelo. Of course I congratulated Jorge for his second place
and I am very proud of him. He has shown what an incredible
fighter he is. The engine of his bike did not help him as
much as it should today as the set-up was not the best. But
I still want to congratulate the whole team for their great
work this weekend.”
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