ROSSI TAKES HISTORIC VICTORY IN FIRST EVER RACE AT SHANGHAI
Gauloises Yamaha Team rider Valentino Rossi made history
once again today, becoming the first rider to take a MotoGP
victory at Shanghai, with a stunning performance in torrentially
wet conditions at the inaugural Grand Prix of China. Despite
starting from sixth place on the grid Rossi took control of
the race on the fifth lap, passing early leader Kenny Roberts
(Suzuki) and opening up a clear gap over the chasing pack.
It was an advantage the reigning World Champion would never
let slip, holding his concentration for the next seventeen
laps despite the attentions of surprise challenger Olivier
Jacque (Kawasaki), riding in place of the injured Alex Hofmann.
Jacque passed Sete Gibernau (Honda) for second place with
seven laps to go and closed in on Rossi at the front, but
was unable to seriously threaten the Italian’s charge
to his second victory from the opening three rounds of the
championship. With Marco Melandri (Honda) eventually passing
Gibernau on the final lap to snatch third place, Rossi’s
advantage at the top of the World Championship now stands
at 25 points over his Italian compatriot. A determined performance
from his team-mate Colin Edwards, who rode from thirteenth
on the grid to take the flag in eighth, means Gauloises Yamaha
now lead the teams’ championship, with Yamaha also on
top in the manufacturers’ standings.
VALENTINO ROSSI – 1st place (Race time –
50’02.463)
"Out of all the victories in my career, this was the
one I least expected – I am really surprised. It is
the first time I have won in the wet on the Yamaha, so it
is a special victory. We had some problems with the set-up
of the bike this weekend but the team made some modifications
overnight, changing the front fork setting, and already in
the warm-up it felt good. I got off to a good start in the
race and I was quite surprised to be at the front so quickly.
There was a lot of water on the track so I had to keep my
concentration at 100%. I was smooth and in control all the
way to the end and the race worked out perfectly for me. All
I can say is big thanks to Jeremy Burgess, the rest of the
team and Yamaha because we have worked especially hard for
this win.”
COLIN EDWARDS – 8th place (Race time –
50’33.496)
“I got a good jump from the line but there were a couple
of guys trying to be heroes in the first corner and they messed
things up for me a little. After that I just tried to make
up positions but the spray made it difficult and it was risky
to get off the racing line. As soon as I had clear track in
front of me my pace was as good as the guys at the front,
but I had a problem shifting down through the gears and, coupled
with the tyre wear, I couldn’t do much more than bring
it home in eighth. I’m disappointed but it’s good
to have a race in the wet and we know we’re on the right
lines for the rest of the season. "
DAVIDE BRIVIO – TEAM DIRECTOR
“It was a fantastic day for us – Valentino was
simply great. It was our first race in the wet since Jerez
last season and I think we saw how much the bike has improved,
so a big thank you goes out to all the team and engineers,
who have worked hard under a lot of pressure. Colin’s
starting position made it hard for him but his pace was good
and he picked up some important points. It’s a pleasure
for us to take the first win in China and it was important
because we’re now leading in the rider, team and manufacturers’
championships. Now let’s continue like this!”
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