SUPERB END TO THE SEASON IN CHESTE
The Grand Prix of Valencia will be looked back on as one
of the most memorable races of the season both by the thousands
of fans who helped break the attendance record at the Ricardo
Tormo circuit and also by the millions who watched it on television.
HECTOR BARBERA made a spectacular start to the race and took
the hole-shot going into the first corner. For his part, JORGE
LORENZO also got away well and managed to settle in just behind
his FORTUNA HONDA team-mate at the head of the field. One
lap later Lorenzo passed his team-mate and did not relinquish
the lead until lap 13 when World Champion Dani Pedrosa passed
him to create an advantage he was never to relinquish. Lorenzo
held on behind him to take his fourth second place of the
season, and his sixth podium in his rookie year in the quarter
litre class. Barbera slipped back and ultimately finished
in fifth spot, but that result – his second best of
the season - combined with his second position in qualifying,
made it not only a satisfying end to the campaign but also
arguably his best weekend of the year.
JORGE LORENZO (48):
RACE: 2nd + 3.448
CHAMPIONSHIP: 5th, 167 points
“Although today I missed my last opportunity to beat
the record as the youngest-ever 250 winner, I am happy with
the race I rode which was one of my best of the year. I think
winning was impossible today as we have not quite had the
mentality to do it all weekend. I want to dedicate this result
to everyone at my team, especially those who won’t be
with us next year, and I want to thank them all for the effort
they have made and the patience they have shown me.”
HECTOR BARBERA (80):
RACE: 5th + 8.462
CHAMPIONSHIP: 9th, 123 points
“My best weekend of the year? Without doubt! The resume
of the weekend is: good in qualifying, but bad in the race.
I was extra-motivated for this race and was really ready to
give it my all. I made a very good start, but then had problems
with the rear-end of my bike which was moving around a lot
and not letting me open the gas as I wanted. It always seems
to happen, when it’s not the suspension it’s the
engine… there’s always something preventing you
from being up there and for that reason I’m glad to
be going back to Aprilia. But you have to take the positives
and what In achieved in this race today was pretty good.”
DANI AMATRIAÍN, Team Manager FORTUNA HONDA:
“The race today was a nice way to end the story of
this particular team which no-one will ever forget. I would
like to thank Honda for their co-operation over the years.
They have treated us exceptionally well, both on a professional
and personal level, as we have tried to help the progress
of two very young Spanish riders. From tomorrow the team starts
a new chapter and we are all very excited by the package Aprilia
have promised us over the next few years. I firmly believe
it is the kind of support that both Jorge and Hector need
to fulfil their potential. The mixture of the two ingredients
should see us fighting for the World Championship next year.”
|
