FORTUNA YAMAHA RIDERS SIGN OFF IN CHESTE
The GP of Valencia always looked like being a difficult race
for the FORTUNA YAMAHA riders who started from the fifth and
sixth rows respectively in Cheste at a circuit where overtaking
is always difficult. However, knowing they had little to lose,
both achieved their personal objectives and finished the season
in solid style. TONI ELIAS got off to a fine start and made
up four places on the opening lap. The Spanish rider then
had a battle with World Champion Valentino Rossi who had started
down in 15th and two almost came together. Elias spent the
majority of the race lapping in a group comprised of Nakano,
Aoki, Hopkins, Hoffman and Kiyonari who were all fighting
for tenth spot. RUBEN XAUS, for his part, did not get away
so well and lost three positions. From that moment he did
battle with Ellison as he struggled to make it up into the
points, which he ultimately managed finishing 15th. Elias,
who took tenth, brought the curtain down on a season in which
his best result was sixth in Turkey. However, despite the
young Spaniard missing three rounds after a crash at Le Mans,
he still managed to take the ‘Rookie of The Year’
after a hugely impressive campaign. It was Xaus who took that
honour last year, but this season his best results were the
four tenth places he managed in Portugal, China, Catalunya
and Japan.
TONI ELIAS (24):
RACE:10TH
CHAMPIONSHIP: 12th, 74 points
“We had a difficult weekend as we could not solve the
problems we had on the first day. However, I still gave my
best. I think it was a season where I built up very valuable
experience. I have learnt a lot and, despite the injury that
kept me out for a while, I think I have progressed well. Now
I am going to rest for a few days which I think I deserve!
I want to thank everyone at my team, the mechanics and everyone
who has supported me.”
RUBEN XAUS (11):
RACE:15th
CHAMPIONSHIP: 16th, 52 points
“It has been a difficult year in which I have been
battling to adapt to the M1, but it has proved difficult.
Today was another hard one, but despite not enjoying myself
much on the bike, we got some points. I must look forward
now and keep fighting.”
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