ELIAS AND XAUS COTINUE TO PROGRESS IN SEPANG
The Malaysian Grand Prix iN Sepang proved another positive
weekend for the FORTUNA YAMAHA riders who both achieved their
aim of finishing the race and scoring points. The race took
place in scorching heat with the predicted rain not making
an appearance and tempertaures hit 40 degrees – and
50 degrees on the track. TONI ELIAS, who has scored points
in every race he has taken part in this year, finished in
11th position. The Barcelona born rider was not altogether
happy with his result, though, especially at a circuit which
he likes so much having won there in 2003 in the 250 class.
Elias had various problems with the front end of his bike
which prevented him from reproducing the fine form he had
shown in qualifying. He was battling for tenth with Colin
Edwards early on but could not overcome the American due to
his problems – it was a real shame given how comfortable
he had looked on the bike over the course of the weekend.
For his part, Ruben Xaus came home in 15th place. The Spaniard
did battle with Shakey Byrne during the closing stages of
the race but had to settle for 15th in the end. Xaus will
be looking forward to the next round in Qatar where he pulled
off a spectacular result last season. At the end of the race
all the FORTUNA YAMAHA team congratulated Valentino Rossi
who clinched his fifth successive world crown with second
place at Sepang.
TONI ELIAS (24):
WARM UP: 13th - 2.03.606 + 1.338 (8/9 laps).
RACE: 11th + 29.856
CHAMPIONSHIP: 15th, 43 points
“It was a very tough race. We had problems with the
front end which did not let me ride comfortably as I did not
have the grip i wanted. It’s a bit starnge as we did
not have any problems for the first two days and we’ll
have to work hard to find a solution over the next few days.
Despite everything we have worked well this weekend and must
keep haeding in thsi direction.”
RUBEN XAUS (11):
WARM UP: 16th - 2.05.584 + 3.316 (3/9 laps).
RACE: 15th + 1.19.356
CHAMPIONSHIP: 16th, 43 points
“I did not feel to good yesterday and did not sleep
well. I got away badly in the race and took a while to find
my rhythm which did not let me ride the race i wanted. There
are still four races left at circuits which I like and I hope
to get some good results and enjoy myself. If i don’t
have a good feeling on the bike then it makes it difficult
for me, but I will keep on fighting.”
HERVE PONCHARAL, Team Manager FORTUNA YAMAHA:
“It was a really difficult race. I think Toni enjoyed
his best weekend since joining the category – he worked
very well and consistently. He has the potential to finish
in the top ten and I hope he will show that in the next few
races. Ruben did not get a good start and struggled to find
his rhythm. Ruben has good memories of Qatar and I hope he
can produce the same kind of result as he did last year.”
NEW RECORD: N. Hayden, 2.02.993
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