BARBERA, TOP SPANIARD TODAY, CONTINUES TO PROGRESS IN 250CC.
HECTOR BARBERA was unable to complete his objective of standing
on the podium at the Malaysian Grand Prix, although he did
take his second-best result of the year – sixth, the
same as in Italy – only bettered by his fifth in Jerez.
The Valencian was the second Honda rider on a day dominated
by the superior top speed of the Aprilia machines, who filled
the podium on a circuit with two very long straights. With
his team-mate absent from the FORTUNA HONDA garage, and after
the crashes from Pedrosa and Debón, the Dos Aguas born
rider was the only Spaniard to cross the finish line in the
250 race in Sepang. The Grand Prix was a particularly hard
one, due to the suffocating heat throughout the day and which
tested the physical preparation of the riders as well as tyre
durability. The latter of these affected Barberá in
particular, who was fifth by the third lap. Héctor
had a lot of problems with the rear tyre, which directly affected
his performance, especially on the final stretch of a relatively
dreary race compared to the previous ones, with certain exciting
elements missing. Héctor set the sixth fastest lap
of the race (2.10.268) on lap two, a time which would later
cost him dearly due to the wear on his rear tyre. After being
on the grid, JORGE LORENZO followed the race in the commentary
booth of TVE at the Malaysian circuit, where the Mallorcan
helped in the main broadcast. The FORTUNA HONDA rider made
himself known around the whole paddock with his now famous
sign on his pit garage, which read: “Just popped out.
Will be back in Qatar”. Undoubtedly an intelligent way
to bring a bit of humour to his absence on the track after
he was disqualified for this race in Motegi.
HECTOR BARBERA (80):
WARM UP: 9th - 2.09.974 + 2.175 (9/9 laps)
CARRERA: 6th , + 26” 123 from the winner, Stoner.
WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP: 9th , 77 points, + 149 from Pedrosa.
“I was very annoyed when I got off the bike. I can’t
be at all happy with this result.
Having seen how we performed in practice, I was hoping to
be further up in the race. I had a problem with the rear tyre
though, which didn’t last as long as expected, and which
meant I couldn’t keep up my initial rhythm. The Qatar
race will also be this hot, so we need to work hard to find
the right tyre for that race.
It’s clear that it’s proving harder than expected
to get used to this class. Sixth place today is better than
eighth in Motegi, and the retirement in Brno, of course. The
important thing is to continue to aim high. Step by step and
with effort and hard work we will meet our aims. I’m
convinced about that.”
JORGE LORENZO (48):
“I was a little sad because I saw all my colleagues
on the grid first of all and then out on track, whilst I had
to watch on from the sidelines. Today they took the glory.
This week will be especially long for me, despite the fact
that the race is on Satruday because I’m desperate to
get back on the bike. I can’t wait to get to Qatar!“.
DANI AMATRIAIN, FORTUNA HONDA Team Director:
“ It was a strange weekend with Jorge absent from the
box. Anyway, the whole team got around him and we have to
thank them for that. As for Hector, I’m satisfied with
his performance, as he continues to adapt to the category
and he is learning the secrets all the time. All the FORTUNA
HONDA team are wholly convinced of Hector’s potential
and sooner or later we know he will take some great results
in this class.“
FASTEST LAP: C. Stoner, 2.08.853
RECORD: D. Pedrosa, 2.08.015 (2004)
|
