GRAND PRIX OF TURKEY
The race / FIRST 250 PODIUM FOR HECTOR BARBERA, WHILE
JORGE LORENZO CRASHES OUT AT THE FIRST CORNER
There were contrasting fortunes for the Team Fortuna Aprilia
riders at the 2006 Turkish Grand Prix held at the Istanbul
Park circuit on Sunday. Hector Barbera finished second, scoring
his first-ever 250 podium, while Jorge Lorenzo did not make
it past the first corner after being taken out by Japanese
rider Shuhei Aoyama. Barbera pushed for the win until the
very end in a group of six riders who took advantage of Lorenzo’s
early fall. In the end the Valencian rider lost the race after
a coming together with Alex de Angelis which left the door
open for Hiroshi Aoyama to snatch victory. While the race
was going on Lorenzo had an injury to his left foot checked
out and was informed he had sustained no fracture in his fall.
The Mallorcan rider has lost his championship lead as a result
of the race with Italian Andrea Doviszioso taking over at
the head of the standings.
HECTOR BARBERA 2nd, 4th in championship - 44 points
“I’ve had to wait for my first 250 podium, but
now it’s here it’s a very happy moment in my career.
Lorenzo’s fall means that the championship is very close
now, as if we had just started. The contact with De Angelis
on the last lap disrupted my plans as I intended to get to
the front, but it was not to be. I almost got away but the
collision meant the bike did not work as well as I hoped over
the final few corners. It was a hard race, but also very enjoyable.
I took a few risks but knew I could not let the opportunity
pass today. I wish Jorge well and hope he can recover like
I did after the blows I took in the first two races of the
season.”
JORGE LORENZO DNF, 2nd in championship, 50 points
“I did not get away very well and tried to make up
some ground at the first corner, but I felt a huge hit from
behind and just saw myself hit the floor. I am very annoyed
because I wanted to win the race and extend my lead in the
championship. As it was I didn’t score any points and
lost all the advantage I had earned myself from Jerez and
Qatar. I have seen the crash on television and think Aoyama
was to blame. I am angry and physically hurt, but I will be
ready for the race ion China when I demonstrate my potential
again.”
DANI AMATRIAIN Team Manager FORTUNA APRILIA
“I am very happy with Hector’s first podium because
he has been chasing it for a long time and has worked hard
for it. He finished second and fought hard for the win so
that should give him confidence for the future. On the other
hand I’m sad about Jorge’s crash which robbed
us of the chance to see both riders on the podium. Thankfully
he is not seriously injured and will be ready for China.”
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