Thursday, November 25, 2010
Monday, November 15, 2010
Vettel World Champion, Arai 1-2-3 on last podium of 2010
ARAI 1-2-3 ON LAST PODIUM OF 2010, VETTEL WORLD CHAMPION!
Congratulations to Sebastian, Lewis and Jenson on a fantastic result!
After a tense 55 laps of the final Formula One race of the year at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Red Bull Racing driver Sebastian Vettel emerged on top winning both the race itself and taking the championship lead. At 23 he is the youngest world champion ever.
Second and third on the podium were McLaren-Mercedes team-mates Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button, while Vettel’s main championship rivals, Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso and RBR’s Mark Webber finished 7th and 8th respectively; both having been mired in high-speed traffic after ill-timed pit stops.
Arai’s clean sweep of the Abu Dhabi podium is noteworthy but perhaps not a surprise; Jenson Button recently switched to Arai and, like Vettel and Hamilton wears Arai’s GP-6 RC, the iconic Japanese brand’s top-spec car racing helmet. Featuring an extremely stiff and light carbon fibre outer shell, reinforced with Arai’s Peripherally Belted construction and Hyper Ridge strengthening, the GP-6 RC is fully ventilated and its 3mm thick two-dimensional visor is factory-prepared for the use of tear-offs. Emergency release tab cheek pads are matched to a fire resistant lining and Kevlar chinstrap and, the GP-6 RC is F.I.A. approved for use with the HANS® system (and factory-drilled for HANS® use).
Obviously, this technology does not come cheap, and the Arai GP-6 RC has a retail price of £3,171(inc. VAT) but, unlike a lot of racing technology, Arai has made its top flight products available to the general public, and there really is no difference in the Arai helmets that Vettel, Hamilton, Button – and many others – wear to the Arai that can be bought off the shelf.
Arai will have a select display of very special motorsport helmets – including some of their top driver’s helmets - on show at this year’s Carole Nash Motorcycle Live event which takes place at Birmingham’s NEC from the 27th November to 5th December.
For more information on the Arai GP-6 RC or the rest of the Arai range call 2724UK on 01782 569800, or visit www.whyarai.co.uk
Carole Nash Motorcycle Live runs from 27th November – 5th December 2010. Tickets are £15 in advance for adults, £10 for Seniors, £5 for children aged 11-16 – kids under 10 go free. Go to www.motorcyclelive.co.uk for details.
Congratulations to Sebastian, Lewis and Jenson on a fantastic result!
After a tense 55 laps of the final Formula One race of the year at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Red Bull Racing driver Sebastian Vettel emerged on top winning both the race itself and taking the championship lead. At 23 he is the youngest world champion ever.
Second and third on the podium were McLaren-Mercedes team-mates Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button, while Vettel’s main championship rivals, Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso and RBR’s Mark Webber finished 7th and 8th respectively; both having been mired in high-speed traffic after ill-timed pit stops.
Arai’s clean sweep of the Abu Dhabi podium is noteworthy but perhaps not a surprise; Jenson Button recently switched to Arai and, like Vettel and Hamilton wears Arai’s GP-6 RC, the iconic Japanese brand’s top-spec car racing helmet. Featuring an extremely stiff and light carbon fibre outer shell, reinforced with Arai’s Peripherally Belted construction and Hyper Ridge strengthening, the GP-6 RC is fully ventilated and its 3mm thick two-dimensional visor is factory-prepared for the use of tear-offs. Emergency release tab cheek pads are matched to a fire resistant lining and Kevlar chinstrap and, the GP-6 RC is F.I.A. approved for use with the HANS® system (and factory-drilled for HANS® use).
Obviously, this technology does not come cheap, and the Arai GP-6 RC has a retail price of £3,171(inc. VAT) but, unlike a lot of racing technology, Arai has made its top flight products available to the general public, and there really is no difference in the Arai helmets that Vettel, Hamilton, Button – and many others – wear to the Arai that can be bought off the shelf.
Arai will have a select display of very special motorsport helmets – including some of their top driver’s helmets - on show at this year’s Carole Nash Motorcycle Live event which takes place at Birmingham’s NEC from the 27th November to 5th December.
For more information on the Arai GP-6 RC or the rest of the Arai range call 2724UK on 01782 569800, or visit www.whyarai.co.uk
Carole Nash Motorcycle Live runs from 27th November – 5th December 2010. Tickets are £15 in advance for adults, £10 for Seniors, £5 for children aged 11-16 – kids under 10 go free. Go to www.motorcyclelive.co.uk for details.
Friday, November 12, 2010
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
MOTOGP ROUND 18, VALENCIA, SUNDAY 7th NOVEMBER-Arai Race Report
As the curtain falls on the 2010 season, Arai’s riders are already looking to 2011
DANI PEDROSA, REPSOL HONDA
Race Position: 7th Championship Position: 2nd
“THIS WAS ONE OF THE HARDEST RACES OF MY LIFE!”
A brilliant performance from Dani Pedrosa saw him light up the early part of the race and for the first eight laps it looked like the 25-year-old Spaniard was capable of pulling off a stunning victory. An exceptional first lap saw him climb from eighth on the grid to fourth after the first corner, before launching an audacious attack into turn two and claiming two more places. This was Pedrosa at his totally-committed best and he proceeded to hunt down Casey Stoner in front, setting the fastest lap of the race on the way. By the end of lap seven the gap to Stoner was down to 0.062s, but almost inevitably fatigue began to set in for Pedrosa, who is still riding well below 100 per cent fitness after his recent collarbone injury and subsequent surgery. Unable to maintain his early pace he gradually slipped to seventh place at the chequered flag, which was good enough to comfortably secure second place in the World Championship ahead of Valentino Rossi, who took the final podium position. Jorge Lorenzo won after a two-thirds distance pass on Casey Stoner, who finished second.
“This was the one of the hardest races of my life and also one of the ones I can feel most proud of. Honestly I was not sure at all before the start that I could do 30 laps today, but I managed to do it and I’m very happy now, and also exhausted. I made a good start and to stay with Stoner in the early laps was amazing for me. I fought as hard as possible to maintain the pace for as long as I could and it was during this period that I set the fastest lap of the race. But of course my strength was ebbing away little by little and I was caught by the group behind me. From then on I just concentrated on staying on the bike and finishing the race; I was counting down the laps. To finish second in the championship was not our goal at the beginning of the season of course, but only we know how hard it has been to keep second place after the crash in Japan. We will take our time to recover after this race and we can also have a useful test on Tuesday and Wednesday in preparation for next year.”
NICKY HAYDEN, MARLBORO DUCATI
Race Position: DNF Championship Position: 7th
“I AM BITTERLY DISAPPOINTED WITH THE RESULT…”
Nicky Hayden got a great start from the second row of the grid and the American was third into the first turn, passing Dani Pedrosa for second to give chase to his team-mate Stoner at the front. However, on the third lap he lost the front of his GP10 as he entered the super-fast turn one and his race ended early with a high-speed crash.
DANI PEDROSA, REPSOL HONDA
Race Position: 7th Championship Position: 2nd
“THIS WAS ONE OF THE HARDEST RACES OF MY LIFE!”
A brilliant performance from Dani Pedrosa saw him light up the early part of the race and for the first eight laps it looked like the 25-year-old Spaniard was capable of pulling off a stunning victory. An exceptional first lap saw him climb from eighth on the grid to fourth after the first corner, before launching an audacious attack into turn two and claiming two more places. This was Pedrosa at his totally-committed best and he proceeded to hunt down Casey Stoner in front, setting the fastest lap of the race on the way. By the end of lap seven the gap to Stoner was down to 0.062s, but almost inevitably fatigue began to set in for Pedrosa, who is still riding well below 100 per cent fitness after his recent collarbone injury and subsequent surgery. Unable to maintain his early pace he gradually slipped to seventh place at the chequered flag, which was good enough to comfortably secure second place in the World Championship ahead of Valentino Rossi, who took the final podium position. Jorge Lorenzo won after a two-thirds distance pass on Casey Stoner, who finished second.
“This was the one of the hardest races of my life and also one of the ones I can feel most proud of. Honestly I was not sure at all before the start that I could do 30 laps today, but I managed to do it and I’m very happy now, and also exhausted. I made a good start and to stay with Stoner in the early laps was amazing for me. I fought as hard as possible to maintain the pace for as long as I could and it was during this period that I set the fastest lap of the race. But of course my strength was ebbing away little by little and I was caught by the group behind me. From then on I just concentrated on staying on the bike and finishing the race; I was counting down the laps. To finish second in the championship was not our goal at the beginning of the season of course, but only we know how hard it has been to keep second place after the crash in Japan. We will take our time to recover after this race and we can also have a useful test on Tuesday and Wednesday in preparation for next year.”
NICKY HAYDEN, MARLBORO DUCATI
Race Position: DNF Championship Position: 7th
“I AM BITTERLY DISAPPOINTED WITH THE RESULT…”
Nicky Hayden got a great start from the second row of the grid and the American was third into the first turn, passing Dani Pedrosa for second to give chase to his team-mate Stoner at the front. However, on the third lap he lost the front of his GP10 as he entered the super-fast turn one and his race ended early with a high-speed crash.
“I am bitterly disappointed with the result. After the warm-up this morning when I set the fastest time I really felt confident we could get a good result and I pushed hard from the start. The bike felt good and I was able to make up a few positions into the first turn, then pass Dani for second place. To crash just a couple of laps later is frustrating because I had the pace to be fighting for the podium out there. It is definitely not the way I wanted to end the season and my guys deserved more after another great job. We had our problems with the bike on Friday but we pulled something out of the bag and I had a competitive bike here. Overall over the past few races we have ended the season quite strongly and I am looking forward to taking that into winter testing and hopefully coming out with an even more competitive package next year.”
COLIN EDWARDS, MONSTER YAMAHA TECH 3
Race Position: 12th Championship Position: 11th
“IT JUST DIDN’T FEEL LIKE I HAD ANY GRIP”
It was a frustrating finale for Colin Edwards as he was unable to capitalise on an excellent practice and qualifying performance. Cooler and cloudier conditions saw him opt to race with the softer Bridgestone rear tyre; but the 36-year-old was hindered by a lack of acceleration grip and he slipped down to 12th by the chequered flag.
“I wanted to finish the season on a high to reward my crew for all their hard work, but that was way below what I was expecting and to say I’m disappointed and frustrated is an understatement. Right from the start it just didn’t feel like I had any grip when I accelerated. We’d set the bike up on the hard tyre for most of the weekend but we went for the soft option because the temperature was a little bit lower. But coming out of the corner I didn’t have the grip to stay with anybody and it is a big pity because the changes we’d made to the bike for the hard tyre this weekend had helped me feel much more confident and comfortable. Congratulations to Ben though on getting sixth overall. He’s been awesome and he’s only going to get stronger.”
HIROSHI AOYAMA, INTERWETTEN HONDA
Race Position: 14th Championship Position: 15th
“I HAD SOME GOOD EXPERIENCES THIS YEAR”
The last race of the season 2010 was not easy for Hiroshi Aoyama and his Interwetten Honda MotoGP Team. Aoyama had quite a good start but couldn’t match the speed of the other riders; in the middle of the race he improved his pace and shared the same lap times with all the other Honda riders, but was not able to maintain the momentum until the end of the race, and finished in 14th position.
“I want to thank my team and sponsors and all the people, who helped me this year. It was a tough year and not easy. Also the last race was tough and difficult; at the end I could finish the race, but I am not satisfied with the way I did it. I almost always finished the races in the points and I had some good experience this year, in my first year in the MotoGP class and I want to thank all the staff who have been involved in it.”
In Moto2 Czech rider Karel Abraham forced his Cardion AB Motoracing FTR machine to the front of what was a hectic and nailbiting race, from lights out to the flag. This is his first – and for the foreseeable future, last – win in the Moto2 class as he is moving up to MotoGP in 2011, riding a satellite team Ducati.
For more news and information on Arai please visit www.whyarai.co.uk
Friday, November 5, 2010
ARAI GETS READY FOR MOTORCYCLE LIVE
With a stunning line up for 2011 and three brand new helmets!
UK Arai importer 2724UK will be unveiling three brand new helmets – the Chaser-V, X-tend and
X-tend RAM – at the Carole Nash Motorcycle Live Event at the NEC Birmingham, which runs from 27th November – 5th December. The rest of the UK Arai range will also be on display, including the recently launched carbon fibre Arai RX-7 RC and the entry level Arai Axces.
ARAI CHASER-V
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The Chaser-V is an evolution of one of Arai’s most popular and universally praised helmets, the Chaser, which stays in the range. Updated in almost every way, the Chaser-V – constructed with a SFL (Super Fibre Laminate) shell – uses a wider aperture and SAI visor giving improved vision, while interior comfort is increased by the modified ventilation system; the large rear vent now creates a 50% higher vacuum, and in combination with the larger side vents greatly improve air circulation. A host of detail changes – including deleting some interior parts and repositioning attachment buttons – greatly add to the Chaser-V’s comfort and wearability. Even the shape of the interior itself has been fine-tuned to prevent pressure points while offering the necessary snug fit.
The Arai Chaser-V is available in sizes XS to XL with an RRP of £349.99 in plain colours. Also available are a variety of design options, starting with an RRP of £409.99.
ARAI X-TEND
The Arai SZ range has created its very own class, and firmly defined what a premium open-face should be. Joining the SZ line up in 2011 is the X-tend; featuring a brand new outer shell with sides that extend 3cm for extra protection, and the addition of a ‘bumper’ reinforcement at the bottom, the X-tend’s shell is stiffer, stronger and safer without – crucially – losing any of the sense of freedom that the Arai SZ wearer has become used to, and is very fond of. The cheekpads are fitted with their own EPS liner for protection against side impacts, and their unique shape allows them to follow the contours of the cheekbone perfectly, aiding comfort and a secure fit. New visor holders are more recessed into the outer shell for better aerodynamics while the shielded rear exhaust vents reduce wind noise. A more rounded visor completes the integrated look.
The Arai X-tend is available in sizes XS to XL with an RRP of £319.99 for plain colours.
ARAI X-TEND RAM
Using experience and technology gained from the race-specification RX-7 GP, the X-tend RAM has all the features of the X-Tend but adds a ‘diffuser’ ventilation system and integrated Air Wing to its outer shell, making it without doubt the ultimate open face helmet.
The Arai X-tend RAM is available in sizes XS to XL with an RRP of £379.99 for plain colours.
The Arai Difference
Without exception all Arai helmets offer a peerless fit; the Japanese brand’s reputation for quality, comfort and safety has recently been further reinforced as, for the 12th consecutive year, Arai came out top of the JD Power and Associates Motorcycle Helmet Satisfaction Study. Also, Arai placed three of its helmets in the overall top ten – including the number one spot – of RiDE Magazine’s 2009 RiDER Power Survey, an exhaustive poll taken from 5000 readers, reported in the November 2009 issue.
For more information on the Arai range call 2427UK on 01782 569800, or visit www.whyarai.co.uk
Carole Nash Motorcycle Live runs from 27th November – 5th December 2010. Tickets are £15 in advance for adults, £10 for Seniors, £5 for children aged 11-16 – kids under 10 go free. Go to www.motorcyclelive.co.uk for details.
UK Arai importer 2724UK will be unveiling three brand new helmets – the Chaser-V, X-tend and
X-tend RAM – at the Carole Nash Motorcycle Live Event at the NEC Birmingham, which runs from 27th November – 5th December. The rest of the UK Arai range will also be on display, including the recently launched carbon fibre Arai RX-7 RC and the entry level Arai Axces.
ARAI CHASER-V
+%282%29.jpg)
The Chaser-V is an evolution of one of Arai’s most popular and universally praised helmets, the Chaser, which stays in the range. Updated in almost every way, the Chaser-V – constructed with a SFL (Super Fibre Laminate) shell – uses a wider aperture and SAI visor giving improved vision, while interior comfort is increased by the modified ventilation system; the large rear vent now creates a 50% higher vacuum, and in combination with the larger side vents greatly improve air circulation. A host of detail changes – including deleting some interior parts and repositioning attachment buttons – greatly add to the Chaser-V’s comfort and wearability. Even the shape of the interior itself has been fine-tuned to prevent pressure points while offering the necessary snug fit.
The Arai Chaser-V is available in sizes XS to XL with an RRP of £349.99 in plain colours. Also available are a variety of design options, starting with an RRP of £409.99.
ARAI X-TEND
The Arai SZ range has created its very own class, and firmly defined what a premium open-face should be. Joining the SZ line up in 2011 is the X-tend; featuring a brand new outer shell with sides that extend 3cm for extra protection, and the addition of a ‘bumper’ reinforcement at the bottom, the X-tend’s shell is stiffer, stronger and safer without – crucially – losing any of the sense of freedom that the Arai SZ wearer has become used to, and is very fond of. The cheekpads are fitted with their own EPS liner for protection against side impacts, and their unique shape allows them to follow the contours of the cheekbone perfectly, aiding comfort and a secure fit. New visor holders are more recessed into the outer shell for better aerodynamics while the shielded rear exhaust vents reduce wind noise. A more rounded visor completes the integrated look.
The Arai X-tend is available in sizes XS to XL with an RRP of £319.99 for plain colours.
ARAI X-TEND RAM
Using experience and technology gained from the race-specification RX-7 GP, the X-tend RAM has all the features of the X-Tend but adds a ‘diffuser’ ventilation system and integrated Air Wing to its outer shell, making it without doubt the ultimate open face helmet.
The Arai X-tend RAM is available in sizes XS to XL with an RRP of £379.99 for plain colours.
The Arai Difference
Without exception all Arai helmets offer a peerless fit; the Japanese brand’s reputation for quality, comfort and safety has recently been further reinforced as, for the 12th consecutive year, Arai came out top of the JD Power and Associates Motorcycle Helmet Satisfaction Study. Also, Arai placed three of its helmets in the overall top ten – including the number one spot – of RiDE Magazine’s 2009 RiDER Power Survey, an exhaustive poll taken from 5000 readers, reported in the November 2009 issue.
For more information on the Arai range call 2427UK on 01782 569800, or visit www.whyarai.co.uk
Carole Nash Motorcycle Live runs from 27th November – 5th December 2010. Tickets are £15 in advance for adults, £10 for Seniors, £5 for children aged 11-16 – kids under 10 go free. Go to www.motorcyclelive.co.uk for details.
Monday, November 1, 2010
MOTOGP ROUND 17, ESTORIL, SUNDAY 31st OCTOBER-ARAI RACE REPORT
Challenging conditions and mixed fortunes for Arai riders in Portugal
DANI PEDROSA, REPSOL HONDA
Race Position: 8th Championship Position: 2nd
“I HAVE MIXED FEELINGS AFTER THIS RACE…”
For Pedrosa, the Grand Prix of Portugal was a remarkable feat of endurance bearing in mind the broken collarbone he sustained just four weeks ago, from which he is still recovering. The 25-year-old Spaniard started promisingly from 12th on the grid and climbed as high as fifth by producing a race pace that at one stage matched eventual winner Jorge Lorenzo’s. But fatigue in his left arm and shoulder was setting in from the third lap and Pedrosa lost strength and feeling throughout the race, meaning there was no way he could maintain this pace to the end. Despite this, Pedrosa took a comfortable eighth place and gained a valuable eight points which helps to defend his second place in the championship. Pedrosa now has a 19-point lead in the standings over Valentino Rossi, who finished in second.
“I have mixed feelings after this race. On one side the fact that I could finish 28 laps is good because from quite early in the race I didn’t know if it would be possible. On the other hand, I could have finished much higher up if I could have maintained the pace we had in the race. From the third lap I lost strength in my left arm and I couldn’t really feel it. Honestly I didn’t think I could keep that pace at the beginning of the race. At one stage I could see that finishing third would have been possible with the pace we were running, but it was impossible because soon I had no power in the arm. On every lap I was feeling more tired and I couldn’t maintain the 1m 39.5 laps. With ten laps to go I couldn’t keep pushing and I dropped back quite a lot. I’m going to have a check-up again with the doctors tomorrow because the arm still feels quite numb, but anyway we’ll have three days to relax and recover to be ready for Valencia. In terms of the position in the championship, I’m 19 points ahead and so I hope to hold on to second place.”
NICKY HAYDEN, MARLBORO DUCATI
Race Position: 5th Championship Position: 7th
“I MANAGED TO LEAD THE RACE, WHICH HASN’T HAPPENED IN A WHILE”
After Saturday’s qualifying was cancelled due to torrential rain the race was the first opportunity for the riders to test their machines in dry conditions, giving them limited data on which to base their set-up. Engineers in the Ducati garage did their utmost to give the riders competitive machinery and Nicky Hayden used his bike to great effect, making a good start to lead the race on the second lap, after which the American hung onto third place for a lengthy spell, before giving best to Andrea Dovizioso and Marco Simoncelli in the closing stages. He eventually crossed the line just behind them in fifth place.
“Today was the first time in my career that I have gone out to race in the dry without completing a single lap in those conditions before lining up on the grid. Over the first few laps the bike worked really well, I felt good and I even managed to lead the race which hasn’t happened for a while. In the middle part of the race I had a couple of moments on damp patches and lost my feeling a little. I got my rhythm back together towards the end and joined in the fight for the podium. Fifth place alongside a crash for Casey isn’t a brilliant result for the team – it has been a tough weekend on everybody but we will try to do better at Valencia.”
COLIN EDWARDS, MONSTER YAMAHA TECH 3
Race Position: 7th Championship Position: 11th
“IT WAS A BIT OF A LOTTERY…”
Edwards needed to call on all his experience as tricky conditions in the early laps presented the 36-year-old with a severe test of skill and bravery. Working out quickly where he could push, Edwards spent the majority of the race on the fringes of an exciting five-rider fight for third place. He got up to seventh on lap 18 with an overtake on Randy de Puniet and at that point he was only 1.6s behind Marco Simoncelli in third. Frustratingly for the Texan, he was unable to force his way into contention for a rostrum, despite launching numerous attempts to close down on the podium battle unfolding directly in front of him. He eventually finished seventh and heading to the final round in Valencia next weekend, Edwards is just one-point behind Marco Melandri in his bid to claim a top ten overall championship finish.
“It was a lottery before the race because we’d had no dry track time and at the start there were still quite a few damp patches around. My guys though did an awesome job because what we ran on the bike worked pretty good. But if you don’t adapt in a couple of laps then you’re in big trouble and off the pace. I felt pretty good from the start even though it was so difficult in the first few laps. It was hard to find the limit or work out when you were going to slide and everybody was having big moments. This is all going on why you’re trying to push at the same time and it was a bit of a lottery just to keep it on two wheels. I caught that group and I could see third but I couldn’t do anything with them and that was pretty frustrating. I made up time on them on the brakes but they just had a bit more punch coming out of the corners. So each time I’d close up, they’d gap me leaving the next corner. The podium was right there, I could see it, but I just couldn’t get close enough.”
HIROSHI AOYAMA, INTERWETTEN HONDA
Race Position: 12th Championship Position: 15th
“I AM ANGRY ABOUT THE MISTAKE”
Hiroshi Aoyama finished Estoril in 12th position and earned four more points in the world championship standings. At the beginning of the race the 29-year-old Japanese didn’t want to risk anything as, after three wet practice sessions, it was the first dry session on the track and he didn’t know how the tyres and bike would react. Then it went better and better for Aoyama and he gained confidence, pushing very hard to be fast. When he reached the group in front of him he was able to overtake them; in 10th position the MotoGP rookie made a mistake and had to run wide to avoid crashing and lost his position.
“I had a good start, but I didn’t want to risk anything at the beginning of the race. I wanted to see how the bike and the tyres react in these conditions first. Then it went better and better and I was faster and faster at the middle of the race. I could catch the group in front of me and was able to overtake them. Unfortunately I made a mistake then and to avoid crashing I had to go wide. Fortunately I didn’t crash, but I lost my position. I am angry about the mistake, but that is racing and it happens. Next time I will try to ride a better race.”
The next – and final – MotoGP round is at Valencia, on Sunday 7th November.
For more information and news on Arai Helmets please visit www.whyarai.co.uk
DANI PEDROSA, REPSOL HONDA
Race Position: 8th Championship Position: 2nd
“I HAVE MIXED FEELINGS AFTER THIS RACE…”
For Pedrosa, the Grand Prix of Portugal was a remarkable feat of endurance bearing in mind the broken collarbone he sustained just four weeks ago, from which he is still recovering. The 25-year-old Spaniard started promisingly from 12th on the grid and climbed as high as fifth by producing a race pace that at one stage matched eventual winner Jorge Lorenzo’s. But fatigue in his left arm and shoulder was setting in from the third lap and Pedrosa lost strength and feeling throughout the race, meaning there was no way he could maintain this pace to the end. Despite this, Pedrosa took a comfortable eighth place and gained a valuable eight points which helps to defend his second place in the championship. Pedrosa now has a 19-point lead in the standings over Valentino Rossi, who finished in second.
“I have mixed feelings after this race. On one side the fact that I could finish 28 laps is good because from quite early in the race I didn’t know if it would be possible. On the other hand, I could have finished much higher up if I could have maintained the pace we had in the race. From the third lap I lost strength in my left arm and I couldn’t really feel it. Honestly I didn’t think I could keep that pace at the beginning of the race. At one stage I could see that finishing third would have been possible with the pace we were running, but it was impossible because soon I had no power in the arm. On every lap I was feeling more tired and I couldn’t maintain the 1m 39.5 laps. With ten laps to go I couldn’t keep pushing and I dropped back quite a lot. I’m going to have a check-up again with the doctors tomorrow because the arm still feels quite numb, but anyway we’ll have three days to relax and recover to be ready for Valencia. In terms of the position in the championship, I’m 19 points ahead and so I hope to hold on to second place.”
NICKY HAYDEN, MARLBORO DUCATI
Race Position: 5th Championship Position: 7th
“I MANAGED TO LEAD THE RACE, WHICH HASN’T HAPPENED IN A WHILE”
After Saturday’s qualifying was cancelled due to torrential rain the race was the first opportunity for the riders to test their machines in dry conditions, giving them limited data on which to base their set-up. Engineers in the Ducati garage did their utmost to give the riders competitive machinery and Nicky Hayden used his bike to great effect, making a good start to lead the race on the second lap, after which the American hung onto third place for a lengthy spell, before giving best to Andrea Dovizioso and Marco Simoncelli in the closing stages. He eventually crossed the line just behind them in fifth place.
“Today was the first time in my career that I have gone out to race in the dry without completing a single lap in those conditions before lining up on the grid. Over the first few laps the bike worked really well, I felt good and I even managed to lead the race which hasn’t happened for a while. In the middle part of the race I had a couple of moments on damp patches and lost my feeling a little. I got my rhythm back together towards the end and joined in the fight for the podium. Fifth place alongside a crash for Casey isn’t a brilliant result for the team – it has been a tough weekend on everybody but we will try to do better at Valencia.”
COLIN EDWARDS, MONSTER YAMAHA TECH 3
Race Position: 7th Championship Position: 11th
“IT WAS A BIT OF A LOTTERY…”
Edwards needed to call on all his experience as tricky conditions in the early laps presented the 36-year-old with a severe test of skill and bravery. Working out quickly where he could push, Edwards spent the majority of the race on the fringes of an exciting five-rider fight for third place. He got up to seventh on lap 18 with an overtake on Randy de Puniet and at that point he was only 1.6s behind Marco Simoncelli in third. Frustratingly for the Texan, he was unable to force his way into contention for a rostrum, despite launching numerous attempts to close down on the podium battle unfolding directly in front of him. He eventually finished seventh and heading to the final round in Valencia next weekend, Edwards is just one-point behind Marco Melandri in his bid to claim a top ten overall championship finish.
“It was a lottery before the race because we’d had no dry track time and at the start there were still quite a few damp patches around. My guys though did an awesome job because what we ran on the bike worked pretty good. But if you don’t adapt in a couple of laps then you’re in big trouble and off the pace. I felt pretty good from the start even though it was so difficult in the first few laps. It was hard to find the limit or work out when you were going to slide and everybody was having big moments. This is all going on why you’re trying to push at the same time and it was a bit of a lottery just to keep it on two wheels. I caught that group and I could see third but I couldn’t do anything with them and that was pretty frustrating. I made up time on them on the brakes but they just had a bit more punch coming out of the corners. So each time I’d close up, they’d gap me leaving the next corner. The podium was right there, I could see it, but I just couldn’t get close enough.”
HIROSHI AOYAMA, INTERWETTEN HONDA
Race Position: 12th Championship Position: 15th
“I AM ANGRY ABOUT THE MISTAKE”
Hiroshi Aoyama finished Estoril in 12th position and earned four more points in the world championship standings. At the beginning of the race the 29-year-old Japanese didn’t want to risk anything as, after three wet practice sessions, it was the first dry session on the track and he didn’t know how the tyres and bike would react. Then it went better and better for Aoyama and he gained confidence, pushing very hard to be fast. When he reached the group in front of him he was able to overtake them; in 10th position the MotoGP rookie made a mistake and had to run wide to avoid crashing and lost his position.
“I had a good start, but I didn’t want to risk anything at the beginning of the race. I wanted to see how the bike and the tyres react in these conditions first. Then it went better and better and I was faster and faster at the middle of the race. I could catch the group in front of me and was able to overtake them. Unfortunately I made a mistake then and to avoid crashing I had to go wide. Fortunately I didn’t crash, but I lost my position. I am angry about the mistake, but that is racing and it happens. Next time I will try to ride a better race.”
The next – and final – MotoGP round is at Valencia, on Sunday 7th November.
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