Superb victory of Randy de Puniet under an intense rain shower.
Dani Pedrosa fourth in the 250cc and Sebastián Porto fifth. Olivé eighth in the 125cc, while the rest of the Repsol riders drowned in the three classes.
Hard job for the World Championship riders today at the British Donington Park circuit, where the rain fell strongly, causing a real drowning. The unceasing shower during the morning caused several crashes, fortunately no serious one.
In the premier class, the performance of the Repsol riders was short and frustrating. Hayden took the start from the second row of the grid and Biaggi from the third. Biaggi was the first to crash, already in the first lap, and although he rejoined the race he crashed again in lap four deciding to make his way to the pits. His teammate Hayden wasnt much luckier and crashed at the end of the third lap he went out of the track in the corner before the start/finish straight – and also decided to retire. Only eleven riders managed to finish the race against twelve crashes two of Biaggi, and Valentino Rossi was the winner of the Grand Prix. Exciting race experienced today in the 250cc, with Repsol rider Randy De Puniet as one of the leading characters. The race started with Repsol rider Aoyama pushing hard and setting a fast pace, allowing him to open a big gap to the rest of the pack, until a crash in the thirteenth lap forced him to retire. With Aoyama out, De Puniet took over the leadership, closely followed by West on his new 250cc KTM and Australian rider Stoner. These three riders protagonised an exciting and intense duel for more than half the race, always under heavy rainfall. Fourth and on his own, Dani Pedrosa kept a constant pace, taking the chequered flag in the same position, allowing him to keep a comfortable advantage of 34 points over the second qualified in the overall standings. Sebastián Porto finished fifth after overtaking several riders and lapping on his own as well.
Ahead of Pedrosa and Porto, the battle fought by Stoner, West and De Puniet was really memorable, with constant impossible overtaking manoeuvres under the rain and with the Repsol rider getting off track, almost crashing. But de Puniet managed to get back control and went for the victory, finally crossing the finish line first, ahead of West and Stoner, who finished third after leaving the track in the last minutes of the race. The first race harmed by the rain was that of the minor class. The race started under covered sky with some wet track sections, but it was declared a dry race. However, after seven laps, the rain showed up and the race had to be stopped. In the previous lap, Spanish rider Bautista was leading the race, and Héctor Faubel, who was trying to get closer to the group of ten riders who had escaped, suffered a heavy crash and was out of the race. The race was restarted fifteen minutes later and the heavy rainfall made things really complicated for the riders. Young Julian Simón on his KTM managed however to do a great job getting a place on the podium for the first time in a Grand Prix.
The best of the Repsol riders was Joan Olivé, who finished eighth, followed by Gadea, eleventh and Jordi Carchano, thirteenth. Carchano made a good race today. He had already given signs this morning during the warm-up which was held under the rain, where he set the second fastest time. Should the race be wet, his aim was to score. And he did: starting from the sixth row, Carchano worked his way to the front until finishing thirteenth and scoring three valuable points.
Repsol rider´s comments:
MotoGP. Nicky Hayden,
crashed out:
I got a terible start and in the first lap or two had a few guys crash right in front of me. I only just avoided Biaggi and Xaus. I made a mistake in the Melbourne loop and ran a bit wide but generally in the opening few laps the bike felt pretty good. I just wanted to get into a good rythmn but just didnt get time. Im mad at myself for crashing at that corner. I almost crashed there myself this morning and I watched lots of guys crashing there in earlier races. It was just so slippery. It was so quick and I was down. Unfortunatly I broke the handlebar it was an easy crash. Its frustrating being so high from the last race and so low from this one. Its a cruel game sometimes.
MotoGP. Max Biaggi,
crashed out:
In the sighting lap we had absolutely no traction. In the five-minute stop before the race we made some adjustments but it seemed to make no difference. We had spinning in the straight – in second, third and fourth gears. It was strange to have no feeling. I made a good start but very soon crashed out. I managed to get back on but then fell again. I feel very sorry for my team, as I know they work so hard and I couldnt repay them. All I can say is I will come back strong at the Sachsenring.
250. Randy De Puniet
1st, 4911.337:
It was a hard race and conditions made it very difficult. I got away well and tried to stay behind Aoyama, but he was setting a good pace and it was very difficult to match him. When West and Stoner caught me I fought very hard not to let them pass me. Aoyama then fell and I tried to defend first place but West was also very fast and with the water we almost fell a couple of times. I gave everything to get the victory and was convinced I could do it, but I made a mistake which almost cost me the race. I gave everything to get back on terms after going off and managed to catch West and Stoner and then held on to take the victory. I was difficult but very nice and I am very happy after all the problems we have had this year to finally win a race. I want to thank the team and all the sponsors.
250. Dani Pedrosa
4th, 4959.162:
Im very happy with the race Ive done, also because its been my best result in a wet race. I made a good start and, although some riders took me over, I was able to stay in the leading group. Then there were some crashes ahead and I was able to gain some positions. When the rain got stronger, I began to have some problems. I was counting on a good margin, both ahead and behind and that allowed me to slow down the pace. I knew that I wouldnt be able to catch up with the riders ahead. I had a comfortable position, I had no pressure at all, I only had to lap. Im very happy, because its been a very long race and it hasnt been easy to keep yourself on the bike. I want to thank the team for their job and all of those who are by my side.
250. Sebastián Porto
5th, 5014.678:
The truth is after the problems Ive had this weekend the result is not too bad., especially with the conditions. With the water on the track it was important just to stay on and finish for some points and thats what we did. In normal conditions it would have been different, but well just have to hope we have good weather in Germany and do as well as we can.
125. Héctor Faubel,
crashed out:
I am disappointed because I was fighting hard to stay with the lead group as they were lapping at a good speed. I had a problem with my visor which was impeding me and on coming into the home straight I lost the front end and fell. Unfortunately I could not take part after the restart but I am already thinking.
Track conditions
- Air: 15º
- Asphalt: 13º-15º
- Humidity: 70%-77%
- Wind: 6 Km/h
Tyre´s choice:
- Héctor Faubel: Lluvia – Lluvia
- Sebastián Porto: Lluvia – Lluvia
- Randy De Puniet: Lluvia – Lluvia
- Dani Pedrosa: Lluvia – Lluvia
- Max Biaggi: Blando – Medio
- Nicky Hayden: Blando – Blando
