DONINGTON, A TWO-FACED TRACK
22 July 2005 - Honda Racing

The MotoGP World Championship returns to Europe after its American adventure, and to a familiar track, which is best known for its two contrasting sections, Donington Park.

The first half is fast and flowing, while the second half – which was added to make the track long enough to meet world championship criteria in 1987 – seriously cuts short the rhythm of the riders with its hard braking and sharp accelerating out of tight bends.

Alex Barros loves Donington. With three career podiums there, he sees it as a chance to make up for his misfortune in Laguna Seca where he was caught up in an incident in the first few moments of the race. For Troy Bayliss, who has also spent a long time in Britain in the past, it is another of his best tracks in the championship, where not only does he know every rise and fall of the circuit, but can also rely on huge support from a British crowd who idolise him.

Sito Pons – Camel Honda
“We now return to Europe after a race in which we didn’t get the results we expected for taking into account the excellent practice sessions both our riders had put in. Alex didn’t get away well, but was then even more unlucky to be caught up in an incident which he had no fault in. However disappointing it is though, it’s something which happens in racing. Luckily there were no serious injuries and this Sunday he can make up for it.

“Troy was unable to show the incisiveness he showed in practice at Laguna, and even though sixth is respectable, he could certainly have gone even better. Nevertheless he has made some steps forward to get among the frontrunners again and we hope this can continue in Great Britain.”

Alex Barros #4:
“I really like the Donington track, it’s got its very own character, fast at the beginning, then stop-and-go at the end, with some of the most crucial braking points in the championship. I’ve already had some good results there and I want another there now, especially now. At Laguna Seca I was very frustrated, angry even, but I cleared things up with Melandri, and now I want to get over it with a good result in England. After the crash in America I took another blow to the back which limited my movements for a few days, but I should be ok by Friday.”

Troy Bayliss #12:
“At Laguna Seca we did some brilliant work in practice, but in the race I couldn’t get the same feeling in the race. We did however show that we can be quick, now we need the consistency. I would love to have a good race in Britain, my first country after I moved from Australia to take part in the British Superbike series.”

www.honda-racing.co.uk

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