BAUTISTA TAKES SECOND PODIUM AT QATAR SCORCHER
02 October 2004 - Aprilia

APRILIA’S Alvaro Bautista claimed his second podium of the season in today’s Qatar 125 GP.

The Seedorf Racing rider finished the 18-lap race in third position after he’d taken control of the race between laps six and 12. He was always in contention for the victory until the closing stages when a small mistake saw him lose touch with fellow front-runners Andrea Dovizioso and Jorge Lorenzo.

Bautista said: “I am very happy because it was tough race in the conditions. This is my second podium of the season and I hope now that I can continue this for the last three races.”

Roberto Locatelli and Hector Barbera lost further ground in the battle for the world 125 championship after a tough first ever Qatar GP today at the Losail International Racetrack.

Spanish teenager Barbera finished in 12th place after a gruelling 18-lap race run in baking hot temperatures that peaked at nearly 40 degrees. The Seedorf Aprilia rider, who had struggled to find a set-up that worked on the technical and challenging 5.4km circuit, now sits 61-points off the world championship lead with just three rounds of the 2004 campaign remaining.

Barbera said: “It is not looking good for the championship now but we have to keep on fighting until the end.”

Experienced Italian Roberto Locatelli suffered a torrid afternoon in the Middle East sun as he limped home in a disappointing 20th position. Starting from the second row of the grid, Locatelli was plagued by a technical problem off the line and ended the first lap outside the top 20. Locatelli said: “On the sighting lap I had a problem with the spark plug which I changed on the grid. But we suffered some problems and I’m disappointed because I thought we could get on the podium.”

Aprilia still holds a comfortable lead in the all-important constructor world championship standings with 275 points from 13 rounds.

www.aprilia.com

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