Álvaro Bautista played little part in the Dutch TT, but infortunately his seconds of action on track had a big impact. The Team San Carlo Honda Gresini rider lost the front of his bike on the opening corner, lowsiding and taking World Championship leader Jorge Lorenzo out as well. The error was obviously unintentional, and Bautista extends his apologies to the rider and his team. Michele Pirro had a strong race and was close to claiming the honour of best CRT at Assen, although he just missed out on topping the order in the new MotoGP sub-category.
Alvaro Bautista (DNF) “Unfortunately, when I followed Dovizioso’s wheel I lost my braking point and hit the brakes far too late. I tried to slow the bike down, but lost grip on the front and lowsided. I am very disappointed, even more so because I took out Lorenzo in the process and that was the last thing that I wanted to happen. It was my fault that he crashed out and I apologise profusely to him for that. I hope that nothing similar ever happens again. I also apologise to my team, because they worked so hard this week, only to miss out on what could have been a great result due to this mistake.”
Michele Pirro (9th) “It’s a good result, even if I am a little unhappy that lately we are always so close to being the best CRT. The guys are working so hard all the time and the bike improved between yesterday and today. I had the possibility to fight for the top CRT spot and we would have been even more competitive with just a few details adjusted. That’s why I’m convinced that, sooner or later, we will be successful. I thank the team from the bottom of my heart, because whilst I ride the bike, they are making the real difference. I am very happy with them.”
Fausto Gresini “It is a shame about the early crash. Álvaro really didn’t mean it. I am very unhappy, because the crash caught the World Championship leader, Lorenzo, up in it. We are sad that it turned out this way and Álvaro has of course said that it was not intentional. He was trying to gain places but he lost his braking reference and hit the brakes too hard when the tyres were not up to temperature. That meant that he lost grip and that he slid into Lorenzo. Fortunately Michele was able to raise out morale with a good race, although we always seem to be missing a little something to get to the chequered flag as the best CRT. We are growing and are convinced that we will continue to improve, with a victory as soon as possible in this battle our aim for him. I am happy for Michele and the team, as they are working really hard.”
San Carlo Honda Gresini Press Release
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