Alvaro Bautista kicked off his 2013 MotoGP World Championship campaign with a solid sixth place finish in the Grand Prix of Qatar. The Team GO&FUN Honda Gresini rider pushed hard to stay with the lead group in the early stages of the race but had to back off towards the end and make the points safe. It was a night to forget for debutante Bryan Staring, whose first MotoGP outing ended in the gravel trap after an unfortunate crash. However, it has been a positive weekend overall for the Australian rookie who like Bautista will look to build on his efforts in the next round in Austin, Texas, in two weeks' time.
Alvaro Bautista (6th)
“We have had the same problems in the race that we had in practice. I tried to push hard at the start and stay with the lead group but I didn't have the feeling or stability under braking. I stayed with them for a while but I was taking too many risks so I just had to try and make it to the end and defend my position. We're hopeful that the problems we have had here, which were also the same problems as last year, are down to the track conditions and won't be as bad in the coming races. We will keep working but I am happy with the job the team is doing and I expect us to make big progress in Texas.”
Bryan Staring (DNF)
“I am disappointed because I didn't want to finish my MotoGP debut in this way. We made progress throughout practice but then I ruined it all with a stupid crash. I am disappointed for myself and for the team, who have helped me out so much. Hopefully I can make up for it in America.”
Fausto Gresini
“Alvaro did a good job today because he kept his pace up to the end and only slowed right at the end. We knew this would be a tough race for us and it lived up to our expectations. He was able to run with the front guys for a while and that gives us confidence for the next race. I am sure it can be much better for us and we can look forward to a strong season. Bryan made a rookie error, which was a same, but he did a great job in practice and made a lot of pro gress. The team will help him out any way they can and I am sure he will be smiling again soon.”
Go&Fun Honda Gresini Press Release
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