The long wait for the 2013 MotoGP championship finished at 10 p.m. Qatar time, when Losail International Circuit’s start light flashed off and the first race of the season got underway.
The Pramac Racing Team finished its race weekend with solid top-ten finishes by both of its riders, Andrea Iannone (Energy T.I. Pramac Racing Team) and Ben Spies (Ignite Pramac Racing Team), with the pair taking the checkered flag just behind fellow Ducati riders Andrea Dovizioso and Nicky Hayden.
The Italian stayed in the draft of the group in front of him for nearly half the race, at which point arm pump in his right forearm caused him to lose contact. Nonetheless, he was still able to finish his first MotoGP race in ninth place.
Despite his right shoulder still not being at 100%, the American soldiered on to finish the race in tenth place.
Andrea Iannone – Energy T.I. Pramac Racing Team
“It was really difficult with my arm. We tried injections because that was probably the only way to relieve the pain, but after just four laps I couldn’t take it anymore. I’m sorry because I thought I could have stayed with Nicky for a bit longer, but I realized that I couldn’t manage it. I also began losing grip pretty early, after just six laps. I had tried to change the bike settings to see if the situation would improve, but it didn’t happen, so I just raced in pain. I’m satisfied though, as we’re in the top ten, and we’ll see if we can close the gap in the future.”
Ben Spies – Ignite Pramac Racing Team
“It was the best tenth place I’ve ever had in my life. The race was good. We get off to a good start, but I knew I couldn’t run with a good pace for a long time. I was actually worried before the race, because after yesterday’s crash and straining my shoulder in practice, I didn’t think we’d be able to finish. Once I saw that the top ten wasn’t impossible, I just pushed as hard as I could, and I was able to make it. I just want to thank the guys for doing everything they could to make the bike easier to ride, and I was happy. We finished the first race, and that’s the most important.”
Francesco Guidotti – Team Manager Pramac Racing Team
“Overall, it was a positive weekend, as we get a lot of satisfaction from putting both of our riders in the top ten despite both riders’ physical conditions. Ben is still suffering from the injury to his right shoulder, and Andrea had a problem with his arm that he had never experienced in the tests. I would like to thanks the Mobile Clinic for having help both riders. I would say we’re very satisfied.
Pramac Racing Team Press Release
You can give your opinion on our Facebook page here
Get the latest update on our Twitter page here
