After strong showings at Laguna Seca and Indianapolis, Alvaro Bautista continued his great run of form at Brno. The Team GO & FUN Honda Gresini rider finished fifth in the Czech Republic Grand Prix, riding with a pace similar to those at the front for the entirety of the race. Only a speedy fightback by Valentino Rossi denied Bautista fourth place, which he missed out on by 77 thousandths of a second. Teammate Bryan Staring had a more difficult race, due to an unexpected drop in tyre performance, and eventually placed 20th.
Alvaro Bautista (5th)
“Once again I had the chance to finish ahead of Rossi, but I ended up just 0.077 behind him at the line. However, I am happy because we had a good race and ran a fast pace that was better than in practice. I had a lot more confidence in the bike today. It was a nice battle with Rossi and maybe he just had a little more than I did at the end. We’re going in the right direction, continuing with what we started at Laguna Seca two races ago; this is very important. Last year we didn’t have a great feeling at Brno, but this year we went well which confirms that things are getting better. We hope to continue like this, because that way I can carry on enjoying myself alongside the Team, Honda, GO & FUN, Showa and Nissin.”
Bryan Staring (20th)
“We went a little better than in practice and we suffered a little less with the chattering problem, but the result was not what we were hoping to achieve this weekend. Unfortunately at the end the tyre performance dropped off and I was unable to ride as I had in the first part of the race. It is a shame, because after the problems in practice we were not able to get a good race result.”
Fausto Gresini
“I would say that this was another good day and another good result for Alvaro. He had a great race, fighting hard with Rossi and keeping up his pace. Since the race at Laguna Seca he has been closer to the front, and we are continually improving. Now we just have to take that small step up to make a big difference. In any case, we are very happy with this weekend at Brno –where last year we had a lot of problems. We have continued this fine form and this is satisying. Thanks to Alvaro, Honda and GO & FUN, and also the team, Showa and Nissin for their great work.”
Fun& Go Honda Gresini Press Release
