Alvaro Bautista saved his best start of the season for the final race at Valencia today, giving himself the opportunity to run with the front pack and even make a challenge for the podium positions. However, Alvaro was careful not to cause any problems for the two riders fighting for the championship and in the end as his tyre performance dropped off he rode an intelligent race to pick up another top five finish and end the championship on a positive note.
Alvaro Bautista (5th)
“It hasn't been an easy weekend because we have had some problems with the set-up of the bike here. We have continued to work on making small changes to try and improve it for the race and after getting probably my best start of the year I was able to stick with the front guys for the first few laps. Lorenzo was slowing the pace down at the front and that gave me a chance to run with the guys at the front and I was in a position to make an attack but the last thing I wanted to do was get involved with the two guys who were fighting for the title. Once the soft tyre dropped off I lost a little ground but I am happy because we have finished the championship in sixth place overall as the second best non-factory bike. I want to thank everybody in the team, Showa, Nissin, Honda and GO & FUN. Tomorrow we start working on the future.”
Bryan Staring (19th)
“I was hoping for my MotoGP experience to finish in more positive fashion than this but it wasn't possible today. I want to thank everybody that has helped me this year during this new adventure and to those who made it possible for me to get this opportunity.”
Go&Fun Honda Gresini Press Release
