Team GO&FUN Honda Gresini rider Alvaro Bautista launched himself back amongst the MotoGP elite today with a sensational performance at Laguna Seca that saw him miss out on a podium finish by just 0.059 s econds. The Spanish rider has enjoyed a solid weekend at the Californian circuit right from the first free practice session on Friday and it culminated with a breathtaking attack on Valentino Rossi for third place in the closing laps of today's race. Despite missing out on the podium this fourth place provides Alvaro and the team with a big confidence boost and a solid foundation to build from in the second half of the season. Bryan Staring saved his best for race day, missing out on the points by just two positions on his first visit to this notoriously difficult track, after struggling for fitness in the latter stages of the race.
Alvaro Bautista (4th)
“I was so close to the podium! I would really liked to have been up there but we have to be happy with this result and especially for the way we achieved it. Obviously you can't get much closer than 0.059 seconds but the most important thing about today was that we showed we have taken a massive step forward and hopefully we can continue in the same way at the next race. This result gives us confidence after a less than positive period and it's a nice boost for the rest of the season. I am also happy for the team, who have been working so hard and really deserved to celebrate a result like this today.”
Bryan Staring (17th)
“I am happy because today went better than recent races. I set a fast pace in the first half of the race and I was fighting for a podium position but after not being able to train recently because of my foot injury I started to really struggle from a physical perspective later in the race. We have taken steps forward here though and that will help us in the coming races.”
Go&Fun Honda Gresini Press Release
