MotoGP news

Jacque puts crash behind him

Olivier Jacque, arrives in China determined to make amends for his opening lap crash in the Turkish Grand Prix two weeks ago. While most riders count the Shanghai circuit amongst their least favourite tracks, the place holds fond memories for Jacque. Back in 2005, making his debut for Kawasaki in place of the injured Alex Hofmann, Jacque rode a superb race in appalling conditions to claim an incredible second place behind the then reigning world champion, Valentino Rossi.

But the 33-year-old Frenchman is under no illusions about how difficult it will be to repeat his podium performance this time around, and he heads into the race on Sunday with the realistic aim of securing his first top ten finish of the season.

Olivier Jacque said about the upcoming Chinese Grand Prix: "I guess it's fair to say that the season hasn't started how I was hoping. The first race was a fairly positive start, but the second in Jerez was a nightmare. And then, after seeing the improvement in the bike during practice and qualifying in Istanbul, I was really optimistic for the race. What can I say; I screwed up by crashing on the opening lap. It was the first time in my career that this has happened to me.

"On the Monday I was both physically and psychologically devastated, but my bruises are healing and I need to think only about this weekend's race in Shanghai now. I am confident that a top ten finish is possible this weekend. I like this circuit, and I have fond memories of my second place here in the wet when I stood in for Alex Hofmann on the Ninja ZX-RR back in 2005. I think it will be difficult to repeat this result this time around, but that won't stop me from trying."

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