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Mixed race for Pramac d'Antin

The French GP weekend finished with mixed results for the Pramac d'Antin team in adverse weather conditions this afternoon.

Alex Barros made a perfect start as soon as the red light went out to jump up to fourth position in the opening laps, but subsequently struggled with the wet set-up on his Desmosedici with Bridgestone tires. The Brazilian rider didn't have the right feeling with this kind of setting and struggled to get a good final result. He unfortunately fell on the last lap after trying to overtake another rider.

Team mate Alex Hofmann, after a two difficult days, rode a wonderful race getting the fifth position. The German rider, who started from the last line on grid, made an excellent recovery that made him one of the main protagonists in the fifth round of the World Championship MotoGP class.

Alex Barros said: "I'm very displeased with today because with the set up we found during the last two days we were very good, as everybody could see from my race start. Unfortunately because of the weather conditions I had to come back into the box to change by bike and from that moment everything became more difficult for me. Immediately I was conscious that I didn't have the right feeling and I rode without confidence, but at the same time I tried to finish the race in a good position; maybe I tried too much, because on the last lap, when I knew that I could overtake Hopkins, I pushed too much and I fell down because of aquaplaning on the front. I'm only aching a bit, but I hope to be at 100% after this week and have a good race in Mugello."

Alex Hofmann commented: "I'm very happy and satisfied, because after two bad days, today it felt very good. The race was very animated today, after few laps it started to rain and I decided to come back and change by bike even if the other riders still continued; clearly it was the right decision. Suddenly I found a good race pace and I was confident with the bike and Bridgestone tyres, I couldn't expect anything better! It is my best result in MotoGP and I hope to continue like today. I would like to say thanks to my Team because they worked very well."

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