MotoGP news

Gresini sneaks into top ten

Team San Carlo Honda Gresini ended a difficult Grand Prix of Portugal at the Estoril circuit with both riders in the points. Japan's Shinya Nakano secured another top ten finish, just ahead of his rookie team-mate Alex De Angelis. The San Marino rider was still suffering from a bout of 'flu but improved on his qualifying position with eleventh place. The team will stay on in Portugal tomorrow for an important tyre test as they look to make improvements to the package ahead of the next round at Shanghai, in China, on the 4th May.

Shinya Nakano commented, "It was a tough race because I didn't have a good pace at the start and I lost a few positions on the opening lap. Towards the midway point I was able to improve my lap times and I tried to catch Capirossi, but I couldn't get past him. Obviously I'm disappointed with this result because on Friday we had a good couple of practice sessions and yesterday also went well. We made a good tyre choice and the setting was satisfactory but today I suffered some problems with the rear of the bike so we must work on the suspension to improve stability under acceleration. Tomorrow we'll use the test to focus on this aspect with the Grand Prix of China in mind."

Alex De Angelis added, "Today was difficult for me because I ended up lapping alone after just a few laps and it's not easy to maintain your concentration, but at the end we've improved on our grid position so that's good. We're aware of the fact that we're still not at the level we showed during preseason and that's what I want to get back to - fighting in the top eight. We have a lot of work to do with Bridgestone because the satellite Honda riders on Michelin tyres are doing a good job, so it's clear we have to work hard with the tyres and that is the area we'll be working on tomorrow, testing some of the new material Bridgestone will bring out here at Estoril."

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