US Grand Prix - MotoGP

MotoGP returns to Laguna Seca

You have to go all the way back to September 11th 1994 to find the last
motorcycle Grand Prix in the United States, but this coming Sunday MotoGP makes
the trip back across the Atlantic to the very same track as eleven years ago:
Laguna Seca, near Monterey in California. Since then the circuit has undergone a
series of modifications to improve safety standards, which include extending
run-off areas - above all at the first corner after the straight and the ninth
corner - replacing all the kerbs and extending the uphill entry to the famous
"Corkscrew", but essentially the same spectacular track loved by both Camel
Honda riders remains the same. Alex Barros raced there in the early years of his
career and in 1993 stood on the podium with second place in the 500cc class.
Troy Bayliss won a race there in SBK in 2002, also taking second place in the
second race of the same day. So it's a welcome return for the duo, and the same
could be said from the point of view of the American public, who on looking at
the "tickets" section at laguna-seca.com will see big red letters point out that
the event is satisfyingly: "sold out".

Sito Pons - Camel Honda

"The upcoming race is very important for MotoGP, because we are returning to the
United States after so many years. Laguna Seca is a great track, which I really
like, and loved as a rider too, even though back then there were some quite
dangerous areas. Since then there has been a lot of work done in the name of
safety, and I'm curious to see what the results are. I know that there is also a
lot of expectation and interest from the American public with most of the
tickets already sold. We hope that MotoGP can offer it's usual spectacular show
and that we can once again be a big part of that show."

Alex Barros #4:

"I'm honestly delighted to be returning to Laguna Seca because I love it and
because I'm eager to get a good race under my belt after Assen. It's a track
with a unique character which has always excited me, with lots of hills; it
almost reminds me of a Supercross track! I have ridden there four times and in
'93 stepped onto the podium. Luckily they have improved the run-off areas too,
because in the nineties they were basically non-existent. . Now I'm sure that it
will be very safe. I don't know how many of the current riders have raced there
before, but I think that everyone will love it straight away, because it has a
great layout which is a joy to ride."

Troy Bayliss #12:

"I think that the current lap record will last about fifteen minutes of the
first MotoGP practice session! I'm really curious to see what we can do with
these bikes at Laguna, a real 'riders' track which is beautiful but also a
little dangerous, at least in the past it was anyway. The first time I rode
there I got pole and obviously I'd love to do as well with the Honda. One
thing's for sure, Sunday's race will be one of the best events ever to have
taken place at the track."