UK Grand Prix - MotoGP 

Donington, a 'two-faced' track

The MotoGP World Championship returns to Europe after its American adventure,
and to a familiar track which is best known for its two sections, both
completely different to each other. The first half is fast and flowing, whilst
the second half, which was added  to make the track long enough to meet world
championship criteria in 1987, seriously cuts short the rhythm of the riders
with its hard braking and sharp accelerating out of tight bends. Alex Barros
loves Donington though, with three career podiums there, and sees it as a chance
to make up for his misfortune in Laguna Seca where he was caught up in an
incident in the first few moments of the race. For Troy Bayliss, who has also
spent a long time in Britain in the past, it is another of his best tracks in
the championship, where not only does he know every rise and fall of the
circuit, but can also rely on huge support from a British crowd who idolise him.

Sito Pons - Camel Honda

"We now return to Europe after a race in which we didn't get the results we
expected for taking into account the excellent practice sessions both our riders
had put in. Alex didn't get away well, but was then even more unlucky to be
caught up in an incident which he had no fault in. However disappointing it is
though, it's something which happens in racing. Luckily there were no serious
injuries and this Sunday he can make up for it. Troy was unable to show the
incisiveness he showed in practice at Laguna, and even though sixth is
respectable, he could certainly have gone even better. Nevertheless he has made
some steps forward to get amongst the front runners again and we hope this can
continue in Great Britain."

Alex Barros #4:

"I really like the Donington track, it's got its very own character, fast at the
beginning, then stop-and-go at the end, with some of the most crucial braking
points in the championship. I've already had some good results there and I want
another there now, especially now. At Laguna Seca I was very frustrated , angry
even, but I cleared things up with Melandri, and now I want to get over it with
a good result in England. After the crash in America I took another blow to the
back which limited my movements for a few days, but I should be ok by Friday."

Troy Bayliss #12:

"At Laguna Seca we did some brilliant work in practice, but in the race I
couldn't get the same feeling in the race. We did however show that we can be
quick, now we need the consistency. I would love to have a good race in Britain,
my first country after I moved from Australia to take part in the British
Superbike series."