UK GP - Round 9 - MotoGP
Donington - Sunday 24th July 2005 - Race

Alex celebrates 250th GP with superb podium finish

The rain which had been forecast for a few days came right as predicted at the
Donington Park circuit, falling from the early hours of the morning and making
conditions impossible for the MotoGP race. Alex Barros celebrated reaching 250
grands prix with a superb third place after running the entire race at the front
and showing bundles of intelligence and courage.  Troy Bayliss, who made a
brilliant start, was fighting for top spots on the second lap when he was
unfortunately caught up in Marco Melandri's crash, who lost control of his bike
coming into the home straight and who forced the Australian to go wide onto the
grass, where he himself crashed out.

Sito Pons - Camel Honda

"I'm happy with today's podium from Alex, mainly because of the conditions it
was achieved in. It was so difficult out there and to get to the front really
was something. It's possible he had a few visibility problems which didn't help
him much during the race, as well as not being completely happy with the bike
under braking. Nevertheless he rode really hard, was at the front throughout
keeping a rhythm going for the other riders and claims a creditable podium
finish for his 250th GP. I'm sorry that Melandri once again caused, although
absolutely involuntarily, one of our riders to exit the race. However I
understand that these things happen, that's racing, I'm just sorry for Troy
because he was up there and didn't get the chance to demonstrate the massive
progress he has made in the last two races. He will be strong again at the
Sachsenring".

Alex Barros - Camel Honda -  3rd

"The track was in terrible conditions today: in those situations you have to
know how to deal with the race, you have to know where the limit is and how far
you can push it. I had a few problems with the front tyre under braking, on
several occasions I could hardly control the front end but it probably was
happening to a lot of my rivals because they were racing in the same conditions.
Somehow it was an enjoyable race, despite how difficult it was. When Valentino
overtook me I was unable to maintain his pace. On the last lap Roberts won the
duel for second place, taking advantage of having been behind and seeing where I
had problems. I'm a little bit disappointed, but that's racing and he played his
card. Being on the podium is a great way to celebrate my 250th GP: it's a nice
record to have, there have been so many races now but I still have the desire to
race and to battle it out, and I will do so once more at Sachsenring next week."

Troy Bayliss - Camel Honda -   crash on lap two

"I got a good start, and despite the conditions being awful, I felt comfortable
in the front group, and I was right in there. Unfortunately when Marco crashed
in front of me he was too close and I tried to avoid him but I touched him and I
was forced out onto the grass where I couldn't control my bike. There's no point
saying how disappointed I am, but it was just a racing incident."