Australian GP - Round 15 - MotoGP
Phillip Island - domenica 16 ottobre 2005 - Gara

Alex in pain but unhurt, Chris confirmed for next race

Alex Barros crashed five laps from the end of a race in which he was riding well
in sixth position. The Brazilian lost control of the front of this bike in turn
number eight, and took a heavy blow to his left hand side. He was taken to the
medical centre, and was put under observation to ensure there were no problems
with his spleen, but in the end fortunately all the tests came back negative and
he was released. In the next few days he will be forced to take some rest. Chris
Vermeulen's MotoGP debut was a success, as he crossed the finish line he was
just a whisker away from the top 10 in the Phillip Island Grand Prix, in
eleventh place. The young Australian is also confirmed to ride for the team in
Turkey next weekend.

Sito Pons - Camel Honda

"I'm obviously very disappointed about Alex's crash, but luckily despite the way
he spectacularly flew through the air there were no serious injuries, although
it was a big bump. He started with a disadvantage - on the grid in twelfth place
- but he managed to make lots of passing manoeuvres and made his way up to
sixth, which he held on to with a good rhythm. Then he lost the front and
crashed. As regards Chris, I think he did a really good race. He didn't get a
good start, but then he recovered quickly and overtook three riders and rode at
a similar rhythm to the group in front of him. He still has a lot to learn, but
he has shown the mentality and the work ethic required to do well. He will ride
with us again in Turkey and he will be able to improve even more."

Alex Barros - Camel Honda -  crash

"At the moment I'm in a lot of pain even though they've given me some
painkillers. I took a big hit to my side but everything's hurting at the moment.
I was riding well, keeping my rhythm going without pushing too hard but then I
suddenly lost control of the front. It would have all been okay if I had just
slid out and travelled along the ground, but when I hit the gravel trap the
sudden deceleration flipped me up into the air. In any case now I must try and
rest as much as possible before we decide what to do in Turkey."

Chris Vermeulen - Camel Honda -   11th

"It was an okay race, nothing more as far as I'm concerned. I wanted to get into
the top ten, but I got boxed in at the start and took the first lap cautiously.
Then I picked up the pace, I felt good and passed Jacque, Xaus and Hopkins.
They're all riders with experience and as I followed them before attacking,
especially John, I learnt so many things about race management. This one was
longer than the ones I'm used to, and the last five laps are crucial. By the end
my tyres were well worn, too much to think about Nakano ahead, as I had planned.
It was my mistake, I had used them up too much at the beginning and on the last
lap Hopkins got back past me. Inexperience, but it's a lesson for the next race.
Working with this vastly experienced team is teaching me so much so quickly."