Valencian GP - Round 17 - MotoGP
Valencia - Sunday 6 November 2005 - Race

Barros battles to top five finish

Alex Barros finished in fifth place at the end of a combative and spectacular
race.  The Brazilian started from eight on the grid and set a pace only slightly
slower than the lead group as he recovered positions and became involved in a
long battle, firstly with Loris Capirossi and then Max Biaggi, closing in on
Carlos Checa without getting close enough to attack.  Ryuichi Kyionari had a
discrete race, crossing the line in twelfth place after starting lowly group
position.

Sito Pons - Camel Honda

"I am happy for Alex because we had a great race and demonstrated a lot of grit
and character. He came out on top of two big battles with Loris Capirossi and
Max Biaggi and if he had a few more laps he could even have caught Checa. In any
case I think we've seen good things from him today. Ryuichi started from a long
way back but also had a good race to finish in the points, ahead of experienced
riders such as John Hopkins and Alex Hofmann. I think this has also been a
positive day for him."

Alex Barros - Camel Honda - 5th

"I am really happy even though this wasn't an exceptional result because I have
won two difficult battles with Loris and Max. With Capirossi it was particularly
tough because his bike is so powerful and there was only one point where I could
pass him. For two laps, he came back past me but in the end I managed to close
the door. I think we both had good fun.  My rhythm was quite good but not as
good as the front three. Maybe I could have fought with Checa but when I got
past Max it was too late."

Ryuichi Kyionari - Camel Honda - 12th

"I want to say thanks to Honda and the Camel Honda team because they have given
me the opportunity to compete in this race. I am not satisfied with twelfth
place, we could have done a lot better. Anyway this experience will serve me
well for the future."