Mixed results again for the Pramac Ducati team. Aleix Espargaro needed to step up his game after a poor start to the MotoGP season – whatever threats were issued clearly worked as he secured a competitive 9th position in the race and claimed his first top 10 finish.

Mika Kallio on the other hand fared poorly, he crashed during the practice session on Saturday and could only manage 13th position in the race. This was effectively last place due Bautista not taking part in the GP and the crashes from Capirossi, Spies, and Stoner during the race.

Fabiano Sterlacchini – Pramac Racing Technical Director
“We bring home another ten World Championship points, they are not so many, but we are happy to have concluded with both riders a race that could be compromised at the beginning by Mika fall in the second free practice of the French Grand Prix. We are very proud of him because despite the sharp pain in his shoulder he wanted to take part in the today’s race that concluded in thirteenth position, achieving three World Championship points. We could not expect more from him, but we are extremely happy to have a so brave rider. We hope to come back in shape for the next race in Mugello, we know we have an enormous value rider, and we hope that after this unfortunate race, luck will be back on his side. I should make my warmest congratulations to Aleix Espargarò for leading a great weekend, the ninth position supports the confidence we have always placed in him, supported him in this difficult start of the season. He proved to have character struggling to gain positions after he lost some in the start. Overall a good result that gives us strength and good mood for the upcoming Italian Grand Prix. ”

Aleix Espargaro – Pramac Racing rider – 9th in the race
“I am very happy with the outcome of the race, is by far my best result in MotoGP, and is the first time I finished the race in the top ten. I’ve had since Friday a great rhythm on this track, and I’m looking forward to race again to try to get better results. Too bad for the bad start, I lost two positions during the first lap, I could not be fast enough and I found myself second-last during the eight lap. But then I got to find my rhythm, turning a few tenths faster than the riders in front of me. I managed to cover the gap I had with the riders who preceded me and I found myself in the group that was fighting for eighth place. After a few laps I passed Aoyama and on the second-last lap I have seen the error made by Edwards and passed him as well as Simoncelli. Too bad for the little contact I had with Aoyama three corners before the finish line, this has given advantage to Barberà and I could not pass him for very little. However I have great confidence for the next race and hope to improve further.”

Mika Kallio – Pramac Racing rider – 13th in the race
“The shoulder pain prevented me from being competitive, despite the painkillers they gave me an hour before the race. I felt an enormous pain that did not allow me to lead better my bike. I constantly had a second lower turning lap time compared to the other riders. From the pits my technicians have indicated me that some riders were retired and I clenched my teeth to finish the race and bring other points to my team for the season. I hope to not have any more shoulder problems for the next race and that it will be a good weekend from beginning to the end.”

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