[mickey]

John Hopkins:
“I got a good start and after the first turn battle for positions I got away clear and with the front guys. I got into a good rhythm, but made a couple of mistakes and lost a bit of ground to the riders in front of me. I kept my head down and tried to ride as smoothly and efficiently as I could while still doing the lap times, because I knew it was going to be a hard, long and hot race. With about seven laps to go we ran into some tyre problems and we were really struggling for edge grip – especially on the left-handers. I then got into a battle with Melandri and Stoner and I’ve got to say it was the strangest race I’ve ever been in - at the end, with the lack of rear grip - it was harder than riding in the rain! I have extended my fourth place lead a little bit and now I am looking forward to going to America and giving it all I’ve got!”

Chris Vermeulen:
“I had a problem with the clutch on the start-line and I couldn’t hold the bike still when it was in gear. It was creeping forward and I went later than everyone so I wouldn’t get a jump start, but there was nothing I could do and I just edged over the line before the lights changed. After the ride-through I just got my head down and did the laps and tried to make up some places. It was very difficult conditions out there for the tyres, but we managed to get some decent enough points considering how the start went. I am sure we can all learn from this experience and now go on to Laguna and see if we can get the result this time that we deserved last year!

Alex Barros :
“I’m very unhappy with my race result. In these past few days, injuries and all, I was still able to perform well in the free practices, and for Today I hoped to get a good result. I got a strong start, but after just few laps I knew that something wasn’t so good; Today the tires were not working very well, but also my hand gave me some difficulties.
Probably, this combination was responsible for my fall. I did my best to ride in this race, but of course, my physical condition wasn’t so good. Now my wound is a lot more painful because the anaesthetic effect is wearing off, but even if only partially, I hope to recover some for the next week in Laguna Seca.

Alex Hofmann :
“It was a difficult race for me, because of both the very hot temperatures and now my hand is aching. I’m very tired, but at the same time happy for my final result because after only one week from my surgical operation I thought that I wouldn’t be able to ride. My starting grid position really hurt me, but I made a good race start by trying to remain with the group and pushing more in the final laps. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to do this because today we had some difficulties with the tires and especially in the rear, we didn’t have enough grip. Now I have a couple of days for me to relax and then we’ll be racing at discuss Laguna Seca, where I hope to be in better shape.”

Anthony West

“I’m really happy with this result as I wanted to keep making a step forward at every round and it’s worked out this weekend. It was tough, though. A lot of people crashed and grip on the track wasn’t too good, because of the heat I think, which meant I couldn’t push as hard as I wanted to. I followed Hayden for a while, and he pulled me towards Edwards before he overtook him, but then I nearly crashed. I lost the front end going in to turn five, managed to pick the bike up on my knee and was lucky to stay on. That dropped me back a bit, and I tried to catch Colin, but I needed to conserve the tyres, even though I wanted to go faster. I wasn’t sure they’d last the race but they did, so I’m pleased I finished and I’m happy with my position.”

Randy de Puniet

“I don’t know what happened. The engine started to play up in the last two laps I did but I don't know what the problem was. Before that, in the middle of the race, I got a lot of movement in the front tyre, which is why my lap times weren’t that good. It was difficult to control the bike but I was just trying to keep my place. Then, about ten laps in, the rear started to slide a lot, on entry, the middle of the bends and on the exit but even then, I still felt it was possible to finish. I had to retire just after I crossed the line, two laps from the end and I’m obviously very disappointed about thaT

MARCO MELANDRI :
"I got a good start and tried to hang on to Stoner without risking too much. The bike was working really well but Pedrosa set an incredibly strong pace. Once I got past Stoner, about ten laps from the end, the tyres were just gone. From then on I tried to keep the pace, manage the race and even tried to get fifth place back off Casey but it was too risky. I'm happy though because we're competitive again and today I was able to fight for the podium. We've taken a big step forward here and I have to say thanks again to Honda for the new material they brought here. The engine is much sweeter and I can manage the throttle in a way that suits my style much more. I like the idea of racing again next weekend and I can't wait to get back on the bike at Laguna Seca - a track I'm sure will suit the bike and the Bridgestone tyres really well."


MICHEL FABRIZIO :
"I'm happy with this result - my target was to finish in the top ten and I was close. It was a really tough race, physically very demanding and also because the pace was so fast. It's been a nice experience for me and a real bonus in what has been a hard year.