MotoGP 2005 - Round 11

After the four-week summer break since the German GP at Sachsenring, the MotoGP circus returns from the beach to kick-start the enthralling 2005 season with round 11 at the atmospheric Brno circuit in the Czech Republic.

Both Repsol Honda riders are involved in a close-fought battle for second place in the championship where 15 points separate six riders in the race to claim honour in the 17-round championship that sees competition so fierce.

Max Biaggi has a tremendous record at the 5.403km circuit that lies just outside the Czech Republic’s second city. He has taken three wins in the premier class and won every race in the four years he dominated the 250cc class on the way to being crowned world champion between 1994 and 1998 inclusively.

His team-mate Nicky Hayden will be looking to continue where he left off before the break having taken two pole positions, a win and a further podium all in the last three races. The 24-year-old American went well at Brno last year before crashing out of the leading group.

Brno is a twisting, undulating circuit that comprises of many second and third gear corners linked by two straights where riders can just hook top gear. Its characteristics suit Biaggi, Hayden and the RC211V where the team will hope to set a good foundation for the remainder of the season.

Max Biaggi
“This is my favourite circuit of all. I like it because it's fast and I'm particularly fond of the four chicanes. The speed is really high there and you need a lot of courage and commitment to face the changes of direction. In addition it's a place that fits me; I've taken victory several times there and the local people have given my name to a bridge not far away from the circuit. I've won there with all the bikes I've raced with except for the current one and this I hope to change. I come back form my holidays refreshed and ready for the second part of the season. It know after the race at Brno we test and we hope to find some positive results as the last six races after Brno will come very fast together and I am confident we can get some good results for the team and for all my fans who have been so supportive!”

Nicky Hayden
"I'm really looking forward to getting back on the bike on Friday morning. I've had a good time back home but I'm ready to get racing again - in fact I was ready a few weeks ago actually! Me and my bros have been training on the dirt at home and its been fun all hangin’ out but it's time to get back to work now. After Brno the season is going to click away real fast and like I said after the race in Germany, now I've tasted blood I want some more. Laguna was great and Germany felt kinda' ordinary just standing on the bottom step. Last year at Brno we went pretty well until we went out. It's a circuit which seems to make for close racing and I'm real ready for a fight now. It's so close between seventh and second spot in the championship and every race and every point is going to count for so much. I won't be happy to finish where I am at the moment. I look to start movin' up from Brno."

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