MotoGP 2005 - Round 6

Ducati Marlboro Team riders Loris Capirossi and Carlos Checa could not replicate their fine recent showings at Mugello during the Catalunya Grand Prix, as each had to make a compromise choice of rear tyres for the 25-lap race. The resurface Montmelo circuit proved abrasive and each rider had to modify their ambitions before the start, despite riding to their full abilities throughout.

Capirossi had a mid-race fight for four laps with his team-mate Checa, until the Spaniard dropped back after a braking error. Checa recovered his position in the race, finishing in 11th place. Capirossi went 12th, with each rider earning championship points.

"We have been struggling a lot with rear grip," said Livio Suppo, Ducati MotoGP Project Manager. "Together with the Bridgestone technicians we made a tyre choice for safety sake, with a hard compound rear. When we made the change this morning we knew it would be less competitive, but much safer. We have to work together with Bridgestone and we knew that this was a partnership we would have to grow. We know that they are working hard and we have to accept that there will be difficult days, but of course it's hard after race like at Mugello. The difference in the surface from Mugello decided everything. When we took the decision to change our tyre supplier it was not an easy choice but we knew it was a choice with a lot of potential, and we still believe it."

Carlos Checa had a tough afternoon of work in front of his home crowd, his lack of rear traction reducing his possibilities with his bike in full race trim. A battle with his team-mate mid-race was followed by a dramatic moment when leading a group of riders, as he ran on past his braking point at the end of the main straight. A spirited fight back put him 11th in the race.

"There was no possibility to race we did at Mugello," said a disappointed Checa. "We had a problem with the rear tyre life here, and the performance was nothing special. I made a mistake during the race as well, when in front of Bayliss and Xaus. The handlebars had been shaking from side to side as I went down the straight and when I hit the brakes I think my pads had been pushed back. I had to make a couple of grabs on the lever, and that made me lock up the front when it gripped again. I got past the riders again but by that time my tyre performance was down, so for the last seven laps I decided just to ride to hold my position and finish the race. This was not the race for us, but considering everything, I am reasonably satisfied."

Loris Capirossi was as high as seventh after one lap of the recently resurfaced Catalunya circuit, but after a few laps his pace dropped as the rear tyre grip reduced. He had to settle for 12th place, but was philosophical about his experience.

"It was a tough weekend," stated Capirossi, who had a last minute change to his race preparations. "We worked a lot and made quite a few changes in set-up. Yesterday afternoon we were OK. This morning I went out with the rear tyre we chose yesterday, and we were OK again. After warm-up I was advised to use a much harder compound rear. This was almost an obligatory choice, but after a few laps I had very little grip from the rear. It was as if it was raining. But anyway, it was important to finish the race. Now we can put this race into the past and we can focus on Assen."

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