MotoGP – Xaus and Elias fought valiantly at Laguna Seca

The two riders of the Fortuna Yamaha team in the MotoGP class closed their participation in the United States Grand Prix with an 11th and a 13th position.
Toni started after having suffered some infiltrations and suffered a lot with his wrist on this circuit which required a very rigid suspension setting and which therefore worsened his physical problems. Ruben, however, promises to return in 2006 to be able to do much better than what he did today, even if his team greatly appreciated his effort in today's race.

RUBEN XAUS
Race: 11th
Ranking position: 12th, with 33 points

The tests had not left Ruben Xaus satisfied, who actually complained about not having been able to demonstrate his talent and experience on the Californian track. At the end of the race, his team congratulated him. “They are happy because we scored points again. I started badly, but the fact is that starting so far back is more or less suicide. The first corner is very dangerous so I didn't push it. And then it's also true that after tests like the ones I did, starting so far back takes away your motivation. But it went the way it went, and the real shame was, once again, the first five laps. Only after managing to overtake Rolfo, who acted as my stopper, was I able to lap at a pace that was only a second slower than the leading group. The adaptation process with the M1 continues and every time I discover some secret. I'm struggling a lot, but I would like to reassure everyone, I will make it in the end. I'm almost there. I want to give my best. I stand by the race I won here in 2003 with the Superbike, but I promise that I will return to this track to win."

TONI ELIAS
Race: 13th
Ranking position: 16th, with 18 points

The driver from Manresa got back on his M1 after missing 3 GPs and did so managing to score points. It was important to reach the finish line and, despite the pain in his wrist, he made it.
"I am satisfied. We arrived knowing it would be a very difficult weekend and we leave with three very important points. The race was very tough. My hand hurt a lot. I don't know why but after four laps it started to hurt again, I think the infiltrations had no effect. But it was important to get to the end and behind Hofmann I endured the indescribable. This is a legendary track and I feel lucky to have had the opportunity to race there, it was one of my dreams and it's one more reason to be satisfied. But we still have to improve. I want to come back next year and give it my all again, but with a better result.”

HERVE PONCHARAL, Director of the Fortuna Yamaha Team

“It was a difficult weekend, but despite everything we managed to do well thanks to everyone's work and effort. Ruben didn't start very well, but after a few laps he started to be consistent and maintain a good pace. The points obtained are of vital importance. As for Toni, it was particularly difficult for him too because this circuit is very physical and he is not yet 100%. Let's hope that at Donington he is able to ride in full form and that he can demonstrate his full potential."

Fortuna Racing