The fourteenth race in the World Championship finished with Valentino Rossi returning to his winning ways in flamboyant style, while Championship points leader, Casey Stoner, rode a measured race to finish comfortably in third place, almost all but securing the World Championship for Ducati within the next two races, the second coming at Casey's home race of Australia. Bad luck struck the two riders wearing Pramac D'antin colours, and neither rider was able to finish the race, despite their best efforts.
Alex Barros (Retired)“This misfortune isn't leaving me! First I had to retire in Misano due to an electrical failure, and here in Estoril, too, for a mechanical issue.I was fighting for ninth position with Elias for six laps before I had to abandon the race. I don't know what to think, but oh well, this is how it goes sometimes in racing and now I must concentrate fully on Japan and look to make some great rides in order to finish the season higher in the overall points classification”.
Alex Hofmann (Retired)“Today was not my day. First, I had a problem with my A bike while I was going to the starting grid, so I had to come back into the pits and change to my B bike. After the race started and I saw I was six seconds back from the last person, I couldn't find the motivation to continue fighting only to remain last. I'm very sorry for reacting in this way”.
Luis d´Antin (General Manager)“This has been an ill-fated weekend for us, and as a result, we will take zero points. With respect to Alex Barros, the bad luck hasn't gotten any better for him, and I hope that I can say something good after Motegi. As for Alex Hofmann, I think that lack of motivation is not an excuse for us, and therefore the Team reserves the right to make a decision on whether or not he will continue racing with us for the remainder of the season. Finally, I want to send a message of love and encouragement to the members of my Team, because they are working well together and I hope that they can continue working in the same way”.
Official Results:
1. Valentino Rossi 45´49,91
2. Dani Pedros 45´50,08
3. Casey Stoner 45´51,38
4. Nicky Hayden 46´02,86
5. Marco Melandri 46´07,25
Alex Barros - Retired
Alex Hofmann - Retired
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