Team Alstare Suzuki Corona Extra rider Max Biaggi took a superb hard-fought for third place in race one and was on course for another podium in race two, but for a problem with his clutch lever after a clash with Bayliss on the last lap. Exiting the Ascari, Max had run a bit wide and when he rejoined the track the Aussies Ducati and Maxs Suzuki touched each other. In the impact, Maxs clutch lever was bent out of position, so when he tried to brake and slow for the Parabolica, the clutch didnt work. Max had to stamp on the rear brake to slow down and in so doing he ran onto the kerbstones and nearly highsided. He made a tremendous recovery, but by then Toseland, Bayliss and Rolfo had managed to sneak past and the podium had gone.
Max's team mate Yukio Kagayama had a bit of a frustrating day, finishing sixth in race one after suffering grip problems and then losing ground at the start of the second when a group of riders cut the chicane on the first lap. Once that happened, Yukio tried to regain ground, but the gap was too great and he had to chase the pack, eventually ending up seventh.
Max:
I feel a bit frustrated about the result, even though I got a podium in race one. Today I felt that my bike didnt feel as strong as some of the other top bikes and I just couldnt pull out of the draft and overtake. I had to make up ground on the brakes and in the corners, and then on the fast straights Id had to watch as theyd come past me again. In the first race, I was chasing second place, when the bike locked up in the first chicane. I nearly lost control, but I managed to keep onboard and carry on - though I did lose second spot. At the end of the race, I got a bit of luck when two of the guys in front slowed right down with problems and I was able to take third place.
For race two, we made no changes to the bike. I focussed on getting a good start and everything was going more or less to plan until the last lap. I knew I had to lead exiting the Ascari, because otherwise the others would draft me, so I pushed really hard. I went wide on the exit and when I rejoined the track Bayliss and I touched. The impact damaged my clutch and footrest, but I didnt really realise that at the time. On the approach to the final turn - the Parabolica - I tried to brake hard and late and found I had no clutch! I ran onto the kerbs and nearly highsided, but I was just about able to keep control and carry on. But by then, Toseland, Bayliss and Rolfo had got past and my chance of a second podium was gone. Monza has been a fantastic experience and the huge number of fans here have made this a great weekend. Although there were a lot of people here, asking for my autographs and photos, I didnt mind and I tried to sign as many as possible. I am happy to do this for race fans.
Yukio:I am not so happy with my results today, because I know they shouldve been a lot better. My start in race one was OK and I was in third place with lots of riders around me going into the first chicane. It was very busy! After about five or six laps, my rear grip started going down and I began to lose ground - especially on the long straights. In race two, many riders cut the first chicane and I lost a lot of places. Once that happened it was difficult to catch up and regain the places. Here at Monza once the front group is gone, there is no chance to catch them again.
This weekend, we had had some problems with engine adjustment and we havent really solved the problem yet. I want a flatter torque curve and I want better acceleration, but at the moment it is hard to change the engines characteristics in this way. It is something that we will work on and try and improve. Normally Suzukis engines are very strong, but I think maybe some of our rivals have stronger engines today. I feel this because they can pass us on the straights and we cannot slipstream them back. This weekend has been a bit frustrating for me and I hope that the next race weekend can be better.
Results:
Race 1:
1 Haga (J-Yamaha),
2 Bayliss (Aus-Ducati),
3 Max Biaggi (I-Alstare Suzuki Corona Extra),
4 Toseland (GB-Honda),
5 Corser (Aus-Yamaha),
6 Yukio Kagayama (J-Alstare Suzuki Corona Extra),
7 Lanzi (I-Ducati),
8 Fabrizio (I-Honda),
9 Muggeridge (Aus-Honda),
10 Neukirchner (D-Suzuki),
Race 2: 1 Haga,
2 Toseland,
3 Bayliss,
4 Rolfo (I-Honda),
5 MAX BIAGGI (I-Alstare Suzuki Corona Extra),
4 Toseland (GB-Honda),
5 Corser (Aus-Yamaha),
6 Yukio Kagayama (J-Alstare Suzuki Corona Extra), ,
6 Corser 7 Kagayama,
8 Laconi (F-Kawasaki),
9 Muggeridge,
10 Smrz (CZ-Ducati)
Points:1 Toseland 229,
2 Haga 194,
3 Max Biaggi (I-Alstare Suzuki Corona Extra) 191,
4 Bayliss 164,
5 Corser 135,
6 Lanzi 107,
7 Xaus 106,
8 Neukirchner 81,
9 Rolfo 77,
10 Yukio Kagayama (J-Alstare Suzuki Corona Extra) 60,
Circuit: 5.793 kms.
Crowd: 108,000 (3-day)
Weather: Dry, sunny/cloudy 26-28C.
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