Czech GP: Team Aspar preview

Barbera excited for "special track" Brno

The holidays are over for the World Championship circus, which pitches up at Brno this weekend for the tenth round of the MotoGP season, the Czech Republic Grand Prix. This event traditionally kicks off the second half of the season although this year it has less intrigue than normal, with the current series leader some 72 points -- the equivalent of almost three race wins -- clear of his closest rival. It also signals a return to Europe for MotoGP following the pre-holiday sojourn to the United States and after tackling the shortest circuit on the calendar in Laguna Seca the riders now take on one of the longest, with Brno one of only six tracks to measure over 5km in length.

Whilst the main prize in MotoGP looks virtually decided there is plenty of excitement further down the order, in particular the battle to be crowned Rookie of the Year. Paginas Amarillas Aspar rider Hector Barbera has been one of the most consistent newcomers this season and he is hoping to build on that experience in the second half of the season. Luck deserted him at Laguna Seca but up to that point the Spaniard had scored points in every round so far and he hopes to resume that level of performance at Brno. Barbera has good memories of his early visits to the Czech Republic and always feels confident racing there so is sure he can recover his best form this weekend.

Hector Barbera: "The Czech Republic Grand Prix is a very special event for me because I had one of the best races of my rookie season in the 125cc class there. It was at Brno that I began to establish myself -- I'd been running in the top fifteen or twenty up to that point but that was the first time I led a race. Since then Brno has always been good to me and I tend to get on the pace straight away. To be honest the break has served me well, to get my breath back and gather my strength for the remainder of the championship. I left Laguna Seca with a bittersweet taste in my mouth because the race didn't go to plan and I've spent every day since then thinking about the next one. I spent a few days relaxing with friends but then got straight back into training to make sure I arrive at Brno in good shape. Our form before the break was improving so I hope to continue in the same way from here onwards."

-source: team aspar