MotoGP
French GP: Alice Team preview
ALICE TEAM IS READY FOR THE FIRST "HOME" APPOINTMENT OF THE SEASON, THE ALICE GRAND PRIX OF FRANCE After the race on the Shanghai circuit, in China, the MotoGP world championship is back in the old continent for the Alice Grand Prix of France. On ...
Published: May 16, 2008, 4:09 PM
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ALICE TEAM IS READY FOR THE FIRST "HOME" APPOINTMENT OF THE SEASON, THE ALICE GRAND PRIX OF FRANCE
After the race on the Shanghai circuit, in China, the MotoGP world championship is back in the old continent for the Alice Grand Prix of France. On the Le Mans circuit, located in the French region of the Loire, Elias didn't have much luck last year. In fact, his race finished after only one lap from the start. This year, after the improvement shown in China, the Spanish rider hopes to continue to optimize his riding style on the Ducati Desmosedici GP8 SAT in order to gain precious points for the MotoGP world classification. His teammate, Sylvain Guintoli, knows the French circuit situated about 200km west from Paris very well, and believes he will be able to do well in the only Grand Prix that will be held in his native country. The Le Mans circuit is one of the historic circuits of the MotoGP world championship, in fact, the first MotoGP race ridden here took place in 1969.
Luis d'Antin, the Alice Team Principal, has declared him self trustful towards his boys and can't wait to see them on track: "We are happy to be racing again. When things begin to get better, as it happened for us in Shanghai with Elias, you would like to be back on track the following weekend to try to improve even more. I have spoken with the boys and they seemed really motivated. Toni wants to improve his results obtained two weeks ago, while Sylvain is really excited about racing on his "home" circuit. We expect good things from both of them in this race."
Toni Elias, now in thirteenth position in the MotoGP classification after the eight points conquered in China, doesn't feel fulfilled after the improvements seen in China: "In world of sports you can never be pleased, even if you win a race or the world championship. The most important challenge is always the next one. This has to be the right spirit. In Le Mans last year I surely didn't have much fun: it was one of the worst days of my career. I hope to have a bit more luck on this occasion. The Team is working in the right direction and I am sure that also thanks to the support of Ducati and Bridgestone our season can only get better."
Sylvain Guintoli is exited more than even to be able to ride on his Ducati Desmosedici GP8 SAT in front of his fellow French supporters: "I can't wait any longer. I always feel unique sensations in Le Mans. Especially last year, when I was in front of everyone for a moment during the race, I felt the fans' support as I had never done before. I would like to give to my supporters the same emotions this weekend, maybe by improving last year's final result. For sure, seeing this year's results, the tenth position would be a good step forward, but at home, I want even more. I really enjoy the track's layout, it will be a fantastic race."
-credit: pd'a
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