TT Assen: Gresini Racing race report

SEASON-BEST RESULT FOR NAKANO AS DE ANGELIS CRASHES ON LAP ONE Shinya Nakano picked up his best result of the season so far in the Dutch TT, where he crossed the line in a creditable eighth place. The Japanese rider got a great start and chased ...

SEASON-BEST RESULT FOR NAKANO AS DE ANGELIS CRASHES ON LAP ONE

Shinya Nakano picked up his best result of the season so far in the Dutch TT, where he crossed the line in a creditable eighth place. The Japanese rider got a great start and chased the leading group over the opening laps, before settling for a solid points score at the legendary track. Alex De Angelis suffered entirely different fortunes as he was forced to retire following a first-lap crash. The San Marino youngster escaped without major injury but did damage the little finger of his left hand.

Shinya Nakano (8th): "I've finished ninth for the last three races and our objective today was to improve on that! Eighth place isn't a fantastic result but the most positive thing about this race was the start. I got away really well and managed to get straight into a good pace. Unfortunately after a few laps my rhythm dropped off and I lost positions, from fourth back to seventh. I would have liked to finish higher but I'm still happy because eighth isn't bad and I think we've taken a step forward today."

Alex De Angelis (DNF): "I started quite well but Valentino and De Puniet crashed in front of me coming onto the back straight and I had to slam the brakes on, allowing a couple of riders past. In the next corner I'd barely opened the throttle when the bike lost grip and threw me into the air. It was probably the tyre that wasn't up to temperature and I just lost control, the rear came around and I crashed. Luckily I'm not hurt and I'm looking forward to the next race."

Fausto Gresini - Team manager: "I am satisfied with Shinya's race today, he showed some improvement with a very determined start and in general he did a good job. I'm not happy about Alex's result though -- it is never good to crash on the first lap, especially after crashes at Barcelona and Donington. He always shows great potential in practice but hasn't been able to carry it through to the races recently, so maybe it is time for a more careful approach."