US MotoGP: Hayden leads American 1-2
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Image Gallery ( 21 images )“The next race at Donington in two weeks time is another home GP for John, and I’m sure there are a lot of positives to take from this race to get a great result there. He is disappointed, but should be proud of himself today.
“Kenny will be disappointed to finish in 14th position at his home GP. He was inside the top 10 early on and I’m sure he would have liked to have put on a good show for the fans, but it was not to be. He has also gone well at Donington in the past so let’s move onto there and see what we can do.
“I’d like to thank Red Bull for partnering us at the Red Bull USGP. We gave it 100%, the bike looked awesome and we’d love to get Red Bull and Suzuki together again in the future.”
Shinya Nakano, Kawasaki, Ninth place: "It was a very hard race but over the final 15 laps I was able to race with Bayliss, Hopkins and Tamada, which is very encouraging for Kawasaki. I enjoyed the battle and I was able to learn many things about the track following Troy and John. The main point is we still need more top end power, plus a little more bottom end, to have a chance against these guys. The team did a very good job here and I was able to race with different electronic settings, which helped in the race. And our Bridgestone tyres had consistent grip for the race today."
Harald Eckl, Kawasaki Team Manager: "We made the best results we could out of our package today and both riders took points to keep Kawasaki third in the Constructors Championship, which is very important."
Ruben Xaus (Fortuna Yamaha Team) 11th: “Practice was unsatisfying for Rubén Xaus, who complained of being unable to show his talent and experience at the Californian track. After the race the team congratulated him nonetheless, "They did so because we keep picking up points. I got a bad start and sometimes starting from the back can be a hairy. The first corner is a bit dangerous and I tried to stay calm. After the mediocre practice sessions I had, to start from the back doesn't do wonders for your confidence. Anyway, the first five laps again were the problem. When I got past Rolfo (Ducati), who was holding me up a bit, I was able to ride at my potential rhythm of about a second slower than the leaders. The YZR-M1 reveals its secrets slowly to me, so it's hard work, but everybody in the team remains calm. We support each other through thick and thin. For now I'll have to be content with the Superbike race I won here in 2003."
Alex Hofmann, Kawasaki, Twelfth place: "I was on full lean angle in turn eleven when the gearbox shifted into neutral. I couldn't click it straight back into first because I would have high-sided. It was a pity because I was ahead of the group that included Roberts and then I had do it all again to pass Elias and Roberts back. Eleventh was possible without that lost time. In the race I was much more comfortable with the track, I now understand the Corkscrew. I was able to run a consistent pace with good grip and I'm happy to get some points. The crowd was amazing today."
Toni Elias (Fortuna Yamaha Team) 13th: "I'm satisfied. We faced a difficult weekend and at least we will take home three points. The race was so tough. My wrist was hurting a lot after four laps. I think the sedation we injected didn't work as it should have. It was important to finish though, and I hung on behind Hofmann (Kawasaki). This is a legendary track, and I'm happy to race here, which has been one of my dreams and that is another reason to be satisfied. However we need to improve. I want to return next year and give it all when I'm in top shape, so I can show a better result then this year."
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