After the spectacular race in Mugello that resulted in Alex Barros on the podium for the first time this season, the Pramac d’Antin team flies immediately to Spain to take part in the seventh round of the 2007 championship.
Historically, Ducati has not been one of the favourites at the Circuit de Catalunya, but considering all the progress that has been made this season, the next race could be the one for “the red machine from Borgo Panigale” and an opportune time to confirm the bike’s excellent characteristics in a wide range of circuits.
For Alex Barros, who lived in Barcelona for a long time, the race will be something of a home GP which will give him renewed determination for another good race run to follow his third in Mugello and fourth place in Turkey earlier in the season.
His team-mate Alex Hofmann will be looking for a better weekend in Catalunya to make up for a disappointing weekend in Mugello.
Preparations for the race weekend will start on Friday 8th June with the usual free practice sessions and will conclude on Sunday 10th with the 25 lap race starting at 2pm local time.
Alex Barros (9° in championship):
“I know the Barcelona track very well and I have raced here many times. I like very much the track and I have often been fast around there. In 2005, the last time that I raced there with MotoGP, I finished in fourth position, but this time I hope to be even faster. The track has a very long straight, which could be a good opportunity for us, so we have to take full advantage from this, to exploit the Ducati’s engine potential as much as possible.
I’m confident for this race, and after the podium I got on Sunday it would be great to confirm this result. I know that it is difficult because this year all the young riders are very fast, but I will do all I can to focus on success. The most important thing will be to get ready during the two days of practice before the race, but I’m very confident because my team is doing an outstanding job. ”
Alex Hofmann (12° in classification):
“I’m ready for this next race in Spain and, like in Mugello last weekend, there will be exciting atmosphere from the passionate fans who support us and I would like get a good result for them. After the last race, I was not completely satisfied and I would like to enjoy a better weekend in Catalunya. In the Spanish track there is a long straight and it will be a good opportunity for us and our Ducati Desmosesidici. I hope to be able to resolve the issues that I faced in Mugello, especially with my feeling at the rear and to enjoy a great race in Barcelona. ”
Luis d’Antin – General Manager:
“Like the race in Mugello, this coming weekend is a very important event for us. Since we are an Italian-Spanish Team, we will have a lot of fans and sponsor to support us once again. After the podium we got in Mugello, it would be perfect to secure an excellent result in Spain. This year, as the result in Mugello highlighted, we have a real chance to be competitive. The Montmelò track hasn’t been particularly good for either Bridgestone or Ducati in the past, but this year they have both proven to be very competitive with continuous improvements. The next race in Spain could be the perfect occasion to confirm the big progress they have made. ”
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