Pramac Racing duo de Puniet, Capirossi manage contrasting end to Valencia GP – MotoGP news
Pramac Racing riders Randy de Puniet and Loris Capirossi had different endings at the MotoGP 2011 season finale held at Valencia, Spain.
The Frenchman aboard Ducati delivered convincing performance during the last race weekend of the season. De Puniet showed his progressive side with suitable conditions and opportunities.
However, he had to face an unexpected scenario during the raceday at Spain. While starting the race from fourth place on the gird he was the fastest Ducati.
Following the start, the riders’ pack entered the first corner of the initial lap and de Puniet was victimised by a crash occurred ahead him, with no place to escape.
Both factory Ducati riders Nicky Hayden and Valentino Rossi were also down in the crash, after Alvaro Bautista of Suzuki slid into them.
Puniet said, “I'm angry, disappointed, and sorry. This has really been an unfortunate season. Bautista's fall caused my crash and three other crashes. I was convinced that I would've had a good race. I wanted to end this season in the best way possible.
It was a pleasure to be Capirex's teammate in his final season.”
The French rider took a step ahead and enhanced his race setup according to the Ricardo Tormo circuit. His satellite Ducati was performing well in the wet and dry conditions.
Since the second free practice session that was held under wet conditions, he was able to score a third seat in the final timesheet.
Following the first day of the weekend, he continued his performance in the third practice session and stood close at third place behind Casey Stoner and Dani Pedrosa of Repsol Honda.
The Italian teammate of Puniet, raced with precautions to end his career’s final race with good memories.
Capirossi said, “What can I say, now it's really finished. The race was complicated by the rain, and in the last laps I couldn't push because I risked crashing. I wanted to end my career in a good way honouring Marco. I gave my best. Thanks to all the people
that have supported me. Now I'm retired!”
The practice days of the Spanish weekend were rain affected. It caused the riders to be cautious about weather on the raceday.
However, the final few laps were held under rain that totally changed the race lead as well as the performance margin for the riders.
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