Le Mans welcomes MotoGP's European return

2007-05-17 08:48
After the excursion to the hi-tech circuit of Shanghai, MotoGP returned to a more grass roots setting with the arrival of the teams to the historic Le Mans circuit. In an ominous sign for the weekend, the skies have been overcast with a distinct absence of any sun breaking through, posing an interesting challenge for the riders as they prepare for what may be the first ever wet 800cc race.

With Olivier Jacque ruled out of the Alice Grand Prix of France with an arm injury, Sylvain Guintoli and Randy de Puniet are the only riders flying the tricolour flag this weekend in MotoGP. They were joined by Shinya Nakano - himself a French resident - to take in the excitement of the Le Mans half marathon this afternoon.

There to see the start of the race alongside former 400m World Champion Stephane Diagana, the three riders watched on from the Place des Jacobins as the runners filed past. Not content with being a casual observer, Nakano jokingly joined in for the opening metres of the race, to the amusement of his colleagues.

Kawasaki stand-in Fonsi Nieto, who replaces the aforementioned Jacque for this week's race, spoke to the press for the first time since yesterday's announcement of his participation, with team-mate De Puniet also present to answer questions. The French rider was on triple duty this afternoon, as he also featured in the official MotoGP pre-event press conference held at the Le Mans circuit.

Riders also present at the customary event were World Championship leader Casey Stoner, last year's race winner in France Marco Melandri, Fiat Yamaha rider Colin Edwards and Rizla Suzuki's John Hopkins. Stoner commented on his great start to the season and task of improving on his Le Mans personal best finish of fourth (use link to hear), whilst Edwards and Melandri explained their desire to improve after some recent disappointments. Hopkins faces his first race after his maiden podium finish at Shanghai two weeks ago.

A sight which will have pleased everyone involved in the MotoGP World Championship was the sight of Roberto Locatelli returning to the paddock for the first time since his crash at Jerez. The Italian gave a short speech alongside Dr Claudio Costa and his Metis Gilera team, and is provisionally down to ride in the 250cc race on Sunday, but will first have a test ride tomorrow.

Practice for the Alice Grand Prix de France begins tomorrow at 9am local time.

Source: Dorna Communications

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