Race Report: Portuguese GP – 125cc – 13/04/08

(*Source: Aspar Media)
 

On a day that was mixed up as much by the weather as it was by a change in the race schedule, the 125cc race was the final act of the 10th edition of the Grand Prix of Portugal. Gábor Talmacsi made a good start to move up to fifth place just three laps after the start, the World Champion pushing but struggling to catch up with a lead group of four. Gábor eventually lost places in the final stages of the race but made the most of a slipstream from Mike Di Meglio to claim sixth on the line. 
The Hungarian’s team-mate Sergio Gadea made a discreet start and also featured in the chasing group at the start before losing touch and finishing a lonely ride to the top ten. Bancaja Aspar Team rookie Pere Tutusaus, paying only his second visit to the Portuguese track, finished 22nd as he continued a Grand Prix education that now moves on to the dramatic and challenging surroundings of China.

6th Gábor Talmacsi:
“It has been a tough weekend because we haven’t been able to find the right set-up for the race. I gave my best over the first few laps so that the lead group didn’t escape and when I was closing in on them the rear tyre started to slide and I also couldn’t brake as I wanted to on the way into the corners. I had to drop my pace and I lost the positions I’d made up at the start. Hopefully I can have a better race next time – I’ll sit down with the mechanics tonight and see how we can improve things for the next GP”.

9th Sergio Gadea:
“This isn’t the result I was hoping for but in any case I have to say thanks to the team for a great job this weekend. It seems like we had some problems with the acceleration of the bike and that’s why I lost places at the start. When I tried to recover it was too late but I still pushed. Unfortunately I didn’t have enough confidence and after a couple of risky moments I decided to back off. We’ve got some points and I think the job we’ve done here will help us throughout the season.”

22nd Pere Tutusaus:
“I got a good start and made up some positions on the inside but I’m still lacking pace over the opening laps. I didn’t feel comfortable and I think I could have set faster times but I’m happy because I finished the race and I picked up more experience. I hope we can continue to improve in the next race in China and who knows, we might even make up some more positions.”