Motorcycles and news

129.000 spectators saw a race characterized by the sliding of Valentino Rossi (Yamaha) who, in fact, closed the battle for the Moto GP World Title. It was the last unpredictable episode of a really riveting season.

Makoto, started from the 15th position in grid, was not able to make the recovery that yesterday seemed to be possible for the results he obtained in the qualifying session with a race bike setting.

The Japanese rider takes the 12th position of the 2006 Moto GP Riders Classification with 96 points.

Gianluca Montiron ­ KONICA MINOLTA Honda General Director
“Once again, the last race underlined the limit of our season and the difficulties our rider had. The slight different conditions, in respect of this morning warm up and yesterday’s qualifying session, determined a great difference in Makoto’s feeling with the bike and he was not able to improve the 12th position. Anyway, I’m happy for the professionalism the staff and the rider demonstrated throughout this difficult season. I thank KONICA MINOLTA and Honda for their constant support during the last two years. Now we will take a break and charge our batteries before starting a new challenge.”

Makoto Tamada ­ KONICA MINOLTA Honda Rider
“This race has been really difficult. I knew it was the last one with the staff I have been working with for the last four seasons. I did not have a good start and after the first laps I immediately felt to loose the front tyre in cornering entry. In these conditions I’m not really able be incisive in riding. I thank the KONICA MINOLTA Honda Team staff and Honda for all I learnt during the last four seasons.”

Giulio Bernardelle ­KONICA MINOLTA Honda Technical Director
“We were not incisive in today’s race and Makoto expressed his complaint about the usual recurring problem of feeling lack in cornering entry. Today, I think it is more important to thank Makoto for the experience our structure obtained in Moto GP counting on his contribution during these seasons. Despite the lack of results of the last two years, he has always been able to give us important information I think allowed us to bring our professionalism to a very high level.”