Doohan and Criville recall Brno battle

Working for American television network CBS, five-time World Champion Mick Doohan is a welcome visitor to the Brno paddock this weekend, while his old rival and fellow former premier class title-winner Alex Criville is also in attendance in his regular role with Spanish broadcasters TVE.

The pair enjoyed several tight battles during their racing days, though the closest of all was at the Czech circuit, venue for this weekend´s Cardion ab Grand Prix Ceske republiky, when Criville outdid his Australian foe by just 0.002s on the finishing line.

Recalling that famous race Doohan commented, `I was pretty disappointed in myself, I remember that much! Because I had lost by such a small margin. I could have possibly won, had I kept my head down, instead of trying to win at the slowest possible speed! But I didn´t and that was the race I chose to run. When I did try to make my move he came with me and on the day he won because he rode better than me and crossed the line just in front of me.´

Providing his memories of that special day, Criville meanwhile, said, `It was a fantastic race, very close. Before Brno I beat Mick in Austria and here was the closest race of my career. I won by two thousandth of a second, just by three feet and with a photo finish. I think Mick still doesn´t believe what happened in that race! It was so close and I really enjoyed the battle.´

When asked about the current battle between Valentino Rossi and Casey Stoner, in particular their duel at Laguna Seca which caused Stoner to question Rossi´s tactics before the Australian admitted he may have over-reacted, Doohan provided his own unique insight.

The MotoGP Legend and former Honda star declared, `I think that was just racing. Casey had been winning for a few races and I think he went in thinking it would be another clean-cut contest. Valentino just did what he had to do. Most of the passes were stuffing it underneath Stoner and if anything they put Valentino in danger when he was out there in the dirt occasionally!´