MotoGP podium finishers review red-flagged IMS race

Sunday, 14 September 2008

The top three riders at the Red Bull Indianapolis Grand Prix gave their views after the curtailed maiden race at the Brickyard.

Hayden, Rossi and Lorenzo on the podium at Indianapolis (MotoGP)

Valentino Rossi – Race Winner

`I think that those are the worst conditions in which I have raced in my career. Together with the new track and the new surface, there was also a lot of water and at the end the bigger problem of the wind. I was in front, and all the bags and beer cans were getting thrown onto the track by the wind. It wasn´t consistent and was very strong, so you never knew what was going to happen in the straight. I was in front and didn´t want to put my hand up, because I was leading the race, but I was looking for the red flag on every lap and when it came I think it was a good decision. Good work was done on the track to prepare for the race because the rain was coming down strong. I don´t remember when I last won four races in a row, but it means that I am in good shape and now waiting for Motegi.´

Nicky Hayden – Second Placed

`I had nothing to lose here; I had to go for it. The bike went good in the wet when it wasn´t so heavy in terms of water. It felt good to lead the race, as it´s been so long. When I saw nobody in front I thought `this is only meant to happen in the movies!´ Unfortunately Valentino came through, and had a little bit too much speed for me. I had a little run at him, but when the track had dried out we used a lot of rubber, meaning that when it rained again there wasn´t much tread pattern. Pushed to the maximum and really left nothing on the table. Thanks to all my fans, friends and team; it hasn´t been an easy road, and they´ve had a tough day out there.´

Jorge Lorenzo – Third Placed

`This is my first podium in the rain in all my life, even in the Spanish championship I never got one! For me it was a good result; not perfect as with one or two laps more I could maybe have passed Nicky. With the wind and his tyres going off we had the pace. Thanks to Yamaha –we have got two riders on the podium once again- next time I hope to do even better.´