Sacchi considers Pasini's 250cc prospects

Giampiero Sacchi, of the Piaggio Group - who provide Aprilia, Derbi and Gilera machinery in the smaller classes of the World Championship - spoke to motogp.com after last weekend's races in Qatar, giving his views specifically on the 250cc action and the quarter litre class prospects for 2008 in general.

Sacchi was particularly impressed by Polaris World rider Mattia Pasini's remarkable victory in his maiden 250cc appearance, saying of his compatriot: "We are very happy for Mattia because he is working so much. There are not many cases where a rider arrives in a new class and wins so this goes into the history book of the sport."

Commenting on the young riders who are hoping to make a name for themselves in an open 250cc Championship this year the Italian commented: "I believe that (Hector) Barbera, Pasini and (Marco) Simoncelli are young riders who are just arriving. For them it is a very important season, but the championship is very long."

Meanwhile, having seen former development rider Alex Debon just miss out on a rostrum finish having secured his first ever career pole at his 108th GP, Sacchi noted: "Alex was our test rider last season and he worked so hard for us. If he has missed the podium I don't think it's that important. It's important to stay there (near the top). He took the pole position for this race and I believe that he, like (Alvaro) Bautista, Pasini and Barbera, has a very big chance this year."