Aoyama expected even tougher Bautista battle in Assen

Victory number two of the 2009 season continued to up Hiroshi Aoyama’s stock in the 250cc class, and when he crossed the line first in Assen the Japanese rider became the quarter-litre class’ new series leader. The Scot Racing man had a race-long battle for the top spot, which culminated in a collision with his friendly rival Álvaro Bautista.

“Bautista was behind me all the time, but at the last moment we had an accident. I hope that he is ok,” said Aoyama after the race, making no mention of any mechanical problem for the crash. Bautista had speculated that the new World Championship leader had encountered difficulties on the chicane that provoked the shunt.

“For us this weekend was quite difficult, fighting with Aprilia on the long straights and having to deal with the technical corners,” he added, emphasising that the Honda 250cc machine is still down on power compared to the Italian factory’s top bikes.

“It was hard, but we were expecting a tougher situation. My staff had worked well on the setup and I felt comfortable with the bike, especially from the middle to the end. That was when we got our best lap times.

“I’m leading the championship, but there are a lot of races to go. It’s good, but we have to keep on the gas!”