Mechanical issue the root of Barberá’s Laguna problem

Héctor Barberá had started the Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix from tenth on the grid and as one of only three riders to take points from every round so far in the 2010 season. The Páginas Amarillas rider would pick up his first DNF of the year after only three laps, however. Sometimes hard work is not enough, and luck was not on the Spaniard's side on Sunday. A problem with the chain of his Ducati machine brought an end to his race, in a situation that comes with the job of being a motorcycle racer. Barberá's great showing in the first half of his rookie season gives him cause for happiness over the summer break, and he will be back and fully motivated at the next round of the series, in Brno at the end of next month.

Héctor Barberá (DNF):

"It has been a real shame, but we all know that anything can happen in a race and that mechanical parts can fail on you. In this instance it was the chain that came loose, and it came off completely on the third lap. I saw on the start that the bike was bucking and was dropping in performance. When you suffer a crash it is frustrating, because it means that you have found your limit, but when your race ends because of a factor that is out of your hands - especially something like a chain - then it leaves a bitter taste in your mouth more than anything. I want to be optimistic in any case, taking this setback in the best way possible; I was fast all weekend, something that I can take away from Laguna Seca. My quickest lap here was only a few tenths off the fastest race lap from 2009, which gives us reason to be pleased. Myself and the team are working better and better together with every race and this will be crucial for the second half of the season."

Press release courtesy of Páginas Amarillas Aspar