Consistency the key for De Puniet

Randy de Puniet enjoyed a good battle for fourth place in the Gran Premio d’Italia TIM on Sunday before eventually finishing sixth in the race, a result which consolidated his hold on sixth spot in the Championship standings.

Starting from sixth on the grid De Puniet rose to fourth at one stage and then became involved in an enthralling contest with Casey Stoner and Marco Melandri, eventually finishing behind the pair.

“It was a very good battle and I enjoyed the race,” De Puniet said. “I’m a little bit disappointed because I had the potential to be fourth today, but after a bad first lap I caught the first group and had a good battle with Marco and Casey. Two laps before the end I was fourth but I made a little mistake before the straight, and then it was impossible to try something at the end.”

He continued: “It’s a good result, I keep my position of sixth in the Championship and we need to continue in this direction. It’s my target to be around the top six and I think the next three races can be good for us.”

It has been a consistent start to the season for De Puniet, with results of sixth, ninth, seventh and now sixth again, and the Frenchman is pleased with the progress he is making.

“I’m satisfied because last year I was consistent but maybe around eighth or ninth. Now I’m closer to sixth and even fourth,” he said. “I think with a better start it would have been possible for me to follow Andrea Dovizioso and Jorge Lorenzo for a few laps. But we will continue to work and to keep this pace for the next race.”