Troy Bayliss, who made a brilliant start, was fighting for top spots on the second lap when he was unfortunately caught up in Marco Melandri’s crash, who lost control of his bike coming into the home straight and who forced the Australian to go wide onto the grass, where he himself crashed out.

Sito Pons – Camel Honda

“I’m happy with today’s podium from Alex, mainly because of the conditions it was achieved in. It was so difficult out there and to get to the front really was something. It’s possible he had a few visibility problems which didn’t help him much during the race, as well as not being completely happy with the bike under braking. Nevertheless he rode really hard, was at the front throughout keeping a rhythm going for the other riders and claims a creditable podium finish for his 250th GP. I’m sorry that Melandri once again caused, although absolutely involuntarily, one of our riders to exit the race. However I understand that these things happen, that’s racing, I’m just sorry for Troy because he was up there and didn’t get the chance to demonstrate the massive progress he has made in the last two races. He will be strong again at the Sachsenring”.

Alex Barros – Camel Honda – 3rd

“The track was in terrible conditions today: in those situations you have to know how to deal with the race, you have to know where the limit is and how far you can push it. I had a few problems with the front tyre under braking, on several occasions I could hardly control the front end but it probably was happening to a lot of my rivals because they were racing in the same conditions. Somehow it was an enjoyable race, despite how difficult it was. When Valentino overtook me I was unable to maintain his pace. On the last lap Roberts won the duel for second place, taking advantage of having been behind and seeing where I had problems. I’m a little bit disappointed, but that’s racing and he played his card. Being on the podium is a great way to celebrate my 250th GP: it’s a nice record to have, there have been so many races now but I still have the desire to race and to battle it out, and I will do so once more at Sachsenring next week.”

Troy Bayliss – Camel Honda – crash on lap two

“I got a good start, and despite the conditions being awful, I felt comfortable in the front group, and I was right in there. Unfortunately when Marco crashed in front of me he was too close and I tried to avoid him but I touched him and I was forced out onto the grass where I couldn’t control my bike. There’s no point saying how disappointed I am, but it was just a racing incident.”