Good race for Millet, disillusion for Barrier

Julien Millet did a good race on the circuit Enzo and Dino Ferrari at Imola and finished in 15th position. Sylvain Barrier, who finished 3rd, was put back to 16th because he cut a chicane.

Sylvain Barrier did a good performance all race long. He came progressively to the 4th place after he passed Michele Magnoni two laps from the end. He should have been on the third place on the podium when the winner Ayrton Badovini was disqualified because his Aprilia was not technically legal, but unfortunately the jury decided otherwise and Sylvain was put back to the 16th position.

Julien Millet started from the 28th position on the grid and did a very good race on a track where he was racing for the first time. He progressed regularly during the event and finished at a very promising 15th position.

Sylvain Barrier: “I was a little bit surprised at the start. I lost a few positions. Then I was blocked by Lammert and I passed him. Then I followed my rhythm, with good lap times. With two laps to go, I passed Magnoni who was in fourth in the downhill section. I had to be careful with the front of the bike that was sliding a bit…”

Julien Millet: “It was hard! I started on the 28th position on the grid, which was not easy. Then I got trapped in the first curve. After 2 or 3 laps, things went better. I caught the pack in front of me. The bike was moving a lot and it made me tired. It was hard.”

Michel Garnier (team manager): “I am happy with the race of both riders, but not with Sylvain going from 4th to 16th in the results. It was difficult to beat Aprilia and Ducati. They are playing at home here! Sylvain did a good race. Julian was wonderful. He did a good, careful race. This is his first time here. His 15th position is fantastic. This is full of promise for the future. He has got talent.”

Race result:

1 19 Simeon X. (BEL) Ducati 1098R 22′40.939 (156,682 kph)

2 71 Corti C. (ITA) Suzuki GSX-R 1000 K9 1.689

3 119 Magnoni M. (ITA) Yamaha YZF R1 4.947

4 29 Beretta D. (ITA) Ducati 1098R 13.727

5 53 Lammert D. (GER) Suzuki GSX-R 1000 K9 16.487

15 39 Millet J. (FRA) Yamaha YZF R1 41.732

16 20 Barrier S. (FRA) Yamaha YZF R1 44.709 …