From a press release issued by Camel Honda Racing Information:

Max and Makoto in Spain for revenge

After the Mugello Grand Prix the Camel Honda team is gearing up for yet another ‘home’ race, at the Catalunya circuit, near to the racing headquarters of the outfit. The atmosphere is perfect therefore for Max Biaggi and Makoto Tamada to be spurred on to success at the fast paced track in the north of Spain. The first of those riders will once again do battle for the top step of the podium after the positive third place in Mugello, whilst the latter will be more determined than ever to finish off the brilliant job he did in the first 14 laps of the Italian race when he diced for the lead. Catalunya, with its capacity of around 100,000 spectators, magnificent fast corners and two long straights where in March tests never-before-recorded speeds were reached, is certainly one of the best locations for the next challenge for Camel Honda’s two exceptional riders.

Sito Pons – Camel Honda (Team Principal)

“We set off for Barcelona without even time to overcome the excitement of the last Grand Prix. The Italian race was both emotional and deeply satisfying for Camel Honda, with our pair of riders fighting for the top spots. The championship is going into a decisive period now, and in Montmelo we will be aiming to take points off our nearest rivals, with Max who has shown incredible consistency up to now, and with Makoto who will without a doubt be looking to repeat his marvellous performance from Mugello. I’m delighted to be competing at Catalunya, a magnificent circuit and an event which always attracts a massive number of spectators.”

Max Biaggi #3: (Michelin Tyres)

“Barcelona is the home track of our team and for certain they’ll be wanting to do well and will do everything they can to get a good result. I also can’t wait for next Friday to come because the third place in Mugello, which was a good result after the weekend we had had, didn’t satisfy me at all. I want to win, and I hope that this Catalunya circuit will be the one for me. During the March tests we had some difficulties, but since then with the team and with Honda’s support we have worked a lot, and Mugello apart, the bike has always worked well. In Italy the bike was so quick down the straight and this will be useful for us on a fast circuit like Barcelona. We just have to find the right track to get the set-up on Friday. I would dearly love to give Honda, my team and myself another podium, but this time from the top step.”

Makoto Tamada #6: (Bridgestone Tyres)

“In Barcelona I want to do a race just like I did in Mugello, even if it means retiring from the race again. Obviously I would prefer a different ending but what I’m trying to say is that I love riding like that, fighting with the front group for the lead. I don’t have the best memories of the Catalunya circuit, but I like the track, it’s fast and appealing. I like nearly all the European tracks because they allow for very dynamic riding. The bike is very competitive and continues to improve. We have been working well and have made steps forward from the beginning of the season to now, but we must persevere with the tests on the reliability of the tyres, above all on the rears, because I think we are on the right lines to getting a good compromise between optimum performance and durability.”