News 30 Oct 2018

Jones 'achieved objective' in Australian MotoGP outing

Angel Nieto Team guest rider finishes 18th at Phillip Island.

Source: Supplied.

Mike Jones has expressed satisfaction in his performance at the weekend’s Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix after being drafted in to replace Alvaro Bautista for the 17th round of the MotoGP World Championship.

Jones’ last-minute appointment promoted modest expectations at Phillip Island, however he achieved what he set out to do, completing the 27-lap affair in 18th position.

The former Australian Superbike champion described the weekend as an incredible experience, marking his third time aboard a premier class grand prix motorcycle.

“Today I just wanted to give my best and finish the race, and we achieved our objective. I am very happy and grateful to the Angel Nieto Team for the opportunity to race in MotoGP in front of the Australian fans.

“It has been an incredible experience, the power of the bike is crazy and the braking force is unreal. It has been a physically demanding weekend because this is such a different bike to anything I have ridden before.”

The 24-year-old Queenslander contested the STK1000 category in the Spanish Speed Championship this year equipped with Kawasaki machinery, finishing up fourth in the rankings after earning P4 at Jerez’ season finale. Bautista is due to return to his seat within in the Angel Nieto Team this weekend at Sepang after filling in for Jorge Lorenzo at Ducati Team.

Recent