The Dainese Team glass is only half full after the Laguna Seca race, with a splendid performance by Dani Pedrosa, who never ceases to amaze during this extraordinary season and the hardest luck for Valentino Rossi who had to pull out of the race due to engine trouble with his Yamaha M1 just as he was obliged to do during the French race in Le Mans.
The ace from Tavullia was truly unfortunate in yet another race in which he was forced to fight his way back up through the ranks after starting from the 10th spot on the starting grid to finally reach winner's stand position right up to almost the end.
Now Valentino stands 51 points behind Nicky Hayden at the top of the season's ranking. All The Doctor's fans around the world can only hope that summer vacation will help Valentino regain confidence in his bike and show up in Brno in his finest racing form.