Even if the fireworks in Jerez are over, after the race in Estoril, Dainese pilots can still see the proverbial glass half-full rather than half-empty, due perhaps to the occasional rain that fell on the track during the afternoon and the ways the respective races developed.
Although they still haven't established the right feeling with their bikes, both Valentino Rossi and Daniel Pedrosa are at the head of their respective world championship classes, while Marco Simoncelli slid to second place but is certain to make amends in the future on tracks in which he is penalised less for his light weight in the 125 cc Category.
In 500 cc Class, the “Doctor” succeeded in minimising the risk of further damage posed by a track rendered extremely slippery by the rain. Aided by the fall of a less prudent Sete Gibernau, the racer from Tavullia came in second behind Alex Barros, who crowned his fantastic weekend with a well-deserved win. Valentino comes home from Portugal with an even better consolidation of his 1st place position than seven days before. It looks like he's going to have to fight even harder than last year in 2004 , given the enormous power that Honda has marshalled this year in 2005. On the subject of the Hamamatsu manufacturer, by the way, we're happy to see Max Biaggi return to the winner's stand, finally a competitor once again and ready to battle for the championship title even from the next race on in China.
In 250 cc Class, Daniel Pedrosa proved incapable of laying down the law of one man on his bike ahead of all the rest this time. Problems with his helmet's visor forced the Spanish ace to slow down and settle for a 4th place finish that still keeps him at the top of the combined standings.
The No. 1 spot slipped away from Marco Simoncelli, a bit out of ease on the Portuguese curves, who came in 10th under the checkered flag, bettered by an increasingly savvy Thomas Lüthi (unfortunately penalised by an accidental impact with Gabor Talmacsi who spilled to the ground right in front of the Swiss racer's front wheel) who came in third behind Mika Kallio and Hector Faubel. Manuel Poggiali also had a good day, the first of the Gilera pack with a final 4th place finish and a fine comeback in a hard uphill race.