With five races remaining in their respective championships starting at Estoril on Sunday and they are all out to score points and impress potential teams for 2008.
Sixteen year-old Bradley Smith is looking to improve the opening laps of his races on the Repsol Honda after finishing eighth at the previous round in Misano. I have got to do better in those opening few laps but not make any mistakes. The Honda was going well at Misano and I'm confident it will be the same at Estoril on Sunday. I like the circuit and want to get back nearer the leaders instead of having to ride so hard in the last few laps, said Smith.
The Oxfordshire rider rode well at the end of the race and set his fastest lap on the very last lap. He is determined to improve those opening laps especially as he dropped to ninth in the Championship just one point behind Spaniard Pol Espargaro.
Danny Webb had a similar problem at Misano riding the De Graff Honda in the 125cc race while Dan Linfoot knows he must concentrate harder at the start of the 250cc races. I enjoyed the race in Misano but I could have done better if I'd made a better start, lamented Webb, It's crucial at Estoril that I get those first few laps sorted out and then I can start thinking some championship points.
Linfoot said of his concerns, I'm working to improve my mindset at the start and my actual start in Estoril. It's so important that I relax and don't fluff the start because mistakes like I made at Misano are ruining my chances in the race.
Ulsterman Eugene Laverty picked up a useful 250cc Championship point in Misano riding the LCR Honda and will be looking for more on his Estoril debut. I'm looking forward to Estoril and since we had the test at Brno after the grand prix last month we have found a much better base set-up for the bike. I've had as good look on the DVD of the circuit but it's another new one to learn, he said.
