As if the race loss wasn't painful enough, the accident also fractured the Alstare Suzuki rider's collarbone - meaning he couldn't even start race two - but Max will at least be fit to return to action this weekend at Assen.
"Valencia is forgotten and all I am thinking about now is the future - and that starts with Assen," said the young German, who took his first WSBK pole position at Valencia. "My injury gets better every day and I hope that I will be able to give 100% at Assen. I managed two top-10 places in last year's races, so this year I am chasing podiums for sure - as long as my collarbone is up to it!"
Team-mate
Yukio Kagayama was not 100% fit himself at Valencia, but the three week break means that he is now ready to challenge for the podium at Assen.
"This season has already been a bit of a mixture for me, but I am hoping for much better results in Assen - I need them!" admitted the popular Japanese. "I was not fully fit at Valencia, but I am in better condition now and hungry for the podium. Last year in Assen I finished seventh in the first race and 11th in the second, so this year I need a big improvement."
Also needing a big improvement, compared with Valencia anyway, is
Fonsi Nieto. The Spaniard remains second in the world championship standings, but struggled in front of his home fans last time out.
"Valencia did not work out the way I would've liked but that's gone now and I am thinking about Assen," he said. "Like most riders, I still prefer the 'old circuit' but we have to deal with what we've got now. Last year I was on a different bike, so I will have to spend some time learning how to go round Assen on my Suzuki before I can push hard. Also, I know that I have to do better in Superpole and give myself a better grid position for the races."
