In MotoGP’s ever-expanding race calendar, a return to Brazil has always been pinpointed as a key event to give the sport opportunity to flourish and relay roots in South America.
- MotoGP officials are considering the potential of moving the Australian round to become the season opener following safety concerns about running the Phillip Island event in October.
Starting from twelfth on the grid, Pramac-d'Antin rider Barros was up to seventh by the end of lap one - and looked capable of concluding his 21-year world championship career by battling for a second podium of the season.
Former MotoGP star Alex Barros took his first World Superbike victory, at his 21st attempt, in race one at Imola on Sunday - handing Klaffi Honda and Brazil its first WSBK win in the process.
Alex Barros' 2003 season must go down as one of the most injury hampered of all time, with the Brazilian not starting a single race without some form of injury.