Mixed emotions for Biaggi.

Once Sete Gibernau and Valentino Rossi had crashed out of the Rio Grand Prix, most tipped Max Biaggi to take his first victory of 2004 - and that scenario was acted out until team-mate Makoto Tamada attacked.

Biaggi leads Rio MotoGP, 2004
Biaggi leads Rio MotoGP, 2004
© Gold and Goose

Once Sete Gibernau and Valentino Rossi had crashed out of the Rio Grand Prix, most tipped Max Biaggi to take his first victory of 2004 - and that scenario was acted out until team-mate Makoto Tamada attacked.

Although officially in the same team, the 2004 Camel Honda outfit is more a two-in-one set-up, with only RC211Vs and title sponsor common to both the Pramac and Pons sides of the pit garage.
One of the most specific differences is in tyre supplier, with Pons/Biaggi remaining with class favourites Michelin, while Pramac/Tamada kept their links with the emerging Bridgestone brand.

Biaggi would lead from lap 2 to 20 on Sunday, at which point Tamada's Bridgestones helped him catch - then charge past - the Italian. The Japanese then built a commanding 2secs advantage over the remaining four laps for a faultless first victory.

But from the Roman's perspective it was quite a blow - Rossi hasn't retired from a race since Brno 2002 and Gibernau Jerez 2003. In other words, the chance of both the Italian and joint championship leader Gibernau suffering another DNF is extremely remote.

"I started off well, with only Kenny (Roberts) in front, but I managed to get past him after a lap," recalled Max. "I set my pace, trying to save the tyres, but it was too hot to try and break away from the pack, even though we were racing three hours earlier than usual. I tried not to make any mistakes, as conditions were pretty treacherous."

Despite the loss, Biaggi's second place meant he gained 20-points on the top two - leaving him an achievable 13 behind with nine rounds to go - and, while quick to congratulate Tamada, also went out of his way to confirm his commitment to Michelin.

"I'd like to congratulate Makoto: he's not just a fine rider - he's a true friend. Great," said Max. "I could hear him coming during the last laps, opening the throttle as he came out of the corners while I still had to wait, and I realised I was in danger.

"But I'm still really pleased with my bike, with my Michelins, and especially with all the work my team has done together with Honda. These twenty points are really worth a lot for the championship, but now I want to get back onto the top of the podium," he admitted.

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