Tamada pulls out of French GP - Jurgen returns.

After struggling with pain from his recently pinned broken wrist in this morning's first free practice session for the French Grand Prix, Konica Minolta Honda rider Makoto Tamada has withdrawn from the event - and will again be replaced by Jurgen van den Goorbergh.

"I'm very sad to not be able to compete here," said Tamada, who completed just seven laps this morning and was over 8.5secs slower than pace setter Colin Edwards. "I miss riding my RC211V, but when the pain is too much there is much you can do. Now I want to concentrate on the rehabilitation of my right hand because I want to be ready for Mugello.

"I think that because I didn't participate in the Grand Prix of China and I will not participate in the Grand Prix of France, I will be charged up with energy for the rest of the season. I want to return the trust given to me by Konica Minolta and Honda for this season. I will cheer for the team like I have done in the past GP," added the Japanese, who fractured his wrist during a qualifying fall at Estoril.

"We are very sad that Makoto will miss another race in this not so well started season for our team, but on the other side I believe this is the best solution to have him back in optimal physical condition as soon as possible," commented team manager Luca Montiron. "The decision to not risk him came straight after the first hour of free practice due to the pain he had in his hand and the clear suffering on Makoto's face."

Replacing Tamada last time out at Shanghai was Dutchman van den Goorbergh, who went on to finish an excellent sixth in the rain hit race. The former 250GP, 500 GP and World Supersport rider will now try to repeat, or even better that performance, as he takes over Tamada's seat for the rest of the Le Mans weekend.