Beattie fit for Sentul challenge

Beattie fit for Sentul challenge

JAKARTA (JP): This Sunday's Indonesian Grand Prix motor cycling world championship in Sentul, West Java, will offer a more furious 500cc race with the return of Darryl Beattie.

The Australian world champion contender has confirmed that he is in good health and ready for this weekend's race, the second leg of the world championship series, after crashing out of an official practice for the season's opening race in Shah Alam, Malaysia, on Saturday.

"I was disappointed about getting off to a sloppy start, but there are still 14 races left for me, including Sentul," said Beattie, who finished second behind compatriot Michael Doohan last season.

"I keep confident although I only have a week heading into the next race," Beattie said.

Beattie's Suzuki slipped off the track in the Malaysian Grand Prix last week, taking five other drivers with him: Alex Criville, Kenny Roberts Jr, Loris Capirosi, Sinichi Itoh and Tadayuki Okada.

Luca Cadalora, riding in a Honda, led the Italian charge by winning the season's 500cc opener. World champion Massimilliano Biaggi triumphed in his favorite 250cc.

Medical director Claudio Macchiago said that there was no need to worry about the health of the six riders after their early departures. "They only suffered slight injuries. They will return to the Sentul track," he said.

President Soeharto is expected to kick off the 125cc race on Sunday, Indonesia's first world motor cycling championships.

The host country will see its two riders, Petrus Canisius and Ahmad Jayadie, tackle world beating rivals in the 125cc class. (amd)