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)