Doohan arrives here for GP
Doohan arrives here for GP
JAKARTA (JP): World 500cc champion Michael Doohan of Australia is expected to arrive here today to defend his title at the Indonesian motorcycle Grand Prix at Sentul, near Bogor on Sept. 28.
"Doohan is expected to arrive at 12 p.m. today. Upon his arrival, he will first inspect the Sentul circuit and then hold a press conference," an official of the Otomotif tabloid told The Jakarta Post yesterday.
The tabloid will sponsor the press meeting.
Doohan's latest victory was winning the Marlboro Grand Prix in Catulnya, Spain in early September. The Catulnyan event was his 12th race this year.
In the Indonesian GP, Doohan will be challenged by Alex Criville of Spain, Norifume Abe (Japan), Kenny Roberts Jr. (USA), Jean-Michel Bayle (France) and Sete Gibernau (Netherlands).
In the Catulnyan race, Alex finished second behind Doohan after suffering a foot injury.
"Now I am fit for the race and I hope I could compete with Doohan. I know it will be difficult to outwit Doohan but I will try my best," Alex said yesterday.
Roberts, Bayle and Gibernau all also admitted yesterday that it would be difficult to beat Doohan.
"My only problem is the engine trouble of my motorcycle. I hope I will not experience any trouble in the coming race," Bayle said.
Roberts's main problem is Indonesia's hot climate. "With the hot climate in Indonesia, there is a possibility of a break down of my motorcycle."
Meanwhile, world 250cc champion Max Biaggi of Italy showed his confidence when he said that there was no pressure on him to beat the other competing riders.
"I don't have any pressure from any rider so I have the better chance to win the race for the fourth time," Biaggi said.
Biaggi is a member of the Marlboro team Kanebo and former member of the Chesterfield Aprilla Team. For the Sentul race, Biaggi will use his new Honda NSR 250.
Biaggi was in Indonesia in March to inspect the Sentul track and at the same time practice with his new motorcycle. He was impressed with the track.
Biaggi's main competitor will be Ralph Waldmann of Germany.
Ralph kept a low profile, only commenting that he would do his best.
The Indonesian GP will also see Gary McCoy, the world 125cc champion. McCoy is from the Marlboro Alfa Bleffe Team.
Yesterday, the top riders met with their fans. They also tried a Sega simulator game with several people.
The Sentul race is expected to be opened by Vice President Try Sutrisno. President Soeharto will also watch the race. (lnt)