It was a tough time at Valencia for Anthony West and John Hopkins, the two Kawasaki riders.
John started at 14th position on the grid and rode spectaculary around into eighth position, but had trouble with cornering issues, ending the race at 14th.
West took a great start taking four positions into the first round but suffered rear traction issues in the race and finished 17th.
Anthony West said about his race: “What a frustrating end to a frustrating season.
I wanted to finish my last race with Kawasaki as close to the top ten as I could, but a questionable tyre choice put paid to that today.
This season didn’t turn out as I was expecting, and while I’m sure people are pointing the finger at me for this, I leave here knowing that I did my best and that I couldn’t do any more.
I’d like to thank Kawasaki for giving me this chance in the premier class; it hasn’t been the easiest time, but the experience will definitely stand me in good stead as I move onto pastures new in 2009.
”Some final words from Kawasaki Competition Manager Michael Bartholemy: “Today’s race was a tough ending to a tough season for the Kawasaki Racing Team.
The final result for this season is certainly not one I was expecting.
I was confident that with the undoubted calibre of our riders, combined with the professionalism of everyone involved in Kawasaki’s MotoGP project, we would be regularly finishing in the top ten, or even top five.
Unfortunately it didn’t work out as we were expecting and this is something we hope the all-new for 2009 bike will address.
I’d like to thank Anthony for all his hard work this year and, together with everyone in the team, wish him the best of luck for next season.
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