James Ellison endured an uncomfortable afternoon on-board his ART machine in the Dutch TT as the pain from his Silverstone crash hampered him. The Briton rode through gritted teeth and claimed two points for fourteenth but is hoping to be 100% fit in order to make a better fist of next weekend's German Grand Prix.
“To sum it up bluntly, it was a bad day at the office. I was in a lot of pain from my Silverstone crash and have been getting treatment and painkillers before and after every session but it just proved too difficult in the race, I pushed so hard every lap but was missing apexes and even ran off the track early in the race which put us last. I worked hard to fight back and the lighter fuel load was helping but it was all too little too late. To top it off (Valentino) Rossi pipped us on the line by 0.002s to take another point. I’m just gutted for the whole team and Aprilia as they worked hard to give me a good bike and I’m sorry that I couldn’t capitalise on getting more points. I’ll be working hard to get fit for Germany and make up for this weekend.”
Paul Bird Motorsports technical director Phil Borley feels Ellison's injury masked the progress being made with their CRT machine and is optimistic that the potential will be realised soon.
“It was extremely disappointing that due to his physical condition, James couldn’t get the maximum out of the bike as it’s the best it’s been all season. We were lucky to pick up some points but unlucky that because of getting lapped, he lost out to Valentino Rossi which rubbed salt into the wound. It was an important finish but we need to be much, much closer to the other CRT bikes so hopefully James will be a lot fitter for next weekend.”
