'Good moment' for West Honda Pons team.

Alex Barros has adapted so well to the new Honda RC211V in such a short space of time that he has become one of the hot favourites for the last two races of the season.

Barros arrives today in Australia, where the penultimate race of the 2002 calendar takes place this weekend at the spectacular circuit of Phillip Island, with high hopes of completing his third podium finish of the season, something which could keep his options of finishing as Championship Runner-up still alive.

"Let's hope the good run of form continues! I am very happy with the way things have gone with the Honda four-stroke, but I cannot afford now to relax," commented Barros. "Phillip Island is a very complicated circuit and it will be a terrific battle for the race win.

"I think we have a good chance of winning but we must work hard during the practice sessions to find the right settings for the race."

Team-mate Loris Capirossi, meanwhile, will have much more of a chance than at the Malaysian circuit last week because the Australian circuit is one of the fastest tracks of the season with its rapid corners which constantly put the riders' skill and courage to the test.

"After last weekend's frustrating race at Malaysia, it is somewhat of a relief to come to Phillip Island," noted Capirossi. "I love this circuit. I won my first 500cc Grand Prix here in 1996 and I finished on the podium for the last two seasons.

"It will again be a complicated race, but the characteristics of this track give some chance to the two-strokes and I will try my hardest to be amongst the leaders."

Team boss Sito Pons adds: "This is a good moment for the team and we must capitalise on it. The season has been long and difficult, but the team showed in the last races that it is still competitive at the highest level.

"I am convinced that both the riders and our technical staff will once again be able to get the maximum out of our bikes and complete a great race for the team."