Arm pump better, water pump broke for Laconi.

Regis Laconi's Australian Grand Prix came to an end on the eleventh lap due to a technical hitch in the RS Cube, while the Italian-French rider was making one of his customary comebacks.

Laconi, who started in eleventh place hit problems with the water pump put the Cube out of action. Just one week ago he'd suffered pump problems of a different kind in his forearms, and had to fight tendonitis during Phillip Island qualifying.

"I started quite well and was behind Gibernau," explained Laconi. "Then I was overtaken by Carlos Checa but I was easily keeping his pace and was riding a good race. Then towards the end of the straight, after the eleventh lap, I felt something wasn't right and the bike lost power.

"The technicians told me that it was a failure in the water pump. I'm sorry, because I still had pretty good grip, the tyres were in good shape and I felt I still had plenty of potential for speed. I did well over the past few days and, with eleventh time in qualifying and the fact that I like this track, I was hoping and determined to do well. I'll get my own back at Valencia," he declared.