Byrne: I didn't want to torpedo everyone...
Team Roberts rider Shane Byrne nearly scored a point despite missing the start of Sunday's Portuguese Grand Prix at Estoril with a throttle problem.
As the Brit was approaching the grid, the engine revved to about 8000rpm and then it dropped. The Englishman sensibly pitted before the start so the crew could diagnosis the problem.
"I didn't want to go into the first turn and have the thing stick open and torpedo everyone," Byrne said. "I was half a mind whether to start or come in."
Team Roberts rider Shane Byrne nearly scored a point despite missing the start of Sunday's Portuguese Grand Prix at Estoril with a throttle problem.
As the Brit was approaching the grid, the engine revved to about 8000rpm and then it dropped. The Englishman sensibly pitted before the start so the crew could diagnosis the problem.
"I didn't want to go into the first turn and have the thing stick open and torpedo everyone," Byrne said. "I was half a mind whether to start or come in."
In the end he joined the race and rode well in difficult conditions to take 16th, one spot out of the points.
"It is very early days with this machine and there are still a few problems to iron out," said team manager Chuck Aksland. "In the end there was an issue with the software, the engine revved higher then usual as Shakey rode up to the line. It was not normal and he did the right thing by pulling off and having it checked before starting the race."
The next GP is the inaugural Grand Prix of China in Shanghai in two weeks time.
Peter has been in the paddock for 20 years and has seen Valentino Rossi come and go. He is at the forefront of the Suzuki exit story and Marc Marquez’s injury issues.
