Barros represents Laguna's 500cc heritage.

On September 11th 1994 Alex Barros left Laguna Seca with an eighth placed finish in the 500cc US GP. It was a somewhat disappointing result considering that one year earlier (top two pics), when also on a Suzuki, he'd finished second behind home hero John Kocinski.

The USA was removed from the Motorcycle Grand Prix calendar after 1994 and much has changed during the 11-years since - not least the replacement of the two-stroke 500cc class by the four-stroke MotoGP machines - but Barros has been through it all and will once again be present for MotoGP's stateside return this weekend.

"I'm honestly delighted to be returning to Laguna Seca because I love it and because I'm eager to get a good race under my belt after Assen. It's a track with a unique character which has always excited me, with lots of hills; it almost reminds me of a Supercross track!" smiled the likeable Brazilian, who is the only rider to beat Valentino Rossi so far this season.

"I have ridden there four times and in '93 stepped onto the podium," he confirmed. "Luckily they have improved the run-off areas too, because in the nineties they were basically non-existent. Now I'm sure that it will be very safe. I don't know how many of the current riders have raced there before, but I think that everyone will love it straight away, because it has a great layout which is a joy to ride."

But Barros is far from the only member of the Camel Honda team to have prior experience at Laguna Seca, with team-mate Troy Bayliss able to count on World Superbike track time - while team principal Sito Pons, a former double 250cc world champion, rode on the famous Californian circuit during the late 1980s and early 90s.

"The upcoming race is very important for MotoGP, because we are returning to the United States after so many years. Laguna Seca is a great track, which I really like, and loved as a rider too, even though back then there were some quite dangerous areas," said Sito.

"Since then there has been a lot of work done in the name of safety, and I'm curious to see what the results are. I know that there is also a lot of expectation and interest from the American public with most of the tickets already sold.

"We hope that MotoGP can offer its usual spectacular show and that we can once again be a big part of that show," he concluded.