A best start of the season for Shinya Nakano enabled the San Carlo Honda Gresini rider to collect his best race finish of the year in Assen, whilst teammate Alex de Angelis had a rather different first lap. He crashed out and was unable to remount.

Shinya Nakano – Eighth

`I´ve finished ninth for the last three races and our objective today was to improve on that! Eighth place isn´t a fantastic result but the most positive thing about this race was the start. I got away really well and managed to get straight into a good pace. Unfortunately after a few laps my rhythm dropped off and I lost positions, from fourth back to seventh. I would have liked to finish higher but I´m still happy because eighth isn’t bad and I think we´ve taken a step forward today.´

Alex de Angelis – DNF

`I started quite well but Valentino and De Puniet crashed in front of me coming onto the back straight and I had to slam the brakes on, allowing a couple of riders past. In the next corner I´d barely opened the throttle when the bike lost grip and threw me into the air. It was probably the tyre that wasn´t up to temperature and I just lost control, the rear came around and I crashed. Luckily I´m not hurt and I´m looking forward to the next race´