Ruggia up the creek as Doohan makes a flying start to 1995
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Jean-Philippe Ruggia, of France, becomes unseated from his Honda during the 250cc event at the Australian Grand Prix meeting at Eastern Creek, near Sydney, yesterday. The German Honda rider Ralf Waldmann won the race.
In the 500cc grand prix, Michael Doohan, the world champion, launched the defence of his crown with an emphatic victory. The 29-year-old Australian, riding a Honda, cruised home 13sec ahead of the Suzuki rider and his compatriot Daryl Beattie after a scorching start. The Spaniard Alex Criville was third on a Honda. After the race Doohan took the opportunity to criticise the circuit, which he has said is unsafe because of its slippery surface.
"It's a shame that we have such a great facility but the surface is so ratty," Doohan said. "It would be great if they could resurface it." Doohan's display capped a memorable weekend for the Queenslander, who started from pole position on the grid after recording the fastest times in both qualifying sessions.
Doohan's lead was never challenged as he gradually drew away from the field during the 30-lap race. "It is great to win any grand prix, but it is especially pleasing to win the Australian Grand Prix in front of my home crowd," he said.
In the 125cc class, Japan's Honda rider Haruchika Aoki claimed his first grand prix victory.
Photograph: Megan Lewis/Reuter
AUSTRALIAN GRAND PRIX (Eastern Creek, NSW) Leading positions: 500cc: 1 M Doohan (Aus) Honda 46min 06.030sec (ave speed 92.068mph); 2 D Beattie (Aus) Suzuki 46:19.476; 3 A Criville (Sp) Honda 46:25.098; 4 L Cadalora (It) Yamaha 46:39.783; 5 K Schwantz (US) Suzuki 46:40.402; 6 A Barros (Bra) Honda 46:42.030; 7 A Puig (Sp) Honda 46:44.651; 8 L Capirossi (It) Honda 46:50.884; 9 N Abe (Japan) Yamaha 46:52.504; 10 S Itoh (Japan) Honda 47:10.812; 11 L Reggiani (It) Aprilia 47:11.524; 12 S Emmett (GB) Yamaha 47:33.320. 250cc: 1 R Waldmann (Ger) Honda 43:52.872; 2 T Harada (Japan) Yamaha 43:52.985; 3 M Biaggi (It) Aprilia 43:53.018; 4 C Checa (Sp) Honda 44:30.846; 5 N Aoki (Japan) Honda 44:30.963; 6 D Romboni (It) Honda 44:33.628. 125cc: 1 H Aoki (Japan) Honda 42:52.040; 2 K Sakata (Japan) Aprilia 43:07.681; 3 T Manako (Japan) Honda 43:14.136; 4 E Alzamora (Sp) Honda 43:14.204; 5 N Ueda (Japan) Honda 43:16.968; 6 S Perugini (It) Aprilia 43:17.474.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments