NEWS

MACAU GP: FAR EAST MISERY FOR ROOKIE PEARSON

22/11/2009

Pearson gets to grips with the Macau GP circuit

By David Miller

Ballygowan rider Michael Pearson's debut outing to the Macau GP ended in misery as he was forced to retire the BTS Fireblade after two laps when his clutch failed.

Pearson had been making great progress in practice and qualifying only to do eight miles in competition but the Irishman believes the trip was well worth it.

"What can I say? You can never allow for something like this to happen even though machine failure is always at the back of your mind at any race. We replaced the clutch on the BTS Honda during the week, and these clutches are normally good enough for two starts, but for some reason or other it let go today," said Pearson.

"Of course I am gutted, but it was out of my hands. I was confident enough for a race result, a finish being my aim on the track, but I suppose I will have to wait another year.

"It's been a brilliant experience, and very worthwhile. You need to be very good around here to get near the top boys on the quick bikes, and the way that Stuart Easton and Conner Cummins rode was simply quite astonishing to watch. Back to the drawing board now for the 2010 season."

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