Feem looks to build on storming 9th place

Sunday delivered the Thai Honda PTT Gresini man’s first top10 finish in nearly two years. Feem’s career best was a fourth spot with Spainbased team SAG in the Dutch Grand Prix in 2010. Riding for the first time on the Suter chassis, the ninth place he clinched in the fourth race of the season ended a pointfree run that stretched back to last year’s Portuguese Grand Prix.
The 24yearold Thai’s result at the Le Mans circuit was all the more remarkable given the fact started in 29th place on the grid in wet conditions which saw several riders crash out on the rainslicked surface.
Ratthapark gradually ratcheted up the pace and confidence to make up positions throughout the race and be among the fastest riders by the end in the 600cc division. The Thai’s strong showing in France provided a boost to the team after they decided to change the bike frame from Moriwaki to Suter following a stumbling start which saw Feem finish in the 20s in the first three races.
After showing remarkable composure to finally get his campaign off the mark, the Chon Buri native could hardly contain his delight.
“The result is very good. The conditions were very slippery so it was important to go through the race step by step and build confidence. I am very happy for the team because we have picked up our first points of the season and they deserve it. The bike was great to ride in the wet but now we hope to get lots of time on it in the dry!”
Team owner Fausto Gresini was clearly encouraged by Ratthapark’s display, hoping it would serve as a springboard to greater success for the rest of the season.
“Feem had a great race. The most important thing was to finish it, which he did with an excellent ninth place. He looks good on the bike and that is a positive sign for the future. Obviously there is a lot to learn and he needs to crash fewer times, because any more injuries could compromise his season.”