Macau GP: Paul Bird Motorsport race report

MACAU PODIUM FOR MCGUINNESS

VK Vent Axia Honda rider John McGuinness secured a confidence-inspiring third place for the Paul Bird Motorsport Team to claim another podium placing at the 2008 Macau Grand Prix.

The Morecambe rider won for the team back in 2001 and has been a regular podium finisher since then at the 6.12km Circuito Da Guia, but following a less than successful season on the British short circuits, the 14 times TT winner needed a good result to take him through the winter and that's exactly what he got as he followed debut winner Stuart Easton and six-times champion Michael Rutter home in this morning's race.

Making it a superb day for the team was American, Mike Barnes who brought the second of the Phil Borley-prepared Honda Fireblades home in an impressive fifth position. It was the Floridian's best result since his fourth place back in 1993 meaning the Macau veteran added to the team's cause for celebration.

John McGuinness: "I needed a good, safe ride and that's exactly what I got and I'm reasonably happy with yet another Macau podium. I've enjoyed riding the bike and it's always a pleasure being involved with Birdy and the boys. I couldn't stay with Stuart and Michael but I'm happy enough with the result which is what we came for and now I can start to concentrate on next season."

Mike Barnes: "I took it easy to start off with as the track was quite slippery early on so I just kept plugging away. I played it safe and put in some good laps and I'm delighted with fifth position. I really have enjoyed the entire game, this team is something else and I've had a hoot!"

Paul Bird - Team Owner: "It's our best result of the season! Both John and Mike rode well and I'm delighted with the result. We came to do a holiday race, with no dramas and keeping it safe, and that's how it turned out. John needed a good result and he got that and Barney has been wonderful to work with so it's just what we needed at the end of a tough season."

Top 6 Positions 1, S Easton (Doosan Honda) 37:09.404
2, M Rutter (NW200 Ducati) 37:12.126
3, J McGuinness (Vent Axia VK Honda) 37:41.115
4, L Carreira (Benimoto Suzuki) 37:49.366
5, M Barnes (Vent Axia VK Honda) 37:49.386
6, S Thompson (Sloan Honda) 37:55.314

The race will be shown on Motors TV (Sky Channel 413) at 2pm UK time on Sunday 16th November.

-credit: pbm