Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

250cc Grand Prix Results:

1. Toni Elias, Aprilia, 26 laps, 44:37.770
2. Manuel Poggiali, Aprilia, -4.731 seconds
3. Randy De Puniet, Aprilia, -5.987 seconds
4. Roberto Rolfo, Honda, -6.470 seconds
5. Sebastian Porto, Honda, -25.023 seconds, crash
6. Franco Battaini, Aprilia, -25.273 seconds
7. Sylvain Guintoli, Aprilia, -27.791 seconds
8. Naoki Matsudo, Yamaha, -27.913 seconds
9. Fonsi Nieto, Aprilia, -43.047 seconds
10. Anthony West, Aprilia, -43.112 seconds
11. Alex Debon, Honda, -44.796 seconds
12. Eric Bataille, Honda, -70.765 seconds
13. Hector Faubel, Aprilia, -71.702 seconds
14. Alex Baldolini, Aprilia, -71.714 seconds
15. Christian Gemmel, Honda, -73.983 seconds
16. Erwan Nigon, Aprilia, -79.238 seconds

24. Hugo Marchand, Aprilia, -16 laps, DNF, crash
25. Joan Olive, Aprilia, -21 laps, DNF, crash
26. Jakub Smrz, Honda, -21 laps, DNF, crash

28. Katja Poensgen, Honda, -26 laps, DNF, crash

Johan Stigefelt, Aprilia, DNS


More, from a press release issued by Fortuna Honda:

Porto’s crash keeps Rolfo from podium finish

Estoril – Portugal, September 7: Roberto Rolfo was prevented from stepping onto the podium at the 250cc Portuguese GP when he became the innocent victim of rival Sebastian Porto’s last lap crash. The machine was damaged but it didn’t prevent Rolfo from taking something out of the Portuguese race.

The Fortuna Honda rider made a good start and was in the leading group throughout. It was only when Toni Elias came passed and changed the rhythm of the race that Rolfo began to control the situation to ensure he took second place at the finish.

Within the race situation Rolfo was satisfied with the way the race was unfolding because the bike was working perfectly, only his bad luck on the last lap kept him from taking the result his riding had forged in the race.

“The race was very sad for me because I was convinced that I could pass Poggiali on the last lap. I knew I was faster than him at the chicane complex. But when Porto hit the rear fairing of my machine I did just enough to avoid crashing myself.” Explained the rider from Altadis.

“All weekend the development work we did went like clock work and that made me confident for the race. I made a good start and was with the leading group, I had the situation well under control but the incident prevented me from attacking and overtaking Poggiali and finish second. It was sad because I really like this track a lot and I knew the podium was certain.” Added the Fortuna Honda rider.

“The bike was in optimum condition and it was only a question of time before I took second place. But sometimes these things happen in racing and today it was my turn. Anyway I’m happy with the way we have worked here and I have high hopes for the remaining races. We let a few points slip away today.” Concluded Rolfo.