Jones honoured in Portugal

Eurosport - Fri, 07 Nov 14:09:00 2008

World Supersport rider Craig Jones has had a corner named in his memory at the new Portimao circuit in Portugal.

2008 Portimao Parkalgar tribute to Craig Jones - 0

Jones, who was 23, died after a crash at Brands Hatch in August. He was battling for the lead for the Parkalgar Honda team (pictured), who own the Portimao track.

Parkalgar have dedicated turn nine to him, a swooping down-and-up left-hander that is one of the most technical and exciting on the track, which saw its first competitive action during the final round of the World Superbike championship last weekend.

Additionally, a five-tonne statue will be erected at the entrance to the circuit, depicting Jones crossing the finish line.

In an emotional ceremony on Sunday, Parkalgar director Paulo Pinheiro paid tribute to Jones's talent and courage.

Jones's family travelled to the Algarve for the dedication, at which his father Steve thanked the team for "a wonderful and permanent memorial to Craig".

Several top riders attended, including Australian veteran Troy Corser, Britons Tommy Hill, Tom Sykes and Eugene Laverty, and Jones's Parkalgar team-mate Miguel Praia.

It was confirmed on Monday that Laverty will ride for Parkalgar in 2009 alongside Praia.

The 22-year-old Northern Irishman, who competed at 250cc grand prix level this year, said: "Racing for Parkalgar Honda is a great opportunity for me.

"The Parkalgar Honda team is top notch and that has been proved race after race in the World Supersport championship this year. It prepares a very fast and competitive motorcycle and I can't wait to be racing it.

"A big plus with Parkalgar Honda is the team is English-based, which means we all speak the same language and come from the same set of islands."

Alex Chick / Eurosport

Comment 1 - 6 of 6

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  1. What a wonderful tribute from the Portuguese, a fitting­ tribute at a fitting track i'm sure Craig would­ have loved. Shame we missed the battle this year­ between him, Pitt and Rea. Awesome track, will one day­ visit and see it all for myself

    From pfy1101, on Tue 11 Nov 10:05AM

  2. I echo the above sentiments and add my suggestion: take­ the Portimao circuit format and build one in the UK­ with one or two changes (no tight corners), name it the­ Craig Jones Memorial Track and give us a track to be­ proud of that will attract the top global racing events­ as the Portimao circuit will do in the near future.­ Paul in Mablethorpe.

    From Paul, on Thu 6 Nov 8:08PM

  3. what a lovely way to honour such a tallented rider he­ will be missed but not forgotten.

    From elizabeth, on Thu 6 Nov 12:56PM

  4. what a fitting tribute for such a talent why cant­ britain do the same rip craig.

    From NICK B, on Wed 5 Nov 8:00AM

  5. That was more than a decent thing to do - I am hunbled­ that the Portuguese could be so magnanimous - what did­ the Brits do?

    From not printable, on Tue 4 Nov 4:57PM

  6. A fitting tribute to a great rider and more importantly­ a decent young man, worldsupersport was my favorite of­ all the races [moto gp, WSB'S and BSB's etc]­ but its lost a little of its appeal for me without­ jonesy backing it in and overtaking where your not­ supposed to- RIP CRAIG

    From rrcarsofgosport, on Tue 4 Nov 4:51PM
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