Paton struggles on race return.

The unique Paton failed to leave a lasting impression either its rivals or the Italian Grand Prix crowd last weekend, despite the best efforts of the small team behind it.

Paolo Tessari, the rider charged with using the bike against the massed ranks of Hondas, Yamahas and Suzukis, was forced out of the GP500 event in the very early stages, having already had to watch more of the practice sessions than he contested because of repeated engine failures. Knowing that its time in the race was likely to be limited, the Italian team fitted the softest tyres possible to the bike in the hope that it would catch the eye with an early charge trough the pack, but even this was doomed to failure.

The Paton is almost unique in bike racing circles, the project of a man determined to beat the Japanese at their own game. Expected to die with founder Giuseppe "Peppino" Pattoni, the struggle has been unexpectedly prolonged by his son Roberto, who worked tirelessly to get the bike back on the grid at Mugello last Sunday.

It already shows a vastly improvement over its last outing, with a new multi-adjustable frame, revised bodywork and magnesium cased V4 engine, but the PG500R still has a long way to go before it achieves its founder's dream.