GRAND PRIX OF TURKEY
First day / CONSISTENT DISPLAY FROM FORTUNA HONDA
RIDERS ON FIRST DAY OF QUALIFYING
Marco is on the provisional front row whilst team-mate Toni
Elias makes the second row, just three tenths behind pole
position. The FORTUNA HONDA riders put in a solid showing
on the first day of qualifying at the 2006 Turkish Grand Prix
that took place in fine conditions at the Istanbul Park circuit.
After a superb performance last season, Marco Melandri took
an impressive victory at this circuit 12 months ago. The Italian
rider started this season in good style also as he lapped
consistently throughout the day to post the third best time.
Team-mate Toni Elias was just 0.3 seconds of the fastest time
of the day set by American Nicky Hayden. Toni spent long periods
of this first session looking for the best set-up for his
bike. The Spanish rider did a fine job and, like Melandri,
lapped in consistent style.
MARCO MELANDRI (1’53”971, 3rd best time,
24 laps):
“I am very happy.I have finally rediscovered my feeling
with the bike and am enjoying myself again. The test in Qatar
allowed us to find a good base to work from which has really
helped us. I like the Turkish circuit and feel comfortable
here although there is still room for us to improve. I have
found a good rhythm but still have to improve on coming out
of the corners where I’m lacking a bit of traction.
Tomorrow, depending on conditions, we will try some different
Michelin tyres with a view to Sunday’s race.”
TONI ELIAS (1’54”022, 5th best time,
24 laps ):
“I am satisfied with our work today. We made some small
changes to the set-up we found in Qatar and they worked perfectly.
In the morning the track was really dirty and so we made the
changes in the afternoon. I had a good rhythm throughout the
day and am just 0.39 seconds behind the leading Honda of Nicky
Haydem. I hope to learn from the first two races of the season
and put in a good showing here.”
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