GRAND PRIX OF TURKEY
Qualifying practice / RAIN DOMINATES THE SECOND DAY
OF QUALIFYING IN TURKEY
Rain dominated the second day of qualifying at the 2006 Turkish
GP. The forecasts that had predicted rain throughout Saturday
were proved right as the MotoGP riders struggled to come to
terms with the treacherous conditions. As a result, Toni Elias
and Marco Melandri, who both qualified on the front two rows
yesterday, had to settle for 12th and 14th respectively on
Saturday. Elias, who posted a best time of 2’07.763
in his 19 laps, could not bring the best from his bike despite
trying various settings throughout the day. The Spaniard,
who will celebrate his 100th GP start tomorrow, will hope
to make a good start and battle his way up the field which,
while difficult, is sure to prove to spectacular. TeAm-mate
Melandri, who impressed in taking third place on Friday, could
not find the same rhythm in the wet which prevented him from
breaking into the top places on the grid.
TONI ELIAS (2’07”763, 12th best time,
19 laps ):
“They were two very difficult sessions. In the morning
I did not feel comfortable on the bike, although things did
get better in the afternoon, but not enough to get me up into
the top five. Despite my position, I think we improved a lot
in the afternoon which means I will go into the race in confident
mood.”
MARCO MELANDRI (2’08”393, 14th best time,
21 laps):
“I am a little disappointed after my performance yesterday
as I expected more. I spent a lot of the session trying different
rear tyre compounds although I could not find the rhythm I
wanted. The start tomorrow will be very important, but the
truth is the straight here is very short which makes overtaking
difficult. It will be an interesting race.”
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