SPECTACULAR VICTORY FOR MELANDRI AT ISTANBUL
FORTUNA HONDA’s Italian rider Marco Melandri took victory
in the Grand Prix of Turkey for the second successive season
today. After a race-long battle with a host of fellow Honda
riders, Melandri emerged victorious to seal the top step on
the podium – just as he had done in last year’s
race, his maiden MotoGP win. Marco, who started from fourteenth
on the grid, rode intelligently throughout the race and after
maintaining his pace until the final lap he was able to make
the most of his outstanding talent to grasp the trophy every
MotoGP rider wants to get his hands on. His team-mate Toni
Elías, who started from twelfth place on the grid,
produced a spectacular fightback of his own, chasing reigning
World Champion Valentino Rossi all the way to fifth place.
The Spaniard, making his 100th Grand Prix appearance today,
once again showed his enormous potential on the Honda RC211V.
After a tough second day of practice, which included a wet
qualifying session, both riders were able to emerge from a
difficult situation in magnificent fashion. Tomorrow Marco
Melandri will stay on at the Turkish track for a day of tests
ahead of the next round of the season, which takes place in
China in two weeks’ time.
MARCO MELANDRI
First place ( 41’54.065 ), 3rd in the championship on
45 points :
”That was a fun race! I really enjoyed myself but it
wasn’t easy – it was never going to be starting
from fourteenth place at a circuit like this. I got a good
start and that allowed me to manage the race better. The first
few laps were tough but I tried to go with the front group
and then had two really nice battles with Pedrosa and Stoner,
two really young but strong riders. They added a really spectacular
aspect to the race. At the end I decided it was time to attack
Stoner and I think I made my experience count, which along
with the performance of the Michelin tyres was enough for
the victory. I’m so happy – to win for the second
time at a circuit like Istanbul is incredible. I want to say
thanks to Fortuna, Michelin and Honda and I dedicate this
win to them. I’m happy but we have to keep working really
hard to celebrate more success together!”
TONI ELIAS
Fifth place ( 42’00.652), 7th in the championship on
32 points
“I didn’t get a good start but bit by bit my
rhythm improved progressively and as the laps went by and
the fuel tank got lighter I got more comfortable with the
bike. Together with Valentino we cut through the pack and
that helped me to finish fifth. On the final lap I tried to
pass him but it was impossible. I’m satisfied with the
way the race turned out but I’m still not quick enough
over the first few laps so I have to work on this. I want
to congratulate my team-mate Marco for his great performance
today.”
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