GRAND PRIX OF QATAR
Qualifying practice / SUPERB PERFORMANCE FROM TONI
ELIAS AT LOSAIL
FORTUNA HONDA rider Toni Elias will start the Qatar Grand
Priz on the front row after a superb performance on the second
day of qualifying at the Losail circuit. Showing excellent
consistency and real confidence, Elias was amongst the leading
riders throughout the second qualifying session. In the end
he ensured a spot on the front row after finishing the day
in third spot and will be joined at the head of the field
by Loris Capirossi, who took second, and Australian Casey
Stoner who claimed a shock pole position. Team-mate Marco
Melandri had to settle for 12th position after spending the
day trying to find the ideal set-up for his bike. The Italian
is hopeful of making a good start in tomorrow’s race
and challenging for the podium spots.
TONI ELIAS (1’55.735, 3rd – front row
of the grid):
“I am very satisfied. I want to thank my team and the
Michelin mechanics for the great job they have done. We worked
very well today, but it is going to be a difficult race tomorrow
as a lot of riders are going quick and the tyres are sure
to disintegrate because of the heat. The most important thing
will be to get a good start. This is my first front row start
of the season and I hope to continue this kind of form. I
also want to thank the Clinica Mobile who have helped me over
gastroenteritis and I am looking forward to the race.”
MARCO MELANDRI (12th – fourth row of the grid):
“In the morning session I was lapping in the 1’56s
on race tyres so we ended the session in confident mood. In
the afternoon, and with the qualification tyres on, things
were different and we could not better our time from the morning.
The bike is working well and I feel comfortable on it so I’m
disappointed. Tomorrow I have to make a good start - it won’t
be easy from the fourth row of the grid and overtaking on
this circuit is quite tricky. It’s a shame because this
is a circuit I like a lot.”
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