THE FORTUNA HONDA RIDERS LEAVE SEPANG WITH A POSITIVE FEELING
Rain spoils the third and last day of testing.
Sepang (Malaysia), Thursday 16th of February 2006 -The third
and last day of testing was characterized by rain showers
that interrupted the work of the FORTUNA HONDA riders.
Despite the changeable weather and track conditions, Marco
Melandri and Toni Elias were pleased with the progress made
today and ended the three-day test with a positive feeling.
The Fortuna Honda riders look forward to the next test session
that will take place in Barcelona from the 3rd to the 5th
of March.
MARCO MELANDRI (55 laps, 2'03"01): "Much
better today, I think we understand more about the machine
after today's test. It was a pity about the rain showers.
But because of the weather we tried some different setting
solutions and we eliminated several negative things. We also
found some interesting front-end settings when we used a new
front tyre and we will confirm the results when we get to
Barcelona. We also tested the new rear but only for a few
laps. I am quite positive about this test and I look forward
the Irta Test in Barcelona to confirm the work done, hopefully
on dry conditions."
ELIAS (35 laps, 2'03"62): "When
we arrived this morning it was impossible to test because
of the rain. This made things difficult because we couldn't
try the new tyres, which have a different
profile. It was important to do this because they give the
bike a different feeling. However, in respect to the first
day of the test we have improved a lot. The next test is at
Barcelona and we must have good weather because at Phillip
Island and here this week we have found a good direction to
work in. But we just did not get in enough dry laps here at
Sepang. I am not quite as comfortable as I had hoped to be
but I go to the Barcelona test feeling very positive. Barcelona
is my home track so I will be comfortable there for sure."
Temperature: air: 33° - asphalt: max 48°
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