GERMAN GRAND PRIX
FASTEST TIME FOR MARCO MELANDRI AT THE SACHSENRING
Toni Elías returns after an enforced absence of three
weeks
The tenth round of the World Championship could not have
started in better fashion for FORTUNA HONDA rider Marco Melandri
as the Italian took provisional pole at the German Grand Prix.
Marco, (who has already won before at the Sachsenring in
1999 in the 125s and 2001 and 2002 in the 250 class), performed
superbly throughout the day. His best time of 1'23.145 bettered
the circuit's lap record by some six tenths of a seconds -
the previous mark having been set by Sete Gibernau in 2005.
Despite the fracture to his right shoulder blade, the Italian
was a model of consistency on his Honda RC211V.
Following his fall at Assen, which saw him miss two races,
Melandri's team-mate Toni Elias made his return to the track.
The Spaniard is still suffering from pain and the difficult
tenth corner at the Sachsenring really tested the physical
condition of the brave Spaniard who ended the day in 15th
position.
MARCO MELANDRI (1st, 1'23"145): "We
have been working from the set-up which helped me get on the
podium at Donington Park. We have made a few small technical
changes which have helped improve the bike's performance.
I am satisfied as I have felt good on the bike right from
the start. Michelin have done a good job and today I tried
a few compounds which were well suited to the German circuit.
I like the Sachsenring a lot, it's very enjoyable. Today was
the best result of the season in the first qualifying session
for me."
TONI ELIAS (15th, 1'24"626): "I
am happy to be riding again after an enforced three week absence
at home. It's been a very difficult period for me as the fracture
is very painful, although I have to remember how well the
recuperation has gone as just one week ago I could not lift
my arm. I am now at about 50 or 60 percent of my normal fitness,
but the important thing is getting back on the bike. Because
of the pain I could not complete too many laps, in the morning
I did 15 whilst in the afternoon 25. Considering my physical
condition I think I can be happy with my first day's work.
The first day with my new technician has been very productive."
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