GERMAN GP
The race / MARCO MELANDRI IMPRESSES IN GERMANY AS
HE MAKES THE PODIUM AGAIN
FORTUNA HONDA rider Marco Melandri, still suffering from
physical discomfort caused by his crash in Catalunya, finished
second at the German GP on Sunday in one of the most exciting
races of the season. The Italian, who was a model of consistency
throughout qualifying all weekend, made a strong start and
managed to maintain his excellent pace throughout the 30-lap
race. His battles, first with Pedrosa and then with Rossi,
turned the race into a spectacular feast of overtaking manoeuvres
as the riders battled to make the podium at the Sachsenring.
Team-mate Toni Elias, who bravely finished the race despite
his own injury problems, came home in the points in 11th.
MARCO MELANDRI: 2nd, 41’59.393
Championship: 4th with 134 points
"It was an incredible battle. At Donington the fight
was for first place, but here in Germany it was for first
position all the way through. I had a great battle with Pedrosa
at first and then later with Valentino. I believe the fans
will have enjoyed it as much as I did, it was a lot of fun.
I tried to overtake Rossi lots of times on that final lap
but he closed the door every time. In the recent races we
have been right up there at the front and I believe that is
a good sign. We must keep up our good work as the team are
doing a great job."
TONI ELIAS: 11th, 42’26.673
Championship: 12th with 58 points
"Our objective was to finish the race and I think I
can be satisfied with my performance given my physical condition.
From lap eight I really began to feel the pain and the only
way to cope was to ride hard in bursts. To race in these conditions
is really hard, especially at such a demanding circuit. It
was the first race with my new technician and we understood
each other very well, but there is still a lot of work to
do. Laguna Seca is another very demanding circuit and I hope
to be able to get some rest in before then."
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