MARCO MELANDRI IS BACK IN ACTION, BUT TEAM-MATE TONI ELIAS
HAS RETURNED TO BARCELONA AFTER A FALL IN THE MORNING SESSION
FORTUNA HONDA rider Marco Melandri, involved in a terrible
crash at the GP of Catalunya last weekend, was back on his
Honda RC211V on Thursday at the first day of qualifying at
the Dutch GP. Despite that heavy fall, the Italian’s
physical condition is getting better although he still has
pain in his back and neck. However, his team-mate Toni Elias
who arrived at the newly-remodelled Assen full of hope and
determination, suffered a crash after just two laps of the
circuit. After that fall during the morning free session,
the Spanish rider was forced to return to Barcelona where
he will be examined by Doctor Xavier Mir. Elias has damaged
his left shoulder where he has a broken bone. Toni, who attempted
to continue riding despite the crash, was unable to continue
because of the pain he was suffering.
MARCO MELANDRI (1’39.647, 14th):
“I am satisfied with how I feel as I never thought
I would be here after the accident. We have taken a step forward
today and getting back on the bike is a marvellous feeling.
I am feeling better with each passing minute although I had
a lot of pain in my neck after the qualifying sessions. I
am happy to be back.”
TONI ELÍAS:
“It’s a shame that this accident has happened
at the worst point of the season for me. I tried to get back
on the circuit but the pain was too much. This evening I will
travel to Barcelona where I will have a medical examination.”
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