Important first day for Fortuna Honda at Montmelò
Team FORTUNA HONDA returned to the track today for the first
day of practice ahead of the seventh round of the MotoGP season
at the Montmelò circuit in Barcelona.
Marco Melandri and Toni Elias made the most of the opening
two free practice sessions for the Grand Prix of Catalunya,
a special race for both of the Fortuna riders.
Toni Elias, who hails from the local town of Manresa, has
arrived for his home race with plenty of motivation, whilst
Marco Melandri is also in good shape after finishing on the
podium in his own home Grand Prix at Mugello two weeks ago.
The Italian has been on the podium here in Barcelona for the
past two years.
MARCO MELANDRI (1'43"500, 9th): "We've
worked well during both free practice sessions today and I
am happy with the data we gathered. We started out with thye
same base setting as Mugello, making just a few small changes.
We did some tyre tests and gathered some good information
so I am feeling calm and motivated. We have made good progress
so I am not worried about being in ninth place. We have worked
well for the race and now I am feeling confident and looking
forward to being competitive in qualifying tomorrow."
TONI ELIAS (1'43"937, 14th): "We've
tried a few different solutions with the setting over the
course of the two sessions. We've made another step forward
since Mugello and my feeling with the bike has improved. I'm
looking forward to the race and I'm sure the team can help
me find the right compromise to adapt the bike better to my
home circuit. This is a very important GP for me - your home
race is always special and I would like to put on a good show
for the Spanish fans."
OFFICIAL TIMES
1. V.Rossi (Ita/Yamaha) 1'42"837
2. K.Roberts jr (USA/Honda KR) 1'42"923
3. D.Pedrosa (Sp/Honda) 1'43"036
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