GRAND PRIX OF CHINA
The race / DIFFICULT WEEKEND FOR THE FORTUNA HONDA
RIDERS
After the rain-affected qualifying sessions, the Grand Prix
of China took place under clear skies in excellent conditions
which allowed the riders the chance to enjoy themselves on
their bikes. FORTUNA HONDA team-mates Marco Melandri and Toni
Elias finished seventh and eleventh respectively in this the
fourth round of the MotoGP World Championship. The set-up
problems which affected both riders and the changeable weather
conditions meant it proved a difficult weekend for the FORTUNA
HONDA boys. Marco, who started in eighth, opted to ride a
conservative race and pick up points which could prove valuable
at the end of the season. For his part, Toni - who never felt
at ease on his bike - finished eleventh having started back
in 15th. Both riders will now be looking ahead to the next
race in Le Mans where they will be hoping for an improved
showing.
MARCO MELANDRI (Race: 7th - 44’31.835, 4th
in championship - 54 points ):
"It was a weekend to forget to be honest. We had problems
from the first day, although we worked very hard to find a
solution. The rain made things more difficult as well. I gave
it everything today but could not push as I wanted to, so
I concentrated on making sure I scored some points which could
prove very important."
TONI ELIAS (Race: 11th - 44’43.050, 11th, 7th
in championship - 37 points):
"I am not happy. We could not find the right set-up
to enable me to enjoy myself on the bike and wasted a lot
of time trying to find solutions. In the end we did not get
the result we wanted. We had problems both in the wet and
the dry and I just hope in Le Mans things go well from thefirst
day and I can focus on riding well. I am still very confident
and if we keep working hard things will work out for us."
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