GREAT START FOR MELANDRI AND ELIAS AT MOTEGI
3rd and 6th time for the Fortuna Honda Riders the
first day of the Japanese GP
The Fortuna Honda riders had a positive start at Motegi in
the first day of the Japanese GP. With the third and sixth
lap time, Marco Melandri and Toni Elias look confident to
the race weekend.
Marco Melandri, after the incredible race in Phillip Island,
started with the set up that last Sunday allowed him to score
his third win of the season. Marco worked on the set up of
the bike, making only some small modifications. In the afternoon
he tested the qualifying tyre in order to be ready for tomorrow
qualifying session, finishing with the third best time.
Very good start for the Spaniard Toni Elias who finished
6th. Thanks to the work done on the chassis and suspension,
the bike was well balanced and Toni could ride with a good
feeling.
MARCO MELANDRI (3°, 1'47"449): "I'm
very satisfied of this first day of testing. Despite the track
of Motegi presents different characteristics, we started here
with the same setting we had last Sunday in Australia. The
feeling with the bike was good and I think that we have found
a good set up in the final part of the session. In the afternoon
I tested a qualifying tyre because this has been so far my
weak point. I scored the 3rd time. Honda is helping me to
improve the performance of the bike and the team who is doing
a great job."
TONI ELIAS (6°, 1'47"646): "I'm
very happy because today the bike was well balanced and I
could ride in the way i like. This morning we worked on chassis
and suspensions and we found a good base. We still need to
improve my feeling with full tank because I'm still struggling
a lot in the first laps because I don't have enough traction."
During the Grand Prix of Japan, Marco Melandri's Honda RC211V
will carry the image of Honda Italia's 35th anniversary as
a sign of collaboration and mutual respect.
MARCO MELANDRI: "It's a great satisfaction
for me to celebrate the 35th anniversary of Honda Italia.
When I was a child and I went to races, I was always dreaming
of becoming famous. Now I'm the only Italian to ride a Honda
MotoGP and I'm proud to represent Honda Italy in this special
occasion."
FAUSTO GRESINI: "It is a great honour
for us to be able to celebrate this 35th anniversary with
Honda Italia "We are an Italian team and with 3 victories
and 6 podiums this season we are delighted to carry the image
of the anniversary."
LAP TIME
1. V.Rossi (Ita/Yamaha) 1'46"981
2. S.Nakano (Jp/Kawasaki) 1'47"315
3. M.Melandri (Ita/Honda) 1'47" 449
6. T.Elias (Sp/Honda) 1'47"646
|
