FIRST AND SECOND ROW FOR MARCO MELANDRI AND TONI ELIAS IN
THE JAPANESE GP
Tomorrow the Fortuna Honda riders Marco Melandri and Toni
Elias will start from the first and second row of the Japanese
Grand Prix.
Both riders had two positive practice days and today they
could finalize the job done with a good result.
Marco Melandri, the winner of the Australian GP, lapped with
good rhythm in the morning session while he struggled more
in the afternoon because of changed track conditions. The
Italian was able to score the best third time with qualifying
tyres and is ready for tomorrow's race.
Marco's team mate Toni Elias will start tomorrow from the
second row. The Spaniard scored a good grip position after
two positive practice days. Toni is confident to make a good
start in order to stay with the leading group.
MARCO MELANDRI (3rd, 1'46"250 ): "It's
a very good moment for me. It's a great satisfaction to be
back in front row, I was missing the first row since Donington
Park. The most important thing is that we are competitive
with qualifying tyres, which is important to get a good grid
position. This morning the set up of the bike was good and
I could lap with a good pace. In the afternoon session, because
of changed track conditions, I struggled more. Fortunately
I could get the best from my bike with qualifying tyres and
I scored the third fastest time. Tomorrow it will be important
to make a good start. The race will be tough but I have nothing
to risk in terms of championship so I will give my best taking
some risks, if necessary".
TONI ELIAS (6th, 1'46"326): "I'm
very happy. We have met our first target which was starting
from the first two rows. I'm confident for the race, the bike
is well balanced and I have a good feeling. I still need to
improve my rhythm especially with full tank because I'm still
struggling especially in the first laps. Tomorrow it will
be very important to make a good start and to keep the contact
with the leading group. I'm ready to fight and I will give
my best".
QUALIFYING
1. L.Capirossi (Ita/Yamaha)1'45"724
2. V.Rossi (Ita/Yamaha) 1'45"991
3.M.MELANDRI (Ita/Honda) 1'46"250
6. T.ELIAS (Sp/Honda)1'46"326
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