GP OF MALAYSIA
The race / DIFFICULT RACE FOR THE FORTUNA HONDA RIDERS
The Grand Prix of Malaysia, the thirteenth round of the season,
proved a difficult race for FORTUNA HONDA riders Marco Melandri
and Toni Elias. The Spaniard made a magnificent start and
quickly climbed up into fifth place having set off from 14th
on the grid. Over the first few laps Elias lapped with the
lead group, but when they dropped the pace a little he decided
to push harder and fell as he chased Stoner and Roberts. Team-mate
Marco Melandri also endured a difficult weekend and, as he
had during qualifying, struggled to find the ‘feeling’
with his bike that would have allowed him to demonstrate his
true potential. Problems with the front end slowed his progress
and forced him to settle for ninth and some important championship
points. The Italian now sits fifth in the standings with 168
points, some 46 behind leader Nicky Hayden.
MARCO MELANDRI (9th):
“It was a very difficult weekend – we didn’t
manage to solve the problems with the front end at all. I
tried to give my best in the race, but I did not feel comfortable
on the bike and so I did not risk too much and decided to
just claim some points that could prove important in the championship.
I am disappointed as I don’t like battling for ninth
place, but I hope I will be able to do better in Australia.”
TONI ELIAS ( DNF ):
“I made a good start, my best of the season, and quickly
found a good rhythm. I lapped with the lead group and felt
comfortable, but when I tried to push harder as we were entering
the first corner on lap 16, I braked a bit too late and lost
the front end. It’s a shame because we fell when we
were riding a good race and I feel sorry for the team.”
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