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ASSEN ENJOYS
THE BEST OF MELANDRI
Marco records his best result in MotoGP with second
place at The Cathedral as Sete Gibernau finishes fifth
The historic Assen circuit today celebrated its 75th birthday
with another spectacular MotoGP race, with Marco Melandri
one of the main stars of the show.
The Italian Movistar rider clinched second place to ensure
his best result so far in the premier class at the circuit
where he celebrated his first ever victory in the 125cc class
in 1998.
Marco Melandri started from the front row and led for the
opening nine laps, improving his pace when he was passed by
Valentino Rossi. Marco never lost contact with the leader
and celebrated second place on the podium as if it were a
victory. The result means he remains second in the MotoGP
World Championship on 107 points.
Sete Gibernau made a good start but began to lose positions
and eventually had to settle for fifth place in the seventh
round of the season. The team were unable to find the ideal
setting for a Grand Prix that began with a health scare for
his Chief ! Mechanic Juan Martínez. Sete was unable
to repeat his pace from qualifying in the race and remains
fourth in the championship standings.
MARCO MELANDRI (2nd): “I’m really
happy because this is my best result in MotoGP and to have
done it at this circuit is very important. It was a very tough
race. At the start I was able to take the lead and stay there
until halfway through the race, when I was passed by Valentino.
I stayed just behind him and set a good pace but made a small
mistake that cost me around eight tenths and I had to try
and recover. At the end when I saw Rossi pushing so hard I
decided not to risk more than necessary and took a second
place which is brilliant for everybody. I want to say thanks
to the team, Honda and Michelin for the great job they have
done.”
SETE GIBERNAU (5th): “That was one
of the worst races we’ve had recently. We didn’t
do badly in practice despite the way the w! eekend started
but I couldn’t do any more than that in the race. I
almost crashed on several occassions and, luckily, we were
able to finish but I can’t hide that I am tremendously
dissatisfied. I hope to turn the situation around in Laguna
Seca”.
FAUSTO GRESINI (Team manager): “It
was a bittersweet Grand Prix for the team. Marco had his best
race of the season, fighting with Valentino until the end
and showing how much he has grown. It was a shame for Sete
that he wasn’t able to have a race in line with his
true level."
DUTCH TT
V.Rossi (Ita/Yam) 38’41”808
M. Melandri (Ita/Hon) + 1”583
C. Edwards (USA/Yam) + 7”643
N. Hayden (USA/Hon) + 10”128
S. Gibernau (Esp/Hon) + 14”795
M. Biaggi (Ita/Hon) + 21”575
A. Barros (Bra/Hon) + 22”725
MOTOGP CHAMPIONSHIP
Valentino Rossi 170 points
Marco Melandri107 points
Max B! iaggi 87 points
Sete Gibernau 84 points
Alex Barros 74 points
Colin Edwards 73 points
Nicky Hayden 60 points
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