CONSISTENT DISPLAY FROM FORTUNA HONDA RIDERS ON FIRST DAY
OF QUALIFYING
Marco is on the provisional front row whilst team-mate Toni
Elias makes the second row, just four tenths behind pole position.
The FORTUNA HONDA riders put in a solid showing on the first
day of qualifying at the 2006 Turkish Grand Prix that took
place in fine conditions at the Istanbul Park circuit.
After a superb performance last season, Marco Melandri took
an impressive victory at this circuit 12 months ago. The Italian
rider started this season in good style also as he lapped
consistently throughout the day to post the third best time.
Team-mate Toni Elias was just 4 tenths of the fastest time
of the day set by American Nicky Hayden. Toni spent long periods
of this first session looking for the best set-up for his
bike. The Spanish rider did a fine job and, like Melandri,
lapped in consistent style.
MARCO MELANDRI (1'53"971, 3rd): "I
am very happy. I have finally rediscovered my feeling with
the bike and am enjoying myself again. The test in Qatar allowed
us to find a good base to work from which has really helped
us. I like the Turkish circuit and feel comfortable here although
there is still room for us to improve. I have found a good
rhythm but still have to improve on coming out of the corners
where I'm lacking a bit of traction. Tomorrow, depending on
conditions, we will try some different Michelin tyres with
a view to Sunday's race."
TONI ELIAS (1'54"022, 5th ): "I
am satisfied with our work today. We made some small changes
to the set-up we found in Qatar and they worked perfectly.
In the morning the track was really dirty and so we made the
changes in the afternoon. I had a good rhythm throughout the
day and am just 0.39 seconds behind the leading Honda of Nicky
Hayden. I hope to learn from the first two races of the season
and put in a good showing here."
OFFICIAL TIMES
1. N.Hayden (Usa/Honda) 1'53.623
2. C.Stoner (Aus/Honda) 1'53.861
3. M. Melandri (Ita/Honda) 1'53.971
4. D.Pedrosa (Sp/Honda) 1'54.001
5. T. Elias (Sp/Honda) 1'54"022
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