SPECTACULAR VICTORY FOR MELANDRI AT ISTANBUL
Toni Elías takes fifth in his 100th GP appearance
FORTUNA HONDA's Italian rider Marco Melandri took victory
in the Grand Prix of Turkey for the second successive season
today. After a race-long battle with a host of fellow Honda
riders, Melandri emerged victorious to seal the top step on
the podium - just as he had done in last year's race, his
maiden MotoGP win.
Marco, who started from fourteenth on the grid, rode intelligently
throughout the race and after maintaining his pace until the
final lap he was able to make the most of his outstanding
talent to grasp the trophy every MotoGP rider wants to get
his hands on.
His team-mate Toni Elías, who started from twelfth
place on the grid, produced a spectacular fightback of his
own, chasing reigning World Champion Valentino Rossi all the
way to fifth place. The Spaniard, making his 100th Grand Prix
appearance today, once again showed his enormous potential
on the Honda RC211V. The Spaniard scored the new record of
the track during the 21st lap with an incredible 1'52"877.
After a tough second day of practice, which included a wet
qualifying session, both riders were able to emerge from a
difficult situation in magnificent fashion.
Tomorrow Marco Melandri will stay on at the Turkish track
for a day of tests ahead of the next round of the season,
which takes place in China in two weeks' time.
MARCO MELANDRI 1st in the race, 3rd in the
championship on 45 points : "That was an incredible race!
I really enjoyed myself but it wasn't easy - it was never
going to be starting from fourteenth place at a circuit like
this. I got a good start and that allowed me to manage the
race better. The first few laps were tough but I tried to
go with the front group and then had two really nice battles
with Pedrosa and Stoner, two really young but strong riders.
They added a really spectacular aspect to the race. At the
end I decided it was time to attack Stoner and I think I made
my experience count, which along with the performance of the
Michelin tyres was enough for the victory. I'm so happy -
to win for the second time at a circuit like Istanbul is incredible.
I want to say thanks to Fortuna, Michelin and Honda and I
dedicate this win to them. I'm happy but we have to keep working
really hard to celebrate more success together!"
TONI ELIAS 5th in race, 7th in the championship
on 32 points: "I didn't get a good start but bit by bit
my rhythm improved progressively and as the laps went by and
the fuel tank got lighter I got more comfortable with the
bike. Together with Valentino we cut through the pack and
that helped me to finish fifth. On the final lap I tried to
pass him but it was impossible. I'm satisfied with the way
the race turned out but I'm still not quick enough over the
first few laps so I have to work on this. I want to congratulate
my team-mate Marco for his great performance today."
MOTOGP RACE
M.Melandri (Ita/Honda)
Casey Stoner (Aus/Honda)
N.Hayden (Usa/Honda)
New Circuit Record circuito 2006 Toni Elias 1'52"877.
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