SUPERB PERFORMANCE FROM TONI ELIAS AT LOSAIL
The Spaniard will start from third on the grid whilst team-mate
Marco Melandri has to settle for 12th
FORTUNA HONDA rider Toni Elias will start the Qatar Grand
PriX on the front row after a superb performance on the second
day of qualifying at the Losail circuit.
Showing excellent consistency and real confidence, Elias
was amongst the leading riders throughout the second qualifying
session. In the end he ensured a spot on the front row after
finishing the day in third spot and will be joined at the
head of the field by Loris Capirossi, who took second, and
Australian Casey Stoner who claimed a shock pole position.
Team-mate Marco Melandri had to settle for 12th position
after spending the day trying to find the ideal set-up for
his bike. The Italian is hopeful of making a good start in
tomorrow's race and challenging for the podium spots.
TONI ELIAS (1'55.735, 3rd - front row of the grid):
"I am very satisfied. I want to thank my team
and the Michelin mechanics for the great job they have done.
We worked very well today, but it is going to be a difficult
race tomorrow as a lot of riders are going quick and the tyres
are sure to disintegrate because of the heat. The most important
thing will be to get a good start. This is my first front
row start of the season and I hope to continue this kind of
form. I also want to thank the Clinica Mobile who have helped
me over gastroenteritis and I am looking forward to the race."
MARCO MELANDRI (1'56"822 12th - fourth row of
the grid): "In the morning session I was lapping
in the 1'56s on race tyres so we ended the session in confident
mood. In the afternoon, and with the qualification tyres on,
things were different and we could not better our time from
the morning. The bike is working well and I feel comfortable
on it so I'm disappointed. Tomorrow I have to make a good
start - it won't be easy from the fourth row of the grid and
overtaking on this circuit is quite tricky. It's a shame because
this is a circuit I like a lot."
OFFICIAL TIMES
1.C.Stoner (AUS/Honda) 1'55"683
2.L.Capirossi (Ita/Ducati) 1'55"721
3.T.ELIAS (Sp/Honda) 1'55"735
...
12.M.MELANDRI (Ita/Honda) 1'56"822
....
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