MARCO MELANDRI IS BACK IN ACTION, BUT TEAM-MATE TONI ELIAS
HAS RETURNED TO BARCELONA AFTER A FALL IN THE MORNING SESSION
FORTUNA HONDA rider Marco Melandri, involved in a terrible
crash at the GP of Catalunya last weekend, was back on his
Honda RC211V on Thursday at the first day of qualifying at
the Dutch GP. Despite that heavy fall, the Italian's physical
condition is getting better although he still has pain in
his back and neck.
However, his team-mate Toni Elias who arrived at the newly-remodelled
Assen full of hope and determination, suffered a crash after
just two laps of the circuit.
After that fall during the morning free session, the Spanish
rider was forced to return to Barcelona where he will be examined
by Doctor Xavier Mir. Elias has damaged his left shoulder
where he has a broken bone. Toni, who attempted to continue
riding despite the crash, was unable to continue because of
the pain he was suffering.
MARCO MELANDRI (1'39.647, 14th): "I
am satisfied with how I feel as I never thought I would be
here after the accident. We have taken a step forward today
and getting back on the bike is a marvellous feeling. I am
feeling better with each passing minute although I had a lot
of pain in my neck after the qualifying sessions. I am happy
to be back."
TONI ELÍAS: "It's a shame that
this accident has happened at the worst point of the season
for me. I tried to get back on the circuit but the pain was
too much. This evening I will travel to Barcelona where I
will have a medical examination."
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