BRAVE SEVENTH PLACE FOR MARCO MELANDRI
 Just
five days after a terrible accident at Catalunya, which almost
left him out of action altogether, FORTUNA HONDA rider Marco
Melandri was back on track today as he took a starring role
in another incident-packed Grand Prix. After astonishing everybody
with his powers of the recovery, Melandri finished seventh
in a race won by Nicky Hayden, who clinched the 200th victory
for Honda in the premier-class.
Marco made an excellent start as he joined the leading group
in fourth place. However, as his strength waned he preferred
not to take any further risks and he eventually lost ground,
conceding several positions in the final stages of the race.
He now lies fifth in the championship, level on points with
Valentino Rossi.
This evening Marco will fly straight to his home in England,
where he will spend the next few days resting before getting
back on his Honda RC211V at Donington Park.
His team-mate Toni Elías will undergo a medical examination
on his injured shoulder before a decision is made on whether
he will be able to participate in the 2006 British Grand Prix.
MARCO MELANDRI - 7th (5th in the championship on
98 points): "Seventh place is a good result
considering my current physical condition. I got a good start
but after a few laps on the bike I really started to suffer.
I had a lot of pain in my neck, shoulders and legs. I wanted
to stay with the lead group but as the laps went by my strength
disappeared. My main objective was to try and finish the race
so I have to be satisfied. Now I'm going home to England -
I need a rest!"
MOTOGP RACE
1. N.Hayden (USA/Honda)
2. S.Nakano (Jap/Kawasaki)
3. P.Pedrosa (Sp/Honda)
7. M.MELANDRI (Ita/Honda)
..
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