A RACE TO FORGET
Melandri involved in first corner incident and Toni Elias
crashes out of seventh place
The 2006 Grand Prix of Catalunya will be forever remembered
for the first corner incident that involved no fewer than
seven riders but it is a race both Marco Melandri and Toni
Elias would sooner forget. The Fortuna Honda pair were both
involved in the dramatic melee, Marco Melandri the most seriously
effected as he spectacularly crashed, Toni Elias simply running
wide.
Melandri was taken to hospital with numerous injuries after
Sete Gibernau collided with Loris Capirossi and sent all three
tumbling, as well as Pedrosa, Hopkins and De Puniet.
Marco was immediately treated by Doctor Costa and the staff
at the Clinica Mobile, where he was diagnosed with a dislocation
of the acromion-clavicular and mild concussion. The Italian
was airlifted to the General Hospital of Catalunya, where
he underwent further treatment and CAT scans.
MARCO MELANDRI (crash): "I didn't get
away from the line well but I made up a few positions and
then the crash - I don't remember anything else. I've got
a lot of pain coming from my shoulder but I am concious and
my memory should improve over time. I want to say thanks to
Doctor Costa and all the Clinica Mobile staff who looked after
me and stayed by my side."
TONI ELIAS (crash): "It was a race
to forget. I'm sorry for Marco and I wish him a speedy recovery.
I got a good start and tried to stay with the lead group,
riding around the traction problems and just giving it my
all. I had a good pace but I just lost the front and went
down. It was a real shame and I'm disappointed because I was
riding well and could have got a good result."
MOTOGP RACE
1. V.Rossi (Ita/Yamaha)
2 N.Hayden (Usa/Honda)
3. K.Roberts jr (USA/Honda KR)
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