ELIAS STORMS TO SECOND AT ISTANBUL PARK
Another great fight back from Marco Melandri
 The
Grand Prix of Turkey remains a special event for Team Honda
Gresini after another magnificent display from both riders
to end a tough weekend for the team. Whilst Marco Melandri
has won here for the past two seasons, today it was Toni Elias'
turn to step up to the podium after taking second place behind
Casey Stoner.
A perfect start from row four allowed the Spaniard to battle
with the leading riders and Elias slid his way spectacularly
through to second place by the tenth lap, a position he maintained
to the end of the race.
There was also a stunning charge from Marco Melandri, who
went from 14th on the grid to fifth. Despite his lowly grid
position the Italian set an extremely competitive pace throughout
the race which allowed him to come out of what promised to
be a difficult day with some solid points.
TONI ELIAS (2nd in the race, 4th in the championship
on 35 points):
"It was like a 125 race with some unbelievable passes.
I concentrated on getting a perfect start and made as many
passes as I could on the opening laps but I got stuck behind
Hopkins for too long. Once I got past him my pace was good
and I was also able to take Rossi. I couldn't challenge for
the lead because Casey was so fast so I decided to focus on
maintaining my position. I have to thank the team and Bridgestone
for the faith they have shown in me. I feel mature and confident
because I still think we can improve even more."
MARCO MELANDRI (5th in the race - 5th in the championship
on 30 points): "I got a good start but I also
lost a lot of time behind Hopkins because he was braking on
the limit. I had a good pace and was able to fight for the
podium with Capirossi and Barros but the bike started to vibrate
and that slowed me down. I have to thank the team because
they've done a great job and so have Bridgestone - the tyres
were fantastic today."
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