VERY POSITIVE START FOR MELANDRI AND ELIAS AT PHILLIP ISLAND
The second three-day Motogp test session of the 2007 began
well for the Honda Gresini riders at
Phillip Island, a very technical and complete track that
represents a real challenge both for bikes and riders.
Very good start for Marco Melandri, who, for the first time,
started to test the bike that he will use during the 2007
season. Marco found a good feeling with the bike and finished
with the second fastest time, the fastest among the Honda
riders.
His team mate Toni Elias is also improving. The first day
of testing, on a track that is complicated and difficult for
the Spaniard, was good.
MARCO MELANDRI (67 laps,1.30.75): "I'm
very happy of this first day of testing. Today we focused
on chassis and suspensions in order to create a base. We found
the line quite soon starting from the setting of the last
test in Malaysia. I have a good feeling with the front and
I like the bike. We also worked on the electronic of the engine.
Unfortunately, because of the rain, we couldn't start working
with Bridgestone, so we will focus more tomorrow on tyre testing.
I feel very well and during this week I trained a lot with
my bicycle here in Phillip Island, despite the cold temperatures
and the heavy wind".
TONI ELIAS (76 laps, 1.32.0): "We still
have a lot of work to do but I'm confident because we are
improving and we keep on working with calm and method. I need
to improve my feeling with the front, we are working on it.
As for the tyres, Bridgestone is doing a great job. We haven't
at the moment the right tyre for my riding style but the tyre
technicians have promised me that they will bring starting
from the test in Qatar or, at latest, in Jerez. I'm confident,
we are not too far from where we should be. Moreover, Phillip
Island has always been a demanding track for me".
UNOFFICIAL LAP TIMES
1 Alex Barros D'Antin Ducati 1'30.60
2 Marco Melandri Gresini Honda 1' 30.75
3 Loris Capirossi Ducati Marlboro Team 1' 30.78
4 Nicky Hayden Repsol Honda Team 1' 31.18
5 Dani Pedrosa Repsol Honda Team 1' 31.29
6 Casey Stoner Ducati Marlboro Team 1' 31.40
7 Alex Hofmann D'Antin Ducati 1' 31.50
8 Carlos Checa LCR Honda 1' 31.80
9 John Hopkins Rizla Suzuki 1' 31.80
10 Kenny Roberts Jr Team Roberts Honda 1' 31.90
11 Toni Elias Gresini Honda 1' 32.00
12 Chris Vermeulen Rizla Suzuki 1' 32.00
13 Shinya Nakano Konica Minolta Honda 1' 32.23
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