TONI ELIAS FOURTH ON THE GRID
The Spanish rider will start from the second row in Qatar
whilst Melandri will aim to recover positions with a good
start.
 Toni
Elias will start the opening race of the 2007 MotoGP World
Championship from the second row of the grid after qualifying
in fourth place for the Grand Prix of Qatar. After suffering
during winter testing, Toni has worked hard on the set-up
of his Honda RC212V this weekend and was able to get the best
out of his Bridgestone qualifying tyre. Just over three tenths
of a second behind pole man Valentino Rossi, Toni was also
three tenths inside Casey Stoner's previous pole record set
last year on the 990cc Honda.
Marco Melandri, finished 10th, is hopeful of a good start
as he aims to make up important positions in the race. The
Gresini Honda rider set a good pace in practice and has faith
in the Honda - Bridgestone tandem as he starts from the fourth
row.
TONI ELIAS (4th , 1'55"358): "I'm
really happy with this result after such a difficult winter.
We've worked hard on the set-up of the bike to try and create
a solid base with the Bridgestone tyres. This afternoon we
just worked right to the end of qualifying and found a compromise
that allowed me to make the most of the qualifying tyre. Te
be in fourth place, at the front of the second row, is important
for the race - especially at a circuit where it is difficult
to overtake. Hopefully I can get a good start! We still have
a little work to do to improve the race pace."
MARCO MELANDRI (10th, 1'56"222): "I
am satisfied with the bike and the tyre choice for the race.
Unfortunately I made a mistake with my choice of qualifying
tyre, which is why I haven't qualified a little closer to
the front. We didn't find the right feeling with the first
qualifier and I didn't feel comfortable, which meant I couldn't
get the best out of the second tyre. Hopefully I can get a
good start and make a few passes over the opening laps to
make up positions. I'm confident about it all because we've
worked hard towards the race and the rhythm is good. In the
test on Sunday I'll work on the qualifying tyres because it
is always important to start near the front if you want to
battle for a top position."
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