FIGHTING FIFTH FOR MELANDRI IN SHANGHAI
 Honda
Gresini rider Marco Melandri took fifth place in the Grand
Prix of China with a determined performance in a race that
proved to be particularly demanding because of the characteristics
of the circuit.
After getting a good start Melandri moved up to second place
on the second lap and fought hard to stay with the lead riders.
The Italian rode with his typical grit and determination to
combat technical problems as the race wore on, eventually
crossing the line in fifth place to move up to fourth in the
World Championship standings on 41 points
It was an unfortunate race for Toni Elias, who was forced
to retire after a crash on the first lap. The Spaniard now
lies sixth in the championship on 35 points and is keen to
put this race behind him as he looks forward to better fortune
in the next round at Le Mans.
MARCO MELANDRI (5th in the race, 4th in the championship
on 41 points): "I'm pleased because I gave my
best, but I can't deny that I'm aiming for better results
than this. I got a good start and felt comfortable with the
bike, it felt good at the start of the race. I was able to
move up to second place but after a few laps I started to
suffer a little with chatter and it didn't help. We have a
lot of hard work still to do because at the moment we're behind."
TONI ELIAS (DNF, 6th in the championship on 35 points):
"I'm disappointed not to finish the race because in the
warm up the bike had improved a lot compared to yesterday.
We found a much better solution for the tyres and I think
it could have been a nice race for me. Unfortunately on the
first lap I was behind Hayden when he was closing his line
towards the kerb and I had no choice but to collide with his
rear wheel and crash. These things happen in racing - especially
when everybpody is so close but I'm disappointed to miss out
on some important points. This race is behind us now and I
only want to think about Le Mans."
FAUSTO GRESINI: "Marco had a good race
and gave his best - I don't think you can do any more than
that. We certainly have some work to do to take that next
step forward. It's a shame Toni's race ended on the first
lap because I think he could have had a good race. Luckily
we've not lost out too much in the championship standings
- Marco is now fourth whilst Toni is sixth. It's a long season
and there is still plenty of time to recover."
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