FRONT ROW START FOR MELANDRI AT SEPANG
Marco to start from third, Toni eighth
Great perfomances from the Gresini Honda riders today at
Sepang.
Marco Melandri confirmed his good early sensations as he
secured a front row start for tomorrow's Malaysian Grand Prix
in this afternoon's qualifying practice.
Third fastest in the grid shoot-out, just 0.06 seconds off
the pole time set by Dani Pedrosa (Honda), Marco set a good
pace throughout the session and is confident of his chances
in the race.
His team-mate Toni Elias also enjoyed a good day at the track,
securing eighth place and making a tyre choice he is happy
with for tomorrow's penultimate race of the 2007 season.
MARCO MELANDRI (3rd, 2.01.944):
"I'm happy - we know that I have got a good
race pace. A front row position on the grid is a good start
for tomorrow. The bike is improving - I can get on the gas
early and the speed down the straights is much better. The
bike and tyres are working well together and this is a circuit
I have always enjoyed. This is probably the first time we've
had the right conditions to get the most out of it and I felt
comfortable today. I had fun and now I feel confident about
the race. It will be tough and demanding on both the tyres
and our physical condition. It's really hot here - like going
from full winter in Australia to full summer in Malaysia!"
TONI ELIAS (8th, 2.02.432):
"We've done a good job today, together with the team.
The bike setting has improved and we were able to do some
good tyre tests. We have chosen our tyre for the race after
running it in both sessions. Unfortunately I didn't get a
better starting position because I ran out of time on my second
qualifying lap. It will be important to get a good start tomorrow
to try and stick it out with the lead group."
FAUSTO GRESINI:
"I am very satisfied with the performance of
both Marco and Toni. Marco made the most of his qualifying
tyre and it was a bit of a shame Toni couldn't do the same
with his second one. Anyway, I'm confident for the race and
it looks like we're in good shape for some top results. The
team staff and riders have worked tirelessly."
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