2006 Australian Superbike Championship (YMF Loan) - Round Four - Queensland Raceway

Fortuna Honda Day 1 Report

Toni Elías returns after an enforced absence of three weeks The tenth round of the World Championship could not have started in better fashion for FORTUNA HONDA rider Marco Melandri as the Italian took provisional pole at the German Grand Prix. Marco, (who has already won before at the Sachsenring in 1999 in the 125s and 2001 and 2002 in the 250 class), performed superbly throughout the day. His best time of 1'23.145 bettered the circuit's lap record by some six tenths of a seconds - the previous mark having been set by Sete Gibernau in 2005. Despite the fracture to his right shoulder blade, the Italian was a model of consistency on his Honda RC211V. Following his fall at Assen, which saw him miss two races, Melandri's team-mate Toni Elias made his return to the track. The Spaniard is still suffering from pain and the difficult tenth corner at the Sachsenring really tested the physical condition of the brave Spaniard who ended the day in 15th position.

MARCO MELANDRI (Provisional pole, 1’23"145):
"We have been working from the set-up which helped me get on the podium at Donington Park. We have made a few small technical changes which have helped improve the bike's performance. I am satisfied as I have felt good on the bike right from the start. Michelin have done a good job and today I tried a few compounds which were well suited to the German circuit. I like the Sachsenring a lot, it's very enjoyable. Today was the best result of the season in the first qualifying session for me."

TONI ELIAS (15th, 1’24"626):
"I am happy to be riding again after an enforced three week absence at home. It's been a very difficult period for me as the fracture is very painful, athough I have to remember how well the recuperation has gone as just one week ago I could not lift my arm. I am now at about 50 or 60 percent of my normal fitness, but the important thing is getting back on the bike. Because of the pain I could not complete too many laps, in the morning I did 15 whilst in the afternoon 25. Considering my physical condition I think I can be happy with my first day's work. The first day with my new technician has been very productive."