2006 MotoGP Championship - Round 15 - Motegi, Japan - September 22/23/24

Fortuna Honda Day 1 Report

The Fortuna Honda riders had a positive start at Motegi in the first day of the Japanese GP. With the third and sixth lap time, Marco Melandri and Toni Elias look confident to the race weekend. Marco Melandri, after the incredible race in Phillip Island, started with the set up that last Sunday allowed him to score his third win of the season. Marco worked on the set up of the bike, making only some small modifications. In the afternoon he tested the qualifying tyre in order to be ready for tomorrow qualifying session, finishing with the third best time. Very good start for the Spaniard Toni Elias who finished 6th. Thanks to the work done on the chassis and suspension, the bike was well balanced and Toni could ride with a good feeling.

MARCO MELANDRI (3°, 1’47”449):
“I’m very satisfied of this first day of testing. Despite the track of Motegi presents different characteristics, we started here with the same setting we had last Sunday in Australia. The feeling with the bike was good and I think that we have found a good set up in the final part of the session. In the afternoon I tested a qualifying tyre because this has been so far my weak point. I scored the 3rd time. Honda is helping me to improve the performance of the bike and the team who is doing a great job.”

TONI ELIAS (6°, 1’47”646):
“I’m very happy because today the bike was well balanced and I could ride in the way i like. This morning we worked on chassis and suspensions and we found a good base. We still need to improve my feeling with full tank because I’m still struggling a lot in the first laps because I don’t have enough traction.”

During the Grand Prix of Japan, Marco Melandri‘s Honda RC211V will carry the image of Honda Italia’s 35th anniversary as a sign of collaboration and mutual respect.

MARCO MELANDRI:
“It’s a great satisfaction for me to celebrate the 35th anniversary of Honda Italia. When I was a child and I went to races, I was always dreaming of becoming famous. Now I’m the only Italian to ride a Honda MotoGP and I’m proud to represent Honda Italy in this special occasion.”

FAUSTO GRESINI:
“It is a great honour for us to be able to celebrate this 35th anniversary with Honda Itaia “We are an Italian team and with 3 victories and 6 podiums this season we are delighted to carry the image of the anniversary.”