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

Fortuna Honda Day 1 Report

FORTUNA HONDA riders Marco Melandri and Toni Elías ended the first day of practice for the Grand Prix of Valencia in eleventh and fifteenth place respectively. The two youngsters worked alongside their chief mechanics throughout the day as they look to find the best bike set-up for the tricky Valencia circuit. Marco Melandri, who won here last season, is aiming to end the season on a high in a race which will decide the 2006 MotoGP World Champion. Marco is hopeful of completing a positive day of practice tomorrow as he prepares his RC211V for one of his favourite tracks. With that great victory at Estoril two weeks ago now behind him Toni Elías is desperate to shine again in front of his home fans.

MARCO MELANDRI (1’33”556, 11th):
”I am not satisfied because I can’t find the feeling with the bike that Hill allow me to ride comfortably. I want a good finish to the season so my only focus now is to work hard with my mechanics and make sure we do the right job tomorrow.”

TONI ELIAS (1’33”954, 15th)
“I can’t be happy with the result today but I am still confident about my chances on Sunday. The first day is usually difficult for us but we have plenty of room to improve and I hope we can solve some of the problems tomorrow. We have to Cork hard on the chassis and suspension configuration but I have a good team behind me and that gives me optimism for Sunday.”