Motorcycles and news

MotoGP: Brave Seventh for Melandri June 26, 2006

Just five days after a terrible accident at Catalunya, which almost left him out of action altogether, FORTUNA HONDA rider Marco Melandri was back on track today as he took a starring role in another incident-packed Grand Prix. After astonishing everybody with his powers of the recovery, Melandri finished seventh in a race won by Nicky Hayden, who clinched the 200th victory for Honda in the premier-class. Marco made an excellent start as he joined the leading group in fourth place. However, as his strength waned he preferred not to take any further risks and he eventually lost ground, conceding several positions in the final stages of the race. He now lies fifth in the championship, level on points with Valentino Rossi. This evening Marco will fly straight to his home in England, where he will spend the next few days resting before getting back on his Honda RC211V at Donington Park. His team-mate Toni Elías will undergo a medical examination on his injured shoulder before a decision is made on whether he will be able to participate in the 2006 British Grand Prix.

MARCO MELANDRI - 7th (5th in the championship on 98 points):
“Seventh place is a good result considering my current physical condition. I got a good start but after a few laps on the bike I really started to suffer. I had a lot of pain in my neck, shoulders and legs. I wanted to stay with the lead group but as the laps went by my strength disappeared. My main objective was to try and finish the race so I have to be satisfied. Now I’m going home to England I need a rest!”

MOTOGP RACE RESULT
1. Nicky Hayden (USA) Repsol Honda Team 42′27.404;
2. Shinya Nakano (JPN) Kawasaki Racing Team +4.884;
3. Dani Pedrosa (SPA) Repsol Honda Team +7.525;
4. Casey Stoner (AUS) LCR Honda +7.555;
5. Kenny Roberts (USA) Team Roberts +8.078;
6. John Hopkins (USA) Team Suzuki MotoGP +17.065;
7. Marco Melandri (ITA) Fortuna Honda +18.090;
8. Valentino Rossi (ITA) Camel Yamaha Team +23.951;
9. Carlos Checa (SPA) Tech 3 Yamaha +29.027;
10. Chris Vermeulen (AUS) Team Suzuki MotoGP +31.627;
11. Makoto Tamada (JPN) JIR Konica Minolta Honda +32.841;
12. Alex Hofmann (GER) DAntin Pramac Ducati +34.143;