 On new track in MotoGP calendar, Istanbul, new rider forces have shown their potential. After showing lots of promisse through the season, Marco Melandri snatched victory in Turkish Grand Prix in front of Valentino Rossi, riding in mature and dominant way. Even Rossi, five time MotoGP champion, recognised Melandri and Hayden as future forces of MotoGP racing. Read thoughts of podium finishers in Turkey.
Marco Melandri, race winner:
This win in the MotoGP class feels different to winning in the 250s. I liked this track from the first moment I tried it and the team did a great job. After dominating the free sessions I knew I could have a good race, but it’s not always that easy. I got away well and even though Sete got past me I was happy to wait as we were opening up a gap on the rest. I want to enjoy this moment and thank Fausto (Gresini) for the confidence he has shown in me, Fabrizio Cecchini, my chief mechanic and everyone at Honda and Michelin.
Valentino Rossi - 2nd place
On Friday and Saturday we struggled to find a good setting for the bike; yesterday morning I felt like I wanted to go home! It wasn’t until qualifying practice yesterday afternoon that we began to understand what the problem was. We made some more steps forward in the warm-up this morning and went in a slightly different direction with the setting, which in the end wasn’t so bad. Unfortunately I made a big mistake at the start and conceded a couple of seconds to the leader, which proved to be a big gap to make up. Melandri was very fast throughout the race and in certain points of the track I knew he was faster than me, so it would have been very hard to pass him. Anyway, I am satisfied with second place – it is a good result for us after all the troubles we’ve had this weekend and I’m really pleased with the way the team worked to overcome a difficult situation.
Nicky Hayden - 3rd place
That’s the first time in MotoGP I’ve had three consecutive podiums so that’s definitely a step forward but to be honest I haven’t really had the pace all weekend. In the race I came through much faster than we’d managed during the practice days and for that I’m happy. Congratulations to Marco, he definitely deserves it – we now have a little gap to second place.
|
