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09/05/2011

SBK - Monza: Melandri and Checa satisfied.

A difficult weekend for our two ‘flagbearers’ ended with moderate satisfaction for both of them. On the one hand Marco Melandri (Nolan X-802) conquered a good 4th place in Race 1 (just missing out on a podium by 0.009 of a second) and an excellent 2nd place in Race 2 (with some regret for having lost victory for three tenths of a second).“It’s been a tough but still quite a good weekend. I had difficulty finding the right set-up in order to provide more stability. We made progress before the second race but the bike was still quite agitated towards the end. In the last corner I struggled with the gears and the rear tyre locked causing me to go slightly wide. I’m really pleased to be on the podium and I really enjoyed riding the track. We have gained some important points but I’d like to get more next time!”.

On the other hand Carlos Checa (X-lite X-802) limited the damages in a race he and his team knew would be a very tough one due to the characteristics of the Monza track which notoriously favour the four cylinder bikes. A slow start in Race 1 saw Carlos stuck in traffic through the first corners, preventing him from reaching the leading group. A sudden drop in tyre performance in the final laps meant he was unable to make any further improvement and the Spanish rider thus crossed the line in 9th position. In Race 2 a better start made him build up a good rhythm, but he remained fast just until three laps from the end when he suffered unexpected engine trouble and due to this he finished in eventual 10th position."We’re satisfied because we were aware of our limitations before we arrived here at Monza we knew that it would be difficult to reach the podium. In race 1 I had to push so hard on the straights that it probably affected the tyre because in the last laps the performance had really dropped off and I couldn’t get ahead of Camier. In the second race we had good pace until three laps from the end when I had an engine problem. It slowed me down so much that I was lucky even to finish. I closed in ninth and tenth position today and, all things considered, these are good points for us at Monza. We leave here with a 27-point lead which surprises me to tell the truth. We’re really happy and will now concentrate on the next round at Miller, where I hope to be able to make two great races.”

A good weekend for Badovini (X-lite X-802), 11th in Race 1 and 6th in Race 2. 8th place for David Salom in Supersport and an excellent 3rd place for Michele Magnoni in Superstock 1000.
Carlos Checa still leads SBK riders’ standings, ahead of Melandri in second place.
Next race Salt Lake City (USA), May 30th.

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