MotoGP: Jubilant Melandri targets second landmark

[R1 Biker]

Having had time to reflect on his maiden win in the MotoGP class, an ecstatic Marco Melandri admits he has now completed one of the objectives he set himself this season. However, the focused Italian is not getting carried away and is already thinking about his second, finishing as runner-up in the championship standings. Melandri heads to Valencia with a nine-point lead over rival Nicky Hayden and is now hoping to cap his debut triumph in the premier class with another important achievement.

“I'd dreamt about it so much, I desired it and had looked for it. It's finally happened after so long and I am truly delighted,” Melandri stated.

“I could enjoy being on top again; but winning in the MotoGP class is special, riding at such an incredible pace. It was the most beautiful win I could ever have imagined.”

“I had Valentino under control the same way he does with others. It was a dream for me, a thought which kept me going when I was exhausted. But now I don't want to think about it too much because Valencia is almost on us and the race will be more testing and difficult than ever.”

“I'm missing being on the bike already and I'm looking forward to Friday’s free practices. The forthcoming race will be different to Turkey. After my first dream has come true, I want to clinch the second place in championship and will be riding thinking about the standings.”

Marco Melandri’s victory in Turkey makes him the second youngest rider to win a MotoGP race since the class was introduced in 2002 with the introduction of 990cc four-stroke machines. As shown in the following table, Valentino Rossi is the only rider to win a race at a younger age in the MotoGP class since the start of the 2002 season. The fact that only three riders have won MotoGP races before reaching the age of 27 indicates the importance of experience in getting the best from these machines.

Youngest riders to win a MotoGP race
Rider Age at first MotoGP win Race
1. Valentino Rossi 23 years 50 days Japan/2002/Suzuka
2. Marco Melandri 23 years 77 days Turkey/2005/Istanbul
3. Nicky Hayden 23 years 345 days USA/2005/Laguna Seca
4. Makoto Tamada 27 years 243 days Rio/2005/Jacarepagua
5. Tohru Ukawa 28 years 338 days South Africa/2002/Welkom

[Mahmoud]

Melandri deserves the second place

[R1 Biker]

and i hope he take it in valencia next sunday