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A solid start you could say. Marco Melandri didn't disappointment on his debut appearance at the Asian Chang racetrack. Though the Kawasakis might have an extra gear, the Italian is nevertheless very much in the mix. In the morning, only Johnny Rea did better than him.
Not a bad start.
“I have to say that the track is great, definitely more technical than I expected. I found good conditions and am pleased with how Friday has gone. I also didn't have too many difficulties riding”.
It didn't take you long to learn it.
“I immediately found the right confidence. We're working well, and are more competitive than I'd imagined. Tomorrow it's essential to qualify and start the race well, trying to make life difficult for the Kawasakis”.
What work do you need to do tomorrow?
“We need to change something with the electronics to be more aggressive in braking. As I've said, I like the track, but I need to improve in the third sector, as I lost a little time there today”.
What do you think about your pace?
“I feel good, but we'll have more idea tomorrow. Johnny completed an impressive race simulation. The heat won't make things easy for anyone, but I'm confident”.
In the afternoon session at Buri Ram, Marco Melandri had to deal with an improved Chaz Davies. The Welshman was able to find that extra push he needed to move ahead of his team-mate and secure third place, behind Rea and Sykes. He too appears confident.
“We worked on the setting today, my confidence level has increased and it looks like we're all more or less evenly matched in the first four positions”.
One year ago, on Friday morning, it was impossible to ride at Buri Ram.
“It's true, the track conditions are better this time, and we could attack right from the first laps. We've made good progress from one session to the other, but there are still a couple of things to improve, especially in the third sector”
What are you still missing?
“We need to find one or two tenths, but our pace is good anyway. I set my best time with used tyres this afternoon, so overall it's been a positive day”.
