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Marco Melandri has definitely made an encouraging start to this final pre-season test. During a day conditioned by the bad weather, the Italian Ducati rider closed in third place behind Johnny Rea. Marco is keeping his feet on the ground though, as the level of his adversaries is not yet clear.
There were various unknowns today.
“I don't want to say it was a wasted day, but it definitely wasn't very productive due to the bad weather. It went from heavy showers to sun in the space of a few minutes. We couldn't get much done unfortunately, but in the final dry moments we were able to get some clearer ideas for tomorrow and know what to do”.
You hadn't been to Phillip Island for two years. What are your sensations?
“I remembered the track being great, but without so much wind. I had good grip and this is encouraging, both in the wet and the dry. Unfortunately the gusts of wind are annoying, I hope that that dies down. When you come to a turn at high speed it's definitely not easy”.
What was the most encouraging aspect today?
"We've tested some solutions that we'd like to use over the coming days, and then during the course of the season. Phillip Island is quite a unique track, due to its fast layout, but I'm starting to receive positive feedback”.
You suffered at Portimao. Has something changed since then?
“It's too early to say, the times are still some way off the best. I don't know from what we've seen today”.
Do you plan to carry out a long run tomorrow?
"It would be interesting in order to understand the tyres, but we have a lot to do, considering that we were slowed down today”.
Chaz Davies is further back. The Welshman had to settle, but is well aware that today was not the day to go on the attack. It's better to avoid taking any risks and pull out the weapons only when they are needed.
It was quite a strange Monday.
“We couldn't get into a rhythm today. Every time we went out on track, the rain started up again after just a couple of laps. In the last 20 minutes we wanted to make a change to the setting but it took longer than expected. Then, with the red flag that stopped the session early we weren't able to get a flying lap in”.
Eighth place doesn't tell the whole story.
“We know we have a competitive package, so considering the few laps we completed, we can be satisfied”.
