You are here

SBK, Melandri: a win worth so much

The Italian is over the moon about his success: "I've had tough times, but the team has always believed in me. Today I was as one with the bike"

SBK: Melandri: a win worth so much

Share


From Melandri… to Melandri. the last Italian to win a Superbike race before today was Marco back in 2014, and today he got to taste success once again, under the Italian sun at Misano.

Marco, what a day!

“I'm so happy with this win, which is really worth so much, in that it's my first win since coming back, my first win with Ducati and my first Superbike win in Italy, as well as the 100th win for an Italian in this category. Misano has been a tough track for the Ducati in recent years, but already yesterday Chaz proved we could win, and I felt really good today”.

A real morale boost...

Winning is always good for you, the team has had some tough times like me, but despite this they've worked really well and I'm pleased to be able to give them this result. I want to dedicate this win to them, for having given me the opportunity to get back on the bike, helping me right from day one”.

What changed with respect to yesterday?

“We made a small change to the geometry, trying to stabilise the bike. This morning the change seemed to work, and my pace made me hopeful. In the race I never had to push excessively, and was able to ride as one with the bike. A good part of this step forward is also down to the tests we've done at this track”.

Did you expect a comfortable win?

“To be honest, no. After being passed by Johnny I tried to stick close to him, thinking he'd immediately break away. In the second part of the race, I realised they were all on eggshells, and once out front I thought I could build a gap thanks to my pace, and that's what I did”.

Today was less hot but windier, did this condition you?

“Lower temperatures would have helped but the track was actually hotter than yesterday. It wasn't a big issue anyway, nor was the wind, we were all ready for this”.

Can we call this a third coming for Marco Melandri… how do you feel?

“Right from winter testing, I knew we could be competitive, but until you win you never have real confirmation. Recently I've had a few problems but I always believed in myself, just as the team has too”. 

Translated by Heather Watson
__

Related articles