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SBK, Melandri returns to winning ways at Misano

First Ducati victory for Marco, who hadn't won since 2014 with Aprilia. Rea and Sykes on the podium, never in the mix for the win

SBK: Melandri returns to winning ways at Misano

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Those who considered his career over can think again. Marco Melandri is far from 'over', in fact the Italian is back to winning ways at Misano, a track at which a very young Marco made his debut many years ago.

Already on Friday and Saturday, the #33 Ducati rider had demonstrated a riding style that worked, with perfect, clean lines and never giving the impression of being on the limit, keeping full control of his bike. With that same style, Marco started strong today, studying Torres and passing him at the Quercia turn, to take hold of the race and win it comfortably.

Melandri wins for the first time in almost 3 years, the last success dating back to Magny-Cours in 2014 with the Aprilia RSV4. This is his 20th win in the production-derived series:it wasn't easy today - said Marco in parc fermé- but I did it; it's incredible to win here with the Ducati, and it's also my first SBK win in Italy”. The last Italian to win with the Ducati was Frankie Chili in 2004, also at Misano.

The Kawasaki Provec pair had no chance today: Rea and Sykes were fast, they battled each other, they rounded out the podium, but they couldn't fight the Ducati team for the win, a result that proves the Panigale can win in the hands of riders other than the (injured) Chaz Davies, present in the Aruba garage today and already much better after yesterday's crash.

Today Van Der Mark was able to finish his race, but as soon as he returned to the Yamaha garage, the Dutchman checked the rear tyre of his R1, after the problems of yesterday. A good race for the Milwaukee riders Laverty and Savadori, a great one for De Rosa, seventh across the line with Althea BMW. Torres was also running a great race, but his bike gave up in the final stages, while he was lying second.

After several crashes, the points zone is rounded out by Krummenacher with the Puccetti Kawasaki, Mercado with the Iodaracing Aprilia, Bradl on the Honda CBR and the Grillini riders Badovini and Jezek, 11th and 12th across the line.

Championship standings: Rea 296, Sykes 256, Davies 185.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Translated by Heather Watson
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