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What do riders do over the winter break? They race! Motorcycle riders simply cannot do without the roar of an engine and after seeing Rossi, Marini, Pasini and Locatelli busy last week at the Monza Rally Show, today it was another rider’s turn to experience the thrill of a race car. At the Bologna Motor Show, Marco Melandri was one of the Nascar Whelen Euro Series protagonists.
In fact, the team Aruba rider participated in the Angelo Caffi Trophy at the wheel of a Chevrolet powered by a Ford engine. The Italian was doubtlessly one of the participants who was expected to do well and he did not disappoint, managing to get through to the finals, where he lost out only to the Roman, Lorenzo Marcucci: “It was a fun experience – the rider commented – This car is like social media: no filters. Besides the engine, the gearbox and the tyres, there are no electronics, so it’s up to the driver to manage it.”
Melandri took the opportunity to make a few comments on the recently concluded season: “It was my first year in Superbike with Ducati – he reminded – I managed to win a race and almost brought home a second victory, so I couldn’t have asked for better – he added – I am convinced that 2018 will be more profitable.”
However, the Italian does not like the new rule that requires a reduction in engine rpm: “It is a low blow for us – he admitted – With 2000 rpm less, our bike becomes a two-stroke for all intents and purposes compared to the 4-cylinders. This means that we have a lot of work to do, since we are severely lacking in terms of torque and low rpm.”
