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SBK, Melandri: At Phillip Island we'll be at the level of the Kawasakis

Marco reveals on presentation day: “Not having made any drastic changes has helped us, now I'm just missing the flying lap time”

SBK: Melandri: At Phillip Island we'll be at the level of the Kawasakis

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As if it were his first day at school. The emotion is clear to see on Marco Melandri's as the Ducati Aruba team unveils its new bike. The Italian is aware that this is too good an opportunity to let pass and he doesn't want to disappoint. In two week's time, in Australia, comes the first real test bench of the year

A long-awaited day. Can we call it that?

“Today I really feel like I'm back in Superbike. During the tests, there's always a calm atmosphere while today I'm starting to feel all that comes when you get closer to the race”.

How are things progressing with the Ducati?

“I had great sensations right from day one. It's never easy to start over, but I'm learning more and more about the bike, adapting it according to my needs. I'd say we're on the right track”.

Race pace is the toughest obstacle to overcome.

“I think we've grown, and physically I'm doing well and feel ready for the first two races. We'll be at a good level in Australia though we need to improve the flying lap. You don't want to start too far back and have to play catch-up”.

Many think you'll be straight on the podium. Do you think that's possible?

“I don't want to delude myself, but sensations are positive. I think we're all on the same level, also Kawasaki”.

You've said that Davies is the man to beat.

“In the final part of the season he was the most effective, though Rea preferred to manage the finale. Chaz will be tough this year, because he has great confidence in the bike".

How much has the Ducati changed since the first test?

Not making drastic changes has definitely helped, the bike is now balanced and offers good race pace. Maybe we're missing a little in terms of the flying lap compared to the Kawasaki”.

And Melandri?

I can better predict the bike's behaviour now. The team has satisfied all my requests, even if they perhaps seemed strange, seeing as I was out of practice. Perhaps the biggest new thing on the Panigale is the combination of engine and electronics”.

Alberto Vergani, Nolan boss and your manager, dreams of you emulating Checa in 2011

It would be great, but let's stay in the present. We're all starting out on the same level and anything can happen this year”.

How much has Melandri adapted to the Ducati and the Ducati to Melandri?

“I have to adapt to the bike in terms of the riding, particularly the changes of direction. The bike has definitely helped me in terms of the engine brake, given that my size means I have less load during braking. But we need to take more steps forward”.

The first two races are an unknown. Could Australia be a chance to surprise us?

It's a race, where anything can happen. The weather too is unpredictable; I want to take it day by day, with the aim of doing my best, without rushing”.    

 

 

Translated by Heather Watson
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