Good Start For Melandri and Elias With Bridgestone Tyres in Valencia - November 1st 2006

After the announcement of the agreement between Gresini Racing and Bridgestone Corporation last Monday, today Marco Melandri and Toni Elias tested their RC211V on Bridgestone tyres at Circuit Ricardo Tormo in Valencia.

Both Gresini Honda riders were very satisfied of the first day of testing and look forward to testing soon the new 800 cc on Bridgestone tyres.

Marco Melandri (1'32"90, 67 laps): "It was an interesting day. Unfortunately I was sick because of food poisoning and I could not ride at my best, but I couldn't miss the test. I was surprise by the new tyres, they are quite different from the ones we have used so far but I'm very happy of this choice. The behaviour of the bike changes a lot and the feeling was good. I could ride smoothly as I like. In particular, I had a good feeling in the middle of the corner. I found a good cooperation with the tyres technicians. Now I look forward to see how the new tyres will behave with the 800cc, but I'm confident because the start was very good. There are all elements to make a good work in the pre-season in preparation of 2007 season".

Toni Elias (1'32"73, 87 laps): "I'm satisfied of this first day of testing. Now it's too early to make a comparison with the tyres we used during the season but the start was good. I made many laps in a row in low 1'33" and also the single lap time was good. There is a lot of work to do but I'm confident. I look forward to test the new 800cc in Sepang middle of November. It will be an interesting test".