melandri2_wdr_3r.jpgMarco Melandri got his first chance to ride the new Honda RC212V today at Jerez de la Frontera, in Spain but the test session was interrupted by the rain that started to fall around 1.00 p.m.

The Italian rider spent the morning fitting himself to the new riding position and learning what he could about the chassis and suspension of machine. He managed to make only 10 laps on dry conditions. Nevertheless the rain offered the team ideal conditions to test the bike with Bridgestone tyres on the wet.

Marco, who at the beginning of the November underwent an arm surgery , was impressed with his debut on the RC212V.

Marco Melandri (1’44”40 - 36 laps. 10 dry laps, 24 wet) - “My initial impression of the new bike is favourable. It was a good day even if it rained. The bike is so much different to the 990cc but I like it. In particular I like the riding position and the driveability. Compared to the 990cc, the 800cc changes direction so much better. I only got in about 10 laps in the dry before the rain came then I completed 24 laps on wet conditions. I felt good also on the wet surface with the Bridgestone tyres. We have two more days and I hope it stays dry because I have to learn as much as possible about this bike, we need many laps during the winter tests.”

melandri2_wdr_3r.jpg

Unofficial lap times:
1. Valentino Rossi, Yamaha: 1m 41.745s
2. John Hopkins, Suzuka: 1m 42.161s.
3. Colin Edwards, Yamaha: 1m 42.293s.
4. Dani Pedrosa, Repsol Honda: 1m 44.030s.
5. Loris Capirossi, Ducati: 1m 44.307s.
6. Chris Vermeulen, Suzuki: 1m 44.394s.
7. Marco Melandri, Gresini Honda: 1m 44.40s.
8. Casey Stoner, Ducati: 1m 45.574s.
9. Shinya Nakano, Konica Minolta Honda: 1m 46.200s.
10. Jeremy McWilliams, Ilmor SRT: 1m 47.216s.

Press release courtesy of Gresini Honda.