MotoGP – Preview Sepang – Melandri: "It's important to choose the right tyres"

Here in Sepang in the February tests he brought up the issue of tyres, with Michelin which at the time seemed to have an exaggerated feeling with Yamaha when compared with Honda. The tires will play a fundamental role in the Malaysian Grand Prix, and Marco Melandri knows this well, still in the running for the championship where he remains one of the most credible contenders after the splendid finale of the 2005 season...

“Right now it's important to face every single race as best as possible, trying to do your best”, this is Melandri's thought. “I'm happy to go racing in Malaysia, a beautiful, technical circuit, among the most difficult in the world championship for MotoGP because there are very long corners. When I think of Malaysia, I think of the heat, of a track with little grip, where it slides a lot. The athletic preparation of the drivers certainly makes the difference for the Malaysian event and in this sense I can say I'm calm because training is one of my strong points. I usually cycle, do cross and supermotard alternating with the gym where I prepare specifically for the characteristics of the track that we face from time to time. Now we have three races in a row on very different tracks but I'm not worried, I like racing and I can't wait to get back on my RC211V. Last year I ran here with 35 stitches in my foot and therefore it cannot be considered an indicative race. However, I am confident because our bike has a good set-up that allows me to be consistent on every track. Given the high temperatures and the conditions of the asphalt, the choice of tire will be fundamental"