Melandri settling back in at Gresini

After a two-year absence, Marco Melandri was again aboard the RC212V for San Carlo Honda Gresini at the Ricardo Tormo Circuit earlier this week.

Starting his preparations for the 2010 season with the test at Valencia, Melandri worked with the Gresini crew as he enjoyed a productive three days, setting a best lap of 1’32.936 in the final session and outlining his targets for next year.

“At the start I though we had a problem with the setting but on reflection it was probably more to do with the fact we were on a used hard tyre,” said Melandri of his final day’s work. “When we put a fresh one on the bike felt unbalanced but I still managed to improve my lap time. Anyway, I'm happy because we have been able to gather a lot of useful data that will help us in a variety of circumstances during the season ahead. It has been a good three days - not easy but we have worked well and now I just hope that the new bike works and adapts well to the new tyres because my objective is to be back challenging for the podium.”

Simoncelli, who gained valuable track time following his move up from the 250cc class, was also pleased with how his time had been spent.

“My confidence in the bike is increasing even though I still don't feel totally comfortable - especially in braking into the first part of the corner and then getting out of the corner, although I think the main problem is in braking,” he explained. “All in all I am satisfied because I've been setting the lap times on my own out there. I have also learned a lot over the three days about the working methods in this category and have also developed a good relationship with the Honda engineers - they are very open and honest with their thoughts and equally open to listen to yours. It is a good way to work towards joint success and I think we are all pulling in the same direction.”