Gresini Racing Qatar test notes day two

DISAPPOINTING WINTER TESTS COME TO A CLOSE IN DOHA FOR TEAM SAN CARLO HONDA GRESINI, IN THREE WEEKS TIME THE SEASON BEGINS AT THE SAME LOSAIL CIRCUIT IN QATAR

It was another difficult day for the riders and crew of Team San Carlo Honda Gresini. Marco Melandri continued his attempts to understand and interpret his new Honda RC212V but he was unable to find the right path to go on, eventually suffering a slight crash, which fortunately he escaped unharmed from although the bike was virtually destroyed. Marco Simoncelli suffered the same kinds of issues, trying all kinds of things but not finding a solution that allowed him to improve the rideability of his bike. Disappointment and worry are the main emotions just a few days before the first race, but the team is still convinced that their total commitment alongside Honda's support is going to be the only way to get out of a less than desirable situation.

Marco Melandri ( 64 laps 1' 57" 222) "I'm a bit bitter and disappointed because we've tried practically everything but nothing has helped us get on the right track. None of the changes gave encouraging results and our work was just being wasted. A crash further complicated things with the bike being completely wrecked. I don't think that it's just our problem though because I can see that virtually all the Honda riders have similar problems to us. The first race will soon be upon us and the current situation is quite worrying. We need total commitment all round to find the answers and overcome this tough moment."

Marco Simoncelli (56 laps 1' 57" 379) "It's been really hard work, we've tried all sorts of things but we haven't found one which helps us move forwards. At this clearly difficult moment in time I don't believe that my lack of experience in MotoGP is relevant. I can see that other Honda riders are also having more or less the same problems so I believe that together we must all roll up our sleeves to get out of this low point."

Fausto Gresini "I can do no more than confirm what I said yesterday: There's a lot of work still to do, it's not going to be easy but I am convinced that with the determination which sets us apart and the commitment from Honda we will find the right way. I'm obviously worried today and to see that despite all the work and the commitment from the technicians we have made no progress, I am quite disappointed. As always I still believe in Honda's prowess and its ability to react and I hope that it is decisive at this difficult moment."

-source: gresini racing