As Melandri works on the stability of the bike
All the main MotoGP teams went to work at the Jerez circuit in what is the final test session of the 2006 pre-season.
It will be to this same circuit on March 26 that they all return for the opening round of the 2006 championship.
Fine conditions meant that the Fortuna Honda riders could make full use of this first day of the IRTA test that is being held in Southern Spain.

It was a very positive day for Toni Elias who spent the day working on various different aspects f his Honda RC211V. The young Spaniard made progress throughout and noticeably improved his cornering speed as the day wore on. His excellent work meant he finished the day as the fifth fastest rider on the circuit, posting a best lap of 1`41.680.

Team-mate Marco Melandri spent his day concentrating his efforts on improving the suspension and stability of his bike.

Toni Elias ( 95 laps, 1`41”680, 5th fastest lap) : “Today we centred our work on the suspension and also did some tests with different tyres. We adapted the base set-up we found at Montmelo and made the necessary changes for this circuit. The progress we made allowed me to lap in the 1`41`s for most of the day. Tomorrow we will continue our work on the set-up of the bike. I am satisfied with the work that the Michelin staff are doing and am sure we will take another step forward tomorrow.”

Marco Melandri ( 88 laps, 1`42”106, 12th fastest lap) : “We are trying a number of different settings with the aim of obtaining as much as possible so that we can go into the first GP of the season with real confidence. Together with the Michelin staff we are doing a good job. We have tried different tyres whilst also working on the suspension we need. The bike is working much better than last week.”

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