Marco Melandri: "I'm confident for the three races to go, this year the championship is very close"

The Italian rider is third in the World Championship, 32 points behind series leader

Marco arrives in Motegi strong motivated to repeat his success at Phillip Island. © Gresini Racing. After his great victory at Phillip Island - third of the season - Fausto Gresinis rider arrives to Motegi strong motivated and with 193 points in the World Championship standings, third behind series leader Nicky Hayden and countryman Valentino Rossi.
The Grand Prix of Japan is a special venue for the Honda riders, motivated to do their best on the Twin Ring Motegi circuit, owned by the Japanese Manufacturer.

Marco Melandri: "I'm very happy. After the incredible race at Phillip Island, that came just at the right time for me, I look forward to racing in Japan with the same enthusiasm. Thanks to the win, the third of the season, I jumped to the third position in the World Championship. I'm confident for the three races to go, this year the championship is very close and I think it will remain opened to the end. Last Sunday in Australia, l showed that I'm ready to be competitive in every situation and I want to give my best and fight for the podium every gp. I'm confident for the Japanese GP. I like the track, but first of all I think that it's important to keep on working well with the team and to have fun riding on my Honda bike. "

His team-mate Toni Elias is chasing for good result. After a good start of the season, and having missed three races because of bad injury in Assen, the Spaniard is now ready to fight for a good result.

Toni Elias: "Motegi is a track that I like and where I have got good results with two wins in 250cc class. I hope that we can finally get some good results and turn positively this complicated season. The team is doing a great job and my feeling with the bike is improving. At Motegi is very important to find a good set up of the bike. Because of the strong braking, it's important to have a good balance on the bike. The secret in fact is to find compromise between braking and acceleration."
(Gresini Racing)