WSBK: Confident Melandri Prepares For BMW Challenge
BMW Motorrad Motorsport is still looking for their first World Superbike race win but expectations are higher than ever now that Marco Melandri has joined the effort.
Media Release
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Posted February 14, 2012
(Press Released Issued by BMW Motorrad Motorsport)
BMW Motorrad Motorsport's Marco Melandri (Photo: BMW Motorrad Motorsport)
The new BMW Motorrad factory rider Marco Melandri is counting the weeks until the FIM Superbike World Championship’s 2012 season starts. After all the preparations over the winter, the 29-year-old Italian is now looking forward to his first season with BMW Motorrad Motorsport. The first races will be held on 26th February in Phillip Island. In an interview, Melandri speaks about the team, the BMW S 1000 RR, the co-operation with team mate, Leon Haslam, and his personal strengths.
How long did it take you to feel comfortable within BMW Motorrad Motorsport?
Marco Melandri: “For sure, it takes some time to get to know each other, but from my side we have actually got off to a very good start. I find the atmosphere in the factory very positive, and everybody has tried to work even harder than before. And from my side it is the same, so I really liked it. We know it will be a big challenge, and we know we need to keep up with the other guys. But we will do that. I am very happy to be here.”
What were your first impressions of the team?
Melandri: “That it was very big! That was a bit unusual for me in the beginning. But now we are all working together, and trying to use the full potential of all the resources and people available to us.”
What are your thoughts on the BMW S 1000 RR?
Melandri: “I am happy with it. Before I tested it for the first time, some people made me very scared because I had some bad experiences with the Ducati in 2008. When I jumped on the bike for the first time I discovered some difficult areas, but I was also pleasantly surprised by many of its positives. During the test with the 2011 bike I saw that it is a ‘normal’ bike without any pitfalls. We just need to take the pieces and put them together in the best way to provide the optimal package. Of course it was a lot of work over the winter, and we will see how long it takes us to have this optimal package. However, I am happy about the bike and about how it feels, so I am very confident. I think good confidence is the only thing a rider needs to be fast.”
