Melandri signs for Gresini's Telefonica Movistar Honda team

[rorlow]

Melandri signs for Gresini
News, 10/11/04

Marco Melandri will contest the 2005 MotoGP World Championship on a Honda RC211V after today agreeing a deal with the Telefonica Movistar Honda team run by Fausto Gresini. The former 250cc World Champion has signed a one year contract with an option for a second season and will get his first taste of the V5 machine in a three-day test at Jerez on the 24th November.

“I’m happy to join this new family, I’ve been waiting this moment for long time and we have worked hard to reach this deal,” said Melandri, who replaces Colin Edwards as team-mate to Sete Gibernau. “Now I feel more calm and confident and I’m looking forward to this new challenge with enthusiasm.

“Already I feel that something has changed in my mind, I’m very motivated and really looking forward to riding the new bike in order to discover the potential of the RC211V and the professionalism of Gresini’s team.”

Melandri, who is line to receive an award from the Italian Olympic Committee on Thursday in recognition of his 250cc World Championship success in 2002, will this weekend be one of several MotoGP stars competing in a supermoto, rally and kart competition organised by Graziano Rossi in Pesaro.

[EliminatorR1]

i love rider trade-ins.... Melandri for Edwards. Neway.. next year you'll see me wearing a special team shirt half yamaha and half honda to local motogp event. Why? cuz I'm a big fan of sete and edwards. Since I'm torn on what team shirt to wear to the event... I decided to cut my Telefonica honda shirt in half and sew it with the gauloises yamaha shirt that I have. gonna look like shit but I'm happy....