Perfection to chatter for bemused Melandri
Marco Melandri says he is 'disappointed' to be only fifth on the World Superbike Championship grid at Motorland Aragon having looked a strong favourite for the top spot throughout free practice and Superpole.
The Italian had been quickest after the first day of action on Friday and went on to consolidate his status as the man to beat by setting a new new lap record during Q2. Going on to beat his benchmark again during SP2, Melandri appeared odds-on for a first BMW pole position ahead of the deciding SP3 phase.
However, a switch to the second qualifying tyre would alter the characteristics of the BMW S1000RR, prompting an unexpected amount of chatter. With Melandri unable to ride around the problem, he would lap some five tenths down on his best from just minutes earlier, leaving him a frustrated fifth.
"I am disappointed, because the first qualifying tyre was working very well, but with the second one it was completely different and we struggled a lot. We had a lot of chatter and it was impossible to ride.
"Fortunately we have a good rhythm for the race. Of course it would have been better to start from the front row, but anyway, fifth place is okay. We will see what we can do in the races."