Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

South African Grand Prix 250cc Results:

1. Marco Melandri, Aprilia, 42:52.972, 26 laps
2. Franco Battaini, Aprilia, +2.962 seconds
3. Fonsi Nieto, Aprilia, +5.213 seconds
4. Roberto Rolfo, Honda, +6.290 seconds
5. Roberto Locatelli, Aprilia, +6.675 seconds
6. Randy De Puniet, Aprilia, +8.102 seconds
7. Emilio Alzamora, Honda, +22.571 seconds
8. Sebastian Porto, Yamaha, +24.171 seconds
9. Alex Debon, Aprilia, +28.161 seconds
10. David Checa, Aprilia, +36.261 seconds
11. Naoki Matsudo, Yamaha, +47.211 seconds
12. Jay Vincent, Honda, +47.886 seconds
13. Haruchika Aoki, Honda, +53.106 seconds
14. Dirk Heidolf, Aprilia, +62.767 seconds
15. Leon Haslam, Honda, +64.093 seconds
16. Toni Elias, Aprilia, +73.435 seconds
17. Jarno Janssen, Honda, + 1 lap


More, from an Aprilia press release:

MS Aprilia Racing Press Information
2002 MotoGP World Championship
Welkom (RSA) 19/20/21 April 2002
250 Class – Sunday 21 April

Sensational victory for Marco Melandri at Welkom

Three Aprilia 250s on the podium.

A clean win by Marco “Macio” Melandri whose roar was heard loud and clear in the land of lions. Three Aprilia 250s on the rostrum: Battaini 2nd, Nieto 3rd. The last time Aprilia made a clean sweep of the podium was in Barcelona, 1998 (Rossi-Harada-Capirossi).

Marco built up his victorious strategy with a shrewd choice of race tyres – very hard on both front and rear. To this he added a great launch off the line and a gradual build-up which enabled him to increase his lead over the pack with stunning perseverance, until he was over eight seconds clear. Once he had a good gap, Marco just had to think about keeping his cool and concentration right the way through to the chequered flag.

This is Macio’s second victory in the 250 class, which he adds to another seven victories in 125.

Marco Melandri # 3 (MS APRILIA RACING) – 1st – 42’38.066

“Hard tyres for the race and a fast start: after three laps I realised I could move out ahead and gradually build up to make my escape. The most important thing in the second half of the race was to keep up my concentration, and indeed I lowered my pace even though the tyres would have let me stay down at 1′ 37” . I wanted to keep my advantage under control and, at this point, I decided on a “tactical” race. The bike and engine were as generous as ever, even though it felt like I had 500 revs less when I got onto the track, but then it cleaned out and everything went fine. It was hot and the tyres slipped, but I had no problems. I’m really happy: this result has paid off a lot of hard work I did this winter preparing for the championship. I made an enormous effort, so I think I’ll dedicate this important victory to myself. The entire team did a fantastic job. A lot of work was done during the test sessions over the past few days, and we sure saw the results today.”

Marco Melandri
Victories: 9 (2 –250) (7 – 125)
Poles: 7 (1 –250) (6 – 125)
Podiums: 31 (14 – 250) (17 – 125)