BRNO, A NOT-TO-BE-MISSED CLASSIC Following the summer break, the world motor-racing circus will launch into what looks set to be a particularly demanding second phase of the championship. Team Movistar Honda MotoGP arrives at Brno secure in the knowledge that it is the top Honda team in the championship. Its two riders, Marco Melandri and Sete Gibernau, hold second and third place respectively on the championship leader board. LOOKING TOWARDS BRNO Sete Gibernau will be taking a few weeks of R&R, dividing his time between Switzerland and the sea before hitting the race track again. The second part of the championship begins in Brno, a track that has put the vice-champion of the world on the podium two years running. In 2003 Sete Gibernau came second while 2004 saw him ride to victory in what was one the most memorable races of his career. “The summer break was short but intense. I spent the first week in Turkey then I returned to Switzerland to carry on the physical training. I needed the break to recharge the batteries and to come back to work with full energy. I look forward to racing and having fun in riding the bike. I’m confident for Brno, a circuit that I like. Last year I won on this track and disputed one of my best races of the season. The 2004 triumph on this track together with the good feelings I had during the German GP before the summer break make me look positively. I’m feeling strong physically and mentally. Now we just have to work to get the results.” So onwards and upwards to Brno, then, where Sete Gibernau hopes to repeat last year’s performance one of the most breathtaking of the world championship. SETE GIBERNAU AND THE BRNO CIRCUIT “Brno is one of my favourite circuits because it’s fast and technical and lets you make the most of engine power. The track is characterised by a series of dips and rises, steep uphill sections, sweeping downhill sections, great chicanes, high-speed and low-speed zones. It’s one of the most complete race tracks there is. Another distinct feature is the final section, which has a steep rise with two chicanes – a very slow one and another, faster one that leads into the home straight. But it’s the stadium section I like best, with its double right-hand bend followed by a left-hander. The surface gives good grip. Several places are good for overtaking, but not at the end of the main straight because the corner is a fast one: it’s best to overtake on the next chicane or, even better, the penultimate bend before the rise. I’ve always liked the Brno track: the layout’s great and I’ve always got good results here. My best memory? The 2004 victory, of course!” RESTARTING FROM BRNO The vacation has come at just the right time for Marco Melandri, giving him a well-deserved summertime rest following months of intensive work. “A break was just what I wanted. I just needed to take it real easy and recharge my batteries. So after months of practice and full-on concentration I took a week’s holiday on the Greek island of Mykonos, a place where relaxation comes easy and the people are wonderful.” While still on the island, on Sunday 7th August Marco Melandri celebrated his 23rd birthday together with the inseparable Eddi Bosi and two other close friends. And the party continued in Italy where, on 14th August, Marco celebrated his birthday with all his friends and the members of his fan club at Mirabilandia beach. There was plenty of music and enjoyment. Marco also put in a stint as DJ: it’s no secret that he and his friends have a long-standing passion for deejaying. Needless to say the members of team Gresini were there to have a great night out with their rider. “I’m now readier than ever and can’t wait to race at Brno. I love the track and it holds good memories for me, the best of which dates back to 2002 when I celebrated my sixth consecutive win of the season, the year I took the 250 title”, comments Marco. MARCO MELANDRI COMMENTS ON THE BRNO TRACK “Brno is technical and complete, with frequent uphill and downhill sections, fast curves and some slower sections (especially the mixed zone between bends 6 and 10). It’s tough and tests both riders and bikes to the limit. A good set-up is essential because frame, engine and tyres are all under intense pressure. Here, you need to produce a smooth, clean ride that follows a perfect racing line because the track is very wide. I really like this circuit. It exhilarates the pure power of MotoGP and, like Sepang, is fast and furious, with sixth gear being engaged twice. Wide, with sweeping curves that let you spread the gears between one bend and another, there are plenty of places to overtake too. My favourite tract is the last chicane.” Marco Melandri has already tasted victory at Brno: he’s won three times and has also come second: the wins came in 1998 and 1999 in 125, followed by a second-place result in 2001 (class 250) and the win in 2002 (class 250). THE TRACK – TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS Name of circuit: Brno Built: 1987 Last modification 1996 Length: 5,403 m Width: 15 m Pole position: on the left Right-hand bends: 6 Left-hand bends: 8 Longest straight: 636 m RECORDS: Track record: 2004 Barros (Honda) 1:59.302 Pole position: 2003 Biaggi (Honda) 1:58.769 Race 2004: 1st Gibernau (Honda) 2nd Rossi (Yamaha) 3rd Biaggi (Honda)