Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

250cc Grand Prix Race Results:

1. Toni Elias, Aprilia, 23 laps, 43:52.991
2. Marco Melandri, Aprilia, -0.175 seconds
3. Yuki Takahashi, Honda, -4.431 seconds
4. Fonsi Nieto, Aprilia, -8.200 seconds
5. Emilio Alzamora, Honda, -8.812 seconds
6. Roberto Rolfo, Honda, -9.826 seconds
7. Franco Battaini, Aprilia, -11.828 seconds
8. Sebastian Porto, Yamaha, -12.726 seconds
9. Roberto Locatelli, Aprilia, -26.167 seconds
10. Alex Debon, Aprilia, -32.236 seconds
11. Hiroshi Aoyama, Honda, -32.378 seconds
12. Katsuyuki Nakasuga, Yamaha, -39.383 seconds
13. Haruchika Aoki, Honda, -39.647 seconds
14. Ryuji Yokoe, Yamaha, -41.386 seconds
15. Jaroslav Hules, Yamaha, -46.952 seconds


From a press release issued by MS Aprilia:

Macio second by hair’s breadth in Motegi but firmly number one in World Championship ratings.


A thrilling 250 race with a last lap only for those free from any heart complaints. Marco Melandri defended his lead during the race, keeping his rivals at bay and only abdicating in the last lap to Aprilia-mounted Elias, though not without responding rapidly and with experience to two previous attacks. Marco’s double response did not however put off the young Spaniard, who managed to get the better of his opponent on the last attempt. Macio’s second place today boosts his advantage over Fonsi Nieto to 52 points in the riders’ championship. If he beats Fonsi in Malaysia, Macio will be the 2002 World Champion. The 600th race in the history of the 250 class, which first started in 1949, was won today by the Spaniard Toni Elias on Aprilia.

# 3 Marco Melandri – (MS APRILIA RACING) – 2nd – 43’53.166

“After the warm-up this morning, I was sure I’d be able to maintain a really fast pace during the race. Then during the initial stages of the race, I realised that, with the tank full, I’d worn down the tyres a lot. I was nervous and made a few mistakes but I wasn’t going to give in: I just tried to stay out in front and I gave it all I’d got right the way through to the end. I saw Elias coming up really determined and I closed all the holes he could have slipped through. In the last two laps, I also thought about the championship standings and I wasn’t going to ruin everything for a few seconds’ racing. I managed to get my own back after two attacks by Elias, but in the last corner, where you brake with the bike down, I was cautious. I was expecting Elias on the left but it turned out he was on the right. Pity I didn’t get victory – I must say I’m a bit sorry about that but I’m pleased for Toni. He’s a very fast and correct rider. I lost – but I still had lots of fun. Now I’ve just got to finish before Nieto does in Malaysia and I’ll have the world championship wrapped up. I’ve got some unfinished business with Malaysia: that’s where I lost the world championship in ‘99, so that’s where I’d like to get my own back. But if it’s not in Sepang, I’ll still have another two chances left.”