Going Back to MotoGP Not An Option - Melandri

Many pundits have argued last year that Marco Melandri's move from the MotoGP championship to the World Superbikes has been a step forward for the Italian rider. However, at only his second outing in the WSBK, the former 250cc champion became a race winner and rediscovered his passion for racing, something that he regards as much more important than just being part of the MotoGP field.

“I feel the atmosphere is very human, on track there is a big battle, but off the track the riders get on well and the contact with the fans is open,” said Melandri in an interview with crash.net, as he became the 3rd high-ranked MotoGP rider to make the transition from the MotoGP to the WSBK, following similar moves from Max Biaggi and Carlos Checa.

“I also find the bike more competitive than I thought it would be. When I was in MotoGP I was looking at World Superbikes, and now I am here I will watch every MotoGP race, but after Qatar I can't say I was missing it. To stay there to be a number was not a good reason to stay – I didn't have any more fun riding the bike.”

At only his second round in the WSBK, at Donington Park, Melandri scored his first win in the series and then continued his good run with a runner-up spot in Race 2. It was the first time the Italian had felt the taste of winning in motorcycle racing in the past 5 years, since his MotoGP win at Phillip Island, in 2006.

“Here, I find good motivation again and everyday when I wake up, I feel even stronger. I feel like I am back and I have the adrenaline,” he added, while making it clear that he won't return to the MotoGP anytime soon. And even if he does, it will only happen with a factory team, not riding for a satellite squad.