Tyre boost for Melandri

Marco Melandri has praised Bridgestone’s front tyre after his shock winter switch from Michelin.

The Gresini Honda rider has added to the many plaudits of the Bridgestone front, which has a reputation for being the Japanese manufacturers major advantage over rivals Michelin.

Michelin’s response to try and bridge the gap has seen them begin intensive development work on a new 16-inch front tyre, but Melandri said: “When I tested the 990 on Bridgestone’s in Valencia I really enjoyed the front tyre. I didn’t really have a good feeling with the front forks last season but with this bike I really like it in the fast corners. 

“I know all of the time what the front is going to do, I have more confidence and more feedback.”