It has been confirmed by the Honda Gresini team that Italy’s Marco Melandri will be leaving the outfit at the end of the current season, which has proven to be a difficult campaign for both parties.
Currently joint ninth in the World Championship, Melandri rejoined Gresini for the start of 2009 after first competing with the outfit between 2005 and 2007. However, this year has been a tough one which was only hindered by the 28-year-old’s accident in the Dutch TT at Assen.
“It was a difficult decision because this is the best team I have worked with in my career,” he said, “but I felt that I needed a new challenge and the genuine opportunity to be back fighting for wins and podiums led me to make this choice.
“It will be a big change for me but I would like to thank Fausto and everybody else at Team San Carlo Honda Gresini for the opportunity they gave me this season; unfortunately it hasn't worked out as we hoped but there are still plenty of races left this season and we will be doing our best.”
“I would like to thank Marco for this season on behalf of myself, our sponsors and everybody who works with the team,” added Team Principal Fausto Gresini. “I'm glad that we were able to spend another season together because we are great friends and I hope that we can achieve the results that have eluded us so far in what remains of the championship.
“I encourage him to take on his next challenge with great determination and I am sure he can be as successful there as he was with us in 2005, 2006 and 2007.”
Further development:
Melandri confirmed by Yamaha in World Superbikes
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