Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

250cc Grand Prix Race Results:

1. Marco Melandri, Aprilia, 41:40.377
2. Roberto Rolfo, Honda, -2.193 seconds
3. Fonsi Nieto, Aprilia, -2.689 seconds
4. Randy De Puniet, Aprilia, -2.950 seconds
5. Franco Battaini, Aprilia, -4.538 seconds
6. Casey Stoner, Aprilia, -23.101 seconds
7. Naoki Matsudo, Yamaha, -23.215 seconds
8. Shahrol Yuzy, Yamaha, -23.374 seocnds
9. Emilio Alzamora, Honda, -24.586 seconds
10. Toni Elias, Aprilia, -30.721 seconds
11. Haruchika Aoki, Honda, -37.908 seconds
12. David Checa, Aprilia, -38.456 seconds
13. Alex Debon, Aprilia, -40.607 seconds
14. Hugo Marchand, Aprilia, -60.034 seconds
15. Raul Jara, Aprilia, -62.087 seconds


More, from Aprilia:

Marco Melandri reigns supreme at Catalunya – now even closer to Championship lead


Riding out ahead, Marco Melandri made his third victory this season, the fourth in his 250 career. Macio took the lead from the first corner and from then on never surrendered it to anyone. As from the 13th lap, he pulled out ahead and left his rivals without any hope. Today’s victory comes just a few days after his equally fantastic first place at Mugello, and gives him more precious points: he is now just six short of the top spot in the World Championship ratings. The Ravenna-born rider made a fine show of strength and character and, together with the technicians, found the solutions he needed to dominate a race which, in extreme weather conditions, was by no means easy to negotiate.

# 3 Marco Melandri – (MS APRILIA RACING) – 1st – 41’40.377

“I tried to go flat out right from the first few laps: I was trying to get down to one minute 38, but I didn’t make it straight away. Then I upped the ante and saw that no one else could catch up with me. So I realised it was time to make my attack – I really needed to look after my front tyre because the rear one was sliding anyway. We did a lot of good work after Mugello – on the suspension too – which meant we were able to make best use of the tyres. We’re beginning to get results, and the bike’s OK now so I feel it’s closer to me and I can ride much better and more effectively. Once again, as I was sweating it out in the heat today, I thought of what the president, Beggio, told me at Mugello: “just try to have fun, keep your cool and do your race”. I’d like to dedicate this victory to the whole team and to the technicians – they’ve done a really grand job – but to myself as well.”