Melandri amazed to be fit for qualifying

The Honda Gresini rider suffered a spectacular highside just 15 minutes into the session, but after medical checks he was able to rejoin with ten minutes to go.

Melandri could not race at the last race in Brno after sustaining a discal hernia in his neck between Friday practice sessions. He had also suffered injuries in qualifying at Laguna Seca in July.

"Being here after this morning is like a dream for me," Melandri told Italia1 television. "I think that was one of the worst crashes in my life.

"This afternoon was a bit difficult. Even before falling I wasn't comfortable on the bike. After the fall the situation worsened also in the lower part of my body, with the legs struggling more to ride the bike."

Melandri managed to set the 12th fastest time today, 1.318 seconds behind pole-setter Casey Stoner.

"It went quite well overall," added the Italian. "I had a good run with the racing tyres: a high (one minute) 35, not far off the best.

"While with the qualifiers I couldn't express myself: I couldn't get the bike to turn at the front. It's a shame, I will start from a bit behind, but the objective for me tomorrow is to finish the race.

"If things keep going this way I'll sell my motorhome and just move into Clinica Mobile! It's a difficult moment: I've been having a tough month and a half. I've seen more hospitals, clinics and doctors than holiday homes.

"There's still more to come, but I'm lucky to be able to race tomorrow. I'll spend the evening in Clinica Mobile with Dr Costa.

"Let's hope we'll be able to show some pride for three quarters of an hour tomorrow and take a step forward in the championship table. I think that's within my possibilities.

"But it's not easy: physically today I was very tired after 15 laps after two months of doing nothing. This is not the home race of my dreams, but we must take what we have and look ahead."