Marco Melandri: Phillip Island's power slide prince

The official Australian Grand Prix podcast In the Fast Lane has released its latest episode, featuring former MotoGP™ rider Marco Melandri.

Melandri joined In the Fast Lane co-hosts Matt Clayton and Chris Vermeulen, to discuss his take on 2021’s MotoGP™ championship and relive his iconic 2006 power slide at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit.

With this year’s MotoGP™ season at the half-way mark, Melandri shared his tip on which rider he will come out on top.

“I think he (Quartararo) knows himself, that he will be the strongest rider for the championship. I think he can only lose to himself,” said Melandri.

While Quartararo is certainly well placed, the five-time premier class champion admitted the 2021 season isn’t over just yet, adding there are plenty of riders chomping at the bit to dethrone the Frenchman.

“I really like Miguel Oliveira, for me this guy is amazing talent. He is so smart and he has very big determination.”

Melandri enjoyed an incredible career, one that’s etched in history after he pulled off a dramatic power slide as he celebrated his win at the 2006 Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix – much to the commiseration of In the Fast Lane host, Chris Vermeulen, who came a close second.

“When I was there it was like dream because a wet tyre and almost dry track, it was so easy to spin and very long corner … the bike was very stable, so it was quite easy,” said Melandri.

“When I did it I was screaming because I was happy, first for the win but because I was doing an epic slide,” he continued.

The podcast is available on Spotify, Google Podcasts and Apple Podcasts platforms.