2010 is make or break, admits Marco Melandri

Marco Melandri has conceded 2010 could make or break his career.

The Italian reckons he’s got one last chance in the premier class after an appalling 2008 campaign with Ducati and the stress of Kawasaki’s shock withdrawal ahead of last season.

Back at the San Carlo Honda Gresini Honda squad, Melandri’s early bid for salvation has hardly been an overwhelming success.

Outside the top ten in the first winter test, Melandri was a lowly 13th at the recent Sepang test in Malaysia and a massive 1.8s off Valentino Rossi’s blistering pace.

Melandri told MCN: “It will be a very important season for me because now I am 27.

“I don’t know if it is my last chance, but I certainly can’t afford to make any mistakes. I don’t feel any pressure and if I’m not so fast now I’m not worried now because it is only testing.

“I still feel motivated a lot because everybody knows it has been a very difficult two years for me.

“I want to be back on the podium and I feel confident.”