Melandri hounds Rossi at Laguna Seca image by tim huntington

Italian Marco Melandri had a huge weekend at Laguna Seca. Melandri earned the podium and it was announced he'll become a "Marlboro Man" next year.

But the weekend started out as a nightmare for the Gresini Honda rider. A Saturday morning crash after bumping an on-the-racing-line Kurtis Roberts left Marco tumbling in the Monterey dirt with an injured leg and plenty of bumps and bruises.

His biggest injury was described as a dislocated ankle.

But on Sunday, he rebounded. Melandri, racing a Honda on Bridgestones, ran down no less than Valentino Rossi and Dani Pedrosa to take third place in the race.

Because of his injuries, Melandri had to be carried to the post-race press conference.

The ride proved Melandri's toughness once again, but still took on larger meaning. Marco's complicated contract had a clause that activated a lucrative Marlboro Ducati ride if he managed a certain position in the points after Laguna Seca. After the race, Melandri stood tied for fourth in the standings and the Ducati deal for 2008 and 2009 was announced just minutes after the checkered flag waved.

After the race, Melandri called it one of the best days of his life. Soup agrees.