Elías tests Gresini Moriwaki Moto2 bike

This week’s post-Gran Premio Generali de la Comunitat Valenciana test in Valencia has seen a number of riders trying new material and new machines, with Toni Elías joining in the practice sessions at the Ricardo Tormo circuit courtesy of Fausto Gresini, who has given him the chance to try a new Gresini Moriwaki Moto2 prototype.

Despite finishing seventh this year in the final MotoGP standings Elías has been unable to hold on to his San Carlo Honda Gresini ride in the premier class, due to the arrival of Marco Simoncelli and the return of Marco Melandri to the satellite team, but there is a possibility that Elías could rider for Gresini in the new Moto2 class in 2010.

In collaboration with Japanese firm Moriwaki, Gresini have been testing their Moto2 prototype with test rider Xavier Simeon this week at Valencia and on Tuesday afternoon Elías also tried out the machine.

After his first session with the bike, Elías said of his future, “It is not clear yet, we are negotiating, but I have a contract with the Gresini team until the end of November.” Referring to the test in general, he continued, “Fausto has given me the opportunity to try the Moto2 bike on Tuesday and Wednesday just for my information and for the information of Moriwaki. I really enjoyed it, the bike is slower than MotoGP but it is fun and it has been a good experience.”

Team boss Gresini said on Tuesday, “In Moto2 we did some more tests this morning with Simeon to allow him more time on the bike and to see how good the kid is, and then in the afternoon we let Elías out on it, having signed a pre-contract agreement with him until the end of November. He was pleased to ride the bike and his lap time was good. Obviously it is not a MotoGP bike, but I have to say that he is approaching the project with enthusiasm.”