Elias: “I’m excited and feel very strong”

Monday, 8 February 2010

The Spanish rider has recently completed a spell of training in the Pyrenees as part of his preparations for the new Moto2 season, and has visited the Team Gresini facility in Italy.

Toni Elías starts a new chapter in his career in 2010 with the move to the new Moto2 category, having spent five seasons in the premier class. Elías finished a career best of seventh in MotoGP in 2009, but was unable to retain his place in the elite class and will now compete in the 600cc 4-stroke Championship with the Gresini set-up.

At nearly 27 years old, Elías is looking forward to the challenge that awaits him, and told motogp.com: “I am excited at this year’s project and I feel very strong.”

Elías has spent a few days in the Catalán Pyrenees as part of his winter training programme, and besides motocross his physical preparations in the snow have helped with his pre-season efforts.

After his time in the mountains Elías travelled to the Team Gresini headquarters in Faenza, Italy, for further pre-season work, and also to meet the members of his new team who will aid him in his challenge for the Moto2 World Championship.

Despite the new Moriwaki MD600 prototype having been delivered to the Gresini HQ in early January, it is still awaiting its final assembly. Elías will be present at the Montmelo test from February 17-19, although he may have to wait until the scheduled Valencia test in early March to first ride the MD600.

Alongside Elías in the Gresini box will be Russian rider Vladimir Ivanov. Elías said of his team-mate: “We will know more after the first test. I hope my experience can help him, and if needed that it can help him adapt to the World Championship as quickly as possible, as with the team.”