Toni Elias - Indianapolis 2010
Toni Elias (Gresini Racing Moto2, Moriwaki) may have wrapped up the first MotoGP World Championship at the recent Malaysian GP, but there is still plenty of racing to be done in the fast and furious intermediate category. Elias will certainly want to be back on the podium in front of his Spanish fans, after finishing outside the top three in Australia and Malaysia. And then there is his compatriot Julian Simon (Mapfre Aspar Team, Suter) who had been knocking on the door of his first Moto2 win for months – the Spaniard has already scored seven podiums, including four consecutive second-place finishes – and is determined to climb the top step before the season is done.
Simon is locked in an intense contest for the championship runner-up spot with Andrea Iannone (Fimmco Speed Up, Speed Up) who scored his seventh podium at Phillip Island. The impressive Italian has already won three Moto2 races this year, so there is no doubt that he will have winning pace at these final races. The man on form in Phillip Island was Alex De Angelis (JIR Moto2, Motobi) who took pole position and the win in what was only his fifth race with the JIR squad. So far this year the San Marino rider has ridden for three different teams in two different categories, and finally it seems he has found the rich vein of form he deserves.
Gresini Racing Moto2 rider Toni Elias says:
“It was a difficult weekend at Phillip Island because we were held back by a mystery gearbox problem. The team worked really hard to fix it but the problem persisted throughout the race. It was a shame because I had a great feeling with the bike but couldn’t make the most of it. I was disappointed after the race but also happy because I still had a good race and a great last lap. I am sure we will make up for it at Estoril, where I took a MotoGP win that will forever remain in my heart. After the celebrations that were put on for me in my home town of Manresa I want to do the title justice in Portugal. I want to do the thing I was unable to do in Australia and I will tackle it with the same determination as always and with the continued support of a fantastic team.”
Mapfre Aspar Team rider Julian Simon says:
“Phillip Island wasn’t as easy race after I had crashed in warm-up, but we finished fourth, just behind Iannone, so we didn’t lose too many points to him. That means that we still have a very good chance of taking the runner-up spot in the championship, so you can sure we will keep fighting till the very end. Estoril is a tricky track and it also looks like the weather will not be perfect this weekend. We will keep our heads down, keep working hard and do our best to score out first win in Moto2.”
Fimmco Speed Up rider Andrea Iannone says:
“These last two races will be a lot of fun – everyone wants to finish the year well. We have had some great results, but of course we always want more and we will be doing everything in our powers to score a fourth win at Estoril. The good thing is that I know that I can rely upon my team to work hard and do a great job this weekend.”
Interwetten Moriwaki Moto2 rider Thomas Luthi says:
“I was looking forward so much to be back home after the long trip outside of Europe. Estoril is the first of the last two races and I hope that other than in the last races I can collect some more points in these two races. Estoril and Valencia for me is like one race. It is the big finale and I have no idea what is waiting for us there. I really hope we can get in front a little bit more. I am looking forward to these last two races.”
