Elias and Ivanov confirmed in Gresini Moto2 entry
Added on Monday, January 18th, 2010 by Carole Nash Editor
Elias and Ivanov confirmed in Gresini Moto2 entry
Toni Elias and Russian rookie Vladimir Ivanov have been confirmed as Gresini’s rider line-up for the 2010 Moto2 championship.
Elias, who rode in MotoGP with Gresini Honda last season, has dropped down to the Moto2 championship after the team managed to put together the financial package to run in the inaugural championship that will replace the 250cc class.
Ivanov will make his debut on the world stage and brings some pedigree in 600cc race series’, with wins Russian Supersport titles in 2003 and 2004 under his belt. He has also made an impression in the Italian Supersport series in 2009 and finished second in the German equivalent in 2008.
The pair will use a Moriwaki MD 600 in the championship in 2010.
“I am very pleased to continue racing with Team Gresini because it is like a family to me,” said Elias. “Alongside Moriwaki we are beginning a new adventure in Moto2. We are extremely confident about the project and we will all work with great determination to get the maximum results possible.”
“It is a great moment for me to be joining Team Gresini’s Moto2 project because it is one of the most prestigious teams in the World Championship,” added Ivanov. “I have lots of experience on a Supersport bike and actually rode one last year in the Italian Championship so I am sure that will help me go fast on the Moto2. I am very excited to be riding alongside such an experience rider as Toni Elias and I can’t wait to get out on track. Hopefully I can compete for some good results.”
Team manager Fausto Gresini added: “The Moto2 project is very interesting for our team and we are looking forward to working closely with MoriwakiI. I am really pleased to be going into such a new project with an experienced rider in Toni Elias and a rookie in Vladimir Ivanov. Having Toni as our lead rider is a source of great motivation for everybody and his experience and professionalism will no doubt rub off on Vladimir and help him.”
