Elias insists that he can compete at the top
Added on Tuesday, July 28th, 2009 by Carole Nash Editor
Elias insists that he can compete at the top
Toni Elias claimed that his performance at Donington Park demonstrated that he is capable of running at the front despite crashing out of Sunday’s British Grand Prix.
Elias, who has struggled this season on his return to Gresini Honda, surprised everyone with a blistering start at Donington to lead the field in the opening stages, even opening up a credible lead over title challengers Jorge Lorenzo and Valentino Rossi.
But the fairytale was soon over for Elias, who’s future is still subject to speculation, as he crashed out on lap eight to end any dreams of a first podium finish of the season.
But despite the fall, Elias was adamant that the performance demonstrated that he and the Gresini Honda team could compete with the front runners for the rest of the season.
“The crash was a real shame because I felt we were capable of a good result,” said Elias. “I’m really disappointed for everybody in the team.
“I got a great start and my pace was really strong, but unfortunately my rear wheel ran slightly onto the white line and it was so slippery that I crashed. It was nice to at least run at the front for a while and even lead the race, and when I was behind Rossi I was comfortably able to follow his pace. That’s what makes me so convinced I could have kept it up to the end.
“I don’t want to think about the negatives or what might have been because the good news today was that we ran with the front guys and we know we can do it. That gives a great confidence boost for the future.”
His teammate Alex de Angelis, who finished fourth, at least ensured that the Gresini team had something to celebrate and team boss Fausto Gresini was satisfied with the performance of both his riders.
“It was nice to see Elias leading the way and the crash was really disappointing, said Gresini. “Just a small thing like his rear wheel touching the white line spoiled what would have surely been a great result.
“I’m really happy for Alex because it is further proof of the way he is working together with his crew to improve his performances. Alex was alert and cautious where he needed to be in order to bring a result home, which was crucial for us to continue our season in a positive way. We leave Donington for the final time feeling happy and satisfied.”
