Gresini relishing factory challenge
Added on Thursday, March 19th, 2009 by Carole Nash Editor
Gresini relishing factory challenge
Fausto Gresini is expecting big things from his riders in 2009 after securing factory support from the Honda Racing Corporation for new signing Toni Elias.
HRC will provide factory support to the RC212V of Elias in 2009 giving the Gresini team a marked advantage over their satellite rivals in the new championship season.
With that advantage however comes expectation and team owner Fausto Gresini is expecting big things from his team in 2009.
Speaking at the official team launch, the former 125cc world champion said: “Presenting a new season is always full of emotion. 2009 will be an important year for the San Carlo Honda Gresini Team, a MotoGP season which promises to be exciting and competitive and for which we are prepared to assume a leading role.
“I believe firmly in the potential of my riders. Alex has accumulated vital experience having a complete MotoGP season under his belt, while Toni returns to the team with a wealth of expertise himself. At our side, we have HRC who have carried out excellent work in preparation of the 2009-spec RC212V and who will guarantee technical support of the highest level to the San Carlo Honda Gresini Team throughout the entire season, both for the ‘satellite’ bike entrusted to Alex as well as for Toni’s factory-spec bike.
“I wish the riders and all the guys in the team the very best of luck. Naturally I would also like to say special thanks to all our partners who have believed in our projects over many years, especially San Carlo with whom we share values such as passion, love for competition, loyalty and team spirit.”
Toni Elias, who returns to the team after a difficult year with Alice Ducati, is also relishing the challenge that comes with factory support.
“The 2009 season gives me the opportunity to rejoin Fausto’s team, something that also gives me great joy. I find a group of people who have a great human and technical richness. I remember fondly the two seasons that we enjoyed together, so it is a bit like coming home. I want to thank HRC for believing in me and all the sponsors of the San Carlo Honda Gresini Team who make this project a reality. We all have the same desire to achieve big goals…and from my side I will give my all to realising this dream.”
