Elias back on front row, but hoping for more

Team Gresini rider sealed fourth place and a front row start for the Grand Prix of Japan today, a result that was somewhat below the expectations of the Spanish rider, who was confident of a challenge for pole position, but is nevertheless an important one. His race pace is strong and a front row start is crucial for tomorrow’s race.

Toni Elias ( 4th 1’ 53” 504) “I am happy because a front row start is definitely an improvement on Aragon but I was hoping for more because I have been fast on a race tyre and I expected a bigger improvement on the soft compound. To be honest I thought I could take another half a second off but it wasn’t to be the case. Anyway, we have to take fourth place, which still isn’t bad, and hope for a good start tomorrow that can help us fight for the win.”

Fausto Gresini “To be honest we thought we were capable of a faster lap time than Toni managed this afternoon. Anyway, fourth place is still good and now we have to think about the race. It should be a great battle but I think we are in shape to fight for the win. A front row start will be a great help because Toni definitely has the race pace.”

Source: Gresini Racing Moto2