M2: Australian GP: Gresini Racing qualifying report

GEARBOX PROBLEMS LIMIT ELIAS TO NINTH AT PHILLIP ISLAND

Toni Elias returned to earth with a bump today, the Moto2 World Championship celebrations cut short by gearbox problems that limited his performance in free practice and qualifying at Phillip Island today. Luckily a timely slipstream at the end of the session helped him secure a third row start with a time that is not too far off the lead riders. Work will take place this evening and continue in tomorrow's warm-up as the Spaniard looks to make sure of a competitive showing in the race.

Toni Elias ( 9th 1'36" 105) "I am happy because despite the fact we were in a difficult situation we have managed to get ourselves into the top ten and considering the situation we are in that is important. Now the team and I must sit down and figure out the gearbox problem we had today. We had mechanical and electronic problems with it today that made us lose power but I am very confident in the guys and I am sure I will have a competitive bike tomorrow. The other doubt we have is whether to use the new chassis or switch back to the old one we won the title with. I don't think we are too far from the top guys though and if we can get a good start we can be competitive and fighting for the win."

Vladimir Ivanov (31st 1'37" 798) "I couldn't make improvements today and that's why I'm starting form the back. I am still hopeful that we can find our way in the warm-up and make up some positions in the race."

Fausto Gresini "It has been a difficult day and I am pretty disappointed. We had a problem with the gearbox that meant Toni couldn't use it properly and even though we have tried changing practically everything we haven't found a solution yet. We'll work closely with Geo Technology, who manage the engines, and try to find a solution for tomorrow. Luckily with the title already won so we don't have the same pressure but in any case we are confident that we can solve the problems that hindered Toni today and do justice to the title tomorrow."

-source: gresini racing