M2: Czech GP: Gresini Racing preview

ELIAS E IVANOV A BRNO ALLA RICERCA DI CONFERME

Team Gresini's two riders are hoping that the Czech Republic Grand Prix this weekend can see them pick up where they left off in Germany before the summer break. Toni Elias is looking to build on victory at Sachsenring whilst Vladimir Ivanov is targeting another points finish. The Spaniard is in particularly confident mood thanks to an excellent track record at Brno, where he has been on the podium for the past two seasons in MotoGP, and the fact that in the last race he was back in perfect harmony with his Moriwaki MD600 for the first time in several races. His rediscovered confidence and his love of the track should help Toni as he looks to consolidate his position as the Moto2 World Championship leader into the second half of the season. Before traveling to the Czech Republic the team completed a short test with Toni Elias at Misano to complete some work on aerodynamic updates and general set-up of his Moriwaki MD600.

Toni Elias "The win at Sachsenring ended a pretty bad run for us and I have got my confidence back with the bike. The team have helped me a lot and I am more determined and motivated to do well now than ever. I allowed myself a little holiday during the break and then focused on my training to make sure I don't lose focus at what is a very important moment in my career. We have also been to Misano to test some updates, which we will refine at Brno - a circuit where I have enjoyed podium finishes in MotoGP for the past two seasons. I head to the Czech Republic with my focus on the job - I want to win and strengthen my position in the championship. "

Vladimir Ivanov "It has been nice to have the memory of scoring my first points at Sachsenring with me over the summer holidays. I have continued to train hard and allowed myself to have a little fun too. I competed in a car drifting race and had a great time -- it is my favourite hobby! I like Brno and I know it well so I hope I can repeat my performance from Germany, that would represent another success for me."

Fausto Gresini "The team have not stopped working throughout the summer break and recently completed a test at Misano, working on aerodynamics and set-up, in order to give Toni Elias an even more competitive bike. At Brno we'll see if the changes have the positive effect that we were able to see at Misano. We think so but it will be the Czech circuit that confirms it or not.. Toni has always been strong at Brno and we hope that continues in Moto2. The result in Germany was a big help because it has restored confidence within the team after a few disappointing races. Now we head into the second half of the season and it will be crucial to stay focused and not lose sight of our objectives."

-source: gresini racing