M2: German GP: Gresini Racing preview

ELIAS HOPES TO EMERGE FROM DIFFICULT PATCH AT SACHSENRING

Toni Elias endured another difficult weekend at his home race in Barcelona last time out and as the season reaches the halfway stage the Spaniard and his team find themselves struggling to recapture the form that saw him dominate the opening few rounds. Team Gresini's entire Moto2 outfit headed directly from Montmelo to the Aragon circuit, the venue of the thirteenth round of the season, for a test session that they hoped would help rediscover Elias' positive feeling for the Moriwaki MD600. The team were also able to experiment with some solutions aimed at improving the bike's speed through the middle of the corner. The results were positive and should see a return to competitive form for both Elias and Team Gresini at Sachsenring this weekend.

Toni Elias "I was feeling quite disappointed after Barcelona but now after the test at Aragon I am in a confident mood again. We go to Germany in the hope that we have rediscovered the good feeling with the bike and the competitiveness that will allow us to progress towards the goals we have set ourselves for the end of this season. We are a team that never gives up and I am sure we will come through this difficult patch in the best possible way and get back amongst the results we know we are capable of."

Vladimir Ivanov "It is important that I now take the definitive step forward that will allow me to challenge for points. I think that we picked up some useful information at Aragon that should help us make that leap in quality. At Sachsenring, a circuit I know well, I'll be giving my absolute maximum to achieve it."

Fausto Gresini "After a disappointing race at Barcelona we went to Aragon and made a little progress in some areas. Now we should be in a position to give Toni a bike with better corner speed, which will allow him to head into the next races with even more determination. I hope he can be the rider to make the difference in Germany, as he was at the start of the season, because this is an important stage. If you want to fight for the championship it is fundamental that you are consistently fighting at the front. Moto2 is a difficult championship that requires maximum concentration at all times because any distraction can cost you dearly. Elias has the experience to maintain his level of competitiveness and I think he will provide a strong demonstration of that this Sunday."

-source: gresini racing