M2: Indianapolis GP: Gresini Racing Friday report

ELIAS SECOND FASTEST DESPITE FEVER

Despite suffering from a virus for the past two days and today registering a temperature of 39C, Toni Elias took to the Indianapolis circuit with his trademark courage and determination. The Spaniard clocked the second fastest time in the first free practice session of the weekend and is hopeful of improving his pace, as well as his condition, tomorrow. Vladimir Ivanov also impressed on his first visit to Indianapolis.

Toni Elias ( 2o. 1' 46" 743): "I am completely exhausted! I never imagined I could have set the second fastest time today but I pushed really hard. I was losing my concentration easily and I was really worried I could crash. I couldn't make a single lap the same and my times through the splits weren't consistent but that is to be expected when I am in this shape. Hopefully I can be better tomorrow and able to improve my performance."

Vladimir Ivanov (26o. 1' 48" 442): "It was a shame about the crash at the end of the session because I didn't need it! I was riding above our expectations and I'm really disappointed it ended like that. This is the first time I've been to Indianapolis and I have to say I really like the circuit. Tomorrow we'll try and make up for a not entirely positive day."

Fausto Gresini: "Considering Toni's condition the session went really well today. He still had a 39o.C fever this morning and I didn't expect him to produce a result like this. He obviously struggled a lot and it has been hard for him to give any feedback to the team because he's unable to concentrate. That is normal for a person in his condition and it is just a miracle he was able to ride. It was a shame for Vladimir Ivanov that he crashed because he was performing above our expectations and his final position doesn't do him justice."

-source: gresini racing