M2: Japanese GP: Gresini Racing qualifying report

FRONT ROW START FOR ELIAS AT MOTEGI

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."

Vladimir Ivanov (39th 1' 56" 624) "I'm pleased to be on the grid again tomorrow but disappointed to be so far from the front. I'm trying my best but it's a situation I have to accept."

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