M2: Valencian GP: Gresini Racing preview

ELIAS DETERMINED TO HONOUR TITLE AT VALENCIA

After again missing the opportunity to put the gloss on his Moto2 World Championship success in Portugal on Sunday, where he failed to finish a race for the first time this season, Toni Elias is keen to do just that this weekend at Valencia. The Team Gresini rider played the conditions perfectly in qualifying at Estoril, sealing third place after opting to run slick tyres on a damp track at the end of free practice, he struggled from the start of the race on Sunday and eventually crashed out. After struggling with mechanical problems in Australia two weeks previously the Spaniard reflected on his own mistake by joking that this time it was a human problem! Now he he is more serious and more determined than ever to back up his title-winning display in Malaysia with one last victory in the intermediate class.

Toni Elias "Since winning the the title in Malaysia we have struggled to perform to our potential - at Phillip Island it was the bike's fault and at Estoril it was mine. I was disappointed because I want to honour the title in the right way. Now we have one race left and I plan to tackle it with the same determination and strength that has made me World Champion this season. Valencia definitely isn't my favourite track but I will give my best for myself and for the team, who have given me so much. To end the season on the top step would be a nice way to thank them and to make up for two disappointing races."

Vladimir Ivanov "I want to finish the season in the best way possible and I intend to do so. At Estoril I recovered my confidence on the bike and I feel I am in the right shape to have a good race at Valencia. It is important for me and my future to finish the season with a positive result."

Fausto Gresini "This hasn't been our best time of the season. Phillip Island and Estoril have been two races to forget but luckily the season for us effectively ended with the title in Malaysia, otherwise we would be very worried about the current situation. Anyway, at Valencia we will try together with Toni to finish the season with a result to honour the title that we are so proud to have achieved. It won't be easy because the track isn't exactly suited to Toni but we will do everything possible to finish the year with another win."

-source: gresini racing