Toni Elias will be riding for Aspar’s Moto2 team next season.

For Elias it will be a return to the middle class after winning the 2010 Moto2 championship and a very difficult 2011 season with LCR Honda, and it will also be a return to Jorge Martinez team. Elias rode for Martinez in the 2002 and 2003 250cc championships on a Aprilia with Telefonica and Repsol colours.

Elias will be fielded with the already confirmed 125cc World Champion Nico Terol, which means that recently signed Aleix Espargaro will now be promoted to ride one of Aspar’s Aprilia CRTs.

“I’m really delighted to return to the Aspar Team which is like a family to me because I was there in 2002 and 2003,” said Elias. “Many years have passed since then but I’ll work with the same technical team, and I know they have great potential. Added to that is the fact the bike is very strong. We’ll work extremely hard throughout the winter to be ready for next season, and I think we can have a very good campaign. We fought for the title together in 2003 and in the end we weren’t able to get it, so we have unfinished business there. This is an added motivation to fight for the title in 2012.”

Jorge Martínez ‘Aspar’, Team Owner: “I’m extremely happy to welcome Toni Elías to the Aspar Team. We still have great memories of his time in the team in 2002 and 2003. With regards to Nico, it’s fantastic that he makes the step up to Moto2. It’s a completely new category for him, and as such all he has to do is enjoy every moment and work hard so that he learns and moves forward. I’m convinced he’ll do well because he’s a World Champion, irrespective of what category he is in. We have a really strong line-up, and the Aspar team will continue to be at the highest level next season.”

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Effenbert Liberty Racing team has the intention of fielding four Ducati’s in next season’s World Superbike championship. Alongside Jakub Smrz and Sylvain Guintoli, the Czech team would like to form a sort of Junior team run by Superstock team Barni Racing who would like nothing better to switch to the more high profile World Superbikes.

Barni Racing would move up Danilo Petrucci and Mario Bertuccio who runs the team, would like to add MotoGP rider Toni Elias to his line-up.

Elias tested a BMW S1000RR a couple of weeks ago at Misano and even if his test wasn’t a raging success, the Spaniard is still considering moving to the World Superbike series, seeing the excellent results that former MotoGP riders like Marco Melandri, Max Biaggi and Carlos Checa are having.

While Michel Fabrizio’s dismal season with Alstare Suzuki has forced the Italian to look for another team and it seems that Kawasaki’s Pedercini team has made him an offer to join Mark Aitchison in the squad, however if Fabrizio should refuse, the team has Maxime Berger waiting in the wings after his Supersonic team announced that they would be pulling out of the championship at the end of the season.

Source | moto.it

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Toni Elias still has no idea what he’ll be doing next year after a very dismal return to MotoGP, after winning the Moto2 championship in 2010. The Spaniard was invited by BMW Italia to take part in the World Superbike test at Misano, but it wasn’t exactly a stunning success, even if was the first time he rode a Superbike.

Elias ended up two seconds slower than his former Gresini team mate Marco Melandri who led the timesheets on both days and was even slower than Aprilia and BMW test riders and TV commentators, Alex Hofmann and Steve Martin.

The LCR Honda rider, who had to cut the test short because he had to return to Spain for the upcoming MotoGP round at Aragon, was interviewed by motosprint.it explained the problems he encountered on riding the BMW S1000RR.

“The tank is so big that I can’t reach the handlebars and levers with sufficient force and can’t control the bike. The first thing I’d need would be smaller gas tank and a different riding position: foot pegs, controls, handlebars.”

The BMW has a great engine but the power comes suddenly and isn’t easy to manage. The Superbike is more powerful than I imagined.”

According to Motosprint, it seems that BMW Italia after this test, is no longer interested in offering Elias a ride next season and that even Castrol Honda who was looking at the Spaniard to replace Ruben Xaus, has also changed their mind.

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Toni Elias has received an invitation from World Superbike team BMW Italia to test their S1000RR machine tomorrow and Wednesday at the Misano World circuit.

The reigning Moto2 champion who is enduring a tough return season in MotoGP with LCR Honda is highly expected to be axed at the end of the year (Andrea Dovizioso is relunctantly in talks to take his place), will now get a chance to see how he adapts to the 1000cc Superbike.

BMW Italia is currently looking for a rider to replace James Toseland who announced his retirement due to injury, however if Elias turns in some interesting lap times, theoretically he could get a wildcard chance at at Imola September 25th as MotoGP and Superbike schedules don’t clash that weekend.

Continue reading: Toni Elias to test BMW Superbike at Misano

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Last year Spanish riders ruled all three Grand Prix classes, Marc Marquez in 125cc, Toni Elias in Moto2 and Jorge Lorenzo in MotoGP, and what better way for Spain to promote tourism in their fantastic country, than use the three champions.

This is one of the videos that the Spanish Tourist Board launched as part of the campaign ‘I need Spain’ to bring more people to visit Spain and see the diversity that the country offers to tourists.

Other top personalities in the campaign include top chef, Ferrán Adriá, Gisela Pulido, six times Kitesurfing World Champion, the Spanish Basketball team and the Spanish players in the Liverpool football team.

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Reigning Moto2 World Champion Toni Elias is having a nightmare year in MotoGP on board the RC212V, and the results this disastrous season has become so conflictual, that the Spaniard, not only wasn’t allowed to test on Monday at Mugello, but has been given three races to turn his situation around before getting the boot, because the team is at risk of loosing their much needed sponsors.

Talking to Catalunya Radio, LCR Honda press officer Oscar Haro said that Elias has three races, Sachsenring, Laguna Seca and Brno to turn the critical situation around or he could face the axe, “Mugello was a disaster, Toni realized he didn’t go well. In Germany, the settings will be restored to the ones that HRC says and the the team will do the technical part and Toni the role of rider. The RC212V is more than a competitive bike and the only one that isn’t going well is his.”

Haro is refering to the fact that Elias has been on the outs with his crew chief Christophe Bourguignon, who has been trying to persuade the Spanish rider to use certain set-ups, with Elias demanding others; with the result that his crew is no longer forcing their opinions on the him, but they certainly haven’t been helping, leaving him to work out his set-ups by himself, but now Elias will have to bow down to the needs of Cecchinello and his sponsors or end up without the saddle, that Carmelo Ezpeleta insisted he have.

Who could eventually replace Elias? That’s a million dollar question, because finding a suitable substitute rider mid- season who has experience on a 800cc MotoGP is no mean feat, as teams with injured riders can attest.

Source | motocuatro.com andmotomatters.com

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After his excellent 10th place at Jerez when he replaced Alvaro Bautista who was out with a broken leg, former MotoGP rider John Hopkins is fast becoming a hot item around the Grand Prix paddock.

The Anglo-American rider who is currently 2nd in the British Superbike Championship, was tipped as a replacement rider for injured Dani Pedrosa and Colin Edwards (which wasn’t necessary seeing that Edwards raced one week after surgery and took a 3rd place podium) but Hopkins turned down the offers, claiming loyalty to his Samsung Suzuki team.

However, Hopper will make another appearance in the premier class when he’ll wildcard with Rizla Suzuki at the Brno GP August 14th, on a third GSV-R.

Hopkins team manager, Jack Valentine, also confirmed a rumor that was circulating regarding LCR Honda who contacted the American rider. It’s unclear whether Lucio Checchinello was interested in a second rider or as a replacement for under performing Toni Elias, who apparently has been given a step up or ship out notice from his team and sponsors.

Source | bikesportnews.com and motomatters.com

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The city of Venice with the marvellous backdrop of it’s annual Carnival that recreates the atmosphere of the event as it was lived under the Serenissima Republic, hosted the LCR Honda MotoGP Team’s presentation at the reknowned Venice Casino.

Last Friday the team with Lucio Cecchinello and Toni Elias presented the #24 RC212V that he’ll be using this 2011 season and also on display were some other Honda’s at the casino.

In addition to the delicious Venetian food and champagne the diners have celebrated surrounded by the famous bunnies and the beautiful nineteenth century ladies, admiring the Burlesque show, playing at the gaming tables and dancing till the dawn at Palazzina Grassi in the unique Carnival atmosphere.

Toni Elias:

“I flew here from Barcelona with my mum and my dad and we were all surprised because the party was unique! Venice is a wonderful city and the event was incredible. I could feel the affection of the Team guests and I was very happy because I met them for the first time. I must thank Lucio and the team staff for their efforts because this party was a real success. On the stage I joked with Lucio about our past challenges when he was a 125cc rider and now he is my Boss! We are leaving for Qatar in a couple of days and I hope to return all this trust to Lucio, his Team and all the fans. It won’t be easy but I am very stubborn (Lucio knows my temper!) and the premier class already gave me several successes that’s why I am very confident”.

Continue reading: LCR Honda team presentation at Venice Casino

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After receiving the 2010 Don Felipe de Borbón prize for the best sportsperson of the year and the best sportsperson under 18 last week by the Spanish Royal family, Jorge Lorenzo and Marc Marquez, with the addition of Toni Elias met the King of Spain again at his personal residence and this time to personally congratulate them on their 2010 titles,

The Spanish monarch is or used to be (we have no idea if he still rides) a motorcycle rider and an avid motorcycle racing fan, unforgettable was his attempt to have the then feuding Dani Pedrosa and Jorge Lorenzo make peace and shake hands on the podium after the 2008 Jerez race. Both the King and the Prince of Asturias, Felipe followed the GP season, with the Don Juan Carlos attending the Aragon GP while the crown prince took in the Valencia race.

Source | motogp.com

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More surgery for MotoGP riders, after Valentino Rossi and Nicky Hayden, Moto2 World Champion and MotoGP returnee Toni Elias also went under the knife Tuesday evening. The Spanish rider went in to remove the screws from his left hand and right ankle, which were inserted back in March after fracturing his ankle during the Jerez Moto2 test.

The surgery was carried out at the Teknon Clinic in Barcelona by Dr. Joaquím Casañas and Elias will now undergo the usual rehabilitation procedure. “I had a peaceful night and I have to say it is a lot less painful than I expected.This was a good time to have this operation, because now I have plenty of time to recover ahead of the test in February. After 15 days I’ll start a full rehabilitation.” said Elias.

Yamaha Tech3 rookie Cal Crutchlow also underwent surgery on his left shoulder. The British rider damaged his ligaments and tendons last season on his debut on the Yamaha R1 Superbike at Portimao.

Continue reading: MotoGP riders Toni Elias and Cal Crutchlow undergo surgery

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Toni Elias’s test times on the LCR Honda at Valencia weren’t exactly news stopping as Casey Stoner’s were, but the M0to2 champion had a couple of good excuses for his poor performace. He had to re-adapt to MotoGP bikes after spending a year in the lower category and suffers occasionally from arm pump problems (he’s gone through about three operations so far) he tried to kick butt in the final lap of the Valencia race and ended up in the gravel pit and finished 30th and he’s being doing a lot of promo and sponsor work since winning the title at Sepang.

Tiger Toni took a break from his hectic post title schedule and visited his team’s headquarters after taking part in the 31st edition of Monza Rally show, driving for the first time a rally car, like the Grande Punto Abarth. Elias classified 28th in the Super2000 class and 70th overall, while former Moto2 rival Andrea Iannone, finished 19th in the Super2000 category and 52nd in the general classification.

“Lately I am travelling a lot for interviews, ceremonies etc… and I like that, but I needed a break and the Monza Rally was the right opportunity. That was my first time on a rally car but I enjoyed the competition a lot, said Elias. “I think I have found a new game to play! Then before going back home I have decided to visit Lucio and the Team at their tech division. I was impressed about the atmosphere and the history you can feel in that place: it is full of photos, awards, motorbikes in every corner and all of the staff (technicians, hospitality staff, administration and commercial personnel and graphic department guys) have been very friendly and warm with me”.

Continue reading: Toni Elias visits LCR HQ

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Spain wiped up this year’s Grand Prix World Championships, dominating all three classes with Jorge Lorenzo taking the MotoGP title, Toni Elias the Moto2 one and Marc Marquez in 125cc and even the runner-ups were all of Spanish nationality, so the country is rightly celebrating their champions.

In a highly entertaining chat on the “El Larguero” show, the three world champions talked about their popularity, how difficult it is to cultivate love interests while motorcycle racing.

Jorge Lorenzo cheekily confessed, “Now I have a championship title, won more races, have more fans … and more money. I have nothing to hide. I live in Spain and pay my taxes here, “ but admitted that that he’s had only one real girlfriend, and that was when he was 16 years old.

Toni Elias also waxed sentimental: “It’s complicated. I’ve had three girlfriends, all for a very long time, very special, but it’s difficult to reconcile love with motorcycles.” While the youngest of the trio Marc Marquez, said “this season I haven’t had time to fall in love, but this winter …”

Jorge Lorenzo went all out during the show and turned singer, dueting with Dani Martin of the El Canto del Loco. If you decide you can’t miss hearing a MotoGP Champion (who doesn’t have the singing talent of James Toseland) butcher ‘Quiero aprender de ti’ (what I learned from you) just click here.

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