Buzzin MotoGP

Toni Elias 2008

Toni Elias, who is currently riding for the Alice Ducati team in Moto GP, has decided to end his time with the team to return to Honda Gresini for 2009.

It is believed he declined the offer of extending his contract for the Ducati squad, which up until mid-way through the season, looked unlikely that he would even be considered after a terrible start to the season.

Elias finished in seventh place at the Laguna Seca round followed by two podium finishes which have moved the Spanish rider up to twelfth in the standings and he is likely to end the season in the top ten.

When asked recently about the riders for 2009, the team boss, Paolo Campinoti said,

“It is not clear yet.  I am doing my best to confirm Toni, but with the other rider it is too early to decide.  It is probable that Sylvain will remain with us.”

As I had previously reported on www.worldsuperbikenews.co.uk, Sylvain Guintoli has been in talks with the Factory Yamaha Italia WSB team as a possible rider for them next year.

The San Carlo Honda Gresini boss Fausto Gresini, has also confirmed that the team are in talks with Elias and hope to have him back with them for 2009.

Gresini said,

“At the moment we’re talking with Toni, we’re very interested in him and he is interested too, but things are not done yet.  We are working on a project to work together again.  We still need some time to sort it out, but hopefully we should be able to announce shortly who will be riding alongside Alex de Angelis next season.”

It looks likely that if Elias does return to the team, then it will be Shinya Nikano who will be looking round for a ride for the 2009 season.