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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