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”.