Toni Elias Predicts Difficult MotoGP Season Opener

Toni Elias, who returned to Honda's satellite team Gresini this year, is expecting a difficult start in the new MotoGP season, citing the various problems his motorcycle experienced during testing stages as the main reasons. Furthermore, the Spanish said he'll face a tough challenger in the season opener in Qatar but expressed his confidence the team is capable to get over all problems identified in off-season testing.

"We have struggled a little more than we expected in testing but we know where the problems lie and it is good to be going back to a circuit where we already have lots of data," said Elias, underlining that he is very optimistic about the upcoming Grand prix..

"Ideally I'd like to be starting the season in better shape but the truth is we have work to do in a short space of time when we get out to Qatar and we'll be pushing hard in every aspect to approach the race in the best possible way. Losail is one of my favourite circuits and I've started on the front row there twice before - both times with this team.

In order to emphasize his chances to snatch a good result in Qatar, Elias pointed to a past season when he managed to reach the first line of the grid, despite poor results in the practice stages prior to the qualifying session.

"I remember in particular three years ago we were three seconds off the pace on the first day and still managed to qualify on the front row. That just shows how quickly things can change in racing so we'll go there with optimism, fight hard and see what happens."