Fausto Gresini bullish on 2009 prospects

Honda MotoGP team manager Fausto Gresini is confident Toni Elias and Alex de Angelis can play a prominent part in the 2009 MotoGP world championship.

Gresini’s satellite Honda squad used to be one of the major powers in MotoGP, with Sete Gibernau and Marco Melandri both riding to second place in the premier class while under the Italian’s management.

Despite results floundering recently with 2008 failing to see the team register a solitary podium, Gresini believes his 2009 line-up can help restore former glory.

Speaking at the launch of the San Carlo Gresini Honda squad in Milan, the former world 125GP world champion said he had high hopes for the forthcoming campaign.

Spaniard Elias has been given a factory RC212V close to the spec of Repsol Honda factory duo Dani Pedrosa and Andrea Dovizioso and Gresini said: “Presenting a new season is always full of emotion.

“2009 will be an important year for the San Carlo Honda Gresini Team, a MotoGP season which promises to be exciting and competitive and for which we are prepared to assume a leading role. I believe firmly in the potential of my riders.

“Alex has accumulated vital experience having a complete MotoGP season under his belt, while Toni returns to the team with a wealth of expertise himself.

“At our side, we have HRC who have carried out excellent work in preparation of the 2009-spec RC212V and who will guarantee technical support of the highest level to the San Carlo Honda Gresini Team throughout the entire season, both for the ‘satellite’ bike entrusted to Alex as well as for Toni’s factory-spec bike.”