LCR Honda GP of Japan race report

Elias Crashes Down After A Stunning Performance

Toni Elias

Photo by: Team Gresini

Motegi, 2nd October: 34.906 Japanese MotoGP fans crowded the Twin Ring Motegi grandstands today enjoying a dramatic 24-lap race which saw Pedrosa winning the fifteenth round of the calendar followed by Lorenzo and Stoner. Three riders had to deal with ride through penalty and five riders crashed out including LCR Honda Toni Elias who showed his determination for 17 laps before going wide into the gravel.

The Spaniard started from the fifth row (taking Abraham’s spot on the grid as the Czech racer was not capable to complete an entire race after his last injury in Aragon) and, at the end of the first lap, he was already holding the 7th position and he could have gone for a top ten finish but at 7 laps to go he fell off on turn five. His Team Mate Akoyoshi was looking forward to racing at his home soil to support the Japanese population and Kosuke conducted a positive race scoring 7 points thanks to his 12th final place.

Elias: “Well... first I am very disappointed because we could fight for the 7th position taking the best result so far. The adjustments we made this morning after the warm up session made the bike more stable and even today I took a very good start from the back of the pack. I was faster than qualifying and front tyre feeling was a lot better: with this pace I could have obtained a brilliant result for me and the guys but in turn five, which is a very hard braking point, I hit a bump and I lost the front crashing down. Anyway I would like to thanks the guys for their efforts and I am looking forward to racing in Phillip Island”.

Akiyoshi: “I am very happy about my performance today. Maybe I could have started a bit better but my pace was consistent till the end. I hope that Japanese fans enjoyed this racing weekend and want to thank the Team for their good job”.