Zoom Toni Elias

After the step forward taken in the Estoril's race, where the Alice Team riders, Toni Elias and Sylvain Guintoli, have respectively equalized and improved their best 2008 performances, MotoGP travels to a different continent for the Pramac Grand Prix of China.

The Chinese circuit, built in 2005, has hosted the same year the first MotoGP race and the main characteristic of this track is the longest (1202m) and fastest straight of the MotoGP calendar, situated just before the finish line straight.

Alice Team Principal Luis d'Antin, is ready for the new Chinese challenge and trust in the technical package at his disposal to improve the so far not too brilliant results: “We are really happy that Alice and Pramac, both on the fairings of our Ducati GP8 SAT, are also main sponsor of various MotoGP Grand Prix. We are really honoured to have two prestigious brands like them and also for this reason we have to work hard to improve our results on track. At Estoril it seemed things got in the right direction for us, in fact, both Toni (Elias) and Sylvain (Guintoli) have lowered their distance from the fastest riders maintaining a good race rhythm. In addition, the first three round have never been so favourable to Ducati and Bridgestone, on the contrary the Chinese circuit should be much better for the technical package at our disposal.”

Last year the Chinese Gran Prix wasn't so lucky for Toni Elias, due to a fall right at the beginning of the race: “Yes last year I wasn't so lucky. At the first corner I touched with Nicky (Hayden) and went out. It's a pity but I count on get back what I lost last year now. I really like the track, it's the right combination of fast and slow turns. Then, there is the long straight where I remember the Ducati we really fast last year. But the most important part of the track for me is the last turn that takes you to the finish line: if you enter well you can gain much precious time and it could be really helpful in case of an arrival with other riders. At Estoril we have already taken some steps forward. Also the test went quite well for us and the primary objective in China will be to reach the right set up of the bike as soon as possible to allow us to be competitive since Friday.”

Also the other Alice Team rider, Sylvain Guintoli, likes the Chinese circuit, also characterized by the always uncertain weather condition: “It's true, in China it could rain at any moment, and after having seen how I did in the warm at Estoril with wet track, I can be positive if one day we'll meet a race with the track completely wet. But we don't have to think about this right now. I like Shanghai circuit and I am sure that the power of our Ducati Desmosedici GP8 SAT will help us a lot. Last year on the longest straight, their speed was impressive. Also Bridgestone is really strong here. At Estoril we have found some interesting solutions and we believe to be able to continue improving also in Shanghai. My technicians and the Team deserve a good result and I will give my best to conquer it.”

© CAPSIS International