MotoGP – Laguna Seca Day 1 – Elias, a determined return

First day of testing for the United States Grand Prix where MotoGP returns after 11 years of absence on a track modified in the escape routes for greater safety. Ruben The first free practice session was exceptionally long (two hours with a 10 minute break) to allow the rookies to become familiar with the new track.

TONI ELIAS
First free practice session: 16th, 1'27'263, +2.716 from pole
Second free practice session: 14th, 1'25'574, +1.346 from pole
Combined: 14th

Toni Elìas' position speaks for itself. Between the first and second free practice session he improved by 1,370 seconds and we must take into account that he returns today after an injury from which he has not yet fully recovered.

"I'm happy. The track is very complicated from a technical point of view and my left wrist is not yet 100%; It still hurts. This track has mostly left turns and anyone can imagine the effort I have to make. We did a good job, step by step, but progressive. It's obvious that in these two months of forced rest I continued to train to maintain my shape, but it still hurts when braking. My arm doesn't hurt, just my wrist area. I'm also happy because this is a legendary track for me. I saw my childhood idols riding on this track and I always dreamed of being able to emulate them. As regards the set-up of the bike, there is a lot to improve even if we have already managed to do a lot from morning to afternoon. Instead, as far as safety is concerned I must say that for the coming years there are many things that will have to be modified."

RUBEN XAUS
First free practice session: 15th, 1'26'392, +1.845 from pole
Second free practice session: 17th, 1'26,441, +2.164 from pole
Combined: 17th

The rider from Sant Cugat made very similar times in the two sessions, although, in the second, the general pace increased and therefore his gap became larger.

“The first session was longer than usual to allow the riders who didn't know this track to get used to it. We worked on the set-up and, at the same time, I tried to go back to memorizing the references, because I too haven't raced on this circuit since 2003 and that time I won one of the heats of the World Superbike race. But with the Yamaha everything is different, I still don't have a good feeling. I'm looking for, without finding them, those sensations that are essential for me to be fast. At every test session I go on the track in search of these sensations and try to have fun, but we're not there yet. I really like the track and I know how to get around it so I'll keep looking.”

Antonio Jiménez, Chief Mechanic of Toni Elias

“The truth is that after two months of stopping it is very difficult to return. But we know Toni's value and we know that he is a winner, who always gives his best. Despite the pain he is giving his best to stay as far ahead as possible. This is a complicated circuit, especially if we consider that he returns after an injury. We still have a lot of work to do if we want to put Toni in a position to maintain a decent pace.”

Fortuna Racing