Honda confirm factory bike for Toni Elias

Honda management have confirmed that Toni Elias will receive a factory spec RC212V in 2009 after his deal to re-join the Gresini Honda squad in Australia today.

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HRC has agreed to supply one factory machine to Fausto Gresini’s satellite squad for next season, with the deal seeing Elias refuse Ducati and Kawasaki offers to accept the deal.

Sete Gibernau had a similar deal previously, as did Marco Melandri when they both rode for Gresini’s squad.

Kosuke Yasutake, HRC Managing Director, confirmed a factory spec RC212V will be supplied to Gresini in 2009.

“I am pleased to say that HRC and Team Gresini will continue their long and successful relationship into the 2009 MotoGP season. Team Gresini has been our strategic partner in Grand Prix racing for many years and we will once again supply the team with a RC212V factory spec machine for one of their riders.

“Fausto Gresini leads a very well managed team with excellent technical staff; they are all very dedicated and determined people with a passion for racing and the desire to succeed. We all look forward to another successful season together.”