Toni Elias returns to MotoGP with LCR Honda

After spending a season in purgatory, because no MotoGP team would hire him, despite finishing 7th in last year’s standings, and then proving everyone wrong by winning the 2010 inaugural Moto2 Championship, Toni Elías will be returning to MotoGP in 2011 with Lucio Cecchinello’s LCR Honda team.
The deal which was widely rumored between LCR and Elías (with a little help by Dorna) was announced late this afternoon at Estoril.

Elias will be replacing Randy de Puniet, who is expected to move to Pramac Ducati, with a big hand by Dorna, to help the Italian team to continue running a two rider squad.
“I’m very happy to be able to confirm I’ll be back in MotoGP with LCR and Lucio Cecchinello and am also delighted Lucio has given me this opportunity, I think together we can have very good results,” said Elías.

“I’m very motivated.
I think together we can have a very good season.
I will start in Valencia after the last race and I am eager to get the job with the team underway as soon as possible!” Elias confirmed that Gresini has released him and that he will be allowed to test at Valencia immediately after the season finale.

“First of all I want to thank Randy for his precious cooperation and for the several successes we have shared in the 250cc class and in the MotoGP class in the last five years together,” said team manager Lucio Cecchinello.
“The chance to work with Toni Elias is a big incentive for us because this is a very important moment for presenting to our sponsors and partners a new project.
The nice thing is that Toni and I raced together in the 125cc class; I was at the end of my career and he was at the beginning.
I remember he was a very very hard rider and very resolute.
As time goes by he has improved very much and I think he is a very talented rider with a lot of experience.
All the staff and I give him our warmest welcome!”