MotoGP news

Elías targeting 4-place rise

Toni Elías may have experienced a tough time at Phillip Island but the Spaniard has clear sights set for the final two race meetings of 2009. Currently lying 11th in the championship with 96 points, the Gresini Honda rider is looking to move up to 7th, currently just 7 points away.

With Colin Edwards looking comfortable for a top six finishing position this year, Loris Capirossi's 7th place is far from secure as Melandri, de Angelis, de Puniet and Elías are just four of the men breathing down his neck.

"Australia was a difficult weekend for us but we knew it would be and there were no surprises," Elías commented. "The good thing was that we stayed well in touch with seventh place in the championship and my goal over the final two races is to achieve that position."

As well as the heat and humidity issues of Malaysia this weekend, Toni is also hoping to solve a number of setup concerns at the second race in a pair of back-to-back weekends.

"We had problems with rear traction at Phillip Island, and it has been our Achilles heel all season, but we are very confident it won't be a problem in Malaysia," he explained. "I love the track and the conditions will suit us much better, so hopefully the race will be more like the others we have experienced in the second half of this championship, with a competitive weekend, fighting for a top six finish."

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