Elias returns to MotoGP with LCR Honda

From motogp.com

Toni Elías will ride in MotoGP in 2011 with Lucio Cecchinello’s LCR Honda team after both parties agreed a deal to join forces in the premier class next season.

The deal between LCR and Elías, who rode in the MotoGP category for five seasons between 2005 and 2009, was announced at Estoril on Sunday as well as the team’s continued partnership with HRC.

“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, who also confirmed he would test in Valencia with the team next week. "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.”

Team Manager Cecchinello said: “First of all I want to thank Randy [De Puniet] for his valuable cooperation and for the several successes we have shared in the 250cc class and in the MotoGP class in the last five years together.

“The chance to work with Toni Elías is a big incentive for us because this is a very important moment for presenting a new project to our sponsors and partners.

"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 of his. I remember he was a very hard rider and very determined. As time goes by he has improved very much and I think he is a very talented rider with a lot of experience.”