Toni Elias

Read about Toni Elias, including career highlights, pictures and news of the road racer right here at Motorcycle USA.

Toni Elias emerged as a force to be reckoned with in the 250 class during the 2002 season. The Spanish rider performed well throughout the campaign, winning at Motegi and finishing fourth in the standings behind three of the best riders in the paddock. 

After transitioning to the MotoGP class in 2005, Elias claimed 12th with Fortuna Yamaha during his rookie season. The Spaniard improved to ninth overall with the Gresini Honda team in 2006, and earned the title of most improved rider after taking his first Grand Prix Victory at Estoril - in a thrilling race where Elias outdeuled non other than Valentino Rossi.

For 2007 Elias returned alongside teammate, Marco Melandri, on the Gresini Honda team, where he secured two podiums. The next year saw Elias riding a Ducati for the satellite Alice squad, and again the Spaniard rode to a top-15 finish. 

After one season with Ducati, Elias returned to San Carlo Honda Gresini and wrapped up the 2009 season in seventh. Despite making only one podium appearance it was Elias' best championship result in the premier class. In 2010 the Spaniard participated in the newly-formed Moto2 class with great success, taking a total of seven wins to clench the first ever Moto2 Championship.

For 2011 Elias will be returning to the premier class after striking a deal with LCR Honda.