Interview with Toni Elias
Spaniard Toni Elias successfully contested the last four rounds of this year's eni FIM Superbike World Championship edition. The former Moto2 World Champion made his debut in the series last September 15th at Intercity Istanbul Park and easily got to grips with the Red Devils Aprilia RSV4, up to a best result of 4th in the last race of the year at Jerez de la Frontera.
What do you think of your first World Superbike experience?
"I landed to World Superbike at the last minute, it was a very quick move, so I didn't know what to expect. I found myself at ease from the first time, with both team and bike. I enjoyed it a lot and I also managed to find myself again as rider, also thanks to the friendly atmosphere of the paddock."
What's your impression on riding a superbike?
"Well what I found was a bike that was not too different from a MotoGP, it was great to be back to a machine with some weight and a lot of power. I missed the riding lines and style you need with a big bike."
How was the level of competition, compared to your expectations?
"At the beginning I thought it would have been much more difficult, but we managed to be fast since Day 1. With no tests and little knowledge of both bike and team I must say it went well, apart from the last round in which I thought I could have made a bigger difference. I think I just need to be patient, thanks to those four rounds I could adapt to the bike and the atmosphere of the series. I really hope I can continue racing here."
What will you be doing next year?
"I want to stay in World Superbike, at the moment my managers are trying to find the best solution for me. It's still early, but it'd be great to be riding an Aprilia and why not, with Red Devils. We'll see. I would like to thank the team and Aprilia for this opportunity, that helped me getting out of a difficult time."
