MotoGP: Elias gets d'Antin offer.

[Rory Phoulorie]

Thursday, 6th September 2007

Luis d'Antin has made an offer to Toni Elias for the 2008 MotoGP season, according to Spanish sportspaper Marca.

Elias took a stunning debut win at last season's Portuguese Grand Prix, and a debut 800cc podium earlier this year, but is currently recovering from a broken femur and his future at HondaGresini remains undecided.

Amidst that background, fellow Spaniard d'Antin has stepped in and offered Elias a ride on one of his two Bridgestoneshod Ducatis, although the satellite team has been unable to replicate the spectacular success of Casey Stoner and the factory Ducatioutfit - with only one podium, courtesy of Alex Barros, so far this year.

Elias' preferred option is to stay at Gresini, where he could become team leader following Marco Melandri's Ducati move. Gresini has an option on Elias' services until the end of this month, but is still seeking sponsors for 2008.

Elias had been linked to a new Suzuki team, run by Aspar, but a third GSV-R may not be seen on the grid until 2009.

Yamaha Tech 3's Sylvain Guintoli, plus several leading 250cc riders, are also in contention for a d'Antin seat next season.

German Alex Hofmann currently rides alongside MotoGPveteran Barros for d'Antin.

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