Toni Elias - 2005 Rider Profile

Toni Elías Justícia, born in Manresa on 26th March 1983, is the son of a family of motorcycle Toni fanatics. His grandfather, also named Toni, passed on the two-wheeled tradition to his two sons Toni and Jordi. Then it was father Elias who dominated the national motocross scene for years. In fact, Toni Elías, father of the Fortuna Yamaha rider, was crowned Spanish Motocross Champion on no fewer than 11 occasions.

The Elías family runs an official Yamaha dealership in Manresa, which became the youngest Toni's playground as he was growing up. Motorcycles have been a constant presence in his life, especially since he was given his first 'pocket-bike' at the age of seven. After a brief introduction to motocross, he soon discovered his real passion - tarmac and minibikes. From then on, at barely nine years of age, Toni Elías took his first steps in road racing and quickly enjoyed successes.

In 1993, Toni finished third in the Catalunya Minibike Championship and was runner-up the following season before trying his luck racing scooters. He also competed in the recently created 50cc RACC Open with a Yamaha TZR50.

The, when he was barely 15-years-old, Toni made his debut on a Yamaha 125GP machine in the 125cc Spanish Championship. In 1999 he continued in the 125cc Spanish Championship and finished third overall in the final standings.

The 2000 season was his first as a full-time 125cc World Championship ride, and his performances that season earned him a place in a Junior 125 Team. He scored his first podium at world level at the French Grand Prix; and it proved to be the turning point in his career. He returned to the podium in front of his home crowd at Catalunya with second place and, shortly afterwards, clinched the victory he had always dreamed of at the Dutch TT. From that point the Catalan youngster entered the race for the title. He eventually finished third place overall in the 125cc World Championship, which was seen by many as a major triumph for such a young rider.

2002 saw Toni stepped up to the 250cc class. The objectives of gathering experience and learning the secrets of the new category and his Aprilia were covered before taking his first 250 win at Motegi. He ended the season fourth in the championship overall. He did nothing to disappoint his fans in 2003, winning more races than any other rider, again fighting for the championship until the end of the season. Despite this gritty performance he eventually finished third.

Toni then joined the Fortuna Honda 250 team in 2004, but again endured a difficult start to the season as he struggled to adapt to his new bike. He eventually finished fourth in the overall 250cc championship standings despite taking a magnificent victory at Estoril, two second places and five thirds over the course of the season. He stood on the podium eight times but it wasn't one of Toni's most memorable seasons. Toni is looking forward to more success in the 2005 MotoGP World Championship aboard the Fortuna Yamaha Team YZR-M1.

Career