Number two rider Alex De Angelis claims that team-mate Toni Elias' bike has a distinct advantage
TEAM MATES that get on are a rare sight, especially in the MotoGP paddock and it seems that there's already tension at satellite Honda team, San Carlo Honda Gresini.
After finishing 11th in the recent Sepang MotoGP tests - 6 places behind his team mate - De Angelis has claimed that his bike is 'a long way off' his team mate's machine.
The Gresini team, consisting of young-talents Alex De Angelis and Toni Elias have a curious setup; in order to tempt Toni Elias back to Honda, the team had to secure a near-factory bike for Elias, which they did. While De Angelis has 'only' got the standard bike offered to satellite teams.
De Angelis is quoted as saying his bike is totally different from Elias' factory machine - the chassis, electronics, airbox, silencer and many other smaller parts. De Angelis also claims that Elias' bike can rev higher too, producing more power.
We get the impression the tense atmosphere is only just forming. Have the mind games started? Can Elias deal with the pressure to outperform De Angelis?
