FAUSTO GRESINI AND ALEX DE ANGELIS TOGETHER FOR 2008
 Following
today's Grand Prix of Portugal and just hours before Team
Honda Gresini head east to Japan for the fifteenth round of
the season, Fausto Gresini is delighted to announce the signature
of Alex De Angelis, 23, for next season. Following in the
tradition of Honda Gresini, the 2008 project will feature
a young 'Italian' rider, even though this one in particular
has a San Marino passport.
FAUSTO GRESINI: " I am happy to announce
that Alex De Angelis will be one of our two riders next year
in MotoGP. With Alex, who is from San Marino but has come
through the Italian motorcycling ranks, our 'tricolore' project
continues and is in line with our tradition of opening the
door to success to young Italian riders and making sure they
have the right package to demonstrate their potential at the
highest level. Over the years we have already achieved success
with Sete Gibernau, Marco Melandri and Toni Elias in the premier
class. We would like to welcome Alex who will make his MotoGP
debut with us on a Honda with Bridgestone tyres. We have signed
a one year agreement and we have the option of another year
on Alex if he can end the 2008 season with certain results.
Our intention is for this to be a long term project. We have
a lot of belief in Alex's potential, he is only 23 years old
and I hope he can be our team's next winner."
ALEX DE ANGELIS: "I am really happy.
I am making the step up to MotoGP with a lot of enthusiasm
but safe in the knowledge that I have made the right decision
at the right time. I have a lot of faith in Fausto Gresini's
team. Over the years they have proved that they are a top
team and have nothing to envy of a factory team. Every rider
who has ridden with them has been strong and achieved brilliant
results. I feel I have all the technical and moral support
I need. To race in MotoGP is a dream come true. It reminds
me of when I stepped up from the European Championships to
the 125cc World Championship - that was the first of my dreams
to become a reality and to move up to the premier class is
the second one. I think the moment has arrived and the experience
I have gained over four seasons in the 250 class will be a
solid base for me to take this next step from. "
ALEX DE ANGELIS - RIDER PROFILE
Born in Rimini, 26 February 1984
Age: 23 years old
Residence: San Marino
Weight: 57 kg
Status: single
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