The result could help persuade Honda to field three riders next year, as opposed to farming the Italian out to the satellite Gresini team.

BBC: Matt Roberts MotoGP column

For Elias, the unexpected podium meant a great end to a bad week in which he was told he would not be retained by the Gresini Honda team for 2010.

CNN: Victory edges Rossi closer to MotoGP title

Toni Elias moved another step closer to the Moto2 title with a seventh win of the season that earned a hug and a slap on the wrists from team manager Fausto Gresini.

BBC: Matt Roberts MotoGP column