The inaugural Moto2 world champion was left without a ride in the spring of 2015 when the JR BMW World Superbike team folded due to funding issues.
A chance came his way when he deputised for the injured Karel Abraham for the tenth round of the MotoGP series in the AB Motoracing Honda team after an appearance at the prestigious Suzuka 8 Hour.
Elias raced to 22nd position around the Indianapolis Motor Speedway but it was his speed at the end of the race, when he closed to within a second of regular 'Open' rider Eugene Laverty in 19th, that left him hopeful of finding a ride in the imminent future.
"I'm very open," said Elias. "I will be open if it's MotoGP, if it's Superbike. If it's Moto America or BSB. All will be good for me. Just I need this opportunity to continue showing my potential. Of course, my phone will be open 24 hours a day!
"Now I'm ok because I'm trying to fight with these kind of guys [MotoGP riders]. I could see I'm still alive, still able to race in very competitive level. Just I have to be patient for my opportunity to arrive. Some opportunity will arrive and we'll try to show what we have inside."
Elias was never able to re-find the form that brought him a world title after his disastrous graduation to MotoGP in 2011 with the LCR Honda team. From there he stints in Moto2 and World Superbike only brought about limited success.
However, his encouraging American showing, which came after no prior testing, has buoyed the Spaniard as he looks for a seat for the remainder of the year.
"I finished the race only one second behind Laverty. We did a great job every session improving. Finally I'm a little bit angry for the last two laps because I arrive too late. Maybe if the race finish two laps after it would be pos sible to overtake these next three riders. But we'll see next time."
