Your 2 Wheels

BROOKES JOINS CAMIER FOR WSB TEST

2012-02-15T12:15:00.002Z

Team Suzuki Press Office - February 15.

Josh Brookes joined Leon Camier and the Crescent Fixi Suzuki team for this week's WSB test at Phillip Island in Australia, replacing John Hopkins who crashed and broke his hand on Monday.

And it is likely the Tyco Suzuki BSB rider will be stand-in for the American at next week's official WSB test and opening round of the World Championship at the venue if Hopkins is deemed unfit to ride.

Both riders ended the three-day test on a positive note after intensive back-to-back testing of the 2011 and new 2012 GSX-R1000s with the team coming away valuable technical data.

Leon Camier:

"We started these tests with the same bike we used in the Portimao tests last November and then flipped between the 2011 and 2012 bikes on day two. We had a few electrical issues on the second day, but resolved them in time for the last day, which was the first time we've been able to make many changes we wanted to do; and I'm happy because we were able to progress a lot.

"There's definitely room for improvement and that is very encouraging. I feel comfortable on the bike and I like the character of the engine a lot. The track temperature has been very hot at times and that affects how the tyres work. This place is all about grip and trying to manage your tyres in a race and you've got to have a good bike set up here if you want to lap fast.

"On the final afternoon, we tried a few different things; some worked and some didn't, but it has given us a lot of good information we can use next time out. Generally I am pretty happy. I think we're improving and, for me, the big positive is that I have been able to put in good lap times today and that makes me look forward to the official tests next Monday and Tuesday."

Josh Brookes:

"It's been more difficult than I thought because the set up of John's bike is very different to what I am used to. It's not easy just rocking up and riding somebody else's bike and I started by trying to use John's settings. They didn't work for me, so we started to make changes and were getting there by the end of the day. I am pretty confident about the front end, but not so happy with the rear yet. That's been the biggest problem today, but all the things we've tried will stand us in good stead in the tests next week."

Jack Valentine - Team Manager:

"The team had done a massive amount of work before we arrived here, so it was a shame that the tests didn't start well. We knew that we'd have lots to sort out, so losing John so early was a bit of a blow. Leon started with the 2011 suspension and the bike from Portimao and then we gradually introduced new parts. By day three, he was running two 2012-spec bikes and looking pretty comfortable. I'm pleased with the performance of Yoshimura engines and everything is looking very positive.

"I am pleased with our work over the three days because we have definitely made progress and are heading in the right direction. Of course, we're a bit behind the game on John's side of the garage, because he didn't get a chance to try out all the new parts, but he's already got a good base-setting and so I don't see any problems when he gets back on the bike.

"With John out of action, we decided we wanted a high-calibre rider to help out so we contacted Josh Brookes. Luckily he was able to come down and join us for the third day of the tests. He was an obvious choice - as he rides a GSX-R1000 in BSB and so is part of the Suzuki family. We're grateful to him for coming down at short notice and to Phillip Neil at TAS Suzuki for allowing Josh to join our team.

"It is unlikely that John will be fit enough to ride next week so, if that is the case, Josh will take part in the official tests and the races. He certainly knows his way round this place and I think it's good for Suzuki, our sponsors and the fans that we have two riders out there for the first round of the Championship."

ELENA MYERS BACK WITH HAMMER SUZUKI

2012-02-15T10:08:00.001Z

Team Suzuki Press Office - February 14.

Elena Myers has signed with Team Hammer for the 2012 AMA Pro SuperSport Championship with title-sponsorship from American Suzuki's SuzukiScoopFans page on Facebook and SportbikeTrackGear.com.

Said Myers: "I'm really excited to be back with Team Hammer and all of our Partners this year. There's no question that we have an excellent program and we're looking forward to continuing the relationships we've built. The GSX-R600 will be fast and it will look great."??

Now 18, Myers burst onto the AMA Pro scene as a 16-year-old rookie in 2010, becoming the first woman to win an AMA Pro sprint race with a victory at Infineon Raceway. She finished as the SuperSport West Region Championship runner-up in 2010 while impressing with her balance of measured tactics and well-timed aggression.??

Myers, from Discovery Bay, California, finished fifth in the 2011 AMA Pro SuperSport West Region Championship with a combined five top-five finishes across both regions, including a podium-finish at Barber Motorsports Park.??

Said Myers: "The past few years I've had a lot of expectations about wanting to win a Championship and I think we've continued to develop towards that goal. I've got great backing and if I can stay healthy, we'll go hammer-down. This will be my third year in AMA Pro SuperSport. I've been working on an intense training program this off-season and I'm really looking forward to getting to Daytona. There are more rounds this year and I am certainly happy about that too."??

Myers will race a 2012 Suzuki GSX-R600 and Eric Gray will lead her crew with assistance from returning mechanic Phillip Doyle.??

Said Gray: "An opportunity to work with Elena is really exciting for me. She's a previous winner and a proven front-runner. Working with a different rider in the team last year, I got to see her approach to racing and saw that she has an exceptional work ethic. She's entering her third year so she has some experience even though she's still at a young age. The team learned a lot about the Suzuki GSX-R600 last year and we have a good base-line setting."??

Team Hammer General Manager Keith Perry said: "We're excited to continue her development with the team and see where that takes her. The team felt she learned a lot in the second-half of the 2011 season and she sharpened her skills with each race and especially at the CCS races we ran last fall.

"Elena has a lot of promise and clearly she has a lot of natural talent and ability and we're committed to helping her continue to improve. We will have Eric Gray working with her this year and he has a good record with young riders, so we are all excited."
Said Brian Van of SportbikeTrackGear.com: "We are very proud to be supporting Elena Myers and working with the SuzukiScoopFans program and Team Hammer in 2012. Elena is a real talent as I discovered first-hand when she passed me like a mailbox on the roadside in AMA Supersport Practice at Barber in 2011; 2012 is going to be a great year for sure!"

American Suzuki's Chief Pat Alexander added: "Suzuki is happy to be working with one of the fastest women on the planet in Elena Myers. It's good to have her representing American Suzuki and SuzukiScoopFans. She's worked with us for a few years and she's done well by winning at Infineon Raceway in 2010 and fighting through injury to produce good results last year. Elena is a good ambassador for our brand and she has all the potential to come out on top for the 2012 season."

HOPKINS BREAKS HAND IN TEST CRASH

2012-02-13T12:35:00.000Z

Team Suzuki Press Office - February 13.

John Hopkins has broken a bone in his right hand after suffering a corner-entry high-side crash on the first day of testing at Phillip Island in Australia today.

The Crescent Fixi Suzuki rider will fly back to USA tomorrow morning and see his hand surgeon immediately, before deciding if he will be able to return to Australia and race at the opening round of the World Superbike Championship on February 26th.

John Hopkins:

"This feels so devastating because I was feeling really comfortable on the bike right from the start. I was running the 2011-spec bike with just small modifications to the engine and the new Yoshimura exhaust and hadn't yet got on the full 2012 bike. But I felt that the GSX-R had already been improved in the areas it needed to be.

"The track conditions were not the best and we started the day a bit late because there were some damp patches around from the overnight rain. Having said that, it wasn't the damp that caused the crash. I was on a used tyre and probably on the last lap before pulling in. I exited turn one and might have been just a little bit too hot for the condition of the tyre going into turn two, when suddenly the rear came round even before I got on the brakes. I was spat off and unfortunately came down on my right hand - the same one that is missing a bit of finger. The X-rays show that I have fractured a bone in the base of the hand near what's left of my fourth finger.

"I will fly home tomorrow and see my hand surgeon, Doctor Chao, and we'll decide what has to be done. I would say that my chances of racing at Phillip Island next week are very slim, but the important thing is to get the hand sorted correctly and be completely right before I race. It may be better to miss Phillip Island and then use the six weeks or so before Imola to get back to 100% - we'll see. I want to say thanks to the Crescent Fixi team for all its efforts and sorry to Suzuki and all the team's sponsors - we'll be back and fighting for the podium soon"

Jack Valentine:

"It is a bit more than unfortunate what happened to John today. We had a late start because of the overnight rain and a bit of sea mist this morning, but everything was going fine. John looked good on the bike. His lap times were right up there with the others and there were no problems with his finger. He was unlucky to high-side, but more unlucky to come down on his right hand. We'll wait to see how he gets on in the USA tomorrow and although there is a possibility that he might race, I think we'd all rather that he got his injury sorted out properly and then return when he's full and ready.

"The positives are that both riders have already gelled really well with the bike. Hopper looked good right from the start and Leon got comfortable straight away. Leon ended the day really happy with the bike and he'll carry on the work we've got to do and keep improving tomorrow."

‘Nitro Nori’ Haga fired up for MCE British Superbike Championship with Swan Yamaha

2012-02-13T11:31:00.002Z

The Swan Yamaha team has today (Monday 13.2.2012) confirmed that World Superbike sensation Noriyuki Haga will be completing their line-up for the 2012 MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship as he permanently replaces the injured Ian Hutchinson for the forthcoming season.

Fans’ favourite Haga is famous for his flamboyant riding style with much of his World Championship success in the past powered by Yamaha. Japanese ace Haga joins the MCE BSB Championship with the Swan Yamaha team following a record of 43 race wins in the World Championship, finishing runner-up in the title race on three occasions (2009, 2007, 2000) and securing third in the overall standings in an additional four seasons (2008, 2006, 2005, 2004).

Haga has already celebrated success on MCE BSB Championship circuits at World level including podium finishes at Brands Hatch, Donington Park, Silverstone and Assen as the Japanese contender prepares for his first full season in MCE BSB which gets underway at Brands Hatch on Easter weekend (6-9 April).

Haga said: “It is a new challenge for me to race in BSB and I am now ready for the new season with Swan Yamaha. I feel that after many years in the same series this will be a kind of restart to my racing career. BSB has grown a lot and I have big support from the fans in the UK, so I liked the idea of racing in the Championship. It will also be a return to Yamaha, where I spent so many years taking many wins and now I feel like I am going back to my family. I have won races with Yamaha before in the World Championship and now I hope that we can do it again in BSB. I don't know several circuits in England and the BSB Championship but I will do my best to get results this year for the fans, myself and for Yamaha. We will start testing soon and I am very excited to get back on track as we have big ambitions for this season. Finally I hope that Ian Hutchinson can recover soon from his injury.”

Team Owner Shaun Muir concluded: “It was a difficult situation for the Swan Yamaha team when Ian (Hutchinson) was sidelined with just four weeks remaining before we begin our pre-season testing programme. We then had to set out to find a replacement rider and the result for us could not have been better. We are absolutely delighted that Noriyuki will be joining us and we are now looking forward to welcoming him into the team. Noriyuki has such vast experience of racing a Superbike and during his career has always had a strong partnership with Yamaha and we are happy that we can continue that relationship this year. The Swan Yamaha team won the title last season and Noriyuki is really ready for the challenge of BSB and is coming to race here to win.”

Swan Marketing Manager Mark Alldred concluded: “We are thrilled to confirm the full team line up for the 2012 season after Ian’s unfortunate injury. We are delighted to welcome Noriyuki Haga to the team at this late stage. He has a fantastic pedigree at the highest level and will be a real contender for the championship this year. We have a great rider line-up at Swan Yamaha having signed two of the top riders in the championship. We wish them both the best of luck for the forthcoming season.”

www.yamaha-racing.com

CRESCENT FIXI SUZUKI UNVEILS WSB GSX-R1000

2012-02-08T10:29:00.001Z

Crescent Suzuki has unveiled its new 2012 GSX-R and named bespoke Foreign Exchange Solutions company Fixi as co-title sponsor for John Hopkins and Leon Camier's 2012 World Superbike Championship title assault.

And, as the wraps came off the newly-liveried Yoshimura-powered GSX-R1000s at the company's Verwood Headquarters in Dorset this week, the squad - under the guidance of Team Manager Jack Valentine - was preparing to crate-up and ship to Australia next week for testing in the lead-up to the opening round of the 2012 World Superbike Championship at Phillip Island on February 26th.

Paul Denning - Team Principal:

"The team has done a stunning job to prepare the new GSX-Rs for this level of competition; the attention to detail is faultless and I think that this will be the most-advanced GSX-R ever to grace a racetrack! Yoshimura's hard work and proactive attitude to engine development has also enabled us to be as well prepared for Phillip Island as we can be. John and Leon are ready, the team is very motivated; and we will put everything into competing at the best level we possibly can!

"I would like to thank Richard Wynn and his co-directors at Fixi for their continued and expanded support. I would also like to thank Ronald Kabella and the team at Motorex and all our partners for their commitment to Crescent Fixi Suzuki's assault on the World Superbike Championship. Finally, thanks to everyone at new team partner Sign Language for completing the graphic-wrapped livery so expertly and quickly."

Richard Wynn - CEO, Fixi Plc:

"Fixi provides bespoke, state of the art foreign exchange services to the institutional and professional marketplace and we are no strangers to Crescent, having supported them in the British Superbike Championship last year. Having our brand exposed globally is extremely good timing for us - we have offices in London, Chicago and more recently Singapore and, through our innovative technology, we are able to reach out to clients and partnerships in all the leading global financial centres.

"The World Superbike Championship offers us a wonderful opportunity not only to entertain our existing clients, but also to enhance our marketing strategy. Last year provided us with one of the most exciting finales any Superbike series has witnessed and we have no doubt that the Crescent Suzuki team will do a sterling job in representing our brand in the World Superbike Championship."

Crescent Fixi Suzuki would like to thank all its additional 2012 sponsors and racing partners: Yoshimura, Motorex, Troy Lee Designs, Beta Tools, Sign Language, Unibox, ND Plugs, GB Racing, Goodridge, Ferodo, Tsubaki, PUIG, Valter Moto, Numax, Motec, Big Rock Holidays, Clinton Enterprises, Blue Chip, Data Pacific, DFDS, Flag Innovations, Draggin Jeans, Renthal, P1 Race Batteries, 3M, ACL Hire.

JERMAN BACK WITH SUZUKI GRANDYS DUO

2012-02-06T18:08:00.002Z

Team Suzuki Press Office - February 6.

Former Polish Supersport Champion Marko Jerman has agreed terms with the Suzuki GRANDys duo team to contest this season's Polish Superbike Championship aboard the team's GSX-R1000.

The 2010 Champion, who contested World Supersport races in 2011, will be joined at selected races by Andy Meklau on the team's Yoshimura-equipped Superbike.

Marko Jerman:

"I am glad that the Suzuki GRANDys team invited me again to ride for them in 2012. We co-operated in 2010 and it was a great experience. The team is very professional and the people in Poland are very kind and friendly so I am certain that we will have a great season together again this year."

Jacek Grandys - Team Manager:

"I'm happy that Marko accepted our invitation to co-operate in 2012. We celebrated together the Polish Supersport Championship title in 2010 and now we would like to repeat that success in Superbike. Despite his young age, Marko is already a very experienced rider. He won the Alpe Adria Cup and last year he took part in the World Supersport Championship."

Marko Jerman Career History:

2011: World Supersport
2010: Polish Supersport Champion, Alpe Adria Supersport Champion, 2nd place European Supersport Championship
2009: 1000 Alpe Adria Superstock Champion
2008: 1000 Superstock FIM Cup
2007: 1000 Superstock FIM Cup
2006: 1000 Superstock FIM Cup
2005: 1000 Superstock FIM Cup
2004: 6th place European Supersport Championship
2003: 2nd place Alpe Adria Supersport Championship
2002: 250cc Alpe Adria Championship
2001 125ccm Alpe Adria Championship
2000 125ccm Alpe Adria Championship

AOKI TRAINS INDONESIAN SUZUKI RACERS

2012-02-03T10:57:00.001Z

Team Suzuki Press Office - February 2.

Suzuki factory test rider Nobuatsu Aoki hosted a two-day Training School at the Kenjalang circuit in Indonesia this week.

The former GP rider was invited by Suzuki Motor Indonesia to share his knowledge and skills with Suzuki's top Indonesian Indoprix Championship riders and help motivate other Suzuki series contenders at the technical, twisting circuit at Surabaya city.

In Indonesia - which has annual motorcycle sales of more than 8 million and is the third-largest market globally behind China and India - the most-popular racing class is Indoprix, which Suzuki hotly-contests with its popular FW 110cc Suzuki Titan in both the 110cc and 125cc classes; the latter class featuring modified and bored-out, but modified, off-the-shelf machinery.

Suzuki's dedicated Race Department, Suzuki Indomobil Motor, will field two teams in the upcoming 2012 Indoprix Championship; Suzuki AHRS Racing Team and Suzuki Chia Felix Racing Team; two riders - Andi Farhat and Ahmed Kohar - being present at the Training School.

Aoki, who spent a lot time knee-scraping the teams' Titan machinery over the two days, left the test impressed. He said: "My biggest message was to change the riders' mindset and encourage everyone at the School to aim at a higher level, try a new challenge; and I do believe everyone understood this, put it into practice; and hopefully learned a lot from it.

"The riding level and performance in Indonesia is very high and if our riders put in their best effort in the 2012 Indoprix Championship, they will deliver good results for Suzuki. I'm looking forward to meeting them again in Indonesia."

Team Suzuki Chia Felix rider Ahmad Kohar said: "I can feel the significant change in my lap times and riding style and especially some all-new suspension settings that we worked on together. I was able to find answers to many questions talking to Nobuatsu Aoki as well as the Japanese technical staff, even though two days wasn't enough; we want Nobu to come back and spend more time!"

Suzuki Chia Felix team-mate Andi Farhat added: "I was very surprised at the new machine-settings we found by working with Nobu and the Japanese technicians and our riding stle and lap-times improved over the two days. I want him to hold this Riding School again as it was very good for everyone."

Team Suzuki Racing will be previewing the 2012 Indoprix Championship that gets underway in Jakarta on March 11th in more detail, plus an insight into its teams and machinery in the next few weeks.

Yamaha Factory Racing Complete Successful Test at Sepang

2012-02-03T10:55:00.001Z

The Yamaha Factory Racing Team today completed the first test of the 2012 season at the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia. Riders Jorge Lorenzo and Ben Spies spent the three track days working to develop the base set up of the 1000cc YZR-M1 ahead of the second Sepang test in one month’s time. The riders and engineers focused on the balance of the M1 chassis along with improving the electronics package to gain the optimum performance from the increased horsepower. New Bridgestone tyres were also assessed ahead of the upcoming race season. The times from today’s final session saw Lorenzo slot in as the second fastest rider, 0.59 seconds behind Casey Stoner. Team mate Spies wrapped up in fourth position, 0.88 seconds from first.

The riders will now return to the USA and Spain respectively whilst the engineers return to Japan with the valuable data to make the next steps forward in development. The team will return in four weeks time to test the work done.

Jorge Lorenzo

Position 2nd - Time 2.00.198 - Laps 35

“I’m really, really satisfied, I have improved on my best record here in Sepang. We tried a lot of things; some have been a lot better, especially one major improvement. We also know where we have to improve in the future. The electronics are not perfect yet, we still need to make it smoother but the bike has so much potential we are very optimistic. The Yamaha engineers have worked really hard so they have done a good job. I made my best time today at midday which is the hardest time with the conditions so it was pretty good. Let’s see what we can do when we come back.”

Ben Spies

Position 4th - Time 2.00.495 - Laps 16

“It’s been a good test, we’ve got a lot of things accomplished, we’re definitely moving in the right direction with my bike. I tried the Yamaha test rider’s bike today which had a slightly different set up to make a fair comparison with mine. I made a small mistake, losing the front but that’s testing; it can happen when you’re working out the good and bad! All in all it’s been great and I’m really happy and looking forward to coming back and seeing what’s new.”

Positive start to 2012 for Crutchlow and Dovizioso

The Monster Yamaha Tech3 Team made a positive start to preparations for the 2012 MotoGP World Championship after a three-day test session at the Sepang International Circuit, which reached a successful conclusion today.

British rider Cal Crutchlow wasted no time in getting back up to speed to clock the third fastest time on the opening day and he was one of the outstanding performers for the duration of the test.

Making only his second appearance on Yamaha's 1000cc machine, Crutchlow worked through a range of set-up options to improve his speed and confidence with the all-new YZR-M1. He walked away unhurt from a small front-end crash at Turn 13 on the final morning and he eventually finished with a quickest time of 2.01.108.

Andrea Dovizioso demonstrated his determination to quickly get to grips with the YZR-M1, with the Italian rider giving his absolute maximum effort just three weeks after he broke his right collarbone in a motocross training accident. The intense heat and humidity always makes riding at the Sepang International Circuit a tough physical examination, but Dovizioso also had to contend with the pain and discomfort from his recovering right collarbone to complete 102 crucial development laps on board the YZR-M1. He set a best time of 2.01.257 to finish just behind Crutchlow on the leaderboard.

The Monster Yamaha Tech3 Team continues its pre- season testing campaign back at the Sepang International Circuit for another three-day test, which commences on February 28.

Cal Crutchlow

Position 7th - Time 2.01.108

“I am really pleased with the way things have gone at this test and it has been a really good confidence boost to start 2012. Sepang is a track I just don't get on with or enjoy riding at but I was third on the first day and fifth on the second day. I'm sure I could have been fifth on the final day too but a couple of things didn't go my way. I had a crash early on at Turn 13 when I basically ran wide and got on the dirty part of the track. It was my fault and that cost me a fair bit of track time and when I was confident I could go a lot quicker at the end it started raining. The pleasing aspect is my times have been consistent and that bodes well for the future. I'm not as fast as Stone r, Spies, Pedrosa or Lorenzo but for consistency I'm the best of the rest. The new 1000cc YZR-M1 has kept the strong points of the 800 with good corner entry and turning. But we do need to look at improving the bike on corner exit. Being in the top five on the first two days and not far away on the final day is a great start but I'm not going to get carried away. This is only the first test and while testing is really important, it is what happens in Qatar on April 8 that is really important.”

Andrea Dovizioso

Position 8th - Time 2.01.257

“I am really happy just to have been able to come to this test and ride because beforehand a lot of people said it would be impossible. The collarbone was very badly broken but this test is very important and I want to thank everybody that helped me in my recuperation in Italy that made it possib le for me to ride. You can do a lot of good work here even if it is very bad for my body, but I am happy because I could ride on each day and my feeling with the Yamaha is coming much better than the first time I tried the bike in Valencia. I understood much more about this bike here and what I realise is that I have to change my style more. There is a big difference in the characteristic of the Yamaha and the Honda I rode for the last four years, so I have to learn to use the good points of the M1 more. But it was not so easy riding in my physical condition. Braking for the right-hand corners was hard but changing direction was an issue because I don't have 100% strength. I am looking forward to the next test now where I will be a lot closer to being 100% fit.”

Test Times

1. Casey Stoner (AUS) Repsol Honda Team 1'59.607
2. Jorge Lorenzo (SPA) Yamaha Factory Racing 2'00.198
3. Dani Pedrosa (SPA) Repsol Honda Team 2'00.256
4. Ben Spies (USA) Yamaha Factory Racing 2'00.495
5. Valentino Rossi (ITA) Ducati Team 2'00.824
6. Hector Barbera (SPA) Pramac Racing Team 2'00.929
7. Cal Crutchlow (GBR) Yamaha Tech3 2'01.108
8. Andrea Dovizioso (ITA) Yamaha Tech3 2'01.257
9. Alvaro Bautista (SPA) Honda Gresini 2'01.384
10. Nicky Hayden (USA) Ducati Team 2'01.729
11. Stefan Bradl (GER) LCR Honda 2'01.894
12. Karel Abraham (CZE) Cardion AB Motoracing 2'02.218
13. Katsuyuki Nakasuga (JPN) Yamaha Factory Racing 2'02.334
14. Franco Battaini (ITA) Ducati Team 2'03.033
15. Colin Edwards (USA) NGM Mobile Forward Racing 2'04.722
16. Ivan Silva (SPA) Avintia Racing 2'08.225
17. Robertino Pietri (VEN) Avintia Racing 2'09.640
18. Jordi Torres (SPA) Avintia Racing 2'10.184

Sepang Record Lap
C.Stoner (Ducati) 2007, 2'02.108

Sepang Best Lap
V.Rossi (Yamaha) 2009, 2'00.518

www.yamaha-racing.com.

Yamaha Keep Up the Pace in Sepang

2012-02-01T16:18:00.002Z

Yamaha Factory riders Jorge Lorenzo and Ben Spies continued to show promising form today in the second day of the Sepang test, the first official 1000cc MotoGP test of 2012. Having spent yesterday getting back into the rhythm of riding, today was spent focusing on comparative testing in a number of areas.

The team worked to gather data to optimise the balance of the 2012 YZR-M1 chassis whilst also working to refine the power delivery of the increased engine capacity through electronics and power delivery. Spies led the field for the majority of the day with team mate Lorenzo just behind, the Texan eventually knocked from the top spot by just 0.157 seconds by Casey Stoner. Tomorrow’s final day of testing will see a further shakedown by the Yamaha riders before they return in one month’s time for the second test of the season.

Ben Spies

Position 2nd - Time 2.01.052- Laps 37

“We got going pretty well in the morning, then even when the track started to slow down the pace was still really good. We started to mess with the balance of the bike a little today and played with the electronics to find a good foundation with the bike. At Valencia we compared some stuff and got in the right direction. Now we’re here and taking the next step, trying some things to see how it affects the set up. There’s definitely some room for improvement and some areas we’re not struggling with at all.”

Jorge Lorenzo

Position 3rd - Time 2.01.068 - Laps 40

“Today I was much more tired than yesterday so it was tough to finish with a good pace but we managed it. We didn’t find any big improvements but some small details. Tomorrow we hope to make one big step. We improved our lap times a lot in the morning but in the afternoon when it was even hotter we managed to go faster which is very positive.”

Test Times

1. Casey Stoner (AUS) Repsol Honda Team 2'00.895
2. Ben Spies (USA) Yamaha Factory Racing 2'01.052
3. Jorge Lorenzo (SPA) Yamaha Factory Racing 2'01.068
4. Dani Pedrosa (SPA) Repsol Honda Team 2'01.508
5. Cal Crutchlow (GBR) Yamaha Tech3 2'01.565
6. Hector Barbera (SPA) Pramac Racing Team 2'01.788
7. Valentino Rossi (ITA) Ducati Team 2'01.886
8. Alvaro Bautista (SPA) Honda Gresini 2'01.933
9. Andrea Dovizioso (ITA) Yamaha Tech3 2'02.160
10. Nicky Hayden (USA) Ducati Team 2'02.354
11. Stefan Bradl (GER) LCR Honda 2'02.414
12. Karel Abraham (CZE) Cardion AB Motoracing 2'02.598
13. Katsuyuki Nakasuga (JPN) Yamaha Factory Racing 2'02.941
14. Franco Battaini (ITA) Ducati Team 2'04.311
15. Colin Edwards (USA) NGM Mobile Forward Racing 2'05.603
16. Ivan Silva (SPA) Avintia Racing 2'10.297
17. Jordi Torres (SPA) Avintia Racing 2'11.893
18. Robertino Pietri (VEN) Avintia Racing 2'12.546

Sepang Record Lap
C.Stoner (Ducati) 2007, 2'02.108

Sepang Best Lap
V.Rossi (Yamaha) 2009, 2'00.518

Positive Start to 2012 for Yamaha Factory Racing in Sepang

2012-02-01T08:21:00.001Z

MotoGP 2012 finally got underway today with the first of three days of testing at the Sepang circuit in Malaysia. Yamaha Factory riders Jorge Lorenzo and Ben Spies took their first ride on the 1000cc YZR-M1 since last year. Both riders blew the cobwebs off quickly and settled down to an impressive pace, Lorenzo proving to be the fastest man on track with his team mate always close behind him.

The focus for the first day was to get back into the swing of riding and also to establish a good base set up. Tomorrow and the day after Lorenzo and Spies will compare various new settings to provide valuable data for the second Sepang test in one month’s time.

Jorge Lorenzo

Position 1st - Time 2.01.657 - Laps 30

“I’m very happy with today. For the first ride on the bike in some time, it’s been very positive. Yamaha has worked very hard over the winter for this M1. I can see very easily where I have to adapt my riding style for the bike and I can see a lot of potential. We have many areas where we can improve so I’m looking forward to beginning again tomorrow. I’m also very happy that my finger is fine and doesn’t affect my riding at all!”

Ben Spies

Position 4th - Time 2.02.234 - Laps 28

I’m happy, it was fun to get back on the bike today, I haven’t ridden any type of motorcycle since Valencia. It didn’t take too long to knock the rust off, we tried a few things in set up and every step we did made small improvements. We have a lot to do in the next couple of days and a lot more in the second test. It’s been a confidence inspiring start, Yamaha have put in a lot of effort for this season so we’ll work day by day to be even better.”

Test Times

1. Jorge Lorenzo (SPA) Yamaha Factory Racing 2'01.657
2. Dani Pedrosa (SPA) Repsol Honda Team 2'02.003
3. Cal Crutchlow (GBR) Yamaha Tech3 2'02.221
4. Ben Spies (USA) Yamaha Factory Racing 2'02.234
5. Valentino Rossi (ITA) Ducati Team 2'02.392
6. Andrea Dovizioso (ITA) Yamaha Tech3 2'02.751
7. Hector Barbera (SPA) Pramac Racing Team 2'02.773
8. Katsuyuki Nakasuga (JPN) Yamaha Factory Racing 2'02.829
9. Alvaro Bautista (SPA) Honda Gresini 2'02.869
10. Nicky Hayden (USA) Ducati Team 2'03.151
11. Stefan Bradl (GER) LCR Honda 2'03.668
12. Karel Abraham (CZE) Cardion AB Motoracing 2'03.781
13. Franco Battaini (ITA) Ducati Team 2'04.986
14. Casey Stoner (AUS) Repsol Honda Team 2'07.163
15. Colin Edwards (USA) NGM Mobile Forward Racing 2'08.240
16. Jordi Torres (SPA) Avintia Racing 2'10.671
17. Ivan Silva (SPA) Avintia Racing 2'11.267

Sepang Record Lap
C.Stoner (Ducati) 2007, 2'02.108

Sepang Best Lap
V.Rossi (Yamaha) 2009, 2'00.518

More double podium joy as Stewart wins in Oakland

2012-01-31T09:03:00.001Z

For the second consecutive week YZ450F technology made an impression on both SX and West Coast Lites podiums in the AMA Supercross series (also an FIM World Championship). The Overstock.com coliseum in Oakland was the scene of the fourth round of seventeen and also witnessed JGRMX’s James Stewart earn his first victory of the year and first for his new team with the YZ450F.

Stewart was the fourth different winner of the season so far (after finishing third in LA last week) and reached the chequered flag in the twenty lap main event by over two seconds from Chad Reed in what was an emotionally charged evening in the wake of the tragic accident to the Floridian’s training mechanic Mark Adams on Thursday morning. The former champion took part in a thrilling battle with Reed and reigning champion Ryan Villopoto in the formative stages of the race but after squeezing past the Australian was able to maintain a gap to seal his triumph in front of more than 46,000 spectators.

“Tonight I got up front and kind of stayed out of trouble,” commented the rider who is now fourth in the SX class and 12 points behind leaders Reed and Ryan Dungey. “I felt Ryan there and just tried not to over-ride the track. I was able to get on the inside of Chad going across the start. It worked out. I was not really riding too hard, just trying to make sure I hit the marks good.”

“I knew it was a track you just kind of had to be patient on,” he added. “But I think we had the setup a little bit better for me tonight. Those three crashes the first three races tore me up. But tonight in the Main Event I just pulled it together. So, it was awesome. Especially with my mechanic being lost this week it was definitely tough. This was definitely special.”

In the Lites Monster Energy Yamaha’s Zach Osborne signed off his impressive four-round appearance in the AMA competition by taking his second trophy on the bounce with the YZ250F that he will steer in the 2012 MX2-GP FIM Motocross World Championship. The 22 year old grabbed third position nine days ago in Los Angeles and made the box again with another third place in Oakland.

“I’m really happy and I think all of this is going to be good for my GP program,” he said. “We put a lot of work into suspension. We have a really good setting and I think the bike is really good. I feel super comfortable on it and I can’t thank those guys enough for putting in a lot of time and effort and making it happen for me, too.”

Osborne will shortly travel back to Europe to begin preparation for the Grand Prix campaign but departs the West Coast Lites series third in the standings and with some valuable confidence and race-time under his belt.

The entertaining AMA contest rolls back into Los Angeles and the Angel Stadium at Anaheim this week.

HARD FIGHT FOR SUZUKI MEN AT OAKLAND SX

2012-01-31T08:59:00.002Z

Team Suzuki Press Office - January 30.

Rockstar Energy Suzuki's Martin Davalos and Yoshimura Suzuki's Brett Metcalfe both fought hard to point-scoring rides at the fourth round of the AMA/ FIM World Supercross series at Oakland in California on Saturday night.

Both riders suffered with problems in their respective Lites and Supercross Main Events after putting-in strong performances aboard their RM-Z250 and RM-Z450 Suzukis in qualifying.

In the Supercross Lites Main Event, Davalos captured the Holeshot Award and led the first few laps, racing 100 per cent and battling for a podium position for most of the race before a few minor mistakes saw him drop back to ninth. Prior to the Main, he finished a solid third in his heat race.

Said Davalos: "I got great starts this weekend, but I made a couple of mistakes and almost went down when I was leading and I got passed. I know I have what it takes to be up front; I just can't seem to put it together in a Main Event. So I'm going to work on a couple of things and try to make everything fall into place for Anaheim 2 next weekend."
Rockstar Energy Racing team mate Jason Anderson was also one to watch in the Supercross Lites Main Event. After winning the LCQ, Anderson got a decent start in the Main Event and then charged through the field to second place before a run-in with another rider set him back. Undaunted by this, he kept his head and finished the race in 12th position.

"Overall, this weekend was good," said Anderson. "I kept building my pace and building my pace. In the Main, I started out around eighth and I got up to second, but then I got tangled up with another rider. But all-in-all, it was a good night and I'm just pumped to keep pushing through to Anaheim 2."

In the Supercross class, Metcalfe captured a fifth-place finish in his heat race and was in the top 10 in the Main when he had a minor get-off. He remounted to finish 14th and currently holds ninth position in the series.

The next event for the Rockstar Energy Racing teams is the fifth round of the 2012 AMA/ FIM Supercross Championship on Saturday, February 4th at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, California.

Supercross results: 1 James Stewart (Yamaha), 2 Chad Reed (Honda), 3 Ryan Villopoto (Kawasaki), 4 Ryan Dungey (KTM), 5 Andrew Short (Honda), 6 Kevin Windham (Honda), 7 Davi Millsaps (Yamaha), 8 Jake Weimer (Kawasaki), 9 Justin Brayton (Honda), 10 Josh Hansen (Kawasaki). 14 Brett Metcalfe (Yoshimura Suzuki).

Supercross Lites results: 1 Eli Tomac (Honda), 2 Marvin Musquin (KTM), 3 Zach Osborne (Yamaha), 4 Ryan Sipes (Yamaha), 5 Matt Moss (KTM), 6 Travis Baker (Honda), 7 Nico Izzi (Yamaha), 8 Max Anstie (Honda), 9 Martin Davalos (Rockstar Energy Suzuki), 10 Dean Wilson (Kawasaki).

NEW PARTNER OFFER FOR SUZUKI GRANDYS DUO

2012-01-31T08:54:00.001Z

Team Suzuki Press Office - January 30.

Leading Polish Superbike and Supersport team Suzuki GRANDys Duo is looking for a title sponsor for its 2012 racing activities and has put the naming rights up for auction on eBay.

The offer includes all standard marketing activities for the successful bidder as well as motorcycle livery, team clothing and other items in sponsor colours as the team prepares for the Polish, Alpe Adria and the World Endurance Championships.

Prospective sponsors can place a bid on the GRANDys Duo eBay page, which runs for two weeks until February 13th: CLICK HERE.

In 2011 the team picked up a total of 10 Championship titles and several runner-up positions across the Polish, Alpe Adria, Austrian and German IDM Championships aboard its GSX-R1000 and GSX-R600 machinery and start 2012 as firm favourites with a strong rider line-up that includes Andy Meklau and Daniel Bukowski.

Yamaha Factory Racing Enters Partnership Contract with New Official Sponsor

2012-01-30T10:43:00.001Z

Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. has entered into contract with JX Nippon Oil & Energy Corporation (Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan). The agreement welcomes the oil and energy company as a new Official Sponsor of Yamaha Factory Racing's premier class Team competing in the MotoGP World Championship.

Yamaha Factory Racing continues in 2012 with 2010 World Champion Jorge Lorenzo (ranked 2nd in 2011), and Texan team mate Ben Spies, now starting his third season of full MotoGP competition and poised for even greater success (ranked 5th in 2011). The YZR-M1 factory machine they will compete on is newly developed with an increased 1000cc engine displacement in line with the new regulations (up from 800cc last season). The partnership with JX Nippon Oil & Energy Corporation commences on January 31st in conjunction with the first official test session of 2012 at the Sepang circuit in Malaysia. The test marks the start of the Team’s campaign to reclaim the MotoGP World Championship title.

www.yamaha-racing.com.

MARTIN COMPLETES TYCO SUZUKI LINE-UP

2012-01-25T15:11:00.000Z

Team Suzuki Press Office - January 25.

Guy Martin completes the Tyco Suzuki line-up for the forthcoming season. The 2011 Ulster Grand Prix Superbike winner and quadruple podium finisher at last year's Isle of Man TT will partner Manxman Conor Cummins in an all-new line up for the three major International Road Races.

BSB rider Alastair Seeley will also join them in a three-pronged attack at the North West 200 in May.

It will be Lincolnshire rider's second season racing for Moneymore-based TAS Racing and in inimitable Guy Martin style, he explained just why he wanted to remain on GSX-R machinery with Tyco Suzuki.

Guy Martin:

"It's taken a while, but it was always on the cards. I'm happy to be back with the team for a second year and I love the new Tyco Suzuki colours. Great job! I couldn't knock last year to be honest; the only thing we didn't do was win a TT, but hopefully we'll put that right in June. That's the box we want to tick. The North West and Ulster GP are great events but it's a TT win I really want. The team is good enough, the bikes are good enough; and I believe the rider is good enough, so it's time to go out and win one!"

Philip Neill - Team Manager:

"After all the speculation it's nice to finally be able to officially announce that Guy Martin will continue to race for TAS in 2012 in the new Tyco Suzuki livery. I think we both knew that it was going to happen. We made a verbal agreement to each other last August at the Ulster Grand Prix, but all the speculation has brought lots of publicity for our sponsors, the team and Suzuki, which is great. But I suppose when Guy gets out of bed these days he gets media coverage!

"He's a hard man to pin down with such a busy schedule, but with Conor on-board and now Guy, I think we have a strong team looking ahead to the three internationals. Guy proved last year that he has all the ingredients required to go all out for that TT win in June. It's eluded him so far, but we'll work as hard as we can as a team to make it happen."

Neill concluded: "He's not just the most popular rider in the UK these days, but also very popular outside the sport, which is good for motorcycling in general. Everyone at TAS, Suzuki, Tyco and existing sponsors like Ian Glen from Beacon are delighted to see him stay for a second year. And as I said before, along with Conor and our BSB duo of Seeley and Brookes, I feel it can be a successful season for Tyco Suzuki."

SEELEY AND TAS WIN ENKALON AWARD

2012-01-23T14:53:00.001Z

Team Suzuki Press Office - January 22.

British Supersport Champion Alastair Seeley has picked up another accolade for his heroic 2011 season at the Northern Ireland based Enkalon Award - an Irish fans' vote for their most popular performer, given out on an annual basis by the County Antrim-based club in Northern Ireland.

The Enkalon Club's team award was also reserved for the all-new Tyco Suzuki squad with TAS Racing owners Hector and Philip Neill on hand to collect the trophy on behalf of the Moneymore based outfit.

Team Manager Philip Neill said: "It's always nice to be recognised for your achievements and the local events are always special as we never forget our fan base at home.

"Alastair had a great year in 2011 taking the British Supersport title and the Supersport race at the North West, but it's a team effort and these awards are as much for all our team members as they are for my Father and me. It's a great boost for Alastair before he kicks off his British Superbike campaign with the team at Easter."

Pictured from left: Tyco Suzuki Team Manager Philip Neill, 2011 British Supersport Champion Alastair Seeley and Team owner Hector Neill.

Double podium result in Los Angeles

2012-01-23T14:51:00.001Z

Yamaha YZ450F and YZ250F motorcycles were present on both podiums at a well-populated Dodgers Stadium near downtown Los Angeles for the third round of seventeen in the AMA Supercross series, also an FIM World Championship. 35, 741 spectators saw JGRMX’s James Stewart pick up his first trophy of the season with third position while Monster Energy Yamaha’s Zach Osborne continued to build his speed and momentum on the SX circuit and scored his first career rostrum finish with third place in the West Coast Lites class.

Stewart had spent time after the second round in Phoenix last week honing his starts and the work paid off as he rounded the first turn and initial jumps in the top four. The Main Event in a cold LA had to be restarted after a crash involving Trey Canard and Ryan Morais and Stewart hunted the rear wheel of Chad Reed at the second time of asking. A close race was brought to a halt on the eleventh lap when a small mistake clipping the last obstacle of the timing section saw the former champion drop his machine in the following corner.

Stewart was able to remount and although his chances of victory had gone he still had to fight hard to defend his position from Ryan Villopoto. “We had a rough practice session but my starts were great so I have to give it up to the team,” he said. “This result is a confidence builder for sure. I was ‘there’ and we’ll go for it [the win] next week for sure. I always try my best and always go hard out there. We’ll get better. I made one mistake and just couldn’t bring it back.”

In the championship standings Stewart is fifth while team-mate Davi Millsaps – who was sixth in LA – holds tenth place.

In his penultimate race before heading back to focus on the FIM MX2-GP World Championship Zach Osborne scored a fantastic podium finish with his YZ250F. The American started well and held second place for much of the fifteen lap main event and although he was passed by Dean Wilson, pushed on to the chequered flag to guarantee third place. “This is unreal,” he said. “A lot of people have worked so hard for us to be here and this result means so much. After four years in Europe it is great to come back in this way. I can’t say enough about my bike; it got me right up there from the start. Oakland will be my last supercross this year and I’ll look to build on this.”

Round four will take place next Saturday at the Overstock.com Stadium in Oakland.

www.yamaha-racing.com.

MANXMAN CUMMINS JOINS TYCO SUZUKI

2012-01-20T08:40:00.002Z

TAS Racing has signed Manxman Conor Cummins to race Tyco Suzuki machinery during his 2012 international road racing campaign which is based around the North West 200, Isle of Man TT and Ulster Grand Prix.

The 25-year-old is regarded as one of the sport's hottest young properties and despite his high-speed and hugely publicised accident on the Mountain Circuit during the Senior TT in 2010, he is now fighting fit and looking forward to a new chapter in his career.

Cummins will also take in a number of British Superstock rounds throughout the season and hand-picked road races like the Southern 100 for Tyco Suzuki.

Conor Cummins:

"This is the ride I've been wanting for three or four years. I'm thrilled to have been given the chance to now ride for a factory-supported team in Tyco Suzuki and to be working with the boys at TAS Racing. I've been training hard with gym sessions and out on the pushbike and mountain bike over the winter, so I'm relishing the thought of getting aboard the team's GSX-R1000 Superbike in testing. I'd say I'm not far off being as fit as I ever was and having been over to the workshop to meet the boys in Northern Ireland and have a look at my bikes. April can't come quick enough to get racing!"

Philip Neill - Team Manager:

"After months of speculation and negotiations it's great to finally welcome Conor Cummins to our team for the 2012 international road racing season. It's fair to say there has been a little bit of pressure to return to a two-rider team on the roads - so once we'd reached that decision, Conor really was the obvious choice. As a person I've always been hugely impressed with Conor and his riding skills were evident to all after those blistering lap speeds at the 2010 TT.

"However, probably more impressive is the determination he has shown in his comeback from injury, and for me, that was more than enough to justify a factory-supported ride with us here at Tyco Suzuki. I'll be looking forward to working with Conor both on and off the track this season, as he has the attitude and personality I was really looking for in a rider."

Hector Neill - Team Owner:

"It's no secret the Isle of Man TT is the highlight of the racing season for me, and with that in mind, it was important to have a two-rider line-up. It's also widely known that my number one desire in racing is to again win the Senior TT trophy. So what better way than to win it with a Manxman onboard."

WATERS HEADS SUZUKI’S SUPERBIKE SQUAD

2012-01-20T08:37:00.001Z

Josh Waters and Ben Attard have been signed to spearhead Team Suzuki's Australian Superbike Championship challenge this year aboard the Phil Tainton Racing-prepared 2012 model Suzuki GSX-R1000.

Waters and Attard will make up the team's two-rider factory squad in the Superbike ranks aboard the highly-anticipated and updated GSX-R1000. After finishing fifth in the ASBK series last year despite contesting a limited schedule due to international commitments, 2009 Champion Waters will enter this year's series as a clear title contender as he competes in the entire series once again.

"Last year was great with the overseas opportunities, but it was difficult without having the carrot of the championship hanging in front of me at the end of the year," 24-year-old Waters explained. "This year we'll try hard and hopefully keep the ball rolling from the final three rounds of 2011.

"I'm really looking forward to riding the new 2012 GSX-R1000; having a new bike to race will be great, so it's an exciting time as we prepare for the year ahead. Training-wise, I've been doing a lot of work with my brothers and will be ready for round one next month."

Attard showed great promise in taking out the Supersport class of the Australian Endurance Championship for Team Suzuki alongside Brodie Waters and Mitchell Carr in December. After finishing eighth in the ASBK series with multiple podiums last year, he's now been selected to join Team Suzuki on a full time basis.

"I'm excited that this opportunity has finally come because I've been working so hard to get it," Attard, 31, said. "To be in the top team in Australia and riding the best bike out there is exactly where I hoped to be. I've been training hard to get my fitness where it should be, so I just can't wait to get racing.

"I enjoyed racing with the team at the 8 Hour and it was great to work with them. I have a strong team structure behind me, so realistically I'd like to be on the podium consistently and even win a couple of races. After that, we'll just see where we end up at the end of the year."

Team Suzuki's official Supersport program will be spearheaded by talented 19-year-old Brodie Waters, who returns for his second season as part of the factory operation on the GSX-R600. Waters finished second in the series during 2011 and again enters this season as a true championship threat.

He said: "The season kicks off at Phillip Island and we already know that the bike works very well there. If we can get off on the right foot there then I believe that 2012 will be my best year yet. I just want to be consistent and work towards the goal of winning the championship."

Triple New Zealand Superbike Champion Robbie Bugden returns as Suzuki's official satellite rider under the Team Volvo Group Suzuki banner in the Superbike ranks aboard a third factory-supported GSX-R1000. Bugden will also compete for his fourth career NZ national title during the summer.

Team manager Phil Tainton is looking forward to a big year with the return of Josh and Brodie Waters and Robbie Bugden, as well as welcoming Ben Attard to the team in place of Troy Herfoss, who is racing overseas in 2012.

"I'm really confident that the team we have in place for 2012 will be a great one," Tainton explained. "Naturally, I'm sad to lose Troy but I think that Ben will be a very good replacement and I've been keeping an eye on him over the past 12 months. He's ridden a lot of bikes around the world, so his experience will be good for the team.

"Josh is back to his former self, back to how he was before the major accident he had in 2010, so I think he'll really show them the way around this year. I was also so impressed with the way Brodie was riding at the end of last year, so if he can start this year off with the same form then I believe he can go ahead and have a very strong season.

"I'm looking forward to competing with the new 2012 model GSX-R1000 and I feel that it will have a number of improvements that we need to progress throughout the year. I'm really positive that it will be a success for us and a new bike is always a great challenge for the team as we work through the development process."

Team Suzuki will make its official debut at next month's opening round of the Australian Superbike Championship at Phillip Island in Victoria, run in conjunction with the opening round of the Superbike World Championship on February 24-26th.

2012 MotoGP line-up announced

2012-01-17T17:06:00.000Z

THE FIM has announced the provisional line-up for the 2012 MotoGP championship with 21 bikes making up the grid for the start of the new 1000cc era.

With the inclusion of CRT bikes the grid is increased from 17 riders in 2011 up to 21.

Provisional MotoGP entry list:

1 CASEY STONER AUS - HONDA TEAM, HONDA
4 ANDREA DOVIZIOSO ITA - YAMAHA TECH 3, YAMAHA
5 COLIN EDWARDS USA - FORWARD RACING, SUTER*
6 STEFAN BRADL GER - LCR HONDA MotoGP, HONDA
8 HECTOR BARBERA SPA - PRAMAC RACING TEAM, DUCATI
9 DANILO PETRUCCI ITA - IODA RACING PROJECT, IODA*
11 BEN SPIES USA - YAMAHA FACTORY RACING, YAMAHA
13 ANTHONY WEST AUS - SPEED MASTER, ART*
14 RANDY DE PUNIET FRA - ASPAR TEAM MotoGP, ART*
17 KAREL ABRAHAM CZE - CARDION AB MOTORACING, DUCATI
19 ALVARO BAUTISTA SPA - HONDA GRESINI, HONDA
20 ALEIX ESPARGARO SPA - ASPAR TEAM MotoGP, ART*
22 IVAN SILVA SPA - BQR, BQR-FTR*
26 DANI PEDROSA SPA - HONDA TEAM, HONDA
35 CAL CRUTCHLOW GBR - YAMAHA TECH 3, YAMAHA
46 VALENTINO ROSSI ITA - DUCATI TEAM, DUCATI
51 MICHELE PIRRO ITA - HONDA GRESINI, FTR*
68 YONNY HERNANDEZ COL - BQR, BQR-FTR*
69 NICKY HAYDEN USA - DUCATI TEAM, DUCATI
77 JAMES ELLISON GBR - PAUL BIRD RACING, ART*
99 JORGE LORENZO SPA - YAMAHA FACTORY RACING, YAMAHA

*CRT

The first round of the 2012 season kicks-off 8th April at Qatar

Read more: http://www.visordown.com/motorcycle-racing-news-moto-gp/2012-motogp-line-up-announced/19863.html#ixzz1jjhikwXv

HOPKINS HAS FINGERTOP AMPUTATED

2012-01-14T17:32:00.001Z

Team Suzuki Press Office - January 14.

John Hopkins has undergone surgery to amputate the top of the middle finger on his right hand.

Following numerous surgeries and complications after his crash at the Brno MotoGP event in 2011, the Crescent Suzuki World Superbike rider is now positive that, after yesterday's operation in California, it will not adversely affect his Championship challenge this year.

He visited his consultant on Thursday and was given a set of options, the best being to remove part of the finger up to the first knuckle. This allows Hopkins to start physiotherapy in 10-11 days time and then be back on a bike in just three weeks.

Said Hopkins: "I went to see my doctor for a progress report and the news was not great. It's never good news when you have to lose a body part, but this was the best scenario all round because otherwise the situation could've dragged on for some time, with not necessarily a better result in the end.

"Apart from the actual pain of the surgery, I must say that it's feeling better already. I now have about 10 days when I cannot do any physio, but then I can start again. This is a bit of a setback, but really not too bad because I have been training and getting fit for some time now, so my base level is very good. I'll be able to train fully again soon and be able to get on a bike in three weeks, so I'm sure I'll be ok for our first tests in Australia.

"I know the bike well and I've raced at Phillip Island before, so at least I will not be starting from scratch. Our GSX-R1000 has a very good base setting and I am confident that we're not going to be struggling at the start. The level of competition is tough for sure, but I think we're going to be competitive right from the start."

Andrea Dovizioso

2012-01-12T10:50:00.002Z

Andrea Dovizioso underwent a successful surgery on his broken collarbone and is optimistic he will be ready for the first Official Test of the 2012 season in Sepang.

The Italian had surgery on Saturday to plate his right clavicle, which he fractured in four places in a relatively minor motocross crash last Thursday. The surgery was carried out by Dr. Giuseppe Porcellini, who also repaired Valentino Rossi's 2010 shoulder injury. After the hour procedure, Dovizioso announced via his Twitter account: "I’m almost as good as new!"

Dovizioso's personal manager, Simone Batistella, revealed how the unfortunate accident happened: "Andrea was training on Thursday and riding a motocross bike. It was a training session like any other, but then Dovi had this crash which he himself described as a minor one. However, the way in which he landed when he fell resulted in a fracture to his right collarbone."

"As far as the Sepang Test goes, the first impressions of the medics who examined him are that he should not have any major problems, and they expect and hope for a speedy recovery. Tomorrow (Saturday) he'll have an operation and then we'll know if everything's going to plan or if there are any problems. The only certainty is that he'll have a slight delay to his preparations for Sepang."

The new Monster Yamaha Tech 3 team rider will have to stabilize his arm for 15 days, after which he can begin rehabilitation, just over three weeks before pre-season testing gets underway at Sepang on January 31st. According to Dr. Porcellini, barring any unforeseen complications, the 25 year old should be able to participate in the first test in Malaysia without any problems.

www.motorgp.com

Jorge Lorenzo on Track in New Delhi

2012-01-12T10:04:00.002Z

Yamaha Factory Racing rider Jorge Lorenzo kicked off 2012 yesterday with a visit to New Delhi. The MotoGP star was in India for a personal appearance at the Auto Expo to meet both racing fans and the national Indian media. Lorenzo also took time in the afternoon to visit the impressive Budh International circuit, a potential newcomer to the MotoGP calendar in the not too distant future. After a lap of the circuit aboard a Yamaha R15 in full Yamaha Factory Racing leathers Lorenzo met with a selected few new R15 owners before holding a short press conference at the track.

The Yamaha rider will now fly on to Indonesia to be joined by team mate Ben Spies for two days of PR activities in Jakarta on the 14th and 15th January. The trip will be hosted by Yamaha Motor Kenkana Indonesia, a main sponsor of the Yamaha’s Factory Racing MotoGP Team (Semakin di Depan).

“It’s been great to visit the Budh circuit,” said Lorenzo, “the track is very modern and wide. I think it is quite prepared and ready to be on the calendar. I believe it will be exciting to ride with many overtaking opportunities. The Indian people I have met have been very kind and gentle, I would like to see more of India in the future with more time; we didn’t get to see so much in just two days here. Now I’m very excited to go to Jakarta to see all my Indonesian fans there.”

www.yamaha-racing.com.

CRESCENT SUZUKI SET FOR 2012 WSBK SEASON

2012-01-03T12:02:00.002Z

Team Suzuki Press Office - January 3.

With the start of the 2012 World Superbike season less than eight weeks away, Team Suzuki Racing caught up with Paul Denning, Team Principal at the Crescent-Yoshimura backed Suzuki World Superbike Team.

The former Rizla Suzuki MotoGP Team Manager has put together a strong two-man team of British Superbike Championship runner-up John Hopkins and Suzuki newcomer Leon Camier in the squad run by long-standing Suzuki BSB Team Manager Jack Valentine.

What are your initial thoughts about the World Superbike Championship and what are your feelings about the level of competition?

Paul Denning: "The series looks very interesting for 2012 and even with Yamaha's withdrawal, the level of manufacturer representation is very positive - Suzuki, Honda, Kawasaki, Ducati, BMW and Aprilia all have strong teams, whether "factory" or privately operated and all have very fast riders. The combination of the Pirelli tyres and Superbike specification machine is an "easier" package to access the limits of performance compared to the MotoGP bikes and therefore more riders can battle for the top positions. I say that with complete respect to all the riders in SBK, who fight like animals to win, but the Superbike specification bikes generally permit closer racing and different riders going for the podium week-to-week which is great for the fans. In Superbike, the rider can still make the difference. That said - the highest quality riders, bikes and teams are the ones who always end up battling for the title and we hope to be amongst them!"

How much difference is there between your GSX-R1000 in BSB and WSBK?

Paul Denning: "The 2012 GSX-R will look pretty much the same but very few components will be shared - the whole bike has been seriously updated. Yoshimura is working very hard on the motor and we are sharing a lot of development ideas together; the suspension and brakes are all new, the Motec electronics package is updated and every single detail on the GSX-R is being carefully considered. The Suzuki is a great all-round package - we have to make sure we allow the riders to use 100% of the bike's abilities by refining the GSX-R to be as good as it can be."

Who are your main competitors in 2012?

Paul Denning: "It's a much shorter list to say who won't be! There are so many strong riders and teams and it's up to us to maximise our potential and do our best, not to second-guess who else will be quick because they all are! As Crescent Suzuki, we are the new guys in SBK and we are entering with a "quiet" attitude; we have to respect all the top teams and riders and focus on our own performance."

Will John be fully recovered and fit for the first race?

Paul Denning: "I guess the finger will never be perfect but it's good enough to race a motorcycle! John went through a lot last year - it was a minor injury that turned into a real nightmare. He's just started properly training now - after a horrible month of extremely strong antibiotics - but his base fitness levels are good enough that he'll bounce back quickly. I have no concerns - I do expect his fitness level to improve race by race - but it will be tough to be at a genuine 100% for Philip Island."

Leon is new to your team, but is experienced in WSBK, so how do you think he will adapt to the GSX-R1000?

Paul Denning: "He'll adapt easily. The bike fits him well, he likes the basic chassis feel and he knows and trusts the team. We had a tough test in Portimao but Leon still wasn't far off at the end; he'll be right at the sharp end of the fight I'm sure."

In the team's rookie year in WSBK, do you think you can challenge for the podium?

Paul Denning: "A simple straightforward question deserves a similar answer - Yes!!"

2012 WORLD SUPERBIKE DATES:

1 26th February - Australia - Phillip Island
2 4th March - TBA - TBA
3 1st April - Europe - TBA
4 22nd April - Netherlands - Assen
5 6th May - Italy - Monza
6 13th May - Europe - Donington
7 28th May - USA - Miller Motosports Park
8 10th June - San Marino - Misano
9 1st July - Spain - Motorland Aragon
10 22nd July - Czech Republic - Brno
11 5th August - United Kingdom - Silverstone
12 26th August - Russia - Moscow International Raceway
13 9th September - Germany - Nurburgring
14 7th October - France - Magny Cours
15 21st October - Portugal - Portimao

Wayne Rainey

2011-12-21T12:45:00.002Z

Wayne Rainey will forever be remembered as one of Yamaha’s greatest stars in an era of the FIM World Championship Grand Prix where talent, technology and speed combined to create some of the most captivating seasons of racing seen in the sport.

As a three time 500cc world champion between 1990 and 1992 Rainey’s mastery of steering the ferocious two-stroke machines and his unrelenting determination to always be the best mark him as one of the principal figures of a phase in which names like Lawson, Doohan, Gardner, Schwantz, Kocinski and Mamola entertained millions worldwide. Rainey would eventually rise to the very top of the road racing tree thanks to his exquisite motorcycle handling, dirt-track background and uncanny ability to steer the YZR500 with the rear wheel.

His beginnings in Grand Prix were a little more humble with a season in the 250cc class in 1984 where he took a podium in only his second appearance on the TZ250 but headed back to the USA the following year to grow in status among the burgeoning superbike scene. As AMA Superbike Champion and under the stewardship of Kenny Roberts in 1988 the Californian entered the 500cc class for his second ‘shot’ at the world championship and rode well to 3rd overall and to record his first victory, using new carbon brake technology at Donington Park in Great Britain.

He was part of a memorable three way fight for the title in 1989 with Schwantz and Lawson before recording 35 podiums with 16 wins over the next three years to bring Yamaha to the forefront of the premier class in the new decade.

Rainey continued to develop the YZR500 and was poised to secure another crown in 1993when he crashed while leading at Misano, only three rounds before the end of the series, and was paralysed from the chest down. 32 at the age of his forced retirement, Rainey completed all of his 95 Grands Prix with Yamaha and picked up a remarkable 65 trophies. After a brief period as Yamaha team manager he withdrew to his home on the Californian coast in Monterey, close to the Laguna Seca circuit and is a regular visitor to the U.S. Grand Prix and well as being a keen kart racer.

www.yamaha-racing.com.

HAYDEN RETURNS TO MJM SUZUKI IN 2012

2011-12-15T12:19:00.002Z

Team Suzuki Press Office - December 15.

Roger Lee Hayden will represent the Army National Guard and its 358,000 Soldiers aboard the MJM GSX-R1000 Suzuki in the 2012 AMA Pro Racing National Guard Superbike Championship.

"I'm really excited to be returning to Michael Jordan Motorsports and representing the Army National Guard again," said Hayden. "The team and I really came on strong near the end of the season and I hope that we can keep that momentum going into next year. I feel like I have one of the best crews in the paddock so it's great to keep the same unit together. I am especially honoured to represent the men and women of the National Guard this year as they celebrate 375 years of service to our country."

"Roger gave us a first-class effort in 2011 and proved that he deserves the opportunity to ride a Superbike," said Kreig Robinson, MJM Vice President of Corporate Relations. "His 'ready to work' attitude towards development made him an easy choice to return to ride for us and to represent the National Guard in 2012. We always set our sights on championship contention, and we're confident in Roger Lee's commitment to excellence."

Last season, Hayden finished in sixth place in the AMA American Superbike Championship series rider points standings and earned two podium finishes.

Eddie Lawson

2011-12-15T10:07:00.003Z

Eddie Lawson

Yamaha have been fortunate to see some of the greatest and most talented road racers in the history of the sport throw their legs over the formidable machinery from Iwata and none more so than ‘Steady’ Eddie Lawson, who claimed a total of three 500cc World Championships with Yamaha and helped evolve Yamaha’s two-stroke technology during the 1980s.

Born on March 11th 1958 in Upland, California, Lawson was the ‘hot-shoe’ (a term given to the most exciting youngster on west coast dirt-tracks) during a purple patch for American motorcycling with the likes of Kenny Roberts, Randy Mamola and Freddie Spencer decimating the international scene and names like Rainey, Schwantz, Kocinski, Roberts Jnr to come. That Lawson stood out and was immensely successful (AMA 250cc and Superbike crowns to his credit before heading into the GP world championship) was already a testament to his skill, coolness, consistency and overall ability that seemed to have little in the way of weaknesses. Eddie made his Grand Prix debut in 1983 with Yamaha on the OW70, the second V-4 for the firm and the first to adopt Yamaha’s new Deltabox Alumium frame, as a protégé to Roberts and was swift with his adaptation finishing 4th in the championship with four podiums.

It was with the OW76 in 1984 that he captured his first ‘number one’ plate. He was then the principal figure for Yamaha’s efforts in the premier class for the following four years, where he added two more titles in 1986 and in 1988 with second and third classifications in 1985 and 1987. Aside from being the fourth most prolific 500/MotoGP World Champion, Lawson is well remembered as one of the fastest and fiercest ‘warriors’ at a time when road racing featured brutally quick motorcycles and phenomenally quick competition. After 127 Grands Prix and 78 podiums with 31 wins (of which 26 with Yamaha) Lawson retired in 1992. He was granted the status of MotoGP Legend by the FIM in 2005 and was also inducted into the AMA Hall of Fame. He remains a welcome face at the U.S. Grand Prix with the visits of the current series to the scenic Laguna Seca Raceway.

To find out more about Yamaha’s Racing history, you’re kindly invited to read through Yamaha’s dedicated anniversary website.

http://www.yamaha-motor.co.jp/global/race/wgp-50th/
www.yamaha-racing.com.

Guy Martin Makes - TALKSPORT RADIO TOP 10

2011-12-07T09:44:00.001Z

Team Suzuki Press Office - December 6.

British road racer Guy Martin has been named in talkSPORT Radio's top-10 sports personalities for 2011; the only nomination to come from outside football.

The Lincolnshire rider featured alongside football managers such as Kenny Dalglish, Sir Alex Ferguson, Ian Holloway and Harry Redknapp, as well as players such as Arsenal's Robin Van Persie, Chelsea's David Luiz and Joey Barton.

According to the station, the vote was based on personality alone and was won by Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli.

Martin has enjoyed a high profile year with the BBC1 TV series 'The Boat that Guy Built' as well as taking on the star role in TT3D: Closer to the Edge. In racing, Martin posted four podiums for TAS Racing at the TT in June and a Superbike victory at the Ulster Grand Prix.

Describing the popular racer, the station said: "By 'eck! Martin is the Isle of Man TT racer who sounds like a cartoon northerner, looks like a 1970s Emmerdale character with his lamb chop 'sideys and risks life and limb racing on the roads - a top man."

The station, the UK's biggest national commercial sports radio station, is owned by UTV and much of its content is made up of live commentaries, including exclusive coverage of Barclays Premier League matches, sports phone-ins and general sports discussions. It was officially launched as Talk Radio UK in February 1995 and was relaunched as talkSPORT in January 2000. It is transmitted on 1089 and 1053 kHz across the UK and digitally via DAB digital radio, Freeview, Sky, Virgin Media, Freesat and TalkTalk TV. talkSPORT attracts 3 million listeners a month and is official partner of the Barclays Premier League, official broadcaster of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, and the exclusive UK rights holder for the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

Presenters include sporting icons like Alan Brazil, Darren Gough, Stan Collymore and Eddie Irvine, as well as broadcast legends including Mike Parry, Mark Saggers and Adrian Durham.

Closer To The Edge

2011-12-06T09:30:00.001Z

By vividly recounting the TT's legendary rivalries and the Isle of Man's unique road racing history, this 3D feature documentary will discover why modern TT riders still risk their lives to win the world's most dangerous race.

The Isle of Man Tourist Trophy is the greatest motorcycle road race in the world, the ultimate challenge for rider and machine. It has always called for a commitment far beyond any other racing event, and many have made the ultimate sacrifice in their quest for victory. A story about freedom of choice, the strength of human spirit and the will to win.

It's also an examination of what motivates those rare few, this elite band of brothers who risk everything to win. The vision of top commercials director Richard de Aragues, this promises to be one of the most thrilling films of 2011. Written by CinemaNX

HOPKINS TO CRESCENT SUZUKI FOR WSB

2011-11-21T08:51:00.001Z

Crescent Suzuki has retained the services of Californian John Hopkins for 2012, as he completes the two-man line-up for the team's World Superbike challenge.

Hopkins competed in the British Superbike championship for the UK based Crescent team in 2011 and has now put pen to paper to link-up with the team once again on the world stage.

Hailing from Ramona in California, but with English parents, Hopkins is still recovering in America, following surgery on a finger he damaged at Brno in the Czech Republic earlier this season whilst on MotoGP duty, but will be totally fit and focused in time for pre-season testing next year. He had a successful first season with the Crescent Suzuki team, narrowly missing out on the BSB championship at the last race of the year and he will now relish the chance to compete against the world's best Superbike racers on circuits where he has plenty of experience.

Hopkins will be joined at Crescent Suzuki by former BSB champion Leon Camier, whose addition to the team was announced last month. Camier will begin testing the Crescent Suzuki 'Powered by Yoshimura' GSX-R1000 at Portimao in Portugal later this month, with Hopkins joining him in the tests in early 2012. The first race of next year's calendar is scheduled for Sunday 26th February at Phillip Island in Australia.

John Hopkins:

"I am really happy to be joining up with the Crescent guys again. We had a great year in British Superbike and I'm sure we can continue that in WSB. I wanted to get back into world championship racing and this is a natural progression from last year. The difference this time is that I will be going to tracks that I already know and have some reference from, so that should make some things a bit easier.

"I know it's going to be a big step, but with some big technical advances and Yoshimura on board, I'm sure the bike will be fully competitive. It will be great to work with Lez Pearson again, as we built up a strong relationship and his understanding of the way the bike works will be invaluable next year.

"I'm also looking forward to riding with Leon. I'm sure he'll be strong next year and will be a difficult team-mate to beat and also one who will push me to the limit.

"I want to say thanks to Paul, Martyn, Jack and everyone at Crescent Suzuki for believing in me and giving me this opportunity. I can't wait to get on the bike and see what we can do. I know it's not going to be an easy task by any means, but I have every intention of going out and trying to earn my first ever world championship for myself and the team. I'll be doing everything in my power to make it happen."

Jack Valentine - Team Manager:

"It's great to have John back onboard for next year and a real boost for the whole team that he has chosen to ride for us. He is a class act, not only for Crescent Suzuki, but for the whole Superbike series as well. The crowds will love him.

"I enjoyed working with him this year and, although he rode in the last three events with a severely injured finger, he only just missed out on the championship. That is history now and I look forward to continuing the relationship and building on what we achieved this year. I'm sure with what he learnt in BSB, and his experience on the tracks we will visit next year, that he will be able to get some spectacular results.

"I know he's really fired up for this and I'm looking forward to some exciting times. I cannot wait to see him and Leon out there next year."

Team Suzuki Press Office - November 19.

The 8 Hours Doha Endurance Race

2011-11-09T15:29:00.002Z

Team Suzuki Press Office - November 9.

Reigning World Champions Suzuki Endurance Racing Team is aiming to lift its 11 World title at this weekend's final round of the FIM World Endurance Championship at Qatar.

After four rounds - and on 90 points - the GSX-R1000 Suzuki-mounted French team holds a nine-point lead over closest rivals BMW Motorrad France 99 with a total of 30 points up for grabs for the winner. SRC Kawasaki is third on 63 and Yamaha France GMT a distant fourth on 46 points.

The 8 Hours of Doha event sees the return from injury of SERT kingpin Vincent Philippe - after his mid-season collarbone injury - to partner Anthony Delhalle, but a third rider is yet to be confirmed.

A total of 27 teams are entered for Saturday's race. Free Practice and first Qualifying takes place tomorrow (Thursday) between 09.30-20.30 with second Qualifying on Friday at 10.00. The Start of the 8 Hours of Doha is scheduled for 13.00 local time on Saturday with an evening finish at 21.00.

Yamaha Completes First Day of Valencia Test

2011-11-09T08:58:00.000Z

Yamaha Factory Racing rider Ben Spies completed the first of two days of testing this afternoon of the 1000cc YZR-M1 at Valencia. The first day of testing focused on two different engine specifications, tomorrow’s test will focus on two differing frame and geometry settings. Spies ended the day third fastest with a best time of 1’33.226 after completing 73 laps.

Ben Spies

Position 3rd - Time 1.33.326 - Laps 73

“We weren’t too worried about lap times today, we made a lot of small changes to the bike including geometry changes, electronics etc to make the bike as comfortable as possible. Tomorrow we’ll try a different chassis spec so we can choose which one to go forward in. We confirmed which direction to go with in power delivery today which is good. This is testing so we never got close to the limit with the bike; it’s about riding at 90% consistently to test the motorcycle. W

hen we get the full package next year in Sepang we’ll go closer to the limit. I can’t complain about the engine power though, we don’t need any more. It’s a shame my team mate Jorge is not here today, I know that whatever you give him he can go fast on it! I’m looking forward to getting his feedback as well when we test together in Sepang.”

www.yamaha-racing.com

MotoGP Race Report - 06/11/2011

2011-11-09T08:53:00.003Z

Sensational Second for Spies in Valencia for 800cc Grand Prix Finale
Yamaha Factory rider Ben Spies delivered a sensational performance today to take second in the Valencia Grand Prix. The Texan was quick to tuck in behind the fighting duo of Andrea Dovizioso and Dani Pedrosa, pacing the two as they fought for position. With seven laps to go he made his move and began to close down race leader Casey Stoner. Capitalising on a small mistake by the race leader, Spies moved to the front and managed to create a small gap. Unfortunately the last corner saw Stoner fight back, charging to cross the finish line just 0.015 seconds ahead.

Katsuyuki Nakasuga put in a brilliant performance today in his first ever premier class MotoGP race. The Japanese rider has faced challenging weather conditions all weekend on his first visit to the Valencia circuit. Faced with a grid of experienced GP riders and hugely changeable track conditions, Nakasuga-san delivered, holding his own and fighting through to take a very respectable sixth place finish.

Todays Grand Prix at Valencia was not only the last of the season, but also the last of the 800cc era. Although unable to ride for the last two Grand Prix, Jorge Lorenzo has amassed enough points to seal second in the Championship standings with 260. Team mate Ben Spies takes fifth place with 176 points.

Ben Spies

Position 2nd - Time +0.015

The conditions were really tough today, with the rain it was so difficult to know how hard to push so I was just concentrating on bringing the bike home. We were able to follow Dani and Dovi and get past them eventually and then get past Casey when he made a small mistake. When theres no rider in front of you, you dont have a judge on how slippery the track is so its difficult to judge speed in that last lap. When we came out of the last corner I got the paint sucked off the bike by Casey as he went past! Im happy enough; we made a huge charge at the end and finished well. Considering how the last month has gone its a great way to end. Well focus on the test now and aim to be up there and even more competitive next year. A huge thank you to Yamaha and my crew who made sure I had a great bike to ride today. This morning we all came out to make some noise and say goodbye to Marco, Im pretty sure he heard us and I know he would have approved!

Katsuyuki Nakasuga

Position 6th - Time +23.818

I was really surprised with sixth position in the race! In the beginning I was very nervous because of the weather condition so my main target was to complete the race. I am used to Japanese races which only last 30 minutes so I was worried that I might not be able to keep my concentration for nearly double the time. Finally Im very happy, the last five laps were quite risky because it wasnt easy to go faster but I had nothing to lose so I wanted to push as hard as I could. Its been amazing to experiment with a real Grand Prix race, not only can I use this for future development riding but Im very pleased with the good result. The weather maybe helped me, but I am happy and enjoying the moment.

Wilco Zeelenberg - Yamaha Factory Racing Team Manager
That was a very surprising race but very exciting as well! We are very happy with the results; Nakasuga-sans sixth position is fantastic. 30 laps in dry and wet conditions are very difficult when you have to push. To finish in front of regular GP riders is very good. Bens podium in between those two competitors was brilliant, a shame we just got passed at the line. Overall weve had a great weekend, now were going to work hard for the next few days to prepare for 2012.
Massimo Meregalli - Yamaha Factory Racing Team Director
What a race! For sure it was a really difficult one. Ben did a fantastic job; his reactions to everything on track were great. Unfortunately we lost the race for just 0.015 seconds. Its very important to me how we finished the Championship and this is a very good starting point for next season. Nakasuga-san achieved a great result; I dont think we were expecting him to do so well! We have finished our 50th anniversary of Grand Prix racing in a very fitting way. We are going to have two really important testing days now on Tuesday and Wednesday, Bens mood is pretty high and he is focused on the test. Well keep pushing and working hard to be ready for the next season.

Fantastic fourth clinches Rookie of the Year title for Crutchlow
Cal Crutchlow and the Monster Yamaha Tech 3 Team ended the 2011 MotoGP World Championship in fantastic fashion this afternoon, the British rider claiming a career best fourth position to win the coveted Rookie of the Year title in a dramatic race in Valencia.

The 30-lap encounter started with light rain falling on the Ricardo Tormo Circuit, the unpredictable conditions posing a major challenge for Crutchlow and stand-in team-mate Josh Hayes as both quickly tried to assess grip levels on the slippery surface.

Starting from 11th on the grid, Crutchlow immediately found himself elevated into the top five when he avoided a four-rider collision at the first corner.

The British rider then found himself locked in an exciting and tense battle with Rookie of the Year rival Karel Abraham, who was riding an inspired race to try and deny Crutchlow from claiming the title for the second year running for the Monster Yamaha Tech 3 Team.

Just one-point split the pair going into the race and they were barely a second apart for the whole race. They exchanged fifth place several times but the battle became even more nail-biting when rain started to fall heavily five laps from the end.

Crutchlow brilliantly judged where he could push his YZR-M1 machine close to the limit and he took fourth place from Spaniard Dani Pedrosa with a clinical overtake on the final lap. Abraham though was refusing to lie down but as their fight intensified, he made a mistake in the braking zone at Turn 11 and crashed out.

Crutchlow ended fourth to clai m his best ever result and by claiming the highest finish by a British rider in the 800cc era, his result moved him into 12th place in the final rankings as he jumped ahead of Alvaro Bautista.

Hayes was another star performer in today's race, the American showing outstanding skill to finish in a stunning seventh place in demanding conditions.

The conditions couldn't have made his MotoGP debut any tougher, but he brilliantly adapted to riding Bridgestone's slick tyres on a greasy surface to finish in front of the some of the most experienced rider competing in the World Championship.

He had already left Loris Capirossi, Hector Barbera and Hiroshi Aoyama trailing behind him when he passed Toni Elias five laps from the end to deliver a hard earned but richly deserved double top 10 for the Monster Yamaha Tech 3 Team.

Cal Crutchlow

Position 4th - Time +8.718

That was a pretty dramatic way to finish the season and I am obviously thrilled to win the Rookie of the Year title. But I'm equally happy to have finished in fourth place because that was an incredibly difficult race. I'm not sure what happened at the first corner but I came out of it in sixth place and just pushed as hard as I could. It was a really intense battle with Karel right to the end and both of us were giving it everything we had. The track was so greasy it felt like you could crash so easily and when the rain started getting heavier I just got my head down again and kept pushing. I started to catch Dani really fast and I wasn't sure if he had a problem or whether I was pushing too hard. I slowed down because of that and Karel caught me back up, so it came down to the last lap and he obviously made a small mistake. He hit me from behind but I managed to stay on and to finish t he season with my best ever result is a great way to start planning for 2012. This year has been an incredible learning experience and we have a lot to work on for next season, but I feel confident I can make the step to the next level. I can hold my held up high and now I am looking forward to getting my first experience of the Yamaha 1000cc bike on Tuesday.

Josh Hayes

Position 7th - Time +33.118

"It was a very exciting and difficult race but certainly an experience I will never forget. I had a joke with my crew that I should have packed up at lunch after I was fastest in the warm-up! The conditions were really difficult with the rain but riding the Yamaha YZR-M1 with the carbon brakes and Bridgestone tyres was a lot of fun and I enjoyed it. The bike felt perfect each time I went out of the pits and it is a real bonus to finish inside the top 10. It i s not exactly how I wanted to do it with so many guys going down at the first corner but I am happy with my race and how I rode.

It was a successful race for me and I managed to beat a lot of experienced riders, which is something to be proud of. Riding a MotoGP is definitely something I would like to do again in my career. I want to send a big thank you to everybody who helped me be here. Yamaha US, GYTR, YES and of course Hervé Poncharal gave me a great opportunity and everybody has been so nice to me. Hopefully people enjoyed seeing me out on track, because I definitely enjoyed being out there."

Hervé Poncharal - Monster Yamaha Tech3 Team Manager
Today's race was incredibly difficult because the conditions were very tough and it was hard to understand how much grip there was. But I have to say that Cal did an amazing job and I'm really happy he ended his f irst season in MotoGP with such a positive result. It is never easy to finish so high in MotoGP in such demanding conditions, so he deserves a lot of credit. He was very fast all through the race and it was a fantastic battle with Karel right to the end. For the Monster Yamaha Tech 3 Team to win the Rookie of the Year title again is an achievement to be proud of, and we hope that the experience gained by Cal in 2011 will help him a lot next season.

I can't praise Josh enough either. He had a lot to cope with this weekend in learning the track and the bike and the conditions made it even more difficult. He is a fast rider but also a great professional. He didn't make one mistake all weekend and we couldn't have had a better replacement for Colin Edwards.Finally I would like to say goodbye and a million thanks to Colin. I hope he is recovering well at home with his family and we will see him back on track again soon.

Colin has been a fantastic ambassador for Tech 3 an d without doubt the most successful rider we've ever had in MotoGP. We will miss him a lot and the memories he has given us will stay with us forever. We wish him all the success in the future with his new adventure.

www.yamaha-racing.com

CAMIER SIGNS FOR CRESCENT SUZUKI WSBK

2011-11-02T12:35:00.001Z

Team Suzuki Press Office - November 1.

Crescent Suzuki is pleased to announce its agreement with 25-year-old British racer Leon Camier for their assault on the World Superbike Championship in 2012.

Following the announcement that it would be competing on the world stage next season, Crescent Suzuki is extremely pleased to secure the talents of one of the top young stars in World Superbike.

Hailing from Ashford in Kent and currently residing in Andorra, Camier already has a wealth of experience in high-level racing and includes three British Championships - 125cc in 2001, Supersport in 2005 and Superbike in 2009 - amongst his achievements. He will begin testing the Crescent Suzuki GSX-R1000 later this month and is confident for the challenge ahead.

Crescent Suzuki will announce Camier's team-mate in the very near future, as well as confirming its commercial partners for the forthcoming season in due course. The first round of the 2012 WSB season is scheduled for Sunday February 26th at Phillip Island in Australia.

Leon Camier:

"I am absolutely thrilled and excited to be joining the Crescent team and with the opportunity to ride the GSX-R1000! My first two years in WSB have been tough but I've learnt a lot and had some good results to build on, so this is a great opportunity for me. I have met with Jack and Paul and it's clear that the team's attitude suits me perfectly. I feel we all have the same goals and I can't wait to start testing. I'm really looking forward to the new season and I believe that the Suzuki GSX-R is certainly a very capable bike, especially with the technical plan the guys have in place. This is a fantastic chance for me to take the next step in my career and I'm very thankful to the guys at Crescent for giving me the opportunity."

Jack Valentine - Team Manager:

"We are really pleased to get the first signing under our belt! Leon is a rider I've always admired and he did a super job when he was in BSB. We're all looking forward to welcoming him to the team and I'm sure he will fit in well. We work as one team in the garage and this creates a good, strong atmosphere and I am sure that is something that he will benefit from. The Suzuki GSX-R is more than capable of achieving podium results in World Superbike and Leon has already showed that he is capable of producing them as well, so we should be a good partnership. I am sure that the addition of an aggressive, focused rider like Leon to our team, plus the developments planned for the 2012 GSX-R1000, will put us in a good position for the start of Crescent Suzuki's first year of World Superbike competition."

Josh Hayes to join Tech 3 Yamaha in Valencia

2011-11-02T12:34:00.000Z

American Superbike Champion Josh Hayes will replace injured Colin Edwards for this weekend's Valencia MotoGP round in Spain.

The 36-year-old has been drafted in by the Monster Yamaha Tech 3 squad because Edwards is unable to participate in Valencia while he recovers from injuries sustained during the Malaysian Grand Prix at Sepang on October 23.

Edwards was due to make his final appearance for the Monster Yamaha Tech 3 squad at the Ricardo Tormo Circuit after a long and successful career with Yamaha in the MotoGP World Championship, which started back in 2005.

The Texan though will undergo an operation to repair cartilage damage around the top of the hume rus bone in his left arm after he was involved in an incident with Marco Simoncelli and Valentino Rossi on the second lap of the Sepang race.

Tragically, Simoncelli succumbed to injuries sustained in the accident.

Hayes, who won his second successive American Superbike crown for the Monster Energy Graves Yamaha Team in a dramatic final round in New Jersey, was due to test the Monster Yamaha Tech 3 YZR-M1 machine the day after Sunday's final race.

Yamaha US and Monster Energy arranged the test appearance to reward Hayes for capturing the American Superbike title for the second year in succession in 2011.

Hayes will now join British rider Cal Crutchlow when practice for the Valencia round gets underway on Friday morning.
www.yamaha-racing.com.

Colin Edwards Injury Update

2011-11-02T12:31:00.001Z

Monster Yamaha Tech 3 Team rider Colin Edwards is recovering well from injuries sustained in the tragic accident that claimed the life of popular Italian rider Marco Simoncelli in Sepang last weekend.

The 37-year-old though will not be fit to ride his YZR-M1 machine in next weekend's Valencia MotoGP round, as he requires surgery on a left arm injury that resulted from a three-rider incident on the second lap of the Malaysian Grand Prix.

Edwards was assessed by orthopedic specialist Dr Henry Small at the University General Hospital in Houston on Wednesday and it was confirmed he has multiple small fractures to the top of his left humerus bone, which connects the shoulder to the elbow.

There is also damage to the cartilage around the tip of the humerus bone, which will require surgery next Tuesday. With a four-week recovery period, Edwards will not be able to take part in the Valencia race on November 6, which was due to be his final appearance for the Monster Yamaha Tech 3 Team.

Edwards also suffered severe bruising and swelling to both wrists and right heel in the accident, but additional checks at the University General Hospital showed no fractures.

The Monster Yamaha Tech 3 Team is currently considering replacement options for the Valencia round and an announcement will be made at the earliest opportunity.

Colin Edwards

“Firstly, I want to thank everybody for all their messages of support since Sunday. The support and love has been overwhelming and it has been a great comfort to me at this difficult time. My heart goes out to the family and friends of Marco and I will miss him a lot, as will the entire MotoGP family.

I watched Marco's funeral yesterday and I really wish I could have been there. I wanted to go but unfortunately my injuries meant I was unable to travel.

I know Valentino spoke to Marco's family on my behalf and I thank him for that. It was a great service and a fitting celebration of his life. I also wanted to be in Valencia next week to give my support to MotoGP, but it is not going to be possible because of the surgery I need on my left arm.

The top of my left humerus bone has got multiple small fractures but the cartilage that is around the top of the bone has been pulled off. The surgery will anchor the cartilage back to the bone but there is no nerve damage, so I should be 100 per cent in about four weeks."

MARCO SIMONCELLI: 1987 - 2011

2011-10-24T09:15:00.006+01:00

Marco was a brilliant rider, true to his sport and true to himself.

We met in Silverstone and we had a brief chat, in that brief moment I saw a guy that was happy with life, loved his sport and most of all loved his fans, he made time for everyone that stopped him for a photo or just to say hello, his smile made you smile, he’ll be missed by many the world over.

Rest in everlasting peace

Grand Prix of Malaysia Gets Underway at Sepang

2011-10-21T16:18:00.005+01:00

The Grand Prix of Malaysia began today at the Sepang circuit with the first free practice sessions of the weekend. Yamaha Factory Racing rider Ben Spies struggled to make improvements over the day, as injuries sustained from his crash in Australia last weekend continued to hamper his ability to push his YZR-M1. He completed the sessions in ninth place, just over two seconds from provisional pole.

Jorge Lorenzo’s replacement rider, Katsuyuki Nakasuga experienced the first Grand Prix sessions of his career, acquainting himself with Lorenzo’s bike and crew. A small crash in the morning warm up on the slippery Sepang circuit resulted in no injuries. An unfortunate second crash followed in the afternoon session, Nakasuga-san dropping to 18th place as he worked on understanding Lorenzo’s YZR-M1.

Ben Spies

Position 9th - Time 2.03.312 - Laps 23

“It’s been a really rough day, coming back after the crash in Australia I’m pretty beat up and not able to ride the bike like I want to which is really showing. We’re doing the best we can but I feel like I’m struggling. We’ll try to get as many points as we can this weekend and keep a reign on fifth place in the Championship.”

Wilco Zeelenberg - Yamaha Factory Racing Team Manager

“A very difficult first day. It wasn’t the plan to crash in both practices but you can imagine how difficult it is to take on this challenge. Nakasuga-san put a lot of pressure on himself and maybe tried a little too hard too early. We need to help him find a rhythm and of course he is lacking a bit of speed compared to his competitors. We need to step up a bit tomorrow, not an easy task with the high level of competition on the track.”

Massimo Meregalli - Yamaha Factory Racing Team Director

“Ben is really suffering with his rib injury so it’s difficult to expect more from him, he is trying as hard as he can. I think that tomorrow he can maybe deliver some better laps. During qualifying you are more focused and can fight the pain for a couple of hot laps. The bike set up is not so bad, at this moment he can’t push hard enough to find any issues or use the full performance of the bike. Nakasuga-san had a difficult start; maybe he felt too much pressure for his first day in MotoGP. At the beginning of the season in testing he put together some great laps so I think he can improve tomorrow.”

Super start for Edwards in sweltering Sepang

Monster Yamaha Tech 3 Team rider Colin Edwards enjoyed a positive start to his preparations for this weekend's Malaysian MotoGP race at a sweltering hot Sepang circuit today.

The extensive work on the set-up of his YZR-M1 machine during two winter test sessions at the Sepang circuit in February paid instant dividends for Edwards today, the experienced American immediately able to find a fast and consistent rhythm.

He lapped in fourth place for the majority of this afternoon's second practice session, which took place in typically hot and humid conditions at the 5.548km track.

Air temperatures soared to well over 30 degrees and a best lap of 2.02.991s eventually secured the 37-year-old sixth position on the combined timesheets. Working on improving rear grip in the 32-laps he completed in physically demanding conditions, Edwards was almost 0.8s faster this afternoon. And he is confident with minor modifications to the set-up of his Monster Yamaha Tech 3 machine ahead of tomorrow's final practice and qualifying session that he will be challenging for a place on the second row of the grid.

Cal Crutchlow's third visit of the year to the fast and technical Sepang circuit didn't run as smoothly as he had hoped. He worked closely with his Monster Yamaha Tech 3 crew to gain more rear side grip and better turning on corner entry, but he was unable to find a set-up that gave him the confidence to lap in the high 2.02 bracket like Edwards.

The 25-year-old was 0.7s faster in the second session but a best lap of 2.03.901 left him down in 15th on the timesheets. That was just over a second away from fourth and Crutchlow is determined to improve his pace tomorrow to fight a top 10 result in qualifying ahead of Sunday's 20-lap race.

Colin Edwards
Position 6th - Time 2.02.991 - Laps 32

“Today was a really good day and I was fast straight out of the crate. I was fourth for almost the whole of the second session and I'm happy to end up sixth. We pretty much ran the bike with the same set-up that we left the second test with in February and it felt great. That proves that testing twice here and riding lots of laps in punishing heat does work because we tried a couple of small changes on the bike but pretty much came back to the test setting.

The first thing you need here is front-end confidence and the front was awesome right from the start. That gave us an opportunity to focus on improving rear grip and that's critical here. If you can get a set-up where the rear tyre is driving and not spinning, you can have a good race. The track is lacking a bit of rubber on it compared to the test but apart from that it feels pretty good. The conditions are typically hot here in Sepang but maybe it doesn't bother me as much as some of the others. I'm from Texas so I live in this type of heat and humidity and I'm pretty much used to it.

Even though I've done millions of laps around this track I've never finished higher than eighth, but after a start like today I'm confident that I can do much better than that.”

Cal Crutchlow

Position 15th - Time 2.03.901 - Laps 33

“Today was pretty tough to be honest and not just because of the extreme heat and humidity. We're searching for front and rear grip and when the conditions are as hot as here, that's not an easy task. I'm missing side grip on the rear and like a few other tracks we've been to recently, I'm having problems getting the bike turned. The track is obviously in a lot different condition to when we tested here because the times are about two seconds slower, but I'd hoped to be a bit higher up the rankings. I knew it was going to be a tough day because I found this place hard during the two tests at the start of the year. It is such a long lap that it is difficult to get a lap nailed perfectly, but looking at the timesheets I am a second off fourth place and I'm not happy with the bike, so that gives me some encouragement. We'll continue working hard as always tomorrow and I'm sure we can find a few tenths to move up the order.”

2011 MotoGP Malaysia

Sepang 21/10/2011

1 Daniel Pedrosa Honda ESP 2'01.250
2 Casey Stoner Honda AUS 2'02.070
3 Andrea Dovizioso Honda ITA 2'02.664
4 Marco Simoncelli Honda ITA 2'02.823
5 Hiroshi Aoyama Honda JPN 2'02.951
6 Colin Edwards Yamaha USA 2'02.991
7 Alvaro Bautista Suzuki ESP 2'03.123
8 Randy De Puniet Ducati FRA 2'03.159
9 Ben Spies Yamaha USA 2'03.312
10 Karel Abraham Ducati CZE 2'03.318
11 Nicky Hayden Ducati USA 2'03.445
12 Loris Capirossi Ducati ITA 2'03.595
13 Valentino Rossi Ducati ITA 2'03.677
14 John Hopkins Suzuki USA 2'03.885
15 Cal Crutchlow Yamaha GBR 2'03.901
18 Katsuyuki Nakasuga Yamaha JPN 2'05.996

www.yamaha-racing.com.

CRESCENT SUZUKI TO RACE WSB IN 2012

2011-10-21T10:36:00.000+01:00

Team Suzuki Press Office - October 21.

Crescent Suzuki, the south of England-based Superbike racing team, has announced its participation in the 2012 World Superbike Championship.

Crescent has supplied Suzuki motorcycles from its dealership since 1963 and has competed in the British Superbike Championship since 1996. The Crescent Suzuki team has enjoyed Championship success in both Supersport and Superbike classes and only missed out on the 2011 British Superbike title - with American rider John Hopkins - by the very narrowest of margins after a thrilling finale. The team has also achieved multiple World Superbike podiums over the years when entered as a "Wild Card" and achieved pole position with Hopkins at this year's Silverstone race.

Crescent Suzuki intends to enter the Championship with exactly the same philosophy as it has always maintained; to use the best riders, staff, and machine technology possible and to aim for a completely competitive level of performance. The team is confident that the Suzuki GSX-R1000, with additional developments and enhancements, will be able to compete with the best teams.

Crescent also looks forward to delivering commercial value for its partners, both in the team's domestic UK market and further afield.

Crescent Suzuki looks forward to announcing its riders and commercial partners for the 2012 World Superbike campaign in due course.

Yamaha Factory Racing Prepare for Grand Prix of Malaysia

2011-10-20T17:28:00.001+01:00

Yamaha Factory Racing have arrived in Malaysia this week to prepare for the final fly away race of the 2011 season at the Sepang circuit. Jorge Lorenzo will not ride at this weekend’s Grand Prix following a crash in warm up prior to the Grand Prix of Australia last week at Phillip Island. As a result Japanese test rider and All Japan Superbike competitor Katsuyuki Nakasuga will replace him for the race and subsequent 1000cc test on Monday. Lorenzo’s Championship points tally ensures he retains second place in the standings for 2011 despite not riding this weekend.

Ben Spies arrives in Malaysia recovering from his qualifying crash in Phillip Island which also ruled him out for the subsequent race. Spies has been declared fit to race this weekend with no recurring concussion issues. He will experience some discomfort after suffering ripped soft tissue around the rib area in the crash. The Texan delivered strong results on his first Malaysian Grand Prix experience last year, starting from fourth on the grid and battling to keep the position just off the podium at the flag.

“I like Sepang,” said Ben Spies. “It’s a track we visit a lot because of the off-season testing so we know it quite well. Coming into the weekend I want to be able to put in a good result, especially for Yamaha Motor Indonesia, Semakin di Depan and Petronas which are our main sponsors. Unfortunately I’m definitely still recovering from Phillip Island, but I’m going to give it 100% as we always do. It’s frustrating but it’s been a bit of a year for bad luck. We’ll do the best with what we’ve got and see what we can achieve.”

“I am sorry for Jorge’s crash and feel bad for his injury,” commented Katsuyuki Nakasuga. “I am confident he will be back in action soon. Of course it is impossible to replace the 2010 World Champion but I will do my best to get a good result for Yamaha and the fans this weekend. This does not just mean a good position but actually also good feedback to help develop the new 1000cc machine for next year. Although next year’s YZR-M1 is very different, I will try to get good ideas for next year and the future. I am a little nervous as a Yamaha Factory rider but luckily Sepang is a track I know pretty well. It’s a ‘stop and go’ style track that I like very much. I will give 110percent of my efforts to help Yamaha Factory Racing and to deserve the role of replacing of Jorge Lorenzo”.

“Our targets need to be adjusted for this round,” said Team Manager Wilco Zeelenberg. “Normally it would be the podium but that’s not necessarily realistic for Sunday. We need to see how Nakasuga-san rides, we know his best lap time is 2’02.4 seconds here which is not so bad. This will be his first Grand Prix so it will be a new experience for him. There won’t be much grip to start with after the rain here so we hope he will stay steady and remember we have four practices to go. He has all the freedom to push the bike to the limit; we want him to be comfortable to race and not to treat the weekend as just a test.”

“It’s going to be a really strange weekend. We have to see how Ben’s physical condition is,” stated Team Director Massimo Meregalli. “Until he jumps on the bike we won’t know how fit he is. On Jorge’s side we have a different rider which is a big challenge both for Nakasuga-san and for the team. Fortunately he knows the circuit and the bike which is an advantage. He has respectable lap times here from the winter test so let’s see what happens.”

Jorge Lorenzo

Age: 24
Lives: Barcelona, Spain
Bike: Yamaha
GP victories: 38 (18 x MotoGP, 17 x 250cc, 4 x 125cc)
First GP victory: Brazil, 2003 (125cc)
First GP: Jerez, Spain, 2002 (125cc)
GP starts: 161 (65 x MotoGP, 48 x 250cc, 46 x 125cc)
Pole positions: 44 (16 x MotoGP, 23 x 250cc, 3 x 125cc)
World Championships: 3 (MotoGP 2010, 250cc, 2006/7)

Ben Spies

Age: 26
Lives: Longview Texas / Lake Como Italy
Bike: Yamaha
GP victories: 1
First GP victory: Assen, Netherlands, 2011
First GP: Donington, UK, 2008 (MotoGP)
GP starts: 36
Pole positions: 1
World Championships: 1 (WSB 2009)

Grand Prix Results: Sepang 2010
1. V.Rossi Yamaha 41'03.448
2. A.Dovizioso Honda +0.224
3. J.Lorenzo Yamaha +6.035
4. Ben Spies Yamaha Tech 3 +13.676

Sepang Record Lap
C.Stoner (Ducati) 2007, 2'02.108

Sepang Best Lap
V.Rossi (Yamaha) 2009, 2'00.518

Familiar territory awaits Tech 3 Yamaha in Malaysia

The Monster Yamaha Tech 3 Team returns to familiar territory this weekend for the penultimate round of the 2011 MotoGP World Championship, with Colin Edwards and Cal Crutchlow ready for their third visit of the year to the fast and technical Sepang circuit in Malaysia.

After testing twice at the Sepang circuit during the pre-season schedule in February, Edwards and Crutchlow are confident they can put the set-up information collected over six punishing days to good use when precious World Championship points are at stake in Sunday's 20-lap race.

The Sepang race is undoubtedly the most mentally and physically demanding on the 18-round calendar, with extreme conditions experienced at the 5.548km track seeing air temperatures capable of nudging 40 degrees. Add in the gruelling humidity and the race, which takes places on the second longest track of the season, is a stern test of stamina and concentration.

Edwards arrives in Malaysia full of confidence and in peak physical condition to cope with the intense heat and humidity after he raced to a fantastic fifth place in the Australian Grand Prix at Phillip Island on Sunday.

His third top six finish of the campaign helped the 37-year-old take a giant leap towards finishing top non-factory rider in the championship and he is currently a healthy 15-points clear of Hiroshi Aoyama.

Edwards has already bettered his 2010 points tally with two rounds remaining and although Sepang has not been a favourite venue for the American in the past, he is optimistic he can improve on his best result of eighth in 2008.

Crutchlow has also arrived in Malaysia in determined mood, the British rider keen to make amends for an unlucky crash in Phillip Island just four days ago that cost him the chance of scoring a hard earned top 10 finish.

Crutchlow fell heavily while battling for eighth position but he has been given a clean bill of health for this weekend. He is bidding to battle for another top 10 as the contest for the coveted Rookie of the Year prize intensifies. Crutchlow holds a slender one-point advantage over Karel Abraham going into round 17.

When he tested at Sepang in February, Crutchlow was still acclimatising himself with the Monster Yamaha Tech 3 YZR-M1 machine and understanding how to alter his riding style from World Superbikes.

Eight months later and he is armed with a lot more experience and confident he can push for the top 10 again before his impressive roo kie season concludes at the traditional season finale in Valencia next month.

Colin Edwards

“Sepang sometimes feels like a second home because we spend so much time here and I practically know every inch of the track like the back of my hand. It is a long and technical track but obviously everybody talks about the weather conditions here. There's no doubt that the heat and humidity is really punishing and it doesn't matter how many years I've been coming here, you never got used to it. All you can do is drink lots of water to keep yourself hydrated and try and conserve as much as energy as possible for the race. Last weekend was a great result and if I can repeat that it would be absolutely awesome. Although I've done a million laps round Sepang, I've never come away with a decent result, so I'm looking to change that on Sunday. I'm coming to the end of my time with the Monster Yamaha Tech 3 Team and I really want to finish on a high because it has been an amazing spell in my career.”

Cal Crutchlow

“To be honest the two tests at the beginning of the year weren't easy at all. Sepang is not only difficult from a physical point of view with the heat and humidity but the circuit was incredibly hard to learn. It is long and very wide, so even though I've been here twice before on the YZR-M1, I'm expecting a tough weekend. Physically I'm fine after Phillip Island. I've got a few bumps and bruises but what hurt more is that I could have had an eighth place and that's a shame because those points would have been good for the Championship. Since I was here in Sepang earlier in the year I have gained so much experience about the bike and tyres and I'm looking f orward to picking up a strong result.”

2011 MotoGP Malaysia

Sepang 20/10/2011

Circuit Length:
5548

Lap Record:
2'02.993
(Nicky Hayden, 1/1/2005)

Fastest Lap Ever:
2'00.518
(Valentino Rossi, 10/25/2009)

Last Years Winner:
Valentino Rossi

www.yamaha-racing.com

Katsuyuki Nakasuga to Replace Jorge Lorenzo for Malaysian Grand Prix

2011-10-19T16:53:00.001+01:00

Yamaha YZR-M1 test rider Katsuyuki Nakasuga has been drafted in to replace injured Yamaha Factory Racing star Jorge Lorenzo for this weekend’s Grand Prix of Malaysia.

Reigning World Champion Lorenzo received an injury to the ring finger of his left hand during the Sunday morning warm up session prior to the Grand Prix of Australia. He has since received surgical treatment and is now recovering at home in Barcelona.

30yr old Nakasuga-san is a current Japanese Yamaha test rider with an excellent working knowledge of the YZR-M1 and Bridgestone tyres. He is also competing in the 2011 All Japan Road Racing Championship, JSB1000 class, and is currently third in the standings.

A decision on Jorge Lorenzo’s participation in the final race of the season at the Grand Prix of Valencia will be made within the next two weeks.

Rider Profile

Name: Katsuyuki Nakasuga
Date of birth: 9/08/1981
Age: 30
Nationality: Japan
Place of birth: Fukuoka
Team: YSP Racing Team with TRC (current ranking 3rd - Series not yet complete)
Championship series: All Japan Road Racing Championship, JSB1000 Class

Career: - 2000/2004: All Japan RR GP250 class (best ranking 5th)
- 2005/present: All Japan RR JSB1000 class (2008/2009 Champion, 4th in 2010

www.yamaha-racing.com.

Caught speeding with no bike?

2011-10-18T15:05:00.001+01:00

A Swiss biker has been caught speeding, even though he wasn’t on his bike at the time.

Boris Maier, 38, from Bern, was clocked doing 107 kph (66.49mph) in an 80 kph zone despite the fact that he was traveling up the road five feet away from his bike. A police spokesman said, "It appears that he suddenly saw the speed camera and lost control as he tried to slow down."

Maier suffered only scratches and bruises in the accident. A police spokesman said had Maier been travelling at 110 kph instead of 107 kph, he would have lost his licence.

He now faces a fine.

http://www.visordown.com

Jorge Lorenzo surgery update

2011-10-18T14:57:00.002+01:00

Following successful plastic surgery in Australia, Yamaha Factory Racing rider Jorge Lorenzo has now flown home to Barcelona for a period of recovery. As already confirmed the Mallorcan rider will miss this weekend’s Grand Prix of Malaysia. A decision on his participation in the final race of the season at Valencia will be made within the next two weeks dependent on the progress of his recovery.

“Casey has had an incredible season with very few mistakes,” commented Jorge Lorenzo. “He has always been very strong and consistent so it has been very difficult to beat him. Congratulations to him, he has been the best this year and deserves his second title, a huge achievement as it comes with a different manufacturer. I would have liked to fight until the end, maybe until Valencia but the accident on Sunday has made it impossible. I am very proud of my team for all the hard work they have put in to take second in the Championship. Now we have to think about next year and work as hard as possible to win again. After the crash I was very worried that I would not have full feeling in my finger again. After the excellent treatment I received I have been assured I will have complete feeling in nerves and tendons. This gives me good confidence; I can’t wait to get back on my M1 again!”

Medical Report

Surgeon: John Crock - MB.BS (Melbourne). Dip. Anat. MD. FRACS

Hospital: Knox Private Hospital, Wantirna (Vic)

Operative Diagnosis: Left hand ring and middle finger injuries

Summary of operation: Debride and reconstruct left ring and middle fingers

Duration of operation: 80mins

Operation details:

Middle finger wound: skin loss only, covered with SSG taken from the hypothenar eminence.

Ring finger wound: longitudinal dorsal grinding injury with loss of tip. (…) Distal half of the distal phalanx missing. (…) The extensor tendon was identified and reattached. (…)

www.yamaha-racing.com

Casey Stoner: An interview with the World Champion

2011-10-17T12:17:00.002+01:00

Congratulations Casey, how does it feel to be the 2011 MotoGP World Champion?

“It feels pretty good actually! This is something we’ve been waiting for the last few races, we knew we had a chance to do it here but the possibility of it happening was very slim. Jorge has been so consistent and solid this season and he finally slipped up this morning. It wasn’t a good way to go out, with an injury like he’s got, but it did open the door for us to win the Championship today and we managed to do it, we managed to go out with a win, in my home GP, on my birthday… it’s something really special.”

How special does it feel to do it on home soil?

“It’s definitely something that not too many people are able to do, in their home Grand Prix, and especially on their birthday and to win five in a row all in one day is something very special and I’m sure it will be in our minds for a long time to come.”

This is your second MotoGP World title, with a four-year wait since the last one, how does this one compare to the one from 2007?

“This one definitely feels a lot more special. In 2007 people tried to belittle me a little bit, and sort of take the credit away from me and my team and what we achieved. Since then, especially this year, I think people have really realised what we’ve got, what we’re capable of, and this year we’ve had 11 poles, nine wins so far, and it’s just been a dream season so a big thanks to my team, everybody, and a big thanks to Repsol Honda for giving me this opportunity.”

Is there one moment during the season you’ll look back on as a definitive moment or as a turning point in the Championship?

“I think too many people look at defining moments and turning points. I think the season just progresses as it does and the only turning point is when the Championship is over. I think there has been no real turning point or anything during this season and I don’t find them during any other season, so we’ve just been keeping our heads down and slowly racking up the wins and podiums and that’s got us that points lead that we have now. Coming from so many points down at the beginning of the season is something we’re really happy with, we pulled the points lead back and got it into our own grasp, and from there held it and kept it going until now.”

What has been the sweetest victory for you this season?

“I’d say Laguna Seca was the sweetest victory. Race one in Qatar was fantastic, the first race on the bike, but people seem to consider me as a bit of a Qatar specialist so I think Laguna this year, when we were pretty much down and out of the race and nobody really expected us to be competitive, and we were there, we sat there patiently throughout the race, tried to learn a few tricks and try and ride the bike a little differently. Then when we found our speed we decided to put the hammer down and we managed to come out with the win, so that was by far my best.”

Just talk us through this race here in Australia. You built up a good lead and then the weather started to change, what came into your mind when the rain started coming down?

“At the beginning of the race everything was really good. I think we would have struggled a little bit more if Jorge was still racing in this one, I think he was a lot more competitive in the dry conditions and was riding really well this weekend so we would have maybe had to push a little bit harder at the beginning of the race. We sort of managed that gap and were pulling out a fairly big lead without risking anything so everything felt comfortable and the rain came. When the first part of the rain came I really just managed the gap and tried to keep it exactly the same as it was and we managed to do that, but then the rain came the second time and it was a lot heavier and nearly caught me out so we had to take it very gingerly, very cautious over those next laps but then the track dried out again. Again I wasn’t too sure how hard to push and I just did all that was necessary to bring it home for the win.”

We know from what you’ve said at each GP throughout the season that you have been focusing on each race at a time, but was there one moment in the season where the Championship entered into your consciousness?

“Yes, I think to a certain degree every race it does. It sort of holds you back from pushing that little bit further, and that said I think when things have been an absolute disaster for us we have finished third so we’ve had to deal with that and swallow that, which didn’t taste too good sometimes, but they were our worst days we could possibly have so I think we would accept those positions for Championship points and then move onto the next race and see if we could win the next one.”

What were your expectations coming into the season?

“I think I don’t really have any expectations, I don’t look at the season as a whole, I look at it race by race. If you look at the end of the season you’re only at the beginning, it’s not really the best way to start, so we just took it race by race, tried to build up as many points as we could and at the beginning of the season we lost a lot of points and had to really pull them back so that was our main focus for a while, just going out there and winning as many as we could, take as many points as we could, and then at times when things weren’t right we still had to relinquish positions and settle for positions that we weren’t happy with. But all in all we did a great job this season and managed to hold that Championship lead.”

You seemed very relaxed, calm and focused throughout the season but were there any particular moments where you did start to feel a bit of pressure or anything like that?

“Not too much to be honest. I think the pressure came probably after the Jerez Grand Prix at being so many points down and then we went to Portugal and I struggled, didn’t feel too good in that race and struggled a little bit with a back injury there and pulled ourselves back onto third, but we weren’t too happy with the pace so I think since that moment we just started looking forward and everything was good. Knowing how strong and consistent Dani and Jorge are, we definitely knew it was going to be hard to pull back points and without Dani there a lot of the time this year actually was a lot more difficult to pull back points on Jorge or take any advantage – Dani taking points off him, or Dani taking points off me. It changed the way the Championship flow went. We still managed to come out on top more times than not, and it’s been great for us.”

You grew up as a Mick Doohan fan watching him, how does it feel to emulate him in the same team colours?

“This has been a big dream of mine, to be riding for Repsol Honda, and to follow in Mick’s footsteps and race for this team. In his first year in these colours he won the Championship and the same goes for me. We managed to win Repsol Honda’s 100th Grand Prix this year and it’s just been a fantastic year for us – so many achievements, milestones, and hopefully it continues like this. But we have a lot of hard work again.”

Many factors contribute to winning a World title but are there one or two key aspects you can pick out about this season of what has worked so well to help you claim the title?

“I think the two things are not to think too far ahead, or too far sideways. You just have to look at what you have achieved on the day or on that weekend, you can set your goals high but not set your steps too far forward so that’s what we’ve done this year and just taken it step by step and we have managed to get there.”

Your birthday and the World Championship on the same day. How are you going to celebrate that tonight?

“We’ve had my birthday around this time every year since 2001 so I’m pretty used to my birthday being around this stage of the season. But to win it all, the Championship, five in a row here, on my birthday, home Grand Prix, it doesn’t get a lot better than that so I’m sure we’ll enjoy it tonight!”

Interview www.motogp.com

WSB Yamaha spectacular one two at the season finale at Portimao

2011-10-17T12:06:00.006+01:00

Yamaha World Superbike riders completed yet another spectacular race day today in Portimao, the final two races of the 2011 WSB season, with an outstanding one two finish on the Portuguese podium. Both Melandri and Laverty completed their WSB rookie seasons in style, closing the championship with Marco Melandri in second place in the 2011 WSB Championship standings and Eugene Laverty in fourth, the latter tying on points with 2010 Champion - Max Biaggi who takes the third place.

The Yamaha World Superbike Team proved to be the top team in the standings by completing the second race of the day with a spectacular one two race finish. Skillful race craft and determination was on display throughout the 22 laps. Laverty claimed the lead on lap one, following a perfect start off the front row on the grid, while Melandri tucked in behind him in second place by lap three. Holding off advances from Rea and Checa, Melandri closely tailed him team-mate to eventually take the lead with just four laps to go and snatch the chequered flag, claiming his fourth victory of the year. His Northern Irish team-mate and fellow rookie crossed the line just one second behind, to take the second step on the last podium of the season.

Both Yamaha riders faced a difficult race one after getting off to a perfect start from the grid. After just two laps Eugene Laverty had an issue with the rear of the machine, skillfully managed to avoid crashing but was forced to come in and have the steering damper repaired. The determined Northern Irish rider went back out, with a two lap gap and impressively made up four places setting fast lap times to complete the race in 19th position but missed out on important points for third place in the championship. Team-mate Marco Melandri struggled with rear tyre issues but pushed hard to cross the line in sixth place.

In this stellar season the Yamaha World Superbike team has claimed an amazing 19 podiums of which six race victories with two WSB rookie riders, Yamaha taking the second place in the 2011 World Superbike Manufacturer's standings with a total of 450 points and the top team in the Team standings

Earlier this season, Yamaha Motor Europe took the difficult decision to withdraw the official Yamaha World Superbike Team from the FIM Superbike World Championship at the end of the 2011 season, so today's race day in Portimao sadly marked the final race for the Yamaha WSB team.

Marco Melandri
"It was a fantastic race win and end to the championship. The bike was working well and I really wanted one more win before finishing up the season. I would have liked a double but race one didn't go so well. I got a good start and was planning on waiting a few laps before pushing harder and fighting for a win but unfortunately the rear tyre was gone by mid race I had very little grip and just couldn't keep pushing. The team has worked really hard all year and I'd like to thank them and everyone at Yamaha for the amazing season together and for all their help and support in the tough time since YME decided to withdraw at the end of this year."

Eugene Laverty
"Well it was a great end to the season for Yamaha with a one two race finish in race two. It's been a fantastic year and I'd like to thank Yamaha and all the team for that. Obviously it would have been great to finish up with one more point to get third in the championship, but unfortunately I lost out on a lot of points in race one. I had an issue with the bike on lap three, coming into the VIP tower corner when the rear of the machine came off the ground and the bike suddenly snapped sideways. I was lucky not have crashed and managed to stay on the bike but the viciousness of the incident broke the steering damper and I had to come back in and have it changed. It's a pity as the pace was quick and I could have definitely been on the podium."

Andrea Dosoli - Yamaha World Superbike Team Manager

"Fantastic! A great finish to an amazing season. Marco and Eugene were really spectacular. In the second race they showed fantastic racing, proving to be very talented and determined riders with great respect for each other. It's a pity Eugene lost out on important points in the first race and Marco had a problem with the rear tyre and they couldn't fight for the podium.

I'd like to thank the riders, the team and all our partners for the professionalism, passion and motivation evident throughout the 13 races of the season. Second place in the Manufacturer's championship is an excellent result for Yamaha, considering that both riders are rookies and were battling with Checa, a Champion that deserves his title, flawless all year and making the most of the advantage that the twin cylinder machines are provided by the championship. We are proud that our R1 is the first four cylinder in the standings. Thanks to everyone."

Laurens Klein Koerkamp

Racing Manager, Yamaha Motor Europe

"Finishing first and second in the last race is an unbelievable way for the Yamaha World Superbike Team to leave the championship. But apart from today, we are extremely proud of the whole season: Marco and Eugene being Superbike rookies and finishing second and fourth, winning six races on the way, is a fantastic achievement and the R1 has proven to be the best four cylinder machine in the superbike field. But of course at the same time it is a sad moment as Yamaha Motor Europe (YME), as announced before, now withdraws the official Yamaha World Superbike Team from the championship.

On behalf of YME I want to express the strongest appreciation possible to Marco and Eugene, our engineers in Japan and to all staff of the Yamaha World Superbike Team. They have done a great job this year again and to finish the 2011 season as the number one team in the WSB Team standings is a confirmation of their professionalism and dedication. Also I want to thank again all our team partners.

Many of the staff and partners have been with us for many years, giving their best to Yamaha with great passion, and were part of winning the World Title with Ben, the Manufacturers World title, many race victories and podiums and the success of the 2011 season.

It also filled us at Yamaha with pride that riders and staff all were prepared to hang on while we were trying to find a solution to remain on the grid with Yamaha factory superbike machinery. Unfortunately it is not meant to be.

We will bring the team to a closure in the coming months and I wish Marco, Eugene and all team staff all the best in pursuing the next steps in their careers."

2011 World Superbike Portugal

Portimão 16/10/2011 22 Laps

race I
1 Carlos Checa Ducati ESP 38'13.293
2 Sylvain Guintoli Ducati FRA 0'02.860
3 Jonathan Rea Honda GBR 0'08.481
4 Max Biaggi Aprilia ITA 0'11.963
5 Joan Lascorz Kawasaki ESP 0'13.330
6 Marco Melandri Yamaha ITA 0'18.960
7 Maxime Berger Ducati FRA 0'20.489
8 Tom Sykes Kawasaki GBR 0'25.320
9 Leon Haslam BMW GBR 0'26.695
10 Jakub Smrz Ducati CZE 0'26.801
11 Michel Fabrizio Suzuki ITA 0'27.115
12 Leon Camier Aprilia GBR 0'28.563
13 Ayrton Badovini BMW ITA 0'31.765
14 Troy Corser BMW AUS 0'31.822
15 Noriyuki Haga Aprilia JPN 0'31.866
19 Eugene Laverty Yamaha GBR 2'00.000

race II
1 Marco Melandri Yamaha ITA 38'11.326
2 Eugene Laverty Yamaha GBR 0'01.075
3 Jonathan Rea Honda GBR 0'01.363
4 Carlos Checa Ducati ESP 0'02.648
5 Sylvain Guintoli Ducati FRA 0'03.555
6 Leon Camier Aprilia GBR 0'04.709
7 Max Biaggi Aprilia ITA 0'06.514
8 Joan Lascorz Kawasaki ESP 0'14.441
9 Ayrton Badovini BMW ITA 0'19.128
10 Maxime Berger Ducati FRA 0'25.527
11 Noriyuki Haga Aprilia JPN 0'26.400
12 Davide Giugliano Ducati ITA 0'26.646
13 Jakub Smrz Ducati CZE 0'26.968
14 Michel Fabrizio Suzuki ITA 0'30.209
15 Leon Haslam BMW GBR 0'30.951

Best Lap

Sylvain Guintoli Ducati FRA 1'43.453

World Superbike World Standing

Rider Standings After Race 13 of 13

1. Carlos Checa Ducati ESP 505
2. Marco Melandri Yamaha ITA 395
3. Max Biaggi Aprilia ITA 303
4. Eugene Laverty Yamaha GBR 303
5. Leon Haslam BMW GBR 224
6. Sylvain Guintoli Ducati FRA 210
7. Leon Camier Aprilia GBR 208
8. Noriyuki Haga Aprilia JPN 176
9. Jonathan Rea Honda GBR 170
10. Ayrton Badovini BMW ITA 165
11. Joan Lascorz Kawasaki ESP 161
12. Michel Fabrizio Suzuki ITA 152
13. Tom Sykes Kawasaki GBR 141
14. Jakub Smrz Ducati CZE 127
15. Troy Corser BMW AUS 87
16. Maxime Berger Ducati FRA 64

Circuit Length:
4692

Temp:
30 degrees

Crowd:
86000

Weather:
Hot and Sunny

Fastest Lap Ever:
1'41.712
(Jonathan Rea, 10/16/2011)

Last Years Winner:
Max Biaggi

Manufacturer Standings

16/10/2011

1 Ducati 529
2 Yamaha 450
3 Aprilia 422
4 BMW 275
5 Kawasaki 228
6 Honda 194
7 Suzuki 169

www.yamaha-racing.com.

Yamaha win 2011 World supersport manufacturers title in Portimao

2011-10-17T12:01:00.002+01:00

Yamaha ParkinGO team closed the spectacular 2011 season in perfect fashion today with an extraordinary number of achievements claimed throughout the year. Following a remarkable 12 podium finishes and nine race wins out of the 12 rounds of the 2011 season, Yamaha proudly clinched the 2011 Manufacturer's World title today in Portimao, with a total of 251 points and a 21 point lead.

World Champion Chaz Davies was on true champion form today powering his YZF-R6 to the finish line snatching the chequered flag and adding yet another race win to his numerous achievements. The Welshman immediately took the lead off the grid and continued to dominate the 20 lap race. Team-mate Luca Scassa also put on a strong solid performance, gradually working his way up from eighth place off the grid to cross the line in fourth place.

Chaz Davies was crowned the 2011 World Supersport Champion already in the last round of the championship in Magny Cours two weeks ago, while team- mate Luca Scassa climbed back up the standings to close the season in fifth place on 134 points, missing out on third place by just 12 points. Yamaha ParkinGO team made a sudden change of manufacturer at the beginning of the season, choosing the Yamaha YZF-R6 as the weapon of choice to power the team to complete a stellar season, snatching the 2011 World Supersport Champion title, the 2011 Manufacturer's World title and taking the top position in the 2011 Team classification.

Chaz Davies

"This was the best possible way to end an amazing season. It was a tough race, I had a good start, put my head down but started losing the front and had to work hard to keep pushing. I’m worn out actually but I really enjoyed the race. I had a great package, great bike and the team did a great job and I couldn't ask for anything more. The entire year has been amazing and the title and today is just a dream come true."

www.yamaha-racing.com.

Tech 3 Yamaha and Andrea Dovizioso reach agreement for 2012

2011-10-11T08:53:00.004+01:00

The Monster Yamaha Tech 3 Team is delighted to announce it has reached an agreement with Andrea Dovizioso for the 2012 MotoGP World Championship. The 25-year-old brings a wealth of experience to the French-based Tech 3 Team having proven to be one of the fastest and most consistent performers on the grid since his MotoGP debut in 2008. Five podium finishes, including four second places in 2011, have put Dovizioso in a fantastic third place in the World Championship standings with just three races remaining. The Italian, who was 125cc World Champion in 2004 and twice runner-up in the 250cc class, will join Cal Crutchlow at Tech 3 for the hugely anticipated first season of the new 1000cc MotoGP era, which kicks off in Qatar on April 15, 2012.

Andrea Dovizioso I'm happy to have reached this agreement with Tech 3 for next year and I want to thank Hervé Poncharal for the opportunity he is giving me. I am excited to become part of Hervé's squad and to be teamed with Cal. I am sure this new challenge will be exciting, motivating and fun. Now that 2012 is sorted I want to focus on finishing the season in the best possible way."

Hervé Poncharal: Team Manager “I am delighted that a rider of Andrea's stature has decided to commit his future to Tech 3 and Yamaha. He is without doubt one of the fastest riders in the world who has proven on a regular basis that he is capable of challenging for the podium in MotoGP. I am thrilled that he trusts the Monster Yamaha Tech 3 Team to take his career to the next level and we can look forward to 2012 with high expectations. I am convinced that with Andrea and Cal we have one of the strongest line-ups on the grid in 2012 and both of them will demonstrate the potential of Yamaha's new 1000cc machine.”

www.yamaha-racing.com.

HOPKINS AND SUZUKI FIGHT TO THE FINISH

2011-10-10T10:27:00.000+01:00

I love a bit of MotoGP, I’m a fan of World Super Bike, but this weekend was the British superbike and trust me it was thrills all the way to mark the 2011 BSB champion.

Team Suzuki news service says:

Samsung Crescent Racing Suzuki's John Hopkins has missed out on the British Superbike Championship by the smallest ever recorded deficit: 0.006-seconds.

John Hopkins Samsung Crescent Racing

In a day of tough breaks at the final round of the 2011 British Superbike Championship, Hopkins suffered an electrical glitch on the first lap of the first race today but was able to reset the bike's ignition trackside and recovered from last place to 12th.

His championship rival Tommy Hill meanwhile finished fourth, to narrow Hopkins' Championship lead to just two points. Hopkins' team-mate Jon Kirkham was able to help in damage control by placing a second ahead of Hill. In the final race of the series, Hopkins held third place for 16 laps before being passed by Hill. Both then passed James Ellison to be second and third going into the last lap with the gap between them just 0.060-seconds. In a lap which saw countless passes and re-passing, their race - and the Championship - was decided by the final lunge for the finish line which Hill made by the smallest advantage measurable.

Kirkham had been challenging for fifth place when he crashed (uninjured) at Druids on the fifth lap. John Hopkins: "Well I don't feel great obviously, but I don't feel completely empty either. This has been a great season, I gave it everything I had but it just wasn't to be.

Tommy Hill 2011 BSB Champion

So hats off to Tommy for taking the title. "I couldn't be more grateful to the Samsung Crescent Racing team: They gave me everything including the best bike out there. I came into this year on a make-or-break basis and I'm hugely grateful." Jon Kirkham: "I had a great first race today. It was good to show what I could do and to be on the podium again was brilliant as it secured me the Riders' Cup, for being 'best of the rest' ( as the first non Title Fighter! "In the second race I didn't have the rear tyre performance I had for the first, it was spinning up and when I pushed it - I really wanted to be in the top-five there, helping Hopper - it just let go. "I sit here now and the year has just gone so quick; it's been an enjoyable year and to race with the Samsung Crescent Racing team has been brilliant.

Big thanks to them for a giving me such a great year.

Jack Valentine - Team Manager: "I'm speechless. It's impossible to put into words how this feels. It's hugely disappointing, yet I find I'm happy as well - I think that's the pride I feel for the team. What they've achieved this year has been brilliant; an unbelievable job. "Racing will always be a story of 'ifs and buts' and we've plenty of those to take away from this weekend - what if Hopper's electrics hadn't suffered that glitch in the first race; what if JK had stayed on and got in the mix? But the story of the Championship isn't down to one or two isolated moments like those; there's more to it than that and everyone has those moments during the year. We just have to take away the positives.

We were there and we got to within literally an inch or so of the title. We did everything we could. "So I'd like to say a big thank you back to my riders as well, I've appreciated everything they've done this season. Hopper has been an inspirational rider to work with, very giving, very open and always positive - we'll have so many great memories of this season with him.

JK has been through an incredible journey this year, making the step up to the big time and today he showed he's now one of Britain's top riders for sure. Then huge thanks to Lez and Dale and their crews; all of them have been incredibly professional - and inspirational - this season. It's been a great team. And finally, to Samsung, FIXI and all our sponsors - thanks for everything. Without their support we wouldn't be here. The support has been brilliant. We hope they enjoyed the ride as much as we did.

"One more thing, then: bring on 2012!"

Its Nearly Over

2011-10-03T16:35:00.004+01:00

The countdown is on and with only 3 races to go, it’s looking like Casey stoner is up for the title on his first season with Repsol Honda
Lorenzo can retain his crown with the points available on the table – it’s possible!!!
Pedrosa showing brilliant form and is now 1 point behind Dovi
Looks like Stoner going to run away with it!
Results after Japan GP

1 STONER Casey AUS 300
2 LORENZO Jorge SPA 260
3 DOVIZIOSO Andrea ITA 196
4 PEDROSA Dani SPA 195
5 SPIES Ben USA 156
6 ROSSI Valentino ITA 139
7 HAYDEN Nicky USA 123
8 SIMONCELLI Marco ITA 119
9 EDWARDS Colin USA 98
10 AOYAMA Hiroshi JPN 94
11 BARBERA Hector SPA 77
12 BAUTISTA Alvaro SPA 67
13 CRUTCHLOW Cal GBR 57
14 ABRAHAM Karel CZE 50
15 ELIAS Toni SPA 47
16 DE PUNIET Randy FRA 39
17 CAPIROSSI Loris ITA 29
18 AKIYOSHI Kousuke JPN 7
19 HOPKINS John USA 6
20 ITO Shinichi JPN 3

See You Soon Mate

2011-06-06T11:39:00.003+01:00

Saturday 4th June saw some of the best weather we’ve had in ages and incredibly perfect for riding

I spent the day decorating my sisters flat but knew I had a run to the country side later that day and was looking forward to it.

All I could think about was my bike sitting outside waiting for me.

With the decorating over for the day it was my, time to get home get changed and go for a blast in the country and get among them twisty roads.

My sister live some 6 miles from my place which includes a ride past the famous Ace Café, I could see all the bikes lines up on the bank as I rode past.
Just two more miles to go then I’m home.

My turning was fast approaching so I joined the lane for my exit only to find the traffic was tailing back from the exit onto the dual carriageway, I filtered through and was shocked to find the reason for the tailback.

Two riders, one bike parked up the other on its side with all the fluids running out of it and the rider was under a four door saloon car!!! everyone driving couldn’t help but slow down and look at this poor guy stuck under this car, the ambulance was already in attendance but they couldn’t move this guy, I guess the car had to be lifted somewhat to release him.

At this time there were no police to direct the traffic of at least stop the traffic so the guy could get all the medical attention he deserved including getting this car off this bloke

I had to ride on and headed home, one more mile and I’d be there safe unlike the guy stuck under the car.

I blotted out what I’d seen in order to concentrate on my ride home, I didn’t know this guy but I knew he was a rider and that told me all I needed to know about him, he was a member of a fraternity that separated him from other motorist, a group that acknowledges his fellow rider with a nod as you rode by in opposite directions, a brotherhood if you like that knows no race or colour

As a biker we accept the risk that comes with riding, broken bones heal (trust me on this, I know only too well) and we live to ride another day, most bikers can tell you tales of horrendous accidents and get up and walk away, we love this because we know they are fine and would be back in the saddle asap.

Three hours later than planned I decided against that ride in the country and instead headed straight to my girlfriends place and chilled out with a few cold beers, I spoke to her about what had happened and she showed real concern, after all her blokes a biker and have had a few offs in my time.

I couldn’t get this bloke out of my head and even now can still see him trapped under this vehicle, I decided to write this as a way to clear my head of what I was and still am thinking, I pray he’s ok and I hope to ride past him on day soon.

Lets be as safe as we can out there and keep them two wheels rubber side up

MotoGP (The Game) 2010/11

2011-04-05T12:16:00.006+01:00

With the likes of Gran Turismo 5, F1 2010 and Need for Speed Hot Pursuit kicking around in recent months, the four-wheel racing gamer has been well catered for.

Bike fans may feel themselves a little left behind, but now, with the 2011 Moto GP season almost upon us, there is at last something to while away the evenings between race weekends – Moto GP 10/11.

The game promises to be "the most authentic and realistic MotoGP experience of the series," and allows vast levels of attention to detail in terms of tinkering with your bike and the how it handles.

From the start it is apparent that is where the developers have put their efforts. There is no flashy home screen in the form of Gran Turismo 5, and no interactive paddock area as in F1 2010. It seems basic, functional, and is easy to navigate.

Beginners are given a lot of help when you head out onto the track for the first time, but anyone who is completely new to the idea of bike racing would do well to head straight for the career mode. As there is no training section that eases you into the world of Moto GP, one off races and time trials are daunting places to start.

That said there are plenty of assists from the computer, which will aid your braking, tucking in on the straights to help you gain speed, cornering and your racing line. The racing line is even coloured to indicate whether your speed is too fast or not, although by the time the green line turns to a warning red one, it is often too late to make the corner at a perfect angle.

Practice will help you get the hang of the bike though, and thankfully the early races in easy mode are also populated with lesser riders, so even novices should be able to avoid finishing at the back of the pack so long as you stay on the bike.

As with many racing games, Moto GP 10/11 will need commitment if you are to improve, but the in-game graphics and gameplay will reward that dedication. The lack of engaging welcome screen, and slightly tricky controls might put off novice gamers or non-MotoGP fans, but for the enthusiast, this may be the game they have been waiting for.

" I wonder if you can change the riders to the appropriate teams, just like you can in Fifa"

MotoGP Round 1 Qatar

2011-03-21T12:26:00.008Z

I’m so blessed and truly know this,
I have a kind, thoughtful and understanding woman, I could go on about her but you’d be thinking

“where’s the biking connection!!!”

She let me watch, 6 hours of racing, MotoGP racing to be precise, No moaning, just cups of tea, lunch then dinner, she understands my passion for bikes, especially racing, got to love her.

The racing was amazing, we saw Honda win the opening race of the season and feel this is possibly the shape of things to come, imagine a Honda 1,2,3? It’s possible!!!
Some questions have been answered but sceptics are still waiting for a few races to go by before they can truly say that Casey Stoner who may not be the most popular bloke on the GP circuit is in fact a brilliant aggressive rider.

In my opinion the Qatar GP was exciting and worth the wait, the down side for me was that Alvaro Bautisata didn’t get to start the race due to a broken fema, Suzuki are running one bike this season, and to lose a rider so early is devastating.

Paul Denning struggled to find a replacement rider for the opening race, with rider commitments and acts of God found this difficult, he earmarked John Hopkins who is a seasoned veteran of the Suzuki camp and would love to ride in the GP again but John was stuck in America and wouldn’t have made it in time.

Nobuatsu Aoki is in Japan where travel is very difficult due the terrible earthquake and tsunami tragedy that struck his country last week.

The Suzuki management also made tentative approaches to several Moto2 riders that have MotoGP experience, but none of these riders were available due to commitments to their respective teams for the first race of the season.

However John Hopkins will be riding for Suzuki at Jerez, will be nice to see him back.

Casey Stoner, Repsol Honda

"After a great pre-season, we came into this race weekend and everything kept getting better and better for us. This morning in warm up we had a few issues getting a good feeling with the bike, carrying a full tank of fuel and this issue also affected us in the early part of the race. We knew though as the fuel level decreased and the tyres aged, that our bike would come back to us. Dani came past and we decided to follow to see where he was strong and where I was weak.

Then when I started to feel more confident with the bike and had more grip and better turning, we decided to push forwards and take advantage. Tonight the bike was fantastic, as it has been for all the sessions and I'm very proud to be racing for Repsol Honda and to take my first victory in the first race.

It is a great way to start the season! I'm really happy with how everything has gone and the way the team has all worked together, a big thanks to Honda and my best wishes to Japan in this difficult time".

Dani Pedrosa, Repsol Honda

"I'm disappointed, not for the race I had, but for the physical problems I had again with my left arm. Already in practice I felt something, but I was not sure if it could be that bad. At the end I couldn't grab the handlebar and in the last 7-8 laps I couldn't use the clutch at all.

I was just holding the arm and I was suffering a lot. The bike was perfect all race, I had the chance to win but I had a very hard time, one of the toughest races of my life. I don't know what I can do because I should be ok after the rest I had this winter. I did the tests and everything was in order. I feel sorry for my team as well, because the bike was very good, fast, perfect also in the corners.

I'm proud of how I've been riding, I've been fighting with Casey in this circuit, as nobody else did in the past, but at the same time, I feel sad because I don't know what the future will bring. I know we will go to Jerez in two weeks, where the bike will run very well, and I'm very strong and fast, but I don't know what will happen".

Andrea Dovizioso

“I’m a bit disappointed because our target was the podium but all in all I had a good race. In the first laps I thought I could fight for the podium. I’m satisfied with my pace, I also did my fastest time on the last lap. The bike was consistent, but we need to make another step forward to stay with Casey and Dani. I lost time in the fight with Simoncelli, his passing manoeuvre was at the limit in my opinion.

This was a crucial moment because we lost time which we needed to fight for the podium. I want to thank my team for the work done on the bike. I’m also happy of my physical condition because I finished the race without being too tired although racing here is demanding".

Race Notes

Honda had been quickest in every pre-season test and all the practice sessions at Losail - soon flexed its muscles and by the end of lap two Stoner and Pedrosa were back to first and second.

Stoner was unable to shake his team-mate off, and at the start of lap six the Spaniard sliced down the inside at Turn 1 to take the lead.

With the smaller Pedrosa proving faster down the straights, Stoner needed several laps to find a way back past, eventually getting through into Turn 12 on lap 13.
Stoner then immediately blasted in a new fastest race lap to instantly open up a 1.2-second lead over Pedrosa.

The Australian duly pulled away to win in Qatar for the fourth time in five years, while Pedrosa found himself under huge pressure from Lorenzo.
The two Spaniards would swap places four times in as many laps, before Lorenzo managed to get away and secure second as Pedrosa's pace faded.

He only just held off the third works Honda of Andrea Dovizioso for third, the Italian having won a tough battle with compatriot Marco Simoncelli (Gresini Honda).
Yamaha's Ben Spies lost ground on the first lap and was only able to recover to sixth, having become embroiled in a spectacular dice with Rossi.

The seven-time champion had thrust his Ducati from ninth to second by the first corner of the race, but was down to seventh again by halfway around the lap and was fighting a rearguard action for most of the distance.

As he had predicted as his recovery from shoulder surgery continues, Rossi fell away in the closing stages.

His team-mate Nicky Hayden made good progress in the race to come through to ninth, right behind Tech 3 Yamaha's Colin Edwards, having put a late move on 10th-placed
Hiroshi Aoyama's Gresini Honda.

Qualifying stars Cal Crutchlow (Tech 3) and Hector Barbera (Aspar Ducati) slipped back to 11th and 12th in the grand prix, jostling all the way to the flag.

Newcomer Karel Abraham completed the finishers on the AB Cardion Ducati.

The two Pramac Ducatis both had to retire after Randy de Puniet crashed on the first lap trying to pass Loris Capirossi and clipped his team-mate. LCR Honda's Toni Elias also fell in the closing stages while struggling in last place.

The seven-time MotoGP champion was unable to get his Ducati career off to a dream beginning - although he did fly through from ninth on the grid to briefly hold second at the first corner.

He reckoned fighting for fourth would have been possible, though he suspects he would have fallen back to seventh when his shoulder got weaker whatever happened.

"I had a great start, and that was a nice feeling because the horsepower that this bike has really helps it to launch," said Rossi.

"Then I made a small error in the first turn, which is a shame because I got stuck behind [Hector] Barbera for a few laps.

"Otherwise I would have been closer to [Marco] Simoncelli and [Andrea] Dovizioso, since anyway there was a period when I lapped with them.

"I wouldn't have beaten them though, because at the end of the race, I'm no longer able to ride like I have to. I'm not referring to the Ducati because even last year, after I hurt my shoulder, I had the same problems in the latter parts of the races, and since the two bikes are so different, it means that it's really a matter of me not being physically right."

But despite acknowledging the role his physical problems played in the result, Rossi said a lot of work was required at Ducati as well.

"For sure we're not here to get seventh-place finishes, but there are also positive things from this race, starting with the times, because we were lapping pretty quickly," he said.

"We also have to improve the bike because the others have clearly made a step forward since last year. Still, I learned a lot in this test and in this race, and we've already given very specific instructions about what must be done in the long term, in order to improve for the second half of the season for example.

"In the near term, on the other hand, we'll work on the set-up, we'll keep gathering experience, and I'll continue exercising and doing everything I can to recuperate physically."

Rossi's team-mate Nicky Hayden was ninth, which he felt was a reasonable result after he was delayed behind Randy de Puniet's crash on the opening lap.

"I got a bad start in the race, and then when de Puniet crashed, I just about ran over him and had to come to a complete stop," Hayden explained. "I'm happy I didn't run into him, but that was a bad break, because I was dead last with a gap to the next person.

"I started picking my way through, and once I got into ninth, I got into a decent rhythm and started doing my pace. I was trying to catch [Colin] Edwards because I thought it would've been nice to have a last-lap race with him, but I didn't quite get to him.

"It's been a tough weekend for me on and off the track, but everybody around here is working to the maximum. They're the first ones in and the last ones out. I can't be happy with the ride, but I came from dead last, and my fastest lap was my last one. We've got a lot of work to do, but it's just one race, and no one can say we weren't trying."

Dani Pedrosa broke his collarbone in a practice crash at Motegi last year, causing him to miss three races and struggle for strength on his return.

He underwent surgery during the winter and had appeared to be back to full fitness in testing, but discomfort returned during today's race at Losail - causing him to fall from fighting for the lead with Honda team-mate Casey Stoner to only just hanging on to third.

"Basically the race was pretty good - I was consistent, I was happy, the bike was amazing in the corners and on the straights the bike was fast. Everything was alright," said Pedrosa.
"But mid-race I started to have a lot of problems with my left arm again. I couldn't control the bike anymore.
"I just tried to slow down because I could not take control of the bike, I couldn't grip really well or use the clutch in the proper way.
"I just tried to finish the race in the best position I could. I had a tough time in the second part of the race."

Pedrosa hopes he can find ways to prevent the arm issue reoccurring in round two at Jerez in a fortnight.

"I have to see what I can do for the next race to try to somehow improve these problems," he said.

The Pain Continues:

The former WSBK champion James Toesland was on track with new team BMW Italia in Spain when he came off his bike and landed heavily on his wrist.

Though initial scans suggested a small fracture and raised his hopes of being able to compete on home ground at Donington Park next week, further consultation would reveal a more serious injury.

A huge blow for Toseland, who has been beset with injuries over the last few years, the former MotoGP rider has since undergone surgery and has been quoted a recovery time of at least six weeks, putting him out of action for Donington Park and Assen for definite.

Toseland said:

“My main priority was being fit enough to race at Donington so I was really pleased when I was told in Spain that I would be ok. But when I got back to the hotel, the pain in my right wrist was unbelievable and, considering that I had a race coming up in a week’s time, I sent the scan on to a specialist I know in Manchester.

“From looking at the scan, he thought I’d be alright, but as he’s a friend, he left a wedding anniversary party to come and check the wrist properly. They took a new X-ray from a different position in Manchester and found that I had badly displaced bones in my wrist.

At that point, things were getting critical as there was no blood flow in the wrist, meaning that the bone could die if I wasn’t operated on immediately.

“I had expected him to confirm that everything was alright and give me the all-clear, so it came as a bit of a shock, to be honest. I guess I’ve been lucky, but it’s a massive disappointment from a racing point of view. I’m so sorry to everybody who has continued to support me.”

Having had wires inserted in the wrist, Toseland cannot expect to return before the fourth round of the season at Monza, to be held on May 8.

BMW Italia has not stated whether it will field a replacement for Toseland alongside Ayrton Badovini

Japanese Grand Prix postponed due to tragic events

2011-03-16T12:29:00.003Z

pr:Rizzla suzuki

The Japanese Grand Prix scheduled for Sunday 24th April has been postponed in light of the earthquake and Tsunami that struck the country last Friday.

Following a request to Dorna and the FIM (Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme) from the promoters of the Japanese Grand Prix, it has been decided to postpone the race until later in the season. The race will now take place on Sunday 2nd October, two weeks after the Aragon GP and a fortnight before the Australian GP.

This is the second year in succession that the Japanese Grand Prix has had to be re-arranged due to natural disasters, after the 2010 event was cancelled from its original date due to the Icelandic volcano that erupted and caused flight cancellations due to the ash cloud.

British Superbike champion Ryuichi Kiyonari has spoken of his shock to the recent events in his home country of Japan, which has left areas of the country devastated.

Kiyo, who comes from Saitama, just 30 minutes outside of Tokyo, flew back to the UK from Japan a few weeks ago in preparation for the forthcoming racing season and was joined by his wife Madoka, and son Kouma, only late last week.

Kiyo said: "Firstly I would like to thank all the fans who have contacted the HM Plant Honda team and also Honda, to ask if my family are ok. Their concern is very kind and I’m pleased to be able to say that my family are safe.

“It is very shocking to see what is happening in Japan now, it is a very bad situation and it is sad to see the news. Some of the places on the news are places I know well or have been to and there is so much devastation - it is just a shock for me and my family. I have spoken to some of my friends and family in Japan and they have been affected but at the moment not as bad as others.

"My home in Japan is ok from the outside, but inside there is some damage, but I am just happy that my wife and baby came to the UK last Thursday just before it happened. I am very sad for all those who have lost friends and family this week and I am going to try and win the first race at Brands Hatch to dedicate to the people back home who have lost so much."

Spies Satisfied After Final Pre-Season Test Session in Qatar

2011-03-15T11:40:00.005Z

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The biggest threat on the track this evening for Yamaha Factory Racing riders Jorge Lorenzo and Ben Spies was not other riders but fiercely strong winds blowing across the Losail circuit in Qatar. The final pre-season MotoGP test session before next weekend's opening race was a battle against the elements.

American rider Spies built steadily up the time sheets, slotting in as second fastest rider just before the midway point of the session.

He took his last opportunity before the race weekend to work through some further geometry settings with Crew Chief Tom Houseworth as they hunted down extra grip on the track, wrapping up at the end in third 0.613 seconds from the front. Spies' team mate Lorenzo struggled to make a significant step forward from yesterday's session, hampered by the winds the Mallorcan was unable to find the best set up for the conditions.

He finished the session with an extended run to check on fuel consumption, ending the final test of the winter off-season in seventh position on the time sheets.

Spies Satisfied After Final Pre-Season Test Session in Qatar

The biggest threat on the track this evening for Yamaha Factory Racing riders Jorge Lorenzo and Ben Spies was not other riders but fiercely strong winds blowing across the Losail circuit in Qatar. The final pre-season MotoGP test session before next weekend's opening race was a battle against the elements.

American rider Spies built steadily up the time sheets, slotting in as second fastest rider just before the midway point of the session. He took his last opportunity before the race weekend to work through some further geometry settings with Crew Chief Tom Houseworth as they hunted down extra grip on the track, wrapping up at the end in third 0.613 seconds from the front. Spies' team mate Lorenzo struggled to make a significant step forward from yesterday's session, hampered by the winds the Mallorcan was unable to find the best set up for the conditions. He finished the session with an extended run to check on fuel consumption, ending the final test of the winter off-season in seventh position on the time sheets.

Ben Spies - Yamaha Factory Racing Rider

3rd, 1'56.294 (45 laps)
"It's been a good test, I'm happy with it. We tried a few different things today and improved the bike some more. We've now got a couple of days to look over the data ready for the four day weekend, there'll be plenty more riding opportunities before Sunday. I was pretty confident coming here after Sepang, hopefully we can make the bike even better before the race. Last year we saw that the M1 worked well at every track, it's Yamaha's strong point and I think it's the same this year."

Your mate aint always right !!!

2011-02-15T16:13:00.002Z

Rude gesture Southampton speeding motorcyclist fined

A speeding motorcyclist who made a rude gesture at a speed camera because "his mates told him he would not get caught" has been fined.

Paul Collins was riding his bike, which had no front registration plate, at 48mph in a 30mph zone along Maybray King Way in Southampton last October.

Police traced him through his distinctive bike which was later spotted by officers on the same road.

Collins, 26, of Hillson Drive, Fareham, admitted speeding and was fined £117.

He was also given five points on his licence at Southampton Magistrates' Court and fined a further £60 for driving otherwise in accordance to his licence.

Pc Mick Gear, from Hampshire Police, said: "When we visited him at home, the rider admitted the offence, telling us his mates told him he wouldn't get caught.

"I think this is a lesson to all irresponsible motorcyclists that we will seek to prosecute anyone caught speeding through these areas.

"Collins did so knowingly and his arrogance was plain to see from the enforcement image.

"I hope the sentence will encourage other riders to be more responsible."

By law motorcyclists do not have to display a front registration plate.

Poor Sod.

Top 10 MotoGP crashes

2011-02-10T14:14:00.002Z

As the 2011 season approaches, let’s just remember that this is a fun but dangerous sport:

Check out these images of the top 10 MotoGP crashes.

2011 GP, Moto2 and 125 entry listing

2011-01-25T12:28:00.003Z

THE OFFICIAL entry for the 2011 MotoGP, Moto2 and 125cc championships have been released

MotoGP:
1; JORGE LORENZO, SPANISH, YAMAHA FACTORY RACING, YAMAHA
4; ANDREA DOVIZIOSO, ITALIAN, REPSOL HONDA TEAM, HONDA
5; COLIN EDWARDS, AMERICAN, MONSTER YAMAHA TECH 3, YAMAHA
7; HIROSHI AOYAMA, JAPANESE, SAN CARLO HONDA GRESINI, HONDA
8; HECTOR BARBERA, SPANISH, ASPAR TEAM, DUCATI
11; BEN SPIES AMERICAN, YAMAHA FACTORY RACING, YAMAHA
14; RANDY DE PUNIET, FRENCH, PRAMAC RACING TEAM, DUCATI
17; KAREL ABRAHAM, CZECH, CARDION AB MOTORACING, DUCATI
19; ALVARO BAUTISTA, SPANISH, RIZLA SUZUKI MotoGP, SUZUKI
24; TONI ELIAS, SPANISH, LCR HONDA MOTOGP, HONDA
26; DANI PEDROSA, SPANISH, REPSOL HONDA TEAM, HONDA
27; CASEY STONER, AUSTRALIAN, REPSOL HONDA TEAM, HONDA
35; CAL CRUTCHLOW, BRITISH, MONSTER YAMAHA TECH 3, YAMAHA
46; VALENTINO ROSSI, ITALIAN, DUCATI TEAM, DUCATI
58; MARCO SIMONCELLI, ITALIAN, SAN CARLO HONDA GRESINI, HONDA
65; LORIS CAPIROSSI, ITALIAN, PRAMAC RACING TEAM, DUCATI
69; NICKY HAYDEN, AMERICAN, DUCATI TEAM, DUCATI

Moto2:
3; SIMONE CORSI, ITALIAN, IODA RACING PROJECT, IODA
4. RANDY KRUMMENACHER, SWISS, GP TEAM SWITZERLAND KIEFER RACING, KALEX
9; KENNY NOYES, AMERICAN, AVINTIA-STX, FTR
10; FONSI NIETO, SPANISH, G22 RACING TEAM, MORIWAKI
12; THOMAS LUTHI, SWISS, INTERWETTEN PADDOCK M2 RACING, SUTER
13; ANTHONY WEST, AUSTRALIAN, MZ RACING TEAM, MZ-RE HONDA
14; RATTHAPARK WILAIROT, THAI, SAG TEAM, FTR
15; ALEX DE ANGELIS, SAN MARINESE, JIR Moto2, MOTOBI
16; JULES CLUZEL, FRENCH, FORWARD RACING, SUTER
21; JAVIER FORES, SPANISH, MAPFRE ASPAR TEAM, SUTER
25; ALEX BALDOLINI, ITALIAN, FORWARD RACING, SUTER
29; ANDREA IANNONE, ITALIAN, SPEED MASTER, SUTER
34; ESTEVE RABAT, SPANISH, BLUSENS-STX, FTR
35; RAFFAELE DE ROSA, ITALIAN, G22 RACING TEAM, MORIWAKI
36; MIKA KALLIO, FINNISH, MARC VDS RACING TEAM, SUTER
38; BRADLEY SMITH, BRITISH, TECH 3 RACING, TECH 3
39; ROBERTINO PIETRI, VENEZUELAN, ITALTRANS RACING TEAM, SUTER
40; ALEIX ESPARGARO, SPANISH, PONS RACING, PONS KALEX
44; POL ESPARGARO, SPANISH, HP TUENTI SPEED UP, SPEED UP
45; SCOTT REDDING, BRITISH, MARC VDS RACING TEAM, SUTER
49; KEV COGHLAN, BRITISH, MOTORSPORT 69, FTR
51; MICHELE PIRRO ITALIAN, GRESINI RACING Moto2, MORIWAKI
53; VALENTIN DEBISE, FRENCH, SPEED UP, SPEED UP
54; KENAN SOFUOGLU, TURKISH, TECHNOMAG-CIP, SUTER
60; JULIAN SIMON, SPANISH, MAPFRE ASPAR TEAM, SUTER
63; MIKE DI MEGLIO, FRENCH, TECH 3 RACING, TECH 3
64;SANTI HERNANDEZ, COLOMBIAN, SAG TEAM, FTR
65; STEFAN BRADL, GERMAN, VIESSMANN KIEFER RACING, KALEX
68; YONNY HERNANDEZ, COLOMBIAN, BLUSENS-STX, FTR
71; CLAUDIO CORTI, ITALIAN, ITALTRANS RACING TEAM, SUTER
72; YUKI TAKAHASHI, JAPANESE, GRESINI RACING Moto2, MORIWAKI
75; MATTIA PASINI,ITALIAN, IODA RACING PROJECT, IODA
76; MAX NEUKIRCHNER, GERMAN, MZ RACING TEAM, MZ-RE HONDA
77; DOMINIQUE AEGERTER, SWISS, TECHNOMAG-CIP, SUTER
80; AXEL PONS, SPANISH, PONS RACING, PONS KALEX
88; RICKY CARDUS, SPANISH, QMMF RACING TEAM, MORIWAKI
93; MARC MARQUEZ, SPANISH, TEAM CATALUNYA CAIXA REPSOL, SUTER
95; MASHEL AL NAIMI, QATARI, QMMF RACING TEAM, MORIWAKI

125cc class:
3; LUIGI MORCIANO, ITALIAN, TEAM ITALIA FMI, APRILIA
5; JOHANN ZARCO, FRENCH, AJO MOTORSPORT, DERBI
7; EFREN VAZQUEZ, SPANISH, AJO MOTORSPORT, DERBI
11; SANDRO CORTESE, GERMAN, RACING TEAM GERMANY, APRILIA
12; DANIEL KARTHEININGER, GERMAN, CARETTA TECHNOLOGY RACE DPT., KTM
15; SIMONE GROTZKYJ, ITALIAN, WORLDWIDE RACE, APRILIA
17; TAYLOR MACKENZIE, BRITISH, WORLDWIDE RACE, APRILIA
18; NICOLAS TEROL, SPANISH, BANCAJA ASPAR TEAM, APRILIA
19; ALESSANDRO TONUCCI, ITALIAN, TEAM ITALIA FMI, APRILIA
21; HARRY STAFFORD, BRITISH, ONGETTA-CENTRO SETA, APRILIA
23; ALBERTO MONCAYO, SPANISH ANDALUCIA CAJASOL APRILIA
25; MAVERICK VINALES, SPANISH, PEV-BLUSENS-SMX-PARIS HILTON, APRILIA
26; ADRIAN MARTIN, SPANISH, MOTORSPORT 69, APRILIA
30; GIULIAN PEDONE, SWISS, WORLDWIDE RACE, APRILIA
31; NIKLAS AJO, FINNISH, TT MOTION EVENTS RACING, APRILIA
39; LUIS SALOM, SPANISH, MOLENAAR RACING GP, APRILIA
40; SERGIO GADEA, SPANISH, PEV-BLUSENS-SMX-PARIS HILTON, APRILIA
43; FRANCESCO MAURIELLO, ITALIAN, WTR-TEN10 RACING, APRILIA
44; MIGUEL OLIVEIRA, PORTUGUESE, ANDALUCIA CAJASOL, APRILIA
52; DANNY KENT, BRITISH, RED BULL AJO MOTORSPORT, DERBI
53; JASPER IWEMA, DUTCH, MOLENAAR RACING GP, APRILIA
55; HECTOR FAUBEL, SPANISH, BANCAJA ASPAR TEAM, APRILIA
63; ZULFAHMI KHAIRUDDIN, MALAYSIAN, AIRASIA - SIC – AJO, DERBI
69; SARATH KUMAR, INDIAN, WTR-TEN10 RACING, APRILIA
71; TOMOYOSHI KOYAMA, JAPANESE, RACING TEAM GERMANY, APRILIA
72; ALEXANDER KRISTIANSSON, SWEDISH, MATTEONI RACING, APRILIA
76; HIROKI ONO, JAPANESE, CARETTA TECHNOLOGY RACE DPT., KTM
77; MARCEL SCHROTTER, GERMAN, MAHINDRA RACING, MAHINDRA
84; JAKUB KORNFEIL, CZECH, ONGETTA-CENTRO SETA, APRILIA
94; JONAS FOLGER, GERMAN, RED BULL AJO MOTORSPORT, DERBI
96; LOUIS ROSSI, FRENCH, MATTEONI RACING, APRILIA
99; DANNY WEBB, BRITISH, MAHINDRA RACING, MAHINDRA

Paris Hilton Unveiled

2011-01-24T15:27:00.002Z

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Paris Hilton Motorcycle Racing Team MotoGP SuperMartXé VIP announced in Madrid, Spain

Because there isn’t anything that Paris Hilton can’t do – or sell –, she’s just launched her own motorcycle racing team over the weekend, with the official announcement made at a press conference in Spain where Paris did the biker chick thing.

Paris Hilton Motorcycle Racing Team MotoGP SuperMartXé VIP announced in Madrid, Spain

Paris Hilton announced at a press conference in Madrid, Spain, on Saturday, that she has started her own motorcycle racing team called ‘SuperMartXé VIP by Paris Hilton’ (the name refers to a dance party in Ibiza). Aptly, the primary colors of the bike are pink, white and blue.

Clad in a skintight leather suit with rhinestones and lots of pink details, and a very generous cleavage, Paris hoped on a bike and posed with it to promote her latest endorsement deal, PopEater reports.

Everything, from the bike to Paris’ outfit and even the newly unveiled logo, came in an appropriate shade of pink, proving, once more, that the heiress really does consider herself a human Barbie, or the closest thing to it at the very least.

Hilton’s love of pink aside, she is bound to BQR for the next 5 years, during which time she’ll also have to attend races and look for bikers to run in them.

“The team will compete in the 2011 125cc MotoGP World Championship season. As part of Hilton’s contract with the company, she will be in attendance at races over the next five years,” the same report notes.

“She will also be scouting for drivers in partnership with a Barcelona-based team, By Queroseno Racing (BQR),” PopEater says.

No word yet on how much money Paris got to be part of the initiative, for it’s odd to think she has even the remotest idea about racing, therefore she can’t possibly do it out of passion. Either way, the amount must have been substantial.

Even if she’s lost some of the popularity she enjoyed a few years back – to be replaced by former BFF Kim Kardashian and the likes – reports say Paris can still command a pretty hefty paycheck to put her name on various things: in this case, a motorcycle racing team.

Ben Spies 2011

2010-12-23T09:39:00.001Z

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Ben Spies is targeting nothing less than his first MotoGP race victory next season, when the 2010 Rookie of the Year will step up to the factory Yamaha team.

"To do what I haven't done before and win a race," Spies told Cycle News when asked about his main goal for next year.

“We're definitely not the person that everybody is looking at right out of the gate, but we'll try and sneak up there.

“This is the first year for me in a few years where I won't be the young kid, the rookie or the new guy learning tracks... I don't have any excuses next year so we need to step up for sure."

Spies, who said his personal 2010 highlight was pole in front of his home fans at Indianapolis, unsurprisingly picked world champion and new team-mate Jorge Lorenzo as the man to beat.

"The most dangerous guy for next year is definitely Jorge,” Spies said. “He's on a great bike as we know. He's got a lot of good things about him as a rider. When he had to step up this year, he stepped up. When he had to back off, he knew when to back off.

“I think him, Casey [Stoner] will be fast and Valentino [Rossi] has a lot of work to do with the Ducati, but he's one guy I'm not putting money against. There's 16 or 17 guys who are fast out there, but I would say Jorge for sure. He's the one with the bullseye on his back."

Spies, the 2009 World Superbike champion, identified early race laps as his main area of weakness this year.

"We need to be better in the first laps - just trust the tyres more,” he explained. “It's something I have to work on as a rider and I'm not afraid to admit it. We've been good in the middle of the race and at the end, but it doesn't hack it when you're 10 seconds back on lap 20. I just need to trust more and get more confidence and experience... I think that's the key to it."

Looking further ahead, 2012 will see MotoGP switch from 800 to 1000cc engines, a capacity Spies is more than familiar with from Superbike competition.

"I'm looking forward to it," he said. "The way I ride, the way I like the bikes to work, I like bigger ccs and it's a different riding style for sure. I think it's good for the series, good for the fans.

“I think I will benefit from it more than some riders, but then there are some riders who will hit the ground running. Some of the manufacturers might start out ahead and I'm hoping Yamaha is working on [the 1000cc] right now. I look forward to it... from the fans' [point of view] to riding it, to everything."

Spies finished sixth in the 2010 MotoGP World Championship, with two podiums for the Monster Yamaha Tech 3 team. His place at Tech 3 will be taken by British rider Cal Crutchlow next season.

Both of Yamaha’s factory MotoGP riders have won races every season since 2008.

Chicks Dig Bikers

2010-12-23T09:35:00.003Z

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Renowned socialite Paris Hilton is set to become a familiar figure in the MotoGP paddock in 2011 after it was revealed she will put her name to a 125GP team next season.

The heiress to the Hilton hotel chain fortune and notorious tabloid attraction is behind the SuperMartxe VIP by Paris Hilton team, which will launch this weekend with riders Sergio Gadea and Maverick Vinales.

A partnership with BQR, the team will be spearheaded by Rossano Brazzi on the technical side, while Xavi Montero and Ricard Garriga are also involved in the project.

Gadea steps back to the 125 series after a season spent at Moto2 level, the Spaniard scoring a single podium at Mugello on the way to 17th position in the standings, while Vinales steps up from the Spanish national championship.

Jorge Lorenzo - My dream has come true!

2010-10-11T10:32:00.002+01:00

"This is my first title in the premier category and my dream has come true! This is really the maximum a motorcycle rider can achieve in his career so we have to celebrate and enjoy these hours, minutes and seconds like it's the end of the world. You imagine this moment in your head your whole life but when it comes you don't know how to act or what to say. I am trying to be relaxed, to speak clearly and not say anything crazy! I'm so tired right now; I just need to be alone in a room for a few minutes, just thinking about what I've done!

I want to thank so many people, it's difficult to find the words but I have to mention Yamaha, all my team, Bridgestone and everyone involved. And of course thank you very much to my fans, who have been with me every step of the way.

The perfect situation today would have been to win, but it wasn't to be this time. I made a good start and was riding well and I thought I could go away from Andrea at one point, but then he overtook me and then Valentino as well, and I thought there were too many risks today to fight for the victory; it was better to wait until the end of the race.

Motorcycling is my passion and my job but it's also a game, and this is what I was saying when I held up the sign saying ‘game over.' Today it's over for this season because I am the World Champion! I don't think about the future now, I just want to celebrate my first MotoGP title and I can't think beyond this night. The future will be tough and exciting, with giants for my rivals, but we don't need to think about that now, we can just enjoy the moment.

Phillip Island isn't my best track for MotoGP but I want to try to win because I haven't won there. I want to win some more races this season and I will try my hardest to do so.

We have come such a long way; some things happen very slowly in your career and some very fast. When I started in the World Championship I was almost last in the 125 class but in only eight years I have become MotoGP World Champion. It's incredible how life can change. We have fought so hard and for this. I've been fortunate because I've had good luck, good bikes and good teams. I've always been surrounded by people who want to best for me and I am very grateful for this. The pre-season didn't start so well with my broken finger but in the end it's been a fantastic year. If I had to pick the three best races I would say the number one was Jerez, because it was the first time I won there in MotoGP and it's maybe the best place to win a race. Plus I enjoyed my jump in the lake! Silverstone was maybe the best race I made, because I was aggressive and fast. Then finally here, not for the riding but for the importance and the World Championship. I don't know yet if I will use the number one next season. If I can think of a good design then yes, if not I stick with 99!

World Champion - it sounds unbelievable to hear these words, it is such a pleasure, you feel like you're king of the world. We will enjoy this night to the maximum."

JORGE LORENZO STATISTICS
• Jorge Lorenzo becomes only the second Spanish rider to win the MotoGP world title - the other was Alex Criville in 1999.
• He is the first Spanish rider to win world titles in both the 250cc class and premier-class.
• Lorenzo has finished in the top four at the first fifteen races of the year on his way to taking the world title.
• At the age of 23 years 159 days he is the sixth youngest rider of all-time to win the premier-class title after: Freddie Spencer, Casey Stoner, Mike Hailwood, John Surtees and Valentino Rossi.
• He is the third youngest rider to have won world titles in both the 250cc and premier-class, after: Mike Hailwood and Valentino Rossi.
• During 2010, Jorge Lorenzo became only the fourth rider in the 62-year history of motorcycle Grand Prix racing to finish on the podium in the premier-class at the opening twelve GP races of the year.

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2011 MotoGP Calendar

2010-09-30T16:14:00.002+01:00

Motorcycling's governing body FIM has announced a provisional calendar for the 2011 season, with 18 races included again.

Next season will kick off again in Qatar on 20 March and will finish in Valencia on 6 November.

The new schedule includes Aragon as a permanent venue, after the Spanish circuit made its debut on the calendar when it replaced the Hungarian GP this year.

The inclusion of Aragon means there will be four races in Spain again next year.

The other significant change on the calendar is the Estoril round moves back to spring from its autumn date, while Catalunya will take place a month earlier than in 2010.

Provisional 2011 calendar

20th March - Qatar * - Losail
3rd April - Spain - Jerez
24th April - Japan - Motegi
1st May - Portugal - Estoril
15th May - France - Le Mans
5th June - Catalunya - Catalunya
12th June - Great Britain - Silverstone
25th June - Netherlands ** - Assen
3rd July - Italy - Mugello
17th July - Germany - Sachsenring
24th July - United States *** - Laguna Seca
14th August - Czech Republic - Brno
28th August - Indianapolis - Indianapolis
4th September - San Marino & Riviera di Rimini - Misano
18th September - Aragon – Motorland
16th October - Australia - Phillip Island
23rd October - Malaysia - Sepang
6th November – Valencia - Ricardo Tormo Valencia

* Night Race
** Saturday Race
*** Only MotoGP class

press released

Mini shows off new scooter range

2010-09-23T16:12:00.005+01:00

press release

Mini has issued a series of official pictures of its new electric scooter range before they make their debut at next week's Paris motor show.

The Mini Scooter E Concept uses a lithium-ion battery, which sends power to a motor mounted in the rear wheel. It can be charged using an on-board retractable cable, similar to those on a vacuum cleaner, which is stored in the back of the scooter.

The scooters' design naturally borrows many of the styling cues from the company's car range, with a central speedometer and front headlights the most similar. Mini also claims the windscreen angle is similar to the hatchback, and the hand grip on the back seat of the two-seater model is said to be the same shape as the Cooper S's rear spoiler.

Mini is displaying two scooter concepts at Paris, a two-seater and a 'sporty' single-seat variant. The two-seater is a matt anthracite colour, with a bright yellow seat, while the solo bike comes in British Racing Green with a faded leather seat.

As with the latest Mini car range, the scooters come with the ability to connect with a smart phone. It can clip into the central console, where it can not only be a sat nav, a music player or a phone, but can also used as the key to turn the scooter on – once it is clipped in, the scooter is ready to go.

In another neat trick, Mini says it can also connect to one of its helmets via Bluetooth, allowing the rider to talk on the phone while on the move.

The scooters will be previewed at an exclusive event in London tonight, and Autoblog UK will be there to bring more news on the concepts before they make their public debut in France.

SUZUKI ALSTARE FOCUSSED ON IMOLA PODIUMS

2010-09-23T14:14:00.001+01:00

Team Suzuki Press Office

With just two rounds of this year's Superbike World Championship remaining, Team Suzuki Alstare riders Leon Haslam and Sylvain Guintoli will be going all out for podiums this coming weekend in Imola.

Changes to the track were made before last year's race and many riders do not like the final chicane, but at least most have had a chance to test there earlier this year and get more used to it, and for once, Guintoli will not have to start the race weekend learning the track.

Leon Haslam:

"Since the last round at the Nurburgring, I have been having a lot of physiotherapy on my knee. The problem is that ligaments take quite a long time to mend properly and because of that my knee is not up to full strength yet. I haven't got full movement and all the power back yet, but I don't think it's going to affect me too much once I am on the bike. We'll see how it goes in practice, but we may decide to put on some strapping and give it some support. I may also strap up the hand a bit as it is OK in certain directions but not so good in some others. Once again, we'll se how it behaves during practice on Friday.

"We tested here at Imola earlier in the year and the first day was pretty good. The second wasn't as good because I had a couple of crashes. We tried some tyres there, so it'll be interesting to see what tyres are brought this weekend. Imola is very technical track and there is a lot to it. It's what I call 'an old school' track and once you've got it right, you know you've got it right. I think it has many different characteristics and parts of it will suit some bikes and not others, but all bikes will be good there in some areas. Because of the points advantage Max Biaggi now has, all I can do is to go all-out in both races and hope he makes some mistakes, and that's what I'm going to do."

Sylvain Guintoli:

"Finally, a track where I've been before. Although I haven't raced there, we did test earlier in the year, so at least I know which way to turn out of the pits! Imola is a technical track and difficult to learn, but I like it a lot. When you know where you are going, it's a real fun track and a blast when you get it right. The tests went pretty well, so I'm hoping to be on the pace right from the start and then go for my first podium with the team.

"I have been cycling a lot recently and keeping fit and I have also done a bit of cage fighting. The first time I did it, I got well and truly beaten, but the second time was much better. I think this will make me more aggressive on the track and that will help in my battle for a podium."

2009 results:

Race 1: 1 Noriyuki Haga (JPN-Ducati), 2 Max Biaggi (ITA-Aprilia), 3 Michel Fabrizio (ITA-Ducati). 6 Leon Haslam (GBR-Honda). Sylvain Guintoli DNS.

Race 2: 1 Fabrizio, 2 Haga, 3 Marco Simoncelli (ITA-Aprilia). 8 Leon Haslam. Sylvain Guintoli DNS.

Barret-Jackson Auction features Barack Obama signed chopper

2010-09-22T17:52:00.008+01:00

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The Barret-Jackson Auction this Thursday through Saturday (Sept. 23-25) in Las Vegas will feature a unique motorcycle: a Hardcore Choppers custom autographed by US President Barack Obama.

The bike, nicknamed the P-40 Warhawk, will be auctioned off to the highest bidder, with all proceeds to benefit the Fisher House Foundation, a charity that builds houses and donates them to the government to provide free housing to military families who have a member being treated at a military or Veterans Affairs hospital. The AP says there are 49 Fisher Houses on the grounds of military and VA medical centers.

The bike also features autographs from other politial figures, including Vice President Joe Biden and National Security Advisor James Jones. Jones' son, Jim, is the one who donated the bike to the auction.

The bike built by the Sterling, Va., based Hardcore Choppers was designed to recall the 1950s European race cars. The bike features a 150-hp V-Twin and a six-speed transmission, and custom P-40 Warhawk paint.

The bike has two-into-one stainless steel exhaust, HC Speedster bars featuring an internal clutch and throttle, aircraft wiring and speedster wheels wrapped with Avon tires.

The AP also stated that Barrett-Jackson has waived its transaction fee for the charity auction.

R&G introduce the Shocktube

2010-09-21T15:05:00.004+01:00

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Demonstrating R&G’s continued expansion in offering complete protection for a bike – not just from crash damage.

As the world leader in motorcycle crash protection, we are now offering defence for motorcycle shock absorbers.

Part of our continued pledge to offer protection products across all areas of a bike, the Shocktube is an impact resistant, waterproof, vented tube made from 100% bonded Neoprene, double lined with stretch nylon on both sides.

Aimed at riders of all disciplines – road, track and off-road - the R&G Shocktube works by completely enclosing the rear shock absorber and spring to prevent damage from road salt, water spray, stone chipping, dust and dirt that can have a detrimental effect on the performance and looks of the unit over time.

Although road bikes ridden in all conditions seem the obvious choice for the R&G Shocktube, expensive aftermarket shocks on race and track bikes can also be damaged by circuit debris. To cope with this extreme environment and to expel moisture, the Shocktube features six 5mm rustproof eyelets inserted into the neoprene skin at the top, middle and bottom to dissipate heat from the shock.

Quick and simple to fit thanks to heavy-duty Velcro and supplied zip ties, the Shocktube is available for most mono and twin shock machines along with front suspension on BMW GS machines.

Sales director, Simon Hughes, commented: ‘No pun intended, but the rear shock is a pivotal part in the performance of a bike and one that should be taken great care of, especially when looking at the cost of replacing one with standard or aftermarket units.

R&G huggers work very well at deflecting debris from the underside of a bike, but the Shocktube adds another dimension by encapsulating the suspension unit completely without affecting its performance.’

Priced at £24.99 for single shocks and £44.99 for twin shock, the R&G Racing Shocktube is available now to fit most bikes. Find your bike on the R&G website!

Rossi may miss final races

2010-09-21T10:10:00.002+01:00

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Valentino Rossi may decide to miss the last two races of the 2010 MotoGP season in order to undergo early surgery on his shoulder.

The Italian has battled with the ligament damage ever since round two of the championship, having hurt his back in a motocross training accident shortly after winning round one of the season.

Rossi, who has since recovered from a broken leg, continues to be hampered by the injury and finished an off-pace sixth at Aragon on Sunday - his worst result of the year.

The Italian, who is leaving Yamaha for Ducati next season, will now use the forthcoming flyaway rounds in Japan, Malaysia and Australia to decide if he should see out the season or head for surgery early.

Rossi is fourth in the World Championship and cannot be champion this year, although he retains a mathematical chance of second place.

HM Plant Honda Riders Target Silverstone Success

2010-09-21T10:01:00.004+01:00

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The HM Plant Honda team return to the Silverstone Arena GP circuit this weekend for the penultimate round of the MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship as Ryuichi Kiyonari and Josh Brookes prepare for the next two races of the Showdown.

Kiyo and Josh currently lie third and fourth in the overall standings ahead of this weekend’s double header event but having raced already on the Arena GP track at the World Superbike Championship round earlier in the season both riders are aiming to close the point deficit in the championship.

In the Metzeler National Superstock 1000 Championship Steve Plater is looking to build on his previous result; he finished seventh at Croft last time out and is seeking further improvement as he continues his return to fitness after his crash earlier in the season.

Kiyo and Josh currently lie third and fourth in the overall standings ahead of this weekend’s double header event but having raced already on the Arena GP track at the World Superbike Championship round earlier in the season both riders are aiming to close the point deficit in the championship.

In the Metzeler National Superstock 1000 Championship Steve Plater is looking to build on his previous result; he finished seventh at Croft last time out and is seeking further improvement as he continues his return to fitness after his crash earlier in the season.

Kiyo said: “I feel that there is less pressure on me now compared to before Croft as we have nothing to lose; I want to win the races at Silverstone. We raced the new track at the World Superbike Championship round and now I know the circuit and we have made some big improvements with the HM Plant Honda since then, so we should be fast. I am just going to try my hardest and push as hard as I can to win. I am not happy unless I am first and after Croft we need to fight for victories as I want to win the championship.”

Josh said: “I have put the Croft weekend behind me now and all I am thinking about is Silverstone. If you look back to Brands Hatch we had a bad weekend there and then we bounced back with a good weekend at Cadwell Park with a win and a second place, so Silverstone will be the round to recover what we lost at the last one. We have the information and the knowledge from when we raced at the World Superbike Championship round there so we will have to wait and see how we can use that to our advantage. I know in my mind that I want to win and put the HM Plant Honda back at the front.”

Steve said: “I’m looking forward to Silverstone and hopefully this weekend I can improve again on the result we had at the previous round. Cadwell Park was my first event back and then I improved on the result I had there when we went to Croft, so I was satisfied. Now I just want to improve again. We know that the team have a good set-up on the HM Plant Honda as Josh won at the round earlier in the year, so I just need to get my head down, learn the track and get the best result I can for the team.”

Team Manager Havier Beltran concluded: “There is definitely all to play for in the championship with five races still remaining and with this in mind both Kiyo and Josh are both heading to Silverstone determined to regain the ground that was lost at Croft. Both riders have experience of the new Arena GP track from the World Superbike Championship round earlier in the season and we are feeling confident that we can challenge for the victories this weekend at such a critical stage in the championship. There is no doubt that both Kiyo and Josh need to be up the front in the races this weekend for the HM Plant Honda team and beating the other Title Fighters.

“For Steve he continues to show improvement in every session as he still recovers from his injuries and he is looking to carry that momentum through to the penultimate round of the season this weekend for HM Plant Honda in the Superstock class.”

Colin Edwards signs 2011 Monster Yamaha Tech3 contract

2010-09-21T09:39:00.002+01:00

The Monster Yamaha Tech3 Team is delighted to announce that Colin Edwards has signed a new one-year contract to ride for the French-based squad in the 2011 MotoGP world championship.

Next year's Monster Yamaha Tech3 line-up will feature a blend of vast experience and young potential with Edwards partnering highly-rated British rider Cal Crutchlow.

The 36-year-old has raced for Herve Poncharal's Tech3 squad since 2008 and during that period the popular American has produced his best form in the MotoGP class. He finished top non-factory rider last season by finishing fifth in the overall stangings and is currently 11th in the 2010 rankings with a best result of seventh position in Laguna Seca, Brno and Misano.

Edwards, who made his 100th appearance for Yamaha in today's inaugural Motorland Aragon race, has been a key figure in establishing the Monster Yamaha Tech3 Team as the leading non-factory squad in MotoGP in the 800cc four-stroke era.

And his wealth of experience will be an invaluable asset in helping new Monster Yamaha Tech3 Team rider Crutchlow adapt to MotoGP next season.

Colin Edwards
“I am delighted to have signed a new one-year contract with the Monster Yamaha Tech3 Team. I want to say a big thanks to Yamaha and to Tech3 for their unwavering support. I am honoured to continue my long and successful relationship with Yamaha, Herve Poncharal and all at Tech3. I love the team and feel like part of a big family and I'm thrilled that our adventure together is continuing next year. I'm excited at the challenge of competing in the MotoGP world championship again and still being competitive in probably the strongest field in history is an achievement I'm proud of. I am also looking forward to working with and helping out Cal Crutchlow next season. I'd like to think I helped James Toseland and Ben Spies adapt when they arrived in MotoGP, and I will be doing my utmost to do the same for Cal if he needs any advice. I think all of us can look forward to an exciting 2011 together.”

Herve Poncharal – Team Manager
“I am thrilled to have reached a new agreement with Colin for the 2011 MotoGP world championship. His appetite and passion for racing is stronger than ever and he has been an incredible asset for the Monster Yamaha Tech3 Team. He is a great character but he has consistently proven that he remains one of the fastest riders in the world and I am glad that the Tech3 story with Colin will go on for one more year. I believe with Colin's experience and boundless enthusiasm and Cal's hunger and desire to succeed in MotoGP that the Monster Yamaha Tech3 Team can already look forward to 2011 with tremendous optimism.”

MV Agusta 600cc Pictures Released

2010-09-21T09:33:00.002+01:00

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THE 3 CYLINDER STORY HAS BEEN REVIVED, THE MOST FASCINATING AND EXCITING SAGA IN THE HISTORY OF MOTORCYCLING.
A STORY CALLED MV AGUSTA.

Varese, 17th September 2010 – After years of continuous design and development along with ongoing research to create the most beautiful and technologically advanced 600cc bike of the world, the first pictures of the “real” MV AGUSTA F3 are revealed.

Since its inception in Italy in 1945, MV Agusta has created some of the most exquisite, sought-after motorcycles in the world. Renowned for attention to detail, superior craftsmanship, cutting edge engineering and provocative design, MV Agusta boasts an unprecedented 75 World Championships, securing its place in motorsports history

KTM Test Pilots

2010-09-14T14:16:00.005+01:00

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KTM Off Road Test Days

To highlight KTM’s commitment to off-road motorsport, KTM UK will be offering exclusive test ride opportunities on its 2011 Motocross and Enduro models.

The test days take place throughout September and October and are organised with selected authorised KTM dealers, giving participants the chance to test the latest Motocross and Enduro models against their own bikes at some fantastic venues right across the UK.

Places are limited, so anyone interested should contact their nearest participating dealer to avoid disappointment.

Places cost £35 for a single session and an extra £20for each additional session. Participants can bring along their own bike and can use it in up to 4 other sessions free of charge (please check this with organising dealer).
For a full list of dates and venues, click the link below:

KTM Off Road Test Days

Eugene Laverty to WSB

2010-09-13T10:48:00.002+01:00

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WORLD SUPERSPORT contender Eugene Laverty has signed a deal to join Sterilgarda Yamaha for the 2011 World Superbike season.

Laverty currently leads the World Supersport championship by 12 points with two rounds and 50 points remaining. Speaking after signing the deal to join Yamaha, Eugene said: "“It’s great to have a contract signed at this stage while still fighting for the title in the Supersport class. I desperately want to win this year before moving on.”

The 2011 season won't be the first time Laverty has raced in blue, he rode a Yamaha R6 in his World Supersport debut over two races in 2008, replacing the injured Fabien Foret. “When I rode the Yamaha YZF-R6 in World Supersport in 2008 I was having a tough time in 250s, it’s nice that Yamaha brought me to the fore and are now giving me the opportunity within superbike.

Speaking on the Yamaha team and the R1 he will ride next year, Laverty commented: "Ben Spies winning the championship in 2009 and Cal Crutchlow now stepping up and winning races shows the bike and team are more than capable so the rest is up to me. I think with the team support and a good testing schedule we can start the 2011 championship ready to be competitive from the first race and be on the podium as early as possible.

"Having a teammate like Marco Melandri is great, he has a wealth of experience to learn from so I’m going to enjoy riding with him.” continued Laverty.

Following Marco Melandri's departure to World Superbike with Sterilgarda Yamaha, the decision to bring Laverty up from World Supersport forces James Toseland out of the team. The two-time World Superbike champion has been linked with a return to Ten Kate Honda or the British Superbike championship.

"James Who?, James Toesland"

2010-09-05T13:56:00.004+01:00

A serious crash at The San Marino Race circuit (Misano) resulted in the loss of Moto2 racer Shoya Tomizawa

At 14.15 Dr Costa announced the death the Moto 2 Racer.

He will be missed and the whole racing communities thoughts are with his family

RIP Shoya
1990-2010

Valentino Rossi: "When something so sad like this happens everything else goes to zero and the result doesn't matter. I'm so sorry for Shoya because he was a strong rider but above all he was very ‘sympatico.' He was very funny, always smiling and he always had nice things to say to everyone. He was also very young with a great career ahead of him so we are all very sad."

Dani Pedrosa: "Still with my helmet on in Parc Ferme they told me about Tomizawa and I couldn't react. It was a big shock, a big contrast for me. It's so sad, terrible, and these things should never happen. As a person I can only say he was a very funny boy, always happy and making jokes, and as a rider he earned respect from everybody in a very short time, he was fast and brave. To lose two riders in a week is terrible."

Casey Stoner: "I am deeply saddened for Tomizawa, his family and everybody who worked with him. It is something truly terrible and it left me breathless, like a week ago. It was a pleasure to watch him ride and I was looking forward to see him have a great career."

Jorge Lorenzo: "It's a huge pity because he was a good guy and a strong rider. I am so sad and I just want to say how sorry I am for his family and his friends. When this happens nothing else matters."

Nicky Hayden: "I am really sad, we have lost two riders in two weekends. My thoughts are with his family and his team but I think the whole paddock has been hit hard by this tragedy. At the end of the day we are all brothers here. We have lost a talented kid with a great personality. I loved his style, his determination and the smile he always wore.”

Ben Spies: "I want to express my sadness at the passing of Shoya Tomizawa. My thoughts are with his family and friends. It's another sad loss for our sport."

Colin Edwards: "The race doesn't count for much though when you hear the news about Tomizawa. My thoughts go out to his family and friends at this difficult time.”

Aleix Espargarò: "There is nothing to say on a day like this. One of our family is gone."

Alvaro Bautista: "I am just so sorry for him and all his family. It is a hard day for all riders, I am sure he will stay with us always and I hope he is now in a better place.”

Loris Capirossi: "I want to send my condolences to Tomizawa’s family, this is a great tragedy and something that you never like to hear about.”

Randy De Puniet: “I do not want to speak about me and my race. This week end ended in the most horrible way. My thoughts go to Shoya and his family."

Hector Barbera: "Today's result doesn't really matter anymore. Shoya was a great rider who always gave his all on the bike. He was also a great person who was always smiling and with whom I got on well. I want to send my thoughts to his family and friends."

Alex De Angelis: “I can’t even express how sorry I am for what happened to Shoya."

Shuhei Nakamoto, Vice-President, Honda Racing Corporation: “We are very saddened by this news and our thoughts of course are now with Shoya’s family and friends. He was at the start of his Grand Prix career and today we have lost fine young rider and a talent for the future. Shoya had fighting spirit, we will all miss him very much…”

Monster Yamaha team manager, Herve Poncharal: "Today means nothing after the news of Shoya Tomizawa. He was an extremely exciting character and a great hope for the future and he was already somebody who was part of our world. Everybody loved him and we all feel devastated by what happened. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.”

Scott Redding's team manager, Michael Bartholemy: "We were deeply saddened by the news that Shoya Tomizawa succumbed to the injuries sustained in a crash during today's Moto2 race. He was a respected rival and will be sorely missed in the paddock. Like everyone in the Marc VDS Racing Team, my thoughts are with his family and friends at this time."

Its Official

2010-08-27T15:54:00.005+01:00

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Yamaha Motor Co Ltd are pleased to announce that the current Yamaha Tech 3 rider Ben Spies will move to the factory team for the 2011 MotoGP season.

Ben is the former World super bikes champion of 2009 and won this title with Yamaha in his first season.

Ben is also the leading rookie and the top satellite rider lying 7th in the championships.

I hope Ben continues to have a successful 2010 season with more podiums to come, we know he will have a great 2011 season riding Rossi's former bike, with Rossi now officially a Ducati rider 2011 cant come quick enough.

James Toesland made the step down or rather back to WSB and is riding Bens bike and after a dismal GP season is carrying on regardless and is having a dismal WSB season, remember we are talking about a former WSB champ.

To be fair hes picking himself up a bit now and we hope he can still draw a crowd or at least play them a tune.

Rock on Benny boy you have our support, roll on 2011

2010-08-22T10:58:00.003+01:00

US talk show legend Jay Leno is to serve as grand marshal at next weekend's Red Bull Indianapolis MotoGP race.

Leno, an avid motorsports enthusiast and collector of motorcycles and cars, will meet with MotoGP teams and riders on race day, Sunday August 29, and also present a trophy to a podium finisher.

“The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is one of the greatest spectator tracks in the world,” Leno said. “Thankfully my R1 will stay in the Big Dog Garage as I plan to watch and cheer on our three Americans right from the pits.”

Leno’s role as grand marshal extends his involvement with both the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and MotoGP.

In 1999, Leno drove the Pace Car that led the field of 33 drivers to the start of the Indianapolis 500.

In July of this year, Leno opened his incredible collection of cars and motorcycles to Yamaha MotoGP riders and legends in a special event before the Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca.

I remember when Leno had the Haydon brothers on his show and decided to how them how pimp he was by showing them his Y2K

We like J Leno.

Been a while

2010-08-18T20:40:00.008+01:00

Folks ive been away for a while and been a bit lazy to, and here’s the reason why.

October last year i decided to take an alternative route home with a mate who’s more or less just passed his bike test, he’s a good rider and loves nothing better than riding on the back wheel at all kinds of speeds so i thought no one better to go on a run with.

So there’s me taking this new route home and found a nice bend and decided it was knee down time, so i went for it, got the speed up and hung off the bike real MotoGP style and the back started drifting, this is nothing new to me as i can spin up the rear on bends and love doing it, but on this occasion the rear stepped out, caught grip and i was soon experiencing my first high side, there was me flying through the air, landed on my shoulder and braking my collar bone....Nice.

My bike decides to straighten up and continue down the road before hitting the curb and sliding down the street on its side.

Thank god for RnG crash bungs but at that speed the bike took a beating and i ended up with an oil leak big enough to piss off your average oil sheik.

Theres me lying on the ground eyes closed thinking am i dead or just dreaming, none of the above I was in friggin pain.

My collar bone sticking up like morning wood...my visor missing, the lid smashed to buggery...not a good look.

My mate picks my bike up at the same time i get up, theres no styling it out, im fcuked but like any true rider you forget the pain and think about your bike.

All thats on my mind is getting it home, i call the AA they want to charge me bucks to get it home, so i decide bollocks, im riding it home.

My bike starts first time, still leaking but im thinking ok, it could catch fire due to the oil and the hot exhaust, but im Rambo, the terminater all rolled into one so sod all that im going for it.

I have to lift my hand slowly onto the grip and its killing me.
I start the bike and make my way home, its only four miles or so but i take it easy even though it was smoking like a 50 a day habit.

I get home eventually and climb off the bike, manage to lock it up with help and after a brief chat I makes a big decision ...Get 10 silk cut and a bottle of jack Daniels.

Yep i had a chain smoke session and half a bottle of JD and went to bed in my leathers.

Oh yeah i did go to the hospital...a week later but better late than never..they read out my list of injuries spanning 15 years, Broken leg, broken ankle etc etc now broken collar bone to add to the list, I smiled and they thought i was crazy.
Hey im a biker and built to last..

My bikes in for repairs and its taking ages, the engine covers cracked and requires a skilled Ali welder to help bring my bike back to life, i know we are in a recession but i don’t care, i’ll eat beans on toast and when it gets rough beans or toast.

Ride or die..

HAYDEN KEEPS SERIES HOPES ALIVE WITH 3RD AT ALTON

2010-08-18T20:19:00.002+01:00

Team Suzuki Press Office - August 17.

Fresh from his victory in the opening race, Rockstar Makita Suzuki's Tommy Hayden and his GSX-R1000 made it to the podium again at Sunday's second-leg AMA Superbike Championship race at Alton, Virginia with his third-place finish.

Hayden battled for traction throughout the race but held it together to the finish line. He remains in second place in the standings 11 points adrift of Yamaha's Josh Hayes, but with two more rounds of racing to go, he's well within striking distance of victory.

Hayden started on the front row of the grid and shot out to the early lead in Sunday's race. He then moved into second where he held steady until he noticed some chatter in his bike, which is thought to have been due to the grip of the rear tyre. With high humidity and thick cloud cover, the track wasn't as hot and sticky as everyone would've liked, but he made the most of the race by riding smart and finishing third.

"I feel good about riding fast in the first five laps, but in the end I didn't have the speed and the rear tyre couldn't keep up," Hayden said. "We'll go back to work before New Jersey and find more speed."

Round 9 of the AMA American Superbike series takes place on September 3-5 at New Jersey Motorsports Park in Millville, New Jersey.

SUZUKI DOMINATES DAYTONA SUPERBIKE OPENER

2010-03-07T20:04:00.002Z

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Suzuki continued its tradition of owning the racetrack at the opening round of AMA American Superbike series in Daytona Beach, Florida this weekend - the GSX-R1000 taking seven of the top-10 spots overall after two days of racing.

National Guard Jordan Suzuki team rider Jake Zemke took first place in both 44-mile, 15-lap races and Tommy Hayden steered his Rockstar Makita Suzuki GSX-R1000 to second place in both races. On Friday, he and Zemke were only .009 seconds separated as they crossed the finish line.

Jordan Suzuki’s Aaron Yates took pole position after setting the quickest qualifying lap in the day leading up to the double header; ending up fourth overall at the end of the event, while Blake Young, in his second year with the Rockstar Makita team, took fifth overall after grabbing the holeshot in Thursday’s race and leading for a few laps.

The RoadRacingWorld.com Suzuki, with Chris Ulrich aboard, took sixth overall. Taylor Knapp and his RidersDiscount.com Suzuki took seventh, and Shane Narbonne finished ninth on his DASPerformance.com GSX-R1000.

In the 69th running of the legendary Daytona 200, Geico Powersports RMR Suzuki’s Danny Eslick raced his GSX-R600 to the pole position and won the Rolex award for fastest qualifier. Eslick battled through the cold and challenging 200-mile race and took fourth, as Vesrah Suzuki’s Cory West took sixth overall.

Daytona Superbike Race 1:

1. Jake Zemke (Suzuki)
2. Tommy Hayden (Suzuki) +0.238
3. Larry Pegram (Ducati) +0.259
4. Aaron Yates (Suzuki) +0.291
5. Blake Young (Suzuki) +0.307
6. Chris Ulrich (Suzuki) +27.398
7. Taylor Knapp (Suzuki) +27.43
8. Shawn Higbee (Ducati) +1 lap
9. Shane Narbonne (Suzuki) +9.078
10. Barrett Long (Ducati) +16.377

Daytona Superbike Race 2:

1. Jake Zemke (Suzuki)
2. Tommy Hayden (Suzuki) +0.009
3. Ben Bostrom (Yamaha) +0.081
4. Aaron Yates (Suzuki) +0.212
5. Larry Pegram (Ducati) +0.858
6. Josh Hayes (Yamaha) +1.838
7. Blake Young (Suzuki) +22.383
8. Brett McCormick (Suzuki) +29.235
9. David Anthony (Suzuki) +34.124
10. Taylor Knapp (Suzuki) +34.404

Top 10 Points Standings:

1. Jake Zemke 62
2. Tommy Hayden 50
3. Larry Pegram 37
4. Aaron Yates 37
5. Blake Young 30
6. Taylor Knapp 25
7. Ben Bostrom 24
8. Chris Ulrich 24
9. Josh Hayes 23
10. Shane Narbonne 20

If your passing by Daytona Beach

2010-03-04T19:50:00.002Z

There's plenty on tap with Suzuki for 2010 Daytona Bikeweek from our racers looking to come out on top to the all the latest products on display. Check out Suzuki at this year’s Daytona Bike Week International Motorcycle Show and catch a glimpse of the Nick Anglada custom Hayabusa that will be the grand prize for this years BusaBeats MC Battle. Or get your picture taken sitting on some of the championship winning race bikes from the 2009 season on display. You can also score an autograph from your favorite Suzuki racers! Check out the detailed schedule from Suzuki at 2010 Daytona Bikeweek. See you in Daytona!

Wednesday, March 3

* International Motorcycle Show - Ocean Center 101 N. Atlantic Ave., 10am - 6pm
o Visit the Suzuki Champions Tour for outstanding photo opportunities! Stop by and sit on Suzuki's Championship winning bikes and ATVs Free Admission
o Enter for a Chance to Win a SUZUKI V-STROM 650
o Autograph Signing 10am, Team FMF Makita Suzuki Off Road riders Rodney Smith and Josh Strang @ Suzuki Display
o TapouT Bikes & Beats Entertainment - live music by JPIGG, 2009 BusaBeats Champion, moto fashion, TapouT Sponsored UFC Fighters

* Bike Week Open House @ Jim Walker Suzuki of Daytona

Suzuki motorcycles and ATVs on display at 2385 South Ridgewood Ave., South Daytona Beach.
9am to Close: We stay open until last bike leaves!

Thursday, March 4

* International Motorcycle Show - Ocean Center 101 N. Atlantic Ave., 10am - 6pm
o Visit the Suzuki Champions Tour for outstanding photo opportunities! Stop by and sit on Suzuki's Championship winning bikes and ATVs
o Free Admission
o Enter for a Chance to Win a SUZUKI V-STROM 650
o TapouT Bikes & Beats Entertainment - live music, moto fashion, TapouT Sponsored UFC Fighters

* Bike Week Open House @ Jim Walker Suzuki of Daytona

Suzuki motorcycles and ATVs on display at 2385 South Ridgewood Ave., South Daytona Beach.
9am to Close: We stay open until last bike leaves!

* Autograph Signing @ Daytona International Speedway, 12:45pm - 1:30pm

Rockstar Makita Suzuki - Tommy Hayden and Blake Young
Team M4 Monster Energy Suzuki - John Hopkins
National Guard Jordan Suzuki - Jake Zemke
Jordan Brand Suzuki - Aaron Yates
Team M4 Monster Energy Suzuki - Martin Cardenas
Vesrah Suzuki - Cory West and Jeff Wood

* AMA American Superbike Race #1 @ Daytona International Speedway, 3:30pm

Rockstar Makita Suzuki - Tommy Hayden and Blake Young
Team M4 Monster Energy Suzuki - John Hopkins
National Guard Jordan Suzuki - Jake Zemke
Jordan Brand Suzuki - Aaron Yates

Friday, March 5

* International Motorcycle Show - Ocean Center 101 N. Atlantic Ave., 10am - 6pm
o Visit the Suzuki Champions Tour for outstanding photo opportunities! Stop by and sit on Suzuki's Championship winning bikes and ATVs
o Free Admission
o Enter for a Chance to Win a SUZUKI V-STROM 650
o Travis Pastrana Autograph Signing, @ Suzuki Display, Noon – 2 pm
o TapouT Bikes & Beats Entertainment - live music, moto fashion, TapouT Sponsored UFC Fighters

* Bike Week Open House @ Jim Walker Suzuki of Daytona

Suzuki motorcycles and ATVs on display at 2385 South Ridgewood Ave., South Daytona Beach.
9am to Close: We stay open until last bike leaves!

* Autograph Signing: Rockstar Makita Suzuki SX Riders Ryan Dungey and Austin Stroupe @ Deland Motorsport 2610 S. Woodland Blvd., 6pm - 7pm

* AMA American Superbike Race #2 @ Daytona International Speedway, 4pm

Rockstar Makita Suzuki - Tommy Hayden and Blake Young
Team M4 Monster Energy Suzuki - John Hopkins
National Guard Jordan Suzuki - Jake Zemke
Jordan Brand Suzuki - Aaron Yates

* Daytona 200 SportBike@ Daytona International Speedway, 8pm

Team M4 Monster Energy Suzuki - Martin Cardenas
Vesrah Suzuki - Cory West and Jeff Wood

Saturday, March 6

* Bike Week Open House @ Jim Walker Suzuki of Daytona

Suzuki motorcycles and ATVs on display at 2385 South Ridgewood Ave., South Daytona Beach.
9am to Close: We stay open until last bike leaves!

* AMA/FIM Supercross Event @ Daytona International Speedway, 6:45pm

Rockstar Makita Suzuki SX Riders Ryan Dungey and Austin Stroupe

Sunday, March 7

* Ricky Carmichael Daytona Amateur Supercross Championship @ Daytona International Speedway

NEW SILVER LIVERY FOR JORDAN SUZUKI

2010-03-04T19:41:00.003Z

pr

Michael Jordan Motorsports is pleased to be a part of the celebration of the 25th anniversary of the Air Jordan franchise with the introduction of its new 2010 Silver Edition livery as the team begins its 2010 National Guard AMA Pro National Guard American Superbike Championship campaign this week in Daytona, Florida.

During the upcoming season, the MJM team will wear uniforms and special footwear inspired by the silver anniversary of the Air Jordan franchise as well as ride bikes that are silver.

The Jordan brand marks the anniversary with a special collection, including shoes to be released throughout the year in a special silver colours. The shoe sports a Michael Jordan quote in the paint scheme that reads "I've failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.” Two of the shoes, the Air Jordan Retro 6 Premium and Jordan 6 Rings Premier, were initially created exclusively for the members of the Michael Jordan Motorsports race team and are now being made available to the public.

You can see the entire Jordan Brand Silver Anniversary collection at www.jumpman23.com.

Michael Jordan Motorsports has also issued limited edition, numbered prints of riders Aaron Yates and Geoff May on their 2009 Jordan Suzuki and National Guard Suzuki GSX-R1000 race bikes. The prints measure 25-1/2” x 16” and are printed on a heavy paper stock with a special aqueous coating for protection. The posters are available at www.23race.com under “Collectibles.”

Challenging start to the season for Yamaha Sterilgarda at Phillip Island

2010-03-01T13:53:00.002Z

It wasn't an easy start for Cal Crutchlow and James Toseland today at the season opening race in Phillip Island Australia. Race one saw both riders crash out, Crutchlow losing the front having run wide on onto a dirty section of track on lap two and Toseland highsiding on the fifth lap.

Race two saw a fiercely contested battle for points with both riders fighting off riders including Biaggi, Corser and others to stay within the top ten. Combined with a less than perfect set up on both bikes and struggling for grip the riders put in an incredible ride to bring their bikes home in the points, Crutchlow in ninth and Toseland tenth.

Crutchlow moves on to round two in Portimao in 12th position in the championship on seven points, team-mate Toseland sits just behind in 13th with six points.

Cal Crutchlow, Yamaha Sterilgarda World Superbike Team (DNF, 9th)

"Race one was unfortunate, I felt we had good pace and were running up in the top five quite comfortably, I just made a little mistake. I was a bit better than Rea into the hairpin so had to run wide to avoid him and lost the front on the dirt. The second race was hard, I felt like I had no grip from the start and still some chattering. If we had better grip we could have pulled more out of it. We need to go back to the drawing board and work some stuff out."

James Toseland, Yamaha Sterilgarda World Superbike Team (DNF, 10th)

"I really needed to finish the second race after the crash in the first. To only finish 14 seconds from the front with the issues we've had this weekend is not so bad. I was really disappointed with the first race, with my injury on Friday I wanted to have two good finishes today. Full credit to the team they've tried so hard but unfortunately we haven't had the software here to solve the issue. We know what the problem is and I've given enough feedback and input to give the guys a direction to go in. We've got a lot of work to do, no doubt, but even with all the problems we're not actually that far away. The package, the power, the balance and the suspension have come on leaps and bounds. On to Portimao now, it's a long season so we can do it."

Massimo Meregalli, Yamaha Sterilgarda World Superbike Team Manager

"It was definitely a really tough weekend for us. We solved some problems, and some we still have to work on. As we spent the two day test and the first day of the race weekend resolving the chatter issue, qualifying and race day was our first opportunity to really test the 2010 bike set up. We've seen that we have the potential to do well so we will go home and start working on the solutions to be ready to fight for the Portimao races. The team have worked really hard over the last few days to try and solve the issues and both Cal and James have given 100% to meet the challenges."

Circuit Length: 4.445
Weather: Windy
Lap Record: 1'32.402 (Troy Bayliss, 01/01/2006)
Fastest Lap Ever: 1'31.069 (Ben Spies, 01/03/2009)
Last Years Winner: Ben Spies

HASLAM WINS FIRST WORLD SUPERBIKE RACE – ON SUZUKI!

2010-03-01T13:51:00.002Z

pr

Team Suzuki Alstare rider Leon Haslam recorded his first ever World Superbike win in the first race of this year’s Superbike World Championship at Phillip Island today.

He led the race from start to finish and took the flag, just 4000ths-of-a-second ahead of Michel Fabrizio (Ducati).

He and his Suzuki Alstare team mate Sylvain Guintoli then disputed the lead for most of the second race, but Haslam’s dreams of a double were dashed right at the death by Spaniard Carlos Checa (Ducati). Nevertheless, his tremendous win in race one and runner-up spot in the second puts him on the very top of the Superbike World Championship, nine points ahead of his nearest rival.

Also encouraging for the team was Guintoli’s ability to run at the front and be in contention: The Frenchman led his team mate eight laps out of 22 and did not look out of place at all. This was his first race of the year, on the new 2010 GSX-R1000 bike, with a new team, but he also showed that he too will be a force to be reckoned with this year. Although he missed out on the podium, he did receive a trophy - for the fastest lap of race two - so he did not leave Phillip Island empty handed.

Leon Haslam - Race 1: 1st, Race 2: 2nd:

“I am so happy to get my first WSBK win and it feels great! I want to thank the team and all the staff back at the workshop for all their support and hard work and I’d also like to thank Francis and Patricia Batta for having faith in me.

“The first race was such hard work and it was impossible to relax for a second. I knew that I had Michel and Nori breathing down my neck, but I just kept concentrating on my lines and my braking points and tried to hold them off. I realised that Michel was in my wheeltracks going into the last turn and would try and use the draft to get past me, but I kept my head down and charged to the flag. At the end, I didn’t know if I’d won or not, but when I realised that I had, I was so unbelievably happy and it was such a fantastic feeling. All weekend I knew that a win was possible, but thinking about and it happening are two different things.

“In race two, I had some problems with rear traction but I still thought I could win. I had a great fight with Sylvain and when I finally got ahead of him and made it stick, I thought he might act as a buffer between me and the rest. Then suddenly, Carlos was there. He dived under me just three corners from the end, on the last lap. I tried to get it back, but he managed to hold me off and take the flag. But it feels good to take a win and a second in my first race with the team and it feels fantastic to be leading the Superbike World Championship.”

Sylvain Guintoli - Race 1: 6th, Race 2: 4th:

“I have really enjoyed today and it’s been great fun. I can’t remember the last time I was leading a World Championship race, so to lead quite a lot of race two was a great feeling and now I want to do it again. When I was in front, I felt comfortable and I knew I could keep up a good pace. Everything felt very smooth and it was all going to plan until I made a small mistake and Leon and then Carlos went through. Carlos and I touched in turn 8 when my elbow was in contact with his front wheel and then I tried a bit too hard to get back straightaway when perhaps I should’ve been a bit more patient and that’s where I lost ground.

“I could’ve made a better result in the first race if I hadn’t had such a bad start. My pace was good, but I was too far off the leaders, but I am learning about WSBK race pace and also the fact that the races are longer than what I have been used to. I am very happy with all the work we’ve done and am enjoying riding this bike so much. It was nice to get a trophy for the fastest lllap in race two and I hope that it will just be the start of many to come. I am looking forward to Portimao and my next trophy.”

Results:

Race 1: 1 Leon Haslam (GBR-Suzuki Alstare), 2 Fabrizio (ITA-Ducati), 3 Haga (JPN-Ducati), 4 Rea (GBR-Honda), 5 Biaggi (ITA-Aprilia), 6 Sylvain Guintoli (FRA-Suzuki Alstare).

Race 2: 1 Checa (ESP-Ducati), 2 Leon Haslam (GBR-Suzuki Alstare), 3 Fabrizio, 4 Sylvain Guintoli (FRA-Suzuki Alstare), 5 Haga, 6 Rea.

Championship points: 1 Leon Haslam (Suzuki Alstare) 45, Fabrizio 36, 3 Checa 34, 4 Haga 27, 5 Sylvain Guintoli (Suzuki Alstare) 23, 6 Rea 23.

Struggling Toseland upbeat

2010-02-24T11:38:00.002Z

pr

James Toseland and Cal Crutchlow remain in an upbeat mood following the final pre-season World Superbike test ahead of the opening round this week despite finding themselves outside the top 10.

Both riders are tipped to shine at the Phillip Island curtain-raiser this coming weekend, but their hopes of send a warning signal out to rivals during testing were hampered by persistent chatter problems on the Yamaha Sterilgarda R1.

Having focused on set-up during the opening day, neither Toseland nor Crutchlow would break into the top 10 on day two, with the former ending the test 12th and the latter in 17th position.

Despite this, Toseland and Crutchlow are looking forward to the opening round, adding that they are confident the team will solve its issues in good time.

"It's been a solid two days of testing working on the new bike," he said. "I still have some chatter problems as does Cal.

"The guys are going to go through the data and see what they can come up with for us over the next couple of days."

Crutchlow added: "We worked through a lot of stuff, unfortunately it's not all worked yet.

"If we can get going in the right direction over the next couple of days for both of us then we can move forward. I'm looking forward to race weekend as always and will do the best job I can."

World Superbikes - Phillip Island: Watch all the action LIVE on British Eurosport 2 (Sky 411 / Virgin 525) - Superpole Saturday 4am, Races Sunday 1am

SUZUKI ALSTARE CONCENTRATE ON BIKE SETTINGS

2010-02-22T14:13:00.001Z

PR

Team Suzuki Press Office - February 22.

Team Suzuki Alstare riders Leon Haslam and Sylvain Guintoli continued to work on finding the best set-up for their GSX-R1000 K10 Suzukis instead of chasing lap times today and ended the two-day World Superbike test at Phillip Island in Australia in 7th and 15th respectively.

Strong winds buffeted the 4.445 kilometre circuit and most riders took things cautiously, especially in the afternoon. Ducatis filled the top four places at the finish with Michel Fabrizio the fastest, with a time of 1:31.650. Second was Shane Byrne, with Jakub Smrz third and Carlos Checa fourth.

Leon Haslam: 142 laps (two days) 7th - 1:32.279:

“I am not so happy with the final result, regarding lap times, but overall I am happy with all the work we’ve done and the things we found out and this will help us go in the right direction.

“Today we started with the two bikes set up differently and I preferred some things on one bike and some things on the other bike, so the mechanics will now try and put the best bits of both on one bike and that’s what I will start with during first practice next Friday. We spent quite a lot of time today trying out race tyres, so that we will be in a good position next week, but that meant that we didn’t really go for a very quick lap time.

“I am not worried about the guys ahead of me today, because I know that things will be very different come the race next weekend. That’s more important than lap times today. I feel good about our prospects - and that’s the main thing.”

Sylvain Guintoli: 147 laps (two days) 15th - 1:32.869:

“Today we did a lot of work on getting the bike working well with race rubber and didn’t concentrate of chasing lap times. I had a small get-off at the tight hairpin after Lukey Heights, but there was no damage to me or the bike. It happened when I lost the front end when I pushed a bit too hard on a tyre that I didn’t really like - and now I like it less!

“I have had no problems with jet-lag or tiredness today, but I felt that I just couldn’t find my good rhythm. This sometimes happens to me when we test for a lot of time, like today when the two sessions lasted two and a half hours each. In a normal race weekend, practice lasts an hour and race is about 45 minutes and I always manage to find a good rhythm without a problem, so maybe the sessions today were a bit too long for me. But, we’ve done a lot of good work and now I am looking forward to next Friday and the start of the race weekend.”

Overall results (two days): 1 Fabrizio (ITA-Ducati) 1:31.650, 2 Byrne (GBR-Ducati) 1:31.652, 3 Smrz (CZE-Ducati) 1:31.680, 4 Checa (ESP-Ducati) 1:31.959, 5 Rea (GBR-Honda) 1:32.175, 6 Haga (JPN-Ducati) 1:32.247, 7 Leon Haslam (GBR-Suzuki Alstare) 1:32.279. 15 Sylvain Guintoli (FRA-Suzuki Alstare) 1:32.869.

Countdown to Day of Champions 2010 underway

2010-02-04T15:09:00.000Z

pr
As always Day of Champions will take place on the Thursday before the British round of MotoGP. In 2010 the biggest day in British motorcycle racing returns to Silverstone, Northamptonshire, for the first time since 1986, and this is the first Day of Champions at the famous circuit.

Silverstone have been carrying out lots of work to the circuit and the viewing areas, and Riders are going to make sure that we get the weekend off to the best possible start.

Riders for Health’s events manager Jeanette Wragg said, ‘We are just arranging the final details with Silverstone but we are all very excited. Tickets will be going on sale around the beginning of March, and we are delighted to say that we will be keeping prices the same for the fourth year in a row. Day of Champions is a great day out for all the family, so with tickets for adults from just £15 and free tickets for under-16s, it’s a great way to help support our work in Africa.’

HOPKINS JOINS TEAM M4 MONSTER SUZUKI

2010-02-04T15:07:00.002Z

pr

John Hopkins has signed for Team Hammer, which will race as M4 Monster Suzuki in this season's AMA Superbike Championship along withÂ Daytona SportBike ace Martin Cardenas.

Both Hopkins and Cardenas have Grand Prix experience and the M4 Monster Suzuki team looks to present its most aggressive challenge yet in AMA Pro Racing. While both racers already have garnered a remarkable amount of experience, they're just now entering the prime of their careers: Hopkins is 26 years old while Cardenas is 27.

Said Hopkins: "I'm really excited to be working with the team and team owner John Ulrich again. We had a lot of success when I raced with them at the beginning of my career and I'd like to thank Monster, M4 and all the rest of our sponsors for making it happen. I'm also happy to be back on a Suzuki motorcycle again. I'm feeling healthier than I have in a long time. I think my fitness level is up there with the way it was in 2007 and I'm looking forward to getting out there on the track and enjoying racing again.

"I have the chance to ride the bike a little bit today at a Fastrack Riders track day at Fontana and I'm really pleased. It is just a shakedown test but the bike feels really comfortable to me. My goals are to learn the bike and the tracks, have a healthy season, perform to the best of my ability, and see where that leaves us in the championship. I'm really happy to have a ride with a great team and be healthy again and I'm looking forward to having a good season."

Said Ulrich: "I have full confidence in John Hopkins and his abilities. I really enjoyed working with John before and I'm really looking forward to working with him again. There is no doubt in my mind that he knows how to ride a motorcycle and now aged 26 he's got seven years of Grand Prix experience under his belt. With seven AMA Pro Racing Daytona SportBike race wins in 2009, Martin Cardenas has already demonstrated the potential created by putting a great rider with Grand Prix experience on a competitive motorcycle built by the Team Hammer crew in Alabama, and we're looking forward to creating the same situation with John. I am proud to welcome John and his family back to the AMA Pro paddock and I am very excited to be fielding him in the AMA Pro Racing National Guard American Superbike Championship. With the combination of Martin Cardenas and John Hopkins on M4 Suzukis, we have an exciting opportunity to make great things happen in 2010."

Hopkins, born in California to British parents, raced for Team Hammer as a teenager and won the 2000 AMA 750 Supersport and 2001 AMA Formula Xtreme titles before joining the MotoGP circus with the WCM Yamaha team. In his first season in Grand Prix "Hopper" impressed while racing a two-stroke against primarily four-stroke competition and his rise was chronicled in the movie Faster.

The next season, he was signed to the factory Suzuki team at 19 years old. Hopkins raced five years with Suzuki before joining the factory Kawasaki MotoGP team for 2008.

While in Grand Prix, he won a pole position, finished on the podium four times, twice earned fastest laps honours, and took fourth place in the 2007 MotoGP championship, proving himself to be one of the top riders in the globe's elite racing series during his seven seasons there. Hopkins joined Stiggy Racing Honda to race World Superbike last year and flashed his enormous potential on occasion during an injury-hindered season.

SUZUKI ANNOUNCES CONTINUED RIZLA MOTOGP PARTNERSHIP

2010-02-04T15:05:00.000Z

press release:

Suzuki Motor Corporation is pleased to announce a further two-year agreement with ITL (Imperial Tobacco Limited) which will see the Suzuki MotoGP team continue to carry the Rizla brand on its GSV-R in the premier class of motorcycling racing.

Rizla became the title sponsor of Suzuki's MotoGP team in 2006 and the announcement of a further extension to the partnership will mean the Suzuki GSV-R will compete in the MotoGP World Championship in the now famous 'Rizla Blue' until at least 2011.

Rizla is the world's premier brand of rolling papers and has had a racing association with Suzuki since the 1980's in Grand Prix, including Suzuki legend Kevin Schwantz rolling out on his GP debut on a Rizla-backed RG500 in 1986.
Loris Capirossi and new-signing Ãlvaro Bautista will be in action on their Rizla Suzukis at the first test of 2010 at Sepang in Malaysia this week, with the 18-race season scheduled to get underway beneath the lights of Losail in Qatar on Sunday April 11th.

Paul Denning - Team Manager:

"Everybody involved with the Suzuki Grand Prix project is delighted that the Rizla brand will continue its partnership in 2010 and into 2011 and that we are able to continue with the now iconic Rizla Suzuki image for the next two seasons. It's very clear that that the 2009 season fell far below our expectations and targets, but Loris, Ãlvaro, the whole team and the Suzuki Racing group in Hamamatsu will be doing everything we can to take a big step forward and re-pay Rizla's faith in the project during 2010 and beyond."

Graham Blashill - Sales and Marketing Director, Imperial Tobacco Group Plc:

"We are delighted to continue our sponsorship of the Suzuki MotoGP team over the 2010 and 2011 seasons and I look forward to an exciting couple of years both on the track and in our own business. The MotoGP platform fits perfectly with Rizla's global, premium status and the close partnership we have forged with the Suzuki team enables us to leverage the brand extremely effectively. Both from a personal point of view, and on behalf of the Imperial Tobacco Group, I wish Loris and Ãlvaro the best of luck on the track and I look forward to success for the Rizla Suzuki MotoGP team as a whole."

Yamaha's Valentino Rossi comitted to motorcycling

2010-01-11T19:09:00.002Z

press release:

MotoGP world champion Valentino Rossi has shelved plans to switch from bikes to cars for now, saying he still has time left on the motorcycle circuit.

Rossi, who has won nine world titles on two wheels, was pondering whether to stay at Yamaha or switch to car racing when his contract runs out at the end of the forthcoming season.

"There are not many changes in a man's body between 22 and 34 so I still have some time left," the 30-year-old Italian told the Indian media.

"I would consider shifting to cars, probably rallying, after that before I finally decide to take it easy."

Rossi has taken part in many car rallies, finishing second in the Monza rally in Italy in November and was close to driving for Ferrari in Formula One at the end of 2006.

"When I finish with bikes, I might want to see some seasons in rallying. I know F1 would've been easier but by the time I finish MotoGP, I will be too old for F1."

Ride With Honda Legend John McGuinness At Redtread

2010-01-11T19:02:00.004Z

press release:

Honda (UK)'s highly regarded off-road experience in Spain, Redtread, is offering the fantastic opportunity for two-wheel fans of all ages and riding experience, to get down and dirty with Honda's ‘Morecambe Missile’ and TT legend, John McGuinness.

Arriving on Saturday 6 and departing on Tuesday 9 February, this fun and action filled 2-day off-road experience on 7-8 February takes in Southern Spain's stunning Sierra mountains and terrain.

Set just forty five minutes from Malaga airport, the format of the tour will be 2 days riding and 3 nights accommodation. John will be your ‘tour guide' throughout the trip, as well as spending social time with guests during the evenings.

Priced at just £555 per person (excluding flights and transfers), the tour includes:
• 2 night’s audience with John
• 3 night’s accommodation at The Redtread Country Mansion including breakfast
• Lunch on each riding day
• Your choice of Honda CRF230/250X/450X motorcycle
• 2 fabulous days riding in Spain's National Park
• All protective clothing and outer clothing
• Fuel
• Riding tuition
• Personal accident insurance including airlift
• A signed photo of you and John to take home as reminder of your trip

With just 10 places available on each of the exclusive tours, this really is an opportunity not to be missed.

For further information about Redtread visit www.redtread.com, or to book a place on this exclusive tour, please contact Ian or Sally on info@redtread.com or 0034 62 78 34 430.

DONKEY for sale

2009-12-24T23:00:00.003Z

press release:

GP-TECH THE DONKEY
Available starting from the end of January2010, the helmet worn by Valentino Rossi during the GP in San Marino where from “the doctor” he has become “the donkey“:

The new THE DONKEY graphics will be produced in a limited number of pieces distributed all over the world.

The helmet chosen for this limited edition will be the GP-TECH, top range AGV product, that has been designed, projected and developed with Valentino’s support.

Taking the best from the previous race helmets (Ti-Tech, GP-Pro) and from the AGV racetrack experience, GP-Tech matches lightness, ventilation and comfort with an extremely innovative and aerodynamic design. This entirely made-in-Italy helmet is the product of an hi-tech, eco-friendly plant - thanks also to the use of water paint.

Why THE DONKEY?

After the USA Gp, Valentino decided to wear a helmet on which the picture of a donkey was predominant. “The Doctor'' has become ''the Donkey'' putting a donkey on the helmet even to celebrate with self- mockery the fall in Indianapolis, while thanks to the GP won in San Marino, Valentino has showed to his fans that donkeys can fly!

Main technical features 1. 3 shell sizes in SSL (Fibreglass, Kevlar, Carbon) 2. IVS (Integrated Ventilation System) ventilation system with wide channels hollowed directly in the shell for an enhanced air-flow into the helmet and an improved aerodynamic penetration 3. 3 front air vents and 5 rear extractors 4. Visor micro-opening system for an effective anti-fog effect even in bad atmospheric conditions 5. New Shield Mechanism with XQRS (Extra Quick Release System) to replace the visor without tools in few seconds. Safety device to avoid visor detachment in case of fall 6. Detachable nose protector 7. Detachable wind-protector for chin 8. Fully removable and washable (including neckroll) inside padding 9. Multi-featured fabrics with hygienic treatment for maximum comfort: humidity and sweat absorbing Cool Max for forehead, temples, back of the neck areas; hyper-breathable material for the top and rear area for an effective air-flow; micro-fibre material on the cheek pads to guarantee comfort and coolness 10. Double D retention system 11. Sizes available: XXS-XXXL

www.mostrano.com

World Superbike Yamaha rider James Toseland predicts a good season for British competitors in 2010

2009-12-21T11:34:00.003Z

Press release

Returning World Superbike star James Toseland has vowed to rediscover his form of two years ago and predicts a bumper season ahead for British competitors.

The Yorkshireman lost his MotoGP ride with Yamaha Tech 3 after two disappointing seasons in the premier bike class, during which he never finished higher than sixth.

Having entered the field with a glittering reputation as a double World Superbike champion, Toseland knows that after his MotoGP failure he has to rebuild it with Yamaha's factory WSBK effort in 2010.

"I didn't have any choice," the 29-year-old told Crash.net Radio, when asked how he felt about the step back down again. "I lost my position in MotoGP, but I'm pleased now it's all over - there was a lot of speculation about me losing my job for a long time - and that I can concentrate on my new challenge.

"I feel very fortunate to be riding a bike that can win races still - there's not many about. There's not many rides that you'd want to have and that also pay. It's a difficult time for everybody in the industry, and I'm just pleased that I've got a good bike that can win races and I can go out there and put a good show on and taste some champagne."

The Sheffield-born star knows he will have his work cut out just to be the best of his countrymen, let alone the world.

But as he tries to be the first rider to win three titles with different manufacturers following his previous crowns with Ducati (2004) and Honda (2007), he insists pressure will not be a problem.

"The young Brits aren't going to make it easy for me, that's a fact, he acknowledged. "I think on a regular basis next year in the World Superbike Championship, you could see three British riders filling the podium, which is going to be great for the country.

"I'm still as bloody-minded as I always was and I just want to win, so I'm really looking forward to it. The package I've got is capable of winning, so now it's down to me to actually show that, and I'll be training hard and getting up to fitness before the season starts.

"The bike has won the championship this year, and I just hope I can keep that success up for them. I left as a world champion, and I want to start up again from where I finished off.

"Three world titles with three different manufacturers is a great prospect, but Mr. (Carl) Fogarty has four, so even if I do that there will still be another challenge - and after that I'm sure I'll find another challenge as well. Just to win three world championships would be amazing, though - what I'm here for and why I've signed for Yamaha again - and I'll be preparing myself to try and achieve it."

FTR continues Moto2 testing

2009-12-21T11:29:00.002Z

press release:

Preparations for the inaugural Moto2 season gather speed after a selection of teams travelled to Spain to conduct further testing at Almeria.

Although poor weather hampered progress on day one, better conditions on the second day allowed the runners to get some decent track time.

Topping the timesheets after two days was Karel Abraham (pictured), the Czech rider putting further miles on the FTR M210 as the manufacturer continued to show its pace to potential customers.

"We'll now get to work on the final 2010 plans and conclude the ongoing negotiations with teams interested in racing the M210 in the World and Spanish Championships and other events that we've received enquiries about," said FTR director Steve Bones, who revealed that six grand prix teams are interested in running the M210.

Also on track were Stefan Bradl and Vladimir Leonov, who rode Suter MMX bikes for the Viessmann Kiefer Racing team.

The pair were separated by three tenths but were almost three seconds slower than Abraham.

Elsewhere, Promoracing pair Joan Olive and Kenny Noyes continued work on the Promo-Harris bike, while the Pons Kalex machine was ridden by Axel Pons, Sergio Gadea and Scott Redding.

Hodgson excited by return

2009-12-15T14:03:00.001Z

press release:

Neil Hodgson has said he cannot wait to test his Yamaha R1 this week as he begins his preparations for his return to the British Superbike Championship.

The former World Superbike champion has signed to race the Rob Mac Racing-prepared Motorpoint Yamaha in 2010, marking his first season competing in the national superbike series since winning the title in 2000.

Hodgson's reappearance at BSB level comes after four seasons spent in the AMA Superbike series, a tenure in which he was unable to replicate his title-winning form from WSB.

After a year spent mostly on the sidelines when a Motocross accident left him with a dislocated shoulder and a collapsed lung - an injury that continues to hamper him eight months on - Hodgson has elected for a new challenge switching from Honda in AMA to Yamaha in BSB.

"I am really excited and can't wait (to start testing)," he said. "Testing starts for us soon and that is when we all get going.

"I am confident that the team learnt a lot from last year and we are improving the bike. The first thing we are going to do is try to make it lighter as it was a bit overweight.

"We are also hoping to get a factory swing arm too; these are the two main things we are starting with.

"Other than that we will wait and see what happens when we get testing, as I haven't ridden the Motorpoint Yamaha yet.

"I want to win races next year, that is for sure. I just I hope I don't let my fans down. I want to thank them for the continued support.

"I have had tough times in my career recently but I am excited about coming back to BSB."

Stiggy Honda pulls out

2009-12-15T14:02:00.002Z

press release:

Stiggy Racing Honda have withdrawn from both the World Superbike Championship and World Supersport Championship due to financial difficulties.

Stiggy Honda joined WSS in 2005 and has since waged a David versus Goliath-type battle as an independent entry against a plethora of manufacturer-backed rivals.

This year Leon Haslam took the honours for top privateer in WSB, finishing an excellent sixth overall with four rostrum finishes along the way, while the Swedish outfit claimed fifth spot in the teams' table.

It was the team's maiden - and only - entry into the parent series.

"The Stiggy Racing Honda team has over its five years of participation been very successful, but nevertheless found itself put in a difficult economic situation and has been forced to withdraw from the World Superbike and World Supersport championships in 2010," read an official team statement.

"The decision has been made after a close evaluation of the team's poor economic situation, which was created during this year's expanded venture by participating in both championship classes, a huge financial project that was poorly executed by the team's investors as a result of failing to fulfil their financial commitments for the 2009 season.

"The Stiggy Racing Honda team has since its beginning shown great potential, starting up in 2005 in the Supersport class (and) slowly building its ground in the championship and year-by-year advancing to finally set a solid mark as a top contender.

"The team managed its best result in 2008 by finishing third in the Supersport championship with Australian rider Joshua Brookes.

"Being a private team in a championship like Superbikes - consisting of seven factory teams - means not only stiff competition on-track but also an immediate financial weakness, making it very difficult to survive without solid financial back-up and support."

The outfit said the 2009 results, which included securing fifth spot in the WSS standings also, allowed it to end on a high note.

"(It was) a magnificent result by everyone involved with the Stiggy Racing Honda team since its beginning: an achievement to be proud of and that allows it to finish its career with heads held high," the statement concluded.

The team was founded by former grand prix rider Johan 'Stiggy' Stigefelt.

Lorenzo: Yamaha in charge, not Rossi

2009-12-15T13:58:00.002Z

press release:

Jorge Lorenzo has told MotoGP world champion Valentino Rossi that Yamaha will decide their future and not the Italian.

Nine-times world champion Rossi, 30, was run close by the Spaniard in this year's title race.

Rossi has said that having a strong team-mate like Lorenzo at Fiat Yamaha is not ideal.

He is considering whether to stay at the factory outfit, move to Ducati or switch to car racing when his contract runs out at the end of next year.

"Valentino shouldn't decide the riders for 2011. It is Yamaha's choice - we are just employees," Lorenzo told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

Rossi has competed in sanctioned World Rally Championship events and tested for Ferrari in Formula One, both with a measure of success.

He has long been linked with a move to four wheels, but signed two-year deals with Yamaha in 2006 and 2008.

Lorenzo, 22, has two 250cc titles to his name and has impressed in his first two seasons in the top flight.

In 2009 he finished with 261 points to Rossi's 306, and led the standings at times during the season.

Toseland: I did not fail

2009-12-07T10:24:00.001Z

press release:

James Toseland insists that despite having been forced out of MotoGP before he felt his time was up, he "certainly didn't fail" in motorcycling's premier class - as he hints that he has unfinished business there and hopes one day to return to set the record straight.

Following a mixed debut campaign with Tech 3 Yamaha in 2008 - beginning brightly but ultimately lacking the consistency to challenge regularly for the leading positions, as his results fell away in the latter stages - much was anticipated of Toseland in 2009, but unfortunately for him, there was scant improvement and the end-of-season score sheet showed that he had indeed tallied 13 fewer points than twelve months earlier.

A number of factors contrived to blight the double World Superbike champion's efforts, with a brace of accidents in pre-season testing - one of which left him briefly concussed - putting him on the back foot right from the word 'go'. Worse still, a crew chief swap with team-mate Colin Edwards following some communication issues with Frenchman Guy Coulon in 2008, created a somewhat thorny relationship with the American during the early part of the season after the Texan was left out of the loop regarding the switch.

Indeed, Edwards was so incensed that he demanded a wall be erected to divide the two halves of the Tech 3 garage and revealed that the pair "didn't talk anymore", and if the British star assures that the rift has now healed over, it clearly did little to make things any easier for him early on. Bike set-up woes and jump-start penalties only served to add to his tribulations.

Though he finished inside the points in every race bar two, Toseland's best finishes were a trio of sixth places, whilst Edwards was rarely outside of the top seven and achieved a podium finish - cruelly, perhaps, on his team-mate's home turf at Donington Park. Respectively fifth and 14th in the final standings at the end of the campaign said it all - but the Yorkshireman is adamant that he has no regrets.

"No, not at all," he told Crash.net Radio. "I was given the opportunity to move my career forwards and to challenge myself against the elite and the best in the world. As a kid growing up in this game, I felt very fortunate to get the opportunity to do that. The 17 or 18 riders out there are all world champions in their own right - in 125cc or 250cc or Superbike - and that's the level it's at. To enter into MotoGP, you've got to become a world champion at something.

"Everything was there to be had; Colin rode great on the same package, and that was what it was capable of. I didn't perform to the level I should have, which risked my job, and with Ben Spies doing so well in Superbikes that was the case. There's a reason behind it obviously, but I don't think it's a talent issue because in qualifying I nearly put it on pole position for my first GP (in 2008) and I had nine sixth places, which is no mean feat on a satellite bike in MotoGP.

"[The fall-out with Edwards] was just a load of rubbish that the media made up. The engineer that worked for him wanted to switch, and there were issues between him and Colin obviously because of that, but actually there was no issue between me and Colin whatsoever personally. Everybody made a fuss of it in the winter-time - when there's no bike racing going round the tracks, the journalists have to fill the papers with something - but we sorted it out pretty quickly.

"Overall, it was a tough year and we had a few problems, but I really, really enjoyed the challenge. I was upset and disappointed [to lose the ride], because I felt like the challenge wasn't over and I wanted another opportunity, but unfortunately circumstances were the way they were and you've got to move on to wherever it takes you. We certainly didn't fail, but the inconsistency this year cost me being able to carry on at this point."

Subscribing very much to a never say never' approach as regards the future and the possibility of an eventual MotoGP comeback, for now Toseland reveals he is fully focussed on his 2010 WSBK return with the factory Yamaha outfit. It may take him time to re-adjust to a Superbike having honed his riding style to suit MotoGP over the last couple of years, but the 29-year-old is clearly revved up to answer his critics and prove a point or two.

"The difference between how to ride in MotoGP and World Superbikes is quite dramatic," he explained. "The R1 Superbike is a production bike, and obviously the MotoGP prototype is capable of doing a lot more around a circuit because it's built for that. World Superbikes is a great showcase for the production-based bike [manufacturers] to show what they can build for the road, and also the manufacturers can show in MotoGP exactly what they can build with no rules.

"You never know what could happen in the future - I might return [to MotoGP] with some rule changes - but my new challenge is World Superbikes next year, and I'll be concentrating on that. Going in with the package that obviously won the championship this year is a great prospect, and I'm looking forward to it."

Superpole altered for 2010

2009-12-03T16:00:00.001Z

press release:

Bosses of the World Superbike Championship have announced a series of changes that will be brought into play for the 2010 season.

The changes have been made following consultation between Infront Motor Sports and the competing teams, as well as other interested parties.

The main change across the classes is the announcement of revisions to the Superpole format.

Under the minor changes, Superpole 1 will now run for 14 minutes followed by sessions of 12 minutes and 10 minutes.

The current seven-minute break between sessions will remain in place although the time between final practice and Superpole has been extended to 25 minutes.

Elsewhere, an extra qualifying session will be added on Friday afternoon for Supersport runners while the race on Sunday has been moved forward by five minutes at the request of TV stations.

Superstock 1000 will feature a qualifying session on Friday afternoon at the request of the teams, while the Superstock 600 race has been moved to Saturday afternoon.

Two qualifying sessions and one free practice session will take place each weekend.

Rossi Calls for Limits in MotoGP

2009-12-03T15:58:00.001Z

Press release:

Valentino Rossi has called for limits on machinery in MotoGP in order to keep the focus on who is the best rider rather than who has the best bike at their disposal.

Rossi has previously described the 2007 reduction in engine capacity from 990cc to 800cc as the biggest mistake in the last 15 years, contending that the bikes are now less fun to ride and less spectacular for the fans as the dependency upon electronics has increased.

Now the Urbino native - who has achieved title glory with every engine size and regulations package in recent memory, in 125cc, 250cc, 500cc, 800cc and 990cc - has come out in support of the proposed 1,000cc, four-cylinder route the series is evaluating for 2012 and beyond.

"I would return MotoGP to 1,000cc and I would remove 70 per cent of the electronics," the Fiat Yamaha star told Rai Sport. "That's a fair reduction, I'd say.

"Unfortunately, for motorised sports it's difficult: until recently there weren't many rules and everyone pushed to the maximum. We need to impose limits, but in an intelligent fashion."

NEC 2009

2009-11-30T15:26:00.009Z

The NEC Bike show was a long awaited event for me as you got to see what the manufactures have been up to and what creations they had available to whet your appetite for the new year.

After a long drive up the m40 and a well deserved kip in the back of my mates motor we arrived at the NEC, its always freezing at this time of year so I couldn’t wait to get into the warm and see what was on offer.

Once of my reasons for attending this show is that I’d experienced my first high side recently and broke my collar bone, nothing to be proud of but you learn more about yourself after a crash depending on your injuries.

The hospital wants to stick a load of nuts and bolts in my shoulder and im not really happy about that.

So who better to discuss bike related injuries with than a few experienced riders and racers dotted about the building.

Charlie Borman: Take the time you need to heal and a keep the exercise up, it will help later and cut down the recovery period.

James Whitham: Fucking hell a high side on the road!!! Fucking hell what ever you do don’t get it pinned, take as much time as possible to heal and fix your bike later, now get in here and take a picture with us and this lass..

Leon Camier: Ah mate sorry to hear that but you’re still alive to tell the tale so get well soon.

So armed with some well wishes and good information I thought that id take some time out and get snapped with a few showgirls, there’s normally a good few there from the drop dead gorgeous to right hard faced old dears, I guess this depends on the manufacturer they’re working for and budgets Lol

If I’m honest the show wasn’t the best and it looked a little sparse this year, the likes of Honda are missing and the manufacturers that are there are exhibiting last year’s models except for Kawasaki who displayed the 2010 zx10.

The shopping hall wasn’t the greatest I’ve seen in ages, I mean I’m at a bike show and consider myself a bit of a hard core biker so when some little girl gives me a flier saying come to the hillsides of Wales and rent a cottage, im like what the fuck!!!

Needless to say I took the flier, didn’t want to appear ignorant.

There weren’t that many bargains to be had I felt, even though we are supposed to credit crunched up the ying-yang the prices to me were all high street.

I left the NEC a little disappointed and empty handed as the parts I need to get my bike back on the road are all coming off e-bay, yep bargains galore.

Don’t minde me and please dont be put off, its good to leave her indoors, get out and get amongst your fellow bikers and talk bikes all day long, look at birds in skimpy outfits sprawled all over Japanese crotch rockets, have a beer and come home to the missus for an ear bashing .