MotoGP Qatar Test Approach, Silverstone Visit Guide & Leon Haslam Interview

That's right! It's the last preseason test for MotoGP and it will be held in Qatar during 18 - 19 March 2010. Who will come out ahead - well, doubtless it will be Rossi - but who will fill in behind him? Only the test will give us the answers. For more about it, please take the link.

http://tinyurl.com/yz4dezf

If you have ever wanted to attend a race at the historic Silverstone circuit in the UK, we now have a way to find a good hotel near the track. The Silverstone Accommodation Guide has just launched and it is now available for you to find a place to lay your head. Check it out...

http://tinyurl.com/yetlgr7

It's a relatively short interview with the World Superbike Championship Alstare Suzuki rider Leon Haslam, but it is a good one. This is even more important when you consider that he is sitting at the top of the overall points standings as of the first race at Phillip Island - the man is on fire! So, what does he think of the win, of the season ahead and his team's chances? Well, take the link to find out!

http://tinyurl.com/ydz69zz

Saturday Morning Moto News - MV Agusta F4, Carmelo Ezpeleta & Silverstone

At least one author has now had a chance to throw a leg over the new 2010 MV Agusta F4 - and he found it a brilliant ride! Of course, as it is an MV, but he also said that he feels the bike has developed a more linear character and will be easier to ride by those with less experience for a change. Have a read...

http://tinyurl.com/ydj6o4m

Dorna's top man, Carmelo Ezpeleta has again made the news cycle. This time it is all about Valentino Rossi and his time with Ferrari. Ezpeleta states that the Formula 1 interest in Rossi can only be good for the MotoGP Championship. He has a point as it will most certainly bring a few more fans into the series, not to mention some journalistic attention as well...

http://tinyurl.com/yfzrwee

The head of the circuit-owning British Racing Drivers' Club has said that the new track layout at Silverstone is boring for Formula 1. Silverstone re-designed some of the track for the arrival of MotoGP this year, and some are quite happy with it. However, the consensus in the F1 world is saying a bit different...

http://tinyurl.com/yjj9pqm

More Morning Moto News - Chris Vermeulen, Ducati MotoGP & Air Asia Sponsorship

Chris Vermeulen is having trouble getting his Kawasaki World Superbike machine to agree with him. At the most recent WSBK tests he has been a bit off the pace, but no one is worried. Kawasaki does not expect as much as Vermeulen expects of himself, but that sure won't stop Vermeulen from pushing hard to finish high in the order. Again, the 2010 WSBK series will be very entertaining!

http://tinyurl.com/ybrkp8t

The Desmosedici GP10 has a host of changes from the 2009 model; Ducati is looking to get their edge back and take the 2010 title - as you would expect. Casey Stoner did well on the machine at the Sepang test, finishing second to Rossi. But, Nicky Hayden struggled a bit and only finished as high as eighth. But, the bike is better than last year's, or so the riders say, and that means something as it is they who must race it.

http://tinyurl.com/y8t3qyl

And, in even better news, Air Asia has signed on with Dorna to be the title sponsor at the British Grand Prix. That event will be held at the Silverstone Circuit 18 - 20 June 2010. Since they already sponsor some riders in the paddock, this is a natural fit. Let's hope it continues...

http://tinyurl.com/ykqr9as

More Morning Moto News - MSS Colchester & Silverstone

MSS Colchester Kawasaki is due to have a very busy 2010. They will be competing in the BSB Championship, the National Superstock Championship and the Isle of Man TT. The will have at least four riders and will also be developing technology in conjunction with the Paul Bird WSBK team. They will not have much time to relax, but it will certainly give them a chance to take home some titles and learn enough to give them a chance at each and every round.

http://tinyurl.com/yhrpdvv

The Silverstone track is just about ready to host racing at the track. They have made some improvements - some major, others minor - which should lead to a very fast and challenging circuit for the various series which will grace their paddock. The MotoGP round will certainly keep everyone's eyes glued to the event as they try to see if the new track is fast enough for those professionals...

http://tinyurl.com/yke7ma7

Saturday Morning Moto News - WSBK, WSS, Silverstone and More

Well, there is a great deal of activity in the World Superbike world about now. Most of it is due to the testing being held in Portimao, Portugal, this weekend, but there is other news as well.

First, the provisional 2010 World Superbike Championship entry list is now available. You will know most of what is here, but it is all in one place, which makes it easier. Have a close look, though, as some details we thought were settled have changed again...

http://tinyurl.com/y8fu3v6

From the first official day of testing at Portimao for the WSBK teams we have some reports. Leon Haslam is on top of things so far...

http://tinyurl.com/yc9xw62

http://tinyurl.com/yawd26u

http://tinyurl.com/ycgf99x +WSS

James Toseland has something to prove in WSBK: http://tinyurl.com/ydqu3ps

Early Day 2 results have Jonathan Rea at the top of the time sheets. The Brits are taking this practice by storm: http://tinyurl.com/yk6cafu

Apparently, Silverstone has just announced that they will be hosting a round of the World Superbike Championship this year. It will be over the 30 July - 1 August 2010 weekend. New news?

http://tinyurl.com/yas8xjs

Casey Stoner is Happy and Ben Bostrom is Testing

A couple of articles here are about former MotoGP champion Casey Stoner. In the first one, he is quite happy with the switch from Donington Park to Silverstone for the British Grand Prix. Stoner simply believes that the track is better, the speeds higher, and the racing will be better at Silverstone. We all hope he is right. Next, we hear that Stoner is also in favor of the new engine limitations in MotoGP for 2010 (number of engines used during the season). Funny, because his factory team had to work very hard to get their engines up to spec for this purpose...I wonder if he will like the rule come round 12 or so...

http://tinyurl.com/yl94bpn

http://tinyurl.com/yh7rolt

Ben Bostrom will be testing his new Pat Clark Motorsports Yamaha YZF-R1 at Las Vegas today and tomorrow. It is now set that Bostrom will ride for the team in the DMG/AMA Pro Racing American Superbike Championship in 2010. He is happy to be back in racing, and who wouldn't be? He will be teamed with the 18-year-old son of Pat Clark, Chris Clark, for the season.

http://tinyurl.com/yddglc2

A Busy Wednesday Morning - Moto Race News from All Over, Part 2

For the start of this post, let us head Down Under for the Australian Superbike Championship. Wayne Maxwell has landed a ride at GAS Honda for the 2010 season and will be racing a Honda CBR1000RR all season. He was a close contender in 2009 on the Motologic Honda, but he has now teamed up with a local Honda dealer to push for the championship.

http://tinyurl.com/yg5uhnq

How about a quick primer on the 2010 World Superbike Championship? Well, the linked article will provide you with an update, a list of riders and the schedule, but not much else...

http://tinyurl.com/ydpbymt

How about a quick look at the Silverstone Circuit schedule for 2010. It will have some series returning to the track and some which are relatively new, so don't miss out! Take a look and make your plans for attending whichever races suit your tastes...

http://tinyurl.com/yjhnfhq

And, over on the Alvaro Buatista fan site is a neat feature on Suzuki's Grand Prix history. It's not too long and is filled with information, so go and take a look.

http://tinyurl.com/ylmodyk

Silverstone Will Be Ready for 2010 MotoGP Round

According to Richard Phillips, managing director of the circuit, the track layout for the MotoGP race will a proper bike racing track. Some have accused them of moving the series to an easier setup which would not test the true limits of the Grand Prix racers who will be there. Phillips disagrees and points out that the modifications they are making will make the track challenging enough for the talent who will descend on the track in 2010.

http://tinyurl.com/yc8gbsm

Silverstone Circuit Will Be Altering Layout for 2010

With the Formula 1 and MotoGP series making a stop at the British circuit, the track owners have decided to get to work altering the layout of the track for both events. Whether the changes will be used for the F1 race, we do not know yet, but the changes may, in fact, raise ticket prices at the circuit, unfortunately...

http://tinyurl.com/yadsble

Yamaha to Have Big Showing at Carole Nash International Show

They may be leaving several racing series around the world and their profits are all but non-existent, but Yamaha will make a full go at it when the Carole Nash International Motorcycle and Scooter show starts at the NEC later this week. Yamaha will have on display several of their new machines along with Toseland's YZR-M1 and Spies' World Championship YZF-R1. Also, noted in this article is the Silverstone booth at the NEC - that is reason enough to attend the show. After all, saving that kind of money on a MotoGP race is something you just do not pass up.

http://tinyurl.com/yfv24z5

Silverstone to Be at Carole Nash International Motorcycle & Scooter Show

The historic British circuit of Silverstone will have a booth at the Carole Nash show at the NEC this year. Make sure you stop by their booth if you are attending the event because they will have several special offers, including discounts to many of the events to be held at the track in 2010. 20% of MotoGP race tickets - if you purchase your tickets at the show! Sounds fantastic - so, do not miss it!

http://tinyurl.com/ydkde78

MotoGP: Silverstone Switches with Mugello for 2010

As noted here recently, the MotoGP 2010 schedule was in a bit of trouble as there were conflicts with the British round - too many other events taking place. So, Dorna and the FIM switched the dates for the Silverstone and the Italian Mugello round. Now, Mugello will now take place over the 4- 6 June weekend and Silverstone will be held 18 - 20 June 2010. The French and Czech GP rounds have been moved a week later and the San Marino round moves forward. For full details, take the link.

http://tinyurl.com/yetl8bw

U.K.'s Silverstone to be Fastest MotoGP Track in 2010

The designers of the new Silverstone track layout have said that the new venue to MotoGP in 2010 will be the fastest track in the entire series. The average speed will be somewhere near 122 mph (196 km/h), which is about 10 mph faster than any other track in the MotoGP calendar. They have also said that the new layout will be 3.613 miles (5.81 Km) in length. Well, next year's British Motorcycle Grand Prix will be worth watching for sure...as if it wasn't already...

http://tinyurl.com/ybmokqc

MotoGP 2010 Dates Could be Altered Dramatically

It seems that there are a few conflicts with Formula 1 events next season which may require Dorna to change several race dates in 2010. There is a rumor that Silverstone may switch dates with Laguna Seca; Misano may be moved as it is in conflict with the Italian F1 race at Monza. All of this is just speculation at this point, but you might have to change your 2010 MotoGP travel plans...stay tuned.

http://tinyurl.com/yjhh9ky

Jamie Hamilton Takes BSB Superstock 600 Title for 2009

The Gearlink Kawasaki team in the British Superbike Championship Superstock 600 series has taken the first title for Kawasaki Motors UK since 1992 when they won the British Superbike Championship. Hamilton did not finish the race, but the disqualification of rider Luke Mossey - thus scoring no points in the race - allowed Hamilton to take the Championship!

http://tinyurl.com/ydgwed7

BSB Kawasaki Rider Tristan Palmer Disappointed With His Season

He has only 35 points heading into the three-race season finale at Outlon Park. His teammate, John Laverty, has been the focus of the Buildbase Kawasaki team, according to Palmer, due to financial issues. After all, in the second race at Silverstone, his engine exploded and caused a red flag. His future is unsure at this point, but he is not worried as he is focusing on finishing the season...

http://tinyurl.com/yc7uhm7

Hydrex Honda Finished Top Five at Silverstone

They are not completely happy with the results - especially when you consider Stuart Easton's win at the last round - but, they are not too unhappy either. Easton and teammate Tommy Hill finished both races at Silverstone fourth and fifth, respectively. The team worked hard for these results...

http://tinyurl.com/yakm7em

Tommy Bridewell Takes Silverstone Wins in Mirror.co.uk Cup Class

Bridewell still sits in 5th place in the Mirror.co.uk Cup series, run in conjunction with the British Superbike Championship, but his outing at Silverstone has shown how much he has improved during the season. He was the top Cup finisher in both races at Silverstone even though he and his team faced some serious problems...

http://tinyurl.com/ycnzcq4

Full Report from Silverstone BSB Round - Camier Takes 2009 Title!

It is now official, Leon Camier of Airwaves Yamaha is the new British Superbike Champion! It was a good race, according to reports, and it saw its fair share of surprises. Even Guintoli did well given his situation...

http://tinyurl.com/y9llhj8

Leon Camier is living his dream: http://tinyurl.com/yb55c4q

British Superbike Silverstone Race Results

Both races are covered here, but only the actual finish order - not much else yet.

Race 1: http://tinyurl.com/yabz6lt

Race 2: http://tinyurl.com/y8ca5m6

I'm not sure, but Camier placed 1 - 2 on the weekend and his teammate, Ellison, place 2 - 1, so it looks like the title belongs to Camier with one race weekend remaining...