Posts
All Comments
OK, so I do like to say, "...told you so." And, I do it often. I guess that means that one more time won't be adding too much fuel to any fire of hatred anyone has for me...
Casey Stoner is the FIM MotoGP World Champion once again! On board the mighty Honda RC212V, he fought the best on the surface of this planet and beat all comers to the title. Vale, though, is not doing so well this season. It turns out that the Ducati is a bit more of a handful than many thought. I wonder how things would be different if Hayden were to jump into another factory's machinery; Yamaha, or Suzuki anyone?
http://tinyurl.com/3b3d476
P.S. Congratulations Honda, too. After all, the engineers there built the bike.
Since it seems that very few people on this side of the pond know this, I figured it would be a good idea to post it. It seems that the big and exclusive 'secret story' which MCN (UK) had been prepping us with over the last 24 hours is that Yamaha MotoGP racer Valentino Rossi has fled Yamaha and will ride on a Ducati for the 2011 MotoGP Championship. The details are not clear as of yet, but you can confirm this by taking the link below.
http://tinyurl.com/2buctow
Well, it seems that Dani Pedrosa is not too happy with where his team is at present. Much more needs to be done before the racing can start for Repsol Honda.
http://tinyurl.com/yzff56f
In other Repsol Honda news, Andrea Dovizioso is more than happy to face his first race in 2010. Dovizioso has been the top Honda rider through the testing and his season looks on track.
http://tinyurl.com/ygzqrlu
Gresini Honda riders Marco Melandri and Marco Simoncelli had a bad test at Qatar as well. The team has now called on Honda to help them out and discover why these two could not break the top 10 during practice...something is not right.
http://tinyurl.com/yk8pjt5
And, well, Valentino Rossi is quite happy with the Yamaha YZR-M1 so far this year. After all, he has led just about every preseason test so far...
http://tinyurl.com/yj2xgcp
There are more stories from the recent night-time Qatar preseason test this past Thursday and Friday, and they will be posted here for your perusal. We all know that Casey Stoner finally took the top spot on the final day of practice, but he was only a few hundredths of a second ahead of Valentino Rossi, and Rossi is well-known to sand-bag. So, let's have a look...
More on Casey Stoner: http://tinyurl.com/yhm6wtx
If you head to this landing page today, you will get all the MotoGP team reports on the Friday practice: http://tinyurl.com/yznyogq
Randy de Puniet: http://tinyurl.com/yfogl7n
The BMW S1000RR will also be campaigned in Australia - as readers of this blog will no doubt already know - in both the Asutralian Superbike Championship and in Australian Formula Xtreme. Craig Coxhell, a privateer champion, will be taking the new machine to the tracks in the ASBK series. And, the Motohansa Laser Exhaust Race Team will be fielding Jeremy Crowe in the Formula Xtreme Championship. For all the information, please take the link.
http://tinyurl.com/yky94eq
We have several reports coming in from the MotoGP preseason test at Qatar. I have already linked you to the team press releases in a previous post and, since there are so many of the other reports, I will simply place links here for you to peruse to find any story you may be looking for...
A little on Lorenzo: http://tinyurl.com/yzpd5w
More on Rossi: http://tinyurl.com/yzwm2o8
Bit about Repsol Honda: http://tinyurl.com/ygez35z
Second day early results: http://tinyurl.com/yj9eb6f
FB Corse has been given approval to join the MotoGP Championship starting at the Jerez round - round 3 - with their incredibly talented rider Gary McCoy. Dorna representatives looked at the lap times (unreleased as of yet) and the make-up of the team and decided to let them join in the challenge. Given that Franco Uncini said that he would look at the overall picture, and not just lap times, we cannot say that the FB Corse machine is the equal of the other manufacturers but we should know that it is competitive - otherwise, it would not be in the series at all.
http://tinyurl.com/yfk8fyf
Ducati test rider Franco Battaini is injured, so the Ducati team asked if Julian Simon could take some test laps on the GP10 at Jerez for the marque. Well, it turns out that Simon seems made for the Ducati machine - or, maybe it seems made for him. He ran some 115 laps and actually came within 1.6 seconds of Valentino Rossi's lap record at the track!
http://tinyurl.com/yepxkxf
Now, it is tough to find a replacement for someone like Suzi Perry, who had been one of the most important voices in MotoGP for the last decade (at least to the UK). Well, since Perry stepped down at the end of last year to pursue other interests, the BBC has been searching for someone to take her position. They have announced their new employee - Jennie Gow. Gow has extensive experience working in newspapers, TV and radio, and she has plenty of motorcycle racing experience as well - Speedway and Motocross. Take a look at the new face of MotoGP for the UK.
http://tinyurl.com/yjrmtre
Valentino Rossi, in an in-depth interview, has stated that he plans on staying in MotoGP for three more years - and very likely with Yamaha. He stated a few days ago that defecting to Ducati is NOT an option for him and he wants to finish his career with Yamaha...and yet people still keep spreading rumors about him riding for Ducati. For the very short pieces, please take the link.
http://tinyurl.com/yzdu6fo
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
Valentino Rossi has said that Marco Simoncelli needs to take some time to figure out why the rookie is having a tough time getting used to his new MotoGP role. Given the young Italian's crashing ways during the winter testing, Rossi thinks that Simoncelli should analyze his issues and find a way to get past them. After all, Simoncelli does have some serious potential. I hope he listens; I want to see him fighting for podium slots!
http://tinyurl.com/yfn2k33
The 2010 Triumph Thunderbird is a huge motorcycle, and it has the power to match its looks. But, how did it come about? Where does this new machine come from? For a great tale of how the new T-Bird came to be, you should take the link and read about the process at Triumph which brought this great motorcycle to the streets.
http://tinyurl.com/ya3xvjt
Valention Rossi and Jorge Lorenzo (flew from Spain; not at testing due to his injury) again stopped in Indonesia on their way out from the testing at Sepang in Malaysia. It was yet another PR move, but it sure delighted fans in the huge Asian nation. The main purpose was to pay a visit to one of the Fiat Yamaha team's sponsors. Take the link to learn more.
http://tinyurl.com/yjwhr9k
Loris Capirossi is rather pragmatic about his work on the Suzuki GSV-R. He feels that the team and his machine are actually in a good situation after the second test of the preseason. He did finish the test in sixth position, so he is in better shape than he was at the beginning of 2009.
http://tinyurl.com/ygq5k3m
Looks like Ben Spies and Casey Stoner have taken to each other quite well. The two share some activities off the track and Stoner has been giving advice to Spies about riding in the MotoGP Championship. It is nice to hear that these guys that have so much money at stake can still be good friends. 2010 will be a good year for MotoGP.
http://tinyurl.com/ykgnh79
The MotoGP testing is continuing on the Malaysian Sepang International Circuit - and Valentino Rossi is still leading everyone in lap times at the practice. Behind him this time were Casey Stoner, Nicky Hayden, Colin Edwards and Ben Spies. This speaks volumes on what we may see when the first race is complete...Hayden and Edwards are both improving greatly. We may actually see larger groups at the front this year. Either way, 2010 will be a wonderful year for motorcycle racing!
http://tinyurl.com/y8g47ct
Marco Simoncelli is not having such a good test, though, as he had a huge get-off during the practice sessions. He high-sided his Gresini Honda about three laps into his session; everyone was horrified at the accident as Simoncelli landed directly on his head. He was taken in for a CAT scan and all came back clear, but it still caught the attention of every ride and tech in the paddock.
http://tinyurl.com/yc49g7s
Take the link below to the MotoGP section of the Paddock Talk website where you will find several press releases from the MotoGP teams. There are several test 'recap' stories for you to peruse. So, take the link and click on your favorite team's report to see how they think the testing is going for them...
http://tinyurl.com/yznyogq
Some design students at ISD Valenciennes in France have created a hydrogen fuel cell powered BMW concept motorcycle. It only exists in digital form, but it is well-engineered and designed to look quite nice sitting in a parking lot or at speed. For the video and more photos, please take the links.
Coming up during 26 - 28 February 2010 at Phillip Island will be the big show - Australian and World Superbike Championship races. That is 13 races over three days with plenty of local talent out to prove themselves against the best in both Australia and the world. Get your preview after the link.
http://tinyurl.com/yh5uxb5
Road Racer X managed to sit down with WSBK Aprilia man Leon Camier and ask him some questions on the upcoming season. Camier is favored to do very well in the series in 2010 - he is a BSB Champion and he is on one of the fastest bikes in the paddock - plus he has Max Biaggi as a teammate. So, what does he think so far? Well, take the link and you will learn!
http://tinyurl.com/yhp2qq4
That's right, today is Valentino Rossi's birthday! He turns the ripe old age of 31. It is hard to believe that he accomplished so much in his first 30 years on this planet - and we were there with him for nearly half that time. Get an idea of just how great Rossi is - as a racer, anyway - by taking the link. Happy Birthday Rossi!
http://tinyurl.com/ycfvdzb
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
Valentino Rossi has decided to clam up about his future. After so much talking and so many quotes about what he may do once his contract ends at Yamaha, he has decided to stop talking about it with the media to try to stop the confusion. However, we all know better - it will make little difference, especially with the Italian press. At least he has recognized how much press his future is getting and is simply decided to focus on his job - and no one should have a problem with that!
http://tinyurl.com/yhpmo6q
The famed Yoshimura Japan team, which is made up of various riders and the best Suzuki equipment in the paddock, will also be taking on three rounds of the World Superbike Championship. We had heard rumors last year about this and it has now been confirmed. They will use BSB rider Yukio Kagayama at Assen and Magny Cours and Daisaku Sakai will race for them at Imola. For more details, please take the link.
http://tinyurl.com/yb4tztt
Well, now that we all know that the Fiat Yamaha garage might as well be split in two and moved far apart given that neither Lorenzo's or Rossi's teams will share data with each other, we might wonder how the riders feel. Well, Rossi is OK with it, but Lorenzo does not understand why they did it. He feels that the team would be better served by them sharing data and improving the YZR-M1 for both of them...
http://tinyurl.com/y8aqt87
Neither Aprilia nor BMW have released any information on whether they will enter the MotoGP series now that the 2012 rules will allow them to put their machines up against the other manufacturer's prototypes. It is a bit odd, but it is probably because they are still studying the move to see if it would benefit them or simply cost them a fortune.
http://tinyurl.com/y8ssaxe
MotoGP Fiat Yamaha riders Jorge Lorenzo and Valentino Rossi took some time after their testing in Malaysia to stop in Thailand. They visited the Yamaha Riders Club and visited with and answered the questions of a select group of lucky riders. It was certainly an event not to be missed if you live in that nation!
http://tinyurl.com/yaobqna
Freixenet and Dorna have decided to continue their partnership. Freixenet will continue to provide the cava at each of the MotoGP events through 2011. It's always good news when a huge sponsor like this stays the course.
http://tinyurl.com/ycwdxrk
First up in the practice category is the unbelievable early performance of Ben Spies at the Malaysian test. He was on fire and managed to be in the top-five overall. That bodes very well for his freshman year in the MotoGP paddock.
http://tinyurl.com/yb8ds93
Loris Capirossi had a great test in Malaysia and he is quite happy with the testing he and his team completed. They have made some definite progress and it did show last weekend. As for Alvaro Bautista, he also made great progress in getting used to his new race weapon. Suzuki seems ready to compete, but only time will tell.
http://tinyurl.com/ybcwa43
Valentino Rossi was in India a few weeks ago to attend a local show and tour around the Indian Yamaha dealers to spur more interest in their machines. While he was there, he took time to speak with John Abraham - a HUGE Indian celebrity - and even signed a book for him. The two spoke with each other about motorcycle safety and how to improve it in India. With the momentum provided by the high-profile meeting, they may actually get a message through to the Indian riding public!
http://tinyurl.com/ykvujv5
Some more from Rossi about the test and a bit about his future plans: http://tinyurl.com/y9d9zym
Yamaha Motor Company is asking some 800 employees to voluntarily retire - thus removing some 7% of their workforce in Japan. This comes on the heels of several reports of financial issues at the company. Hopefully, they will do right by the workers they are asking to retire and give them an excellent severance package!
http://tinyurl.com/ycfyy56
Even with the financial issues, Yamaha in Australia knows that you have to spend some money to make alot of money. The manufacturer will continue to support the Australian Off-Road Championship (AORC) and has signed again, but with some help from Motorcycling Australia. The AORC series is growing year over year and this will only help its stability.
http://tinyurl.com/y8tvlsj
The Malaysian MotoGP test has now concluded - at least according to reports - and Valentino Rossi once again took the fastest lap time at the track. Stoner was right behind him, with the usual Lorenzo and Pedrosa - but, Ben Spies held fifth place! We are in for a phenomenal race year in that series in 2010!
http://tinyurl.com/yddydwx
More on the Day 2 testing: http://tinyurl.com/yagfyhd
More on the Day 3 testing: http://tinyurl.com/yc5qsr6
Leon Camier is convinced that he will be able to learn a great deal from riding with Max Biaggi on the Aprilia factory team in WSBK. It makes sense as Biaggi does have a long career in motorcycle racing at all levels and he knows the RSV-4 race machine even better. There really is little doubt that Camier will be a high-level competitor and will only make the WSBK paddock more fun to watch.
http://tinyurl.com/yb7b8el
And, in other Aprilia news, word is that Giampiero Sacchi will be leaving the company comes out. Word is that he is fed up with the direction that Aprilia is taking following the decision to drop their Moto2 project. Of course, this is all hear-say right now...
http://tinyurl.com/yejh6yf
