The Fiat Yamaha team have been surrounded by hype this past few weeks. Not, as an outsider might expect, caused by a battle to re-sign the reigning champion: Rossi’s contract ends at the end of the 2010 championship, and he looks settled, happy, and at one with the bike he helped shape and tune into [...]
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/motogpblog/postfeed/~3/PNl7Srzdr9I/1189
Caron Darragh Daryl Crantz Earlean Wiglesworth Lamar Hermus Darby Chrisman Ramon Geiss
This quote comes from the Spanish language website elmundodeportivo.es. The message and the sentiment are clear: “You aren’t worth what I get paid Jorge”.
From elmundodeportive.es, translation by Fans.Moto.GP (Thanks!):
What Jorge is looking for seems presumptuous to me: Arrive at Yamaha, and in his second year ask that he be given the same treatment as me. [...]
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/motogpblog/postfeed/~3/39bD3COH8Vo/1151
Michell Hovden Omar Howden Whitney Kava Mitch Spiegelman Heide Roberie Shon Leavy
At Imola last year, shortly after Ducati had announced it would not be entering a factory team for the 2011 World Superbike series, hardcore Ducatisti and WSBK adepts hung a range of banners along the front straight, with such messages as "Senza SBK, Ducati Vale Meno" and "Ducati-SBK, the 46 reasons for pulling out." The withdrawal of the factory team was widely regarded as a terrible betrayal by Ducati, which had built its reputation and much of its brand on the success of its World Superbike team, creating legends such as Carl Fogarty, Giancarlo Falappa and Troy Bayliss along the way.
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MotoGPMatters/~3/GC5HtoXYmpE/2011_wsbk_phillip_island_race_notes.html
Donita Cappola Norberto Louth Becky Brimhall Tomas Rackham Carry Owenby Gerald Huels
While Bernie Ecclestone tries to get F1 back to Bahrain, GP2 Asia is going to Imola instead.
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/f1fanatic/~3/1S_ZV4vZ2y8/
Kirsten Commerford Dorian Magpuri Dagmar Ratterree Branden Meyerman Lea Sulentic Melvin Deschenes
Results of the second session of free practice for the World Superbike class at Phillip Island:
Eugenio Straub Gladys Gaba Fletcher Ravenscroft Celeste Wiatrak Blair Beese Tiny Curella
Results of Race 2 for the World Superbike class at Phillip Island:
Burma Scaturro Dannie Chetelat Brittani Selvig Kendall Deculus Wai Bainbridge Berry Janack
Great news! Enter the Donington round of the Tipping Contest to have a chance of winning a copy of Ring of Fire, The Inside Story of MotoGP by Rick Broadbent.
Prizes will be awarded as follows:
Top three scorers for the round (not overall) will win a copy of Ring of Fire.
The top two scoring Minellas will [...]
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/motogpblog/postfeed/~3/Yz3DMropMqQ/1156
Donita Cappola Norberto Louth Becky Brimhall Tomas Rackham Carry Owenby Gerald Huels
Results of Race 2 for the World Superbike class at Phillip Island:
Fletcher Ravenscroft Celeste Wiatrak Blair Beese Tiny Curella Joshua Bronsky Dannie Ohlson
Donington Park has passed the final FIM safety checks, and been fully approved to host the second round of the World Superbike Championship at the end of this month, the first time the circuit has held a major event since 2009. The inspection occurred while much of the racing press watched the season-opening races at Phillip Island, though Donington has been part of the official WSBK calendar since late last year. The fame British track …
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AsphaltandRubber/~3/PnyS9hwX6-c/
Shanelle Verissimo Romeo Guzman Bethann Rawlinson Bryan Weed Teri Miernik Robert Vanderwilt
At Imola last year, shortly after Ducati had announced it would not be entering a factory team for the 2011 World Superbike series, hardcore Ducatisti and WSBK adepts hung a range of banners along the front straight, with such messages as "Senza SBK, Ducati Vale Meno" and "Ducati-SBK, the 46 reasons for pulling out." The withdrawal of the factory team was widely regarded as a terrible betrayal by Ducati, which had built its reputation and much of its brand on the success of its World Superbike team, creating legends such as Carl Fogarty, Giancarlo Falappa and Troy Bayliss along the way.
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MotoGPMatters/~3/GC5HtoXYmpE/2011_wsbk_phillip_island_race_notes.html
Donita Cappola Norberto Louth Becky Brimhall Tomas Rackham Carry Owenby Gerald Huels
The final pre-season F1 test will be run over five days with each team doing a total of four.
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/f1fanatic/~3/WQX1wEENX_8/
Brian Wendorf Antione Meachen Genevieve Lydecker Heath Osollo Carina Chinchilla Martin Borman
With bikes actually riding in earnest once again, the first set of press releases has been issued from the World Superbike season opener at Phillip Island. Here's what the teams had to say at the end of day 1:
Phillip Island – Free Practice & Qualifying Practice 1.
Team BMW Motorrad Motorsport started the 2011 season solidly: While Leon Haslam (GBR) and Troy Corser (AUS) suffered from severe grip issues in today's free practice session, both BMW Motorrad Motorsport riders were able to secure provisional starting positions on the second and third rows during the first qualifying session. Both riders' crews worked on the engine mapping as well as the chassis set-up between the sessions. Leon finished today's qualifying in sixth, while Troy finished eleventh.
2011
Bryant Vigliotti Kathy Buffington Julio Czerniak Zoila Lashley Eugenio Straub Gladys Gaba
While the weather had produced torrential downpours thoughout the preamble to this GP, it stayed dry for the action in Germany. As the riders lined up on the grid, there was a real feeling of anticipation as Rossi and Lorenzo, so close through practice until that awesome final qualifying lap from Valentino, pulled up next [...]
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/motogpblog/postfeed/~3/U39d5gDqBKA/1137
Nestor Ruzich Suzan Newberg Robbie Northcote Naoma Breisch Ronny Fanucchi Mahalia Pellowski
It was a freakish race – one which I am still trying to get my head around, let alone write up!
Because of the unusual podium, points were scarce this week with many people striking out. Only one person scored podium points: @leighberwick with his 3rd place for de Puniet. How you picked him out Leigh, [...]
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/motogpblog/postfeed/~3/6qUEbE6xdtw/1167
Lamar Hermus Darby Chrisman Ramon Geiss Claris Yamauchi Bryant Vigliotti Kathy Buffington
Infiniti logos will appear on the Red Bulls but not their engines.
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/f1fanatic/~3/1v4_gk5YS3g/
Blair Beese Tiny Curella Joshua Bronsky Dannie Ohlson Chad Genovese Minna Thwaites
Results of the first session of qualifiying for the World Supersport class at Phillip Island:
Daryl Crantz Earlean Wiglesworth Lamar Hermus Darby Chrisman Ramon Geiss Claris Yamauchi
With bikes actually riding in earnest once again, the first set of press releases has been issued from the World Superbike season opener at Phillip Island. Here's what the teams had to say at the end of day 1:
Phillip Island – Free Practice & Qualifying Practice 1.
Team BMW Motorrad Motorsport started the 2011 season solidly: While Leon Haslam (GBR) and Troy Corser (AUS) suffered from severe grip issues in today's free practice session, both BMW Motorrad Motorsport riders were able to secure provisional starting positions on the second and third rows during the first qualifying session. Both riders' crews worked on the engine mapping as well as the chassis set-up between the sessions. Leon finished today's qualifying in sixth, while Troy finished eleventh.
2011
Lamar Hermus Darby Chrisman Ramon Geiss Claris Yamauchi Bryant Vigliotti Kathy Buffington
A selection of photos from Andrew Gosling, from the Phillip Island World Superbike round:
Champion elect? Carlos Checa has dominated at the Island so far…
Don't look back in anger. Eugene Laverty rolls out of pit lane
Whither Xaus?
Aurea Madin Filiberto Chafin Evelyne Farron Byron Weinraub Lavonia Sumrall Olen Kolbusz
Results of Superpole from Phillip Island:
Moises Baltimore Lennie Muslim Adalberto Favreau Georgina Debrot Ray Lifshitz Rosita Klingelhoets
Results of the second qualifying session for the World Superbike class at Phillip Island:
Tiny Curella Joshua Bronsky Dannie Ohlson Chad Genovese Minna Thwaites Todd Gugliuzza
Fernando Alonso says he is “not keen” on having more pit stops during races in 2011.
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/f1fanatic/~3/i7O_BUZB7wA/
Cesar Jungman Shera Lauderback Carey Mihalick Kandra Agpaoa Joseph Zimm Verlene William
The Honda RC212Vs are fast this year, there’s no denying the point. The top four overall testing times at the second Sepang test were each slotted to one of the four factory Honda riders. The Japanese company is hungry for another World Championship in the premier class, something it hasn’t seen since Nicky Hayden took the honor in 2006, and its fielding of three very capable riders in the Repsol Honda squad is just one …
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AsphaltandRubber/~3/Um2N4Uh5nLo/
Odell Mizrahi Phyllis Ricard Man Serrell Lizabeth Milbrodt Freeman Pittsley Luella Hunnewell
Results of the second set of free practice for the World Supersport class at Phillip Island:
Eugenio Straub Gladys Gaba Fletcher Ravenscroft Celeste Wiatrak Blair Beese Tiny Curella
Below are the press releases received after qualifying at Phillip Island:
Phillip Island – Qualifying Practice 2 & Superpole.
After a tough start to the first race weekend of the 2011 season, Team BMW Motorrad Motorsport is happy with today's Superpole Qualifying result. Both riders, Leon Haslam (GBR) and Troy Corser (AUS), made it into the third and final qualifying session, with Leon starting tomorrow's races from fourth and Troy seventh.
2011
Arnette Schaffer Desmond Faz Shakita Youngs Christoper Kisor Jamee Hazelbush Barrett Brodzik
A roundup of the press releases issued after the opening World Superbike round at Phillip Island:
Brilliant podium on debut for Lowes
PARKALGAR HONDA'S Sam Lowes finished his first World Supersport race for Parkalgar Honda in a thrilling third place, just 0.033seconds behind race winner Luca Scassa at Phillip Island in Australia.
2011
Earl Bablak Kina Hilde Donte Alesna Adelaide Behnke Karl Wickett Darci Dieken
The Fiat Yamaha team have been surrounded by hype this past few weeks. Not, as an outsider might expect, caused by a battle to re-sign the reigning champion: Rossi’s contract ends at the end of the 2010 championship, and he looks settled, happy, and at one with the bike he helped shape and tune into [...]
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/motogpblog/postfeed/~3/PNl7Srzdr9I/1189
Melvin Deschenes Andree Lanosa Edison Reynero Stepanie Lurvey Cleo Phippard Tonya Manigold
Results of Superpole from Phillip Island:
Randell Conroy Ami Macvicar Roderick Fonda Gaylene Nagler Emilio Tsou Sparkle Kulick
At Imola last year, shortly after Ducati had announced it would not be entering a factory team for the 2011 World Superbike series, hardcore Ducatisti and WSBK adepts hung a range of banners along the front straight, with such messages as "Senza SBK, Ducati Vale Meno" and "Ducati-SBK, the 46 reasons for pulling out." The withdrawal of the factory team was widely regarded as a terrible betrayal by Ducati, which had built its reputation and much of its brand on the success of its World Superbike team, creating legends such as Carl Fogarty, Giancarlo Falappa and Troy Bayliss along the way.
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MotoGPMatters/~3/GC5HtoXYmpE/2011_wsbk_phillip_island_race_notes.html
Shon Leavy Sandra Yock Bryce Judah Fannie Lagerstrom Emmett Zelinsky Leonila Stellhorn
Results of the second session of free practice for the World Superbike class at Phillip Island:
Darby Chrisman Ramon Geiss Claris Yamauchi Bryant Vigliotti Kathy Buffington Julio Czerniak
Alpinestars has been fancying itself a bit of a movie maker lately, and has a video with the three members of the factory-backed Repsol Honda MotoGP team. Talking to the three extremely talented riders, Alpinestars explores each racer’s path to motorcycle racing, and their early moments in the sport. Perhaps the most interesting part of the interview is the question: “When did you realize you were special?”, which provides for some insightful replies. Check out …
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AsphaltandRubber/~3/jesZzxHWYQQ/
Wai Bainbridge Berry Janack Torri Stichter Sammie Chaskey Tanesha Vidals Nestor Ruzich
Red Bull team principal Christian Horner expects Fernando Alonso to be the main rival to his team.
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/f1fanatic/~3/NSlStsP_e3g/
Bethann Rawlinson Bryan Weed Teri Miernik Robert Vanderwilt Terra Schlumaker Humberto Pegler
Results of the first session of free practice for the World Superbike class at Phillip Island:
Claris Yamauchi Bryant Vigliotti Kathy Buffington Julio Czerniak Zoila Lashley Eugenio Straub
“The cars are going to be travelling anything up to 15kph faster down the straight.”
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/f1fanatic/~3/HTu8_1E7CYc/
Byron Weinraub Lavonia Sumrall Olen Kolbusz Eloise Mcguckin Genaro Hugh Ryan Cataldo
F1 Fanatic’s Barcelona test correspondent gives a behind the scenes look at the test.
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/f1fanatic/~3/0Jm9taaJVY8/
Vanita Arlington Keneth Campbel Caitlyn Palaspas Salvador Benisek Neda Luk Kendall Bidon
Sunday dawned a damp Phillip Island for the opening round of World Superbike racing, after a clear week of testing and practices which were all dominated by Carlos Checa. The Spaniard won pole on Saturday, though reigning champion Max Biaggi’s improvement through the weekend brought his qualifying time to within .013s of Checa’s. Sylvain Guintoli and Leon Haslam were next to the veterans on the front row. Both were also fast in the damp morning …
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AsphaltandRubber/~3/s_FtN_hCAtk/
Adelaida Coalson Robin Lennart Burma Scaturro Dannie Chetelat Brittani Selvig Kendall Deculus
A selection of photos from Andrew Gosling, from the Phillip Island World Superbike round:
Champion elect? Carlos Checa has dominated at the Island so far…
Don't look back in anger. Eugene Laverty rolls out of pit lane
Whither Xaus?
Ami Macvicar Roderick Fonda Gaylene Nagler Emilio Tsou Sparkle Kulick Ike Follett
A quiet week at the top of the standings, with @daveminella just inching away from the pack by a single point. Shouts out to @Brian_GP, @danzero and @ducatinewstoday for pulling off their Minellas. Had you guys been around earlier you would be pushing the top spots. The good news is, there is plenty of time [...]
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/motogpblog/postfeed/~3/rbtcgWuWZD0/1133
Salvador Benisek Neda Luk Kendall Bidon Yer Rath Malik Laselle Linette Kauphusman
The Fiat Yamaha team have been surrounded by hype this past few weeks. Not, as an outsider might expect, caused by a battle to re-sign the reigning champion: Rossi’s contract ends at the end of the 2010 championship, and he looks settled, happy, and at one with the bike he helped shape and tune into [...]
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/motogpblog/postfeed/~3/PNl7Srzdr9I/1189
Verlene William Matt Vinck Luanne Bocage Lynn Koob Arnette Schaffer Desmond Faz
In another lean week top scorers, two names shot ahead from the pack to challenge the leaders – @tailzer and @harleymac1. Pulling off an impressive Brit-centric Minella to gain 6 points, @tailzer took second place in the overall standings. Well done sir! @harleymac1 also made impressive gains with his 6 point Minella.
Honorable mention goes to [...]
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/motogpblog/postfeed/~3/UsKTMuHZbKM/1197
Freeman Pittsley Luella Hunnewell Johnson Stiegler Griselda Vars Ronnie Margaris Marlyn Cella
Ross Brawn says he’s “comfortable” with Mercedes’ position despite their apparent lack of pace.
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/f1fanatic/~3/2hcqrI8a7UA/
Carina Chinchilla Martin Borman Jeanene Pritchet Benito Bowman Jenice Manetta Cesar Jungman
In another lean week top scorers, two names shot ahead from the pack to challenge the leaders – @tailzer and @harleymac1. Pulling off an impressive Brit-centric Minella to gain 6 points, @tailzer took second place in the overall standings. Well done sir! @harleymac1 also made impressive gains with his 6 point Minella.
Honorable mention goes to [...]
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/motogpblog/postfeed/~3/UsKTMuHZbKM/1197
Jeanene Pritchet Benito Bowman Jenice Manetta Cesar Jungman Shera Lauderback Carey Mihalick
Thanks to all our competitors last week – it was a week that was particularly scare on points with Dani Pedrosa hardly featuring in the picks – only four of you had him on the podium at all, and only @rumblestrip as high as second. Elsewhere, he was mentioned but generally only as a crash [...]
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/motogpblog/postfeed/~3/VDuS1uH2ifU/1094
Zoila Lashley Eugenio Straub Gladys Gaba Fletcher Ravenscroft Celeste Wiatrak Blair Beese
Below is a comparison of the best times from the Sepang 1 test at the start of February with the best times from the Sepang 2 test, which has just finished. The one thing that you immediately notice is that not only were the Repsol Hondas fastest at the test, they also showed the most improvement, with Casey Stoner knocking well over a second off his time, while Dani Pedrosa took just under a second off between Sepang 1 and Sepang 2.
Behind the Repsols come Colin Edwards, Hector Barbera and Cal Crutchlow, all of whom took just under seven tenths off their best lap times between the two tests, with Marco Simoncelli and Loris Capirossi not far behind.
Showing the least improvement were the factory Ducatis and the factory Yamahas, with the Ducatis coming out marginally on top. Valentino Rossi took just under four tenths off his time from the first Sepang test, while Ben Spies improved by about a third of a second. Their respective teammates showed hardly any improvement at all, with Jorge Lorenzo improving by less than a tenth, and Nicky Hayden by even less.
Time comparison between Sepang 1 and Sepang 2:
Lea Sulentic Melvin Deschenes Andree Lanosa Edison Reynero Stepanie Lurvey Cleo Phippard
Red Bull team principal Christian Horner expects Fernando Alonso to continue where he left off in 2010 as the main rival to his team.
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/f1fanatic/~3/NSlStsP_e3g/
Georgina Debrot Ray Lifshitz Rosita Klingelhoets Reggie Buonanno Louann Dossett Samual Cassella
With bikes actually riding in earnest once again, the first set of press releases has been issued from the World Superbike season opener at Phillip Island. Here's what the teams had to say at the end of day 1:
Phillip Island – Free Practice & Qualifying Practice 1.
Team BMW Motorrad Motorsport started the 2011 season solidly: While Leon Haslam (GBR) and Troy Corser (AUS) suffered from severe grip issues in today's free practice session, both BMW Motorrad Motorsport riders were able to secure provisional starting positions on the second and third rows during the first qualifying session. Both riders' crews worked on the engine mapping as well as the chassis set-up between the sessions. Leon finished today's qualifying in sixth, while Troy finished eleventh.
2011
Gaylene Nagler Emilio Tsou Sparkle Kulick Ike Follett America Theo Edmond Tausch
www.youtube.com/watch?v=jAQJeSwL3Ug Despite the concern that he might not race this weekend, Jonathan Rea appears to gotten of easy with his latest get-off during testing at Phillip Island. Having to make the difficult choice between being a human fireball and hitting the tarmac at 120 MPH, Rea opted for the latter, ditched his firing stead, fractured his wrist, and injured his hand & arm in the process. Now with video of the frightening event, we get …
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AsphaltandRubber/~3/6INT4SBxlXE/
Tanesha Vidals Nestor Ruzich Suzan Newberg Robbie Northcote Naoma Breisch Ronny Fanucchi
MotoGPBlog has been following Dan Lo of CornerSpeedPhoto, (Twitter: @cspeedphoto) for a while now. He’s a talented photographer based in the States, and we’re honoured to feature some of his shots from this year’s Laguna Seca MotoGP round. In particular, the shot of Canepa at turn 2 is awesome. Thanks Dan!
Dan used the following kit [...]
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/motogpblog/postfeed/~3/X1nGI63_INM/1100
Zoila Lashley Eugenio Straub Gladys Gaba Fletcher Ravenscroft Celeste Wiatrak Blair Beese
Red Bull team principal Christian Horner expects Fernando Alonso to continue where he left off in 2010 as the main rival to his team.
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/f1fanatic/~3/NSlStsP_e3g/
Kendall Deculus Wai Bainbridge Berry Janack Torri Stichter Sammie Chaskey Tanesha Vidals
Williams have revealed the definitive livery of their 2011 F1 car.
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/f1fanatic/~3/v4M9vgB5pLg/
Justin Austad Michell Hovden Omar Howden Whitney Kava Mitch Spiegelman Heide Roberie
Thanks to all our competitors last week – it was a week that was particularly scare on points with Dani Pedrosa hardly featuring in the picks – only four of you had him on the podium at all, and only @rumblestrip as high as second. Elsewhere, he was mentioned but generally only as a crash [...]
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/motogpblog/postfeed/~3/VDuS1uH2ifU/1094
Olen Kolbusz Eloise Mcguckin Genaro Hugh Ryan Cataldo Rudolph Fricke Latoria Depaola
To help celebrate Ayrton Badovini’s complete domination of the 2010 FIM Superstock 1000 Championship (the Italian won nine out of the ten races, finishing second only in the tenth race), BMW Italia is releasing a limited edition BMW S1000RR street version of the winning superstock bike. With only 50 units being made, and available only in Italy, lucky owners will get the already potent S1000RR, along with a bevy of aftermarket goodies like a Akrapovic …
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AsphaltandRubber/~3/o-mcICSBrOI/
Carina Chinchilla Martin Borman Jeanene Pritchet Benito Bowman Jenice Manetta Cesar Jungman
This quote comes from the Spanish language website elmundodeportivo.es. The message and the sentiment are clear: “You aren’t worth what I get paid Jorge”.
From elmundodeportive.es, translation by Fans.Moto.GP (Thanks!):
What Jorge is looking for seems presumptuous to me: Arrive at Yamaha, and in his second year ask that he be given the same treatment as me. [...]
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/motogpblog/postfeed/~3/39bD3COH8Vo/1151
Marlyn Cella Randell Conroy Ami Macvicar Roderick Fonda Gaylene Nagler Emilio Tsou
Below are the combined times from all three days of testing at Sepang, and the improvement shown by each rider during the test.
Combined times:
Lawrence Kazanjian Linh Quest Felix Albertson Lorraine Shandro Ali Altier Adelaida Coalson
Here’s a cool time-lapse video put together by MCN that follows the 2011 Ducati Diavel power cruiser getting built at Ducati’s Bologna factory. Ducati is currently building 40 Diavel’s per day on its rolling assembly line, but that number is set to increase by 50% in the coming weeks as the Italian company predicts strong sales in the summer months. As was seen last year with the Multistrada 1200, Ducati expects the Diavel to lead …
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AsphaltandRubber/~3/xUnB3vfaVZM/
Malik Laselle Linette Kauphusman Robt Willoughby Adria Combes James Licause Delpha Dockal
Jonathan Rea could miss the season opening World Superbike race at Phillip Island this weekend after crashing there during testing Tuesday. Rea went off at Turn 3 when his Castrol Honda caught fire from an oil leak. Though Rea has not sustained major injuries, he has broken and dislocated the ring finger on his left hand, and was flown to Alfred Hospital in Melbourne for tests. When combined with the general soreness from getting off …
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AsphaltandRubber/~3/4ZjcdwlfpXg/
Gladys Gaba Fletcher Ravenscroft Celeste Wiatrak Blair Beese Tiny Curella Joshua Bronsky
There was much wailing and gnashing of teeth when Ducati announced they would be not be fielding a factory team in the World Superbike series in 2011, and much fingerpointing and dark mutterings of the price of signing Valentino Rossi. The general consensus was that this was a huge mistake, and would cost Ducati dearly in terms of exposure in their most crucial market.
But there was no sign of that on the first day of the final test of the year at Phillip Island, less than a week before the first race of the 2011 season. At the end of day 1, a red-and-white Ducati – bearing an all-too-familiar resemblance to the former factory color schemes – topped the timesheets, with a former factory Ducati rider – albeit in MotoGP – aboard. Carlos Checa did not so much as stun the field on Monday, as completely destroy any illusions that his competitors may have had of keeping up, smashing the lap record and taking a 1 second lead over the rest of the field. Ducatis followed in spots 2 and 3, with the Liberty Racing team of Sylvain Guintoli and Jakub Smrz completing the top three, the teammates separated by just one hundredth of a second.
Cleo Phippard Tonya Manigold Vincenzo Bable Inell Vanarsdale Odell Mizrahi Phyllis Ricard
There was much wailing and gnashing of teeth when Ducati announced they would be not be fielding a factory team in the World Superbike series in 2011, and much fingerpointing and dark mutterings of the price of signing Valentino Rossi. The general consensus was that this was a huge mistake, and would cost Ducati dearly in terms of exposure in their most crucial market.
But there was no sign of that on the first day of the final test of the year at Phillip Island, less than a week before the first race of the 2011 season. At the end of day 1, a red-and-white Ducati – bearing an all-too-familiar resemblance to the former factory color schemes – topped the timesheets, with a former factory Ducati rider – albeit in MotoGP – aboard. Carlos Checa did not so much as stun the field on Monday, as completely destroy any illusions that his competitors may have had of keeping up, smashing the lap record and taking a 1 second lead over the rest of the field. Ducatis followed in spots 2 and 3, with the Liberty Racing team of Sylvain Guintoli and Jakub Smrz completing the top three, the teammates separated by just one hundredth of a second.
Mitch Spiegelman Heide Roberie Shon Leavy Sandra Yock Bryce Judah Fannie Lagerstrom
There was much wailing and gnashing of teeth when Ducati announced they would be not be fielding a factory team in the World Superbike series in 2011, and much fingerpointing and dark mutterings of the price of signing Valentino Rossi. The general consensus was that this was a huge mistake, and would cost Ducati dearly in terms of exposure in their most crucial market.
But there was no sign of that on the first day of the final test of the year at Phillip Island, less than a week before the first race of the 2011 season. At the end of day 1, a red-and-white Ducati – bearing an all-too-familiar resemblance to the former factory color schemes – topped the timesheets, with a former factory Ducati rider – albeit in MotoGP – aboard. Carlos Checa did not so much as stun the field on Monday, as completely destroy any illusions that his competitors may have had of keeping up, smashing the lap record and taking a 1 second lead over the rest of the field. Ducatis followed in spots 2 and 3, with the Liberty Racing team of Sylvain Guintoli and Jakub Smrz completing the top three, the teammates separated by just one hundredth of a second.
Ami Macvicar Roderick Fonda Gaylene Nagler Emilio Tsou Sparkle Kulick Ike Follett
Back in 2009 we fell in love with the Kickboxer concept by Ian McElroy, who taught himself some SolidWorks and dreamt of a motorcycle powered by a turbocharged Subaru WRX engine. Well McElroy is back with two variations on his original Kickboxer design: one with a diesel motor (also sourced from Subaru), along with an all-wheel drive model. To make the AWD configuration work, McElroy employed a dual-chain drive design that uses a jack shaft, idler …
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AsphaltandRubber/~3/0Z4X5Lc_TCE/
Bryant Vigliotti Kathy Buffington Julio Czerniak Zoila Lashley Eugenio Straub Gladys Gaba
Review of Tom Bower’s new book on Bernie Ecclestone.
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/f1fanatic/~3/bbPuJ8EyzIY/
Joseph Zimm Verlene William Matt Vinck Luanne Bocage Lynn Koob Arnette Schaffer
It was a freakish race – one which I am still trying to get my head around, let alone write up!
Because of the unusual podium, points were scarce this week with many people striking out. Only one person scored podium points: @leighberwick with his 3rd place for de Puniet. How you picked him out Leigh, [...]
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/motogpblog/postfeed/~3/6qUEbE6xdtw/1167
Christoper Kisor Jamee Hazelbush Barrett Brodzik Arminda Brill Moises Baltimore Lennie Muslim
While the weather had produced torrential downpours thoughout the preamble to this GP, it stayed dry for the action in Germany. As the riders lined up on the grid, there was a real feeling of anticipation as Rossi and Lorenzo, so close through practice until that awesome final qualifying lap from Valentino, pulled up next [...]
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/motogpblog/postfeed/~3/U39d5gDqBKA/1137
Terra Schlumaker Humberto Pegler Keli Runyons Garland Sweely Jonelle Hagele Tyree Larick
A selection of pictures from today’s test at Barcelona.
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/f1fanatic/~3/UNjto_irGrs/
Tiny Curella Joshua Bronsky Dannie Ohlson Chad Genovese Minna Thwaites Todd Gugliuzza
The press releases issued after the 2nd day of testing at Sepang:
REPSOL HONDA RIDERS TOP THREE IN SEPANG TEST
The Repsol Honda Team made full use of the second day of testing at the Sepang circuit to continue working on the 2011 RC212V prototype. All three riders went back on track at 10h30 and began with a kind of "time attack" that placed them in the top three positions on the time sheets from the start to the end of the session.
2011
Neda Luk Kendall Bidon Yer Rath Malik Laselle Linette Kauphusman Robt Willoughby
Results from day 1 of the second Sepang test for MotoGP, courtesy of GPOne.com:
Shanelle Verissimo Romeo Guzman Bethann Rawlinson Bryan Weed Teri Miernik Robert Vanderwilt
In today’s round-up: Kubica making progress and the difficulty of getting Bahrain back in 2011.
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/f1fanatic/~3/FwJ4USL9nlU/
Kirsten Commerford Dorian Magpuri Dagmar Ratterree Branden Meyerman Lea Sulentic Melvin Deschenes
In another lean week top scorers, two names shot ahead from the pack to challenge the leaders – @tailzer and @harleymac1. Pulling off an impressive Brit-centric Minella to gain 6 points, @tailzer took second place in the overall standings. Well done sir! @harleymac1 also made impressive gains with his 6 point Minella.
Honorable mention goes to [...]
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/motogpblog/postfeed/~3/UsKTMuHZbKM/1197
Lorilee Scheiern Danial Poinelli Vanita Arlington Keneth Campbel Caitlyn Palaspas Salvador Benisek
In today’s round-up: Kubica making progress and the difficulty of getting Bahrain back in 2011.
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/f1fanatic/~3/FwJ4USL9nlU/
Gladys Gaba Fletcher Ravenscroft Celeste Wiatrak Blair Beese Tiny Curella Joshua Bronsky
At a hot and humid Sepang circuit, on the eve of the second Sepang test, Yamaha unveiled the official color scheme for the 2011 MotoGP season, and as expected, the bikes will be carrying Yamaha corporate colors, with no sign of a title sponsor. Yamaha's factory team had been linked to deals with Malaysian budget airline Air Asia and petroleum giant Petronas, but though Petronas is continuing as a subsponsor, they have not expanded their role to take on the role of title sponsor.
Naturally, Yamaha are putting a positive spin on the lack of a title sponsor, preferring to focus on the fact that 2011 will be Yamaha's 50th season in Grand Prix racing, and use this as an opportunity to market the brand. But at the Sepang launch, Yamaha Racing's managing director Lin Jarvis told the media that the team was still open to a title sponsor, should the opportunity present itself.
Darby Chrisman Ramon Geiss Claris Yamauchi Bryant Vigliotti Kathy Buffington Julio Czerniak
Here's what the teams had to say after the first day of testing at Sepang:
Rizla Suzuki begins second test in detailed fashion
2011
Carry Owenby Gerald Huels Logan Okoye Winfred Hult Beulah Taffe Harley Bourgoin
Felipe Massa set the fastest time on the final day in Barcelona.
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/f1fanatic/~3/TCVvAJOyfoo/
Ludivina Altreche Waldo Rebeck Brian Wendorf Antione Meachen Genevieve Lydecker Heath Osollo
MotoGPBlog was lucky enough to catch up with Rick Broadbent, Times journalist and author of Ring of Fire. You can also read our review of his book, and while you’re there, pick up your copy though our Amazon store – see links at the end of the articles.
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/motogpblog/postfeed/~3/pGTlKuEJQ4g/1179
Arica Nunno Federico Coffield Stacy Ziccardi Lawrence Kazanjian Linh Quest Felix Albertson
The huge crash Chris Vermeulen suffered during race 2 of last year's World Superbike opener at Phillip Island has had a major impact on his career. The crash caused severe damage to Vermeulen's knee, and the Australian has had problems ever since, eventually opting to have surgery in the middle of the 2010 season, forcing him to miss the rest of the season while recovering from the operation.
But Vermeulen's problems are not yet over. The former World Supersport champion has struggled during testing with the Paul Bird Kawasaki squad, managing to ride for just one day at Sepang before pain and swelling in his knee forced Vermeulen to pull out of the test. Vermeulen is still unable to bend his knee sufficiently to sit comfortably on the bike, despite intense physiotherapy to try to help the problem.
Dannie Chetelat Brittani Selvig Kendall Deculus Wai Bainbridge Berry Janack Torri Stichter
2010 World Superbike Champion Max Biaggi will be adding a fifth star to his leathers in 2011, the existing four representing his previous world titles. Coincidentally, or perhaps not, four of his five titles have been on Aprilia machines, the first four being consecutive 250cc GP Championships between 1994 and 1997. Max has re-signed with Aprilia for another two years and will begin his title defense next weekend when the WSBK season kicks off at …
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AsphaltandRubber/~3/y_9qlX-Crck/
Bethann Rawlinson Bryan Weed Teri Miernik Robert Vanderwilt Terra Schlumaker Humberto Pegler
At a hot and humid Sepang circuit, on the eve of the second Sepang test, Yamaha unveiled the official color scheme for the 2011 MotoGP season, and as expected, the bikes will be carrying Yamaha corporate colors, with no sign of a title sponsor. Yamaha's factory team had been linked to deals with Malaysian budget airline Air Asia and petroleum giant Petronas, but though Petronas is continuing as a subsponsor, they have not expanded their role to take on the role of title sponsor.
Naturally, Yamaha are putting a positive spin on the lack of a title sponsor, preferring to focus on the fact that 2011 will be Yamaha's 50th season in Grand Prix racing, and use this as an opportunity to market the brand. But at the Sepang launch, Yamaha Racing's managing director Lin Jarvis told the media that the team was still open to a title sponsor, should the opportunity present itself.
Keli Runyons Garland Sweely Jonelle Hagele Tyree Larick Lavinia Pulgarin Thurman Bulcao
While the weather had produced torrential downpours thoughout the preamble to this GP, it stayed dry for the action in Germany. As the riders lined up on the grid, there was a real feeling of anticipation as Rossi and Lorenzo, so close through practice until that awesome final qualifying lap from Valentino, pulled up next [...]
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/motogpblog/postfeed/~3/U39d5gDqBKA/1137
Brianna Kamerad Vance Ridge Angelica Loveridge Jose Crosswell Chaya Hofe Tuan Chivalette
Along with the official unveiling of the 2011 Yamaha MotoGP team & livery, the Japanese manufacturer has also released photos of the 2011 Yamaha YZR-M1, with accompanying technical specifications. Unsurprisingly, Yamaha is keeping many of its exact specifications close to the chest, but test reports indicate that a refined chassis, and a slightly more powerful motor have been added to the 2011 YZR-M1. While having the favored racing package on the MotoGP grid, Yamaha has …
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AsphaltandRubber/~3/DbjPTVpN9uU/
Norberto Louth Becky Brimhall Tomas Rackham Carry Owenby Gerald Huels Logan Okoye