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
Harley Bourgoin Bertie Hertzberg Jesse Dorch Blondell Haas Tristan Zidek Kirsten Commerford
Prior to the 2010 season, the Moto2 class spawned a huge burst of creativity, with 13 chassis builders supplying teams for the inaugural season. But by the combined processes of attrition and fear of not having what someone else had, that number had been whittled away, and the provisional entry list for the 2011 season featured just 7 chassis.
That number looks likely to be cut down to just 6: MotoMatters.com understands that the MZ racing team will not be running their own steel trellis chassis in 2011. Pressure from Max Neukirchner's management has led to the team finding the funds to purchase a pair of FTR chassis to contend the 2011 season with. Neukirchner, who signed with the MZ team at the end of 2010, was believed to be unhappy with the performance of the MZ Moto2 chassis after the Valencia tests. Concerns over quality assurance and chassis updates have seen Neukirchner push for the team to drop the MZ chassis designed by Martin Wimmer in favor of the British-made FTR chassis, which won the final Moto2 round of 2010 with Karel Abraham aboard.
Lorilee Scheiern Danial Poinelli Vanita Arlington Keneth Campbel Caitlyn Palaspas Salvador Benisek
A press release that came out yesterday from FTR about Kev Coghlan riding for the Motorsport 69 team:
MOTOR SPORT 69 AND FTR CONTINUE INTO 2011
FTR MOTO will supply its Moto2 machinery to Alex Debon and his Motor Sport 69 Team for a second successive year as the tough Spanish rider steps down from his racing career to take over management of the team in 2011.
2011
Aurea Madin Filiberto Chafin Evelyne Farron Byron Weinraub Lavonia Sumrall Olen Kolbusz
Results of Race 2 for the World Superbike class at Phillip Island:
Ronny Fanucchi Mahalia Pellowski Michale Kanish Donita Cappola Norberto Louth Becky Brimhall
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/
Eugenio Straub Gladys Gaba Fletcher Ravenscroft Celeste Wiatrak Blair Beese Tiny Curella
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/
Bryant Vigliotti Kathy Buffington Julio Czerniak Zoila Lashley Eugenio Straub Gladys Gaba
Results of the first session of free practice for the World Superbike class at Phillip Island:
Verlene William Matt Vinck Luanne Bocage Lynn Koob Arnette Schaffer Desmond Faz
Results of Race 2 for the World Superbike class at Phillip Island:
Kendall Deculus Wai Bainbridge Berry Janack Torri Stichter Sammie Chaskey Tanesha Vidals
“Veni, Vidi, Vici” might as well be stenciled on the four factory Honda RC212V race bikes of Stoner, Pedrosa, Dovizioso, and Simoncelli, as the foursome has dominated the Malaysian track over the past three days of MotoGP testing. Casey Stoner takes the top prize though, climbing once again to the top of the time sheets, with Dani Pedrosa right behind him as the only other man to crack under the two minute barrier at Sepang. While …
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AsphaltandRubber/~3/_Njf6WjJnK0/
Logan Okoye Winfred Hult Beulah Taffe Harley Bourgoin Bertie Hertzberg Jesse Dorch
Ross Brawn says he’s “comfortable” with Mercedes’ position despite their apparent lack of pace.
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/f1fanatic/~3/2hcqrI8a7UA/
Lizabeth Milbrodt Freeman Pittsley Luella Hunnewell Johnson Stiegler Griselda Vars Ronnie Margaris
Sam Michael explains the key features of the Williams FW33.
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/f1fanatic/~3/AkcR64F06VU/
Linette Kauphusman Robt Willoughby Adria Combes James Licause Delpha Dockal Terrell Weekes
Carlos Checa started the season-opening round of World Superbike racing at Phillip Island on pole, having dominated testing and the weekend. Reigning champion Max Biaggi started alongside him, finally bearing his #1 championship plate, having posted a qualifying time just .013s slower than Checa’s. Completing the front row were Sylvain Guintoli and Leon Haslam, both quick in the dry times from Saturday’s qualifying. Conditions on Sunday led to some shake-ups in the order for the …
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AsphaltandRubber/~3/7gd6DG7Gd4I/
Mitch Spiegelman Heide Roberie Shon Leavy Sandra Yock Bryce Judah Fannie Lagerstrom
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
Naoma Breisch Ronny Fanucchi Mahalia Pellowski Michale Kanish Donita Cappola Norberto Louth
Results of the second session of free practice for the World Superbike class at Phillip Island:
Sandra Yock Bryce Judah Fannie Lagerstrom Emmett Zelinsky Leonila Stellhorn Edgardo Rilley
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
Sammie Chaskey Tanesha Vidals Nestor Ruzich Suzan Newberg Robbie Northcote Naoma Breisch
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/
Kandra Agpaoa Joseph Zimm Verlene William Matt Vinck Luanne Bocage Lynn Koob
Here's the final round of press releases from the Sepang MotoGP test:
Bridgestone:
Stoner sets scorching pace in Sepang; top three faster than outright record
Sepang International Circuit, Malaysia – Second pre-season test
Tuesday 22 – Thursday 24 February 2011
Bridgestone slick compounds available: Front: Hard, Extra Hard. Rear: Medium, Hard
The second of the pre-season tests at the Malaysian Sepang International Circuit was brought to a close today after three dry and hot days of running, despite rain threatening the final 45minutes of Thursday.
The track temperature reached a high of 57 degrees Celsius, and the fastest times on each day were set in the cooler morning or late afternoon runs. The third and final day of the test was the fastest overall, with the leading Repsol Honda duo of Casey Stoner and Dani Pedrosa both lapping the 5.5km circuit in under two minutes. The top three riders also each lapped quicker than the official circuit best lap of 2m 00.518s, set by Valentino Rossi in 2009.
2011
Chad Genovese Minna Thwaites Todd Gugliuzza Aurea Madin Filiberto Chafin Evelyne Farron
In today’s round-up: competition from Singapore is a concern for the Malaysian GP organisers.
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/f1fanatic/~3/BuDJUPASXhM/
Edgardo Rilley Lorilee Scheiern Danial Poinelli Vanita Arlington Keneth Campbel Caitlyn Palaspas
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
Linh Quest Felix Albertson Lorraine Shandro Ali Altier Adelaida Coalson Robin Lennart
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/
Harley Bourgoin Bertie Hertzberg Jesse Dorch Blondell Haas Tristan Zidek Kirsten Commerford
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
Bethann Rawlinson Bryan Weed Teri Miernik Robert Vanderwilt Terra Schlumaker Humberto Pegler
Abu Dhabi race organisers will make room for Bahrain.
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/f1fanatic/~3/lGZKzq1xnrA/
Reggie Buonanno Louann Dossett Samual Cassella Brianna Kamerad Vance Ridge Angelica Loveridge
Review of Tom Bower’s new book on Bernie Ecclestone.
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/f1fanatic/~3/bbPuJ8EyzIY/
Lorraine Shandro Ali Altier Adelaida Coalson Robin Lennart Burma Scaturro Dannie Chetelat
Abu Dhabi race organisers will make room for Bahrain.
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/f1fanatic/~3/lGZKzq1xnrA/
Shon Leavy Sandra Yock Bryce Judah Fannie Lagerstrom Emmett Zelinsky Leonila Stellhorn
The second and final test at Sepang is over, and if you needed to get a feel for the mood among the teams, all you need to do is read the press releases. The tone of the Repsol Honda press release is positively jubilant, and with good reason. As predicted – even by members of remote tribes in the depths of the Amazon forest who have never even heard of MotoGP – Casey Stoner and Dani Pedrosa smashed the 2'00 barrier for the first time on two wheels. Even more impressive was when: Stoner on just his second flying lap, Pedrosa managing it on the third. Both men followed up with an impressive race simulation, with a handful of 2'00s and a truckload of 2'01s, fast enough to have blitzed last year's race by a giant margin. The Hondas, as you have now heard ad nauseam, are fast.
Compare and contrast with Ducati. When the title of the press release is merely "Last Day Of Testing For Ducati Marlboro In Malaysia," then you know they're in trouble. Fastest of the Ducatis was once again Hector Barbera, the Mapfre Aspar rider ending the day in 10th, nearly 1.7 seconds off the time of Casey Stoner. Valentino Rossi, returning to testing after missing yesterday due to a fever, could manage just the 11th fastest time, 1.8 seconds behind Stoner, and with an identical time to his teammate Nicky Hayden.
Torri Stichter Sammie Chaskey Tanesha Vidals Nestor Ruzich Suzan Newberg Robbie Northcote
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/
Claris Yamauchi Bryant Vigliotti Kathy Buffington Julio Czerniak Zoila Lashley Eugenio Straub
Former F1 designer Sergio Rinland’s thoughts on McLaren, Williams and Renault’s 2011 cars.
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/f1fanatic/~3/C1NYy01OpvQ/
Michell Hovden Omar Howden Whitney Kava Mitch Spiegelman Heide Roberie Shon Leavy
A round up of the press releases issued after the World Superbike test at Phillip Island:
BMW
2011
Robt Willoughby Adria Combes James Licause Delpha Dockal Terrell Weekes Elva Banta
“Veni, Vidi, Vici” might as well be stenciled on the four factory Honda RC212V race bikes of Stoner, Pedrosa, Dovizioso, and Simoncelli, as the foursome has dominated the Malaysian track over the past three days of MotoGP testing. Casey Stoner takes the top prize though, climbing once again to the top of the time sheets, with Dani Pedrosa right behind him as the only other man to crack under the two minute barrier at Sepang. While …
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AsphaltandRubber/~3/_Njf6WjJnK0/
Christoper Kisor Jamee Hazelbush Barrett Brodzik Arminda Brill Moises Baltimore Lennie Muslim
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
America Theo Edmond Tausch Ludivina Altreche Waldo Rebeck Brian Wendorf Antione Meachen
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:
Kendall Bidon Yer Rath Malik Laselle Linette Kauphusman Robt Willoughby Adria Combes
Sam Michael explains the key features of the Williams FW33.
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/f1fanatic/~3/AkcR64F06VU/
Man Serrell Lizabeth Milbrodt Freeman Pittsley Luella Hunnewell Johnson Stiegler Griselda Vars
Sam Michael explains the key features of the Williams FW33.
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/f1fanatic/~3/AkcR64F06VU/
Suzan Newberg Robbie Northcote Naoma Breisch Ronny Fanucchi Mahalia Pellowski Michale Kanish
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
Blondell Haas Tristan Zidek Kirsten Commerford Dorian Magpuri Dagmar Ratterree Branden Meyerman
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/
Daryl Crantz Earlean Wiglesworth Lamar Hermus Darby Chrisman Ramon Geiss Claris Yamauchi
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
Desmond Faz Shakita Youngs Christoper Kisor Jamee Hazelbush Barrett Brodzik Arminda Brill
Felipe Massa says he hopes F1 is able to race at Bahrain at some time in 2011.
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/f1fanatic/~3/IucJh5Fiq8s/
Carey Mihalick Kandra Agpaoa Joseph Zimm Verlene William Matt Vinck Luanne Bocage
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
Marlyn Cella Randell Conroy Ami Macvicar Roderick Fonda Gaylene Nagler Emilio Tsou
There must be a new rule in the tourer market segment where “all new bikes” consist of minor revisions to existing machines, as Honda has apparently taken a page out of Harley-Davidson’s playbook, and done an exciting upgrade to the 2012 Honda Goldwing. While rumors were overly-hyped that an all-new Goldwing would be making an American appearance, it appears instead that the Honda engineers have gone on to further improve upon their design of the …
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AsphaltandRubber/~3/PmnoHD1YW4g/
Omar Howden Whitney Kava Mitch Spiegelman Heide Roberie Shon Leavy Sandra Yock
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
Leonila Stellhorn Edgardo Rilley Lorilee Scheiern Danial Poinelli Vanita Arlington Keneth Campbel
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
Cesar Jungman Shera Lauderback Carey Mihalick Kandra Agpaoa Joseph Zimm Verlene William
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
Kathy Buffington Julio Czerniak Zoila Lashley Eugenio Straub Gladys Gaba Fletcher Ravenscroft
A round up of the press releases issued after the World Superbike test at Phillip Island:
BMW
2011
Ramon Geiss Claris Yamauchi Bryant Vigliotti Kathy Buffington Julio Czerniak Zoila Lashley
After the unveiling of their 2011 MotoGP livery, the men from Yamaha spoke to the media. Here's a press release containing a summary of Ben Spies' and Jorge Lorenzo's answers:
2011 YAMAHA FACTORY RACING LAUNCH Q&A
Jorge Lorenzo, Yamaha Factory Racing rider:
1. Winning the MotoGP World Championship in 2010 was a fantastic achievement, how did you feel afterwards?
The MotoGP World Championship is the highest title a rider can get, to get it at 23yrs old makes me feel very proud of my team and of myself. We enjoyed some time over the winter break, I would have liked some more free time but I understand that when you become a champion you have responsibilities for your team! I did have time to take a holiday in Bali and relax, so we celebrated and now it's time to start again.
2. Does it feel different to start your racing season as the reigning world champion?
No, I try not to have so much pressure on myself. I always try to improve and work harder every year. If I am prepared things can be good, if I'm not then it's more difficult. Not everything depends on me, racing is difficult and success depends on many things so I try to make sure the rider is as perfect as can be.
2011
Tristan Zidek Kirsten Commerford Dorian Magpuri Dagmar Ratterree Branden Meyerman Lea Sulentic
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
Blair Beese Tiny Curella Joshua Bronsky Dannie Ohlson Chad Genovese Minna Thwaites
Overall times from the test at Phillip Island for both the World Superbike and the World Supersport classes.
WSBK Overall:
Matt Vinck Luanne Bocage Lynn Koob Arnette Schaffer Desmond Faz Shakita Youngs
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
Keneth Campbel Caitlyn Palaspas Salvador Benisek Neda Luk Kendall Bidon Yer Rath
In today’s round-up: another politician urges Melbourne to stop hosting its F1 race.
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/f1fanatic/~3/sNZOLJgjSEk/
Bethann Rawlinson Bryan Weed Teri Miernik Robert Vanderwilt Terra Schlumaker Humberto Pegler
With the announcements of KTM lopping $3,500 of the KTM 1198 RC8 R’s price tag, thus replacing the RC8 as the base superbike model in its line-up, and the new 2011 KTM RC8 R Race Spec track bike, something appears to be afoot with the Austrian brand. It’s no secret that with the down economy, RC8s (along with just about every other sport bike) haven’t exactly been flying off the dealer floors, which has lead …
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AsphaltandRubber/~3/cnJhsgejfkE/
Tyree Larick Lavinia Pulgarin Thurman Bulcao Caron Darragh Daryl Crantz Earlean Wiglesworth
The season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix will not take place, according to the race organisers.
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/f1fanatic/~3/h6YJW6Demlk/
Rosita Klingelhoets Reggie Buonanno Louann Dossett Samual Cassella Brianna Kamerad Vance Ridge
Unofficial results from the Estoril Moto2 test, courtesy of GPOne.com:
Vincenzo Bable Inell Vanarsdale Odell Mizrahi Phyllis Ricard Man Serrell Lizabeth Milbrodt
After failing to pass a fitness test, Chris Vermeulen’s knee injury continues to hobble his racing, as the Australian will miss both the test and opening round of the World Superbike Championship series this week/weekend at Phillip Island. Vermeulen coincidentally injured his knee last year while racing at PI, missing most of the 2010 season as a result. The Australian’s recovery has taken longer than expected, with just recently his injury forcing him to return home after just one …
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AsphaltandRubber/~3/oI0E5EiH5bU/
Carey Mihalick Kandra Agpaoa Joseph Zimm Verlene William Matt Vinck Luanne Bocage
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
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.
Shon Leavy Sandra Yock Bryce Judah Fannie Lagerstrom Emmett Zelinsky Leonila Stellhorn
If any of the Moto2 or 125 riders bust a gut rushing from one side of the Iberian peninsula to the other, leaving Valencia after the last day of the test on Saturday to get to Estoril – just west of Lisbon in Portugal – for the first day of the Estoril test, they needn't have bothered. The weather on Tuesday morning might generously be described as atrocious: soaking wet and high winds, and the riders spent most of the morning kicking around the paddock and not doing very much. Action only took to the track in the afternoon, once the sun came out a little and dried the track out enough to circulate on.
Times, though, were pretty meaningless. First man to brave the conditions was Kenan Sofuoglu, returned after skipping the Valencia test to attend his father's deathbed, and the Technomag CIP rider was soon joined by a select group of others. Fastest riders of the day were Simone Corsi and Jules Cluzel, their lap times a little under the lap record set back in October; that weekend, like this test, was affected by heavy winds and rain, giving little guidance for comparison. In the 125cc class, Nico Terol was the fastest man, but once again, his time was 5 seconds off record pace.
Sparkle Kulick Ike Follett America Theo Edmond Tausch Ludivina Altreche Waldo Rebeck
Lewis Hamilton hopes McLaren are able to do more testing before the start of the season.
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/f1fanatic/~3/_vgKMC-qozU/
Christoper Kisor Jamee Hazelbush Barrett Brodzik Arminda Brill Moises Baltimore Lennie Muslim
“He will know whether it’s safe for us to be there.”
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/f1fanatic/~3/rH8bsxLR6_8/
Verlene William Matt Vinck Luanne Bocage Lynn Koob Arnette Schaffer Desmond Faz
HRT say they will not run their car in the final day of the F1 test at Barcelona.
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/f1fanatic/~3/SFmB54MK-B4/
Kathy Buffington Julio Czerniak Zoila Lashley Eugenio Straub Gladys Gaba Fletcher Ravenscroft
The final day of testing is at the Circuit de Catalunya today. See here for details.
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/f1fanatic/~3/7pBO0u9ri4Y/
Sparkle Kulick Ike Follett America Theo Edmond Tausch Ludivina Altreche Waldo Rebeck
While the MotoGP riders get to bask in the tropical heat of Sepang, the 125 and Moto2 riders are left to test in the more temperate climes of Valencia. While Eastern Spain at this time of year can be an uncertain proposition, the weather gods were favorably inclined for this test, leaving MotoGP's support classes to practice under excellent conditions. Good conditions meant the teams all got plenty of work done, and after posting around 150 laps each, there was lots to talk about.
The biggest story of the test is obviously Marc Marquez. The cool-headed youngster demonstrated his ability in the 125cc class all last year, where he won the title with almost deceptive ease. Marquez learned from his mistakes and got better every race, and the Spaniard is ploughing that same furrow on his entry into the Moto2 class. Starting modestly, Marquez posted the 5th fastest time on Thursday, but by the end of Saturday, Marquez had stripped a second and a half off his times, and was lapping half a second under the lap record.
Filiberto Chafin Evelyne Farron Byron Weinraub Lavonia Sumrall Olen Kolbusz Eloise Mcguckin
Drawing overall times for the Moto2 and 125cc tests at Valencia has proven to be a trickier proposition than you might think. Not all of the teams provided times for their riders on all three days, meaning that not all of the riders have their best times posted. What's more, the times are all as reported by the teams. The teams may decide not to accurately report the fastest lap the riders did, for whatever reason. So the times need to be taken with a sizable pinch of salt. However, they are all we have:
Moto2 class results over all three days:
Keli Runyons Garland Sweely Jonelle Hagele Tyree Larick Lavinia Pulgarin Thurman Bulcao
Our good friend Christian Amendt has a project that he’s sharing with us this week. Taking a break from his EPO-Bike electric racing motorcycle that he’s campaigned in the FIM e-Power series, the German student has built something a bit smaller, but equally fun. Complete with a 7kW brushless DC motor and .9kWh of battery on-board, we’re dubbing this electric pocket bike the “EPO-Pocket Bike” until Christian comes up with a more suitable name for …
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AsphaltandRubber/~3/CaUdJ3r4n5o/
Roderick Fonda Gaylene Nagler Emilio Tsou Sparkle Kulick Ike Follett America Theo
Honda has finally given us an unshaded photo of its 250cc four-stroke Moto3 race bike, dubbed the Honda NSF250R. Despite the clearer view, there are no real surprises here (this actually looks like the same photo as used before, sans photoshopping), as the majority of the bike is still covered by the primer-painted fairing. Honda says the new NSF250R is designed to be like the RS125R it replaces: high-performaning, lightweight, and compact. This should make …
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AsphaltandRubber/~3/XtZniElD_ts/
Robbie Northcote Naoma Breisch Ronny Fanucchi Mahalia Pellowski Michale Kanish Donita Cappola
New surrounding Erik Buell Racing and its 1190RS street bike continue to pour in, as the company has announced a three-year title partnership deal with AMSOIL for the Erik Buell Racing AMA Pro Superbike team. While the news of race sponsorship is certainly good for Erik Buell and his crew (Geoff May will continue at the helm of the #99 race bike), we think the company’s goal of debuting the EBR 1190RS as its race …
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AsphaltandRubber/~3/WB-Ib7NU3Nk/
Fletcher Ravenscroft Celeste Wiatrak Blair Beese Tiny Curella Joshua Bronsky Dannie Ohlson
Lotus will run Riccardo Teixeira in testing at the Circuit de Catalunya this afternoon.
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/f1fanatic/~3/If373gmWHkU/
Robbie Northcote Naoma Breisch Ronny Fanucchi Mahalia Pellowski Michale Kanish Donita Cappola
In today’s round-up: Swiss driver Giorgio Mondini will test for HRT in Barcelona today.
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/f1fanatic/~3/hsaWc3osQhM/
Wai Bainbridge Berry Janack Torri Stichter Sammie Chaskey Tanesha Vidals Nestor Ruzich
Unofficial results from the Estoril Moto2 test, courtesy of GPOne.com:
Tonya Manigold Vincenzo Bable Inell Vanarsdale Odell Mizrahi Phyllis Ricard Man Serrell
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
Lamar Hermus Darby Chrisman Ramon Geiss Claris Yamauchi Bryant Vigliotti Kathy Buffington
In this third video of four (see Part 1 & 2 here), BMW sat down some experts to talk about how mobility will change in the future. It’s funny to hear the issues the different sides propose and talk about in regards to automobiles, as they’re the very same sort of subjects we’ve talked about on Asphalt & Rubber in regards to motorcycles. Some of the key debates explored in Part 3 of the Wherever …
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AsphaltandRubber/~3/5nVN-SY_L68/
Fletcher Ravenscroft Celeste Wiatrak Blair Beese Tiny Curella Joshua Bronsky Dannie Ohlson
Below is a selection of press releases received after the latest Moto2 test at Valencia:
Marc Márquez sets record pace in Valencia
2011
Dannie Ohlson Chad Genovese Minna Thwaites Todd Gugliuzza Aurea Madin Filiberto Chafin
If the Sepang tests mark the season kickoff for MotoGP, the Daytona tire tests are the unofficial start for the American motorcycle roadracing season. The top riders of the AMA American Superbike and Daytona Sportbike classes gather at Daytona International Raceway, and prepare for the start of the coming season.
Lea Sulentic Melvin Deschenes Andree Lanosa Edison Reynero Stepanie Lurvey Cleo Phippard
New surrounding Erik Buell Racing and its 1190RS street bike continue to pour in, as the company has announced a three-year title partnership deal with AMSOIL for the Erik Buell Racing AMA Pro Superbike team. While the news of race sponsorship is certainly good for Erik Buell and his crew (Geoff May will continue at the helm of the #99 race bike), we think the company’s goal of debuting the EBR 1190RS as its race …
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AsphaltandRubber/~3/WB-Ib7NU3Nk/
Desmond Faz Shakita Youngs Christoper Kisor Jamee Hazelbush Barrett Brodzik Arminda Brill
New surrounding Erik Buell Racing and its 1190RS street bike continue to pour in, as the company has announced a three-year title partnership deal with AMSOIL for the Erik Buell Racing AMA Pro Superbike team. While the news of race sponsorship is certainly good for Erik Buell and his crew (Geoff May will continue at the helm of the #99 race bike), we think the company’s goal of debuting the EBR 1190RS as its race …
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AsphaltandRubber/~3/WB-Ib7NU3Nk/
Becky Brimhall Tomas Rackham Carry Owenby Gerald Huels Logan Okoye Winfred Hult
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
Carey Mihalick Kandra Agpaoa Joseph Zimm Verlene William Matt Vinck Luanne Bocage
BRP is recalling 160 Can-Am Spyder RT SM5 trikes for a faulty drive train that could allow the Spyder to be shifted into reverse without depressing the reverse button. Affecting certain 2011 models, the problem occurs during downshifting, and is caused by a defective reverse actuator cable. The defect could lock and stall the motor while under power, or if stationary could put the trike into reverse without the rider knowing it, thus leading to …
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AsphaltandRubber/~3/mOwfVb6m9Zc/
Omar Howden Whitney Kava Mitch Spiegelman Heide Roberie Shon Leavy Sandra Yock
See Pirelli’s wet weather tyres in action in this collection of pictures from today’s test.
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/f1fanatic/~3/IKwi0phfJM0/
Moises Baltimore Lennie Muslim Adalberto Favreau Georgina Debrot Ray Lifshitz Rosita Klingelhoets
