appetitesdelite.com.info

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

Mike Alessi Thomas Allier HÃ¥kan Andersson Victor Arbekov Les Archer Nicolas Aubin

We’re live here in Doha for the next 10 days, covering the last pre-season MotoGP test and the Qatar GP. The skies seem perpetually hazy, with the sun poking through every now and then. That’s just fine by us, as it’s keeping daytime temperatures in the low 80F’s, with nights being a pleasant 60-70F. As usual we’ll have our Twitter feed going on the site, keeping you up-to-date with the latest happenings in the MotoGP …

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AsphaltandRubber/~3/_g-D-Bb1aj4/

Shayne King Heinz Kinigadner Dusty Klatt Arne Kring Brad Lackey Arthur Lampkin

While here in The United States of America the buzz is all about the new Motus MST sport-tourer and the Erik Buell Racing 1190RS sportbike, in Germany the talk of the town is the new Horex VR6 street bike, which began its road testing today. Horex released a photo of the supercharged 200+hp 1,200cc machine testing on a closed circuit, with Hennes Fischer, the man in charge of the VR6′s development, stating that ?in this phase of the test …

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AsphaltandRubber/~3/hXVXM11KRLY/

Trey Canard Håkan Carlquist Ricky Carmichael Danny Chandler Eric Cheney Alessio Chiodi

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

Guy Cooper Paul Cooper Josh Coppins Cody Copper Gordon Crockard Craig Dack

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

Jim Pomeroy Christophe Pourcel Sebastien Pourcel Wyman Priddy Alessandro Puzar Gaston Rahier

The 2011 MotoGP season has many things to be excited about – Valentino Rossi on a Ducati, Casey Stoner on a Honda, Ben Spies on a factory Yamaha, and so much more. But the 2012 season is probably just as eagerly anticipated, even though it is still over a year away. For 2012 sees the return of the 1000cc machines, and hopes are high that having the larger capacity back will see closer, more exciting racing.

But the 1000cc bikes face a problem: Over the past couple of years, testing has been cut back enormously in an attempt to cut costs. So far, this has not been too much of a problem, with less testing merely meaning less development, which was fine as long as the capacity remained unchanged. However, the 1000cc bikes will need significant work to get them raceworthy, and that means having the current riders test the machines. The teams and machines will require more than just the two 1-day tests scheduled for the Estoril and Brno rounds of MotoGP if they are to get to work on both the existing 800cc bikes – which they still have to race for the rest of the season – and the new 1000cc (or whatever capacity the major manufacturers settle on as optimal) for 2012.

read more

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MotoGPMatters/~3/1XwiLb9tsSQ/motogp_1000s_to_make_debut_at_mugello.html

Ricky Carmichael Danny Chandler Eric Cheney Alessio Chiodi Jaromir Cizek Guy Cooper

Nico Rosberg is positive about Mercedes’ performance gains in testing so far.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/f1fanatic/~3/Uc-735zd4zQ/

Tim Ferry Ashley Fiolek Ernesto Fonseca Lauris Freibergs Paul Friedrichs Steven Frossard

As predicted yesterday, the third and final instalment of interviews with the Repsol Honda riders was issued today by the Repsol Media Service. Today it is the turn of Dani Pedrosa, who had some interesting things to say about the state of his shoulder and what Honda is learning from Casey Stoner's experience on the Ducati. Here's the text of the press release:

"From what I have seen this preseason, this year will be very competitive"

read more

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MotoGPMatters/~3/YR6j6-Vzgt8/repsol_press_release_dani_pedrosa_on_qat.html

Billy Grossi Davide Guarneri Thomas Hahn Torsten Hallman Bob Hannah Donnie Hansen

Will Toro Rosso make another mid-season driver switch in 2011?

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/f1fanatic/~3/i-HufUbaS3g/

Tyla Rattray Chad Reed Warren Reid Pierre Renet Marc de Reuver Michele Rinaldi

It is not often that people outside of Dorna's inner circle get a peek inside the finances of MotoGP; commercial contracts with all parties are subject to confidentiality clauses and are a closely-guarded secret. But occasionally the facts leak out, thanks to circumstances which are beyond the control of MotoGP's Spanish commercial rights' holder.

Such is the case with the Motorland Aragon Grand Prix: As reported a week ago, Aragon recently secured a six-year extension to its deal to hold a round of MotoGP. The terms of the deal were not discussed in the press release announcing the deal, but as the circuit is in public hands, the information has surfaced anyway: In 2011, Motorland Aragon will pay Dorna 6 million euros, riding to 7 million in 2012, for a grand total of 41 million euros between 2011 and 2012.

read more

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MotoGPMatters/~3/bL7G1g6yY3w/cost_of_motorland_aragon_motogp_totals_4.html

Billy Grossi Davide Guarneri Thomas Hahn Torsten Hallman Bob Hannah Donnie Hansen

For the third year running, MotoGP is down to just 17 bikes on the grid. And for the second time in three years, a manufacturer is showing an alarming lack of commitment to the series, Suzuki fielding just one rider for the 2011 season. Sponsors are pulling out and teams are constantly complaining about a lack of money. Something has to be done.

Throughout 2009, MotoGP's rule-making body, the Grand Prix Commission, debated ways of changing the class to make the series cheaper, thereby increasing the number of bikes on the grid. The solution, announced in December 2009, was the return to 1000cc machines under specific restrictions aimed at capping costs: a maximum of four cylinders, and an 81mm maximum bore.

But that in itself was not enough. Throughout the entire process, it was also broadly hinted that the requirement that engines must be prototypes would be dropped for privateer teams, with these so-called Claiming Rule Teams being allowed to run heavily modified production engines in a prototype chassis. To ensure the teams would not be forced to spend on electronics what they saved on engines, the CRT machines would also be allowed an extra 3 liters of fuel above the allowance for the factory machines (for our detailed explanation of exactly what the CRT rules entail, see The 2012 MotoGP Revolution Part 1.)

We have been here before, of course. Back in 2003, the WCM team, under the management of Peter Clifford, entered two 990cc Harris WCM MotoGP machines, their engines based on the dimensions of Yamaha's R1, housed in a prototype frame produced by Harris. The WCM bikes turned up at the first race of the year, but were disqualified by scrutineering as not being a fully prototype machine.

The same pressure that eventually killed off the WCM project also threatens the CRT teams, and the arguments that kept the WCM off the grid for the first half of the 2003 season are being brought up again for the CRT bikes.

read more

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MotoGPMatters/~3/s0rUY-APLSU/the_2012_motogp_revolution_part_2_motogp.html

Tanel Leok Billy Liles Ove Lundell Sten Lundin Jeremy Lusk Billy MacKenzie

When Valentino Rossi speaks, the world listens. The popularity of the nine-time World Champion is such that fans (and consequently, the media) hang on his every word. Since Rossi switched from Yamaha to Ducati, the scrutiny has become even more intense, every word and action being analyzed a million times for extra levels of meaning.

So when Rossi spoke to Italian magazine MotoSprint (English highlights over on Autosport), there was plenty for the fans and media to get their teeth into. First subject was of course the Desmosedici GP11, and Rossi's struggle to master what is proving to be a highly wayward beast. The problem, Rossi explained, is getting the bike to turn. The Ducati does not want to turn in corners, and Rossi said he was having to slide the rear to get the bike to turn through corners. The team continues to work on setup changes to alter this behavior, and Rossi told Motosprint that he believes that part of the problem will be solved quickly through electronics changes.

read more

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MotoGPMatters/~3/M1ZBHbt5sKo/rossi_on_the_ducati_s_handling_his_fans_.html

Rob Herring George Holland Jeremy van Horebeek Kent Howerton Neil Hudson Ryan Hughes

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

Gaston Rahier Steve Ramon Tyla Rattray Chad Reed Warren Reid Pierre Renet

The World Superbike season opener at Phillip Island was an excellent way to whet the appetites of motorcycle racing fans around the globe, but the downside of the Antipodean round – and it's a big downside – is the fact that round 2 of WSBK follows fully four weeks after round 1. The MotoGP season opener fills that space, but even the Qatar race doesn't take place until three weeks after Phillip Island.

Fortunately, the media moguls at the World Superbike series have come up with a solution for race fans, stilling their hunger and promoting their series at the same time. On the official World Superbike Youtube channel, WSBK is running the World Superbike magazine, a half hour of news, reports and lengthy recaps from the first race of the season at Phillip Island. You can watch the show below, or over on Youtube.

read more

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MotoGPMatters/~3/3HA85nQWgFo/video_world_superbike_magazine_after_201.html

Christophe Pourcel Sebastien Pourcel Wyman Priddy Alessandro Puzar Gaston Rahier Steve Ramon

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

Maximilian Nagl Kurt Nicoll Bill Nilsson Jorgen Nilsson Graham Noyce Carl Nunn

When Valentino Rossi speaks, the world listens. The popularity of the nine-time World Champion is such that fans (and consequently, the media) hang on his every word. Since Rossi switched from Yamaha to Ducati, the scrutiny has become even more intense, every word and action being analyzed a million times for extra levels of meaning.

So when Rossi spoke to Italian magazine MotoSprint (English highlights over on Autosport), there was plenty for the fans and media to get their teeth into. First subject was of course the Desmosedici GP11, and Rossi's struggle to master what is proving to be a highly wayward beast. The problem, Rossi explained, is getting the bike to turn. The Ducati does not want to turn in corners, and Rossi said he was having to slide the rear to get the bike to turn through corners. The team continues to work on setup changes to alter this behavior, and Rossi told Motosprint that he believes that part of the problem will be solved quickly through electronics changes.

read more

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MotoGPMatters/~3/M1ZBHbt5sKo/rossi_on_the_ducati_s_handling_his_fans_.html

Joël Smets Jeff Smith Marty Smith Steve Stackable Jeff Stanton Rex Staten

Cuts imposed on the BBC by the government may lead it to drop its F1 coverage.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/f1fanatic/~3/Bl8dukHH-qo/

Larry Brooks Mike Brown Rick Burgett Jimmy Button Michael Byrne Antonio Cairoli

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

Tim Ferry Ashley Fiolek Ernesto Fonseca Lauris Freibergs Paul Friedrichs Steven Frossard

Combined times from all three days of testing at Jerez for the Moto2 class:

read more

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MotoGPMatters/~3/VFDwk4SzvHU/2011_moto2_jerez_irta_test_combined_resu.html

Jeremy Lusk Billy MacKenzie Corrado Maddii Andre Malherbe Paul Malin Jacky Martens

Top 10:

1. Josh Hayes  Yamaha 1:38.228

2. Tommy Hayden  Suzuki 1:38.322

3. Roger Hayden  Suzuki 1:38.614

4. Blake Young Suzuki 1:38.767

5. Ben Bostrom Suzuki 1:38.955

6. Martin Cardenas Suzuki 1:38.980

7. Chris Peris BMW 1:39.023

read more

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MotoGPMatters/~3/55YpErV40i8/ama_pro_racing_daytona_american_superbik.html

Billy MacKenzie Corrado Maddii Andre Malherbe Paul Malin Jacky Martens Christophe Martin

Throughout the first season of Moto2, there was much smugness among the diehard curmudgeons who had bemoaned the loss of the two-stroke 250s at the fact that the 600cc four strokes were considerably slower than the old 250s were. The old guard treated the Moto2 machines with disdain, regarding them as little more than jumped-up sportsbikes, bearing little relation to true Grand Prix Machinery.

There was some merit in their argument: The 250cc two-cylinder two strokes were jewels of engineering, beautifully constructed, lightweight, powerful and precise as a surgeon's scalpel. The Moto2 bikes were bigger, bulkier, and in part thanks to the rudimentary electronics and slipper clutch, much more out of shape into and out of corners. If 250 races were like a fight to the death by olympic fencing champions, Moto2 races were like a barroom brawl after the bar had been drunk dry.

Some of that smugness will have to go now, though. On the last day of the Jerez Moto2 test, first Marc Marquez and then later Stefan Bradl smashed through the 1'43 barrier, with Bradl beating the former 250cc lap record set back in 2005 by Dani Pedrosa. Marquez fell a tenth of a second short of Pedrosa's 250 mark, but Bradl took nearly two tenths of a second off the former 250 champion's 2005 pole record. The Moto2 bikes have now officially caught up.

read more

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MotoGPMatters/~3/nxMKjb_JWd4/2011_moto2_and_125_jerez_irta_test_round.html

Goat Breker Sven Breugelmans Larry Brooks Mike Brown Rick Burgett Jimmy Button

More Moto2 press releases: Andrea Iannone presents the Speed Master team in Milan, and FTR talks about its program and riders for 2011. Here are the press releases:

SPEED MASTER TEAM PRESENTATION, MILAN: "BORN TO WIN"

read more

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MotoGPMatters/~3/N0Bs-wcsN2U/moto2_press_releases_iannone_presents_te.html

Darrell Schultz Tommy Searle Gary Semics Andrew Short Shaun Simpson Joël Smets

While here in The United States of America the buzz is all about the new Motus MST sport-tourer and the Erik Buell Racing 1190RS sportbike, in Germany the talk of the town is the new Horex VR6 street bike, which began its road testing today. Horex released a photo of the supercharged 200+hp 1,200cc machine testing on a closed circuit, with Hennes Fischer, the man in charge of the VR6′s development, stating that ?in this phase of the test …

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AsphaltandRubber/~3/hXVXM11KRLY/

Jaroslav Falta Claudio Federici Tim Ferry Ashley Fiolek Ernesto Fonseca Lauris Freibergs

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

Anthony Boissiere Frederic Bolley Xavier Boog Damon Bradshaw Goat Breker Sven Breugelmans

With the final MotoGP test at Qatar just a few days away, and in sight of the season opener a week later, Rizla Suzuki issued a press release previewing the work they have to do at the test. Here's the text of the press release:

Rizla Suzuki ready for the final test

read more

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MotoGPMatters/~3/0S2LmQnhIA4/rizla_suzuki_press_release_bautista_and_.html

Gary Jones Mark Jones Ake Jonsson Julien Bill Pierre Karsmakers Vladimir Kavinov

In the round-up: McLaren boss says using the old car for the first test was the best approach.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/f1fanatic/~3/Q8N6Z2o6I8E/

Alex Salvini Donny Schmit Fritz Schneider Darrell Schultz Tommy Searle Gary Semics

The 2011 MotoGP season has many things to be excited about – Valentino Rossi on a Ducati, Casey Stoner on a Honda, Ben Spies on a factory Yamaha, and so much more. But the 2012 season is probably just as eagerly anticipated, even though it is still over a year away. For 2012 sees the return of the 1000cc machines, and hopes are high that having the larger capacity back will see closer, more exciting racing.

But the 1000cc bikes face a problem: Over the past couple of years, testing has been cut back enormously in an attempt to cut costs. So far, this has not been too much of a problem, with less testing merely meaning less development, which was fine as long as the capacity remained unchanged. However, the 1000cc bikes will need significant work to get them raceworthy, and that means having the current riders test the machines. The teams and machines will require more than just the two 1-day tests scheduled for the Estoril and Brno rounds of MotoGP if they are to get to work on both the existing 800cc bikes – which they still have to race for the rest of the season – and the new 1000cc (or whatever capacity the major manufacturers settle on as optimal) for 2012.

read more

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MotoGPMatters/~3/1XwiLb9tsSQ/motogp_1000s_to_make_debut_at_mugello.html

Broc Hepler Rob Herring George Holland Jeremy van Horebeek Kent Howerton Neil Hudson

We just showed you the first video that Motus has shot while down at Daytona launching the company’s new sport-tourer to the Bike Week crowd. We’re clearly not on our A-game today (I’m suffering from a nasty head cold, and have to fly in 24 hours to Qatar for the MotoGP test), but luckily our readers are, as one commenter has spotted the fact that Motus switches bikes mid-way through the Daytona video. Sans fairings, …

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AsphaltandRubber/~3/Tp03qSPTB2g/

Roger De Coster Ken De Dycker Yves Demaria Gilbert De Roover Clement Desalle John DeSoto

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

Jaroslav Falta Claudio Federici Tim Ferry Ashley Fiolek Ernesto Fonseca Lauris Freibergs

Red Bull are one of seven F1 teams who finish their pre-season testing today.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/f1fanatic/~3/zkN6fg5Sti8/

Stephane Roncada Gerard Rond Jean Sebastien Roy Alex Salvini Donny Schmit Fritz Schneider

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

Blair Morgan Gaylon Mosier Marvin Musquin Brian Myerscough Maximilian Nagl Kurt Nicoll

Sergio Perez put Sauber on top on the third day of testing at Barcelona.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/f1fanatic/~3/8_EphNSwf4Y/

Travis Pastrana Gautier Paulin David Philippaerts Mickael Pichon Jim Pomeroy Christophe Pourcel

As the countdown to the start of the 2011 MotoGP season continues, the spotlight is intensifying on Valentino Rossi. The pressure created by the magical combination of two Italian legends, Rossi and Ducati, has got marketing and media machines going into overdrive. It has become quite frankly impossible not to write about it.

Rossi himself is managing the situation with great attention to detail. Firstly, with carefully selected media appearances, and secondly, with a carefully constructed media messages. So it came to pass that Rossi turned up on Italian TV, on a talk show called Chiambretti Night, in which he got the chance to talk about his shoulder, his rivals and the Ducati.

read more

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MotoGPMatters/~3/6qzmvS0dI8Q/the_saga_of_rossi_s_shoulder_and_words_f.html

Gaylon Mosier Marvin Musquin Brian Myerscough Maximilian Nagl Kurt Nicoll Bill Nilsson

In case you haven’t been to a pump recently, gas prices are getting more and more expensive lately, thanks mostly in part to the civil unrest in the Middle East (Libya in particular). While the current sticker shock on gas prices is due to temporary issues, the United States is still bracing itself for $5.00/gallon gasoline this summer, which our friends abroad would love to see in their home countries as they pay nearly double …

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AsphaltandRubber/~3/TJTtyc2eN2c/

Jorgen Nilsson Graham Noyce Carl Nunn Johnny O Mara Zach Osborne Trampas Parker

When Valentino Rossi speaks, the world listens. The popularity of the nine-time World Champion is such that fans (and consequently, the media) hang on his every word. Since Rossi switched from Yamaha to Ducati, the scrutiny has become even more intense, every word and action being analyzed a million times for extra levels of meaning.

So when Rossi spoke to Italian magazine MotoSprint (English highlights over on Autosport), there was plenty for the fans and media to get their teeth into. First subject was of course the Desmosedici GP11, and Rossi's struggle to master what is proving to be a highly wayward beast. The problem, Rossi explained, is getting the bike to turn. The Ducati does not want to turn in corners, and Rossi said he was having to slide the rear to get the bike to turn through corners. The team continues to work on setup changes to alter this behavior, and Rossi told Motosprint that he believes that part of the problem will be solved quickly through electronics changes.

read more

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MotoGPMatters/~3/M1ZBHbt5sKo/rossi_on_the_ducati_s_handling_his_fans_.html

Chad Reed Warren Reid Pierre Renet Marc de Reuver Michele Rinaldi Joël Robert

With the final MotoGP test at Qatar just a few days away, and in sight of the season opener a week later, Rizla Suzuki issued a press release previewing the work they have to do at the test. Here's the text of the press release:

Rizla Suzuki ready for the final test

read more

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MotoGPMatters/~3/0S2LmQnhIA4/rizla_suzuki_press_release_bautista_and_.html

Joël Robert Ken Roczen Stephane Roncada Gerard Rond Jean Sebastien Roy Alex Salvini

Rubens Barrichello says the Drag Reduction System could lead to more crashes.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/f1fanatic/~3/COeyIepmXCA/

George Holland Jeremy van Horebeek Kent Howerton Neil Hudson Ryan Hughes Georges Jobe

After much waiting, Motus Motorcycles finally launched its MST sport-tourer to the public today. Unveiled at the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum in Motus’s hometown of Birmingham, Alabama, the American motorcycle manufacturer will head to Florida for the Progressive International Motorcycle Show on Thursday, March 10th for a more public showing. Developed in conjunction with Pratt & Miller Engineering, the Motus MST features the KMV4 motor, a 1,645cc V4 push-rod style engine that include gasoline direct-injection technology (GDI). …

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AsphaltandRubber/~3/UysTb6_YPQY/

Stefan Everts Jaroslav Falta Claudio Federici Tim Ferry Ashley Fiolek Ernesto Fonseca

In the round-up: Lewis Hamilton says McLaren have some catching up to do.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/f1fanatic/~3/UorgPiKvM48/

Jamie Dobb Gert van Doorn John Dowd John Draper Doug Dubach Ryan Dungey

Combined results from all three days of testing at Jerez for the 125cc class:

read more

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MotoGPMatters/~3/iZEO5nYeL1w/2011_125_jerez_irta_test_combine_results.html

Antonio Cairoli Trey Canard Håkan Carlquist Ricky Carmichael Danny Chandler Eric Cheney

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

Victor Leloup Aigar Leok Tanel Leok Billy Liles Ove Lundell Sten Lundin

Dorna keeps pretty tight controls on what information gets out about its business; but when dealing with public entities, some of those figures are bound to come forth. Such is the case with Motorland Aragon, the Spanish track that recently locked in MotoGP through the 2016 season. The cost of hosting MotoGP for the next six years? ?41 million. That figure breaks down into ?6 million for the 2011 round, ?7 million for the 2012 …

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AsphaltandRubber/~3/z2I_wT6yEJA/

Fritz Schneider Darrell Schultz Tommy Searle Gary Semics Andrew Short Shaun Simpson

Finalized results of the last day of testing for the 125cc class at Jerez:

read more

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MotoGPMatters/~3/WYWBKyCIQuI/2011_125_jerez_irta_test_day_2_results_f.html

Kurt Nicoll Bill Nilsson Jorgen Nilsson Graham Noyce Carl Nunn Johnny O Mara

Along with the news of the the 2012 Ducati Multistrada 1200 S Pikes Peak Special Edition (try saying that three times fast!), Ducati North America has announced that it will again compete in the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. Being held this year on June 27th, Greg Tracy and Alexander Smith will again be riding for the Spider Grips Ducati race team as it looks to be the fastest two-wheeler up the mountain. While you …

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AsphaltandRubber/~3/reJsSOGrnZM/

Dave Bickers Anthony Boissiere Frederic Bolley Xavier Boog Damon Bradshaw Goat Breker

Here's the press releases received so far after the second day of testing at Jerez:

A minor crash disrupts Marc Márquez plans in Jerez

read more

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MotoGPMatters/~3/0K_InmphLFY/2011_moto2_jerez_test_saturday_press_rel.html

Andrea Bartolini Willy Bauer Jean Michel Bayle Pit Beirer Christian Beggi Mike Bell

More Moto2 press releases: Andrea Iannone presents the Speed Master team in Milan, and FTR talks about its program and riders for 2011. Here are the press releases:

SPEED MASTER TEAM PRESENTATION, MILAN: "BORN TO WIN"

read more

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MotoGPMatters/~3/N0Bs-wcsN2U/moto2_press_releases_iannone_presents_te.html

Brian Myerscough Maximilian Nagl Kurt Nicoll Bill Nilsson Jorgen Nilsson Graham Noyce

The Moto2 and 125cc riders got a break on Saturday, the weather gods deciding to, if not exactly smile, then at least hold off on the punishment for the second day of the IRTA test at Jerez. The paddock awoke to clear skies, but the cool temperatures and strong wind was hardly conducive to posting fast times, the track still damp and treacherous in patches until well into the afternoon.

The state of the track was illustrated best by the times posted by the 125cc riders. Nico Terol on the startlingly lime green Bankia Aspar continues to dominate the 125 class, though his times are still 1.5 seconds off lap record pace. The opposition is starting to close in, however. Racing Team Germany's Sandro Cortese got within a tenth of a second of last year's runner up, and even led during part of the session, something which has not happened very often so far during pre-season testing. Meanwhile, Maverick Vinales – probably one of the best names for a motorcycle racer for a long time – once again put in an impressive day's testing, keeping hot on the heels of Terol and raising hopes among the Spanish media. The only concern about the Spanish and European 125 champion is how he will fare once the paddock leaves Spain and heads abroad. He has a lot of learning to do.

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Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MotoGPMatters/~3/hphn6Pa0Rtg/2011_moto2_and_125_jerez_test_day_2_roun.html

Tyla Rattray Chad Reed Warren Reid Pierre Renet Marc de Reuver Michele Rinaldi

More Moto2 press releases: Andrea Iannone presents the Speed Master team in Milan, and FTR talks about its program and riders for 2011. Here are the press releases:

SPEED MASTER TEAM PRESENTATION, MILAN: "BORN TO WIN"

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Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MotoGPMatters/~3/N0Bs-wcsN2U/moto2_press_releases_iannone_presents_te.html

John Banks Mark Barnett Jonathan Barragan Andrea Bartolini Willy Bauer Jean Michel Bayle

For the third year running, MotoGP is down to just 17 bikes on the grid. And for the second time in three years, a manufacturer is showing an alarming lack of commitment to the series, Suzuki fielding just one rider for the 2011 season. Sponsors are pulling out and teams are constantly complaining about a lack of money. Something has to be done.

Throughout 2009, MotoGP's rule-making body, the Grand Prix Commission, debated ways of changing the class to make the series cheaper, thereby increasing the number of bikes on the grid. The solution, announced in December 2009, was the return to 1000cc machines under specific restrictions aimed at capping costs: a maximum of four cylinders, and an 81mm maximum bore.

But that in itself was not enough. Throughout the entire process, it was also broadly hinted that the requirement that engines must be prototypes would be dropped for privateer teams, with these so-called Claiming Rule Teams being allowed to run heavily modified production engines in a prototype chassis. To ensure the teams would not be forced to spend on electronics what they saved on engines, the CRT machines would also be allowed an extra 3 liters of fuel above the allowance for the factory machines (for our detailed explanation of exactly what the CRT rules entail, see The 2012 MotoGP Revolution Part 1.)

We have been here before, of course. Back in 2003, the WCM team, under the management of Peter Clifford, entered two 990cc Harris WCM MotoGP machines, their engines based on the dimensions of Yamaha's R1, housed in a prototype frame produced by Harris. The WCM bikes turned up at the first race of the year, but were disqualified by scrutineering as not being a fully prototype machine.

The same pressure that eventually killed off the WCM project also threatens the CRT teams, and the arguments that kept the WCM off the grid for the first half of the 2003 season are being brought up again for the CRT bikes.

read more

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MotoGPMatters/~3/s0rUY-APLSU/the_2012_motogp_revolution_part_2_motogp.html

Brian Myerscough Maximilian Nagl Kurt Nicoll Bill Nilsson Jorgen Nilsson Graham Noyce

HRT have confirmed Vitantonio Liuzzi will drive for them in 2011.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/f1fanatic/~3/PupDBPBIAoE/

Jimmy Button Michael Byrne Antonio Cairoli Trey Canard Håkan Carlquist Ricky Carmichael

As far as we can tell right now, you can get the 2012 MV Agusta F3 in just about any color you want, as long as it’s white & red. While the F3 looks good in the classic MV Agusta livery, that fact didn’t stop some Italian fanatics from photoshopping the bike into a variety of other color schemes MV has used over the years. Big ups to our commenters for pointing them out to …

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AsphaltandRubber/~3/zF72xU35kK8/

Paul Malin Jacky Martens Christophe Martin Mickael Maschio Connor McGechan Jeremy McGrath

Combined results from all three days of testing at Jerez for the 125cc class:

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Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MotoGPMatters/~3/iZEO5nYeL1w/2011_125_jerez_irta_test_combine_results.html

Frederic Bolley Xavier Boog Damon Bradshaw Goat Breker Sven Breugelmans Larry Brooks

Here's the press releases received so far after the second day of testing at Jerez:

A minor crash disrupts Marc Márquez plans in Jerez

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Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MotoGPMatters/~3/0K_InmphLFY/2011_moto2_jerez_test_saturday_press_rel.html

Zach Osborne Trampas Parker Travis Pastrana Gautier Paulin David Philippaerts Mickael Pichon

You can file this one under “news we broke a month ago,” but Zero Motorcycles has finally officially announced the departure of company founder Neal Saiki, despite sending an email to its employees last week that Saiki had not been sacked from his position. According to Zero Motorcycles, Saiki is leaving his position to enter into the Igor I. Sikorski Human Powered Helicopter Competition, which Saiki first competed in while attending Cal Poly as aeronautical engineering student …

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AsphaltandRubber/~3/SyBYj9RyC5w/

Andrew McFarlane Brett Metcalfe Heikki Mikkola Auguste Mingels Marty Moates Guennady Moisseev

Results of the first day of testing for the 125cc class at Jerez, courtesy of Motoworld.es:

read more

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MotoGPMatters/~3/QpkvczbWSNo/2011_125_jerez_irta_test_day_1_results_t.html

Richard Eierstedt Jimmy Ellis Jeff Emig Harry Everts Stefan Everts Jaroslav Falta

With the MotoGP season about to begin, all eyes are on Rossi and what he and Jeremy Burgess have been able to accomplish with the Ducati GP11. Will Valentino be thinking of his glory days under the lights on his beloved Yamaha M1? This image, from 2009, shows Valentino in peak form as he began his final championship season with Yamaha. Though Casey Stoner won by almost eight seconds, Rossi began his title chase with …

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AsphaltandRubber/~3/uLT-e1eCqiQ/

Clement Desalle John DeSoto Tony DiStefano Jamie Dobb Gert van Doorn John Dowd

The FIA has set a deadline for Bahrain to decide if its race can take place this year.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/f1fanatic/~3/8ZDSu8zOieg/

Daryl Ecklund Erik Eggens Richard Eierstedt Jimmy Ellis Jeff Emig Harry Everts

For the third year running, MotoGP is down to just 17 bikes on the grid. And for the second time in three years, a manufacturer is showing an alarming lack of commitment to the series, Suzuki fielding just one rider for the 2011 season. Sponsors are pulling out and teams are constantly complaining about a lack of money. Something has to be done.

Throughout 2009, MotoGP's rule-making body, the Grand Prix Commission, debated ways of changing the class to make the series cheaper, thereby increasing the number of bikes on the grid. The solution, announced in December 2009, was the return to 1000cc machines under specific restrictions aimed at capping costs: a maximum of four cylinders, and an 81mm maximum bore.

But that in itself was not enough. Throughout the entire process, it was also broadly hinted that the requirement that engines must be prototypes would be dropped for privateer teams, with these so-called Claiming Rule Teams being allowed to run heavily modified production engines in a prototype chassis. To ensure the teams would not be forced to spend on electronics what they saved on engines, the CRT machines would also be allowed an extra 3 liters of fuel above the allowance for the factory machines (for our detailed explanation of exactly what the CRT rules entail, see The 2012 MotoGP Revolution Part 1.)

We have been here before, of course. Back in 2003, the WCM team, under the management of Peter Clifford, entered two 990cc Harris WCM MotoGP machines, their engines based on the dimensions of Yamaha's R1, housed in a prototype frame produced by Harris. The WCM bikes turned up at the first race of the year, but were disqualified by scrutineering as not being a fully prototype machine.

The same pressure that eventually killed off the WCM project also threatens the CRT teams, and the arguments that kept the WCM off the grid for the first half of the 2003 season are being brought up again for the CRT bikes.

read more

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MotoGPMatters/~3/s0rUY-APLSU/the_2012_motogp_revolution_part_2_motogp.html

Gary Jones Mark Jones Ake Jonsson Julien Bill Pierre Karsmakers Vladimir Kavinov

Pictures from today’s test session at the Circuit de Catalunya.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/f1fanatic/~3/viwopPf4Hak/

Andre Malherbe Paul Malin Jacky Martens Christophe Martin Mickael Maschio Connor McGechan

On the eve of the final and official test for the Moto2 class, the IRTA test at Jerez, teams are staging their official launches at various places around the Iberian peninsula. Last weekend, it was the turn of Kev Coghlan's Motorsports 69 time, run by Alex Debon, and on Thursday, Marc Marquez took center stage for the launch of the Repsol / Catalunya Caixa Moto2 team. Below are the press releases from the respective launches:

read more

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MotoGPMatters/~3/xzbPQON2tus/moto2_team_launches_kev_coghlan_and_marc.html

Xavier Boog Damon Bradshaw Goat Breker Sven Breugelmans Larry Brooks Mike Brown

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

George Holland Jeremy van Horebeek Kent Howerton Neil Hudson Ryan Hughes Georges Jobe

Finalized results of the last day of testing for the 125cc class at Jerez:

read more

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MotoGPMatters/~3/WYWBKyCIQuI/2011_125_jerez_irta_test_day_2_results_f.html

Gaylon Mosier Marvin Musquin Brian Myerscough Maximilian Nagl Kurt Nicoll Bill Nilsson

Things will be a little slow on Asphalt & Rubber today, as we?re in Los Angeles testing the new Ducati Diavel. We’ll be spending most of the day figuring out how to turn with a 240mm rear tire, and getting rocketed by the Diavel’s 162hp reported power figure. You can follow our thoughts on the bike via Twitter, and our last five tweets will automatically post here on this post. While we ride The Devil, the press …

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AsphaltandRubber/~3/hVsAFtJ1dsE/

Zach Osborne Trampas Parker Travis Pastrana Gautier Paulin David Philippaerts Mickael Pichon

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

Maximilian Nagl Kurt Nicoll Bill Nilsson Jorgen Nilsson Graham Noyce Carl Nunn

On the eve of the final and official test for the Moto2 class, the IRTA test at Jerez, teams are staging their official launches at various places around the Iberian peninsula. Last weekend, it was the turn of Kev Coghlan's Motorsports 69 time, run by Alex Debon, and on Thursday, Marc Marquez took center stage for the launch of the Repsol / Catalunya Caixa Moto2 team. Below are the press releases from the respective launches:

read more

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MotoGPMatters/~3/xzbPQON2tus/moto2_team_launches_kev_coghlan_and_marc.html

Warren Reid Pierre Renet Marc de Reuver Michele Rinaldi Joël Robert Ken Roczen

Klien is confident he has a chance at the second HRT seat.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/f1fanatic/~3/8-nyv3PVPPM/

Danny LaPorte Mike LaRocco Jason Lawrence Ron Lechien Jeff Leisk Victor Leloup

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

Ryan Dungey Vic Eastwood Daryl Ecklund Erik Eggens Richard Eierstedt Jimmy Ellis

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

Michele Rinaldi Joël Robert Ken Roczen Stephane Roncada Gerard Rond Jean Sebastien Roy

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

Bobby Moore Blair Morgan Gaylon Mosier Marvin Musquin Brian Myerscough Maximilian Nagl

Klien is confident he has a chance at the second HRT seat.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/f1fanatic/~3/8-nyv3PVPPM/

Broc Glover Rui Goncalves Josh Grant Billy Grossi Davide Guarneri Thomas Hahn

Naturally with the new MV Agusta F3 supersport, which according to MV Agusta will be available in the Fall of 2011, comes the news that we’ll be seeing a naked version of the 675cc three-cylinder motorcycle. Dubbed the Brutalina by Castiglioni, the MV Agusta Brutale B3 675 seems a more appropriate and official name for the smaller Brutale, and is a sign the project is becoming more cohesive. While official details are still scarce, judging …

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AsphaltandRubber/~3/3wf3jCJttUM/

Claudio Federici Tim Ferry Ashley Fiolek Ernesto Fonseca Lauris Freibergs Paul Friedrichs

Finalized results of the last day of testing for the Moto2 class at Jerez:

read more

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MotoGPMatters/~3/n4h_pbrcux8/2011_moto2_jerez_irta_test_day_3_results.html

Jaromir Cizek Guy Cooper Paul Cooper Josh Coppins Cody Copper Gordon Crockard

While for most Americans it’s still too inclement to ride our motorcycles, Palatinus Attila sees the frozen terrain as an opportunity. As our bikes remain shut away in their garages until spring time, this intrepid lad has taken out his power drill, several hundred screws, a bit of patience, and transformed his CBR600F4 from street machine to ice queen. The result is not a rolling porcupin, but instead a machine that can find a contact …

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AsphaltandRubber/~3/X4rSh1B2C30/

Donnie Hansen Torlief Hansen Marcus Hansson Doug Henry Broc Hepler Rob Herring

Finalized results of the last day of testing for the Moto2 class at Jerez:

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Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MotoGPMatters/~3/n4h_pbrcux8/2011_moto2_jerez_irta_test_day_3_results.html

Vic Eastwood Daryl Ecklund Erik Eggens Richard Eierstedt Jimmy Ellis Jeff Emig

Lewis Hamilton says driving on slower tyres is “just not exciting.”

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/f1fanatic/~3/-oM6qji11b4/

Neil Hudson Ryan Hughes Georges Jobe Gunnar Johansson Peter Johansson Rick Johnson

The planets must have aligned oddly in the past 24hrs, as there has been an over-abundance of news about motorcycle racing venues in the past day or so. In addition to the reports that Donington Park has gotten the go-ahead to host the WSBK European round at the end of this month, we’ve also gotten word that the Spanish track of Jerez has hit financial troubles, which could jeopardize the track on MotoGP’s calendar. A …

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AsphaltandRubber/~3/5QFf-vBy9nE/

Gary Jones Mark Jones Ake Jonsson Julien Bill Pierre Karsmakers Vladimir Kavinov

It isn't just the Moto2 teams launching this week, the San Carlo Gresini Honda team held their launch at Monza, presenting Hiroshi Aoyama and MotoGP's own Fabulous Furry Freak Brother Marco Simoncelli to the media. The team is more than just a satellite team, though: team boss Fausto Gresini told GPOne.com's Alice Margaria that the team was now a "100% factory team," and he had high hopes for both of his riders. Below is the press release from the launch:

ALBERTO VITALONI AND FAUSTO GRESINI 'MASTERS OF CEREMONY' AT TEAM SAN CARLO HONDA GRESINI 2011 PRESENTATION

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Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MotoGPMatters/~3/IEj8kSZbtT0/another_motogp_launch_san_carlo_gresini_.html

Tommy Searle Gary Semics Andrew Short Shaun Simpson Joël Smets Jeff Smith

Despite newly announced title sponsor Samsung, British Superbike squad Crescent Racing will not enter John Hopkins as a wildcard entry for the Donington Park round of World Superbike racing as previously expected. Instead, both the American rider and his new teammate, reigning BST Champion Jon Kirkham, will be entered for the British WSBK round at Silverstone later in the season. Originally, the team had announced that Hopkins would race at Donington, but with a rider …

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AsphaltandRubber/~3/3fxWrFRdTYM/

Harry Everts Stefan Everts Jaroslav Falta Claudio Federici Tim Ferry Ashley Fiolek

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

Jonathan Barragan Andrea Bartolini Willy Bauer Jean Michel Bayle Pit Beirer Christian Beggi

Things will be a little slow on Asphalt & Rubber today, as we?re in Los Angeles testing the new Ducati Diavel. We’ll be spending most of the day figuring out how to turn with a 240mm rear tire, and getting rocketed by the Diavel’s 162hp reported power figure. You can follow our thoughts on the bike via Twitter, and our last five tweets will automatically post here on this post. While we ride The Devil, the press …

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AsphaltandRubber/~3/hVsAFtJ1dsE/

David Philippaerts Mickael Pichon Jim Pomeroy Christophe Pourcel Sebastien Pourcel Wyman Priddy