Friday, 19 March 2010
Casey Stoner set the fastest lap of the final pre-season MotoGP Test in Qatar as the 17 World Championship riders completed their on-track preparations ahead of the start of the 2010 season.
Qatar Official Test – Day 2 Highlights
The third and final pre-season Test ended in Qatar on Friday with Ducati Marlboro rider Casey Stoner the quickest across the two evenings. A best lap of 1’55.353 set under the Losail floodlights came on the second night, before he had a fall on his Desmosedici GP10 which did not result in any injury. The Australian’s time was less than a tenth of a second off his 2009 pole position time at the circuit.
Valentino Rossi, who had topped the timesheet in the two previous Tests at Sepang and was fastest in the opening session in Qatar, was less than five-hundredths of a second behind Stoner as he worked on electronics on his Fiat Yamaha M1. The Italian’s best time placed him second overall.
Repsol Honda rider Andrea Dovizioso was a further 0.4s down the timings as he achieved a better chassis setting on his factory RC212V prototype. The Italian’s lap of 1’55.879 was set in the second session, with Ben Spies’ (Monster Yamaha Tech3) fine effort of 1’55.954 from the previous night the fourth and final under the 1’56” mark. Spies was the highest placing rookie of the Test, as he confirmed his setting on the M1 for the opening race at the circuit. The Texan experienced a fall on each of the two evenings, neither of which resulted in any ill effects as he rode for the first time under the circuit’s floodlights.
Nicky Hayden rounded out the top five for the Test with a time of 1’56.115. The American suffered a crash late in session two at the same point – Turn 2 – as Stoner and was unharmed, and he was followed by Loris Capirossi of the Rizla Suzuki team. The Italian tried new chassis and swingarm components on his GSV-R, which produced results in the second session to place him as the final rider within a second of Stoner thanks to a time of 1’56.195.
Jorge Lorenzo arrived in Qatar carrying the hand injury that prevented him from participating at the last Test in Malaysia, but the Spanish Fiat Yamaha rider pushed through the pain barrier. His time of 1’56.504 put him in seventh position overall and was equal with that of Randy de Puniet (LCR Honda).
Monster Yamaha Tech3’s Colin Edwards (1’56.540) – who was also a victim of a fall in the second session, again at Turn 2 – and Mika Kallio of Pramac Racing (1’56.767) rounded off the top ten times.
Notably outside the top ten was Dani Pedrosa, as the Repsol Honda rider ended the Test 13th fastest overall at just over 1.5s off the top time. He was followed in the times by Marco Melandri (San Carlo Honda Gresini) who had a very late crash in session two – as did his team-mate, rookie Marco Simoncelli.
You can see the combined times for both nights of the Test by clicking here.
The riders will return to the circuit for the start of the 2010 MotoGP World Championship on April 11th for the Commercialbank Grand Prix of Qatar. You can follow all the action on motogp.com
Saturday, 20 March 2010
Tuesday, 16 March 2010
Jorge Lorenzo to take part in Qatar Test
Monday, 15 March 2010
The Fiat Yamaha rider will be present at the Losail International Circuit for the final pre-season Test this week, four weeks after breaking a bone in his right thumb during a training accident.
Jorge Lorenzo’s pre-season preparations will continue in Qatar this week, after it was confirmed that he will take part in the final official pre-season test, which is scheduled for Thursday 18th and Friday 19th March.
The 22 year-old broke a bone in his right thumb during a training accident four weeks ago and was unable to take part in the second test at Sepang at the end of February, but he has now been given the all-clear by his doctor to again ride his M1 machine after recuperating at his home in Barcelona.
Lorenzo’s recovery has gone well and his hand is no longer swollen, although physiotherapy will continue in order to keep repairing the muscle around the break. The Spanish rider’s doctor has confirmed there is no risk to the broken bone from riding, but that he will need to wait until testing starts in order to find out if he will be able to ride and use the brake at full strength.
“Today we are leaving for Qatar for the last winter test,” said Lorenzo. “I think that it is important that we are there. The fracture happened less than five weeks ago, but we could not have missed this last test because it would have been negative for our preparation; we are not far from the first race of the season! The doctor has made a special carbon fibre protection and Dainese have modified my glove, in order to further protect the fracture, so we will see how we get on.”
Lorenzo’s Team Manager, Wilco Zeelenberg, said: “We are happy that Jorge will be back for this last pre-season test at Qatar! Of course we have had to miss a whole test but we are confident that we can make up for lost time because the 2010 bike proved to be very competitive the first time we used it. We will have to wait to see how Jorge's hand feels when he starts riding, but we do not take anything for granted. Yamaha will give him all the support and time he needs to return to full strength.”
The Fiat Yamaha rider will be present at the Losail International Circuit for the final pre-season Test this week, four weeks after breaking a bone in his right thumb during a training accident.
Jorge Lorenzo’s pre-season preparations will continue in Qatar this week, after it was confirmed that he will take part in the final official pre-season test, which is scheduled for Thursday 18th and Friday 19th March.
The 22 year-old broke a bone in his right thumb during a training accident four weeks ago and was unable to take part in the second test at Sepang at the end of February, but he has now been given the all-clear by his doctor to again ride his M1 machine after recuperating at his home in Barcelona.
Lorenzo’s recovery has gone well and his hand is no longer swollen, although physiotherapy will continue in order to keep repairing the muscle around the break. The Spanish rider’s doctor has confirmed there is no risk to the broken bone from riding, but that he will need to wait until testing starts in order to find out if he will be able to ride and use the brake at full strength.
“Today we are leaving for Qatar for the last winter test,” said Lorenzo. “I think that it is important that we are there. The fracture happened less than five weeks ago, but we could not have missed this last test because it would have been negative for our preparation; we are not far from the first race of the season! The doctor has made a special carbon fibre protection and Dainese have modified my glove, in order to further protect the fracture, so we will see how we get on.”
Lorenzo’s Team Manager, Wilco Zeelenberg, said: “We are happy that Jorge will be back for this last pre-season test at Qatar! Of course we have had to miss a whole test but we are confident that we can make up for lost time because the 2010 bike proved to be very competitive the first time we used it. We will have to wait to see how Jorge's hand feels when he starts riding, but we do not take anything for granted. Yamaha will give him all the support and time he needs to return to full strength.”
Monday, 15 March 2010
Dani Pedrosa and the 2010 version of the Honda RC212V
Sunday, 14 March 2010
Dani Pedrosa and the 2010 version of the Honda RC212V were on show at the MotoGP team’s official presentation in Madrid on Saturday.
The Repsol Honda Team held its official launch in Madrid, Spain on Saturday with the start of the 2010 MotoGP season just under one month away. Spanish rider Dani Pedrosa was the star of show held in front of 7000 fans at the Palacio de Deportes de la Comunidad de Madrid. The event was timed to coincide with the penultimate round of the FIM Indoor Trial World Championship at the same venue.
Appropriately, Pedrosa rode a trials bike onto the stage before a machine he is more familiar with - his Honda RC212V race bike - was dramatically lowered from the roof of the arena. Andrea Dovizioso, Pedrosa’s Repsol Honda team-mate was also due to attend the team launch but, having suffered from a fever over the last few days and with the final pre-season test taking place in Qatar this coming week, the Italian wisely elected to stay at home to speed his recovery. Dovizioso sent a special message to his fans from his home in Forli, Italy.
In 2010 the partnership between Repsol and Honda will enter its 16th season and it is an association which has made “Repsol Honda” one of the most recognisable team names in motorcycle racing history. Pedrosa and Dovizioso will be riding the latest evolution of Honda’s 800cc four-stroke RC212V race machine, which features a new chassis and swing-arm and an upgraded electronics package.
Dani Pedrosa: “To be here for the Repsol Honda Team launch and to see the support of all our fans is a great feeling. I’m feeling really motivated for the coming season and our targets are clear - to improve in every area and consistently fight for race wins. I’m starting this season in a really positive mood. In general it has been a very good winter for me and much better than the last one. I have been able to do a lot of physical training and work on my fitness levels. Also I was able to rest after the end of the last season and, even though I had a small operation to remove a screw from my wrist, the recovery period after this was very short and I can begin the year in very good shape. The training will help me a lot throughout the season to maintain my maximum performance.”
He continued: “At the last test in Sepang we couldn’t make all the progress we would have like to have done, but we still have two more days of testing ahead of us and we will take the maximum profit from them to prepare for the first race. In Qatar we will be working to improve a few more areas with the machine and I’m sure that when we solve these issues we will take a big step forward - and I hope to do it in Qatar. I’m looking forward to this season.”
Andrea Dovizioso: “I’m really sorry not to able to attend the Repsol Team Launch but unfortunately high fever and flu are keeping me in bed, and at this moment of the season with the Qatar test taking place next week, our priority is to be fit and ready for the last test of the winter. Our common goal is to be competitive from round one - we all want to see the Repsol Honda machines fighting at the front every Sunday.”
Dovizioso added: “We have all worked hard during the winter: Honda has improved all aspects of the package, and from our side we have been committed in training as well as giving direction to the development team. We know that it won’t be easy but we will give our best to fight with the fastest riders every race weekend. I’m very happy to be in the factory Repsol Honda Team for a second year.”
The Repsol Honda Team begins its assault on the MotoGP World Championship at the opening round of the season on April 11th at the Losail International Circuit in Qatar, and will be present at the final pre-season official test at the same circuit on Thursday 18th and Friday 19th of March.
Dani Pedrosa and the 2010 version of the Honda RC212V were on show at the MotoGP team’s official presentation in Madrid on Saturday.
The Repsol Honda Team held its official launch in Madrid, Spain on Saturday with the start of the 2010 MotoGP season just under one month away. Spanish rider Dani Pedrosa was the star of show held in front of 7000 fans at the Palacio de Deportes de la Comunidad de Madrid. The event was timed to coincide with the penultimate round of the FIM Indoor Trial World Championship at the same venue.
Appropriately, Pedrosa rode a trials bike onto the stage before a machine he is more familiar with - his Honda RC212V race bike - was dramatically lowered from the roof of the arena. Andrea Dovizioso, Pedrosa’s Repsol Honda team-mate was also due to attend the team launch but, having suffered from a fever over the last few days and with the final pre-season test taking place in Qatar this coming week, the Italian wisely elected to stay at home to speed his recovery. Dovizioso sent a special message to his fans from his home in Forli, Italy.
In 2010 the partnership between Repsol and Honda will enter its 16th season and it is an association which has made “Repsol Honda” one of the most recognisable team names in motorcycle racing history. Pedrosa and Dovizioso will be riding the latest evolution of Honda’s 800cc four-stroke RC212V race machine, which features a new chassis and swing-arm and an upgraded electronics package.
Dani Pedrosa: “To be here for the Repsol Honda Team launch and to see the support of all our fans is a great feeling. I’m feeling really motivated for the coming season and our targets are clear - to improve in every area and consistently fight for race wins. I’m starting this season in a really positive mood. In general it has been a very good winter for me and much better than the last one. I have been able to do a lot of physical training and work on my fitness levels. Also I was able to rest after the end of the last season and, even though I had a small operation to remove a screw from my wrist, the recovery period after this was very short and I can begin the year in very good shape. The training will help me a lot throughout the season to maintain my maximum performance.”
He continued: “At the last test in Sepang we couldn’t make all the progress we would have like to have done, but we still have two more days of testing ahead of us and we will take the maximum profit from them to prepare for the first race. In Qatar we will be working to improve a few more areas with the machine and I’m sure that when we solve these issues we will take a big step forward - and I hope to do it in Qatar. I’m looking forward to this season.”
Andrea Dovizioso: “I’m really sorry not to able to attend the Repsol Team Launch but unfortunately high fever and flu are keeping me in bed, and at this moment of the season with the Qatar test taking place next week, our priority is to be fit and ready for the last test of the winter. Our common goal is to be competitive from round one - we all want to see the Repsol Honda machines fighting at the front every Sunday.”
Dovizioso added: “We have all worked hard during the winter: Honda has improved all aspects of the package, and from our side we have been committed in training as well as giving direction to the development team. We know that it won’t be easy but we will give our best to fight with the fastest riders every race weekend. I’m very happy to be in the factory Repsol Honda Team for a second year.”
The Repsol Honda Team begins its assault on the MotoGP World Championship at the opening round of the season on April 11th at the Losail International Circuit in Qatar, and will be present at the final pre-season official test at the same circuit on Thursday 18th and Friday 19th of March.
Sunday, 14 March 2010
Rossi distinguished by Italian government with award
The nine times World Champion was honoured yesterday by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the image he portrays of his country on an international level.
Valentino Rossi receives award from Italian Foreign Ministry
Reigning MotoGP World Champion Valentino Rossi was received in the Villa Madama in Rome last night by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where Minister Franco Frattini awarded him the first ‘Winning Italy Award’. The Italian star was praised for his vast number of race victories (103 to date) which has seen the Italian national anthem played on five continents.
Personalities such as Vito Ippolito (President of the FIM), Carmelo Ezpeleta (CEO of Dorna), and MotoGP legend Giacomo Agostini were all present, as were ambassadors of the various countries in which the World Championship takes place and personal invitees of Rossi. The highlight of the evening was the award by Minister Frattini to Rossi of a trophy with the inscription ‘Winning Doctor, ambassador of Made in Italy’. Rossi then took questions from the media and spoke on the present and the future.
“Since I returned to Italy I have distanced myself from some people, and now I have returned to surround myself with real friends,” said Rossi. “I am again enjoying the sport and the desire to compete, so I think I will continue for some more years. The trick to staying on top for a long time is having fun. This is the motivation I prefer and avoids controversy. When I was younger I was entertained by that.”
With the media not missing the chance to ask questions about a possible future at Ducati, Rossi was more clear than ever on the subject. “An Italian on an Italian bike would be nice, yes. But I think I want to stay with Yamaha, which is also a little bit Italian. I would feel like a traitor if I acted any other way, because I feel very good with them.”
Rossi then looked forward to the 2010 World Championship, and said: “The young riders in Stoner and Lorenzo seem to me to be more prepared than the old adversaries of Biaggi and Gibernau. Who do I fear the most? Perhaps Stoner, but only because Jorge is injured and will need a few Grands Prix to fully recover.”
Concluding, Rossi gave praise and recognition Giacomo Agostini, whom he embraced at the end of the ceremony.
“I do not know if I will ever overtake him,” said Rossi. “To go where he has been requires a courage which is not comparable to that needed today.”
Valentino Rossi receives award from Italian Foreign Ministry
Reigning MotoGP World Champion Valentino Rossi was received in the Villa Madama in Rome last night by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where Minister Franco Frattini awarded him the first ‘Winning Italy Award’. The Italian star was praised for his vast number of race victories (103 to date) which has seen the Italian national anthem played on five continents.
Personalities such as Vito Ippolito (President of the FIM), Carmelo Ezpeleta (CEO of Dorna), and MotoGP legend Giacomo Agostini were all present, as were ambassadors of the various countries in which the World Championship takes place and personal invitees of Rossi. The highlight of the evening was the award by Minister Frattini to Rossi of a trophy with the inscription ‘Winning Doctor, ambassador of Made in Italy’. Rossi then took questions from the media and spoke on the present and the future.
“Since I returned to Italy I have distanced myself from some people, and now I have returned to surround myself with real friends,” said Rossi. “I am again enjoying the sport and the desire to compete, so I think I will continue for some more years. The trick to staying on top for a long time is having fun. This is the motivation I prefer and avoids controversy. When I was younger I was entertained by that.”
With the media not missing the chance to ask questions about a possible future at Ducati, Rossi was more clear than ever on the subject. “An Italian on an Italian bike would be nice, yes. But I think I want to stay with Yamaha, which is also a little bit Italian. I would feel like a traitor if I acted any other way, because I feel very good with them.”
Rossi then looked forward to the 2010 World Championship, and said: “The young riders in Stoner and Lorenzo seem to me to be more prepared than the old adversaries of Biaggi and Gibernau. Who do I fear the most? Perhaps Stoner, but only because Jorge is injured and will need a few Grands Prix to fully recover.”
Concluding, Rossi gave praise and recognition Giacomo Agostini, whom he embraced at the end of the ceremony.
“I do not know if I will ever overtake him,” said Rossi. “To go where he has been requires a courage which is not comparable to that needed today.”
Tuesday, 9 March 2010
The Thrills and Spills of a Motorcycle Racing Holiday
For something a little different this year, why not visit a sporting event whilst on your holidays? There are so many different sports to choose from and some take place in very exotic locations, so you won't miss out if you are looking for sun, sea and sand! Some sporting events, such as MotoGP and Formula 1 run a series of racing events which take place all over the world, so you could book your holiday to coincide with the race you want to see and travel to watch it live in between all that relaxation. Every sport has it's heroes and no doubt you will have your own favourite, so just think how fun it would be to actually see them excelling in their sport.
Live MotoGP
There is nothing like watching sport live at the actual venue, it doesn't matter what the sport is, it is so much better to see it 'in the flesh.' When you attend, you get the whole atmosphere, all the sights, sounds and smells, and, you can actually feel that buzz of excitement rippling through the crowds. With MotoGP, you can have tickets that allow you access to see what goes on behind the scenes and of course you will get to watch all the warm up and qualifying rounds. This will give you a taste of things to come and let you see who is in good form and who will be in poll position for the actual race. The race itself will be an event never to be forgotten and you will be there to see all the action up close and personal. Often there are races of a lower calibre before the main event and these can be very exciting and entertaining. You can see the racers of the future honing their skills and learning their trade.
Paddock Watching
Round the paddock there is plenty to see, including the teams who work behind the scenes on the bikes. It is fascinating to watch them at work as they really do work as a team and each person has his own job and knows exactly what to do and when so that the bike is back on the track as fast as possible. The smell of engines and rubber is very distinctive and nothing can prepare you for the noise, it is deafening but there is something so very exciting about the roar of the engines and it really does get your blood pumping. The speed is incredible and of course any accidents are fraught with danger and of course the danger is part of the appeal.
Racing Around the Globe
As there are so many locations around the globe, you really can have a very special holiday or if you prefer you can go away for a long weekend if the venue you choose is not too far away. It is certainly something you will never forget and you may even get a bit hooked, so can't wait to plan your next jaunt!
Motorcycle racing, whether it is WorldSuperBikes or MotoGP, is one of those spectator sports that never fails to give one a real 'buzz'. Watching those bikes zooming about, those death defying wheelies at 90mph and the way they take corners, just sets the blood racing. There is no better way to see this action other than live, and BigRock Holidays are the experts at organising motorcycle racing holidays. See http://www.bigrock-holidays.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Graham_Baylis_Jr
Live MotoGP
There is nothing like watching sport live at the actual venue, it doesn't matter what the sport is, it is so much better to see it 'in the flesh.' When you attend, you get the whole atmosphere, all the sights, sounds and smells, and, you can actually feel that buzz of excitement rippling through the crowds. With MotoGP, you can have tickets that allow you access to see what goes on behind the scenes and of course you will get to watch all the warm up and qualifying rounds. This will give you a taste of things to come and let you see who is in good form and who will be in poll position for the actual race. The race itself will be an event never to be forgotten and you will be there to see all the action up close and personal. Often there are races of a lower calibre before the main event and these can be very exciting and entertaining. You can see the racers of the future honing their skills and learning their trade.
Paddock Watching
Round the paddock there is plenty to see, including the teams who work behind the scenes on the bikes. It is fascinating to watch them at work as they really do work as a team and each person has his own job and knows exactly what to do and when so that the bike is back on the track as fast as possible. The smell of engines and rubber is very distinctive and nothing can prepare you for the noise, it is deafening but there is something so very exciting about the roar of the engines and it really does get your blood pumping. The speed is incredible and of course any accidents are fraught with danger and of course the danger is part of the appeal.
Racing Around the Globe
As there are so many locations around the globe, you really can have a very special holiday or if you prefer you can go away for a long weekend if the venue you choose is not too far away. It is certainly something you will never forget and you may even get a bit hooked, so can't wait to plan your next jaunt!
Motorcycle racing, whether it is WorldSuperBikes or MotoGP, is one of those spectator sports that never fails to give one a real 'buzz'. Watching those bikes zooming about, those death defying wheelies at 90mph and the way they take corners, just sets the blood racing. There is no better way to see this action other than live, and BigRock Holidays are the experts at organising motorcycle racing holidays. See http://www.bigrock-holidays.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Graham_Baylis_Jr
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