Moto GP

[Rev004]

Hey Fellers it must be at least a week since someone posted anything so here is some more info..

Haven't seen anything official yet but apparently Stoner's wrist recovery isn't come on as planned and is struggling so I spose we will have to wait and see.



Vermeulen: “Winter improvements demonstrate Suzuki focus”
Wednesday, 18 February 2009

Rizla Suzukiâ€s Chris Vermeulen says his teamâ€s positive test at Sepang proves significant improvements are being made with the GSV-R, but insists there is still a long way to go before the season starts.


Following an inconsistent season for Chris Vermeulen and Loris Capirossi in 2008 the Rizla Suzuki team hope to hit the ground running this year and the initial signs from the first MotoGP test of the preseason at Sepang, earlier this month, were certainly positive.

Vermeulen registered best laps in the top six on the timesheet on all three days of the South East Asian exercise and his colleague Capirossi was the top man on day one.

The two riders gave the Japanese factory a clear list of development targets over the winter and progress has apparently been significant. Vermeulen told motogp.com, “We had a very good test in Sepang, thanks to the Suzuki factory and how hard they were working in the two months we had off. They brought a lot of new parts. The strong area with our bike is still corner entry, on the chassis side it works quite well and they took a good step with the electronics on the bike. I guess the area we still need to work on is engine performance and how the bike puts the power on the ground.”

The Australianâ€s viewpoint is that whilst the clear improvements are a good step, one test is not enough to get over-excited about and the hard work must continue.

“We have definitely closed the gap to the front guys,” remarked the Queenslander. “But Sepang has been a reasonable circuit for Suzuki in the past so we are hoping that when we get to other places like Qatar, which hasnâ€t been so good for us, we take good steps there too.”

“The improvements show how hard the company are working,” he continued. “I know financially times are tough for all the manufacturers, but it goes to show that Suzuki are still focused on what they want to do and that is to win races at MotoGP level and hopefully a championship.”

When asked about the good form of some of MotoGPâ€s more experienced riders in Sepang, including Valentino Rossi, Colin Edwards and his own team-mate Capirossi, who is about to undertake his 20th season of Grand Prix racing Vermeulen replied playfully, “Loris started in GPs just after Noah finished building his ark!”

But the 26 year-old was 100% serious about the attributes that his veteran Italian friend brings to the table, as he stated, “The experience of all those guys helps their teams without a doubt and it is great working with someone like Loris. He has ridden so many different types of bikes, he knows when circuits are good, when they are slippery and so on. Iâ€m definitely learning from his experience. With new things happening like the tyre rule the experience helps and I guess that is why we, as a team, same team as last year, same mechanics, same riders, got straight out of the box and went quick.”

Giving an indication of how he had spent his spare time in the winter break, which coincides with summer in his native Brisbane, Vermeulen concluded, “I have added my 1933 Ford Coupe to my collection here in Australia as I had that in the UK, so now I have five old cars here and we have been busy playing with them all, driving them around. Other than that we have been spending time on the water, I have a nice sailing boat here. I have been sailing when I can, spending time at the beach, catching up with friends and riding motorcross bikes as well. Itâ€s a tough life, but somebody has got to do it!”



Toseland-Edwards rift good news for Tech 3 says Poncharal
Tuesday, 17 February 2009

Tech 3 Yamaha boss Herve Poncharal has admitted his riders Colin Edwards and James Toseland are not best friends at present, due to their crew chief swap at the end of 2008, but the Frenchman says the rift will motivate his riders.


Following the arrival of James Toseland on the MotoGP scene last year he immediately hit it off with his new team-mate Colin Edwards as the two riders joined the Tech 3 Yamaha team and began work with their new crew chiefs.

Edwards, working with his crew chief Garry Reinders, was more than happy to provide the rookie Toseland, who was working with Guy Coulon, with a helping hand along the way as the Englishman learned the ropes in MotoGP.

However, at the end of the season, with Edwards finishing seventh in the standings and Toselandâ€s form dipping in the second half of the year as he eventually finished eleventh, Tech 3 Yamaha manager Herve Poncharal received a request from Toseland to work with Reinders in his sophomore campaign.

Poncharal considered all options and spoke to all parties concerned before agreeing to the switch, which angered Edwards, prompting a number of outspoken comments from the American rider in recent weeks.

Having outperformed Toseland at the first test of the year in Sepang Edwards admitted that he was not talking to his team-mate and pointed out the significant difference in their lap times, with Toseland apparently slowed down by a first day crash.

As Poncharal explains, “Colin was not so happy because he thought he could have been more involved in the decision making process, but he accepted it. Since then Colin has had a dream start, as he had a great time in testing both in Jerez in November and then in Sepang with the new bike. He is very, very happy now.”

Explaining the logic behind the switch in the first instance Poncharal added, “I understood James†point of view because Garry lives in England close to James, and he speaks better English than Guy. James and Garry spent a lot of time together last year traveling to and from England and James likes to talk to his crew chief in between races.”

Noting Edwards recent statements and what it means for the team Poncharal maintained a typically positive take on things, stating, “I canâ€t say too much about what Colin has said because those are his own views, but you always know that the first person a rider wants to beat is his own team-mate. James improved a lot last year, we think he has shown last year that he could be a podium contender in his second year with Tech 3, so they will try to beat each other and this is fun.”

Poncharal concluded, “If it gives extra motivation to James†department and to Colinâ€s department I am absolutely happy. We will never see two riders going on holiday together because this is an individual sport. They respect each other still, ok they donâ€t talk anymore, but who cares? I wanted to give both of them the best support I could and that is what I have done.”

[Rev004]

Well fellers it appears that there is going to be some minor changes to the FIM this year.. More info below..as well as some light reading..

FIM announce changes to 2009 regulations
Wednesday, 18 February 2009

Details of the changes to the Road Racing World Championship Grand Prix Regulations for the 2009 season as announced by the FIM on Wednesday.


The Grand Prix Commission, composed of Messrs. Carmelo Ezpeleta (Dorna, Chairman), Claude Danis (FIM), Hervà Poncharal (IRTA) and Takanao Tsubouchi (MSMA), in the presence of Messrs Vito Ippolito (FIM President), Ignacio Verneda (FIM Sport Director), Javier Alonso (Dorna) and M. Paul Butler (Secretary of the meeting), in a meeting held on 18th February 2009 at the FIM Headquarters in Mies, Switzerland, unanimously decided to introduce the following amendments to the Road Racing World Championship Grand Prix Regulations – with immediate application.

1. Standard time schedule

Friday
13:05-13:45 125cc Free Practice 1
14:05-14:50 MotoGP Free Practice 1
15:05-15:50 250cc Free Practice 1


Saturday
09:05-09:45 125cc Free Practice 2
10:05-10:50 MotoGP Free Practice 2
11:05-11:50 250cc Free Practice 2
13:05-13:45 125cc Qualifying Practice
14:05-14:50 MotoGP Qualifying Practice
15:05-15:50 250cc Qualifying Practice


Sunday
08:40-09:00 125cc Warm Up
09:10-09:30 250cc Warm Up
09:40-10:00 MotoGP Warm Up
11:00 125cc Race
12:15 250cc Race
14:00 MotoGP Race

2. From Czech GP, maximum 5 engines can be used in 8 races. No changing of parts will be permitted except daily maintenance.

3. Ceramic composite materials are not permitted for brakes disc or pads.

4. Launch control system is not permitted.

5. Electronic controlled suspension is not permitted.

6. Only 2 post race tests at Catalunya and Czech GP for development purposes using test riders only are permitted.



Electronics limited and Friday morning practice scrapped
Wednesday, 18 February 2009

Electronic systems will be partially limited in MotoGP and Friday morning practices removed from Grand Prix schedules as of the 2009 season following a GP Commission meeting in Geneva.


At a meeting of the Grand Prix Commission on Wednesday a number of rule changes have been made with immediate affect, ahead of the 2009 MotoGP World Championship.

At the headquarters of the FÃdÃration Internationale de Motocyclisme in Geneva, Switzerland, in the presence of FIM president Vito Ippolito, the Grand Prix Commission ratified proposals put forward and agreed on unanimously by the MSMA in meetings held earlier this year in Japan and Malaysia.

The amendments to the Road Racing World Championship Grand Prix Regulations address issues raised over the cost of competing in the championship with regards to the 2009 MotoGP season and beyond.

As of the 2009 season Friday morning free practice sessions for all classes have been removed from the Grand Prix schedules and all MotoGP practice sessions (including qualifying) have been reduced to 45 minutes in length.

Electronic and hydraulic launch control systems and electronic suspension systems have been banned.

Furthermore, in the eight 2009 MotoGP World Championship races which follow the summer break, commencing with the 14th-16th August trip to the Czech track of Brno, each MotoGP rider will be restricted to the use of a maximum of five engines until the end of the season



Silverstone unveils dynamic modifications to circuit layout
Thursday, 19 February 2009

Silverstone Circuits Limited have unveiled provisional plans for a number of striking modifications to the track and spectator viewing areas ahead of MotoGPâ€s arrival in 2010.


Plans to make significant changes at the Silverstone circuit in England have been revealed, following the recent signing of a five year agreement between Silverstone and Dorna Sports, the commercial and television rights holder for MotoGP, which will see the World Championship arrive at the iconic Northamptonshire circuit from 2010.

The most significant addition to the circuit will be a new section of track running from the approach at Abbey corner to a spectacular ‘Arrowhead†at the inside of Becketts corner. The Arrowhead will then join up with the existing National Straight. Additional sections of track will also be laid at the Chapel and Club corners.

The alterations have already been extensively discussed with the FIM and will be in accordance with their regulations and subject to final homologation, in anticipation of the MotoGP World Championshipâ€s arrival next year.


The new Arrowhead, and fast section of circuit leading up to it, are designed to be stunning features for riders and spectators alike. Indeed, the Arrowhead and its approach will provide a focal point for overtaking and will be surrounded by several new spectator areas. It will also be overlooked by the grandstand at Becketts corner, providing fans with an opportunity to see two sections of track from the one vantage point.

The plans also include the moving of grandstands and safety barriers at Woodcote corner. This will enable the circuit to build a new run off area at the fast entry to Pit Straight and dispose of the slow chicane, which is necessary for safety reasons.

The new plans form part of a £5million (€5.65) investment programme by Silverstone, with work set to be carried out between November 2009 and March 2010. In addition to changes to the track, improvements to spectator viewing facilities will include moving some of the existing grandstands to bring them closer to the track.

Richard Phillips, Managing Director of Silverstone Circuits Limited, commented, “The facilities for teams, media and fans are second to none at Silverstone and we are happy with the general infrastructure, but we now have an opportunity to make some exciting changes to the circuit and fundamental improvements to the viewing experience for fans.”

“The new Arrowhead on the inside of Becketts will be a major new feature of the circuit. The fast approach and sharp left should provide plenty of opportunities to overtake, making it a real focal point for spectators. The views will be fantastic, especially from the new spectator banking areas and grandstands we will be building around the Arrowhead. The viewing experience for fans is hugely important and we now have an opportunity to make sure it is absolutely right, all around the circuit.”



Cecchinello gives views on cost reduction and previews Qatar
Thursday, 19 February 2009

Closely managing his budget in an independent a one rider team, LCR Honda boss Lucio Cecchinello is pleased about this weekâ€s announcement of MotoGP regulatory changes to reduce costs.


Lucio Cecchinello spoke to motogp.com on Thursday, giving his views on recent cost reduction moves in MotoGP, reflecting on the first test of the year, explaining the philosophy behind the rev limitation of his teamâ€s new satellite spec RC212V and previewing the forthcoming test trip to Qatar.

As the boss of an independent team in the premier class the Italian is acutely aware of the issue of affordability in the World Championship and he was highly positive about rule changes the FIM ratified on Wednesday in Switzerland.

Cecchinello commented, “At this moment nobody knows exactly how much effect we will have in terms of cost reduction this season, but now we have to maintain less engines and there will be less consumption of fuel and tyres. Another thing is that of course statistically every time you go out on track there is a risk that the rider can crash, which can cause several hundred euros worth of damage, so with less time on track the number of crashes will decrease.”

“This could represent a serious saving in our budgets, because every time you crash with a MotoGP bike you can break brake discs, exhaust pipes, titanium and carbon material, clutches, engine parts, radiators and so on,” he continued. “The major impact for us then could be in spare parts and the factory should have less internal costs to maintain the engines.”

With regard to the wider picture for the championship, having been involved in IRTA meetings which ultimately contributed to the recent rule changes, Cecchinello also stated, “For MotoGP what we have decided is a big step for everybody, for factory and independent teams. What is crucial is that MotoGP top management showed once again how serious they are about reacting quickly in order to keep our show growing around the world. What I feel particularly positive about is that the decisions will not affect the spectacle on a Saturday and Sunday, when really 95% of our real show is going on.”

Looking back on the opening test of the year in Sepang, at which his rider Randy de Puniet lapped outside the top ten on all three days with a new RC212V, on which the maximum revs limit had been set below the level of the factory bikes of some of his fellow Honda riders, Cecchinello explained, “The limitation of revs is related to safety.”

“The top priority of Honda engineers is to guarantee the safety and the durability of the engines, so they need time before they give us confirmation on the durability of the engine with this limit of revs. Then we will receive updates in the future, with higher rev limits. This is temporary and I believe we will receive one or two more steps during the season.”

The Italian former 125cc rider went on to say, “Also, when HRC engineers put a revolution limit on the engine they reprogramme the ECU in order that the power lost on the higher revs is gained in the medium to low revolution range. So it does not automatically mean that if you lose 300 or 400 revs the bike will be slower on track. At times it is actually better to have 300 or 400 revs less but to gain in torque and to gain in smooth acceleration.”

Positive about future updates he expects from HRC this season, he noted, “When the media received this information about our rev limit everybody seemed quite surprised and people were pointing their fingers at the HRC engineers, but all the time you need to have a completely realistic picture. I donâ€t think it is wrong that we have a few less revs. For sure there are some faster tracks where we may have a small disadvantage for the next few races, because the engine durability needs to be confirmed. But with smoother power delivery it could help us at Jerez or other tracks where there are tight corners.”

Looking ahead to the 1st-3rd March test visit to the Losail International Circuit, Cecchinello concluded, “We had a deep study of data recording comparisons last week and we will continue to work this week on that. Weâ€ll have a lot of things to do when we are on track in Qatar, because through the data we understood that we can improve our performances a lot by making changes in rider position. We need to look at how he is influencing the dynamic of the bike with his weight, in terms of foot rest position, handlebar position and seat angle position.”

[Rev004]

Well Guys and Gals thought that I would give you lot some more light reading just in case you are missing out on something.

Another round of free testing coming up at Qatar on the 1st of March so that will be interesting as well, so read on to your hears content...


Gibernau to miss Qatar test due to shoulder ligament problem
Friday, 20 February 2009

Guinea Ecuatorial Team rider Sete Gibernau suffered a small setback to his recovery from a recent shoulder operation during training yesterday, meaning he will miss the forthcoming MotoGP test in Qatar.


Veteran rider Sete Gibernau, who returns to MotoGP this year with new satellite Ducati outfit Guinea Ecuatorial Team, has suffered a preseason blow with the news that he has aggravated an old shoulder injury - requiring a visit to the Institut Universitari Dexeus in Barcelona on Thursday.

The accumulation of physical exertion at the recent MotoGP tests in Malaysia and his demanding training programme has caused a slight ligament tear in his left shoulder that will require a period of complete rest.

Keen to avoid any major complications before his return to premier-class racing in a little over a monthâ€s time, Gibernau and his team have agreed to cancel their participation in the upcoming Qatar test session as he turns his focus to a swift and full recovery.


Haydenâ€s Ducati prospects evaluated by US media
Friday, 20 February 2009

Fans of the 2006 World Champion Nicky Hayden are excited about seeing him make his race debut with Ducati in Qatar in April and the Stateside roadracing media are fully aware of the significance of the move for both Ducati and the rider himself.


Since the switch to 800cc machinery in the premier class at the beginning of the 2007 season Nicky Haydenâ€s legion of supporters across the globe have been frustrated to see him struggling for consistency in MotoGP, the American finishing eighth that year and sixth last season as he failed to repeat his 2006 success.

However, towards the end of his sixth season in MotoGP with Honda the Kentucky Kid was offered the chance to switch manufacturers and enjoy a change of scene at Ducati, causing considerable excitement for his band of fans and for Ducatisti in the U.S. and beyond.

Hayden is a popular figure in the MotoGP paddock, thanks to his courteous style, charming smile and hard-working attitude, with his new team-mate at Ducati, Casey Stoner, being one of his biggest admirers.

The significance of Haydenâ€s signing for Ducati, in terms of marketability for the Italian brand and the opportunity it gives the 27 year-old to be truly competitive once again, is not lost on the media in his native U.S. where he is cherished as the latest in a long line of American World Champions.

Chris Jonnum, the editor of Road Racer X magazine and the author of the biography on the Hayden brothers, ‘The Haydens: Nicky, Tommy, & Roger, From OWB to MotoGPâ€, picks up the story, stating, “Nickyâ€s new deal is an exciting development for Ducati North America and for U.S. Ducatisti. This market is extremely important for the Italian brand, and it enjoys a special status among American motorcycle enthusiasts.”

“Road racing isnâ€t as big in the U.S. as it is in Europe, but the people who are fans are very dedicated and passionate, and a large percentage of them love both Ducati and Nicky. Theyâ€re each popular on their own, but the pairing has the potential to increase that popularity exponentially, sort of like when two moviestars get together. Now that Nicky and Ducati have joined forces, there is a groundswell of excitement in the U.S. racing world.”

Jonnum also points out, however, that Hayden is not guaranteed a Hollywood style happy ending to his Ducati move, underlining the pressure that the rider is under. The journalist explains, “It will help considerably if Nicky enjoys success at Ducati, and American fans are eager to see how he gets along with the Desmosedici. Theyâ€re fully aware that no rider other than Casey Stoner has enjoyed consistent success with the bike, and theyâ€re hoping that Nicky will be an exception. Perhaps his aggressive style and dirt track background have prepared him well for this challenge.”

Meanwhile, Matthew Miles, Managing Editor of Cycle World magazine, adds, “My personal take on Nicky Hayden is that he may not have the most talent in the MotoGP paddock, but no one can argue with his determination. The past two seasons with Honda were difficult for Hayden. He struggled in 2007 and, once again, in 2008 on the tiny RC212V, but when Honda finally – and grudgingly – delivered the pneumatic-valve version of the V-Four engine, he finished strong, running at or near the front and never placing worse than fifth in the final five races.”

Miles continues, “Hayden will need everything in his personal arsenal to achieve success with Ducati. It wonâ€t be easy to catch front-running teammate Casey Stoner, even if the Aussieâ€s wrist isnâ€t fully functional, as Marco Melandri learned this past season. There are other potential hurdles, too, such as a largely Italian-speaking crew, new electronics and the series-spec Bridgestones. None of this will be made easier with the recently announced rule changes, namely shortened practice sessions.”

On Haydenâ€s task of helping Ducati sell more bikes Miles also comments, “If he is able to win another title, Hayden will greatly boost awareness of the Ducati brand in the U.S. If his infectious smile and escalating popularity can bring more potential buyers into Ducati dealerships, he will have done his job both on and off the racetrack.”

Haydenâ€s marketing value to the Italian factory is also highlighted by Henny Ray Abrams, of Cycle News, who states, “Nicky instantly raises Ducatiâ€s image in the U.S., where theyâ€ve been without a public face since pulling out of American Superbike racing at the end of 2006. Ducati has survived the economic downturn in the U.S. better than almost any other brand. Despite a weak fourth quarter, their 2008 sales were nearly equal to 2007â€s, which was a record year.”


Further 2009 MotoGP tickets go on sale
Friday, 20 February 2009

Fans wanting to attend the MotoGP races this year at Motegi, Assen, Laguna Seca, Estoril and Sepang can now purchase their tickets through motogp.com and our travel partners Expedia.


With the start of the 2009 MotoGP World Championship not far away, the sportâ€s army of fans across the globe are eagerly planning their Grand Prix trips for this yearâ€s competition.

MotoGP followers wanting to attend this seasonâ€s events at Motegi (Japan, 24th-26th April), Assen (Netherlands, 25th-27th June), Laguna Seca (USA, 3rd-5th July), Estoril (Portugal, 2nd-4th October) and/or Sepang (Malaysia, 23rd-25th October) will now find information available in our Race Tickets section.

Tickets for these events can now be purchased via motogp.comâ€s travel partners Expedia, in addition to the MotoGP visits to Losail International (Qatar), Jerez (Spain), Le Mans (France), Mugello (Italy), Catalunya (Spain), Sachsenring (Germany), Brno (Czech Republic), Indianapolis (USA) and Misano (San Marino), for which tickets were already available.


IRTA head Poncharal explains cost reduction decisions
Monday, 23 February 2009

Last weekâ€s Grand Prix Commission confirmation of cost reduction measures to help the teams in MotoGP was warmly welcomed by IRTA president and Tech 3 Yamaha boss Herve Poncharal.


Always a pro-active thinker and positive figure, the owner of the Tech 3 Yamaha satellite structure and IRTA President Herve Poncharal is pleased that the Grand Prix Commission – of which he is a member – are helping to reduce the costs of competing in the MotoGP World Championship.

A meeting last Wednesday (18th February 2008) at the FIMâ€s headquarters in Switzerland, saw Poncharal meet his fellow Grand Prix Commission colleagues from MotoGP organisers Dorna, the FIM and the MSMA to ratify cost reduction proposals put forward and agreed on unanimously by the MSMA in meetings held earlier this year in Japan and Malaysia.

The moves included reducing track time during GP weekends and a reduction in post-race testing dates during the season, along with additional measures as listed here.

Poncharal said of the amendments, “Mainly what has been decided for 2009, because there was already quite a bit in place and we have already received our bikes for this season, was to have less track time. This will help us to reduce our costs in terms of traveling and testing. These were the only measures we could take for â€09 but I am sure this is only the beginning and we will see some more drastic changes for 2010.”

The Frenchman also clarified the new regulations relating to post-race tests, commenting, “The only thing that will be allowed will be a day after Catalunya and a day after Brno, but only for factories developing their 2010 machinery with test riders and no MotoGP riders. So no racing teams will be involved in those tests, and once we start the season there will be no test for the teams until the post-championship Valencia test.”


Puig weighs up preseason developments
Friday, 20 February 2009

Alberto Puig, Dani Pedrosaâ€s manager and a key figure in the Repsol Honda pitbox, has given his views on the MotoGP regulation changes made by the FIM this week.


Dani Pedrosaâ€s mentor and manager Alberto Puig is taking a cautious approach in his evaluation of this weekâ€s MotoGP rule changes, ratified by the FIM in Switzerland on Wednesday with the intention of reducing costs in the World Championship.

“We canâ€t really say too much until we see the measures in practice,” Puig told motogp.com. “The changes have been made as an attempt to make things cheaper for everyone and we now have to wait and see how things go at a technical level.”

”One obvious thing is that the bikes donâ€t have to be brand new each season,” Puig added. “If we can save ourselves a bit of investment in that area to make things simpler then it would be fine, because the riders are going to compete with whatever machinery they get given. Where safety is concerned, the more we can provide to prevent crashes, the better it is for the riders. I donâ€t think the measures that have been approved now are at odds with that, but is difficult to make a judgment yet, before seeing what happens.”

Of the new rules announced this week, one which Puig has questioned relates to the reduced amount of post-race tests this season - and the use of test riders only in the two which remain on the calendar at Barcelona and Brno.

He stated, “I donâ€t really understand the reduction of the tests and that only test riders can participate in them, because normally those test riders are three or four seconds off the main riders†pace. Iâ€m not sure that the conclusions the factories will draw from those tests will really be clear. But that is just a personal opinion.”

Asked about the combined effect the new rules could have on the World Championship scene as a whole, in conjunction with the single tyre supplier regulation also introduced over winter, Puig replied, “The single tyre supplier rule seems like a wise move to me. Everyone will be on the same tyres and this will eliminate certain complaints and differences, although we already knew about that rule change.”

Puig continued, “Also I think the elimination of qualifying tyres is a good thing too, because although at an internal level with the teams it wasnâ€t a big issue, but during qualifying sessions we were mainly focused on grid positions and you lost most of your time thinking about that.”

“With these new rules in general we need to wait a while though, before making any judgements. I donâ€t think they will have a negative influence, I think they can only be a help, so letâ€s see how things go when the season starts.

The Repsol Honda man also gave an update on the condition of Pedrosa, who rode well in the first preseason test at Sepang, but had to leave Malaysia before the third and final day due to pain in his left knee which he injured late last year and had surgery on before Christmas.

“Dani has improved, we just thought it was good to leave early from the test at Sepang,” Puig explained. “In Qatar we will keep testing the bike and will keep in mind that as there are not many tests we have to make the most of our time there. Weâ€ll work on everything that needs looking at, then move onto Jerez and wait for the championship to start.”



Suppo refutes Stoner operation speculation
Tuesday, 24 February 2009

Ducati MotoGP Project Manager says no further surgery expected on former World Champion.


His Australian rider left frustrated by a lack of comfort in his left wrist at the recent Sepang test, Ducati MotoGP Project Manager Livio Suppo has dismissed any speculation that Casey Stoner will be undertaking any further operations on the troublesome appendage.

Speaking on Monday, Suppo based his opinion on fact, namely the information given to his charge by the surgeons who operated on Stonerâ€s scaphoid last November.

”Nobody has spoken about another operation. The doctors said that the surgery went ok, so now itâ€s a question of doing exercises to increase mobility in his wrist,” said the Italian. “Everything should be under control. In Sepang he was able to ride the bike, like the doctors said, and he was unbelievably fast.”

Weakness and pain under braking, in addition to a lack of endurance, were cited by Stoner as a cause for ‘disappointment†in Malaysia. Concern over his condition was tempered by his recording the fastest time of the test, smashing last yearâ€s pole position lap. This provided convincing proof that the former World Champion is still up to the task of riding the Desmosedici GP9, especially with the dedication to the task demonstrated throughout his time with the Italian team.

”He will have to work hard on his wrist. It wonâ€t be easy for him, but he has the character to do it. We have to wait and see what happens in Qatar; hopefully the circuit is less physically demanding for the riders and better for him than Sepang.” emphasized Suppo, who also paid tribute to the work done by Stonerâ€s new teammate Nicky Hayden at the first test of 2009.

”Nicky wasnâ€t as fast as Casey in Sepang, but you have to remember that Casey joined us in 2006. Sepang is a special circuit, and Nicky was as fast as Casey in T1 and T2. I spoke to him after the test, and I really believe that he has a great attitude to us working together.”

Stoner and Hayden will be back in action at the upcoming Qatar night test in Losail, at the circuit where the former won the opening race of 2008.

[Rev004]

Some more goss from the MotoGp paddicks.

Melandri to start 2009 season in one-rider Kawasaki team
Thursday, 26 February 2009

Kawasaki have announced that after constructive talks between themselves, Dorna and additional third parties, a new one-rider team will participate in the 2009 MotoGP World Championship.


The decision was made after negotiations which followed Kawasakiâ€s January 2009 announcement to suspend its factory supported MotoGP activities, due to the global economic downturn.

The rider for the new MotoGP team will be the Italian 26 year-old Marco Melandri. The team will be equipped with Kawasaki motorcycles and supporting materials.

That Kawasaki has arrived at this new team approach is the result of both the need for a significant reduction of MotoGP racing investments and the simultaneous necessity to come to a constructive solution for all related parties.

The new team will disclose more details about its 2009 season plans shortly.


Toseland aiming to rebuild confidence in Qatar
Thursday, 26 February 2009

After his huge crash on the first day of 2009 preseason testing in Malaysia three weeks ago, James Toseland is looking forward to getting back on his new Yamaha M1 in Qatar.


Tech 3 Yamaha star James Toseland will arrive at Qatar this weekend looking to restart his preseason work schedule after a nightmare test at Sepang earlier this month.

The Englishman suffered a huge crash on the very first day of the Malaysia test, causing severe bruising and affecting his concentration for the rest of the South East Asian workout – ultimately preventing him from fully getting acquainted with his updated Yamaha M1 Bridgestone package.

Describing the recovery process since then, the gritty Yorkshireman commented, “I got home and got checked out and everything was ok. I damaged my elbow a bit more than I had thought so the rate of recovery has been a bit slower than I was hoping. It was such a big crash that it affected all three days of the first test, which was unfortunate.”

“The only thing that has been restricted since has been my weight training regime because of my arm,” he continued, “but all my cardiovascular work has been the same. I had four days off when I got back because my leg was badly bruised but then I started to get back to normal.”

Talking to motogp.com at Manchester Airport before flying to the Qatari capital Doha for the 1st-3rd March Official MotoGP Night Test, Toseland said of the machinery at his disposal this year and his objectives the Losail International Circuit, “Obviously Valentino (Rossi), Colin (Edwards) and (Jorge) Lorenzo were all going well at the first test so we know the Yamaha and Bridgestone package is good at the moment.”

He went on to note, “It was a shame we spoilt our first test with that crash. I am just looking forward to having three good, consistent days to get my confidence back up there and get back to riding at a good pace again. Qatar has been a good track for me over the years, so I am looking forward to going to a familiar place and I know I am good around the track so it will be a good benchmark for me as I am coming back from such a big crash.”

Dismissing the much-hyped ‘rift†which has apparently developed between him and team-mate Edwards over their recent crew chief swap, Toseland stated simply, “The dust will settle and we just need to get on with the job now. He (Edwards) is happy and I am happy that he is going well with Guy (Coulon).”


Silverstone to be one of the fastest tracks on MotoGP calendar
Wednesday, 25 February 2009

Track modifications at the Silverstone circuit look set to make it one of the fastest circuits on the MotoGP calendar, when the World Championship heads to the Northamptonshire venue from 2010 onwards.


The new Silverstone circuit, which will feature a spectacular new section of track running from the approach at Abbey corner to a tightening ‘Arrowhead†hairpin at the inside of Becketts, will measure 5.67km in length, 0.53km longer than the existing 5.14km Grand Prix circuit.

Scientifically measured data, based on mathematical simulations, has calculated that the average lap time for MotoGP riders around the new track would be 1â€51.456, racing at an average speed of 182km/h - 3 km/h faster than at Phillip Island, which is currently the fastest circuit in MotoGP.

The data is based on simulations and interpolations provided by HOK Sport, one of the worldâ€s leading sports architecture firms.

[Gassick]

I hear myself talking the talk with the best with people these days!!!!

[busakid08]

W W W D O T M O T O G P D O T C O M

[Pommie]

Heard today Stoner complaining about his wrist again

[bigfoot]

apparently he is still in pain?? Hope he is okay to compete competitive this season!!

[Pommie]

W W W D O T M O T O G P D O T C O M

Mate if you dont find this thread interesting dont read it. Obviously a lot of people do and Rev puts himself out to keep people informed. Why be so negative ?

[bigfoot]

it is what he does! keep up the good work rev!

[busakid08]

Cos it cracks me up that "HE" writes it and who cares what a pom thinks anyway

[Pommie]

Cos it cracks me up and who cares what a pom thinks anyway

Whatever

[Mutha]

Cos it cracks me up that "HE" writes it and who cares what a pom thinks anyway

How! Rude!

[Mutha]

Cos it cracks me up and who cares what a pom thinks anyway

Whatever

[busakid08]

Ahhhh so easy