Calendar & Circuits | The Official MotoGP Blog

Fiat Yamaha launch American challenge with a one-two on day one

2009-07-23T20:25:00.000-07:00

The first of two American races this season got underway for MotoGP at Laguna Seca today with a strong showing from the Fiat Yamaha Team pairing of Valentino Rossi and Jorge Lorenzo, who finished first and second respectively. The spectacular Californian track was bathed in sunshine throughout the day and the riders took full advantage to begin refining their set-ups to suit the tricky nature of the 3.601 km track.

Rossi won in spectacular fashion here last year and he looked immediately comfortable out on track, lapping consistently in the top three aboard his M1 and Bridgestone tyres. Lorenzo meanwhile, who did not complete the race here last year on his Laguna debut, proved lack of track experience was no barrier to fast lap times and spent most of the session in second before setting a brilliant lap with 11 minutes to go and moving into first. He looked to have the practice sewn up until his championship-leading team-mate sneaked ahead on his final lap, bettering the Spaniard’s lap time by just one tenth of a second.

Valentino Rossi - Position: 1st Time: 1′21.981 Laps: 32
“I am happy with the session today, it was a good performance and at the end, with the harder tyre, we did an especially good job and I was able to make the best time. We got a lot of data about the track, which we will use tomorrow in order to improve things further. We need to work a bit to improve the front feeling because we can still make the bike a bit easier to ride in one or two corners and then we will also look at the electronics in order to control the wheelie, because there are a lot of bumps and jumps on this circuit. Once again me, Lorenzo and Stoner are very close so we can expect another big fight this weekend, but we are confident that our M1 is working well.”

Jorge Lorenzo - Position: 2nd Time: 1′22.093 Laps: 38
“I was very fast today and I feel good here at this track in the California sunshine! I know that this is a very complicated circuit to get used to and that you have to make a lot of laps to learn it, but I did have some time on it last year and I feel great here now. Today I stopped after a few laps and changed the tyre to the harder Bridgestone one and then I felt even better; I was having a lot of fun riding the bike and I was able to do more or less race distance with consistent lap times. We will work on further improving our setting tomorrow and I hope that I can continue in the same way again.”

Davide Brivio Team Manager
“Another good start to a weekend! Valentino’s lap times are already good and it’s certainly a much better first day than we had here last year! As usual after this first practice there are one or two small areas that we can improve so we will work tomorrow to fine tune everything further. However we’ve made a strong start and our base is working well so we are feeling confident.”

Ramon Forcada - Crew Chief
“Unfortunately our Team Manager Daniele Romagnoli can’t be with us this weekend as he has had to return to Italy to be with his father, who is unwell. We wish him our best at this time. As for today, Jorge made a good start and our base setting is working very well here – we didn’t have to change anything during the session. We tried both types of front and rear tyres in order to compare and we already have quite a clear idea for the race, so it just remains to confirm that tomorrow. We need to work a little bit on the electronics now but overall we’re in good shape.”

Edwards and Toseland confident of big improvements in Laguna Seca

Monster Yamaha Tech 3 Team duo Colin Edwards and James Toseland are confident they can make big improvements in Laguna Seca after an encouraging start to the American Grand Prix this afternoon.

Home favourite Edwards and British rider Toseland were both challenging for the top five in the early stages of a session run in gloriously sunny California conditions. Brimming with confidence after equalling his best result of the season with fourth place in Assen just six days ago, Edwards eventually finished ninth with a best time of 1.23.285.

Looking to score his 100th point-scoring Grand Prix finish in Sunday’s 32-lap clash, Edwards is confident he can drastically improve his pace having encountered some front and rear suspension issues today. The 35-year-old though was only 0.6s away from fourth place.

Boosted by his season best sixth place in Assen last weekend, Toseland finished in 13th place with a best time of 1.23.690s, though he was less than a second off sixth in another close session.

With Fiat Yamaha Team Director Masahiko Nakajima again helping the 28-year-old this weekend, Toseland will work hard with his team tonight to find a setting to improve rear grip ahead of title sponsor Monster’s all-important home race on Sunday.

	Colin Edwards

Colin Edwards - Position: 9th Time: 1.23.285 - 29 laps
“It wasn’t the great start to my home race I was looking for and the bike feels just way too stiff. The main problem is in the hard braking because I’ve no feeling with the bike bouncing around on me. There’s just not enough movement from the suspension. When you’ve got the handlebars moving and up and down and the seat moving up and down it’s obvious the suspension is not absorbing the bumps enough. There are some huge bumps out there and today it felt a bit like motocross. So we’ll soften it up for tomorrow and make the suspension react faster and let it move more freely rather than having a jerky and bouncing sensation. It feels like there’s a second waiting right in front of me but I’m a bit handcuffed at the moment. Once we fix these issues, and I know we will because my guys at Tech 3 are awesome, I’m not going to have to push and hang it out to find the time. I know it will come immediately as soon as we get the bike working. I’m confident we can find what we ne ed and put on a good show for the American fans and for Monster’s home race.”

James Toseland

James Toseland - Position: 13th Time: 1.23.690 – 31 laps
“The position isn’t that great but I feel like it was a pretty decent session. We’ve got a bit of work to do but there is no need to panic. We’re just missing a bit on the set-up really. I’m lacking a bit of edge grip on the harder rear tyre, and that is the one we’re going to have to race with looking at the temperature. This track isn’t quite as good for grip as Assen and we know what we’ve got to do to get more grip from the rear but we just ran out of time at the end of the session. And I’m still adapting to the new set-up we had in Assen because that changed the balance of the bike quite a lot. With the tighter corners and the undulation it just takes a bit of getting used to being so different to Assen. I’m confident with the bike a bit more comfortable that I can go quite a bit faster and be up there challenging for a good result for Monster in what is a massive race for our sponsor.”

MotoGP 2009 on the BBC

2009-07-23T20:04:00.000-07:00

It always feels like a long off-season but the planning for the new 2009 season is already well under way. We are expanding our coverage again this year and will be showing all the qualifying sessions (125, MotoGP and 250) on Saturday afternoons on the red button alongside our existing coverage on race day - 125, 250, MotoGP and MotoGP Extra - which all adds up to over seven hours of coverage a weekend.

We've been getting a lot of feedback both here and on other bike forums about a couple of key points. One has been our commentary line-up for this season and the other about not being able to record red button coverage. Both of these issues have been exacerbated by Eurosport losing the rights to show MotoGP for the forthcoming season leaving the BBC as the exclusive broadcaster for the sport.

First and foremost I want to point out that any decision about rights is made by Dorna, the rights holder, and not by the BBC. We are in the last year of a pre-existing contract and are delighted to have signed a new deal starting in 2010 which will take us through to the end of the 2013 season.

To give the situation some context our coverage attracts average audiences of 1.1 million with an approval rating that has been the highest for any terrestrial programme in a given week. We believe the BBC team is key to that success and we are looking forward to another exciting season in 2009. In terms of presentation, Suzi Perry has a wealth of experience from years of fronting motorbike racing and our pitlane reporter Matthew Roberts has worked as a journalist within the MotoGP paddock for eight years before joining the BBC and has excellent connections with the teams enabling us to break key stories last year.

Charlie Cox and Steve Parrish will once again be in the commentary box. Charlie is an experienced lead commentator with a great passion for and extensive knowledge of motorbikes whilst Steve raced at the very highest level finishing fifth in the world championship.

We have taken on board feedback about the non-recordable nature of the red button when viewed on certain platforms and as a result we will be looping the qualifying on Saturday afternoon and evening and will do the same with the races on Sunday into the following week. A timetable for this will appear on the website at the start of the season and will be updated race by race.

The inability to record via the red button is a Sky box issue rather than a specifically BBC one but we are doing all we can to enable you to watch the sessions you may have missed live. We will also be supplying additional Freeview details so you will be able to record our coverage when viewing the red button. There have also been questions about why we can't use our other channels to show the 125 and 250 classes. Under the terms of the licence we can't turn BBC Three or Four into a sports channel although we can use them occasionally and they are unavailable during the day as the bandwidth is used by CBeebies and CBBC.

One final point to answer is whether the BBC signing F1 will affect the MotoGP coverage and the answer is yes, but only in a positive way. We will be working with the F1 team to maximize opportunities to promote MotoGP. David Coulthard is part of the F1 team and a bike fan too who has come to the race in Brno for the last few years. The races don't clash as the rights holders are keen to avoid this and the start times are offset on dates where both series are racing. The British MotoGP will follow the Hungarian F1 meaning we get to put the Donington race on BBC One, which is fantastic.

Coverage of any sport is hugely subjective. We always review our coverage at the end of the season and I frequently read the comments posted on a variety of websites including this one. We are very proud of our coverage and in being able to bring top-class bike racing to a wider audience, we believe we have the best team to lead our programme. I am always keen to get feedback and to find out what you'd like to see in the show so please let me know below.

Valencia MotoGP

2009-07-02T02:03:00.000-07:00

The racing circuit at Valencia, known as the Ricardo Tormo Circuit, was able to hold their very first Motogp and spanish motorcycle Championship as soon as the circuit was finished in 1999.
The circuit is considered to be one of the smaller tracks in the motogp calendar, but never the less with its plenty of left and right hand corners and its 650m straight, it gives the spectators plenty to enjoy.
The circuit has a spectator capacity of around 150,000 which is a good job, as Valencia just happens to be where the last race of the season takes place, and as you can imagine, it makes for a real party atmosphere.

Circuit length : 4,00 m / 2.49 miles
Direction: Counter Clockwise
Pole position :
Width :
Right turns : 5
Left turns : 9
Longest straight :
Circuit lap record:

Maximum speed record:

Jerez MotoGP

2009-07-02T02:00:00.000-07:00

The city of Jerez hosts one of the most popular racing circuits in the MotoGP calendar, with its consistently good weather it is an ideal choice for the pre-season practice sessions.

Although the circuit was built in 1986 it didn`t actually host its first Grand Prix until approximately one year later in 1987.
Over the years motorcycle racing has become increasingly popular throughout the world and people travel from far and wide to watch the racing. So its perfect that Jerez boasts viewing facilities in its many grandstands for at least 250.000 spectators, and although the track was first built in 1986, eight years later amongst other improvements a huge bridge was erected above the start and finish line, making an even more exciting viewing point.

The track isn`t actually one of the fastest tracks as there are some very heavy braking points, and what with eight right hand corners and five left, it makes for an nail biting race with the riders bringing all their expertise to the front.

Circuit length : 4,42 m / 2.75 miles
Direction: Clockwise
Pole position : LHS
Width : 11 m
Right turns : 8
Left turns : 5
Longest straight : 6000 m / 0.37 miles
Circuit lap record:
1'38.189– Jorge Lorenzo (2008)
Maximum speed record:
158.284km/h - Valentino Rossi (2005)

Le Mans MotoGP

2009-07-02T01:55:00.000-07:00

The Le Mans track is the home of the famous 24 hours Le Mans endurance race which started in 1923. The old Circuit de la Sarthe, has been replaced by the 4.18km Bugatti Circuit. The new circuit uses some of the sections of the older track, the pit straight, the first chicane under the Bridgestone bridge, but the new circuit takes over as the circuit bends back on itself for the first time (left hands side).

The circuit is renowned for its "stop" "start" character, braking hard into tight first gear bends only to exit with hard acceleration followed by hard braking again. That said Le Mans is not a slow track with several long straights, the maximum recorded speed is just under 300km/h

Circuit length : 4,180 m / 2.597 miles
Direction: Clockwise
Pole position : LHS
Width : 13 m
Right turns : 9
Left turns : 4
Longest straight : 450 m / 0.28 miles
Last modifications : 2006
Circuit best lap :
1’33.616 – Colin Edwards (2007)
Maximum speed :
299,086 km/h - Casey Stoner (2006)

Mugello MotoGP

2009-07-02T01:52:00.000-07:00

Mugello began its life way back in 1914 as a road circuit and not as a motorcycle track. In the early days many drivers would compete against each other on this rather gruelling 66km track.

From the beginning right up to approximately the late sixties many cars have raced this circuit, but for the motorcycles to be able to race safely, in approximately 1974 the new mugello was born. It was designed with many requirements in mind, not least, the safety aspect, with the facilities and the technology involved, the circuit serves to suit both bike and car racing alike. Even as far as the Formula 1 racing drivers and the motogp riders like to use the circuit for testing their machines in the closed season.

It was when the newly updated circuit was finally ready that the Formula 5000 race took place. The Mugello circuit is the only circuit in Italy to have hosted the ITC, although not only has it hosted the Formula 5000, but also the Formula 3000, and the Formula 2.
With regards to the Motogp, Mugello circuit is an excitingly fast track, with incredible curves and straights, with no less than 15 turns to keep the riders occupied.

Circuit length : 5,245m/3.259miles
Direction: Clockwise
Pole position : LHS
Width : 9.6m and 14m
Right turns : 9
Left turns : 6
Longest straight : 1,141m/0.709miles
Circuit best lap :

Maximum speed :

Catalunya MotoGP

2009-07-02T01:50:00.000-07:00

In 1986 the Catalan Parliament gave it`s permission for Catalunya to have its very own Racing Circuit, although it wasn`t until early 1989 that a consortium was set up.

Work finally began on the racing circuit in February 1989 with completion set for September 1991, the first race to take place at this new circuit did not happen to be a motorbike race but the Spanish Touring Car Championship. In fact the World Motorcycling Championship did not actually take place until 1992, and three years later the race changed its name to the Catalan Grand Prix, which today is widely known as the Catalunya MotoGP.

The circuit is another favourite place for the many motogp riders to come and familiarise themselves with the track, as the circuits boasts at least 13 corners and a particularly long fast straight, which is ideal for the Formula 1 drivers and the Motogp riders to test out their machines.

A sign of the popularity of Motogp, is the fact that at least 100,000 fans travel from all over to support their riders and teams.Catalunya is fantastic for the spectator as it has at least 17 grandstands situated around the circuit and another 23 giant screens, to be able to watch even more of the action as it unfolds.

Circuit length : 4,727 m / miles
Direction: Clockwise
Pole position : LHS
Width :
Right turns : 8
Left turns : 5
Longest straight : 1,047 m / miles
Circuit best lap :

Maximum speed :

Assen MotoGP

2009-07-02T01:48:00.000-07:00

The race circuit in Assen dates back to 1955, the track is one of Motogp`s more challenging circuits, with a top-speed 970m straight and due to the way the corners bank over, it can make for a pretty scary race, scary for the riders, but down right exciting for the spectators.

Although, as I`ve said, the original circuit was opened in 1955, nothing was ever done to improve things that is until fairly recently when the circuit went through some modifications. One major change was the reduction of the overall length of the circuit, down from around 6kms to under 5kms. With the new shorter track length it means that the riders will have to race over 26 laps and not the old 19 laps of before.

Circuit length : 4,555m / miles
Direction: Clockwise
Pole position : LHS
Width : 10m
Right turns : 14
Left turns : 9
Longest straight : 970m / miles
Last modifications : 2006
Circuit best lap :
1`36.411 By John Hopkins in 2006)
Maximum speed :

Sachsenring MotoGP

2009-07-02T01:44:00.000-07:00

The Sachsenring racing circuit began its life some eighty or so years ago, back in 1927, although back then it wasn`t know as Sachsenring but rather, Hohenstein-Ernstthal. It was in 1937 that Sachsenring finally got it`s more well known name.

The early days of the races were not very successful as there were a few too many injuries, infact there were even some fatalities. So the life of the Hohenstein-Ernstthal was quite short lived, it wasn`t until sometime later in around 1934 that the race organisers felt perhaps it was time enough to give it all another go.

This decision was met with some trepidation from outside, but the organisers pushed ahead regardless.

A decision that proved to be the right one, and the Sachsenring became more and more popular with the European Grand Prix being held for a couple of years after 1937.

For various reasons 1973 saw the end of racing as we knew it at Sachsenring, and it wasn`t until 1998 that the circuit hosted another Grand Prix. After some major improvements of course, cars and motorcycles are both able to use the track. The old track hasn`t completely gone, some of the old course still remains today but the safety standards have been improved immensely. There is a fantastic race control centre, and a brand new state of the art tower at the start/finish, not to mention the pit lane facilities. Its no surprise then that the crowds still come to cheer on their heroes and teams.

Circuit length : 3,675m/2.284miles
Direction: Counter Clockwise
Pole position : RHS
Width : 10m
Right turns : 4
Left turns : 10
Longest straight : 780m/0.485miles
Circuit best lap :

Maximum speed :

Donington British MotoGP

2009-07-02T01:34:00.000-07:00

In 1931, one of Britain's most popular racing circuits, Donington Park, was opened. Amongst MotoGP and British Superbike Championship, Donington park is also host to rounds of British Formula 3 Championship and the Le Mans series.

Originally the track was made for motorcycle racing only. However two years later, Fred Craner, a local garage owner, convinced the owners of Donington Hall to allow car racing . For this to be made possible the circuit had to be resurfaced and extended. The first Donington Grand Prix was held two years later, in 1935.

Following the closure of Donington Park during the second world war the circuit was rebuilt in 1977.

It wasn`t until 1987 that we had the pleasure of witnessing the first Motorcycle Grand Prix held at Donnington and will be able to continue to do so until 2009 when the Motogp contract is up for renewal.

Donington is made up of fast sweeping corners which interlink from one to the next. Unlike other circuits in the MotoGP this suits a smooth riding style, rather than out and out power and acceleration after heavy braking. The Melbourne loop section just before the pit straight was introduced in 1986, which is the only section that does require standing the bike on it's nose and powering out.

Circuit length : 4,02 m / 2.5 miles
Direction: Clockwise
Pole position :
Width :
Right turns :
Left turns :
Longest straight :
Circuit lap record:
1'27.676– Dani Pedrosa (2006)
Maximum speed record:
165.185km/h– Dani Pedrosa (2006)

Buell pace bikes for AMA events

2009-07-01T09:47:00.000-07:00

From AMA Pro Racing

EAST TROY, WI - Buell Motorcycle Company and AMA Pro Racing announced on Tuesday a multi-year partnership that will see Buell provide the Official Pace and Safety Bikes of AMA Pro Road Racing. As part of this unique agreement, specially outfitted Buell Ulysses and 1125R motorcycles will pace the opening laps of each AMA Pro Road Racing event and be used during caution periods for all AMA Pro Road Racing classes.

Beginning with the Honda Super Cycle Weekend presented by Dunlop Tires at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, July 17-19, a specially outfitted Buell XB12XP motorcycle (the police version of the adventure sport XB12X Ulysses) will lead the field off the grid for pre-race warm-up laps and during caution periods. In addition, a pair of 1125R motorcycles will serve as chase bikes during caution periods to bring the race leaders forward to meet the pace bike and regroup the field.

"We are excited that the opportunity was available to support AMA Pro Road Racing by bringing pace and safety motorcycles into the series," said Erik Buell, Chairman and Chief Technical Officer of Buell Motorcycle Company. "AMA Pro Road Racing has been great to work with, and we were pleased to see how much they wanted to respond to the riders' needs with a program that would further enhance the quality of AMA racing events."

"This new partnership with AMA Pro Road Racing just puts the official stamp on what has already been a great relationship between Buell and our organization in Daytona Beach," said AMA Pro Racing President Roger Edmondson. "Buell has made motorcycle racing history in AMA Pro competition the last few seasons and now we will see this same passion and commitment to excellence extend into the promotional arena. We welcome Buell to the AMA Pro Road Racing family of partners."

The fleet of track-prepared bikes will be ridden by riders selected by AMA Pro Road Racing and will be maintained and transported by Buell in a uniquely configured display trailer. Details of the on-track procedures are being developed by AMA Pro Racing and will be announced and discussed with riders during this weekend's AMA Pro Suzuki Superbike Doubleheader event at Road America.

Fast start for Zottmann

2009-07-01T09:46:00.000-07:00

From MajikX / Mountain Toys Racing

CALGARY, AB -- Multi-time CMRA champion Mike Zottmann opened his 2009 season at Round Two of the Masters of the Mountain series at Miller Motorsports Park.

While some mechanical issues arose on the first day, Saturday afternoon would prove to be a winner. Teamed up with Steve Davidson and Shane Turpin, Zottmann and his team-mates managed to completely dominate and win the Endurance GTO race.

Next up was King of the Mountain qualifying, which landed Zottmann second on the grid beside Turpin.

After starting from the back row in Superbike, Zottmann was able to pull off a second place finish. Next up was Open Superstock, which again found Zottmann gridded on the back row. He blasted off early with the leaders and took the lead on the second lap, pulling out about a five-second lead on his way to the win.

In the King of the Mountain race Zottmann was unable to keep pace with Turpin but managed to secure a second place finish.

Next races were at the CMRA weekend May 23-24 and Zottmann had everything in place.

Race City Motorsports Park was showing some serious degradation and it was difficult to make any forecasts with multi-time champion Pete Holzinger on the grid.

The Sunday morning Heavyweight race had Zottmann gridded on the front row and off to a great start. He dove into corner one in first position and never looked back, pulling a massive margin of victory over Holzinger and setting a fastest time of 1:16.850.

In the Superbike race Zottmann again took the lead going into corner one and on lap two he set a new regional lap record of 1:16.774.

“I just kept pushing hard pulling out on Pete and by the last lap of the race I was going into corner two while Pete was just coming out of the chute," Zottmann explained. "We were out to prove a point.”

Motorcycle pioneers join AMA Hall of Fame

2009-07-01T09:45:00.000-07:00

From the American Motorcyclist Association

PICKERINGTON, OH -- The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) has announced two more members of the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Class of 2009: Geoff and Bob Fox, pioneers in motocross technology and apparel. Geoff and Bob Fox will be among the motorcycling heroes honoured at the 2009 induction ceremony at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas this Dec. 5.

"Geoff and Bob Fox's brands are among the few in motorsports that have transcended their status as simply retail products and established themselves as part of motorcycling's culture," said AMA President and CEO Rob Dingman. "Now, as members of the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame, their accomplishments will become part of our shared heritage, as well."

Geoff and Bob Fox are responsible for two of the most recognizable brands in off-road motorcycle racing. Geoff Fox, with Moto-X Fox Inc., gave the world the Fox head logo, and launched one of the most ubiquitous brands found at motocross starting gates around the country. Bob Fox, with Fox Factory Inc., made his mark producing state-of-the-art suspension components for off-road motorcycles, and is now a leading provider of mountain-bike suspension.

"It is a high honour to know that in December my brother, Bob, and I will be inducted into the AMA Hall of Fame," said Geoff Fox. "Neither of us ever expected we would deserve this recognition. As for myself, I believe that although my wife, Josie, and I established the firm foundation of business success, it has been the second generation, led by our kids, which has constructed the imposing edifice that is so visible around the world today."

Bob Fox added: "The Motorcycle Hall of Fame is truly the Who's Who of Motorcycling past and present, and I am positively thrilled about being nominated to join that very special group. Over the last 35-plus years, I've had the pleasure and privilege of working with, racing with -- and just plain getting to know -- so many really terrific individuals in motorcycling. I look forward to further broadening and deepening those relationships as a member of the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame."

Geoff and Bob Fox are the fourth and fifth members announced for the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Class of 2009. The others already announced are off-road racer Randy Hawkins, suspension pioneer Gilles Vaillancourt and off-highway rights activist Mona Ehnes.

Located on the park-like campus of the AMA in Pickerington, OH, the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum honours individuals who have made lasting contributions to protecting and promoting the motorcycle lifestyle. Its members include those who have excelled in racing, road- and off-road riding, pushed the envelope in motorcycle design, engineering and safety, and championed the rights of riders in both the halls of government and the court of public opinion.

HardNox riders enjoy productive outing

2009-07-01T09:44:00.000-07:00

From HardNox Racing

CALGARY, AB -- After a challenging opening weekend for HardNox Racing in Round One of the Western Canadian Championship at Mission, BC May 16-17, the team returned home to kick off the CMRA season at Race City Motorsports Park a week later.

Saturday practice went well for most of the team but Rob Darlington did suffer a crash. Going into the 160km/h first turn he missed a shift and crashed, suffering a concussion and broken right pinkie finger. However he was able to race on Sunday.

Sunday dawned with beautiful weather. The first rider to take to the grid was Claude Bergeron in the BGPR Schools Heavyweight Amateur race. Bergeron got a great start from the middle of the grid and had an exciting battle in the middle of the pack all race long.

After lunch the whole team lined up for the Middleweight Sportbike race. Darlington, Curtis Lindenbach and Colin Foster were gridded a little farther back from their usual front row positions.

Darlington and Lindenbach ended up battling each other for most of the race while Foster fought hard to get into the top 10. Bergeron too was fighting for a top 10 in Amateur.

Race two saw the HardNox Expert riders competing in the Mountain Toys Middleweight Superbike race. After a great start Darlington and Lindenbach fought all race long with some new Experts for the top five positions.

HardNox had a productive weekend becoming acclimatized to the new Bridgestone race tires and new motorcycles. With Round One under their belts they are very optimistic for Round Two.

Results
Heavyweight Sportbike Amateur
10th - Claude Bergeron

Middleweight Sportbike Expert
5th - Curtis Lindenbach
6th - Rob Darlington
9th - Colin Foster

Amateur
12th - Claude Bergeron

Middleweight Superbike
6th - Rob Darlington
7th - Curtis Lindenbach

Successful start for Circuit ICAR

2009-07-01T09:43:00.000-07:00

By John Hopkins

Despite cool, windy and sometimes rainy conditions, Circuit ICAR in Mirabel, QC enjoyed a successful motorcycle racing debut as it staged a regional event last weekend in preparation for the arrival of the Parts Canada Superbike Championship June 12-14.

Martin Grande claimed the Superbike win and Karl Daigle was tops in Sport Bike. Jean Paquet also raced while factory Kawasaki riders Jordan Szoke and Alex Welsh, along with the Suzuki duo of Clint McBain and Brett McCormick also rode during the weekend but did not race in Sunday's unpredictable weather conditions.

The event was organized by the local "Track Fever" group, which drew favourable comments from observers with Professional Motorsports Productions, the national organizing body.

A new layout for the circuit was used, which was about 50 per cent different than that evaluated by Parts Canada Superbike Championship competitors at last August's test at the facility. The revised circuit measures 2.8km with 14 corners, while the original design covered 3.45km. This layout will also be used for the national in two weeks' time.

Pedrosa relieved after visit to doctor

2009-07-01T09:42:00.000-07:00

From Repsol Honda

Dani Pedrosa returned home to Barcelona on Monday where Doctor Xavier Mir, at the USP Institut Universitari Dexeus, confirmed that the Repsol Honda rider had not suffered any further injuries during his crash in Sunday’s Italian Grand Prix.

Pedrosa had started the race injured after a big rear wheel slide and subsequent shake from his bike in Saturday morning’s practice session caused the unlucky Spaniard to incur severe stretching in his right hip. The scans Monday also showed that the initial diagnosis at the circuit on Saturday had been correct and Pedrosa had pulled the gluteus medius muscle, which caused a small crack in the greater trochanter (thigh) bone where the muscle attaches.

The factory Honda rider will now rest up ahead of the Grand Prix of Catalunya in just under two weeks' time. His physical condition will be assessed next week and Pedrosa is hoping to be fit for his home race.

"It’s a relief that the tests today didn’t show up anything new because I think I have enough to contend with already," Pedrosa said. "The injury from Saturday is still quite painful obviously but with luck it will improve over the next week.

"The timing of this a real shame because I was feeling as though I was returning to something close to race fitness and could ride the bike as I wanted. Still, this is where we are so we’ll just get on with it and try to make a quick recovery. I really hope I can be fit for the next race because it’s a very important one for me and the team.

World Superbike extends Miller deal

2009-07-01T09:41:00.000-07:00

From the World Superbike Championship

TOOELE, UTAH -- Miller Motorsports Park and Infront Motor Sports, organizer and promoter of the FIM Superbike World Championship, announced Sunday that they have signed a three-year contract extension that will see the world's third-biggest racing series making an annual visit to Utah through 2013.

The original agreement with Infront Motor Sports (previously named FGSport), which is based in Rome, Italy, was for three years, ending in 2010. However, a new agreement has been drawn up and agreed upon, giving the FIM Superbike World Championship a stable home in North America and guaranteeing Miller Motorsports Park's marquee event for the next half-decade.

The agreement also provides for the FIM Supersport World Championship to accompany the World Superbikes for the duration of the contract.

"We could not be more pleased to reach this agreement with Infront Motor Sports," said MMP CEO and President Dan Davis. "It was important to us to secure this event for Miller Motorsports Park and fans across North America.

"Over the past few years, the business plan for the FIM Superbike World Championship has proven to be insightful and prudent, and we feel the championship is better positioned than any other racing series in the world right now.

"The management and staff of Infront Motor Sports, as well as the teams in the championship, have been terrific to work with. We have established a very good working partnership, and we look forward to five more successful and mutually beneficial years together."

"Miller Motorsports Park is a world class facility and we have been extremely satisfied with our first event in Utah last year" said Infront Motor Sports SBK Director Paolo Ciabatti. "Teams and riders really enjoyed the experience and as a result they voted MMP for the 'Circuit of the Year' award, as the best venue of the 2008 championship. The new agreement is a demonstration of the excellent relationships with the management and staff of Miller Motorsports Park and shows our commitment to the US market.

"With seven manufacturers officially engaged in our series and 30 permanent riders, the FIM Superbike World Championship is now stronger than ever and therefore we look forward to a successful and long lasting relationship with Miller Motorsports Park for the years to come.

Pedrosa hopes for home GP return

2009-07-01T09:39:00.000-07:00

From motogp.com

A big crash after changing to slick tires proved to be a miserable finale to a bad weekend for Dani Pedrosa, as the Spaniard not only failed to earn points on a day in which his three title rivals took to the podium, but also took a further hit to his injured hip.

The Repsol Honda rider had incurred what was identified as a tendon injury to his hip during practice, and suffered the misfortune of hitting the Mugello gravel in exactly the same place when thrown from his 800cc bike. Manager and mentor Alberto Puig was unable to give a medical opinion on his colleague, but did reiterate the tough nature of the fall.

“Everyone saw the crash," Puig said. "Dani hit the same place that was already in a bad way when he crashed, and we will have to wait until tomorrow (Monday) to see what the seriousness of the situation is. There is just one more test to do, and I suppose that tomorrow we will be able to do it. I’m not a doctor, so I couldn’t say when he’d return to action or anything like that.

“Dani had this hip problem on Friday, and from then on things got worse. Now we just want to make sure that the pain that he has now is from the original incident, and that today’s crash didn’t cause any more damage.”

Pedrosa will hope for a return in time for his home race, the Gran Premi Cinzano de Catalunya, in two weeks' time.

Stoner stops Rossi streak

2009-07-01T09:37:00.000-07:00

From motogp.com

In the second flag-to-flag race in two rounds Casey Stoner ended Valentino Rossi’s Mugello winning streak with a polished performance to give Ducati their first ever victory at the circuit in the fifth round of the MotoGP World Championship on Sunday.

Stoner survived a last lap scare when he made a mistake at the Correntaio corner - in front of the fans of the Italian factory - and also overcame a clutch issue in the latter stages to win by one second and retake control in the championship.

Much of the race came down to tactics again in front of the 80,000-strong Italian crowd as the riders once more started on a wet surface and completed the 23-lap contest on slicks, with Stoner this time judging things to perfection.

Having made a decent start in the wet Stoner slipped back slightly before changing to slick tires, then re-emerging from pit lane to surge towards the front of the race.

Describing the race, he stated, “At the beginning we started off really well and I had a good feeling with the bike, it was working well, but as soon as the dry patches started appearing our tires started destroying themselves and there was no grip. I just tried to maintain the gap to the other riders until I could get onto the slicks and then I knew I wouldn’t have such a disadvantage.

“Once I got onto the slicks I found a good feeling immediately and I was able to get to the front quite quickly, but then I started having a problem with the clutch. The rpm was going up to the limiter and there was no forward momentum. I just tried adjusting it and I managed to get it hooked up again, but it was still difficult on the corners.”

The Australian retook the championship lead as he crossed the line a second in front of former leader Jorge Lorenzo.

Initially wary of overconfidence after qualifying in first place it was in fact a lack of confidence that briefly became an issue for Lorenzo at Mugello. He lapped 13th on the timesheet on a wet track in the morning, crashed on the sighting lap before the race and was overtaken by several riders on the grid once the action commenced in Italy, before using all of his resources to battle his way back for a brilliant podium finish in second place.

“There were so many things happening and it was a crazy race,” Lorenzo admitted. “After the warm up I was so worried because I didn’t have a good feeling to go fast in the wet, but then I was even more worried after the crash in the sighting lap because I thought I might have to start last. I got a really bad start because my rear tire was sliding so much and then I hardly remember anything because the race was like a film.”

Lorenzo was grateful to his team for their endeavours in quickly fixing his first bike and getting it ready for the swap mid-race, saying, “I have to say the biggest thank you to my guys today for getting the damaged bike ready in such a short time; it was a brilliant job and after I swapped everything changed. From then on I had a great rhythm and I was able to stay on fighting to the end and take this second place."

Lorenzo’s Fiat Yamaha colleague Valentino Rossi completed the podium in third place as his seven-year winning run at his beloved home track came to an end, the Italian hero crossing the line two seconds behind Stoner and less than one tenth in front of Repsol Honda’s Andrea Dovizioso.

Having never had great success before in flag-to-flag races and having crashed at Le Mans just after swapping bikes in the French wet-dry contest, Rossi was pleased with his relatively smooth showing. His remarkable winning run in front of his adoring Italian public had to come to an end at some stage and he was simply content to be on the podium alongside race-winner Stoner and Fiat Yamaha colleague Lorenzo, as the three continue to jostle for supremacy in the 2009 title race.

“I have never been able to take a podium in one of these types of races before so it is the first time I have done it when we have had to change the bike," the World Champion explained. "It was a good race for me especially as we found a good wet setting in just 20 minutes of warm up and I was strong in the first part.

“I made a good decision on when to come in and change this time but unfortunately we decided to go with the harder front tire for the second part of the race and that was a disadvantage for me, especially at the beginning. I was slow in the first two laps on slicks and I was thinking about the Le Mans crash. The front choice wasn’t right and even though I found a good pace it wasn’t enough to win.”

It was a shame for Dovizioso to miss out on the rostrum on the last lap once again, having held the race lead early on, on wet tires.

Likewise, his compatriot Loris Capirossi (Rizla Suzuki) was leading at one stage – later in the race – but he fell away in the final laps to finish fifth.

James Toseland made a brave decision to come in first and change bikes when running towards the back of the field and he just missed out on equaling his best MotoGP result of sixth as he was outdone by his Monster Yamaha Tech 3 team-mate Colin Edwards on the last lap, having also dueled with LCR Honda’s Randy de Puniet who was eventually eighth.

Niccolò Canepa (Pramac Racing) will be delighted to have achieved his best result to date as the second highest Ducati rider in ninth at his home race, with Chris Vermeulen (Rizla Suzuki) completing the top 10 behind the young Italian.

Dani Pedrosa hit the deck and crashed out on lap 14. Having already damaged his hip earlier in the weekend, the Spaniard was stretchered away from trackside. He will face an anxious wait to see if he is fit for his own home race at Barcelona in two weeks.

Honda satellite rider Yuki Takahashi also crashed out with 13 laps to go.

As the rain poured down in Tuscany the 250cc riders did battle on a wet track at round five, with Mattia Pasini (Team Toth Aprilia) eventually coming out on top by a 0.117-sec. margin from second placed Marco Simoncelli – who he brilliantly held off on the final lap.

A big incident with 10 laps to go saw title rivals Álvaro Bautista (Mapfre Aspar) and Simoncelli (Metis Gilera) clash at high speed, with both riders running off track when Bautista held the lead – Pasini pushing through to take over at the front and Bautista eventually finishing third.

Hit with a $5,000 (US) fine and a ‘yellow card’ warning by Race Direction for what was described as ‘riding in an irresponsible manner’ Simoncelli was still fairly unrepentant about the clash between himself and Bautista that left the Spaniard fuming.

Simoncelli had attempted a pass on the fast Mugello chicane, but found himself out of room when Bautista refused to give up the racing line. Both riders ran off track before later placing on the podium, but there were plenty of accusations and very little interaction when they stepped onto the rostrum.

An exciting 125cc contest saw Briton Bradley Smith (Bancaja Aspar) take victory, holding off a strong challenge from Spaniard Nico Terol (Jack & Jones Team) on the last lap to take maximum points and the lead in the standings.

MotoGP Race Results
1. Casey STONER (AUS) Ducati Marlboro Team Ducati 45:41.894 (158.389km/h)
2. Jorge LORENZO (SPA) Fiat Yamaha Team Yamaha 45:42.895
3. Valentino ROSSI (ITA) Fiat Yamaha Team Yamaha 45:43.970
4. Andrea DOVIZIOSO (ITA) Repsol Honda Team Honda 45:44.023
5. Loris CAPIROSSI (ITA) Rizla Suzuki MotoGP Suzuki 45:45.168
6. Colin EDWARDS (USA) Monster Yamaha Tech 3 Yamaha 46:06.345
7. James TOSELAND (GBR) Monster Yamaha Tech 3 Yamaha 46:07.515
8. Randy DE PUNIET (FRA) LCR Honda MotoGP Honda 46:07.940
9. Niccolo CANEPA (ITA) Pramac Racing Ducati 46:13.709
10. Chris VERMEULEN (AUS) Rizla Suzuki MotoGP Suzuki 46:16.708
11. Marco MELANDRI (ITA) Hayate Racing Team Kawasaki 46:16.984
12. Nicky HAYDEN (USA) Ducati Marlboro Team Ducati 46:21.016
13. Mika KALLIO (FIN) Pramac Racing Ducati 46:34.356
14. Toni ELIAS (SPA) San Carlo Honda Gresini Honda 46:34.372
15. Alex DE ANGELIS (RSM) San Carlo Honda Gresini Honda +1 Lap
Not classified
Dani PEDROSA (SPA) Repsol Honda Team Honda +11 Laps
Yuki TAKAHASHI (JPN) Scot Racing Team MotoGP Honda +13 Laps

MotoGP Point Standings
1. Casey STONER (Ducati) 90
2. Jorge LORENZO (Yamaha) 86
3. Valentino ROSSI (Yamaha) 81
4. Dani PEDROSA (Honda) 57
5. Andrea DOVIZIOSO (Honda) 56
6. Marco MELANDRI (Kawasaki) 48
7. Colin EDWARDS (Yamaha) 45
8. Loris CAPIROSSI (Suzuki) 38
9. Chris VERMEULEN (Suzuki) 37
10. Randy DE PUNIET (Honda) 34
11. James TOSELAND (Yamaha) 26
12. Toni ELIAS (Honda) 23
13. Alex DE ANGELIS (Honda) 21
14. Mika KALLIO (Ducati) 19
15. Nicky HAYDEN (Ducati) 13
16. Niccolo CANEPA (Ducati) 10
17. Sete GIBERNAU (Ducati) 8
18. Yuki TAKAHASHI (Honda) 8

Sweet sweep for Spies

2009-07-01T09:34:00.000-07:00

From the World Superbike Championship

TOOELE, UTAH -- Ben Spies (Yamaha World Superbike) annihilated the opposition in the Utah round of the Hannspree FIM Superbike World Championship at Miller Motorsports Park, picking up his second double win of the year in his rookie SBK season.

In front of 47,300 spectators the Texan again reopened the title battle in a championship that following Kyalami appeared to be firmly in the hands of Ducati.

Noriyuki Haga (Ducati Xerox), who crashed heavily in practice, ran the two races in a bruised state, finishing ninth and eighth. The Japanese rider lost ground to Spies as well as to his team-mate Michel Fabrizio, who finished third and second. With the season now at its mid-point Haga leads on 265 points, with Spies up to 212 and Fabrizio on 201.

Spies dominated the first race to cut the gap at the top of the table, as Haga could only finish in ninth place, losing 18 points in the process. The race was interrupted on lap seven after a crash involving Australian Karl Muggeridge (Celani Suzuki), who only came away with a few bruises.

Spies powered away again in the second part to win by a comfortable margin on aggregate times.

“We’ve been working on our starts a bit and this is a long straightaway and I really needed to get a good one here," Spies said. "After the restart it was tough because I really wanted to win on the road and couldn’t take too many risks to keep Carlos at bay. I just wanted to cross the line first even though I had a six-second cushion.”

Behind Spies finished Spain’s Carlos Checa (Hannspree Ten Kate Honda), last year’s double winner, and third place went to Fabrizio, who was slowed by two poor starts.

“From the beginning Ben was too strong today," Checa admitted. "I didn’t have so much grip in the first part but then we adjusted the tire pressure and it was better in the second. The Honda is working well here, we have a good base from last year and we used that benefit to get at a certain level and get a good result. We needed this result because it has not been so good for us since the start of the year.”

It was a good day for Ten Kate Honda as Ryuichi Kiyonari and Jonathan Rea came home in fourth and fifth position, respectively. Max Biaggi started from row four but worked his way up to sixth position at the flag on his Aprilia RSV4 machine.

The second race was similar to the first, with three-time AMA Superbike champion Spies taking the lead at the first turn and never relinquishing it.

“That was a tough race, I almost feel like I robbed Michel because he rode fantastic," Spies said. "I tried to set a good pace but a pace that was comfortable and every time he took a 10th out I had to put a 10th back to keep him at bay. Then in the last six laps I pulled the pin and held it to the end.

"It’s good to get a double win here; unfortunately we know Haga’s not 100 per cent but you’ve got to capitalize on the weekend and we made up some points.”

Fabrizio this time got off to an excellent start and was second at the first corner, the Italian managing to keep Spies in his sights for over half the race before settling for the runner-up slot.

“It was a good weekend," Fabrizio said. "I tried every way possible until five or six laps from the end to give some problems to Ben but in my attempt to catch up to him I pushed a bit too hard and finished the front tire so there was nothing I could do.”

Checa crashed out on lap four, leaving the battle for the final podium place to be fought out between Rea, Leon Haslam (Stiggy Racing Honda), who crashed out on the final lap, and Biaggi, competitive in the race after problems in qualifying.

“The guys have put a great bike under me this weekend," Rea said. "We’ve done some good development, but I’ve never had to race as slow as I could for third place because I had a few problems with the front and the front tire. Ben and Michel put on a great run at the front, I couldn’t go with them. I could see a big gaggle of riders behind me, and thought I’d keep something in reserve until the end but I couldn’t see what happened with Leon’s crash. Anyway it was my second podium in two rounds so I’m very happy."

Kiyonari, Jakub Smrz (Guandalini Ducati) and Shinya Nakano (Aprilia Racing) all finished ahead of Haga in eighth.

It was an encouraging race for Kawasaki, with Bric Parkes and Jamie Hacking often running inside the top 10, but BMW again had a difficult time of things with Ruben Xaus and Troy Corser finishing outside the top 15.

In World Supersport action, Kenan Sofuoglu (Hannspree Ten Kate Honda) emerged the winner from the thrilling final lap of a race-long battle between four riders and three different makes: Honda, Yamaha and Kawasaki. With just one lap to go the 2007 champion first passed points leader Cal Crutchlow (Yamaha World Supersport), and then three turns from the checkered flag made a decisive move on Eugene Laverty (Parkalgar Honda), who had led from the start.

For the Turkish rider it was the 13th win of his career, and the 67th for Honda in Supersport. The Ten Kate Honda rider is now back in contention in the points standings, third on 108 points behind leader Crutchlow on 135 and Laverty on 126.

Kawasaki Provec scored a good fourth place with Joan Lascorz, who started from pole. Gianluca Nannelli (ParkinGO Triumph ) crashed out of the battle for fifth, which eventually went to Fabien Foret (Yamaha World Supersport), but Garry McCoy held the Triumph flag high with a positive sixth place.

Seventh went to 2008 champion Andrew Pitt (Hannspree Ten Kate Honda), who started from the final row of the grid.

Kars, ON's Andrew Nelson finished 25th on his Nelson Racing Yamaha YZF-R6. Fellow Canucks Marie-Josee Boucher of Montreal and Lethbridge, AB's Ryan Taylor failed to qualify.

Superbike Race One Results
1. Spies B. (USA) Yamaha YZF-R1 38:30.945 (160.527km/h)
2. Checa C. (ESP) Honda CBR1000RR +9.394
3. Fabrizio M. (ITA) Ducati 1098R +12.742
4. Kiyonari R. (JPN) Honda CBR1000RR +14.276
5. Rea J. (GBR) Honda CBR1000RR +14.915
6. Biaggi M. (ITA) Aprilia RSV4 Factory +15.461
7. Hacking J. (USA) Kawasaki ZX-10R +22.901
8. Smrz J. (CZE) Ducati 1098R +25.425
9. Haga N. (JPN) Ducati 1098R +25.870
10. Haslam L. (GBR) Honda CBR1000RR +26.093
11. Byrne S. (GBR) Ducati 1098R +26.181
12. Kagayama Y. (JPN) Suzuki GSX-R1000 K9 +29.275
13. Sykes T. (GBR) Yamaha YZF-R1 +38.365
14. Lavilla G. (ESP) Ducati 1098R +39.454
15. Corser T. (AUS) BMW S1000 RR +39.513
16. Nieto F. (ESP) Suzuki GSX-R1000 K9 +48.889

Superbike Race Two Results
1. Spies B. (USA) Yamaha YZF-R1 38:25.391 (160.914km/h)
2. Fabrizio M. (ITA) Ducati 1098R +9.080
3. Rea J. (GBR) Honda CBR1000RR +14.357
4. Biaggi M. (ITA) Aprilia RSV4 Factory +15.636
5. Kiyonari R. (JPN) Honda CBR1000RR +17.156
6. Smrz J. (CZE) Ducati 1098R +17.546
7. Nakano S. (JPN) Aprilia RSV4 Factory +19.659
8. Haga N. (JPN) Ducati 1098R +23.455
9. Sykes T. (GBR) Yamaha YZF-R1 +30.489
10. Byrne S. (GBR) Ducati 1098R +31.775
11. Parkes B. (AUS) Kawasaki ZX-10R +33.246
12. Kagayama Y. (JPN) Suzuki GSX-R1000 K9 +36.758
13. Nieto F. (ESP) Suzuki GSX-R1000 K9 +36.887
14. Lanzi L. (ITA) Ducati 1098R +37.290
15. Zemke J. (USA) Honda CBR1000RR +42.639
16. Xaus R. (ESP) BMW S1000 RR +42.777

Superbike Point Standings (after 7 of 14 rounds)
1. Haga 265
2. Spies 212
3. Fabrizio 201
4. Rea 133
5. Biaggi 126
6. Haslam 122
7. Sykes 113
8. Kyonari 96
9. Checa 93
10. Smrz 82

Yuki Takahashi Scot Racing Team Rider

2009-06-30T02:52:00.000-07:00

2009 Scot Racing Team MotoGP

2009-06-30T02:51:00.000-07:00

For the 2009 season Yuki Takahashi has been handed a MotoGP spot for Scot Racing Team MotoGP, thus replacing his former 250cc team-mate Andrea Dovizioso who heads for HRC's official Repsol Honda outfit.

Sete Gibernau Grupo Francisco Hernando Rider

2009-06-29T12:42:00.000-07:00

Sete Gibernau retired from racing in 2006 but will return to MotoGP in the 2009 season with Grupo Francisco Hernando team.

Toni Elias Back to Honda Gresini Team

2009-06-29T12:41:00.000-07:00

Yuki Takahashi Scot Racing Team Rider

2009-06-29T12:40:00.001-07:00