#46 V.Rossi on track at Silverstone

Valentino Rossi made the most of his visit at Silverstone on Tuesday by completing a couple of stints with a Ducati 1198 bike.

Valentino Rossi joined other great motorsports champions from the past and present in an inauguration ceremony for a new, ultramodern paddock structure at England’s Silverstone Circuit. The Silverstone Wing, as the British venue’s enormous new facility is called, comprises spacious garages, a media center, offices, and an auditorium, and it will host the seventh round of the MotoGP world championship on June 12.
Rossi, who missed the track’s 2010 round due to injury, used the occasion to turn some introductory laps with a World Superbike 1198 and, while that bike was in the garage for a check of its electronics, with a standard 1198 street bike, complete with license plate and mirrors. The Italian greatly enjoyed his track time—about thirty laps in all—as a way to get to know the circuit.
“I really had fun,” said Valentino Rossi before leaving for Italy. “After a few laps with the 1198 Superbike, we had a problem with the electronics and decided to use the 1198 street bike that Ducati’s UK affiliate rushed to us. I really liked riding that bike here. The track is nice—difficult and very technical. It makes you work hard because there are very fast sections where having the right trajectory is important, and others that are very narrow where you have to have good grip under acceleration. The first turn is completely blind, and you must hold a very precise line, and in general the entire first section is really great, definitely the part I like most. In short, I enjoyed it, especially because there were many drivers and riders who have great histories in motorsports, like John Surtees, who told me that he raced here in the ’50s. I wasn’t following racing then,” joked the Italian, “but he was great.”   www.motogp.com

'A tough trial riding' – Bou

Repsol Montesa riders Toni Bou and Takahisa Fujinami proved to be a formidable force at the opening round of the 2011 SPEA FIM Trial World Championship as they finished 1- 3 respectively. Here is what the Honda duo had to say after the German GP.

Bou: “It was tough riding first today, as there were no lines to see in the sections. I did not start well and then made a big crash in section three, luckily the bike was not damaged and I only hurt my finger a little. From section four I began to ride well and on the second lap I rode even better. I am happy to win today, as the first victory of the season is always an important one.”

Fujinami: “Finally I can be happy as I arrived in third place and on the podium, but this morning I thought it was going to be a bad day. I made a very bad first lap and could not get to grip with the sections. I am very happy with my riding on the second lap as I made the best lap of the trial. This helped me recover a lot of positions, but I am also a little disappointed that I did not take second as I was very close to Cabestany in the end. Being on the podium at the first GP is a good result.”

www.fim-live.com

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Enjoy the thrill of Silverstone on the Ducati GP moto two-seater

Riders for Health is giving people the once-in-a-lifetime chance to ride on the back of a MotoGP bike with the two-seater Ducati, ridden by former Grand Prix racer Randy Mamola.

The Ducati Desmosedici two-seater ride is a unique chance to complete a lap of one of the most famous racing circuits in the world, on the same weekend as the stars of MotoGP. This will be an experience like no other: the chance to ride a MotoGP bike piloted by Grand Prix hero and co-founder of Riders for Health, Randy Mamola.
It is your chance to get a MotoGP rider’s-eye view of the historic circuit. The developments to Silverstone have made it the fastest MotoGP circuit on the calendar, it is a chance not to be missed.
Each passenger will also receive a pair of premium paddock passes for the day of their ride and will enjoy hospitality in the Ducati suite for the day.
Members of the public simply cannot buy the chance to ride on this bike anywhere else in the world.
All the money raised from the sale of the rides goes directly to support Riders’ work in Africa. Riders for Health is an award-winning social enterprise that works to make sure all health workers in Africa have access to reliable transportation so they can reach the most isolated and vulnerable people with regular and predictable health care.
Rides are available on Friday 10th, Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th June. So you can enjoy either of the two practice days or have your ride in front of a full race day crowd. For more information about taking part in this incredible experience, contact Martyn Cook by calling +44 (0)01604 889 570 or email mcook@riders.org. Make sure you do not miss this once in a lifetime opportunity!
Note: Each passenger must undergo and pass a full medical check prior to their ride, and passengers must not exceed 90 kilos (14 stone). Participants must be over 18.
www.motogp.com

Germany - Fujigas ready for battle

This coming Sunday marks the first event of the 2011 SPEA FIM Trial World Championship, which will take place in the town of Gefrees, East Germany close to the Czech Republic border. After being absent from the series calendar since 2005, Germany has the privilege of hosting the opening round of the thirty sixth edition of the championship.

Experienced campaigner Takahisa Fujinami is one rider eager to start the new outdoor season, after having endured a disappointing showing in the 2011 FIM X-Trial World Championship earlier this year. The affectionately named ‘Fujigas’ placed third in the 2010 SPEA FIM Trial World Championship and again has a top three result in his sights this season.

“For me obviously winning is still the best result, but with Toni (Bou) being so dominant the past few years it is very hard to be the best. I think he will win again in 2011 and if I can give Montesa second position in the championship I will be very happy – this is my target,” commented the 2004 FIM Trial World champion.

Takahisa still stands as only the second ever Japanese rider to take an off road FIM World title, the other being secured by Akira Watanabe, who won the 125cc motocross title for Suzuki back in 1978. Although the thirty-one year old is approaching the tail end of his international career his flamboyant riding style and stand out performances ensures he still remains one of the crowd’s favourite riders.

“My love and passion for Trials has never faded. The indoor series is hard for me and I am not very happy with my result this year – the Spanish riders have much more opportunity to ride indoor sections over the winter break so I think this is why they are so good. Now I must look forward to the outdoor series which I prefer,” continued Fujigas.

2011 sees a small number of regulation changes regarding the SPEA FIM Trial World Championship including the time allowed in a section and the minimum machine weight. Riders will now have ninety seconds to pass through and complete each section meaning that they will have more time to tackle the hazards that they will undoubtedly face. The new season will also see the introduction of a minimum weight limit for all bikes.

“Personally I like the old time regulation for the sections, which gave the riders just sixty seconds, but I understand the trial must be entertaining for both riders and spectators. The weight limit is a good idea - we have developed some new parts for 2011, but the weight will not be a problem,” explained the Factory Montesa rider.

Understandably the Japanese round of the SPEA FIM Trial World Championship has been postponed from early June until August 20-21st after the country suffered a series of natural disasters during early March this year. Although the country as a whole was heavily affected by the events, it is a testament to the countries commitment and dedication that they are still determined to stage a two-day event.

“For sure Japan is my favourite event of the year – it is my home. What has happened in the past few months is terrible, but my country is hardworking, has a great community spirit and will not give up. I think the trial will be very hot in August and it will be interesting to see how the riders adjust to the heat, but I am looking forward to it. I am also very excited to be competing in Fort William, Scotland again in July. Last year it was one of my best trials as I won the second day and the crowd was amazing – I like Great Britain very much,” concluded Fujinami.

www.fim-live.com

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Kawasaki WSBK team boss denies drug smuggling

The boss of Kawasaki's World Superbike squad says drugs, gun and ammunition found in his race transporter lorry were planted by a drugs gang.

Paul Bird, owner of Paul Bird Motorsport (PBM), exclusively tells MCN (out this Wednesday) that he believes the gang were using his truck to smuggle contraband back into the UK, as the team returned from the Assen World Superbike round last month.

Based on a tip-off from the UK Border Agency, the Daily Telegraph claims 8kg of cocaine (with a street value of £350,000), 71kg of amphetamine tablets, more than 100kg of cannabis, a handgun and 35 rounds of ammunition were found in the truck, with no attempt made to conceal them.

The UK Border Agency confirmed that two PBM lorries were searched as they passed through Dover Eastern Docks last month and that quantities of class A drugs, class B drugs and a handgun were discovered.

Customs also said that four men – believed to be Paul Bird Motorsport drivers and mechanics – were arrested on suspicion of the importation of controlled drugs and firearm offences. They were questioned and later released on bail pending further enquiries.

Read the full exclusive interview with Paul Bird in MCN this week, out Wednesday May 4.

http://www.motorcyclenews.com

Next stop Monza for leader Checa 2011 WSBK

As he heads into Round 4 of the championship at the Autodromo Nazionale di Monza, Althea Racing flag-bearer Carlos Checa holds a 43 point advantage over Max Biaggi, the second-placed rider. Having clocked up four race wins and two third place finishes in the opening six races of this year, Checa's results also help place Ducati at the top of the manufacturer's standings.

The Spanish rider finds himself in an entirely different situation to last year, when on the eve of the Italian Round he was fourth overall, 71 points from the top. Following his near-perfect season start, the Spanish matador is convinced he can have a positive weekend at the Monza circuit, where he could only score a 14th and an 11th place twelve months ago.

"I will face Monza just as I have the other races," said Checa. "Up until now we have had great results and so we won't be changing much technically speaking. This is of course a different kind of track and we will have to work hard to not lose too much ground on the straights. There are some difficult sections of track and so we must interpret the circuit well and concentrate on the tough parts. I feel in great shape and am ready to give my all. My team is extremely motivated and with their help I think we can make two great races."　www.worldsbk.com

Yamaha Moto GP Team prepare for round 3

The MotoGP paddock sets up at the Estoril circuit on the Atlantic coast in Portugal this weekend for round three of the World Championship after an extended break. The recent disaster in Japan and subsequent postponement of the Motegi round has resulted in a four week gap between races for Yamaha Factory Racing riders Jorge Lorenzo and Ben Spies.

Reigning MotoGP World Champion and current Championship leader Lorenzo returns to Estoril looking to extend a perfect score sheet from the Portuguese circuit. So far the young Mallorcan has three consecutive pole position starts, race wins and fastest laps, taking nothing less than victory from every Estoril race of his MotoGP career. The later scheduling of the Portuguese race in last year’s calendar meant Lorenzo raced at Estoril in 2010 having already been crowned World Champion. He went on to deliver Yamaha’s third consecutive Triple Crown that weekend with the help of his then team mate. A flawless performance under treacherous conditions in Jerez last month delivered Lorenzo’s first race win of the season, the incident filled first Spanish round leaving most of the competition struggling to stay upright and reach the chequered flag. He arrives at Estoril nine points clear of his closest rival at the top of the Championship standings.

Yamaha Factory Racing rider Ben Spies heads back from his four week break in the USA preparing for his first Estoril MotoGP race. The 2010 round which saw Monsoon weather disrupt qualifying had initially looked positive for the then satellite Texan rider, combined practice times giving him a second row start for the race. An unfortunate high side on the second of two sighting laps however resulted in a dislocated ankle meaning Spies has yet to complete a MotoGP race here and has yet to turn a wheel on a dry Estoril track. The 2010 rookie of the year had been on track for his first podium of the year at Jerez last month. He had been running in second behind his team mate until he joined the many riders to crash out as the changeable track surface took its toll on the worn out rain tyres. Spies arrives in Estoril sitting in 12th in the Championship with ten points.

The Autodromo Fernanda Pires de Silva sits just seven kilometres from the Atlantic coast and as such is notorious for dramatic weather changes; riders can see conditions change in seconds from warm sunshine to high winds and gusts of rain. Estoril provides one of the most challenging circuits for set up, featuring one of the longest straights of the MotoGP calendar combined with the one of the slowest corners. Lorenzo and Spies will need all their rider skills to negotiate the slow twisty sections then hold their nerve for the high speed 200km/hr kink at turn five and the infamous final Parabolica corner leading to the finish line.

Jorge Lorenzo
"This week we will be in Portugal, a country where I've had nice moments! In Estoril I got my first victory in the MotoGP class in 2008 which I repeated over the last two seasons. The track has turned into a talisman for me and it is the place where the astronaut always comes back. We have been training for a month, and I hope that this makes us fit for a good race. We are in front of the standings, but it is very early and it is just the beginning. This week will also be important since we are testing on Monday and we will certainly be able to check a lot of things for the future set-up".

Ben Spies
“Although I’ve enjoyed the opportunity to head home and get some chill out time in Texas this break has been way to long for me. The team worked really hard over the weekend in Jerez and by race day had delivered a competitive set up that meant we could fight for the podium. Unfortunately it wasn’t to be. I really enjoyed the first practice sessions here last year and was frustrated to have not made the race, I can’t wait to get started on Friday morning and see what we can do.”   www.fim-live.com

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Ducati Moto GP Team prepares for Estoril battle

Following the longest break of the entire season, brought about by the postponement of the Motegi GP, the MotoGP series returns to action for the Grand Prix of Portugal. The Ducati Marlboro Team is prepared for a weekend at a track that is at once demanding and full of contrasts. Despite its having the lowest average speed of the series, the Estoril circuit also includes very fast sections, including one of the longest straightaways of the year and Turn 5, which is taken at approximately 200 km/h (124 mph).

The circuit, which winds through the hills seven kilometers from the Atlantic coast, is also known for its variable weather, which often makes track conditions different from one turn to the next.

Valentino Rossi has won five times in his eleven premier-class visits to the track, and he has finished on the podium on other five occasions, while the best result of his teammate Nicky Hayden is a fourth place in 2007.

VALENTINO ROSSI:
“With the postponement of the Japanese GP, we’ve had three weekends without a race, so I was able to ‘unplug’ for a while following the GP12 test at Jerez, although I continued training to help my physical recovery. Now we go to Estoril, a track I quite like, where we’ll continue working on the GP11’s setup, particularly during the test on Monday. The conditions are often unpredictable at Estoril because the area is very windy and close to the ocean, making for variable weather, especially in the spring. Anyway, although we saw at Jerez that we’re already competitive in the wet, we’re hoping for sun in Portugal so that we can make the most of our time on the track. We still have to understand the bike better, and to work on the setup with the goal of being faster in the dry in time for the most intense phase of the season, when we’ll have six races in eight weeks starting in June.”

NICKY HAYDEN:
“On to Portugal! We’ve had three weeks off, which seems like a long time, so I’m looking forward to getting back with the team. Estoril has some pretty tight, narrow places, but I’d say my favorite part is the fast kink on the back straightaway. Actually, we were just there in the fall, but the weekend was completely wet until the race. Hopefully it’s a little bit different this year, because it would be nice to get some dry time in as well. Now the season really gets rolling as we head into summer. I know the team’s been working hard, and I’m also looking forward to the test that we have on Monday after the race. I can’t wait to get back to the track and back on the bike. Hopefully we can go and get a good result.”

ESTORIL TRACK RECORDS
Official Record: Dan Pedrosa (Honda – 2009), 1:36.937 – 155.309 km/h
Best Pole: Jorge Lorenzo (Yamaha – 2008), 1:35.715 – 157.291 km/h
Circuit Length: 4.182 km (2.599 mi)
2011 MotoGP Race Start: 1:00 p.m. Local Time
Number of Laps: 28
Race Distance: 117.096 km

2010 PODIUM: 1st Jorge Lorenzo, 2nd Valentino Rossi, 3rd Andrea Dovizioso
2010 POLE: Jorge Lorenzo (Yamaha), 1:48.522 – 138.729 km/h

DUCATI MARLBORO TEAM RESULTS AT ESTORIL (BEST FINISH)
2010: 5th (Hayden)
2009: 2nd (Stoner)
2008: 6th (Stoner)
2007: 3rd (Stoner)
2006: 12th (Capirossi)
2005: 5th (Checa)
2004: 7th (Capirossi)
2003: 3rd (Capirossi)

/www.fim-live.com

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#21 Troy Bayliss says he wants to make a comeback

Why does Troy Bayliss keep saying certain things, if he doesn’t really mean them and keep illuding his millions of orphaned Superbike fans?
Last year, the former three times World Superbike champion was at the World Ducati Week at Misano and the big talk of the week was that he seriously wanted to make a comeback to racing, only for him to turn around the next day and say he was staying retired and happy.
Now Bayliss who is 42, and helping develop and test the brand new 2012 Ducati Superbike says he wants back again and misses racing too much.

“I can’t help it, I still need to win,” says Bayliss in this week’s issue of Motosprint magazine. “I’ve never been so fit, I’m ready to return at any time. I know I can beat anyone ” .

Max Biaggi Continues to Have a Hard Time Making Friends

It’s been a tough season so far for Max Biaggi. The reigning World Superbike Champion has had a decent start to the 2011 season, and currently sits second in the point standings after three race weekends, but his progress has been nothing like the blitzkrieg campaign he accomplished last year. Facing a non-factory Ducati that seemingly rides like a factory bike, Biaggi is 43 points behind Carlos Checa, while the devilishly quick WSBK rookie and former MotoGP contender Marco Melandri is only four points behind his fellow Italian.
Likely feeling the pressure to bring honor to the #1 plate, we’ve already seen Biaggi revert back to some of his old antics of the past. With the “slap” incident from Donington Park still fresh in peoples’ minds, more accusations come from riders that the Roman Emperor has been blocking and in the way during the Superpole qualifying event, and this time those accusations come from inside the Aprilia garage.   www.asphaltandrubber.com