A thrilling gathering arranged by Austrian world presenters ATV, and viewed by plenty of enthusiasts saw a demonstration ride among the city of Vienna this past Wednesday, featuring Jorge Lorenzo (Fiat Yamaha), Nicky Hayden (Ducati Marlboro), James Toseland (Monster Yamaha Tech 3) and Gabor Talmacsi (Scot Racing) all involved.

This was the sole event in history that the competitors were able to take their prototype engines along the historic Ringstreet, the main street in the heart of the city.

Local government enjoyed the occasion as much as a state visit, with the Austrian police force travelling ahead of the champions on a 5.2km string of the city centre. The travel began at the Burgtheater on Josef-Meinrad-Place, via Ringstreet and through many fascinating buildings like the State Opera House, the famous museums and the Austrian Parliament, finally returning to the Burgtheater.

The competitors ceased for a while at the Parliament building so that media photographers and spectators could take photos at such a remarkable venue.

Czech 250cc competitor Karel Abraham (Cardion AB Motoracing) and three 125cc riders - Spaniard Marc Marquez (Red Bull KTM), Austrian Michael Ranseder (CBC Corse) and Swiss rider Randy Krummenacher (Degraaf Grand Prix) – were also there which incorporated interviews with ATV broadcasters Mark Michael Nanseck and Rudi Moser.

Talmacsi commented, “This kind of event is fantastic because you feel the support from the fans and there are a lot of Hungarians because it’s very close. We also did a big promotion in my country, on Monday, so I expect a lot of fans in Brno. I like the track so much, it is good for my riding style but in MotoGP this is my first time there. Of course I’ll try my best and now I have more feeling with the motorcycle and I feel stronger personally.”

Former hero Hayden, adds, “It was a great opportunity for the fans to get close to the bikes and to the riders, and hopefully for us to show them a bit of our sport. Perhaps we can get a new audience that have not seen our bikes before and I think it’s a good build up for the weekend. Last year I missed the race but Brno is a great track, fast, flowing and a lot of long straight aways so I am looking forward to the weekend now.”

Supplying his views battle ahead after the break, Lorenzo states, “Dani (Pedrosa) is currently more than 70 points behind but you can not rule him out, because in this championship a thousand and one different things could happen. It looks like there are two riders with a real chance, especially Valentino (Rossi), but mathematically you can’t rule any of the top guys out.”

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Ducati satellite group Pramac Racing welcomes Italian competitor Michel Fabrizio into their standings for this weekend’s Cardion AB Czech Republic Grand Prix as a replacement for Finland’s Mika Kallio.

As Casey Stoner’s ongoing health issues puts the Aussie competitor out for the next three sessions, Kallio has charged up into the squad on a momentary basis, enabling the 24 year-old Fabrizio to make a comeback to MotoGP racing.

Fabrizio, who now competes for Ducati in superbikes, was spending time in the 125cc session with Gilera in 2002, competed for Aprilia in MotoGP racing in 2004 and endured his final World Championship showing in Germany with a Honda in 2007.

“I want to thank Ducati and Pramac for this gift,” Fabrizio explains. “Brno is my favorite track and therefore the right place to come back riding a MotoGP 800cc bike after the last time at Sachsenring two years ago. I know that I can’t expect too much because the GP9 is so different compared to my 1198 F09. The priority is to have some fun and enjoy a different weekend for me. I also want to wish all the best to Casey to be back in top form as soon as possible!”

Pramac Racing Team Principal Paolo Campinoti stated, “As soon as we found out that Casey wouldn’t ride for the next three races at Brno, Indianapolis and Misano, together with Ducati Corse managerial staff we decided that our rider Mika Kallio would ride with the Ducati factory team due to the good results he has achieved with us.”

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Our Aussie hero Casey Stoner has endured physical issues ever since the Catalunya GP, which has created some harsh fatigue during the past five events.  Stoner obtained this hard decision after having liaised with various sports doctors who have helped him for an extensive period of time back in Australia. At this difficult time, he has the complete support of the staff and the total colleagues of Ducati, who along with Stoner, have benefitted from racing at the head of the sport for the previous three years.

Mika Kallio will unite with Nicky Hayden in the Ducati Marlboro Team for the next three events, thanks to the fantastic efforts between Ducati and the satellite team. Kallio is in his novice year in MotoGP and has already sparked to be a serious contendor. For the Brno event, his spot in the Pramac Team will be acquired by Michel Fabrizio.

CASEY STONER, Ducati Marlboro Team (3rd place on 150 points)
“After five extremely difficult races due to my health, I returned to Australia to visit the sports doctors who have looked after me for many years. We have taken the difficult decision not to contest the next three rounds of the championship, to allow my body time to recover from the recent stress. The doctors believe that during the Barcelona race I was suffering from a virus, and, that I subsequently pushed my body too hard, leading to problems that have caused my fatigue since then. The doctors are continuing with many tests to try to understand these problems and make sure it does not happen again. I have spoken with Ducati and thank them for their understanding at this time. I feel very sorry for the factory, my team, my sponsors and the fans and I am also disappointed because the bike in the last races has been very competitive. I will be doing everything possible to come back at full strength for Portugal.

NICKY HAYDEN, Ducati Marlboro Team (13th place on 47 points)
“Last season I was unable to race at Brno because I was injured, but it’s a great track which was completely resurfaced last year so I expect it will be much better in terms of the lumps and bumps. At least this year I will find out, having spent the break at home in Kentucky preparing myself for the second half of the year, and not taking part in things like the “X Games”! I can’t wait to get back on track and score some results which will make my team happy. I hope Casey can get better over the next few weeks because we all know how quick he is when he is fit. In the meantime I need to try to make progress with the team and try to make sure that they don’t miss him too much.”

MIKA KALLIO, (15th place on 34 points)
“When I took the call I could hardly believe it, but then I talked to my manager and I realised it was true. I am proud to be racing the next three events with the Ducati Marlboro Team. Obviously I’m not expecting to suddenly be a second quicker, because our bikes are very similar to the official machines, but I hope to be able to pick up some good results for the team. I would particularly like to thank Paolo Campinoti, who has allowed me to enjoy this incredible opportunity. It will be a real honour for me. Nonetheless I would like to send my best wishes to Casey, and I hope to see him back out on track as soon as possible.”

LIVIO SUPPO, MotoGP Project Director
“It’s obviously difficult for us to contemplate the next three races without Casey, but it’s clear that the most important thing at this time is his health. Since his debut with us in Qatar in 2007, Casey has won 18 times as well as taking countless podium finishes, becoming one of the top riders in the World Championship in the process. We have already overcome tough times together, like when he had to undergo surgery on his scaphoid towards the end of last season. We are united whether in times of success or in times of difficulty. We are confident that the doctors will help solve the issues that have affected him since early June and that Casey will be able to take part in the last races of the year in peak fitness. Then we can prepare for 2010 in the best way possible. A big thank you to Paolo Campinoti who as always has proved to be a great supporter and an ideal partner for Ducati, allowing Mika to ride with the Ducati Marlboro Team for the next three races. Mika is having a really positive debut year

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Spanish star Jorge Martínez ‘Aspar’ used to be a four-time World Champion as a competitor in the past 1980s before leading one of the largest team structures in the Grand Prix playing field.

Since retiring from competition, Jorge Martínez ‘Aspar’

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Aprilia USA’s Davey Durelle was the quickest competitor to outdo the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb for the second year in a row.

Travelling on an Aprilia SXV 5.5, Durelle defeat every other competitor in the 750cc session in the 87th yearly Pikes Peak International Hill Climb on July 19. Durelle rode 12.42 miles and ascended 4,721 ft to the top of Pikes Peak in Colorado within a time of 11:48.649.

“We anticipated an influx of Aprilias in this year’s competition, after Davey beat much larger bikes to the top on the SXV last year,” states Rick Panettieri, Aprilia's brand boss. “As evidenced by another triumph, the SXV is ideal for a mountain road like that at Pikes Peak. The revolutionary light-weight body, packed with power and superb maneuverability, makes this the best motorcycle for twisty mountain roads – paved or dirt.”

Durelle completed only a tenth of a second quicker than KTM competitor Gary Trachy. Jeff Grace, racing a 2005 KTM 610SMR placed third in the session with a time of 1:59.156, adding three motorbikes amid the 11 entrys to end under the 12-minute mark.

“I had pole for race day and was able to get the hole shot. I lead for the first two miles of the race until Gary passed me,” states Durelle. “He put a little distance on me on the lower asphalt section. We were neck-and-neck and I just beat him to the inside of the last left hand sweeper. I held him off until the finish line.”

Giuliano Covezzi, an additional Aprilia SXV competitor, placed fourth in the 750cc session to gain Rookie of the Year awards from the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb team.

Greg Tracy was victorious in the 1205cc session with a time of 12:29.120 on a BMW HP2, a difference from the Ducati Hypermotard he raced to win the 2008 circuit.

Stuart Sinclair gained the Supermoto session with a time of 12:16.652 racing a 2005 Honda 450. Other Honda competitors were Joe Prussiano who was victorious in the 450cc sesssion on a 2003 CR450 with a time of 12:32.825, and Chuck Lee who came first in the 250cc class, placing on a time of 13:08.534 riding a CR250R.

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