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Friday, October 21, 2011
Moby Dick Motorcycle sells for $332,000 at Bonhams bike sale Brough Superiors and Vincents were the big money-getters at the recent Bonhams auction on October 16 at the Staffordshire
County Showground that saw the sale of the well-known “Moby Dick” motorcycle, a 1929 Brough Superior SS100,
at a whopping 210,500 GBP ($332,000 US).
The Brough Superior SS100 was hailed as “the fastest privately
owned machine in the world suitable for road use” when it set a new speed record in 1931 at 106 MPH. The 1,142cc V-twin
engine and three-speed transmission was later modified to produce another record at 115 MPH. Receiving a complete restoration
in 1998, Moby Dick has been touring classic bike events and other venues for the last decade before going under the gavel
in Stafford last weekend. Again showing the strength of the manufacturer among vintage motorcycle enthusiasts,
Brough Superiors took the next three highest selling positions at the auction. A 1924 Brough Superior SS80 yielded $158,685
U.S. and a 1952 Vincent 998 Series-C gaveled at $80,500, followed by 1930 Brough Black Alpine 680 that sold for $64,000…
in pieces. The Alpine is a basket case that has been apart since it was purchased in the early Sixties. A 1953 Matchless
498cc G45 race bike was the next highest bid bike at $57,950. Another Vincent, this one a 1955 998cc Series D tied with
a 1933 Brough Superior 11-50 as the next highest at 34,500 GBP ($54,400 U.S.). Anyone wishing to latch
onto the “Brough-mania” can still get a shot at owning one at the upcoming Bonhams Harrogate Auction at the Yorkshire
Event Centre on November 16. That auction will feature a 1928 SS100 as well as a 1939 Ariel Square Four, 1955 Vincent Series
D and a 1950 Norton International 500. Bonhams is projecting the upcoming Brough SS100 to sell at more than $250,000. More
information on the bikes that were sold in Stafford is available at Bonhams and a list of offerings at the upcoming Harrogate
auction. If you need to transport your next Harley Davidson, Ducati, BMW, Yamaha, Suzuki, Kawasaki
motorcycle then visit www.MotorbikeTransport.com.au.
8:49 pm est
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Stoner tops the charts once again; Rossi 13th on Ducati Casey Stoner struck the final psychological blow prior to the start of the 2011 MotoGP
World Championship by setting the fastest time of the Qatar Test on Monday, as the last pre-season
meeting concluded with the Australian top of the timesheet. An effort of 1'55.681 from
the Repsol Honda rider placed him 0.064s ahead of team-mate Dani Pedrosa, who was the only other rider
under 1'56” during the session.
The pair, who spent the five-hour second session
finalising their set-ups for the Commercialbank Grand Prix of Qatar which takes place at the circuit
from Thursday to Sunday, were well clear of the rest of the field, with Yamaha Factory Racing's
Ben Spies third at a distant 0.549s further down on Pedrosa as the American sought improved grip on
his M1.
To read the full story, click here.
10:11 am est
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
2:56 pm est
Red Bull Rookies Club 2011 Preview South Africa, Germany, Australia, the Czech Republic or any of the 14 nations represented
might carry off this year's Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup. The first race takes place on April 2nd
as part of the Spanish Grand Prix at Jerez.
It opens the 5th Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup
season and 25 of the world's best teenage racers from as far apart as Malaysia and the USA plus
the length and breadth of Europe, from Finland to Portugal face off in the greatest opportunity
in their careers.
Click here to read more
2:54 pm est
Friday, March 4, 2011
HM Plant Honda & O'Halloran complete first Day of Pre-Season Testing The HM Plant Honda team got its pre-season testing campaign underway
at Calafat in Spain, as reigning champion Ryuichi Kiyonari and Shane 'Shakey' Byrne
began their preparations for the forthcoming British Superbike Championship season, whilst
Jason O’Halloran also made his debut with the team ahead of his campaign in the National
Superstock 1000 class.
The opening day of testing gave the riders the opportunity to get
back on track after several months out of the seat and Kiyo ended the first day excited
by the his latest specification Fireblade, whilst Shakey was also impressed by the speed and
handling despite having made very little changes initially to adapt the Honda. Kiyo and Jason
equally completed 71 laps on circuit with Shakey just slightly less with 64. The team is
now focusing on its second day to push ahead further and improve pace and set-up.
Click here to read more
2:47 pm est
Thursday, March 3, 2011
1300-Bike-Move makes huge progress in motorcycle imports from USA 1300 Bike Move has been working on a model to help Australian motorcycle riders import their favourite motorcycle
from the united states of America - USA.
We are now able to import motorcycle from the USA at
a very competitive rate. To read more, click here.
1:41 pm est
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Motorclassica - The Australian International Concours d'Elegance 2010
Australia has a strong tradition in classic motoring, with over 700 car clubs nationwide. Club events are a popular
on the classic motoring calendar, often attracting in excess of 5,000 enthusiasts and 1,000 cars to one-day events, including
drive days and concours d’elegance displays. Victoria itself has a long history in the motoring industry, not only
as the spiritual home of Holden, but as the long-time host of the Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix and the Phillip Island
Classic Festival of Motorsport. In October 2010, Exhibitions & Trade Fairs will stage Motorclassica,
Australia’s first International Concours d’Elegance and Classic Motor Show, bringing together the most beautiful
cars in the world, from both Australia and abroad, over three days at the iconic, world heritage-listed Royal Exhibition
Building, Carlton Gardens. AUSTRALIAN INTERNATIONAL CONCOURS D'ELEGANCE A
one-of-a-kind event for Australasia, the Australian International Concours d’Elegance will attract the most beautiful
and prestigious classic cars from collections around the world, in a display the likes of which has never been seen in Australia.
Held at the iconic, World Heritage-listed Royal Exhibition Building , Carlton Gardens, the event will attract not only
the world’s top collectors and their cars, but a large visitor audience who appreciate the beauty and design of over
150 prestige vintage and classic automobiles and motorcycles. CONCOURS ENTRIES FINALISED After
months of searching Australia and the world for the best of the best, the Motorclassica Advisory Board has finally delivered
an outstanding collection of 80 cars to compete in the inaugural Australian International Concours d’Elegance and
a further 30 exceptional cars in special display. With more than 40 cars from Shannons Auctions, Supercar Central and our
special exhibitors, visitors can expect to see almost 200 beautiful cars to represent our collective motoring history.
Motorclassica will feature the rare and exceptional, the beautifully restored and preserved and an array of cars with special
provenance, including the former cars of such personalities as Peter Sellars, Steve McQueen, Jack Brabham, Bruce McLaren,
Stirling Moss, aviator Amelia Earhart and more.
Australian Concours d’Elegance entries will be on display
to the public and VIP guests, for two and a half days. Over that time, the cars will be judged in a number of classes
to determine several awards including the prestigious “Best of Show”, by a judging panel that will consist of
specialists from both Australia and overseas. The official award ceremony will take place on the show floor on the afternoon
of Sunday 24 October 2010. TOUR CLASSICA The Australian International
Concours d’Elegance will commence on Friday 22 October 2010 as many of the Concours participants will gather at Albert
Park for a Tour Classica through Melbourne streets, and around some of Melbourne’s most famous landmarks. Passing
checkpoints along the Tour which will include the Albert Park Grand Prix circuit , Southern Cross Station and Flagstaff
Gardens, the cars will finally come to rest at the Royal Exhibition Building, Carlton Gardens. Entry in Tour Classica is
open to all Motorclassica entrants, with extra points awarded for completion. To get a great look at more than 70
cars, head on down to Albert Park as the entrants put the final touches on their cars over a relaxed breakfast, and meet
some well-known identities. Cars depart the park at 9.45am. CLASSIC MOTOR SHOW Exhibitions
& Trade Fairs, the managers of the Australian International Motor Show (Sydney) and Melbourne Motor Show, the National
4x4 Shows and the Motorcycle Expos (Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sydney & Melbourne) are the most experienced exhibition management
company in the broad motoring industry. With over 30 years experience in exhibition management, we are well-placed to deliver
a brand new expo targeting both classic car enthusiasts and those who appreciate the golden days of motoring. SIR
STIRLING MOSS RETURNS FOR MOTORCLASSICA Sir Stirling and Lady Susie Moss will join a lineup of special guests as special guests at the inaugural Australian International
Concours d’Elegance and Classic Motor Show. Widely acknowledged as one of the greatest drivers who has ever lived
Sir Stirling will join us for a meet and greet with Aussie motoring fans over the course of the weekend. Sir Stirling and
Lady Moss are proudly presented by Nelson Alexander.
Supporting the Australian International Concours d’Elegance,
the Classic Motor Show is a two and a half day expo showcasing a range of automobilia including collectables, memorabilia,
art, photography, aftermarket product, clothing and merchandise, parts, services and prestige goods. Consisting of approximately
100 suppliers, it will occupy the gallery level of the Royal Exhibition Building, Carlton Gardens, with two additional marquees
on the Museum Plaza between the Melbourne Museum and the REB. HERALD SUN PICNIC WITH THE CLASSICS A
free event open to all Melburnians, Herald Sun Picnic with the Classics brings together more than 100 classic cars on display
in the beautiful Piazza Italia at Argyle Square (Mel: Map 2B:F9), a short 3 minute walk from the Royal Exhibition Building.
Families will be encouraged to bring a picnic lunch and spend the day out amongst these displays courtesy of some of Victoria’s
300-odd specialist motoring clubs.
Herald Sun Picnic
with the Classics will be open free to the public on Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 October 2010 and is proudly supported by
City of Melbourne. The Herald Sun Picnic with the Classics is also proud to acknowledge No Fuss Solutions and Kennards
Hire as supporting partners in this event. CONCOURS ENTRANTS In
2010, Motorclassica has curated one of the finest collections of beautiful, rare and desirable motor cars ever seen in Australia.
From collections around Australia and the four corners of the world, we are proud to present the seventy-eight cars that
will compete for Best in Show at the inaugural Australian International Concours d’Elegance: EDWARDIAN
(1905-1919) 1909 AX Renault AX 1912 Rolls Royce 40/50 Silver Ghost EUROPEAN
& BRITISH VINTAGE (1919-1930) 1930 Alfa Romeo 1750 Brianza Spyder GT 1924 Bentley 3L 1928 Bentley WO 4.5ltr Long Wing 1923 Aston Martin 1923 Bentley 3L 1924 Bugatti Type 23 Brescia
1928 Daimler P.1.50 1924 Hispano-Suiza H6C Type Sport 8L 1927 Lancia Lambda Series 7 1926 Rolls Royce 20HP 1925 Rolls Royce Phantom 1 1919 Sunbeam Roadster 1924 Vauxhall 4.2L 125 HP AMERICAN
VINTAGE & PRE-WAR (1919-1945) 1937 DeSoto Airflow 1936 Plymouth Airstream 1935
Plymouth 1926 Buick 6 Cylinder, 3 Litre 1929 Cadillac Lasalle 1929 Pierce Arrow Brougham EUROPEAN
& BRITISH PRE-WAR (1931 - 1945) 1939 Wanderer W25K Sports 1937 Alfa Romeo Aerospider
(6C 2300) 1931 Austin Swallow 1937 Bentley 4.25L Derby 1931 Delage D8S 1932 Delage D8S 1938
Jaguar SS100 1938 Jaguar SS100 1938 Lagonda V12 1938 Lancia Astura 1934 Riley Imp EUROPEAN
& BRITISH POST WAR CLASSIC (1946-1960) 1958 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Spider Veloce Series 1 750F 1950 Aston Martin DB2 (LM/50/16) 1954 Austin Healey BN 100 1959 Austin Healey BN7 3000 1960 Austin Healey
Sprite 1957 Bentley S1 1950 Healey Silverstone 1956 Jaguar XK 140 DHC 1959 Jaguar XK150S 1953
Jaguar XK120 1955 Lancia Aurelia B24 1960 Mercedes Benz 190SL 1957 Mercedes Benz 300SL 1951 Porsche
356 (pre-A) 1954 Porsche 356A (pre A) 1951 Porsche 356 1959 Porsche 356 1957 Rolls Royce Silver Cloud AMERICAN
POST WAR CLASSIC (1946-1960) 1956 Buick Roadmaster 1957 Chevrolet Bel-Air 1960 Chevrolet
Impala 1960 Dodge Dart 500 1961 Dodge Polara 1948 Tucker 48 MODERN EUROPEAN &
BRITISH (1961-1975) 1969 Jaguar 420G 1967 Lancia Flaminia GT 1973 Mercedes Benz 600
Grosser MODERN THOROUGHBRED (1961-1975) 1966 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 1967 Alfa Romeo Giulia GT Veloce 1966 Alfa Romeo Giulia GTC 1964 Cooper Climax T70 1970 Ferrari 365 2+2
GT Ferrari 275B GTB NART Spyder 1966 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 1971 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 1963 Ferrari GT250L 1972 Ferrari Dino 1966 Ferrari 330 GTC 1965 Jaguar E-Type 1961 Jaguar E-Type 1961 Maserati 3500
GT Vignale Spyder 1964 Maserati Sebring 1962 Maserati 3500 GT Vignale Spyder AUSTRALIAN
VINTAGE & CLASSIC (1900-1975) 1973 Ford Falcon XA GT 1971 Ford Falcon XY GT HO Phase
3 1967 Ford Falcon XR GT 1968 Holden HK Monaro GTS MOTORCYCLES 1968
Velocette Venom Thruxton 1971 MV Agusta 1955 Triumph 500 Speedtwin 1913 Rudge TT 1951 Triumph 5T Speed
Twin 1969 Triumph Bonneville T120R 1967 Triumph TR6 650cc 1955 Norvin 500 Single 1956 BSA Goldstar
350 Single 1924 Harley Dividson JD 1200CC 1957 Norton Dominator 88 DISPLAY ONLY
CARS: EDWARDIAN (1905-1919) 1916 Stutz Bearcat EUROPEAN
& BRITISH VINTAGE (1919-1930) 1930 Bentley Speed 6 1929 Bentley 4.5L 1925 Bugatti
Type 30 1924 Vauxhall 30/98 4.2L AMERICAN VINTAGE & PRE-WAR (1919-1945) 1936
Cord 810 Sportsman EUROPEAN & BRITISH PRE-WAR (1931-1945) 1929
Bentley Speed 6 1935 Jaguar SS1 Airline 1936 Mercedes Benz 540K 1934 MG K3 EUROPEAN
& BRITISH POST WAR CLASSIC (1946-1960) 1957 Aston Martin DB2/4 Mk2 1954 Fiat 8V
1956 Maserati A6G 54 / 2000 1956 Mercedes Benz 300SL 1955 Porsche 550 1948 Talbot Lago T26C AMERICAN
POST WAR CLASSIC (1946-1960) 1950 Ford Mercury MODERN THOROUGHBRED
(1961-1975) 1968 Alfa Romeo GTA 1300 Junior 1969 Aston Martin DBS Vantage 1966 ISO
Grifo 1963 Maserati Mistral 1966 Porsche 906 1966 Porsche 911 A display of more than
eight WO Bentleys sets the perfect stage for the showcasing of the 2011 Bentley Mulsanne. Following its debut at the Pebble
Beach Concours d’Elegance in 2009, the Mulsanne is Bentley’s first all-new car since the 1930s and echoes the
design of the S-Type of the 1950s while providing a level of luxury that challenges its competitors. The
Mulsanne joins a collection of impressive and imposing supercars, some of which have never before been seen in Australia. With
only 175 production spots in 2010, the Morgan Aero Supersports is quite a car and destined to be a classic of tomorrow.
Powered by a V8 BMW engine, the Supersports is the last of the Aero range and joins a collection of modern day supercars
that would be the envy of any serious collection. Not to be missed, Supercar central features the newest production Morgan,
the Bentley Mulsanne and Supersports, the McLaren F1, the Ferrari 288GTO and California, the Devaux Spyder and the legendary
Jaguar XJ220. In association with Motorclassica, Custom Plates are proud to present Supercar Central,
a very special display of modern day supercars from Ferrari, Mercedes Benz, Jaguar, Bentley and Lamborghini to name a few.
These modern supercars are destined to become the classics of tomorrow by virtue of their sheer beauty, power and rarity. Read More Here
4:16 pm est
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Second half begins at Brno Ready to proceed with the second half of the 2010 year, the MotoGP competitors and squads are back to action this weekend
at Brno for the Cardion ab Grand Prix Czech Republic, the chase to catch Championship leader Jorge Lorenzo re-starts.
Following nine of the 18 rounds, the Fiat Yamaha racer is 72 points clear at the head of the rankings, after his
talented form of six victories and three second positions so far. Another top two placing would make Lorenzo the
third competitor in GP's 62 year history to arrive either first or second in the opening ten rounds of a season,
the others being Giacomo Agostini and Mick Doohan. To keep his amazing form Lorenzo will need to be victorious at
a track where he has not yet won in the premier class, after smashing out last season when challenging colleague
Valentino Rossi for the lead. He does however have a good record in the smaller sessions there.
Dani
Pedrosa is nearest to Lorenzo in the rankings and the Repsol Honda racer needs to prove his skills after a crash
at Laguna Seca in the last round. The Spaniard has encountered a good run leading up to the summer break and was
heading the event in the U.S. before he fell, he has also ended twice on the stage at Brno including second spot
last season.
In third position at 23 points off his colleague is Andrea Dovizioso, who is keen to find
his early podium form, while the crafty Casey Stoner (Ducati Team) is hot on the heels of the Italian. Stoner did
not compete at Brno last year but claimed a win there in 2007, something he has still not achieved in 2010.
Brno
has been a excellent venue for Valentino Rossi who has five premier class victories there, the Italian has won
at the Czech circuit for the past two years. A stage appearance previously at Laguna in only his second event after injury,
took him up to fifth place, where he lays only a single point ahead of Nicky Hayden (Ducati Team). Ben Spies (Monster
Yamaha Tech 3) is also nearing in on the top five and Brno gives him a familiar track, as has previously raced there
in WSBK.
Due to make a speedy return after his broken leg is Randy de Puniet (LCR Honda). Pending medical clearance,
the Frenchman looks to race again only four weeks after his smash at Sachsenring, last season he competed to tenth
spot at Brno after having broken his ankle three weeks before the race.
San Carlo Honda Gresini duo Marco
Melandri and Marco Simoncelli are in close contention in ninth and tenth in the rankings, while Colin Edwards (Monster
Yamaha Tech 3) will look to progress on his best result of this season with an attempt to place higher than seventh.
Click here to read more
12:43 pm est
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Dovizioso season so far Andrea Dovizioso’s 2010 season has been highlighted, thanks to his presence in the top three of the MotoGP World
Championship rankings midway through the year. The 24 year old Italian has appeared on the stage four times in the
past nine rounds, and has challenged Jorge Lorenzo for a win.
The year began with in an exciting fashion
for Dovizioso, who is now in his third season of premier class racing. He edged forward in a battle for the
final stage spot in the opening event in Qatar by 0.011s over Nicky Hayden. Following a thrilling start he ended
sixth at Jerez, however proved that his round 1 result was not a sole performance with another strong podium finish
at Le Mans thanks to a positive ride that allowed him to claim third spot with a last lap move.
Consistency
was they key for Dovizioso as he ensued with another third position at his home event in Mugello, however more of
his talents were imminent in the next event at Silverstone. After winning the British GP in the prior year at Donington,
Dovizioso arrived second at the fresh track, edging closer to a first victory of the campaign.
Assen
was a difficult event for Dovizioso as he struggled with the front end of his engine and arrived fifth, but seemed
to find his ground again at Catalunya where he challenged closely with Jorge Lorenzo at the head of the race before
smashing and ending in 14th place.
After setting high standards, fifth position in the next race
at Sachsenring did not fully satisfy Dovizioso after pushing for a podium end, and fourth at Laguna Seca appeard
to be another step up prior to the summer break.
Click here to read more
11:29 am est
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Aoyama improving Six weeks later from the warm up smash at Silverstone that fractured his T12 vertebra, Hiroshi Aoyama is on the road
to healing and the Interwetten Honda MotoGP Team competitor is satisfied with his rehabilitation as he continues to
aim for full physical fitness.
“I feel I’m getting better every day,” explains Aoyama.
“I have also started training in the swimming pool, and also a little bit with my arms in the gym. I can feel
my progression. I would like to try the bike because I see the others racing every weekend and I feel I want to
try, but I have to be careful because the bone I broke is very important.”
Aoyama is having continuous
training sessions at the Royal Club Fitness & Spa Hotel Rey Juan Carlos I in Barcelona, his recovery is showing
excellent progress.
“I think my arms and legs are almost as they were before, but my back maybe
is at 70% or 80%, so not 100% yet. When I do some exercise I always need the support corset so when I can exercise
without that I will be at more or less 90%, and then I can start to ride the bike,” he states.
“It
is a little bit strange because I have never missed any races in the last six years.
Click here to read more
1:44 pm est
Monday, August 2, 2010
Lorenzos year so far Smooth and rhythmic has been Jorge Lorenzos display this season. The young Spaniard has been working consistently
in the past nine rounds, claiming six wins and ending second three times. Adding to the five poles and 210 points
from a possible 225, Lorenzo’s year has been a dream until now.
The Fiat Yamaha racer has endured
a huge step, not just for his racing but also his approach to upcoming events. Lorenzo has read races differently,
always aware when to battle for victory and arrive to second position at times when his opponents have the upper
hand is far more satisfying than a fall.
Arriving back to the beginning of the year shows Lorenzo’s achievements
as being very impressive, given the fact he commenced the campaign still carrying a pre-season training injury
and arrived in Qatar for round 1 without being fully physically fit. Second spot under lights was therefore an excellent
outcome.
The next event at Jerez showed Lorenzo's best, as his drive for a first premier class victory
at home allowed him to recover an advantage built up by rival Dani Pedrosa, to surpass his fellow Spaniard and take
the win. Following his his first win of the year, Lorenzo used the one day test to practice his beginnings and it
paid off. A win at Le Mans in the next round ensued, before second spot at Mugello behind Pedrosa. Following was
three consecutive victories at Silverstone, Assen and Catalunya. Second at Sachsenring was next on the list adding
more valuable points with Pedrosa being the victor, then a victory at Laguna Seca completed his fantastic first half
of the year.
Lorenzo has now built one of the best records in history with regards to victories and points
percentages.
Click here to read more
2:06 pm est
Friday, July 23, 2010
Lorenzo looking for victory at Laguna Current leader, Jorge Lorenzo, has ended either first or second in every event so far this year, giving him the title
of the first racer since Valentino Rossi to begin his session with eight successive stage appearances. The Fiat Yamaha
competitor was second in the previous round at Germany and arrives to California with a 47 point lead over Dani
Pedrosa in the rankings.
"I have some painful memories of this track," says Lorenzo, over the pre-event
press conference. "In 2008 I crashed on cold tyres in the first corner and injured my feet, which meant no
dancing during the holiday! Last year I crashed twice on cold tyres, once on the front and once on the rear, but
then went on to get pole and finish on the podium. Laguna is certainly a special place, very different to the rest
of the circuits we race at, but I like riding here, especially the Corkscrew. I want to race here in perfect condition,
without injury, and I hope I'll have the opportunity this weekend."
When questioned on whether he is
concentrating about the Championship and not just race victories, Lorenzo adds, "You have to pay a lot of attention
to your limits, know where they are, try and stay within them and finish on the podium whenever it's possible.
We hope to have a good race this weekend."
Joining the leader at the press conference were the victors
of the round in Sachsenring, Dani Pedrosa, two times victor at Laguna Seca, Nicky Hayden, current World Champion,
Valentino Rossi and Silverstone stage finisher, Ben Spies.
Pedrosa was victorious at Laguna this time last season
and is seeking his first back-to-back victories in the premier session.
"The last few races have
been good for us and I have good memories from this race last year," states Pedrosa. "I hope that, this
weekend, we will have more good memories to take away from Laguna Seca with us."
"The Championship
still isn't over as the gap to Lorenzo can be closed. We have a lot of races to go, but we can only take things
race by race and do the best we can," ends the Repsol Honda racer.
Leading the home power this weekend
will be Ducati competitor Nicky Hayden, who is sitting fifth in the Championship rankings. The American claimed
two of his three Grand Prix victories at Laguna. No American racer has ended on the podium at Laguna since Hayden's
victory in 2006.
"Laguna has always been good to me and to my brothers also," comments Hayden.
"I'm looking forward to the weekend ahead and I hope we can get a good result here, because we need one
after struggling at the last few races. We're just going to go for it and see what happens."
Only
six weeks after breaking his leg at Mugello, Valentino Rossi returned to racing at Sachsenring and arriving fourth
after an huge battle with Casey Stoner that allowed the Aussie to steal the final stage spot from the Italian at
the final turn. Rossi now arrives to Laguna where he was victorious in 2008 and ended second last year.
"After the race in Germany I didn't have any extra problems, especially with my leg, so I'm in quite
good shape," explains Rossi. "It will be important tomorrow to see if Laguna Seca gives me more problems
with the leg, but if I can ride like at Sachsenring it's possible to have a good weekend here. Laguna is a great track
and one that I like a lot. I had one of the best wins of my career here in 2008, after battling with Casey. There
are a lot of left corners, which is not so bad for me, but the Corkscrew could be a bit of a problem. We will see."
Ben Spies is also looking forward to this weekend, as he comes back to one of only three circuits on the
calendar where he has competed on a MotoGP bike previously. The Texan ended eighth at Laguna in 2008 as a wildcard
racer for Suzuki.
"Laguna has always been a special track for me, even when I used to come here in
the AMA series," says Spies.
Click here to read more
1:40 pm est
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Roger Lee Hayden prepared Roger Lee Hayden is ready for a strong race this weekend at home at the Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix, he will compete for
the LCR Honda squad as a substitute for the injured Randy de Puniet.
Hayden is aware of the tough challenge
slotting into the premier class, however the 27 year old says he is prepared for the battle and hopes his talented
potential at a circuit he knows well is shown.
“I have an uphill battle I guess in not knowing the
bike and never having ridden it against the best riders in the world, but it’s something I knew when I accepted
the challenge,” says Hayden. “My season in World Superbike hasn’t been great so I look at this
as an opportunity to put on a good show. It’s not every day you get asked to race in your home GP.”
Commenting on his goals for the weekend, he adds, “I want to go there and do a good job, to show that
I am a capable rider, and to get a good job for next year, whether that’s in MotoGP, Moto2 or World Superbikes.
Everybody comes to Laguna and everybody pays attention to the GP. At the same time I know that I have never ridden
the bike before and it’s been a long time since I rode a GP bike, which was just the once (in 2007 as a wildcard
at Laguna). I’m not going to prove anything if I go there and crash the bike. I don’t have big expectations
but at the same time I want to do a good job and keep it on two wheels!”
Sibling Nicky was also
a part in orchestrating the move, with Roger Lee stating that LCR team owner Lucio Cecchinello approached him to ask
about his younger brother’s availability. Kevin Schwantz also had a role, which included a phone call from Cecchinello
shortly after.
“I agreed to it pretty much straight away,” said Hayden. “The only problem
was that I’m doing the Moto2 race (as a wildcard) at Indianapolis for American Honda, so I kind of had to
get their permission. I was already committed to them and I didn’t want them thinking I was taking any opportunity
that came up, and they were great about it. It all happened pretty quickly, I was just blown away. In a 15-minute
span I had a text (from Nicky) asking me if I was interested in riding at Laguna, and phone calls from Kevin and
Lucio… I was like: ‘What’s going on?!’.”
Nicky’s advice was an important
factor, Roger Lee continus to explain, “He just told me to think about it at first, because I was riding a
superbike the weekend before, two days later I was testing a Moto2 bike for American Honda, and now I’ll be
riding a MotoGP bike. He’s been very supportive, and has helped speed things along with getting information
to the team and back to me. He played a big part in it. On a race weekend he has a lot of stuff going on himself.”
On the idea of challenging with his brother in the event, he adds, “I haven’t really thought
about that! But I’d like it because it would mean I’d be doing a pretty good job if I’m battling
that high up the field! I think however that would be setting my expectations on a bit of an unrealistic level.
If it happened I would like it, but I know it’s highly unlikely.”
Hayden also discussed that
he will be racing a MotoGP bike this weekend, then a Moto2 at Indy only five weeks afterwards.
“I’m
just happy to be getting these opportunities in whatever order they come in,” he states.
Click here to read more
12:49 pm est
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Kallio frustrated Mika Kallio had a consistent progress via the satellite Ducati of the Pramac Racing squad at the eni Motorrad Grand Prix
Deutschland over the weekend, prior to suffering a crash in the event ending his hopes of a strong finish early.
The Finn began well to the original race that was since red flagged following a smash by Randy de Puniet, however
Kallio then crashed at turn one after the event was restarted.
“The first start in the race was
not too bad and we were able to get into the top ten positions more or less, and we were fighting for that. But
then the crash happened,” says Kallio.
“The second start was not too bad but immediately
I crashed in the first corner. I think the rear tyre was just cold and as soon as I touched the throttle I lost
the rear, and the race was finished for me.”
Adding to the disappointment was that Kallio had a good feeling
on his bike and was due for a strong result, after experiencing difficult times.
“We thought it
would be a good race for us because everything was going better than in the other races and we were in much better
positions, and our lap times were okay.
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12:55 pm est
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Spies reflects on weekend Ben Spies was disappointed with his eighth position at Sachsenring on Sunday, a strong outcome for the rookie but one
he felt did not receive enough reward after his performance.
“Eighth place does not reflect what happened
on track today and it was quite clear that I could have been much higher,” says Spies. “I had the misfortune
in qualifying yesterday that was nobody's fault, but starting that far back hurt me today.”
The
American used the initial half of the event by making up ground from his qualified spot of 13th, after suffering
a crash where he slipped on spilt oil.
“It wasn't easy to pass Melandri because his bike accelerates
really well but once I got by and could run my own race, I was really happy with how I performed. Dovizioso, Simoncelli
and Nicky were five seconds clear at that point but I got to just over a second away from them.”
Spies
adds, “I was pretty much the fifth fastest guy on the track and I definitely had a fifth place result in
me today, but I just had bad luck with the qualifying crash. But I leave with a top eight result and I'm not
that far away from fourth in the Championship now.”
The American is now eighth in the overall rankings,
only 16 points off fourth positioned Casey Stoner as he prepares for the Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix this weekend where
he is anxious to please at his home ground.
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12:49 pm est
Monday, July 19, 2010
Rossi surprised at fourth Valentino Rossi’s comeback to competition following injury offered a highly anxious spectacle by fans, as the reigning
World Champion placed fourth after being beaten to a stage spot on the last corner of the race at Sachsenring by
Casey Stoner.
With a short 21 lap race due to the red flagging of the original event, the Italian of the Fiat
Yamaha squad did not take it easy whilst still healing right leg, he challenged throughout the competition, only
to be beaten by Stoner by 0.366s.
The "Doctor" surprised himself with his own abilities, and comments,
"I didn't expect this! I thought it was maybe possible to make fourth or fifth place but I thought it
would be very difficult. In the end I was fourth but I had a great battle with Casey and I was so close to the podium,
so this is a fantastic result after missing four races.”
Rossi was very happy even though he just missed
out on what would have been an amazing top three end, he adds, “I need some more kilometres to really recover
the feeling and feel completely okay with the bike again, but I think I did a great job and this was a very good
comeback, better than we could wish for. I felt a bit of pain in my shoulder but more in the leg when changing direction,
but at the end the battle with Casey was such fun that I didn't think about it. Unfortunately though he just
got the better of me on the last corner!”
The MotoGP session now arrives to Laguna Seca next weekend,
where Rossi came second in last season’s event, he outlines his goals for the Red Bull US Grand Prix.
“Thanks
to all my team for helping me come back and be competitive like this, we will try to do even better in Laguna,”
he ends.
Davide Brivio, Team Manager for Rossi, states, “One week ago we didn't know if we'd
be able to ride here at all and then day by day our targets changed. We would have been happy whatever with a top
five today but finally we were really competitive and so close to the podium.
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1:43 pm est
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Ducati visit Germany The Ducati squad prepare for battle at the technical German track this weekend in Sachsenring. It is a circuit where
Nicky Hayden and Casey Stoner have taken good results, plus the layout is enjoyable for both racers.
The
pair arrive to the eni Motorrad Grand Prix Deutschland with full confidence, both keen to improve on their 2010
campaign season. For Hayden, who appeared on the podium four times at Sachsenring through 2004 and 2007, there
are many parts of the circuit he appreciates.
“It is a very short lap at Sachsenring and the first part
of it is very tight and technical, with probably the slowest run of corners on the whole calendar. Turns 1, 2, 3
and 4 are all in first gear – it’s like a car park!” says Hayden. “The back section is really
fast though, with one of the coolest corners in MotoGP, which we call the ‘Waterfall’ – you arrive
in fifth gear and nosedive into a blind corner. You have to be decisive there or you can easily lose a few tenths.”
“It is a track I like a lot and on paper it is one of the best on the calendar for me. I really like
left-hand corners and this track is full of them, so it is also important that we have dual compound tyres here,”
he adds.
Colleague Stoner is also a fan of the layout, where he claimed his first World Championship podium
in the 125cc session in 2003 and won in MotoGP in 2008. The 24 year old is also happy with the progress made on
his Desmosedici GP10, after back-to-back stage appearances in the prior two rounds.
“We have always
had pretty good races at Sachsenring, I got my first-ever podium there and I’m definitely looking forward
to it,” he says. “We’re a little more confident with the bike, everything has worked well enough
in the last three races and we just need to find a bit more speed – just a few tenths of a second. We have
to try a few different things to get some grip without losing the good feeling we have with the bike at the moment.”
On the pre-requisites for the German circuit, Stoner adds, “You definitely need good side grip at
Sachsenring because through a lot of those long corners you need to keep the gas open as long as possible. Also
when you come over the top at turn 12 the rear gets very light and wants to wriggle around, so you really need some
traction over the top there.”
“I’m looking forward to the next race because if we can
find a good set-up it can give us the opportunity to do well.
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1:12 pm est
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Rossi decision Valentino Rossi finished a test ride at the Brno track on Monday on a YZF-R1 world superbike engine, as he and the Fiat
Yamaha squad endured extra assessments of the Italian’s physical health.
After completing 46 laps
with a best time in the 1’59.1 area, the World Champion stated that he felt less agony than last Wednesday’s
test at Misano, which was his initial time back on a bike following his fracture to his right tibia in early June.
“I’m very happy with how it went, I felt much better than in Misano – last week was pretty
hard but I feel better and better and we have had five days between those two tests. This time my knee and shoulder
didn’t hurt as much,” says Rossi.
A decision will be made on whether he can attempt a comeback at
Sachsenring this weekend on Wednesday, following X-rays to determine the stage of healing.
“Now
I’ll have to wait to take a decision on Wednesday after we have some X-rays as to whether I race or not in
Germany. Doing a full race will be a different story, but I still have another couple of days to get a bit better,”
states Rossi.
“Racing in the next two races would be important in order to be in good shape in
Brno (on August 15th), however I think we’ll have to wait until Misano (on September 5th) to be fully competitive.”
Rossi ended a session of runs via the YZF-R1, which was arranged for him by the Yamaha WSB squad, his final
conclusion of how he felt was encouraging.
“Riding the YZF-R1 was good fun, I have to thank the
team for preparing the bike for me,” he says.
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1:56 pm est
Monday, July 12, 2010
Stoner to race for Honda next year Casey Stoner will race for HRC next year after announcements confirmed on Friday, July 9th, the 24 year old Aussie will
finish his association with Ducati at the completion of the current MotoGP season 2010, bringing a relationship to
an end that has been incurred over four years and has shown a MotoGP World Championship title in his initial season
with the Italian factory.
Ducati confirmed after “four years of extraordinary collaboration”
the last event of the 2010 year at Valencia on November 7th would be the conclusion of a partnership that began
in 2007, the year that the Desmosedici GP7 had its debut in the fresh 800cc session and where Stoner was victorious
of the MotoGP title.
“I would like to thank Casey on behalf of our fans and our sponsors, but most
of all on behalf of all the people working at Ducati,” comments Filippo Preziosi, Ducati Corse General Director.
“The victories and emotions he gave us rewarded all the hard work and sacrifice we made. In these four years
together we have had a lot of great moments. Securing the 2007 MotoGP World Championship title and the victory at
Mugello in 2009 were moments that we will never forget. In Casey we not only found an incredibly talented rider,
but also an honest and loyal guy and that’s why there will always be a strong and sincere bond between us,
even as a competitor.”
Stoner adds, “I must thank Ducati for giving me such a great opportunity
to race and win with them over these past four years. They took a gamble when they signed me at the end of 2006
as I was unknown, but as we worked together we were able to win a Championship, many races and challenge for the Championship
in the last two seasons. I have now decided to move on and I will have new challenges in the future and different
obstacles to overcome, but I will not forget these years with Ducati and the people I have had the privilege to
work so closely with. So a big thanks to Ducati and all our sponsors who we have shared success with while achieving
lifelong goals.”
Following Ducati’s confirmation, HRC stated that Stoner will be a factory Honda
competitor in next year’s squad. Stoner united with Ducati in 2007 after having raced for the LCR Honda team
in his debut year back in 2006.
“We are very pleased that Casey will join Honda again next year,”
says HRC Vice President Shuhei Nakamoto. “Clearly he is one of the top riders in MotoGP and he will bring
valuable speed and experience to our team. In the factory Honda squad we already have two very strong and experienced
riders in Dani Pedrosa and Andrea Dovizioso who are performing very well and currently hold second and third positions
in the 2010 World Championship.
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11:49 am est
Friday, July 9, 2010
Brivio on Rossi's return Valentino Rossi’s is slowly healing from his fractured right tibia as the Italian rode a Yamaha superbike engine
at Misano, the initial time back on two wheels following his injury.
After the completion of 26 laps,
Rossi’s Fiat Yamaha Team Manager, Davide Brivio, commented on how well the test had been received.
“This test was definitely very important because it allowed Valentino to understand what the problems are
and what still hurts and doesn’t,” explains Brivio. “I’d say the leg was quite good but he
still had some shoulder pain, which was what we expected. This can give us an indication of the preparations we
need to make for the next ten days.”
On a possible return for the eni Motorrad Grand Prix Deutschland
on July 16-18, Brivio adds, “Whether he can ride at Sachsenring or not will be decided within the next week,
around Tuesday or Wednesday, on the eve of the GP. It will depend on how he feels and how he works in the next seven
or eight days, and we will be able to understand then whether he will make it or not.”
He continues, “It
is difficult to be able to do another test (before Sachsenring) because there isn’t another available bike.
The one he used here will be in Brno this weekend. If he works in the gym and the preparations go well, he will
probably be present at Sachsenring and we will try the M1 directly there.”
Brivio explained how
encouraging it is to see Rossi back on a bike, despite feeling some aching, "The Doctor" happily enjoyed the
time.
“He looked to be extremely happy to be back on a bike again, and it gave me the impression
that he had missed being on a bike a lot during this period. He spoke about the bike and made some comments, just
like in a normal test. I have seen how much pleasure he got from riding the bike,” he says.
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1:02 pm est
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