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.

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.

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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.

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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. 

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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.

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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