andreabunker2: March 2012

Saturday, March 31, 2012

MOTOGP: LCR Honda Jerez test day 3 report

Frenetic Last Day Of Test For Bradl At Jerez Track

Stefan Bradl, LCR Honda MotoGP

Photo by: Hazrin Yeob Men Shah

Jerez, 25 March: wasting no time after yesterday’s poor conditions, all MotoGP riders were out on track by shortly after 11am local time to begin their working plan on the final day of pre-season final test in Jerez gathering as many data as possible ahead the first race.

Race simulations have been the order of the day for a number of teams in the afternoon including the LCR Team and his rookie Stefan Bradl who has concluded his Spanish test session in 10th position overall (1’40.098) quickly adapting to the RCV213V.

Stefan: “After yesterday’s adverse weather, we had a lot of things to test today. So we tried several lengths of swing arms, several front fork adjustments and those things to get more braking stability and at the end we achieved a good base set-up which I am very happy with. At the end of the day I did a long with a consistent pace and on soft tyres I could have even improved my lap time but I got stopped by some riders but we were not here for the fastest lap time and I think we made our best in the last 3 days”.

Source: http://www.motorsport.com/motogp/news/lcr-honda-jerez-test-day-3-report/

Gastone Biscia Norman Black Kenny Blake John Blanchard Ramiro Blanco

WSBK: Yamaha event summary

Spectacular First Race Victory for Marco Melandri

Marco Melandri

Photo by: Dave Dyer

Yamaha World Superbike rider Marco Melandri provided an extraordinary performance today in Donington Park delivering his first race victory and second podium of the 2011 season. Melandri got straight down to business in race one, working his way through the pack to secure a well-deserved first win of his WSBK career. With a less than perfect third row and ninth position start off the grid, he skillfully closed in on his adversaries, taking him into second position by lap 17. He overtook Jakob Smrz to take the lead with just two laps to go to the chequered flag. Melandri proved to be just as determined and consistent in race two, moving up to third just five laps into the race and proceeding to battle his way through for second on the podium.

Fellow Teammate Eugene Laverty was less fortunate in race one however and suffered a significant crash on turn eight of the fourth lap. Laverty was able to jump back on his bike in race two and complete the race in the points.

Marco Melandri heads to round three of the 2011 WSBK Championship in Assen second on the overall standings with 72 points, just 19 points behind Carlos Checa. Teammate Laverty holds 16 points and is in 12th position. Yamaha are currently second in the Manufacturers standings with a total of 74 points.

Marco Melandri, Yamaha World Superbike Team
1st, 2nd
"I had a great win in race one. I was just behind a very aggressive bunch of riders so I had to work hard to keep my rhythm and push through. I managed to close in on Smrz with five laps to go and take my first win. Race two was a little more difficult. I was suffering from a head cold and lost concentration a little mid way. I am very pleased to be on the podium again. We have been working very hard in preparation for today's races and we did very well, I had a lot of fun and I think we proved that we have a very good package. I'm looking forward to the rest of the season. Thanks to Yamaha, my team and my sponsors."

Eugene Laverty

Photo by: Dave Dyer

Eugene Laverty, Yamaha World Superbike Team
DNF, 14th
"Not a good day today. The race one crash was bizarre; I don't really know what happened. I almost crashed in the corner before and lost a little bit of confidence afterwards. Race two started well but I had to push really hard. We still haven't found the right settings for me; we need to fine tune to suit my riding style. I know I've got potential, so do the bike and the team, we just need to work hard to combine it all."

Yamaha World Superbike Team Manager - Andrea Dosoli
"This was a fantastic result for Marco, he provided a very impressive first race. He proved yet again to be a very talented rider, overtaking the pack from so far back and winning. I've always been sure that we have a competitive package and today Marco confirmed this. He had to push very hard in race two and had difficulty closing in on Checa. We need to improve on qualifying results in order to get a better position on the grid and avoid the handicap of starting so far back. We decided to keep exactly the same set up and tyre choice between the two races, the decision clearly paid off. I'm extremely sorry for Eugene. He suffered quite a bad crash in race one but thankfully was not hurt. He had difficulty delivering the results we'd hoped for in race two, I believe he has a lot of potential and can be much faster. We need to work hard with him in order demonstrate what he's made of. Overall it was very difficult to race in such extreme weather conditions as in race one. I'm looking forward to Assen where I strongly believe we can show how competitive the bike is and have both our riders in the top where they they should be."

-source: yamaha

Source: http://www.motorsport.com/wsbk/news/yamaha-event-summary/

Reg Armstrong Arciso Artesiani Sandro Artusi Javier Arumi Sadao Asami

Place Your Fate In The Hands Of The MCUI-UC Official

Source: http://www.realroadracingblog.com/2012/02/place-your-fate-in-hands-of-mcui-uc.html

Arciso Artesiani Sandro Artusi Javier Arumi Sadao Asami Giuseppe Ascareggi

French Grand Prix edging closer to comeback | F1 Fanatic round-up

French Grand Prix edging closer to comeback is an original article from F1 Fanatic. If this article has been published anywhere other than F1 Fanatic it is an infringement of copyright.

In the round-up: The French Grand Prix looks set to return at Paul Ricard in the near future.

French Grand Prix edging closer to comeback is an original article from F1 Fanatic. If this article has been published anywhere other than F1 Fanatic it is an infringement of copyright.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/f1fanatic/~3/xjVccv-MBBM/

Jack Ahearn Mitsuo Akamatsu Takashi Akita Kousuke Akiyoshi Raffaele Alberti

News • Royal Enfield Factoids - WWII Royal Enfield Flying Flea 125

Source:

Dick Allen Rudy Allison Pedro Alvarez Luis Alvaro Emilio Alzamora

Hopkins Fit For Imola WSBK Round

John Hopkins has been declared fit for the Imola round of World Superbikes. The American will make his race debut on the Crescent Fixi Suzuki in the series, after breaking a hand in the final preseason test at Phillip Island, the week before the opening round. After breaking his hand, Hopkins returned to the US for surgery, and after a period of intense rehab on his hand, he was finally declared fit last Wednesday, and will take part in the race at Imola this weekend.

The Crescent Suzuki press release follows below:

Source: http://www.motomatters.com/news/2012/03/26/hopkins_fit_for_imola_wsbk_round.html

Dick Allen Rudy Allison Pedro Alvarez Luis Alvaro Emilio Alzamora

Friday, March 30, 2012

2011 Macau GP - More mental than the Isle of Man TT?

This video is an homage to the motorcycle riders who competed in the 2011 Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix.

This video is also a celebration of Michael Rutter's 7th Historic win on the famous Guia street circuit, becoming the rider with the most wins in the race's 45 year old history. Unfortunately he could also be the last.

Long-time bike race coordinator Mike Trimby has said this is his last Macau GP and the organizing committee will now have discussions about whether the two-wheeled part of the festival will continue.

This is well worth checking out.

Santini

Permalink | Leave a comment »

Source: http://motorcycleracingtrackdays.com/2011-macau-gp-more-mental-than-the-isle-of-ma

Pedro Alvarez Luis Alvaro Emilio Alzamora Kunihiro Amano Daniel Amatriain

2012 WSBK Imola FP1 Results: Badovini holds off Guintoli and Checa

BMW Motorrad Italia GoldBet's Ayrton Badovini posted a late fast lap to put himself at the top of the sheet ahead of the Team Effenbert Liberty Racing Ducati of Guintoli and Checa's Althea Racing Ducati, with strong showings from the Kawasakis, Ducatis and championship favourite Aprilia Racing's Biaggi.

Race Details

Round Number:

2012

Source: http://www.motomatters.com/results/2012/03/30/2012_wsbk_imola_fp1_results_badovini_hol.html

John Anderson Kent Andersson George Andrews Luigi Anelli Marcel Ankone

Honda Seeley CB750

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheReturnOfTheCafeRacers/~3/7ctqzwvYE0A/honda-seeley-cb750.html

Ellis Boyce Helmut Bradl Stefan Bradl Umberto Braga Vincent Braillard

'SELLING SPEED'

Source: http://thevintagent.blogspot.com/2012/01/selling-speed.html

Jacques Bolle Pierre Bolle Maurice Bolwerk Gianfranco Bonera Bruno Bonhuil

Keeping A Check On My Fluids ?

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AlexHutchinsons2011MotorcycleRacingSeason/~3/Xhw4fx1PX4s/keeping-check-on-my-fluids.html

Juup Bosman Adrian Bosshard Christian Boudinot Roy Boughey† Dennis Boulom

JUST TODAY

Source: http://thevintagent.blogspot.com/2012/01/just-today.html

Loek Bodelier Jarno Boesveld Jean Paul Boinet Karel Bojer Juan Bolart

WSBK: Phillip Island: Vermeulen praises volunteers

Hundreds of the most dedicated of racing fans make the annual pilgrimage to Phillip Island, the Mecca of Australian Motorcycle Sport, travelling from all over the country to be a part of one of the greatest weekend's on the sporting calendar.

These are the people who make our Australian Round of the World Superbike Championship possible.

It is especially the volunteers, whose dedication makes them the lifeblood of major events such as the WSBK and MotoGP.

Without them we would not be able to see the world's best riders tackle our iconic Phillip Island circuit.

Often the contribution of these unsung heroes is forgotten, but Motorcycling Australia (MA) Ambassador and Kawasaki WSBK star Chris Vermeulen makes it his point to acknowledge the work volunteers do to make his home event a reality.

"Everyone from the Flaggies, to the Sector Leaders do an amazing job, because put simply, without them we have no event," Chris said.

"I make it my business to get down to the Muster Hall whenever I'm competing at the Island to just say thanks to all the people who volunteer their time so that one of the best rounds on the WSBK and MotoGP tour can happen."

With bright blue skies and world-class racing on track, Chris believes it is weekends like this that make being a part of the Phillip Island team a special experience.

"Great action on the track, clear skies and great people; it's a great way for motorcycle fans to immerse themselves in arguably the best motorsport event in Australia.

"I say if you love your Road Racing and want to get right into it, becoming a volunteer is the best way to do the lot."

-source: ma.org.au

Source: http://www.motorsport.com/wsbk/news/phillip-island-vermeulen-praises-volunteers/

Josef Albisser Pierluigi Aldrovanti Alejandro Aleman Eduardo Aleman Jaime Alguesuari

News • SOLID SEASON START FOR TYCO SUZUKI MX

Source:

Gianfranco Bonera Bruno Bonhuil Ismael Bonilla Steve Bonsey Paul Bordes

F1: Senna hopes strong result silences critics

Mar.28 (GMM) Bruno Senna has admitted he feels a release of pressure following a strong showing in Malaysia last weekend.

Bruno Senna, Williams F1 Team

Photo by: Hazrin Yeob Men Shah

The Brazilian, whose uncle was the great triple world champion Ayrton Senna, has had a tough time establishing his credentials to date with part-time seats at the HRT and Renault (now Lotus) teams.

Although out-qualified for the second consecutive grand prix by his Williams teammate Pastor Maldonado in Malaysia, Senna went on to score 8 points in the race -- more than the famous British team's entire tally of last year.

"Having a good result takes some of the weight off your shoulders," he admitted, according to the Sun newspaper.

"There will always be critics and you are never going to please everybody. But for sure, having a strong result will take some wind out of the critics' sails.

"Hopefully I can make sure I keep having strong results to show I deserve my place here," the 28-year-old added.

Martin Brundle, the former grand prix veteran who is now a highly respected British commentator and analyst, has revealed he is one such sceptic who has been won over.

"For the first time, I believe Bruno Senna can cut it in formula one," he said.

"I hadn't seen anything before that convinced me in the same way this (result in Malaysia) did."

Source: http://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/senna-hopes-strong-result-silences-critics/

Alex Bedford Albert Beirle Artie Bell Carlos Bellon Carlo Bellotti

2012 World Superbike Imola Round Press Release Previews

Press releases from the World Superbike and World Supersport teams ahead of this weekend's WSBK round at Imola:

Year:

2012

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MotoGPMatters/~3/MNjrVKpYhAc/2012_world_superbike_imola_round_press_r.html

Bruno Bertacchini Silvano Bertarelli Albert Bertholet Guy Bertin Franco Bertoni

LeoVince Teams up with M1 PowerSports as Presenting Sponsor of 2012 Triumph Big Kahuna Triple Crown AMA Pro Nationals

LeoVince Teams up with M1 PowerSports as Presenting Sponsor of 2012 Triumph Big Kahuna Triple Crown AMA Pro Nationals

M1 PowerSports and long-time supporter LeoVince have reached an agreement naming the prestigious aftermarket performance part manufacturer as the Official Exhaust and Electronics Supplier of the 2012 Triumph Big Kahuna Triple Crown.

Photo Gallery: LeoVince Teams up with M1 PowerSports as Presenting Sponsor of 2012 Triumph Big Kahuna Triple Crown AMA Pro Nationals - Sport Rider Magazine

LeoVince Teams up with M1 PowerSports as Presenting Sponsor of 2012 Triumph Big Kahuna Triple Crown AMA Pro Nationals | Digg It | Add to del.icio.us

Source: http://www.sportrider.com/industry_news/146_1203_leovince_and_m1_powersports_2012_triumph_big_kahuna_triple_crown_ama_pro_nationals_sponsor/index.html

Stefan Bradl Umberto Braga Vincent Braillard Ernesto Brambilla Wolfgang Brand

Scorpion's New Spring Helmets are Shipping Now

Scorpion's New Spring Helmets are Shipping Now

Headlined by an all-new helmet model and several new graphics, the Scorpion Spring 2012 helmet collection is available and shipping now.

(Lake Forest, CA March 28, 2012) Headlined by an all-new helmet model and several new graphics, the Scorpion Spring 2012 helmet collection is available and shipping now. â€œAdding a new helmet model, a variety of new graphics and an expanded offering of ExoWearÂ® apparel will give our dealer base and loyal consumers exciting new choices for spring 2012,â€ says President, Rick Miller. â€œThe new EXO-250 reflects Scorpion quality in an entry level open-face helmetâ€¦ a perfect fit in our quest to maintain a high-quality to value ratio.â€

Photo Gallery: Scorpion's New Spring Helmets are Shipping Now - Sport Rider Magazine

Photo Gallery: Scorpion's New Spring Helmets are Shipping Now - Sport Rider Magazine

Scorpion's New Spring Helmets are Shipping Now | Digg It | Add to del.icio.us

Source: http://www.sportrider.com/industry_news/146_1203_new_scorpion_spring_helmets_shipping_now/index.html

Peter Balaz Romolo Balbi Mike Baldinger Alex Baldolini Mike Baldwin

Thursday, March 29, 2012

News • Uhl Studios Event Schedule for Daytona Beach Bike Week

Source:

Dick Allen Rudy Allison Pedro Alvarez Luis Alvaro Emilio Alzamora

MOTOGP: Yamaha Jerez test day 3 report

Yamaha Factory Racing Ready for Qatar

Jorge Lorenzo, Yamaha Factory Racing

Photo by: Yamaha MotoGP

Yamaha Factory Racing rider Jorge Lorenzo wrapped up the final pre-season test of 2012 today in Jerez with an impressive 84 laps covered. Lorenzo spent almost the entire day as the only rider to drop under the 1’39 mark, with rival Casey Stoner joining him to lead by 0.173 seconds in the last moments of the session. The Mallorcan delivered an impressive race simulation, showing his trademark lap time consistency over the distance.

Team mate Ben Spies also covered some distance, putting in 61 laps as he worked on final set up solutions for his 1000cc YZR-M1. The Texan ends the test as the fourth fastest rider, 0.715 seconds from the front. Spies also worked on a race simulation earlier in the test and was satisfied with a competitive pace.

The MotoGP paddock now moves to Qatar where the first race will be played out under the floodlights in the desert on the 8th April. With the gap to their rivals much closer than last year in testing, both Yamaha riders are keen to line up on the grid and get the season started.

Jorge Lorenzo
Position: 2nd Time: 1'38.953 Laps: 84

“I’m really happy because we tried to make some good lap times so we put new tyres on the rear this morning to make the 1’38.9 which is a good time. This afternoon we improved the bike for a race simulation which went really well. In general we are very happy, it’s not just me, Ben is also very close to the competition as are Cal and Andrea. We need to improve our braking a little, if we can do that we could gain some more tenths of a second.” Jorge Lorenzo

Ben Spies
Position: 4th Time: 1'39.495 Laps: 61

“I’m happy with how the test went. Both Jorge and I worked really methodically on getting through a number of different things, I think we’re quite happy with the bike going to Qatar, it’s been good here and good in Sepang. A couple of the areas where we had problems last year seem to be a lot better. We can’t say if they are completely fixed until we go to more tracks but we are happy with the balance of the bike and I think we have a very competitive bike for 2012.”

Source: http://www.motorsport.com/motogp/news/yamaha-jerez-test-day-3-report/

Gerhard Bauer Manfred Baumann Alvaro Bautista Lenfranco Baviera Richard Bay

Pedrosa believes that along with Marquez would form a dream team at Honda

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/feedburner/rduE/~3/ydkJhKR-PrA/pedrosa-believes-that-along-with.html

Artie Bell Carlos Bellon Carlo Bellotti Jean Pierre Beltoise Felice Benasedo

1974 Ducati 750SS Corsa

Carlo Saltarelli has Ducati blood in his veins. He’s a former racer, test rider and dealership owner, and over the years, he’s built up a 100-bike collection of classic Ducatis. In May, this collection goes under the hammer in Monaco.… Read more »

Bike EXIF is the world's #1 source for custom motorcycles, classic motorcycles and cafe racers. Produced in association with Icon 1000.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Bikeexif/~3/pHeAQHr5WMM/ducati-750ss-corsa

Luis Alvaro Emilio Alzamora Kunihiro Amano Daniel Amatriain Dario Ambrosini

News • Fantastic 1-2 for JGRMX at Daytona SX mudbath

Source:

Pedro Alvarez Luis Alvaro Emilio Alzamora Kunihiro Amano Daniel Amatriain

2012 IRTA MotoGP Jerez Test Day 2 Times: Hayden Fastest In Dry, Pedrosa Fastest In Wet

Overall results after day 2:

Race Details

2012

Source: http://www.motomatters.com/results/2012/03/24/2012_irta_motogp_jerez_test_day_2_times_.html

Dick Allen Rudy Allison Pedro Alvarez Luis Alvaro Emilio Alzamora

Petrucci happy with Ioda progress

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/feedburner/rduE/~3/XYxHBGC4KgM/petrucci-happy-with-ioda-progress.html

Max Biaggi Pier Paolo Bianchi Stefano Bianco Fabio Biliotti Wilf Billington

Arai Signet-Q Helmet Preview?

It has been rumored and finally confirmed that ther will be a new Arai Helmet for Fall 2011. The Arai Signet-Q Helmet will be the longest oval head shape (5mm longer than the Profile) helmet in the Arai line. Early on it has been leaked that the Arai Signet-Q will be a slightly more feature rich, extreme long oval version of Arai RX-Q. More to come as it breaks but it seems likethe Signet head shape is back - 5mm longer than the profile - and ready to mix it up.

More to come - stay tuned.

Permalink | Leave a comment »

Source: http://motorcycleracingtrackdays.com/arai-signet-q-helmet-preview-31845

Willi Bertsch Paul Berwick Kees Besseling Max Biaggi Pier Paolo Bianchi

News • Uhl Studios Event Schedule for Daytona Beach Bike Week

Source:

Bruno Bonhuil Ismael Bonilla Steve Bonsey Paul Bordes Juan Bordons

Segway Returns to Sponsor MotoCzysz for 2012

For 2012, Segway returns as the title sponsor for MotoCzysz’s electric motorcycle racing program, with the team’s first race set to be the TT Zero event at the Isle of Man TT. Continuing the special sauce that lead MotoCzysz to a 1-2 victory at the Isle, Segway Racing hopes to be the first and fastest team to crack the 100 mph average lap speed barrier for electrics on the Mountain Course. Rumored to be bringing ...

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AsphaltandRubber/~3/lw5SZwLujWg/

Gilbert Argo Manuel Arias Ken Armstrong Reg Armstrong Arciso Artesiani

MOTOGP: Pramac Racing Jerez test day 1 report

Big Work For The Pramac Racing Team During The First Day Of The Test In Jerez

Hector Barbera,Pramac Racing Team

Photo by: Hazrin Yeob Men Shah

The first day of work, for the Pramac Racing Team, during the MotoGp Official Test in Jerez de la Frontera, closed with the 13th place of Héctor Barberà, in 1.41.609. The Spanish rider, worked for long time with his crew, to find a good electronic set-up, but he had some problems with the windier conditions. Despite the day’s result, the first day of Jerez Test wasn’t negative, for the Green Team. The Pramac crew worked on their bike searching the best way to improve the race pace for the first race of 2012 season,that will take place in Qatar, on the 8th of April.

Héctor Barberà - Pramac Racing Team Rider

"I’m happy for the team’s work that we made today, but to be honest, i’m not very pleased with how the result has gone. After the last February test here, i have had a good sentation, but unfortunately, today i had a lot of problems with the weather condition and i wasn’t able to ride as i can. The bright spot of the day was that we understood a lot of things about the electronic set-up of our Ducati and now we are waiting for tomorrow to improve our situation".

Francesco Guidotti – Team Manager Pramac Racing –

“Today we worked to develop the electronic set-up and we are satisfied with what we learned about it. Tomorrow we will continue to develop our strategy and we hope for some good weather”.

Source: http://www.motorsport.com/motogp/news/pramac-racing-jerez-test-day-1-report/

Rex Avery Masao Azuma Chris Baert Graham Bailey Steve Baker

XR Showdown Raises the Stakes for the 2012 AMA Pro Vance & Hines XR1200 Series Championship

XR Showdown Raises the Stakes for the 2012 AMA Pro Vance & Hines XR1200 Series Championship

The XR1200 division, now in its third season, has never looked better.

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (March 27, 2012) - With new teams, riders and sponsors participating in the opening round of the AMA Pro Vance & Hines XR1200 Series season opener at the Daytona International Speedway, the XR1200 division, now in its third season, has never looked better. And if the thrilling finish on the high banks that saw podium finishers Kyle Wyman, Tyler O'Hara and Michael Barnes cross the line separated by less than half a second is any indicator of what's in store, it's going to be an exciting season.

Photo Gallery: XR Showdown Raises the Stakes for the 2012 AMA Pro Vance & Hines XR1200 Series Championship - Sport Rider Magazine

XR Showdown Raises the Stakes for the 2012 AMA Pro Vance & Hines XR1200 Series Championship | Digg It | Add to del.icio.us

Source: http://www.sportrider.com/industry_news/146_1203_xr_showdown_raises_the_stakes_for_2012_ama_pro_vance_hines_xr1200_series_championship/index.html

Juan Bolart Gerhard Boll Jacques Bolle Pierre Bolle Maurice Bolwerk

When The Dream Becomes A Reality, And Betrayal Is Your Only Friend

Source: http://www.realroadracingblog.com/2012/01/when-dream-becomes-reality-and-betryal.html

Max Biaggi Pier Paolo Bianchi Stefano Bianco Fabio Biliotti Wilf Billington

2012 IRTA MotoGP Jerez Test Day 1 Round Up: On Fast Factories, CRTs, Tires, and Ducati's Travails

The first day of the final test ahead of the MotoGP season, and normal service has been resumed. The factory boys - well, the factory Hondas and Yamahas - are top of the pile, and fairly comfortably ahead of the rest. In bright, sunny, but very windy conditions, it looked like Jorge Lorenzo and Dani Pedrosa would battle it out for top honors, rather as they did at last year's race, but just as everyone in the press room - your humble author included - was trotting out the old "Jerez is Stoner's bogey track" chestnut, the Australian turned up the wick and took half a second off his best time, propelling him to the top of the timesheets, and well under race lap record pace.

Source: http://www.motomatters.com/analysis/2012/03/24/2012_irta_motogp_jerez_test_day_1_round_.html

Darren Barton Eric Bataille Franco Battaini Gerhard Bauer Manfred Baumann

Perez is first Mexican on the podium in over 40 years | 2012 Malaysian Grand Prix stats and facts

Perez is first Mexican on the podium in over 40 years is an original article from F1 Fanatic. If this article has been published anywhere other than F1 Fanatic it is an infringement of copyright.

Sergio Perez is the first Mexican driver to score a top-three finish in F1 since 1971. Here's all the stats and facts from Malaysia.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/f1fanatic/~3/C01lKwzTCWo/

Lenfranco Baviera Richard Bay Jean Michel Bayle Jean Pierre Bayle Len Bayliss

WSBK: Phillip Island: Suzuki Saturday report

Team Suzuki Alstare rider Michel Fabrizio missed out on a second row grid position by only one tenth of a second in Superpole today at Phillip Island. It was fellow countryman Marco Melandri (Yamaha) who just pushed Michel out of Superpole 2 and on to row three of the grid. But Michel is happy with all the work that he and the team had done today and is looking forward to tomorrow's races, confident of good results.

Carlos Checa (Ducati) took Superpole today, with a lap of 1:30.882, almost a second quicker than the lap record set by Troy Corser in 2007. Second quickest is Max Biaggi (Aprilia), with Sylvain Guintoli (Ducati) third and Leon Haslam (BMW) fourth.

Michel - 9th, 1:32.153 It would've been good to get into final Superpole and onto the second row of the grid at least, but I missed out by a very small margin. But I am pretty happy with what we have achieved and all the hard work we have done. For my first race weekend with the team, I think we have managed a lot better than a lot of people expected. We tried many things today and got through all the work really well, ending with a good set-up on the bike.

The team did really well to build me a new bike after my crash late yesterday afternoon and I would like to say thank you to them. Hopefully, I will be able to repay them tomorrow with some good results. I have two good bikes and because they are the same, I am happy to ride either. Although, I am on the third row of the grid, it will be OK as long as I get good starts. The first corner tightens up in the middle quite a bit and I don't want to get held up there in the pack. If that happens, I will have to push a lot harder and that wears the tyres out more.

I think we have decided what tyres to use in the races tomorrow and we'll be going for a hardish front because it will last better. The soft front is good, but it moves around a bit too much. This track is quite bumpy, so you have to have the bike set up well to absorb the bumps as best you can.

It's difficult to predict what will happen tomorrow, but I am feeling fit, strong and more than ready to race. I would like to start the season strongly and a pair of good results will be what I am chasing tomorrow.

Ciao, Michel

-source: suzuki alstare

Source: http://www.motorsport.com/wsbk/news/phillip-island-suzuki-saturday-report/

Jack Ahearn Mitsuo Akamatsu Takashi Akita Kousuke Akiyoshi Raffaele Alberti

News • STRONG INDOPRIX START FOR SUZUKI TEAMS

Source:

Brian Adams Duilio Agostini Felice Agostini Giacomo Agostini Jack Ahearn

News • METCALFE SPLASHES TO DAYTONA TOP 10

Source:

Steve Baker Peter Balaz Romolo Balbi Mike Baldinger Alex Baldolini

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

BMW K1

A couple of years ago, I wrote a paean to the BMW K1, one of the most adventurous experiments in motorcycle styling of the past thirty years. The K1 wasn’t entirely successful, but it’s still a talking point—and its influence… Read more »

Bike EXIF is the world's #1 source for custom motorcycles, classic motorcycles and cafe racers. Produced in association with Icon 1000.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Bikeexif/~3/wjAhHqmbdfQ/bmw-k1

Paul Bordes Juan Bordons Andrea Borgonovo Eduard Borisenko Juan Borja

News • BMW Motorrad Offer Test Rides at Mildura AGM

Source:

Carlo Bellotti Jean Pierre Beltoise Felice Benasedo Gert Bender Ingemar Bengtsson

Dorna and MSMA Swap Proposals At Jerez For 2013: One Bike Per Rider, Price Cap on Satellite Bikes, Limits

Talks are continuing at Jerez over the future of MotoGP, with the focus on how to reduce costs for a sustainable championship. After the proposals that Dorna presented to the factories at Sepang, with measures including a rev limit and a standard ECU, it was the turn of the factories to come with their counterproposals to make the championship affordable.

In an interview with the official MotoGP.com website, Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta set out the proposals discussed. The measures under consideration included the introduction of a single-bike rule, just as there is in the Moto2 and Moto3 championships, as well as in World Superbikes and World Supersport, where each rider would be allowed to have just one bike scrutineered and approved for riding at a time. In addition, a limit on the number of mechanics each team would be allowed to have present could also be introduced, in an effort to cut wage, travel and accommodation costs for the teams. A proposal was also put forward to limit each factory participating to just two factory riders and two satellite riders, meaning that the situation as it is at the moment, with four Hondas, four Yamahas and four Ducatis could continue into the future.

Source:

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2012/Dorna+Sports+SL+and+MSMA+discuss+furt...

Source: http://www.motomatters.com/news/2012/03/24/dorna_and_msma_swap_proposals_at_jerez_f.html

Luca Boscoscuro Gimmi Bosio Juup Bosman Adrian Bosshard Christian Boudinot

News • Pennsylvania New Safety Course Offered for Motorcycle - FREE

Source:

Juan Bolart Gerhard Boll Jacques Bolle Pierre Bolle Maurice Bolwerk

News • All-New 2012 Suzuki GSX-R1000 Ready To Own The Racetrack

Source:

Juan Bolart Gerhard Boll Jacques Bolle Pierre Bolle Maurice Bolwerk

Racebikebitz - Samco

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AlexHutchinsons2011MotorcycleRacingSeason/~3/PihquyNpUm4/racebikebitz-samco.html

Len Bayliss Troy Bayliss Bruce Beale Douglas Beasley Daryl Beattie

F1: Button to inflict punishment after Malaysian mess

Mar.27 (GMM) Jenson Button has revealed he will inflict his own personal punishment after losing his championship lead in Malaysia last weekend.

Jenson Button, McLaren Mercedes

Photo by: Hazrin Yeob Men Shah

The McLaren driver also uncharacteristically collided with a rival car at Sepang - backmaker HRT's Narain Karthikeyan - and accepted all the blame.

"It shows fantastic maturity (to apologise)," 1992 world champion and fellow Briton Nigel Mansell told UK radio Talksport.

But his maturity won't stop him from "hurting" himself this weekend in Hawaii, when he competes in the Lavaman triathlon.

"I'm going to hurt myself because I deserve the pain after (Malaysia)," he is quoted by the Telegraph newspaper.

"I will make sure I hurt myself extra for such a bad day."

For Button and for McLaren in general, however, Sunday's bad result was what team boss Martin Whitmarsh described as a 'get-out-of-jail-free card'.

"Sebastian (Vettel) not coming away with any points and a few of the other contenders not getting any points, it could have been a lot worse," he said.

Source: http://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/button-to-inflict-punishment-after-malaysian-mess/

Sadao Asami Giuseppe Ascareggi Franz Aschenbrenner Stuart Aspin Len Atlee

Frenetic final day at Jerez as teams make up lost time

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/feedburner/rduE/~3/jypAiytPM6M/frenetic-final-day-at-jerez-as-teams.html

Dick Allen Rudy Allison Pedro Alvarez Luis Alvaro Emilio Alzamora

News • SUPERBIKE VICTORY FOR YOSHIMURA SUZUKI

Source:

Felice Benasedo Gert Bender Ingemar Bengtsson Johnny Bengtsson Angelo Bergamonti

MOTOGP: Aspar Team Jerez test day 3 report

Power Electronics Aspar Remain On Course For MOTOGP History

Randy de Puniet, Aspar Team ART

Photo by: Aspar Team

Preseason for the 2012 MotoGP World Championship officially concluded today, with the last of hundreds of laps in Malaysia, Aragón, Valencia and Jerez taking place at the Andalucian circuit. Conditions returned to normal today, as they had been on the first of three days, with the majority of riders able to make full use of the available track time throughout the day. The new 1000cc factory MotoGP machines are still slightly off the pace of their 800cc predecessors, with Stoner's pacesetting 1'38.780 today comparing to Lorenzo's record of 1'38.189 from 2008. It was the Spaniard who spent most of the day at the top of the timesheets today but the Australian stole in with a late effort, with those two the only riders able to lap in the 38s, although Pedrosa was close behind. That trio of riders are the clear podium favourites for the opening round of the season in Qatar.

The POWER ELECTRONICS Aspar Team showed their capacity to react today, with both riders starting out this morning with front-end grip problems. Randy De Puniet and Aleix Espargaró worked against the clock throughout the day to improve their suspension and chassis set-up but with particular focus on tyres as they tried to improve corner speed. Short runs of five to seven laps gave them the opportunity to try a variety of combinations and they began to find a breakthrough early in the afternoon. The pair were again the quickest riders amongst the new MotoGP CRT field, giving them confidence for a historic first race with their ART bikes in Qatar.

13th Randy De Puniet 1.40.601 (71 laps): “We struggled a lot this morning for front end grip and had to work hard to resolve the issue, it took almost three hours. In the end we went with a tyre that we had tested on Friday and it made a big difference. Apart from the setback this morning I am satisfied with the test, we have been fast and at the front of the CRT field, not that far off the factory guys. Our pace is good and I think we're ready for the start of the season. I am really happy with the potential of the bike and I think we can perform to a high level on it this season. It is consistent and ready to run race distance. I crashed late in the day, probably pushing too hard on a worn front tyre, but luckily it was really slow.”

14th Aleix Espargaró 1.41.645 (69 laps): “We have had a lot of chattering today, I don't know why, but I struggled to get on the pace this morning. We improved a lot with the new Bridgestone but not enough so we have to keep working. I need more confidence in corner entry. Little by little we managed to set a good pace on a new tyre but we need to find a better solution to improve our mid-corner speed. We have done a lot of work on the chassis and suspension and improved my overall feeling so we'll have to keep working along the same lines in Qatar. The good thing is that I am amongst the fastest CRT riders but we only have to look at my team-mate Randy to see that I can still go faster.”

Source: http://www.motorsport.com/motogp/news/aspar-team-jerez-test-day-3-report/

Fabio Barchitta Alan Barnett Lorenzo Baroni Jose Barresi Manliff Barrington

NEXX USA Enters Into Agreement With Impact Racingâ€™s Jeremy Simmons

NEXX USA Enters Into Agreement With Impact Racingâ€™s Jeremy Simmons

Nexx USA, a recent entry to the American helmet market, has entered into an agreement with Impact Racing rider Jeremy Simmons to provide helmets and support for the 2012 road race season.

BUENA PARK, CA (March 27, 2012) â€“ Nexx USA, a recent entry to the American helmet market, has entered into an agreement with Impact Racing rider Jeremy Simmons to provide helmets and support for the 2012 road race season.

Photo Gallery: NEXX USA Enters Into Agreement With Impact Racingâ€™s Jeremy Simmons - Sport Rider Magazine

NEXX USA Enters Into Agreement With Impact Racingâ€™s Jeremy Simmons | Digg It | Add to del.icio.us

Source: http://www.sportrider.com/industry_news/146_1203_nexx_usa_enters_into_agreement_with_impact_racings_jeremy_simmons/index.html

Bruno Bonhuil Ismael Bonilla Steve Bonsey Paul Bordes Juan Bordons

NEXX USA Enters Into Agreement With Impact Racingâ€™s Jeremy Simmons

NEXX USA Enters Into Agreement With Impact Racingâ€™s Jeremy Simmons

Nexx USA, a recent entry to the American helmet market, has entered into an agreement with Impact Racing rider Jeremy Simmons to provide helmets and support for the 2012 road race season.

Photo Gallery: NEXX USA Enters Into Agreement With Impact Racingâ€™s Jeremy Simmons - Sport Rider Magazine

NEXX USA Enters Into Agreement With Impact Racingâ€™s Jeremy Simmons | Digg It | Add to del.icio.us

Source: http://www.sportrider.com/industry_news/146_1203_nexx_usa_enters_into_agreement_with_impact_racings_jeremy_simmons/index.html

Kork Ballington Hans Baltisberger Carlo Bandirola Alain Barbaroux Hector Barbera

Dorna and MSMA Swap Proposals At Jerez For 2013: One Bike Per Rider, Price Cap on Satellite Bikes, Limits

Source:

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2012/Dorna+Sports+SL+and+MSMA+discuss+furt...

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MotoGPMatters/~3/pZ0oVhYAOuc/dorna_and_msma_swap_proposals_at_jerez_f.html

Luigi Ancona Bob Anderson Chris Anderson Fergus Anderson Hugh Anderson

2012 IRTA MotoGP Jerez Test Day 1 Round Up: On Fast Factories, CRTs, Tires, and Ducati's Travails

Source: http://www.motomatters.com/analysis/2012/03/24/2012_irta_motogp_jerez_test_day_1_round_.html

Walter Brehme Jack Brett John Hopkins Norick Abe Hubert Abold

Exodus 14

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheReturnOfTheCafeRacers/~3/lvl_MjmiZ9Y/exodus-14.html

Mitsuo Akamatsu Takashi Akita Kousuke Akiyoshi Raffaele Alberti Josef Albisser

News • All-New 2012 Suzuki GSX-R1000 Ready To Own The Racetrack

Source:

Eduard Borisenko Juan Borja Sergio Boroncini Gino Borsoi Luca Boscoscuro

MotoGP: A tire that may be worth a title

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/feedburner/rduE/~3/9lAapYzIhvY/motogp-tire-that-may-be-worth-title.html

Troy Bayliss Bruce Beale Douglas Beasley Daryl Beattie Roger Beaumont

3 DAYS IN PARIS: RETROMOBILE

Source: http://thevintagent.blogspot.com/2012/02/3-days-in-paris-retromobile.html

Jean Paul Boinet Karel Bojer Juan Bolart Gerhard Boll Jacques Bolle

JEFF DECKER AT DOUBLE RL

Source: http://thevintagent.blogspot.com/2012/02/jeff-decker-at-double-rl.html

Luca Boscoscuro Gimmi Bosio Juup Bosman Adrian Bosshard Christian Boudinot

Task Force: The Complete Saga (Episodes I-VI) Available Now!

Source: http://www.realroadracingblog.com/2012/03/task-force-complete-saga-episodes-i-vi.html

Alvaro Bautista Lenfranco Baviera Richard Bay Jean Michel Bayle Jean Pierre Bayle

Irish Real Road Racing 2012 + Irish Short Circuit 2012 Dates

Source: http://www.realroadracingblog.com/2012/01/irish-real-road-racing-2012-irish-short.html

Chris Baert Graham Bailey Steve Baker Peter Balaz Romolo Balbi

F1: No 'pecking order' as tyres dominate 2012

Mar.27 (GMM) Even two races into the 2012 season, it is pointless to draw up a 'pecking order'.

Indeed, the picture in the media is muddled.

With Ferrari in deep trouble until the Sepang downpour, Fernando Alonso's surprise win was therefore a "maximisation of misery" for the famous Italian team, according to Finland's Turun Sanomat newspaper.

After Australia, and another qualifying lock-out in Malaysia, some elements of the media were already referring to McLaren as the "dominant" team.

No one is able to say with confidence how this year is going to pan out.

Martin Whitmarsh

But Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button struggled in Sunday's race, as did the back-to-back reigning champions Red Bull, and the good qualifying performers, Mercedes.

"There is no such superiority as in the past year, or the past two years," agreed Malaysia winner Alonso.

"Everything seems to be much more open."

Now, the keywords are not Adrian Newey or Vettel or blown exhausts, but how individual teams and drivers use the 2012 generation of Pirelli's tyres.

"This is probably the most important area at the moment," Red Bull team boss Christian Horner agreed, according to DPA news agency.

"Different cars are fast at different times," he said, after Sauber's Sergio Perez almost won the Malaysian grand prix.

Race winner Fernando Alonso, Scuderia Ferrari, second place Sergio Perez, Sauber F1 Team, third place Lewis Hamilton, McLaren Mercedes

Photo by: Hazrin Yeob Men Shah

Horner is quoted by Auto Motor und Sport: "If you are not in 'the window', you're nowhere. And that's different from tyre (compound) to tyre, and from driver to driver.

"I think the only good thing is that it will be a really good year for the fans," he smiled.

McLaren's Martin Whitmarsh agrees.

"No one is able to say with confidence how this year is going to pan out," he is quoted by Germany's Focus.

"And that's as it should be."

Source: http://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/no-pecking-order-as-tyres-dominate-2012/

Fabio Barchitta Alan Barnett Lorenzo Baroni Jose Barresi Manliff Barrington