Selections are now open for the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup.  Competitors who are ambitious for success on the World Championship arena can apply for the opportunity to participate in the 2011 competition.

2009 Red Bull Rookies Cup victor Jakub Kornfeil and runner-up Sturla Fagerhaug will be making their debuts this season in the 125cc World Championship – young hopefuls can begin their journey by applying from today.

With the difficulty involved to get into the Rookies Cup, the process has now been named Road to Rookies Cup.  Applications can be forwarded online to www.redbullrookiescup.com.

Once an application has been submitted about their motorbike experience, the accpeted ones onto the Road will then consistently send in their results through the 2010 year to allow the selection group to be completely updated on their progress.

Click here to read more

Anthony West (MZ Racing) continues to show his talents while struggling with slippery conditions, by recording the best lap time at Valencia on Wednesday, the quickest time of 1’51.543 from 25 laps, shows his claim for a spot on the 2010 Moto2 grid.

With many other racers waiting it out for better conditions, former 125cc competitors Simone Corsi and Andrea Iannone, took the opportunity to conclude extra time on their Moto2 engines. They arrived second and fourth respectively, with Gabor Talmacsi the third fastest.

Niccolò Canepa (Scot Racing), Robertino Pietri (Italtrans STR) and Vincent Lonbois (Marc VDS Racing) finished the Moto2 racers on circuit. Pietri and 125cc racer Jasper Iwema unfortunately had falls, however both were not injured.

Click here to read more

After assessing the modifications that Honda has prepared for this year, Andrea Dovizioso has ended the second test in Malaysia, though he is aware that advancements are imminent to begin the World Championship.

First of all, congratulations on becoming a father... how do you ride at 300km/h knowing that little Sara is waiting for you at home?
“It is something about that I thought when I heard the news, but I'm young and very focused on what I want to achieve, so I didn't think that it was going to change me, and that's how it's been. I'm very focused on my work and it's not a problem. To be honest, it's an experience that can only go well for me.”

It is harder for you to spend more time away from home now?
“We've just started the championship, so not yet, but maybe later on. She was born in mid-December, so I've been training for two and a half months, but also spending time with my daughter and her mother."

Let's talk about bikes. You had a good start to the year here a few weeks ago, and over the last two days you have confirmed that you are moving in the right direction... Are you satisfied with the work that Honda has done over the winter?
“I'm very happy because they have worked really hard and it was important for the factory to understand the modifications that had to be made and above all, because it's been confirmed that this work has been well done. It's also true that we can't stop at what has been done and that we must improve more, because we aren't fast enough, but I'm happy.”

Did you ask HRC for a lot of changes after the first test in Sepang?
“Yes many things, because there wasn't enough time in the first test to check everything. They have made changes, even my position on the machine, which seems trivial, but it can change the performance a lot. With these changes we are heading in the direction that we think is the right one. Problems arise, but that's normal and we are trying to resolve them.”

Have you received all that material?
“Yes, and I'm very happy with the work they've done, although there is still more to do.”

What lies ahead for the Qatar test?
“I don't know yet, because we have to talk to the team. The Qatar Circuit is very special and therefore, what happens there will not be very indicative, but we want to do better than here. We will do the tests and see our potential because we have had two tests in Sepang on a track that I like and we'll need to see our level there.”

What level of evolution do you think the new machine has reached?
“Everything depends on the Bridgestone tyres because it is an extremely important aspect. If you don't build a machine that makes the most of them, you can ride however you want but you won't win. So, the work on is focused on that.”

Are you happy with the new Ohlins suspension?
“Yes, I felt comfortable straight away, although the machine is different to last year's. We don't have any serious problems and these tests have confirmed the solutions, because the solutions we had found for certain problems have fixed them.”

What are the strong points of the Honda RC212V 2010 and what needs improving?
“It's easier to ride than last year's machine, which is the most important thing. It is more balanced and a little easier to control, but that is still its weakest point because it's not easy enough. The 800cc MotoGP machines need to be easy to ride to the limit, not like the 990cc, which were so powerful and heavy that you skidded and that was normal. These machines need you to be very accurate and must be easy to control in order to maintain the pace.”
“The machine is fast, but it's not easy to clock up good times and that's a big problem for today's MotoGP machines. As well as being a little faster, that's where Valentino's (Rossi) advantage is, because they don't seem to have to make such an effort to get good times and they can maintain them more easily. It's important to become more consistent and then we'll focus on that little bit of extra speed we need.”

Have any of the rookies surprised you in these tests?
“Here; not really. In Valencia, Spies surprised me, but I haven't seen him much here.”

This season there will be five Italians in MotoGP, with Simoncelli joining a Honda satellite team; is it something that affects you in any way?
“No, it's nice. Last year, there were five of us and it's nice that there are so many Italians, especially riders that I've known since I rode in mini-motos.”

Will you be ready in time for the first race of the season; the team, the machine and you?
“We'll have to do the Qatar test to know for sure. I can't say that it's ready to win but we will be ready earlier and better than last year. Many things change during the season because everything is different in the races. We're much better prepared than a year ago and I'm very happy about that. It's not enough to be able to say that I'm going to play for the World Championship, but it's what we are working for.”

Click here to read more

The normal first day of the second official MotoGP test for this year was on Wednesday and scheduled as a day for test racers only.

Yamaha and Suzuki were the two builders that gained advantage of the initial day at the Sepang International Circuit. Yamaha embarked with Norihiko Fujiwara and Wataru Yoshikawa while Nobuatsu Aoki raced the GSV-R for Suzuki.  Honda opted not to bring their test competitor. Ducati’s Vittoriano Guareschi did not race the Desmosedici GP10.

High temperatures greeted those who arrived to the asphalt as Suzuki prepared to use this testing in order to bring out the fresh GSV-R machine, with Yamaha still continuing modifications on the YZR-M1.

Thursday testing is scheduled to begin at 10am local time, with the official MotoGP competitors beginning the second tests of their respective prototypes.

Click here to read more

The Ducati Marlboro squad have a fresh management crew set for the upcoming MotoGP year, with Alessandro Cicognani claiming the position of Project Manager for the premier class this season.

Cicognani will unite alongside Team Manager Vittoriano Guareschi, and gives his views on how his role occurred.

“I’ve been working with Ducati since 2000, the beginning of when Ducati Corse was created, and I’ve been working in various departments since then so I had the opportunity to work very closely with Livio Suppo (former Project Manager), Filippo Preziosi (Ducati Corse General Manager) and also Claudio Domenicali (General Director of Ducati) and all the team,” says Cicognani. “Then, late in the summer when Livio decided to take a different path, I made myself available for the company and they decided to give me this opportunity. I am very motivated by this and know it’s a big responsibility, but I’m very confident about this new role that I am going to be in.”

Cicognani adds: “I have always been a fan (of MotoGP). I remember the World Championship of Marco Lucchinelli back in 1981 which was followed by Franco Uncini. I have always been passionate about motorsport in general, on four wheels and two! I come from the same country as most of the riders here – from the Emilia-Romagna region – and some of the best manufacturers such as Ferrari, Ducati and many others. Let’s say that I have gasoline in my veins!”

With Suppo leaving, the structure at Ducati required changes. Cicognani will be Project Manager with Guareschi as Team Manager, the latter describes his ideas of his colleague.

“Vittoriano has a very important role in the team, because he will be the ears and the voice of the riders,” says Cicognani. “He will be the direct link between the track and all the technicians and engineers to really understand the feeling the riders have with the bikes. Being a test rider for so many years has given him a very specialised feeling about how to ride a bike – especially in MotoGP and particularly our bike. Thanks to Vittoriano, Ducati has been able to achieve very important results in these past eight years.”

On the season ahead, he explains, “I hope for sure that we have two strong riders. We have a bike that so far looks okay, so let’s say we have an entire package together with the team.

Click here to read more

Loris Capirossi and Álvaro Bautista will be clad in amazing fresh race suits this year following a partnership between Rizla Suzuki and Troy Lee Designs that was confirmed recently.

Troy Lee Designs will create the livery for the MotoGP squad’s pit box and hospitality area, along with the team clothing and promotional ranges, following is a launch for the new look in mid March.

Paul Denning, Rizla Suzuki Team Manager, states: “Troy Lee Designs and Troy himself are iconic in the world of motorsport and Rizla Suzuki MotoGP is honoured to be able to introduce them to the world of MotoGP. To have Troy and his team responsible for the design process is great and, as you can imagine, the guys in our team are also delighted to be using a range of Troy Lee Designs equipment as well. There will be some nice ‘Troy Lee inspired’ surprises during 2010 - and we’ll be really happy if we can go as fast as we’ll look!”

CEO of Troy Lee Designs, Troy Lee, says: “We are really excited to join in this partnership with Rizla Suzuki. It has been a dream of mine to be a part of MotoGP and provide my artistic skills to some of the world’s fastest road racers. I’m looking forward to a great year of racing from this team and a strong partnership.

Click here to read more

The images of MotoGP champions enjoying successes on the podium has enabled Freixenet cava to elate in the many victory winners since their partnership with Dorna Sports began in 2003.

Freixenet will enjoy a brand presence during advertising events which will be aired internationally as MotoGP continues to be viewed by millions of spectators.

Dorna Sports Managing Director Pau Serracanta says, "We at Dorna Sports are delighted that Freixenet will be the cava suppliers to MotoGP for another two seasons, and use the sport as a highly visible platform for its product. Cava is a very important feature of the victory celebrations of MotoGP stars and it’s difficult to imagine a podium celebration without that aspect! The next two years will see Freixenet provide many more memorable podium moments."

Freixenet Communications & PR Director Pere Bonet adds, "For Freixenet, being the Cava Supplier of MotoGP is one of the most interesting sponsor relationships in our event's calendar, not only for the scale of the TV impact in many countries during the entire championship, but also for the PR activities that we can organize in each country where MotoGP is run. Freixenet is the world’s first quality sparkling wine producer and we distribute our Cava in more than 130 countries, especially Freixenet Cordon Negro, which is the Cava of MotoGP and whose target is young and modern people who appreciate good quality at a good price.

 

Click here to read more

Randy de Puniet had his debut on the new season's version of the Honda RC212V at the initial test in Malaysia, he collated important data to follow up on at the next testing which occurs at the end of February.

Finishing 110 laps over Thursday and Friday at Sepang, De Puniet claimed a best lap time of 2’03.043, though his main objective was to become accustomed to the bike.

“The first outing on the new bike has been a bit tough for us,” says De Puniet. “The bike looks good but after few laps I felt that the feeling was quite nervous. So we have worked a lot on the set up especially on chassis regulations and suspension settings. After that I could ride with much more confidence and we started a long run, getting a good pace on hard tyres.”

He adds: “This morning (Friday) we have been trying several adjustments; some were good, but there is a lot more work that is yet to be done. We rode another long run today (about 17 laps) and, at the end of the day, I went out on soft tyres but the surface temperature was not as good as I expected. I know that the 13th position on the timesheet is not brilliant but we were not looking for lap times ultimately. We gathered important data for the next test session to have clear ideas about the direction we have to follow.”

Click here to read more

Ready to go after a break and confident by the performance of Yamaha's fresh 2010 YZR-M1 engine, Colin Edwards proved to making an excellent return to MotoGP action at the Sepang track in Malaysia today.

The Monster Yamaha Tech 3 competitor finished his first day of 2010 testing with the third quickest time, a best lap of 2’01.932 only outdone by Valentino Rossi and Casey Stoner.

Edwards ended 48 laps in demanding conditions as the temperatures were up to to 40°C and circuit temperatures a scorching 60°C. Edwards, who arrvied fifth last season in the World Championship, was one of four racers who was able to lap under the current lap record and was only 0.030s behind Stoner. He was ecstatic with the performance of Yamaha's fresh bike, especially the bottom end performance.

Ben Spies started his challenge with a quick lap of 2’03.142, aiding the current superbike champion to 12th spot. A bout of jetlag following the extensive trip to Kuala Lumpur, halted Spies from giving his true perforamce, with the Texan continuing to amend the prototype YZR-M1 engine and attempting to learn the long Sepang track.

Colin Edwards states: “After I blew off a few cobwebs this morning I've got to say the bike worked really great and a big thanks to Yamaha. They have impressed me because we knew it was a big challenge to achieve a high level of performance while also getting more durability out of the engine for the new rules. And they have done that and I'm really happy, so I'm already excited about the new season.”

“The engine seems much better off the bottom. Last year I'd open the throttle and nothing really happened, but this year there's a response when you push. I never even touched the bike today, I just got on it and rode it and it felt really natural and I could do what I wanted with it. It accelerated how I wanted, I could hold a line how I wanted and I was riding round talking to myself inside my helmet saying ‘how much fun is this?' When the bike does what you ask, it's pretty easy. It was a great way to start what hopefully is going to be another successful year with Hervé Poncharal and the Monster Yamaha Tech 3 Team.”

Ben Spies states: “I tried as hard as I could for the first day but I've got a little bit of jetlag and I wasn't at 100%. Despite that the new bike is really good. I got behind a couple of people and the engine performance was really good and that is a real positive. I'm still working on my mid-corner speed and trusting the Bridgestone tyres and today was still a good day even if I'd like to have been a bit further up the timesheets. My times aren't far off on a track that these guys know like the back of their hand, so I know there is plenty more to come from me.”

“My guys asked me what I need to work on for tomorrow and right now it's just me. There's a good half-a-second just in myself.

Click here to read more

Dani Pedrosa starts his preparations for his fifth year in MotoGP on Thursday with the initial of two days testing at the Sepang International Circuit. Last year he endured surgery to remove a screw in his left wrist, hours prior he arrives to the circuit in Malaysia to commence work on the RC212V he will race this year.  Pedrosa comments on his year ahead below:

How are you feeling physically, and can you say you’re starting the pre-season in good shape?
Yes. Throughout last season I had problems with my wrist but didn’t say anything. I held out to the end of the season, giving my maximum, but after it finished despite the fact I wasn’t riding a bike and wasn’t putting any pressure on my wrist it was still painful. So I decided it was best to get the screw taken out. The recovery period was two to three weeks and the results until now have been very positive. I have been training, and have done a little motocross. The wrist has responded well despite how recently it was operated on. These few days will be a test on my wrist as well, but from the moment I had the screw removed it has felt better. I feel recovered and ready for this first test.

In the last few years you have suffered injuries in pre-season (Sepang 2008, Qatar 2009) that have affected your condition ahead of the start of the season. This season it is important to use all the test days…
Yes, the priority is to take advantage of all of the days of testing available, because this time around more than ever there are not many days. Therefore these are very important tests and it is vital we avoid making any mistakes and are in good shape for the first race.

What is the plan for this first test?
To continue where we left off in Valencia. We’ll carry on testing the Öhlins suspension which is a big change after so many years with the Showa. We will see how they react with small modifications to the chassis. There is also myself: I’ve not ridden for three months so I need to get back on the bike and find a rhythm, speed and also a physical level.

The electronics will be an important aspect over these two days?
Yes, these are one of the most important aspects of the 800cc bikes and we have to try and configure it in the best possible way. Last year it was one of our weaknesses, especially when braking, and here at this track there is lots of braking so we’ll try to find the best setting for this.

What do you expect to have at the first race in Qatar on April 11 that you don’t have now?
I want the bike to be totally to my liking and to be able to ride it with everything in unison. This gives you great confidence, and is so important.

With the engine limitations that take effect this year (six to be used across the 18 races) reliability will be more important than ever. How do you view this?
I think reliability is a strong point of Honda bikes, which are always competitive and have very few problems. Of course it will be difficult because you also never know what will happen, if you have a crash or something like that. But Honda has a cautious approach and always provides durable engines.

Do you think there will be a change to the ‘four aliens’ this season?
That can change at any time. Evidently last year the level was clear, but the race changed with every Grand Prix. The order was different every weekend. One rider can win one day, another can win on another – the competition is very high. As for the other riders, that will become clear during the season.

What do you think about the fact there are five Spanish riders in the premier class for the first time?
It’s a very high number. If you look back in the past, it’s very hard to find one or two riders. But it’s very positive for us now.

This is your fifth year in the premier class and your contract ends after this campaign. Do you feel there is a special pressure on you in 2010?
I think it is an important year, but it is for everyone. You know at the start of every year it will be close and maybe everyone is a bit nervous, but everyone will be very focused and ready for every race.

What’s the reason for your change back to the number 26?
It’s a mark of gratitude to my fans who have followed me through difficult moments such as the 2008 campaign, and especially 2009. I’ve done it for them, I know they like it, and they know my number and can follow me.

Click here to read more

The anxiously awaited track action of 2010 begins next week, with the MotoGP racers arriving to the Sepang International Circuit. The Test, due to proceed from February 3rd-5th, will allow the 17 racers who are competing in this season’s World Championship to be in attendance.

Wednesday is due as the day test riders only, the MotoGP field will have Thursday and Friday in order to come to grips with the changing prototypes they will compete with this season.

World Champion Valentino Rossi and runner-up/colleague Jorge Lorenzo, will keep working on the fresh version on their M1 motorbikes, in which they first tested in the post season Valencia Test last year. Rossi stated his satisfaction with the new throttle and speed of this years engine at Valencia, while Lorenzo was also happy with the progression. The Fiat Yamaha squad will premiere its 2010 version at the Test on Thursday, both Rossi and Lorenzo will be displaying it.

Another duo in Repsol Honda’s Dani Pedrosa and Andrea Dovizioso will be keen to test their new bikes. Pedrosa's goal was improved stability on the RC212V for this year and Dovizioso is aiming for electronic and chassis developments. LCR Honda’s Randy de Puniet is also eager about the prospect of the fresh engine.

Click here to read more

Loris Capirossi and Álvaro Bautista will be competing on their Suzuki GSV-R prototypes for the sole time since last year at Sepang shortly.

Capirossi has been training vigourously over the break and the experienced Italian is in excellent form as he prepares to begin his 21st year in motorbike racing. Bautista will arrive at Sepang for the sole time on a MotoGP engine since uniting with the Suzuki team. The Spaniard has finished two tests on the GSV-R (Valencia and Estoril) and is eager to progress.

“It feels like a very long time since I was on the bike and I just cannot wait to start riding again, I am even having trouble sleeping because I am so excited about getting back to work!” states Capirossi. “I know the guys at Suzuki have been working really hard this winter so we will hopefully be able to get on the pace – or close to it – from day one at Sepang. We are looking forward to a good package and I am also going to the factory after the test to do some work with the guys in Hamamatsu, to try and make the bike the best it can be in time for the start of the season.”

He adds: “After 20 seasons, I am as focused coming into this year as I have ever been and still really enjoy everything to do with MotoGP. I certainly feel like I have unfinished business in racing and a few more milestones to reach, so this test is the start of my preparations to make them happen.”

Bautista commented: “I am really excited about this test, because it feels like my first real time as a Rizla Suzuki rider. I have already done a couple of tests, and the team seemed really happy with the job I did, but this time it will be my bike and I will also be in the team colours so that is another important thing. I am confident in my ability on the bike and the initial feeling on the MotoGP Suzuki is quite natural for me, but I will not be trying to break any records yet – I need to learn a lot more about the GSV-R and find the limits step by step.

Click here to read more

The initial MotoGP Test of the year at Sepang shortly will unite those involved in the upper class this season, as they attempt testing on their new motorbikes for the upcoming year.

Italian racer Andrea Dovizioso will be amid them as he prepares for his third season in the premier class of the World Championship,the 23 year old is looking for an improvement on last year, even though he has secured his first MotoGP stage appearance and sixth spot in the standings.

“For me 2009 was a year with various problems and very disappointing, but also an experience that I must use to grow,” Dovizioso explains. “Now we must work hard to be able to join the top four riders in the category. I ride for HRC so therefore I can achieve it.”

On the Sepang Test, Dovizioso adds: “I am ready to start. I can’t wait to get to Malaysia because I like the track, and we must start work with the new changes about which I’m very excited. We have much to do but I feel strong. The objective is to have a better season than last year and to have a better feeling with the bike.”

“I know the developments we will arrive at Sepang with, now it is necessary to put them into practice because it hasn’t been possible until now. There will be new electronics that we must adapt to my riding style, and developments in the chassis that we must also find a new set-up for. As there are not many days of testing we must make the most of the time we have because there is much work ahead of us.”

A third season for Dovizioso will allow him to be a veteran in the premier class, and claim the circuit with much new talent. Marco Simoncelli, Álvaro Bautista, Hiroshi Aoyama and Héctor Barberá all move up, while Ben Spies will also be there.

“This year the level of riders is probably higher,” states the Italian. “Aside from the top four, there are many others who are capable of being up there. The rookies have talent, but without experience it’s difficult to achieve notable results. MotoGP is hard but I think almost everyone can do well, from Marco Melandri who returns to Honda, to Simoncelli, Bautista and Aoyama.”

Adding to his ideas on the switch to 1000cc capacity engines in 2012, Dovizioso comments: “The regulations aren’t definitive yet, so we’ll analyse them when they’re official. Personally I’m not opposed, as long as the modifications are made to reduce costs. If not, there is not much sense in changing them.

Click here to read more

Silverstone will host MotoGP for the weekend of June 18-20 and be introduced to a new Arena Grand Prix track with improved viewing facilities.  Work on the amendments is due for completion by early March.

Arriving back to the Northamptonshire track for the first time since 1986, MotoGP will gain from new developments currently progressing on both the track and venue.

The modifications to the circuit will ensure Silverstone one of the quickest tracks on the MotoGP calendar this season, with the fresh layout lengthening the track to 5.6km. Additions to the spectator areas will show extra elevated viewing banks, and also the current grandstands and fence lines are being re-located to take fans closer to the action.

Statistics being carried out at Silverstone are as follows:

- 180,000 tonnes of earth has already been re-located around the track, of which 50,000 tonnes has been used to elevate banks and improve spectator viewing areas.
- 8,000 tonnes of tarmac has been laid
- 60 tonnes of hardcore and 500 cubic metres of concrete has been used
- 6,000 metres of armco has been built

 

Click here to read more

All proceeds from the sale of racing memorabilia at the eBay auction will be donated to Red Cross relief efforts as part of the Haiti relief program. The new items include:

•Team Penske IndyCar nosecone autographed by Ryan Briscoe
•Miller Lite Dodge sheet metal autographed by Kurt Busch
•Cap autographed by 2006 Indianapolis 500 winner Sam Hornish Jr.
•2009 Red Bull Indianapolis GP poster signed by famed motorsports artist Randy Owens
•Piece of asphalt from Indianapolis Motor Speedway oval mounted in acrylic case
•IMS Centennial Era Balloon Festival banner

Much other autographed extras are up for auction, including memorabilia signed by Indianapolis 500 heros Scott Dixon and Buddy Rice, Indianapolis 500 legend Michael Andretti and IZOD IndyCar Series champions Ed Carpenter and Milka Duno.

Another special item is a VIP ticket/hotel package for this season's Indianapolis 500 race weekend May 28-May 30. Inclusive are four tickets in an IMS luxury hotel suite for Miller Lite Carb Day, Friday, May 28 and Race Day, Sunday, May 30, four pit and garage credentials (if age 18 or over) plus a police escort on Race Day morning. Also added is three nights accommodation for four people at the Hilton Indianapolis Hotel and Suites, offered by Hilton.

Click here to read more

Claimed as the best event of last year's season by IRTA recently, a presentation to begin the launch for the 2010 Gran Premio bwin.com de España was held in Madrid yesterday, with the Mayoress of Jerez de la Frontera, Pilar Sánchez, Dorna Sports CEO, Carmelo Ezpeleta, including other prominent stars such as Jorge Martínez ‘Aspar’, Héctor Barberá and Julián Simón all arrived for the event.

The presentation brought a crowd of over 120,000 spectators is classed as one of the most prestigious events in Spain, says Mayoress Sánchez.

“We’ve been working hard once again, and it seems clear that the management model we have put in place over the past five years has worked,” explains Mayoress Sánchez. “As always, the developments have been designed for fans to be able to have fun, enjoy our attractions and feel like they are at home in Jerez.”

Carmelo Ezpeleta expresses his joy at having the hard work rewarded by IRTA’s award. He adds: “I’m happy by the decision made by the IRTA members, because Jerez has always been a great GP. There had been problems in the past with parking and access, but a few years ago they solved these issues and it has been fantastic. It’s a great pleasure for Jerez to be honoured with this award.”

Looking forward to the beginning of the 2010 campaign, Mr Ezpeleta says: “The season starts in Qatar in April, but the first race in Europe will be at Jerez.

 

Click here to read more

2009 Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup victor Jakub Kornfeil is confirmed for a new campaign in the 125cc World Championship, Racing Team Germany cheif Dirk Heidolf is confident his selections will be announced soon.

Kornfeil’s agreement was confirmed at the end of December, and Heidolf is expected to confirm whether Japanese racer Tomoyoshi Koyama will finish the 125cc Racing Team Germany shorly.

“We’ve been in close contact and are very close to signing him,” Heidolf states. “Koyama and his management want to sign the contract, but it’s not fixed just yet. I have given them a deadline until the end of the week.”

Click here to read more

Well over 120,000 spectators made their way to the Gran Premio bwin.com de España in May as Valentino Rossi claimed his initial victory of the season, continuing to his ninth World Championship title, the excellent organisation of the event has claimed the prize of Best Grand Prix returning to the circuit.

IRTA President Hervé Poncharal enjoyed in announcing the award, he states, “We are delighted at Jerez winning the Best Grand Prix Poll for the first time since 1990. This is one of the traditional homes of MotoGP, serving an incredible atmosphere as teams and fans gather here for the first European event of the season.

“Jerez has always been a fantastic location for the Grand Prix, a great racetrack with the huge crowds giving the event a unique atmosphere, one which truly highlights the passion and excitement of MotoGP. It also has the accolade of being the longest standing of the three racetracks that make up the Spanish rounds of MotoGP.

“Jerez works year on year to improve its facilities for teams and spectators alike, and since the construction of the new pit and paddock facility, first used by MotoGP in 2003, it has set a benchmark for other circuits to emulate.”

Mayoress of Jerez de la Frontera and President of the Jerez Speed Circuit, Pilar Sánchez Muñoz, says, “I would like to thank the members of IRTA for awarding us with the prize as the best organisation among all the circuits that have taken part in the Grand Prix calendar during the 2009 season.

“I would also like to express my appreciation to everyone involved in this organisation that has now been recognised, rewarding the work and effort undertaken by all involved.

Click here to read more

Nine times World Champion Valentino Rossi will begin a two day testing in a Ferrari F1 vehicle at Montmeló this Wednesday, January 20.

The practice will be tested in a Ferrari F2008 equipped with GP2 slicks, from tomorrow afternoon exclusive images will be available of the hero in action.

 

Click here to read more 

Ben Spies switches to MotoGP in 2010 after having experienced the World Championship as a wildcard racer on four seperate occasions.

Suzuki offered Spies his initial taste of premier racing in the 2008 year when they showed him for three events, his debut outing as a MotoGP racer arrived at Donington when he qualified in eighth place and took 14th spot in the event, a credible performance.

Spies was then used as a testing rider for Suzuki in Indianapolis as he helped their development of the GSV-R prototype, then again racing at Laguna Seca where he claimed eighth spot. A return to the Brickyard with much competitiveness took a sixth place finish at the initial Indianapolis GP which gave him an impressive stint in the upper class of racing.

These displays impressed Yamaha and in October last year it was confirmed that Spies would race with Hervé Poncharal’s Monster Tech 3 squad for the 2010 year.

Wanting Spies to have more valuable time on a MotoGP engine, Yamaha fielded the American as a wildcard entrant into the final event of the 2009 year at Valencia, as single rider entry for the Sterilgarda squad.  With more experience on the 800cc M1 prototype, it was yet another good display for Spies.

Seventh spot at the Ricardo Tormo Circuit from ninth on the grid aided future colleague Edwards to claim fifth spot in the 2009 MotoGP rankings, as Spies displayed the hard riding spirit that has seen him gain three AMA Superbike championships and the 2009 World Superbike title.

Click here to read more