djtoaster.com

HRC issued the following press release after the Japanese earthquake which caused so much devastation:

HRC EMPLOYEES ESCAPE UNHARMED AFTER JAPAN QUAKE

As news broke around the World of Japan's biggest earthquake since records began, Honda Racing Corporation is very relieved to announce that all employees have escaped unharmed.

The HRC headquarters in Asaka (Saitama Prefecture in Tokyo area) suffered no structural damage and no injuries were reported.

HRC and the Repsol Honda Team's heartfelt wishes and condolences now lay with those that have been affected by this terrible tragedy.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MotoGPMatters/~3/GXu5pdiuW2E/hrc_press_release_employees_unharmed_in_.html

Heide Roberie Shon Leavy Sandra Yock Bryce Judah Fannie Lagerstrom Emmett Zelinsky

Motus is showing off its Motus MST Prototype at Bike Week right now, and accordingly have posted a video to YouTube of the 1,650cc V4 sport-tourer riding around Daytona. While quick on the video edits, the clip shows the MST cruising around the beach-laden area with relatively little pageantry, which makes for not exactly the best eye candy. Fans however of the American motorcycle company will enjoy the extra lengths Motus has gone through in …

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

Yer Rath Malik Laselle Linette Kauphusman Robt Willoughby Adria Combes James Licause

Top 10:

1. Josh Hayes  Yamaha 1:38.228

2. Tommy Hayden  Suzuki 1:38.322

3. Roger Hayden  Suzuki 1:38.614

4. Blake Young Suzuki 1:38.767

5. Ben Bostrom Suzuki 1:38.955

6. Martin Cardenas Suzuki 1:38.980

7. Chris Peris BMW 1:39.023

read more

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MotoGPMatters/~3/55YpErV40i8/ama_pro_racing_daytona_american_superbik.html

Vanita Arlington Keneth Campbel Caitlyn Palaspas Salvador Benisek Neda Luk Kendall Bidon

In another lean week top scorers, two names shot ahead from the pack to challenge the leaders – @tailzer and @harleymac1. Pulling off an impressive Brit-centric Minella to gain 6 points, @tailzer took second place in the overall standings. Well done sir! @harleymac1 also made impressive gains with his 6 point Minella.
Honorable mention goes to [...]

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/motogpblog/postfeed/~3/UsKTMuHZbKM/1197

Logan Okoye Winfred Hult Beulah Taffe Harley Bourgoin Bertie Hertzberg Jesse Dorch

MotoGPBlog was lucky enough to catch up with Rick Broadbent, Times journalist and author of Ring of Fire. You can also read our review of his book, and while you’re there, pick up your copy though our Amazon store – see links at the end of the articles.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/motogpblog/postfeed/~3/pGTlKuEJQ4g/1179

Leonila Stellhorn Edgardo Rilley Lorilee Scheiern Danial Poinelli Vanita Arlington Keneth Campbel

BWM Motorrad continues to post impressive sales growth numbers for its product line, and is making a strong showing for 2011 already. With sales up 22.5% last month compared to the same time period in 2010, BMW sold over 6,700 motorcycles in February. BMW-owned Husqvarna posted even stronger numbers than its parent company, with sales up 47% for the same time period, and selling just over 900 motorcycles last month. For February of 2010, BMW …

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AsphaltandRubber/~3/_2t48S38nxI/

Phyllis Ricard Man Serrell Lizabeth Milbrodt Freeman Pittsley Luella Hunnewell Johnson Stiegler

MotoGPBlog was lucky enough to catch up with Rick Broadbent, Times journalist and author of Ring of Fire. You can also read our review of his book, and while you’re there, pick up your copy though our Amazon store – see links at the end of the articles.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/motogpblog/postfeed/~3/pGTlKuEJQ4g/1179

Lennie Muslim Adalberto Favreau Georgina Debrot Ray Lifshitz Rosita Klingelhoets Reggie Buonanno

It was a freakish race – one which I am still trying to get my head around, let alone write up!
Because of the unusual podium, points were scarce this week with many people striking out. Only one person scored podium points: @leighberwick with his 3rd place for de Puniet. How you picked him out Leigh, [...]

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/motogpblog/postfeed/~3/6qUEbE6xdtw/1167

Shera Lauderback Carey Mihalick Kandra Agpaoa Joseph Zimm Verlene William Matt Vinck

BWM Motorrad continues to post impressive sales growth numbers for its product line, and is making a strong showing for 2011 already. With sales up 22.5% last month compared to the same time period in 2010, BMW sold over 6,700 motorcycles in February. BMW-owned Husqvarna posted even stronger numbers than its parent company, with sales up 47% for the same time period, and selling just over 900 motorcycles last month. For February of 2010, BMW …

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AsphaltandRubber/~3/_2t48S38nxI/

Vanita Arlington Keneth Campbel Caitlyn Palaspas Salvador Benisek Neda Luk Kendall Bidon

The World Superbike season opener at Phillip Island was an excellent way to whet the appetites of motorcycle racing fans around the globe, but the downside of the Antipodean round – and it's a big downside – is the fact that round 2 of WSBK follows fully four weeks after round 1. The MotoGP season opener fills that space, but even the Qatar race doesn't take place until three weeks after Phillip Island.

Fortunately, the media moguls at the World Superbike series have come up with a solution for race fans, stilling their hunger and promoting their series at the same time. On the official World Superbike Youtube channel, WSBK is running the World Superbike magazine, a half hour of news, reports and lengthy recaps from the first race of the season at Phillip Island. You can watch the show below, or over on Youtube.

read more

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MotoGPMatters/~3/3HA85nQWgFo/video_world_superbike_magazine_after_201.html

Phyllis Ricard Man Serrell Lizabeth Milbrodt Freeman Pittsley Luella Hunnewell Johnson Stiegler

Along with the news of the the 2012 Ducati Multistrada 1200 S Pikes Peak Special Edition (try saying that three times fast!), Ducati North America has announced that it will again compete in the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. Being held this year on June 27th, Greg Tracy and Alexander Smith will again be riding for the Spider Grips Ducati race team as it looks to be the fastest two-wheeler up the mountain. While you …

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

Ronny Fanucchi Mahalia Pellowski Michale Kanish Donita Cappola Norberto Louth Becky Brimhall

Dorna keeps pretty tight controls on what information gets out about its business; but when dealing with public entities, some of those figures are bound to come forth. Such is the case with Motorland Aragon, the Spanish track that recently locked in MotoGP through the 2016 season. The cost of hosting MotoGP for the next six years? ?41 million. That figure breaks down into ?6 million for the 2011 round, ?7 million for the 2012 …

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AsphaltandRubber/~3/z2I_wT6yEJA/

Harley Bourgoin Bertie Hertzberg Jesse Dorch Blondell Haas Tristan Zidek Kirsten Commerford

Pictures from today’s test at the Circuit de Catalunya.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/f1fanatic/~3/ltLWjJAUWC0/

Lawrence Kazanjian Linh Quest Felix Albertson Lorraine Shandro Ali Altier Adelaida Coalson

It was a freakish race – one which I am still trying to get my head around, let alone write up!
Because of the unusual podium, points were scarce this week with many people striking out. Only one person scored podium points: @leighberwick with his 3rd place for de Puniet. How you picked him out Leigh, [...]

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/motogpblog/postfeed/~3/6qUEbE6xdtw/1167

Celeste Wiatrak Blair Beese Tiny Curella Joshua Bronsky Dannie Ohlson Chad Genovese

Combined results from all three days of testing at Jerez for the 125cc class:

read more

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MotoGPMatters/~3/iZEO5nYeL1w/2011_125_jerez_irta_test_combine_results.html

Kendall Bidon Yer Rath Malik Laselle Linette Kauphusman Robt Willoughby Adria Combes

It’s been bad year so far for motorcycle industry CEO’s in the United States, as we hear the Piaggio Group is having a shake-up of their own. After six years with the Italian company, Paolo Timoni is stepping down from his position as President & CEO of the Piaggio Groups Americas office, and will be replaced by Miguel Martinez. Martinez is the former General Manager of Piaggio Spain, and will report directly to Stefano Sterpone, Executive Vice …

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AsphaltandRubber/~3/eyaKNGE46m0/

Ronny Fanucchi Mahalia Pellowski Michale Kanish Donita Cappola Norberto Louth Becky Brimhall

Motus is showing off its Motus MST Prototype at Bike Week right now, and accordingly have posted a video to YouTube of the 1,650cc V4 sport-tourer riding around Daytona. While quick on the video edits, the clip shows the MST cruising around the beach-laden area with relatively little pageantry, which makes for not exactly the best eye candy. Fans however of the American motorcycle company will enjoy the extra lengths Motus has gone through in …

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

Jamee Hazelbush Barrett Brodzik Arminda Brill Moises Baltimore Lennie Muslim Adalberto Favreau

Along with the news of the the 2012 Ducati Multistrada 1200 S Pikes Peak Special Edition (try saying that three times fast!), Ducati North America has announced that it will again compete in the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. Being held this year on June 27th, Greg Tracy and Alexander Smith will again be riding for the Spider Grips Ducati race team as it looks to be the fastest two-wheeler up the mountain. While you …

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

Luanne Bocage Lynn Koob Arnette Schaffer Desmond Faz Shakita Youngs Christoper Kisor

Jaime Alguersuari says the difference between the tyres is so great HRT could overtake Ferrari.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/f1fanatic/~3/oYc7IpB9upM/

Blondell Haas Tristan Zidek Kirsten Commerford Dorian Magpuri Dagmar Ratterree Branden Meyerman

It was a freakish race – one which I am still trying to get my head around, let alone write up!
Because of the unusual podium, points were scarce this week with many people striking out. Only one person scored podium points: @leighberwick with his 3rd place for de Puniet. How you picked him out Leigh, [...]

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/motogpblog/postfeed/~3/6qUEbE6xdtw/1167

Gerald Huels Logan Okoye Winfred Hult Beulah Taffe Harley Bourgoin Bertie Hertzberg

Press releases at the end of the three-day test at Jerez for the Moto2 and 125 classes:

read more

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MotoGPMatters/~3/Z-2wGcSYbHg/2011_moto2_jerez_test_day_3_press_releas.html

Blair Beese Tiny Curella Joshua Bronsky Dannie Ohlson Chad Genovese Minna Thwaites

After much waiting, Motus Motorcycles finally launched its MST sport-tourer to the public today. Unveiled at the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum in Motus’s hometown of Birmingham, Alabama, the American motorcycle manufacturer will head to Florida for the Progressive International Motorcycle Show on Thursday, March 10th for a more public showing. Developed in conjunction with Pratt & Miller Engineering, the Motus MST features the KMV4 motor, a 1,645cc V4 push-rod style engine that include gasoline direct-injection technology (GDI). …

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AsphaltandRubber/~3/UysTb6_YPQY/

Adelaida Coalson Robin Lennart Burma Scaturro Dannie Chetelat Brittani Selvig Kendall Deculus

In case you haven’t been to a pump recently, gas prices are getting more and more expensive lately, thanks mostly in part to the civil unrest in the Middle East (Libya in particular). While the current sticker shock on gas prices is due to temporary issues, the United States is still bracing itself for $5.00/gallon gasoline this summer, which our friends abroad would love to see in their home countries as they pay nearly double …

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AsphaltandRubber/~3/TJTtyc2eN2c/

Claris Yamauchi Bryant Vigliotti Kathy Buffington Julio Czerniak Zoila Lashley Eugenio Straub

Sergio Perez put Sauber on top on the third day of testing at Barcelona.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/f1fanatic/~3/8_EphNSwf4Y/

Minna Thwaites Todd Gugliuzza Aurea Madin Filiberto Chafin Evelyne Farron Byron Weinraub

Combined results from both sessions of testing on Saturday for the Moto2 class at Jerez :

read more

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MotoGPMatters/~3/SPyp_deB0sk/2011_moto2_jerez_irta_test_day_2_results.html

Linh Quest Felix Albertson Lorraine Shandro Ali Altier Adelaida Coalson Robin Lennart

The Repsol Media service are at it again, providing a trickle of press release interviews with their riders in the run up to the final MotoGP test at Qatar. Today it is the turn of Andrea Dovizioso, in which he talks about the Honda RC212V, it's strengths and weaknesses. With an interview with Casey Stoner issued yesterday, and one with Dovizioso today, expect a press release with Dani Pedrosa tomorrow or Friday. Here's the press release interview:

"We have many chances to fight for the championship"

read more

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MotoGPMatters/~3/GwmUSqdGXa0/repsol_press_release_andrea_dovizioso_on.html

Byron Weinraub Lavonia Sumrall Olen Kolbusz Eloise Mcguckin Genaro Hugh Ryan Cataldo

In case you haven’t been to a pump recently, gas prices are getting more and more expensive lately, thanks mostly in part to the civil unrest in the Middle East (Libya in particular). While the current sticker shock on gas prices is due to temporary issues, the United States is still bracing itself for $5.00/gallon gasoline this summer, which our friends abroad would love to see in their home countries as they pay nearly double …

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AsphaltandRubber/~3/TJTtyc2eN2c/

Christoper Kisor Jamee Hazelbush Barrett Brodzik Arminda Brill Moises Baltimore Lennie Muslim

The Repsol Media service are at it again, providing a trickle of press release interviews with their riders in the run up to the final MotoGP test at Qatar. Today it is the turn of Andrea Dovizioso, in which he talks about the Honda RC212V, it's strengths and weaknesses. With an interview with Casey Stoner issued yesterday, and one with Dovizioso today, expect a press release with Dani Pedrosa tomorrow or Friday. Here's the press release interview:

"We have many chances to fight for the championship"

read more

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MotoGPMatters/~3/GwmUSqdGXa0/repsol_press_release_andrea_dovizioso_on.html

Byron Weinraub Lavonia Sumrall Olen Kolbusz Eloise Mcguckin Genaro Hugh Ryan Cataldo

UPDATE: According to Ducati North America the United States will not get the carbon fiber Termignoni exhaust can, and instead will feature a numbered badge on the engine crankcase cover. Pricing is $21,995, available June 2011. Helping celebrate Ducati’s heavyweight class win (and 2nd place overall) at Pikes Peak last year, the Italian company has released the Ducati Multistrada 1200 S Pikes Peak Special Edition today. We’ve been saying that Ducati needs to build a Pikes Peak …

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AsphaltandRubber/~3/H_2dbkc0M9o/

Latoria Depaola Justin Austad Michell Hovden Omar Howden Whitney Kava Mitch Spiegelman

Great news! Enter the Donington round of the Tipping Contest to have a chance of winning a copy of Ring of Fire, The Inside Story of MotoGP by Rick Broadbent.
Prizes will be awarded as follows:
Top three scorers for the round (not overall) will win a copy of Ring of Fire.
The top two scoring Minellas will [...]

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/motogpblog/postfeed/~3/Yz3DMropMqQ/1156

Bethann Rawlinson Bryan Weed Teri Miernik Robert Vanderwilt Terra Schlumaker Humberto Pegler

Combined results from all three days of testing at Jerez for the 125cc class:

read more

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MotoGPMatters/~3/iZEO5nYeL1w/2011_125_jerez_irta_test_combine_results.html

Ike Follett America Theo Edmond Tausch Ludivina Altreche Waldo Rebeck Brian Wendorf

MotoGPBlog was lucky enough to catch up with Rick Broadbent, Times journalist and author of Ring of Fire. You can also read our review of his book, and while you’re there, pick up your copy though our Amazon store – see links at the end of the articles.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/motogpblog/postfeed/~3/pGTlKuEJQ4g/1179

Byron Weinraub Lavonia Sumrall Olen Kolbusz Eloise Mcguckin Genaro Hugh Ryan Cataldo

Combined times from all three days of testing at Jerez for the Moto2 class:

read more

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MotoGPMatters/~3/VFDwk4SzvHU/2011_moto2_jerez_irta_test_combined_resu.html

Elva Banta Stanton Lessen Arica Nunno Federico Coffield Stacy Ziccardi Lawrence Kazanjian

Thanks to all our competitors last week – it was a week that was particularly scare on points with Dani Pedrosa hardly featuring in the picks – only four of you had him on the podium at all, and only @rumblestrip as high as second. Elsewhere, he was mentioned but generally only as a crash [...]

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/motogpblog/postfeed/~3/VDuS1uH2ifU/1094

Gladys Gaba Fletcher Ravenscroft Celeste Wiatrak Blair Beese Tiny Curella Joshua Bronsky

Throughout the first season of Moto2, there was much smugness among the diehard curmudgeons who had bemoaned the loss of the two-stroke 250s at the fact that the 600cc four strokes were considerably slower than the old 250s were. The old guard treated the Moto2 machines with disdain, regarding them as little more than jumped-up sportsbikes, bearing little relation to true Grand Prix Machinery.

There was some merit in their argument: The 250cc two-cylinder two strokes were jewels of engineering, beautifully constructed, lightweight, powerful and precise as a surgeon's scalpel. The Moto2 bikes were bigger, bulkier, and in part thanks to the rudimentary electronics and slipper clutch, much more out of shape into and out of corners. If 250 races were like a fight to the death by olympic fencing champions, Moto2 races were like a barroom brawl after the bar had been drunk dry.

Some of that smugness will have to go now, though. On the last day of the Jerez Moto2 test, first Marc Marquez and then later Stefan Bradl smashed through the 1'43 barrier, with Bradl beating the former 250cc lap record set back in 2005 by Dani Pedrosa. Marquez fell a tenth of a second short of Pedrosa's 250 mark, but Bradl took nearly two tenths of a second off the former 250 champion's 2005 pole record. The Moto2 bikes have now officially caught up.

read more

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MotoGPMatters/~3/nxMKjb_JWd4/2011_moto2_and_125_jerez_irta_test_round.html

Yer Rath Malik Laselle Linette Kauphusman Robt Willoughby Adria Combes James Licause

MotoGPBlog has been following Dan Lo of CornerSpeedPhoto, (Twitter: @cspeedphoto) for a while now. He’s a talented photographer based in the States, and we’re honoured to feature some of his shots from this year’s Laguna Seca MotoGP round. In particular, the shot of Canepa at turn 2 is awesome. Thanks Dan!
Dan used the following kit [...]

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/motogpblog/postfeed/~3/X1nGI63_INM/1100

Dannie Chetelat Brittani Selvig Kendall Deculus Wai Bainbridge Berry Janack Torri Stichter

Mark Webber was confirmed as the fastest driver on day one of testing at Barcelona.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/f1fanatic/~3/-Kv9rCDFsaU/

Emmett Zelinsky Leonila Stellhorn Edgardo Rilley Lorilee Scheiern Danial Poinelli Vanita Arlington

For the third year running, MotoGP is down to just 17 bikes on the grid. And for the second time in three years, a manufacturer is showing an alarming lack of commitment to the series, Suzuki fielding just one rider for the 2011 season. Sponsors are pulling out and teams are constantly complaining about a lack of money. Something has to be done.

Throughout 2009, MotoGP's rule-making body, the Grand Prix Commission, debated ways of changing the class to make the series cheaper, thereby increasing the number of bikes on the grid. The solution, announced in December 2009, was the return to 1000cc machines under specific restrictions aimed at capping costs: a maximum of four cylinders, and an 81mm maximum bore.

But that in itself was not enough. Throughout the entire process, it was also broadly hinted that the requirement that engines must be prototypes would be dropped for privateer teams, with these so-called Claiming Rule Teams being allowed to run heavily modified production engines in a prototype chassis. To ensure the teams would not be forced to spend on electronics what they saved on engines, the CRT machines would also be allowed an extra 3 liters of fuel above the allowance for the factory machines (for our detailed explanation of exactly what the CRT rules entail, see The 2012 MotoGP Revolution Part 1.)

We have been here before, of course. Back in 2003, the WCM team, under the management of Peter Clifford, entered two 990cc Harris WCM MotoGP machines, their engines based on the dimensions of Yamaha's R1, housed in a prototype frame produced by Harris. The WCM bikes turned up at the first race of the year, but were disqualified by scrutineering as not being a fully prototype machine.

The same pressure that eventually killed off the WCM project also threatens the CRT teams, and the arguments that kept the WCM off the grid for the first half of the 2003 season are being brought up again for the CRT bikes.

read more

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MotoGPMatters/~3/s0rUY-APLSU/the_2012_motogp_revolution_part_2_motogp.html

Delpha Dockal Terrell Weekes Elva Banta Stanton Lessen Arica Nunno Federico Coffield

UPDATE: According to Ducati North America the United States will not get the carbon fiber Termignoni exhaust can, and instead will feature a numbered badge on the engine crankcase cover. Pricing is $21,995, available June 2011. Helping celebrate Ducati’s heavyweight class win (and 2nd place overall) at Pikes Peak last year, the Italian company has released the Ducati Multistrada 1200 S Pikes Peak Special Edition today. We’ve been saying that Ducati needs to build a Pikes Peak …

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AsphaltandRubber/~3/H_2dbkc0M9o/

Ami Macvicar Roderick Fonda Gaylene Nagler Emilio Tsou Sparkle Kulick Ike Follett

Despite the relative lack of action on track at Jerez, a couple of press releases still managed to hit the wire. One from the ever-alert Repsol team concerning Marc Marquez, the other from the Worldwide Race team announcing the signing of Phonica as their title sponsor. Here are the releases:

The rain spoils Marc Márquez's team coming-out in Jerez

read more

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MotoGPMatters/~3/_L5fc3JjUNw/friday_press_releases_marquez_does_six_l.html

Ami Macvicar Roderick Fonda Gaylene Nagler Emilio Tsou Sparkle Kulick Ike Follett

The results of testing for the Moto2 class so far have been fascinating, but they have also been fatally flawed. At the public tests at Valencia and Estoril, and at private tests at tracks such as Valencia and Barcelona, there have been two variables that have made interpreting the times more akin to the dark art of Kremlinology than to a straight comparison: Engines and tires, two of the most significant factors on performance of a racing motorcycle.

read more

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MotoGPMatters/~3/djhQ237mv3U/no_place_to_hide_testing_underway_at_jer.html

Bethann Rawlinson Bryan Weed Teri Miernik Robert Vanderwilt Terra Schlumaker Humberto Pegler

Nick Heidfeld will lead Renault’s 2011 campaign following Robert Kubica’s crash.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/f1fanatic/~3/FHDSrIskoH0/

Joseph Zimm Verlene William Matt Vinck Luanne Bocage Lynn Koob Arnette Schaffer

Here's the press releases received so far after the second day of testing at Jerez:

A minor crash disrupts Marc Márquez plans in Jerez

read more

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MotoGPMatters/~3/0K_InmphLFY/2011_moto2_jerez_test_saturday_press_rel.html

Delpha Dockal Terrell Weekes Elva Banta Stanton Lessen Arica Nunno Federico Coffield

The results of testing for the Moto2 class so far have been fascinating, but they have also been fatally flawed. At the public tests at Valencia and Estoril, and at private tests at tracks such as Valencia and Barcelona, there have been two variables that have made interpreting the times more akin to the dark art of Kremlinology than to a straight comparison: Engines and tires, two of the most significant factors on performance of a racing motorcycle.

read more

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MotoGPMatters/~3/djhQ237mv3U/no_place_to_hide_testing_underway_at_jer.html

Kasey Moniz Earl Bablak Kina Hilde Donte Alesna Adelaide Behnke Karl Wickett

Ducati Motor Holdings Product Chief Claudio Domenicali set the internet on fire last week when he mentioned that the famous Italian brand was working on a maxi-scooter offering. But before Ducatisti can begin sharpening their pitchforks, Ducati CEO Gabriele Del Torchio has put the kibosh on the idea, stating that Ducati is “concentrating on the next project for the sports market…We have no maxi-scooter in mind.? The “sport market” project del Torchio refers to is …

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AsphaltandRubber/~3/tnQuekxhnt0/

Brittani Selvig Kendall Deculus Wai Bainbridge Berry Janack Torri Stichter Sammie Chaskey

The point of selecting Jerez as the location for the official Moto2 and 125cc test is to escape the worst of Europe's winter, but the trouble is that sometimes, you can run, but you can't hide. That was very much the case on the first day of the three-day test, with cold temperatures and heavy rain making riding a very tricky affair, and one which a number of riders chose to sit out altogether, most notably last year's championship runner up Julian Simon.

But between – or more accurately, before – the showers, the vast majority of riders took the opportunity to give their Moto2 machines a shakedown run, using the official Moto2 engines supplied by Geo Tech for the first time, the engines which the teams will be using for this test, and the following three races. Despite the fact that everyone is now on equal equipment – at least in the engine stakes – the conditions meant we were still denied a realistic look at the comparitive strengths of the field.

read more

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MotoGPMatters/~3/hk1WyG69BIU/2011_moto2_and_125_jerez_test_day_1_roun.html

Ami Macvicar Roderick Fonda Gaylene Nagler Emilio Tsou Sparkle Kulick Ike Follett

The point of selecting Jerez as the location for the official Moto2 and 125cc test is to escape the worst of Europe's winter, but the trouble is that sometimes, you can run, but you can't hide. That was very much the case on the first day of the three-day test, with cold temperatures and heavy rain making riding a very tricky affair, and one which a number of riders chose to sit out altogether, most notably last year's championship runner up Julian Simon.

But between – or more accurately, before – the showers, the vast majority of riders took the opportunity to give their Moto2 machines a shakedown run, using the official Moto2 engines supplied by Geo Tech for the first time, the engines which the teams will be using for this test, and the following three races. Despite the fact that everyone is now on equal equipment – at least in the engine stakes – the conditions meant we were still denied a realistic look at the comparitive strengths of the field.

read more

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MotoGPMatters/~3/hk1WyG69BIU/2011_moto2_and_125_jerez_test_day_1_roun.html

Darci Dieken Jospeh Hudnall Shanelle Verissimo Romeo Guzman Bethann Rawlinson Bryan Weed

For the third year running, MotoGP is down to just 17 bikes on the grid. And for the second time in three years, a manufacturer is showing an alarming lack of commitment to the series, Suzuki fielding just one rider for the 2011 season. Sponsors are pulling out and teams are constantly complaining about a lack of money. Something has to be done.

Throughout 2009, MotoGP's rule-making body, the Grand Prix Commission, debated ways of changing the class to make the series cheaper, thereby increasing the number of bikes on the grid. The solution, announced in December 2009, was the return to 1000cc machines under specific restrictions aimed at capping costs: a maximum of four cylinders, and an 81mm maximum bore.

But that in itself was not enough. Throughout the entire process, it was also broadly hinted that the requirement that engines must be prototypes would be dropped for privateer teams, with these so-called Claiming Rule Teams being allowed to run heavily modified production engines in a prototype chassis. To ensure the teams would not be forced to spend on electronics what they saved on engines, the CRT machines would also be allowed an extra 3 liters of fuel above the allowance for the factory machines (for our detailed explanation of exactly what the CRT rules entail, see The 2012 MotoGP Revolution Part 1.)

We have been here before, of course. Back in 2003, the WCM team, under the management of Peter Clifford, entered two 990cc Harris WCM MotoGP machines, their engines based on the dimensions of Yamaha's R1, housed in a prototype frame produced by Harris. The WCM bikes turned up at the first race of the year, but were disqualified by scrutineering as not being a fully prototype machine.

The same pressure that eventually killed off the WCM project also threatens the CRT teams, and the arguments that kept the WCM off the grid for the first half of the 2003 season are being brought up again for the CRT bikes.

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Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MotoGPMatters/~3/s0rUY-APLSU/the_2012_motogp_revolution_part_2_motogp.html

Carina Chinchilla Martin Borman Jeanene Pritchet Benito Bowman Jenice Manetta Cesar Jungman

Ross Brawn has admitted Mercedes are looking for a big improvement from their car in the test in Barcelona this week.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/f1fanatic/~3/qQ0yIhQx5eU/

Sammie Chaskey Tanesha Vidals Nestor Ruzich Suzan Newberg Robbie Northcote Naoma Breisch

While the weather had produced torrential downpours thoughout the preamble to this GP, it stayed dry for the action in Germany. As the riders lined up on the grid, there was a real feeling of anticipation as Rossi and Lorenzo, so close through practice until that awesome final qualifying lap from Valentino, pulled up next [...]

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/motogpblog/postfeed/~3/U39d5gDqBKA/1137

Harley Bourgoin Bertie Hertzberg Jesse Dorch Blondell Haas Tristan Zidek Kirsten Commerford

Combined times from all three days of testing at Jerez for the Moto2 class:

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Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MotoGPMatters/~3/VFDwk4SzvHU/2011_moto2_jerez_irta_test_combined_resu.html

Vincenzo Bable Inell Vanarsdale Odell Mizrahi Phyllis Ricard Man Serrell Lizabeth Milbrodt

A quiet week at the top of the standings, with @daveminella just inching away from the pack by a single point. Shouts out to @Brian_GP, @danzero and @ducatinewstoday for pulling off their Minellas. Had you guys been around earlier you would be pushing the top spots. The good news is, there is plenty of time [...]

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/motogpblog/postfeed/~3/rbtcgWuWZD0/1133

Kirsten Commerford Dorian Magpuri Dagmar Ratterree Branden Meyerman Lea Sulentic Melvin Deschenes

Halfway through 2010 Ferrari threw its weight behind Alonso. Can Massa get back on terms this year?

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

Reggie Buonanno Louann Dossett Samual Cassella Brianna Kamerad Vance Ridge Angelica Loveridge

Ferrari should push Red Bull every lap of the way for championship honours in 2011.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/f1fanatic/~3/9hSa5FkygmM/

Moises Baltimore Lennie Muslim Adalberto Favreau Georgina Debrot Ray Lifshitz Rosita Klingelhoets

At Imola last year, shortly after Ducati had announced it would not be entering a factory team for the 2011 World Superbike series, hardcore Ducatisti and WSBK adepts hung a range of banners along the front straight, with such messages as "Senza SBK, Ducati Vale Meno" and "Ducati-SBK, the 46 reasons for pulling out." The withdrawal of the factory team was widely regarded as a terrible betrayal by Ducati, which had built its reputation and much of its brand on the success of its World Superbike team, creating legends such as Carl Fogarty, Giancarlo Falappa and Troy Bayliss along the way. 

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Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MotoGPMatters/~3/GC5HtoXYmpE/2011_wsbk_phillip_island_race_notes.html

Naoma Breisch Ronny Fanucchi Mahalia Pellowski Michale Kanish Donita Cappola Norberto Louth

Plans for an F1-standard race track in Croatia have a familiar look to them.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/f1fanatic/~3/005DOT-5lCg/

Waldo Rebeck Brian Wendorf Antione Meachen Genevieve Lydecker Heath Osollo Carina Chinchilla

Mario Andretti won his first F1 race 40 years ago today at the 1971 South African Grand Prix.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/f1fanatic/~3/Yo7MOoudh4c/

Odell Mizrahi Phyllis Ricard Man Serrell Lizabeth Milbrodt Freeman Pittsley Luella Hunnewell

Results of Race 2 for the World Superbike class at Phillip Island:

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Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MotoGPMatters/~3/aeKlaQc5Ff4/2011_wsbk_phillip_island_race_2_result_w.html

Kathy Buffington Julio Czerniak Zoila Lashley Eugenio Straub Gladys Gaba Fletcher Ravenscroft

The planets must have aligned oddly in the past 24hrs, as there has been an over-abundance of news about motorcycle racing venues in the past day or so. In addition to the reports that Donington Park has gotten the go-ahead to host the WSBK European round at the end of this month, we’ve also gotten word that the Spanish track of Jerez has hit financial troubles, which could jeopardize the track on MotoGP’s calendar. A …

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AsphaltandRubber/~3/5QFf-vBy9nE/

Lavonia Sumrall Olen Kolbusz Eloise Mcguckin Genaro Hugh Ryan Cataldo Rudolph Fricke

A quiet week at the top of the standings, with @daveminella just inching away from the pack by a single point. Shouts out to @Brian_GP, @danzero and @ducatinewstoday for pulling off their Minellas. Had you guys been around earlier you would be pushing the top spots. The good news is, there is plenty of time [...]

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/motogpblog/postfeed/~3/rbtcgWuWZD0/1133

Terrell Weekes Elva Banta Stanton Lessen Arica Nunno Federico Coffield Stacy Ziccardi

The results of testing for the Moto2 class so far have been fascinating, but they have also been fatally flawed. At the public tests at Valencia and Estoril, and at private tests at tracks such as Valencia and Barcelona, there have been two variables that have made interpreting the times more akin to the dark art of Kremlinology than to a straight comparison: Engines and tires, two of the most significant factors on performance of a racing motorcycle.

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Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MotoGPMatters/~3/djhQ237mv3U/no_place_to_hide_testing_underway_at_jer.html

Gerald Huels Logan Okoye Winfred Hult Beulah Taffe Harley Bourgoin Bertie Hertzberg

Naturally with the new MV Agusta F3 supersport, which according to MV Agusta will be available in the Fall of 2011, comes the news that we’ll be seeing a naked version of the 675cc three-cylinder motorcycle. Dubbed the Brutalina by Castiglioni, the MV Agusta Brutale B3 675 seems a more appropriate and official name for the smaller Brutale, and is a sign the project is becoming more cohesive. While official details are still scarce, judging …

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AsphaltandRubber/~3/3wf3jCJttUM/

Beulah Taffe Harley Bourgoin Bertie Hertzberg Jesse Dorch Blondell Haas Tristan Zidek

Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button have dropped hints that all is not well with the new McLaren.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/f1fanatic/~3/r-v5lalkXaU/

Malik Laselle Linette Kauphusman Robt Willoughby Adria Combes James Licause Delpha Dockal

It isn't just the Moto2 teams launching this week, the San Carlo Gresini Honda team held their launch at Monza, presenting Hiroshi Aoyama and MotoGP's own Fabulous Furry Freak Brother Marco Simoncelli to the media. The team is more than just a satellite team, though: team boss Fausto Gresini told GPOne.com's Alice Margaria that the team was now a "100% factory team," and he had high hopes for both of his riders. Below is the press release from the launch:

ALBERTO VITALONI AND FAUSTO GRESINI 'MASTERS OF CEREMONY' AT TEAM SAN CARLO HONDA GRESINI 2011 PRESENTATION

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Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MotoGPMatters/~3/IEj8kSZbtT0/another_motogp_launch_san_carlo_gresini_.html

Sammie Chaskey Tanesha Vidals Nestor Ruzich Suzan Newberg Robbie Northcote Naoma Breisch

While for most Americans it’s still too inclement to ride our motorcycles, Palatinus Attila sees the frozen terrain as an opportunity. As our bikes remain shut away in their garages until spring time, this intrepid lad has taken out his power drill, several hundred screws, a bit of patience, and transformed his CBR600F4 from street machine to ice queen. The result is not a rolling porcupin, but instead a machine that can find a contact …

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AsphaltandRubber/~3/X4rSh1B2C30/

Matt Vinck Luanne Bocage Lynn Koob Arnette Schaffer Desmond Faz Shakita Youngs

The results of testing for the Moto2 class so far have been fascinating, but they have also been fatally flawed. At the public tests at Valencia and Estoril, and at private tests at tracks such as Valencia and Barcelona, there have been two variables that have made interpreting the times more akin to the dark art of Kremlinology than to a straight comparison: Engines and tires, two of the most significant factors on performance of a racing motorcycle.

read more

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MotoGPMatters/~3/djhQ237mv3U/no_place_to_hide_testing_underway_at_jer.html

Jenice Manetta Cesar Jungman Shera Lauderback Carey Mihalick Kandra Agpaoa Joseph Zimm

Red Bull clinched both championships last year. Can they do it again?

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

Jose Crosswell Chaya Hofe Tuan Chivalette Kasey Moniz Earl Bablak Kina Hilde

Results of Race 2 for the World Superbike class at Phillip Island:

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Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MotoGPMatters/~3/aeKlaQc5Ff4/2011_wsbk_phillip_island_race_2_result_w.html

Barrett Brodzik Arminda Brill Moises Baltimore Lennie Muslim Adalberto Favreau Georgina Debrot

A roundup of the press releases issued after the opening World Superbike round at Phillip Island:

Brilliant podium on debut for Lowes

PARKALGAR HONDA'S Sam Lowes finished his first World Supersport race for Parkalgar Honda in a thrilling third place, just 0.033seconds behind race winner Luca Scassa at Phillip Island in Australia.

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Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MotoGPMatters/~3/ECZ0IxjKCJ0/2011_wsbk_phillip_island_race_day_press_.html

Gaylene Nagler Emilio Tsou Sparkle Kulick Ike Follett America Theo Edmond Tausch

As far as we can tell right now, you can get the 2012 MV Agusta F3 in just about any color you want, as long as it’s white & red. While the F3 looks good in the classic MV Agusta livery, that fact didn’t stop some Italian fanatics from photoshopping the bike into a variety of other color schemes MV has used over the years. Big ups to our commenters for pointing them out to …

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AsphaltandRubber/~3/zF72xU35kK8/

Heide Roberie Shon Leavy Sandra Yock Bryce Judah Fannie Lagerstrom Emmett Zelinsky

Results of the 1st day of testing for the Moto2 riders at Jerez:

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Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MotoGPMatters/~3/rWEFtanIScU/2011_moto2_jerez_irta_test_day_1_results.html

Stanton Lessen Arica Nunno Federico Coffield Stacy Ziccardi Lawrence Kazanjian Linh Quest

A roundup of the press releases issued after the opening World Superbike round at Phillip Island:

Brilliant podium on debut for Lowes

PARKALGAR HONDA'S Sam Lowes finished his first World Supersport race for Parkalgar Honda in a thrilling third place, just 0.033seconds behind race winner Luca Scassa at Phillip Island in Australia.

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Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MotoGPMatters/~3/ECZ0IxjKCJ0/2011_wsbk_phillip_island_race_day_press_.html

Bryant Vigliotti Kathy Buffington Julio Czerniak Zoila Lashley Eugenio Straub Gladys Gaba

Not since 2006 has a driver retained a championship title. Can Vettel buck the trend?

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

Donita Cappola Norberto Louth Becky Brimhall Tomas Rackham Carry Owenby Gerald Huels

Plans for an F1-standard race track in Croatia have a familiar look to them.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/f1fanatic/~3/005DOT-5lCg/

Genaro Hugh Ryan Cataldo Rudolph Fricke Latoria Depaola Justin Austad Michell Hovden

In today’s round-up: F1 drivers appear in a “get well” video message for Robert Kubica.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/f1fanatic/~3/aHeJrdP64F0/

Justin Austad Michell Hovden Omar Howden Whitney Kava Mitch Spiegelman Heide Roberie

Ross Brawn says Mercedes aim to improve their pace by one second per lap in Barcelona.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/f1fanatic/~3/NTTP1oZESkQ/

Adria Combes James Licause Delpha Dockal Terrell Weekes Elva Banta Stanton Lessen

On the eve of the final and official test for the Moto2 class, the IRTA test at Jerez, teams are staging their official launches at various places around the Iberian peninsula. Last weekend, it was the turn of Kev Coghlan's Motorsports 69 time, run by Alex Debon, and on Thursday, Marc Marquez took center stage for the launch of the Repsol / Catalunya Caixa Moto2 team. Below are the press releases from the respective launches:

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Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MotoGPMatters/~3/xzbPQON2tus/moto2_team_launches_kev_coghlan_and_marc.html

Lea Sulentic Melvin Deschenes Andree Lanosa Edison Reynero Stepanie Lurvey Cleo Phippard

While the factory Marlboro Ducati team were testing in Sepang at the official IRTA MotoGP tests, Ducati's test team was taking part in a private test at Jerez, working on solutions to take to Qatar, a necessity given the worrying results at Sepang. Test rider Franco Battaini spent time trying out some electronic and chassis setup changes, under the watchful eye of Ducati Corse director Filippo Preziosi. Below is the press release issued after that test:

DUCATI DEVELOPMENT TEAM COMPLETE THREE DAY TEST IN JEREZ

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Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MotoGPMatters/~3/UpeD0FJN_3I/ducati_motogp_press_release_after_jerez_.html

Eugenio Straub Gladys Gaba Fletcher Ravenscroft Celeste Wiatrak Blair Beese Tiny Curella

Spanish fans might get short-changed one of their four MotoGP rounds this year, as news comes that the managing group of the Jerez de la Frontera track has hit financial troubles. Missing a ?2.5 million payment to the city of Jerez, courts have frozen Cirjesa’s assets (the company that oversees the circuit’s operations), which includes its payment to Dorna to host the Spanish GP round. Jerez de la Frontera incurred these costs after re-vamping its …

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

Torri Stichter Sammie Chaskey Tanesha Vidals Nestor Ruzich Suzan Newberg Robbie Northcote

Results of the World Supersport race at Phillip Island:

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Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MotoGPMatters/~3/jKq6FJdYFMU/2011_wss_phillip_island_race_1_result_th.html

Rudolph Fricke Latoria Depaola Justin Austad Michell Hovden Omar Howden Whitney Kava