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Moto GP news

KUCIAR666

Registered User
Yamaha and Jorge Lorenzo Confirm New Two-Year Agreement

Yamaha and Jorge Lorenzo Confirm New Two-Year Agreement
Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd and Movistar Yamaha MotoGP rider Jorge Lorenzo are delighted to announce that they have signed a new two-year agreement that sees the Mallorcan complete the Movistar Yamaha line up for the next two seasons. The agreement realises Lorenzo?s wish to continue his premier class career with Yamaha, extending the relationship from seven to nine years. Both Yamaha and Lorenzo are confident that the partnership has the potential to deliver a third title and will continue to work towards this goal.


Lin Jarvis - Managing Director, Yamaha Motor Racing

I am very happy we have reached an agreement for Jorge to continue as a Movistar Yamaha MotoGP rider. The new agreement extends Jorge?s seven-year partnership with Yamaha. He started with us as a rookie back in 2008 and together we achieved many great results including 31 GP victories and two MotoGP Rider World Champion titles in 2010 and 2012. The 2014 season has been a tough one for Jorge so far but I am hoping that the confirmation of this new agreement will give him the peace of mind to be able to focus 100% of his energy on the remaining races. Last year we saw what he was able to do when the going was tough and he was fighting back from mid-season injuries so we know that the potential is there for a strong second half to the 2014 season. For 2015 and beyond we have no doubt that Jorge will be a strong title contender and we will do our very best to provide him with the materials and the support he needs to be able to realize our shared ambitions.?


Jorge Lorenzo

?I am very happy to finally be able to make this announcement. It is a relief to be able to now completely focus on the remainder of the 2014 season in the knowledge that our relationship will continue for the next two seasons. It has always been my wish to continue my career with Yamaha; I strongly believe we can fight for a third title together. This season has been very challenging after a difficult start, however we will continue to take it race by race, giving 100% until Valencia. I want to thank Yamaha for their continued belief in me and all the Yamaha fans around the world who continue to support me. After the summer break I?m excited to be back at Indy with my team and focused again on riding.?
 

KUCIAR666

Registered User
Smith and Monster Yamaha Tech3 to continue long term partnership into 2015


Monster Yamaha Tech3 are pleased to announce that current British rider Bradley Smith will remain with the French squad next season having signed for a further year to compete in MotoGP aboard the Yamaha YZR-M1.

23 year old rider Smith initially joined the team in 2011 for his inaugural Moto2 season aboard the team?s self designed and built Mistral 610, having won races in the 125 cc class. After competing in the Moto2 class for two seasons and achieving some memorable results, such as fighting to a superb 2nd placed home podium at Silverstone in 2011 from 28th on the grid, Smith moved up to the Monster Yamaha Tech3 team in 2013. He accomplished a successful first year in the premier class which included three 6th place finishes and is currently in his second year, where he has achieved such honours as qualifying on the front row for the first round of the World Championship in Qatar. The British rider will continue into his fifth year with Monster Yamaha Tech3 in 2015 as he intends to resume challenging for the accolade of the leading satellite MotoGP bike.

Bradley Smith


Smith - Qatar - 2014"It?s difficult to explain exactly how I feel right now but I am just overly thankful to Yamaha and Herve as well as the whole Monster Yamaha Tech3 team for believing in me and enabling me to continue riding here for another year. I really do love working with this team plus the Yamaha YZR-M1 and it?s crazy to think that this well be our fifth year together although it still feels like the second! There?s been a lot of emotion in resigning so I?m really happy with the end result and that everything is finally sorted. Also, it?s positive mentally to have next year clear whilst going into the second half of this season. For me personally, it?s now time to start achieving and performing at my full potential, which I don?t believe we have seen yet. I know that with this team they can support me to get where I am capable of being and beyond plus furthermore, get the results that I need not only for myself, but for the sponsors and everyone involved in this elite operation. In addition, riding with Pol is great fun as it creates a strong atmosphere in the team and together we are very competitive which aids us in pushing as well as motivating each other in every session. For Pol and I to finish 5th and 6th is back where Monster Yamaha Tech3 deserves to be and everyone can expect more of the same in the next 18 months. I am very happy and look forward to the rest of the season as well being very excited for 2015."

Herv? Poncharal - Team Manager


"I am very pleased to announce that Bradley Smith will remain with the Monster Yamaha Tech3 team for one more year. We know each other well plus he is part of the family so this will be the fifth year of us working together and he will be the second longest serving Tech3 rider behind Olivier Jacque. This year has not been easy for him so far due to the high expectations after the winter test and the first race in Qatar. But he never gave up, so together with Yamaha and Tech3 we believe he is the best choice of rider for 2015. I believe that him and Pol are getting on really well together and will push each other the strong results. I am very happy to welcome Bradley back for one more year and I hope this agreement will not only help him to finish the second half of the year in a more relaxed state of mind, but also make things exciting for the MotoGP fans watching him."
 

KUCIAR666

Registered User
Movistar Yamaha Complete Successful One-Day Test in Brno
Fresh from their second consecutive double podium yesterday in the Czech Moto Grand Prix, Movistar Yamaha riders Jorge Lorenzo and Valentino Rossi were back on track today. The two spent the day focused on testing both a 2015 prototype M1 motorcycle and also a 2015 M1 engine placed within the 2014 frame.

The result of the test was positive overall. Lorenzo was first to test the 2015 machine, and was quick to rise to the top of the time sheets where he remained for most of the day, finally ending in second place, just 0.155 seconds from the front.

Teammate Rossi spent a productive day testing various details and was able to ride the 2015 prototype at the end of the day. The Italian was unable to replicate the same lap times as his teammate as the track conditions had dropped form the morning and finished in fifth place 1.035 seconds from the top.

Jorge Lorenzo
2nd / 1'55.566 / 52 laps

?We tried a few things for the bike for next year and it's quite good in some aspects, negative in others but in general better. We also tested some factors for this year. The chassis for next year seems a little more stable which is good.?

Valentino Rossi
5th / 1'56.446 / 63 laps

?The first prototype of the new engine is a small step but it is a little bit better. We also tried the prototype of the new bike. We improved some things, brake and entry is not so bad but in acceleration my feeling is that we lose a little bit. So we have something good and something bad. We have to do some more work but it was important to test today. We also tried some small details for the next races but not so important for the rest of the season. Now we have to take the data from myself and Jorge who was very fast in the morning when the conditions were a bit better.?

Massimo Meregalli - Movistar Yamaha MotoGP Team Director
?Today was a very important test as we were able to evaluate the prototype 2015 machine for the first time. It?s been a very positive day overall, we have managed to get a lot of useful data from both Jorge and Vale which our engineers will now take back to make the next steps with. The team will now take a short rest and after two very intense back to back races be ready to challenge again at Silverstone in two weeks time.?

Tech3 pair ready for glory after constructive Brno test

Today the Monster Yamaha Tech3 team embarked on a thorough and in depth test programme at the Automotodrom Brno with a series of specific aspects targeted in the final test before the end of the season. The session began at 10:00 at the 5403 metre circuit with dry conditions allowing the Monster Yamaha Tech3 team?s schedule to run uninterrupted until 15:00 in the Czech Republic.

Britain?s Bradley Smith accomplished today in 6th position with a best time of 1?56.451 after completing a positive and confidence boosting test in preparation for the seven remaining races of the 2014 MotoGP World Championship. The 23 year old rider relentlessly undertook 60 laps as he worked to improve the feeling of his Yamaha YZR-M1 with full fuel and new tyres as he felt this is where he had a lot of margin to improve. In addition, he explored the race setup of his MotoGP bike with his Monster Yamaha Tech3 team as well as completing some tyre testing. His final time of 1?56.451 was only 4 tenths of a second from 3rd, as he now sets his sights on his home Grand Prix at Silverstone with supreme confidence where he will battle for a high end result in front of his fans.

On the other side of the garage, Pol Espargaro meticulously analysed and examined his riding style, specifically to improve his corner speed with the Yamaha YZR-M1 at the post GP test in Brno. The reigning Moto2 world champion undertook a colossal 61 laps around the undulating Automotodrom Brno as he further increased his experience and confidence. In addition, he tested the new Bridgestone tyre compound with positive outcomes before completing the successful test in 7th with a best time of 1?56.502. This was set towards the end of his testing schedule on the 54th lap and a mere five hundredths of a second from 5th position. The information gathered today will aid the rookie who intends to close the gap to the leading bikes during his inaugural season in the premier class and potentially clinch a podium position.

Bradley Smith
6th / 1'56.541 / 60 laps

"I am really happy with the end results from today?s test as we have identified a few areas where we were struggling as well as undertaking some refinements which will help us at the beginning of the race. We now know what went wrong on Sunday, but we definitely have the pace to fight in the top five. So we mainly focused on this and I rode a lot of laps with full fuel loads. I did a low 56.4 at the end of the day with a full tank and brand new tyres like at the start of the race, which was really constructive. It was more of a case of amending at this test and not trying lots of new things and we have definitely found something with the rear shock setting to help with the full fuel load. Also, I explored a few tyre options and we know the direction to take there now. It was an information gathering day, so it?s onwards to Silverstone where I will use this new knowledge to get closer to the front and give British fans something to cheer about."

Pol Espargaro
7th / 1'56.502 / 61 laps

"All in all it was a useful day today as we really looked at my riding style which was the biggest factor I wanted to work on even if this track is not one of my favourites. We tried to improve my line around the circuit, going through every turn but the most important area where I wanted to advance is the corner speed. I am happy with my performance with braking and exiting the bends but during the curves, I need to refine how I ride the corners and make some changes to my style accordingly. After all the Yamaha is strongest in the turns and you have to be smooth. I think I am a bit too aggressive but I am learning a lot and it goes without saying that there is a big change from Moto2. There?s still some work to be done to be smoother but we made progress today focusing on specific parts of the track which I found tricky. I tried the new Bridgestone tyre which was positive with good stability plus great in braking. I can certainly use this to be quicker. Overall, we are prepared for Silverstone and I am sure we can use this information to our advantage for the next round."

De Angelis continues to work on board of the Forward Yamaha

It was a productive day of test for the NGM Forward Racing Team at Brno. After the positive 8th position claimed yesterday in the GP of Czech Republic, Aleix Espargaro was back on track today to test some new electronics settings. He completed 52 laps, setting his best lap time of 1.56.173. The Spaniard was satisfied of the solutions tested today and he is confident to fight with the front guys in occasion of the next GP that will take place at Silverstone in England in less than 2 weeks. It was an important test session for Alex De Angelis who focused on improving his confidence with the new bike. Alex improved his race pace and tested also the Forward chassis with a very positive result. In total he completed 57 laps, setting a promising 1.58.759. Together with the NGM Forward Racing riders, Loris Capirossi took the occasion of the MotoGP test session to make some laps on board of the Forward Yamaha.

Aleix Espargar?
4th / 1'56.173 / 52 laps

?We arrive from a difficult weekend, so it was important to test some solutions in order to improve my feeling with the front and to work on the electronics settings. I?m satisfied with the work done today especially regarding the electronics. I?m optimist for Silverstone?.

Alex De Angelis
16th / 1'58.759 / 57 laps

?It was a productive and useful day. Lap after lap the feeling with the bike improves and I can be faster. Today we focused on the race pace and I?m satisfied of the progress we have done. I could ride in 1.59.00 with a tyre that had 23 laps on and this means that we have improved of more than one second. I have a better feeling under braking and I can keep the line. I?m sure that we will arrive in Silverstone more competitive?.
 

KUCIAR666

Registered User
Yamaha Celebrates 50th Anniversary of First World Title with Phil Read in Misano

It was a very special gathering inside the MotoGP paddock at Misano this evening as the Yamaha family joined with the paddock and media to celebrate the 50th anniversary of their first world title with legend Phil Read.

The British racing icon took Yamaha to their first world championship victory aboard the RD56 250cc machine on the 13th September 1964, at the Monza circuit in Italy. To honour the occasion Phil Read presented Masahiko Nakajima (President of Yamaha Motor Racing) and Marco Riva (General Manager of Yamaha Motor Racing) with the original 1964 World Championship certificate. The certificate will now be taken to Japan to take its rightful place at Yamaha?s Hall of Fame in Iwata.

A copy has been made of the certificate that will be signed by all those present to mark the event; this will in turn be presented to Phil Read to keep.

Phil Read went on to win a total of eight world titles across four classes, 125, 250, 500 and 750. His career is littered with impressive achievements, including eight IOM TT race wins, 121 Grand Prix podiums and more 250cc world titles than any other rider. Alongside Mike Hailwood and fellow Yamaha icon Valentino Rossi, Phil is one of the only riders to have won road racing championships in three or more classes.

Phil Read
MotoGP Legend


This special evening to celebrate my bringing Yamaha?s first world title to them after 50 years is like coming home to the happy team, the reception has been fantastic, its overwhelming for me to see I get this recognition. I?m lucky to be here after fifty years of racing! It?s also thrilling to be here in Misano with Jorge on pole and Valentino so close on the front row too. It?s a little different now, from 1964; I came to Monza with two factory 250 Yamaha RD56s in the back of my car with one English mechanic and a Japanese mechanic who came over for the race in Monza. I think we had our carburettor settings written on a postcard! I still feel as much part of the Yamaha family today as I did then, and feel privileged to have started a run of world championship success that has continued to this day.?

Marco Riva
Yamaha Motor Racing, General Manager


?Our success with the RD56 wrote a page in motorcycle history. It was very competitive for many years and is still in my opinion the best race bike. Our aim has always been to have the rider at the centre of our racing project, Phil and other Yamaha icons such as Giacomo Agostini, Valentino Rossi and Jorge Lorenzo are all still the most important factor. We are the only manufacturer that raced from the beginning of the world championship to now, we?ve never stopped and this is something very special. We are honoured to have Phil here with us to celebrate this anniversary. He is an icon in motorcycle racing, fourth in the all-time world rankings with eight world titles. We hold riders such as Phil in a special place in our hearts over these years for allowing us to win these titles together.?
 

KUCIAR666

Registered User
Loris Baz joins NGM Forward Racing for the 2015 season
The NGM Forward Racing Team is delighted to announce to have signed an agreement with Loris Baz for the 2015 season. The 21 year old French rider completes the Forward Racing line up alongside of Moto2 World Champion Stefan Bradl on board of a Forward Yamaha. Loris Baz, who is currently riding for Kawasaki?s factory team in World Superbikes, will make his debut in the MotoGP World Championship with the NGM Forward Racing colours.

Loris Baz ? Rider Profile
Date of birth: 01 February, 1993
Place of birth: Sallanches, France

2013: 8th in the World Superbike Championship with one win
2012: 13th in the World Superbike Championship with one win
2011: European Champion STK1000 Junior Championship BSB British Superbike with 7 Super poles in 7 races, Wild Card in the World Championship in 1000 STK
2010: 8th at the World Cup 1000 SuperStock
2009 8th at the World Cup 1000 SuperStock
2008: Youngest winner of the European Championship 600 SuperStock - 3 Victories, 8 podiums and 2 pole positions in 10 races
2007: Season Training in R6 600
2006: Catalan Championship and 125cc Spanish Championship

Giovanni Cuzari-Team Owner -Media Action CEO

?It?s a pleasure to welcome Loris Baz in our team. He is a young rider who has proved to be fast in World Superbikes and we would like to give him the possibility to show his talent also in MotoGP. I?m very happy to start this new adventure with Loris and bring this new rider in the premiere class, continuing our mission of talent scout team alongside of Yamaha. Loris will partner Stefan Bradl and we are delighted to line up a very young team with a 21 year old Frenchman and a 24 year old experienced German rider?.
 

KUCIAR666

Registered User

Monster Yamaha Tech3 and Capit Performance to continue working in 2015


The Monster Yamaha Tech3 Team is proud to announce the continuation of the partnership with Capit Performance for the 2015 season with the French MotoGP team having used the specialist products for over ten years. The Tech3 team now confidently looks towards the impending season with optimism, safe in the knowledge that Capit Performance will proceed to support and offer their professional equipment once again. The Italian company has been manufacturing tyre warmers since 1996 in both two and four wheeled motorsport scenes with their high quality services seeing them link up with many top tier teams in all forms of motorsport. Aside from consistently improving their tyre warmers, Capit Performance also continue to undertake innovative developments such as suit, glove and helmet dryers as well as the unique WARMME range. This includes a vest and also gloves complete with adjustable heat pads to keep the user at a high level of comfort whilst riding. These special products ensure that Capit Performance remain at the front of the market for motorcycle accessories.

Herve Poncharal - Monster Yamaha Tech3 Team owner :

?I am very happy to announce that we will work with Capit Performance for another year as their products are certainly the best in the business and highly beneficial for the Monster Yamaha Tech3 Team to use. We have worked together for a number of seasons already and they continue to develop new and innovative products for motorcycle racing, so it?s great for us to carry on our partnership.?

Stefano Cappelletti - Managing director of Capit Performance :

?Once again we will proceed to work with the Monster Yamaha Tech3 Team for another season as we continue to offer our services to the professional French squad in the fastest motorcycle series on the planet. I want to say thank you to Herve as well as the whole team and everyone at Capit Performance looks forward to another year with Tech3 in MotoGP.?
 

KUCIAR666

Registered User
Yonny Hernandez forced to jump Sepang 1 test

Pramac Racing announces that Yonny Hernandez will not be available for the Sepang test scheduled in February from 4th to 7th.

Pramac Racing announces that Yonny Hernandez can't participate for the Sepang test scheduled in February 4th to 7th February. During a Dirt Track training session, the Colombian rider was involved in a crash and suffered of left shoulder dislocation. The exams showed microfractures without any lesion to ligaments and tendons. Recovery times are estimated in three weeks. Yonny Hernandez will be available for the second test session at Sepang scheduled in February 23rd to 26th. Pramac Racing also announces that Michele Pirro, official Ducati test-rider, will replace Yonny Hernandez in the first test session test in Malaysia.
 

KUCIAR666

Registered User

Francesco Guidotti: "Yonny is fast but he need to recover. Danilo surprised me"

The second winter testing session at Sepang has provided positive indications to Pramac Racing Team. On the one hand Yonny Hernandez, back to the action after the shoulder injury that forced him to miss the first testing days in Malaysia, on the other hand the constant growth of Danilo Petrucci who seems to have already found a good feeling with his Desmosedici GP14.
Less than two weeks away the last official test in Qatar Scheduled for 13-16 March, it's time to take stock of the situation of the two riders with the Pramac Racing's Team Manager Francesco Guidotti.

YONNY HERNANDEZ

"We know him for over a year, so there are no special secrets to be discovered on Yonny. He already knows the dynamics of the race. What he needs now is to regain his strength to run faster".

Desmosedici GP14.2
"The bike is different from the one he had last season. But this is a better bike, which should put him in a position to be faster, even in light of a reduced tyres wear. We are trying to give him a bike that is made for his skills".

Sepang testing session 2
"Unfortunately in the second testing session at Sepang we hadn't the possibility to work enough on the set up as he has not recovered yet his best condition after the injury. All things considered Yonny lapped fast but it is clear that he is still far from the right shape after three months away from the track. We expect him to to speed up in Qatar".



DANILO PETRUCCI

"What satisfies me most was Danilo's steady growth combined with the awareness of difficulties and peculiarities of the bike. A process that is moving forward and that is evolving day by day, in line with our expectations and with the schedule we set. We are still knowing each other and there have been no surprises so far, indeed only positive indications. The level he has already reached is more than satisfactory. In the light of the first two tests at Sepang, the knowledge gained and the first contact with the Desmosedici GP14 are already interesting".

Sepang testing session 2
"After the first two tests the feeling is very positive. Danilo is only is respecting all the odds but in many areas he has surprised us positively. It is even ahead of what we expected. But this is not enough yet. There is still a lot of work to do but the feeling with the team and the harmony on the decisions to be taken are very constructive. Any time he talks to the team in the garage, the mutual understanding is of a high standard and this is an extremely important ".

Qatar test
"We have only one goal: to focus on the race distance. We have worked always keeping an eye on this aspect so far but above all we have to work on the performance to discover where he can get. In Qatar will need to set aside the performance and work on the race pace. These will be the last three days of testing. Then it will only !!!! the standings at the end of the Grand Prix. .
 

KUCIAR666

Registered User
Pedrosa confirms further surgery to fix arm pump issues

Repsol Honda?s Dani Pedrosa will unfortunately need further surgery to fix his arm pump issues that continued to plague the Spanish rider during the first round of the 2015 MotoGP Championship. This common problem among motorcycle racers is a build-up of pressure in the forearm causing great pain, and makes riding a bike exceptionally difficult when the muscle becomes too big for the ?sack? that it sits in.

Dani tried very hard over the winter in order to find a solution, after struggling to perform at his top level throughout the 2014 season, and even had surgery last year ? after the Jerez GP ? but it was unsuccessful. During this time doctors advised against any further surgery. Then throughout all the Winter testing it seemed that in theory the problem was solved, unfortunately the issue came back again under the stresses of the race situation.

After his sixth place finish in the opening race of 2015 in Qatar last weekend, Dani returned to Spain on Monday and met with specialists in Barcelona and Madrid. Their recommendation was for him to undergo surgery as soon as possible, which Dr. Angel Villamor will perform in Madrid. Special attention will be paid to the closing of the wound as this will guarantee better recovery and less risk of the problem arising again in the future.

Surgery is planned for the morning of Friday 3rd April with an expected recovery time of four to six weeks, this means Dani will certainly miss the Red Bull Austin and Argentina races. His return to racing won?t be confirmed until doctors can ascertain the success of the surgery.

His replacement will be HRC test rider Hiroshi Aoyama.

Dani Pedrosa 26
Rider ? MotoGP

"Obviously this isn?t the news I wanted to be sharing with everyone. However, after speaking with some key doctors and medical professionals that I trust, they are all in agreement that this is the only option for me. We will have the surgery on Friday and they will use a special technique to help close the wound to try and prevent this issue continuing to affect me. Let?s hope it?s a success. I want to thank all my fans for their support, but especially Honda, Repsol, Red Bull and all our sponsors for their understanding in this matter."
 

KUCIAR666

Registered User
Smith continues positive momentum at Jerez test

Monster Yamaha Tech3 Team rider Bradley Smith completed a successful and productive post race test at the Circuito de Jerez in Spain today by finishing in 6th position and accomplishing his test schedule. After battling to 8th in yesterday?s 27 lap race, the young British rider undertook an in depth test and focused on solving the issues that he was experiencing during the weekend as well as sampling new suspension forks and alternative electronic settings. The 23 year old rider finished the session under the Andalusian sun with a best time of 1?39.339 after completing a total of 41 laps around the 4.4 kilometre circuit which he set on his final lap of the day. After the positive test, Smith now looks optimistically towards the Monster Energy Grand Prix de France and is fully confident of challenging for the leading satellite rider position.

Meanwhile, Pol Espargaro concluded the Jerez test in 10th position as he undertook work on the electronics settings of his Yamaha YZR-M1 whilst intending to make further steps forward after his strong result of 5th in the MotoGP race yesterday. The young Spaniard got straight to work today and pushed hard to complete a total of 45 laps around the Circuito de Jerez. The 2014 MotoGP rookie of the year unfortunately fell at turn 7 in the morning but did not suffer any injuries. Nevertheless, he jumped straight back on the Yamaha and set his quickest time of 1?39.654 on his 6th lap. Despite this, Espargaro can confidently anticipate the next MotoGP rounds in Europe where he intends to clinch some further top results.

Bradley Smith
Position : 6th Time : 1'39.339 Laps : 41

Bradley Smith - 2015"Overall, the test was very productive for us today. After the weekend that we had, we did a great job to fix the issues we were experiencing. The day started in a great way as we found the answer to solve 75% of our troubles straight away during our first run. Yet, at the same time, it?s a bit frustrating that we didn?t find this solution earlier in the week. However, that?s what technical meetings are for and we had a long one on Sunday night. It wasn?t until after the race that we thought about this specific idea and after having a look into the data, we put it straight on the bike and it worked. We were also able to try a new set of front suspension forks today which gave me a better feeling in the areas that I was struggling in and that caused me to fall in the practice sessions. All in all, it was a short test as we only did 41 laps, yet we accomplished everything that we set out to do, with electronics and suspension. Now, I look confidently towards the Monster Yamaha Tech3 Team?s home race at Le Mans."
Pol Espargaro
Position : 10th Time : 1'39.654 Laps : 45

Pol Espargaro - 2015"On the whole, the outcome of today was positive and we have some new useful information that we can use in the future races. However, we were also a little bit unlucky because I fell on the second lap in the morning. It was a fast crash and honestly, we didn?t expect this to occur as we didn?t change any of the electronics from yesterday. We checked what happened on the data and the results are inconclusive as to what made me fall. Nevertheless, I am fine and not injured so there is not a major problem. Today we basically tested the electronic systems that we didn?t test in Malaysia because we didn?t have enough time during the opening tests of the season. We finally assessed them here and the outcome is positive. However, everything has been good this weekend, as we had a strong race and solid pace with the bike, so I am leaving Jerez satisfied and confident for the upcoming races."
 

KUCIAR666

Registered User
SUZUKI ECSTAR MOVE FORWARD IN JEREZ TEST


Following a positive race for Team SUZUKI ECSTAR yesterday at Jerez, the MotoGP? riders stayed on in Andalucia for a day of testing in a bid to make steps forward.

Team SUZUKI ECSTAR used the day to continue the development-process of its GSX-RRs, following a pre-determined plan and reacting to the information collected in the last three-days of the race weekend.

The main objectives were to verify improvements made on the chatter issues and to look for better traction; the latest ideas being pursued with updated electronics, but also with a new swingarm and variations in machine geometry.

Aleix Espargaro and Maverick Vi?ales made a number of runs, recording a total of 63 and 79 laps respectively.

Aleix Espargaro:

?It?s been a good day of testing. We worked to improve traction and to better -understand both the positives and negatives of what we have tested. Today said to me that probably a hard front tyre would have been better in yesterday?s race, but the other thing is that we improved a lot the feeling with the traction of the bike. We tested both a different swingarm and electronics software, finally collecting a lot of information on what works best and what is worse. At this point I feel that we have a very competitive package, it?s not a matter of pure power any more but to exploit better what we have available. With my engineers we worked on some new ideas and finally we found some very interesting paths to follow for the future.?

Maverick Vi?ales:

?We ran a lot of laps today with the objective of testing as much as we could. To me the new swingarm resulted to have positives and negatives so it gave us a lot of ideas as to what else we can try. We had available some new electronics and we managed to be consistent on a pace that was much faster than yesterday in the race. The very good thing gleaned from the day is that we tested some new ideas in geometry and they gave us very positive improvements in braking: I feel much more confident in getting more into the corner with brakes than before. This is much more important for tracks like Le Mans with very slow corners, which is the next race.?

JEREZ TEST ? Classification:

1. LORENZO, Jorge - Movistar Yamaha MotoGP - 1:38.508 - Lap 49 / 52
2. ROSSI, Valentino - Movistar Yamaha MotoGP - 1:38.550 - +0.042 - Lap 60 / 66
3. CRUTCHLOW, Cal - CWM LCR Honda - 1:38.814 - +0.306 - Lap 29 / 64
4. ESPARGARO, Aleix - Team Suzuki ECSTAR - 1:38.890 - +0.382 - Lap 22 / 63
5. MARQUEZ, Marc - Repsol Honda Team - 1:38.968 - +0.460 - Lap 4 / 31
6. SMITH, Bradley - Monster Yamaha Tech 3 - 1:39.339 - +0.831 - Lap 41 / 41
7. HERNANDEZ, Yonny - Pramac Racing - 1:39.357 - +0.849 - Lap 54 / 56
8. REDDING, Scott - EG 0.0 Marc VDS - 1:39.370 - +0.862 - Lap 104 / 105
9. VI?ALES, Maverick - Team Suzuki ECSTAR - 1:39.475 - +0.967 - Lap 74 / 79
 

KUCIAR666

Registered User
Yamaha Successfully Completes Jerez Test
Movistar Yamaha MotoGP's Jorge Lorenzo and Valentino Rossi successfully concluded the one-day MotoGP test in Jerez today, finishing first and second in today's session times.

After a brilliant race from Jorge Lorenzo yesterday, that saw him take the 55th victory of his career and teammate Valentino Rossi claim his 200th career podium, the Movistar Yamaha MotoGP team returned to the Circuito de Jerez de la Frontera today for an official MotoGP test. Lorenzo and Rossi spent the extra track time usefully and were able to improve their set-ups to finish first and second in today's session times.

Still elated from his stunning victory, Lorenzo had every reason to smile today as it was also his 28th birthday. Despite the fact that he was focusing on improving the set up of his YZR-M1, it wasn't long after he hit the track that he moved into second place. He concluded his morning stint by topping the timesheets with a 1'38.516 lap, which remained unbeaten for the rest of the day by all but himself.

During his afternoon outing he dropped another fastest time of 1'38,508, which only his teammate got close to.

Rossi also made strides today. Similar to his teammate he steadily booked progress as he focused on improving his setting compared to yesterday. Though he was satisfied with his third place in the race, the Doctor is always looking for improvement and spent most of today's session testing small details of the set-up he hadn't been able to try during last weekend. He ended the day in second place with a fastest lap of 1'38,550, 0,042s off his teammate's time.

Movistar Yamaha MotoGP will analyse the gained data in preparation for the Monster Energy Grand Prix de France, held at the Le Mans Bugatti Grand Prix race circuit in two weeks time.



Jorge Lorenzo
1st / 1'38,508 / 52 laps

I'm quite happy after scoring the first victory of the season for me and also because I turned 28 today. I could feel the heartwarming response from so many people. I'm back in the groove and I returned to the podium, so now I hope to keep this momentum going in the coming races like Le Mans, Mugello and Montmel?. Today we tested as usual here in Jerez, but we were only focused on different set ups with the bike. We had nothing special to test, but we fixed the basis of the bike for the future. I think we found out how we can take profit of some adjustments, so we are quite confident for the next Grand Prix!


Valentino Rossi
2nd / 1'38,550 / 66 laps

This testing day was positive. We didn't have many things to try, just some small detail of set up. We focused on improving the bike compared to yesterday and I am very happy because we could also improve the time we did in qualifying. I was happy with the podium in Jerez, it was a positive weekend, but we could have done better, so today we focused on the bike's set-up. We tried some solutions that we couldn't try during the race weekend. The results of these tests were interesting. In two weeks we will be at Le Mans and we have to do a good weekend. I like the track a lot, but first I need a few days off!



Massimo Meregalli - Movistar Yamaha MotoGP Team Director

Today was a good day, especially after a good weekend for us. Jerez left us a good feeling with both riders and we are glad Jorge is back on form. Also Vale did a good job despite having a few little problems finding the perfect set up for the race yesterday. We were able to achieve a very valuable double podium, which is very important, also in terms of the constructor and team championships. Today we worked mainly on comparing different set-ups with both riders based on yesterday's results and also focusing on the next race. We're all looking forward to Le Mans!



Smith continues positive momentum at Jerez test
Monster Yamaha Tech3 Team rider Bradley Smith completed a successful and productive post race test at the Circuito de Jerez in Spain today by finishing in 6th position and accomplishing his test schedule. After battling to 8th in yesterday's 27 lap race, the young British rider undertook an in depth test and focused on solving the issues that he was experiencing during the weekend as well as sampling new suspension forks and alternative electronic settings. The 23 year old rider finished the session under the Andalusian sun with a best time of 1'39.339 after completing a total of 41 laps around the 4.4 kilometre circuit which he set on his final lap of the day. After the positive test, Smith now looks optimistically towards the Monster Energy Grand Prix de France and is fully confident of challenging for the leading satellite rider position.

Meanwhile, Pol Espargaro concluded the Jerez test in 10th position as he undertook work on the electronics settings of his Yamaha YZR-M1 whilst intending to make further steps forward after his strong result of 5th in the MotoGP race yesterday. The young Spaniard got straight to work today and pushed hard to complete a total of 45 laps around the Circuito de Jerez. The 2014 MotoGP rookie of the year unfortunately fell at turn 7 in the morning but did not suffer any injuries. Nevertheless, he jumped straight back on the Yamaha and set his quickest time of 1'39.654 on his 6th lap. Despite this, Espargaro can confidently anticipate the next MotoGP rounds in Europe where he intends to clinch some further top results.



Bradley Smith
6th / 1'39.339 / 41 laps

"Overall, the test was very productive for us today. After the weekend that we had, we did a great job to fix the issues we were experiencing. The day started in a great way as we found the answer to solve 75% of our troubles straight away during our first run. Yet, at the same time, it's a bit frustrating that we didn't find this solution earlier in the week. However, that's what technical meetings are for and we had a long one on Sunday night. It wasn't until after the race that we thought about this specific idea and after having a look into the data, we put it straight on the bike and it worked. We were also able to try a new set of front suspension forks today which gave me a better feeling in the areas that I was struggling in and that caused me to fall in the practice sessions. All in all, it was a short test as we only did 41 laps, yet we accomplished everything that we set out to do, with electronics and suspension. Now, I look confidently towards the Monster Yamaha Tech3 Team?s home race at Le Mans."


Pol Espargaro
10th / 1'39.654 / 45 laps

"On the whole, the outcome of today was positive and we have some new useful information that we can use in the future races. However, we were also a little bit unlucky because I fell on the second lap in the morning. It was a fast crash and honestly, we didn't expect this to occur as we didn't change any of the electronics from yesterday. We checked what happened on the data and the results are inconclusive as to what made me fall. Nevertheless, I am fine and not injured so there is not a major problem. Today we basically tested the electronic systems that we didn't test in Malaysia because we didn't have enough time during the opening tests of the season. We finally assessed them here and the outcome is positive. However, everything has been good this weekend, as we had a strong race and solid pace with the bike, so I am leaving Jerez satisfied and confident for the upcoming races."



Hard day of work for Bradl and Baz at Jerez
In the aftermath of the Spanish Grand Prix the riders of the Athin? Forward Racing team were able to take full advantage of a day of testing at the Andalusian circuit together with the other MotoGP teams.

After a difficult weekend, this was an opportunity for Bradl and Baz to test new solutions for the race in Le Mans. At the end of a weekend affected by lack of grip on the rear, both riders focused on the electronics and on the set-up to improve the feeling with their bikes and be competitive again in France.

Bradl was the quickest rider in the Open class as he finished in 12th position with a time of 1'39.887. Baz was 16th with 59 laps and a personal best lap of 1'40.186.



Stefan Bradl
12th / 1'39.887 / 52 laps

Despite my condition not being at a 100% yet, I'm already happy to be back on track. It was a tough weekend and it was important to go back to work and further develop the bike. We focused on the electronics and set-up. I am satisfied. We go to Le Mans convinced that we can fight with the other Open for the lead."

Loris Baz
16th / 1'40.186 / 59 laps

"I am very happy with the work done today. Over the weekend we struggled to find rear grip and today we focused on it to get ready for Le Mans. We tried several new solutions and the feeling is getting better."



Jerez Test Results
1. Jorge Lorenzo, Movistar Yamaha MotoGP, 1:38.508
2. Valentino Rossi, Movistar Yamaha MotoGP, 1:38.550
3. Cal Crutchlow, CWM LCR Honda, 1:38.814
4. Aleix Espargaro, Team Suzuki ECSTAR, 1:38.890
5. Marc Marquez, Repsol Honda Team, 1:38.968
6. Bradley Smith, Monster Yamaha Tech 3, 1:39.339
7. Yonny Hernandez, Pramac Racing, 1:39.357
8. Scott Redding, EG 0.0 Marc VDS, 1:39.370
9. Maverick Vi?ales, Team Suzuki ECSTAR, 1:39.475
10. Pol Espargaro, Monster Yamaha Tech 3, 1:39.654
11. Alvaro Bautista, Aprilia Racing Team Gresini, 1:39.766
12. Stefan Bradl, Athina Forward Racing, 1:39.887

16. Loris Baz, Athina Forward Racing, 1:40.186
 

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POSITIVE TEST FOR TEAM SUZUKI ECSTAR IN ARAGON

Following last weekend?s GP of Catalunya, Team SUZUKI ECSTAR moved to Alca?iz this week for two days of private testing that proved very useful to continue the development of the Factory GSX-RR machines.

Both Aleix Espargaro and Maverick Vi?ales tested the latest engine specifications yesterday and today that were introduced in Barcelona, focusing their job in the finalisation of the electronics. The team also went through the information that had been collected during the races so far in order to analyse them and to find solutions to improve and move the team forward in 2015.

Both riders also tried a new fairing, as well as some different set-ups that could better-suit the new power-delivery of the new engines.

Aragon gave Espargaro and Vi?ales the chance to prepare for the race there at the end of September ? although too-early to make any race simulations at this stage - but both riders gained a better-feeling with the characteristics of the circuit and made some start-tests.

Both riders now have a short-break as the Team SUZUKI ECSTAR trucks move to Assen for the Grand Prix of The Netherlands on June 27th.

Davide Brivio ? Team Manager:


?After the GP of Catalunya we are at about one-third into the season and it was important for us to consolidate the early outcomes that we have had in the first seven races. It was important for us to better-understand some aspects of our machines and to work developing them without the pressure of a race weekend.

?Here in Aragon we?ve had a positive test that has given us important feedback: After the introduction of the new engine specs we needed to finalise the electronics and to improve the behaviour of the frame and suspension to be even-more competitive. Both riders did a great amount of work over these past two days and our engineers have had important feedback to work on. The result we had in Barcelona ? first and second in qualifying, with Vi?ales in sixth place after the race ? is a push for all of us to put even-more effort-in because we see that some positive results are coming.

?We have still a lot to do to get closer to the top teams; therefore we need to exploit all the chances that we have to test and try new things. I think we are doing a good job and we look positively to the next race in Assen.?
 

KUCIAR666

Registered User
NEW TEAM SUZUKI ECSTAR MotoGP VIDEOS ONLINE


Two new videos of Team SUZUKI ECSTAR at round six and seven of the MotoGP? World Championship at Mugello, Italy and Catalunya in Spain are now online on the Team Suzuki Racing website.

The two clips, produced by Dorna, features on and off track, along with behind the scenes footage of Aleix Espargaro and Maverick Vi?ales and the GSX-RRs.

To watch the videos on Team Suzuki Racing: CLICK HERE
 

KUCIAR666

Registered User
SUZUKI UNVEILS NEW 30TH ANNIVERSARY GSX-R LIVERY


Team Suzuki Press Office ? July 9.
Suzuki Motor Corporation has today unveiled a 30th Anniversary production GSX-R1000 at Sachsenring in Germany that will be available soon from Suzuki dealerships globally. It is finished in the same striking limited-edition paint scheme that will be debuted on-track by Aleix Espargar? and Maverick Vi?ales at this weekend?s MotoGP? World Championship race.

Sporting the legendary blue and white livery pioneered by Kevin Schwantz in the 1980s, both Spaniards have matching leathers in celebration of the GSX-R range and its racing heritage.

Since its launch in 1985 as a ground-breaking 750cc Superbike, the GSX-R range of production motorcycles has regularly set new standards with cutting-edge design and class-leading innovation and performance; winning a huge following of more-than a million GSX-R customers worldwide.

The GSX-R has also dominated on the racetrack with a long history of success in world and domestic championships globally with new technology being directly employed in its production machines. In 2005, the Suzuki GSX-R1000 dominated the FIM World Superbike Championship with Australian Troy Corser recording eight race wins and a total of 18 podium appearances on his way to becoming World Champion.

Suzuki Endurance Racing Team (SERT) and the Suzuki GSX-R is the most successful team in the FIM Endurance World Championship with a total of 14 victories between 1983 and 2014; 13 of which were won with GSX-Rs (the other one in 1983 with a Suzuki GS1000).

Suzuki is also the most successful manufacturer in AMA Superbikes with Matt Mladin, Wes Cooley, Jamie James and Ben Spies collecting a total of 13 national titles aboard their Yoshimura-tuned GSX-Rs.

Also a young up-and-coming Texan by the name of Kevin Schwantz ? who had previously been making a name for himself aboard the Suzuki GS750, switched to the GSX-R, winning many races and, although he just missed-out on the battle for the 1987 AMA Superbike crown, the GSX-R racing pedigree was born as a class-leading machine both on-track and on-the-road as a must-have and revered motorcycle.

The Suzuki GSX-R has also dominated domestic championships globally with nine Australian Superbike Championship titles between 1987 and 2013 in the hands of Tony Armstrong (1987), Peter Goddard (1996), Shawn Giles (2000, 2001, 2002), Craig Coxhell (2003), Josh Waters (2009, 2012) and Wayne Maxwell (2013). The GSX-R has also racked-up numerous race wins in British Superbikes and victory for Crescent Q8 Rizla Suzuki rider John Reynolds in 2004, along with multi-championship titles in the ultra-competitive All Japan Superbike Championship in the TTF1, S-NK, Superbike and JSB1000 classes with Satoshi Tsjujimoto, Yukiya Ohshima, Doug Polen, Manabu Kamada, Keiichi Kitagawa, Akira Ryo and Atsushi Watabe.

The evolution of the GSX-R lies with its predecessor, the GS, which started many riders and teams on the path to victory.

The Suzuki GS series was Suzuki Motor Corporation's first full range of 4-stroke road bikes, launched in 1976 in 750cc guise; which then expanded to include smaller GS550, GS1000, GS125 and GS1200SS models over the years. However, it was the 750 and 1000cc models that drove development on the race track and led-to the development of a new breed of motorcycle; the GSX-R.

The GS had a great handling chassis and a reliable engine that made Suzuki?s four-cylinder GS machines ideal for road racing with the GS1000; and tuned by the legendary ?Pops? Yoshimura winning the 1978 Daytona Superbike race, the 1978 Suzuka 8-Hours in Japan and the AMA Superbike national championship in 1979 and 1980 with Wes Cooley, it set new standards. In Europe, Graeme Crosby won the Formula TT World Championship in 1980 and 1981 with his Yoshimura-powered GS1000 Suzuki. Similar success came with the GS for Schwantz and also SERT; both scoring major success with the 750 and 1000cc machines.

SERT, in its third year in the World Endurance Championship racing the GS-model Suzuki, clinched its first world title in 1983 with Richard Hubin and Herve Moineau in the saddle aboard the GS1000. Then in 1985, in America, Schwantz gave the GS its final race victories before moving to the GSX-R and then onwards to compete in the World 500cc Championship where he became World 500cc GP Champion in 1993 for Suzuki.

Today, as well as celebrating 30 years of the GSX-R, Suzuki Motor Corporation is proud to be once again part of the MotoGP? paddock with a new team of exciting young riders and a brand-new machine in the GSX-RR. Suzuki?s philosophy from development on the racetrack has, for 30+ years, led to improvements and developments in Suzuki?s road-going production machinery that will include the next generation GSX-R and other models from Suzuki in the future.

Kevin Schwantz:

"I first rode the GSXR in 1985 at the Suzuka 8-Hour with Graeme Crosby. We didn?t get the Suzuki GSX-Rs in the United States until ?86 but raced them in American Superbikes in ?86 and ?87. I won the Daytona 200 on a Suzuki GSX-R in 1988 and continued to race the 8-Hour all the way through to the 1992 season.

?I?ve been involved with Suzuki and raced Suzukis my entire career and to have seen the GSX-R evolve. I like to think that some of the Grand Prix racing I did helped with some development of the GSX-R; maybe some of the technology they learned from GP racing is stuff that has evolved and gone into the production GSX-R motorcycles. Whether it?s a 600, 750, 1000, or all the other different sizes that they have made, they?re all just as much fun to ride.

?The GSX-R was ground-breaking technology, the latest, greatest thing when it came out and it has continued to be an awesome sports bike, a great handling motorcycle and it is still very, very competitive in the Suzuka 8-Hour. With over a million GSX-Rs made it is true to say that there are millions and millions of people who have bought them, ridden them and love them.

?The Suzuki GSX-R to me is the definition of a sport bike. When the GSX-R came out it completely changed the definition of a sports bike and it has continued to improve ever since.?
 

KUCIAR666

Registered User
TEAM SUZUKI ECSTAR MISANO MotoGP TEST VIDEO ONLINE
Suzuki Motor Corporation has today released new footage from this week?s Team SUZUKI ECSTAR MotoGP test at Misano in Italy where team riders Aleix Espargar? and Maverick Vi?ales continued the development of their Suzuki GSX-RRs.

The video features on track action from the two Spaniards plus interviews with both, along with Team Manager Davide Brivio on the new developments and progress made before the team takes a short break until August 9th at Indianapolis Speedway in America for round 10 of the MotoGP? World Championship.

To watch the video on Team Suzuki Racing: CLICK HERE
 

KUCIAR666

Registered User
ESPARGARO & VINALES VIDEO INTERVIEWS ONLINE

Suzuki Motor Corporation has today released two new videos of Team SUZUKI ECSTAR?s Maverick Vi?ales and Aleix Espargaro filmed at the team?s recent Misano test in Italy.

In the videos, the two young Spaniards talk about their season so far, their move to the Suzuki MotoGP Factory team, development of the 2015 Suzuki GSX-RR and their ambitions and hopes for the second-half of the 2015 MotoGP? Championship season that continues this weekend at the Grand Prix of Indianapolis in America.

To watch the videos on Team Suzuki Racing: CLICK HERE
 

KUCIAR666

Registered User
CRESCENT SUZUKI CELEBRATES GSX-R 30TH ANNIVERSARY


The Voltcom Crescent Suzuki World Superbike team?s retail base in the UK will host a special Suzuki Open and Test Ride Day at its Verwood, Dorset headquarters this weekend to celebrate 30 years of the Suzuki GSX-R.

Team riders Alex Lowes and Randy de Puniet will both be present to meet Suzuki fans and sign autographs on Saturday August 8th along with numerous attractions and a line-up of the latest production machinery and Suzuki attire.

Since its launch in September 1985, Suzuki?s GSX-R has become one of, if not the most-recognised icon in motorcycling, with over one million cutting edge machines put into production throughout its history; bridging the gap between road and race technology.

Suzuki continues to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the GSX-R on the world stage this weekend with Team SUZUKI ECSTAR riders Maverick Vi?ales and Aleix Espargaro sporting the classic blue and white colour scheme on their GSX-RR machines at the Indianapolis MotoGP race in America and Yoshimura Suzuki?s Roger Hayden opting for a similar iconic ?Kevin Schwantz-style? red scheme on his GSX-R1000 at the supporting MotoAmerica Superbike event.

Voltcom Crescent Suzuki Team Principal and Crescent Motorcycles proprietor Paul Denning said: ?The GSX-R literally changed my life. As a young aspiring motocross rider, road bikes seemed heavy, blunt and lifeless. When the first 1985 GSX-R750 came out of the crate at our shop, everything changed ? this bike was light, focused and built for purpose, and an enthusiasm for sports bikes and racing circuits was immediately born. Throughout the many innovative incarnations of GSX-R, from 400cc to 1100cc models, the bikes have always been exciting and have put the rider?s enjoyment first and 30 years on, the GSX-R still holds a very special place in the hearts and minds of riders around the world.?

Crescent Motorcycles will open its doors at 9am on Saturday with Lowes and de Puniet appearing between 10am and 4pm
. Refreshments, a star prize draw and a number of exclusive on-the-day promotions will also be available.
 

KUCIAR666

Registered User
Smith signs with Monster Yamaha Tech3 for 2016
Poncharal - Smith - 2015Bradley Smith and the Monster Yamaha Tech3 Team are delighted to have reached an agreement that will see the British rider remain with the team for the 2016 season aboard the Yamaha YZR-M1. The contract extension comes as Smith is currently undertaking his most successful MotoGP season to date, where he has finished no lower than 8th so far. Furthermore, he stands in fifth position and at the head of the satellite rankings in the championship after some highly impressive performances. Next season will be the British stars fourth season in the premier class with the Monster Yamaha Tech3 Team and his sixth in total after joining the Tech3 Racing Moto2 Team in 2011. In his first term in MotoGP, Smith finished collecting more points than any other British rookie and he followed that success with another hard fought campaign in 2014 with a personal highlight of a superbly executed podium at Phillip Island. Furthermore, the Briton was part of this year's Suzuka 8 hour conquering team with Yamaha Factory Racing who won the elite event after 19 years. Smith will now focus on the remaining rounds in this season and will seek to battle as close as possible to the Factory MotoGP bikes before aiming to challenge for podiums in 2016 aboard the Yamaha YZR-M1.
Bradley Smith

"Obviously, I am really pleased to be able to continue this journey with the Monster Yamaha Tech3 Team and it's fantastic news to resign for another season. We will be going into our sixth year together and I must say that it is certainly nice to be giving the guys the results and performances that they deserve at the moment. So far in 2015, I have been finishing where we want to be which is very positive, as I'm sure that I am in debt to them for the first two years in the premier class! Everyone in the team has put their faith in me again and we know that 2016 will be tricky due to the changes in regulations, however, I am optimistic that this will give the satellite riders more of a chance to be competitive. Therefore I am confident about going into next year, as I know that everything will be fairer so we will continue to work together and we fully intend to take our sponsors onto the podium. 2016 will be exciting and I am more than pleased about being able to ride aboard the Yamaha YZR-M1 and with the Monster Yamaha Tech3 Team."


l Herv? Poncharal - Team manager :

"I am super happy and proud to finally announce that Bradley Smith will remain with our team for one more year. Brad will hold the record with Colin Edwards for the amount of time in the premier class with Tech3, which is four years and this shows that he will be a very important rider in the team's history. Of course, he deserves to be given the opportunity by the team together with Factory Yamaha to ride an M1 for another season after having had a fantastic first part of the year. In addition, the incredible win that he achieved with Pol and Nakasuga at the Suzuka 8 Hours was really impressive and he made us proud. Now we hope that the fact that his future is sorted will give him a big boost for his upcoming home GP and I am sure that he is going to be even stronger in the final rounds of the 2015 season compared to what we have seen so far."
 

KUCIAR666

Registered User

Katsuyuki Nakasuga to Make Wildcard Entry on YZR-M1 with Special 60th Anniversary Livery


All Japan Road Race Championship star Katsuyuki Nakasuga will make a wildcard entry in the Motul Grand Prix of Japan, Round 15 of the 2015 FIM MotoGP World Championship, scheduled to be held at the Twin Ring Motegi circuit in Tochigi Prefecture on October 11, 2015. He will ride with the YAMAHA FACTORY RACING TEAM on a YZR-M1 sporting special Yamaha 60th anniversary livery.

This will mark the fourth time in a row that Nakasuga has entered the Grand Prix of Japan in the MotoGP class. Including his 2nd place podium finish at Round 18 in Valencia in 2012, this will be his sixth time racing in the premier class.

Yamaha's goals in this wildcard entry for the Motul Grand Prix of Japan include having Nakasuga, who is a development and test rider for the YZR-M1, evaluate the results of the YZR-M1's development, but also to have the spectators feel the history behind Yamaha's 60 years in racing through this special livery, and to illustrate our corporate mission to create Kando* and our "Revs you Heart" brand slogan.

This season, Nakasuga is racing in the JSB1000 class of the All Japan Road Race Championship on the YAMAHA FACTORY RACING TEAM with the all-new 2015 YZF-R1. After four of seven rounds, he has three wins and is at the top of the standings on his quest to become the first-ever four-time consecutive champion of Japan's premier class, as well as take his sixth career title.

Nakasuga also teamed up with MotoGP regulars Pol Espargar? and Bradley Smith for the Suzuka 8 Hours Endurance Race held at the end of July, and helped bring Yamaha its fifth Suzuka victory and the company's first win in 19 years (since 1996).


Katsuyuki Nakasuga


"Of course, I have my development duties for this year's Grand Prix of Japan, but being able to enter with special livery commemorating Yamaha's 60th anniversary has me even more motivated than usual. I'll do my best to show Yamaha's strengths and how fast the M1 is together with Rossi and Lorenzo on the world stage, and I hope that I can make it a race to remember for Yamaha in its 60th year. Also, with the full factory entry, the debut of the new R1, and the goal of becoming a four-time consecutive JSB1000 class champion, I started this season with more pressure than I've ever felt before. But in both my main arena of the All Japan Championship and the Suzuka 8 Hours, we've performed very well. I want to keep this momentum with me going into the Japan GP so I can leave some satisfactory results, and then take them with me to boost my JSB1000 season. I hope everybody will come to cheer us on at the race!"


Notes


*Kando is a Japanese word for the simultaneous feelings of deep satisfaction and intense excitement that we experience when we encounter something of exceptional value
 
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