• Welcome to the new B.I.R.D. Forum. Please be sure to read the "New Member / New Registered ? Please Read" thread in the Coffee Shop. This contains some important information. To become a full member ( £5.90 a year ) simply click on your user name near the top on the right I hope you enjoy the new site ................ Jaws ( John )

Moto GP news

KUCIAR666

Registered User
Yamaha Complete Successful One-Day Test in Jerez
Following a hot and challenging race weekend in Jerez Yamaha Factory Racing remained at the circuit to complete another hot day of riding today. Riders Valentino Rossi and Jorge Lorenzo spent the day continuing to evaluate the potential of the 2013 chassis whilst also working to improve tyre performance and grip life in the hot conditions. Lorenzo, who took his third consecutive podium of the year yesterday finished the test as the third fastest rider with a 1m 38.958s lap. Teammate Rossi, who finished fourth yesterday, was not far behind in fifth with a 1m 39.397s lap.

Jorge Lorenzo, 3rd, Time - 1'38.958


?It?s been a long day, it was not easy to finish the day on the bike because after three days full of stress of competition the only thing you want is to rest. I think the work was worth it because we improved some things. We tried many starts and I had get again the same feeling I had last year. We improved the start, which is important for the next few races. I think we also improved the bike and I think we decided the new chassis so it has been a positive day.?

Valentino Rossi, 5th, Time 1'39.397

?At the end it has been a good test. It was important because we found some improvements in some points of view, small details but a good way to continue. It was important to try to understand the new chassis. We made a lot of comparisons between the two but at the end more or less the performance is very similar. In some places it?s better and some places it?s worse. We will decide next week what we will use in Le Mans but I think unfortunately it doesn't make a big step. We will see, we are ready for le Man, now we take a rest and we will see next week.?

Test Times:

1. Marc Marquez ESP Repsol Honda Team (RC213V) 1m 38.824s (Lap 27/63)
2. Cal Crutchlow GBR Monster Yamaha Tech 3 (YZR-M1) 1m 38.916s (30/67)
3. Jorge Lorenzo ESP Yamaha Factory Racing (YZR-M1) 1m 38.958s (30/81)
4. Dani Pedrosa ESP Repsol Honda Team (RC213V) 1m 38.979s (4/56)
5. Valentino Rossi ITA Yamaha Factory Racing (YZR-M1) 1m 39.397s (37/61)
6. Alvaro Bautista ESP Go Fun Honda Gresini (RC213V) 1m 39.457s (31/50)
7. Andrea Dovizioso ITA Ducati Team (GP13) 1m 39.524s (15/47)
8. Nicky Hayden USA Ducati Team (GP13) 1m 39.643s (21/35)
9. Stefan Bradl GER LCR Honda MotoGP (RC213V) 1m 39.894s (22/71)
10. Bradley Smith GBR Monster Yamaha Tech 3 (YZR-M1) 1m 40.009s (42/50)
11. Hector Barbera ESP Avintia Blusens (FTR-Kawasaki CRT) 1m 40.197s (3/31)
12. Hiroshi Aoyama JPN Avintia Blusens (FTR-Kawasaki CRT)* 1m 40.730s (10/51)
13. Claudio Corti ITA NGM Forward Racing (FTR-Kawasaki CRT)* 1m 40.958s (50/58)
14. Danilo Petrucci ITA Came IodaRacing Project (Suter-BMW CRT)* 1m 41.029s (52/59)
15. Michael Laverty GBR Paul Bird Motorsport (PBM-ART CRT)* 1m 41.045s (58/58)
16. Bryan Staring AUS Go Fun Honda Gresini (FTR-Honda CRT)* 1m 41.181s (18/46)
17. Colin Edwards USA NGM Forward Racing (FTR-Kawasaki CRT)* 1m 41.591s (14/43)
18. Yonny Hernandez COL Paul Bird Motorsport (ART CRT) 1m 41.763s (14/62)
19. Lukas Pesek CZE Came IodaRacing Project (Suter-BMW CRT)* 1m 43.017s (15/20)
* Control ECU.
 

KUCIAR666

Registered User
Positive prognosis for Iannone


Andrea Iannone underwent surgery yesterday, 7 May, at the Dexeus clinic in Barcelona. The Italian will remain under observation for all of Wednesday, and although recovery time is still uncertain, his prognosis is positive. Staples that were applied to the wound are scheduled to be removed before the Mugello GP, and in the meantime, Iannone is expected to be back in the Energy T.I. Pramac Racing Team garage for the French Grand Prix on 19 May.

Andrea Iannone ? Energy T.I. Pramac Racing Team
?I can?t exactly say that I?m at my best. Following the Jerez weekend, I flew to Barcelona for an operation on my right arm, to address the problem that has been bothering me since Qatar, but now I really feel bad. I?m sure it will take some time, but I?m confident because Dr Mir has operated on many other riders in the past, and he certainly has valuable experience in this area. He told me that he doesn?t often see such a compressed muscle, but it seems that everything went well; I just have to wait for the pain to pass. He also worked on the wound on my knee to try and speed up the recovery, and although that was painful, I?m glad that he was able to do it. I can?t wait to have this all behind me so that I can get back on my bike.?

The following comment was released by Dr Mir?s clinic:

7 May 2013 ? The patient Andrea Iannone was operated on this afternoon at the Quir?n Dexeus University Hospital for compartment syndrome in his right forearm.
Dr Xavier Mir, Quir?n Dexeus University Hospital Director of Microsurgery and Hand Surgery, carried out a release of the forearm fascia via microsurgery.
In addition, he surgically cleaned the wound in the patient?s right knee.
The patient will remain in the hospital for 24 hours.

Hospital Group
 

KUCIAR666

Registered User
Honda completes successful test of new production model for MotoGP at Motegi Circuit
Honda will unveil an entirely new production model machine for the 2014 FIM Road Racing World Championship, Grand Prix MotoGP class by the end of 2013. The new model will enable entrants to race in MotoGP at lower cost starting from next season.

Development of the model is currently slightly behind schedule but Honda Racing Corporation (HRC), with its test rider, managed to successfully test the prototype at the Twin Ring Motegi circuit. The test took place from May 23rd through 24th, 2013.

By conforming to 2014 MotoGP technical and sporting regulations, Honda intends to finalise the development and to announce the introduction of the model by the end of this year.

?The test results - comments Shuhei Nakamoto, Executive Vice President of HRC ? showed more than what we had expected, in particular, with its running performance. We are very pleased at this stage and we will announce more in the not too distant future.?
 

KUCIAR666

Registered User
Max Biaggi to test Pramac Racing Team?s Ducati Desmosedici for two days at Mugello
Max Biaggi will take to the track aboard the Pramac Racing Team?s Ducati Desmosedici GP13 tomorrow for a two-day test at the Mugello circuit in Tuscany, Italy.

The four-time 250cc Grand Prix World Champion and two-time Superbike World Champion will ride the bike of Ben Spies, whose on-going shoulder problem forced him to withdraw from the race this past Sunday and from the Ducati MotoGP test planned for this week.

The Pramac Racing Team, along with Ducati, therefore decided to let Max try the Texan?s bike, which had already been prepared for the test.

At the moment, this is the extent of the arrangement, and Ducati Test Team rider Michele Pirro will substitute Spies on the Pramac Racing Team bike at the Catalan Grand Prix on 16 June in Barcelona.
 

KUCIAR666

Registered User
RETURN TO MOTOGP RACING


Team Suzuki Press Office - June 17.

Suzuki Motor Corporation will return to FIM Road Racing Grand Prix MotoGP in 2015.

After two years suspension since 2012, Suzuki Motor Corporation has organised its test team to undergo more practical running tests at its advanced development stage and will participate in the official joint testing to be held at the Catalunya circuit in Spain. Through continuing running tests at the circuits inside and outside Japan for further development and refinement, Suzuki Motor Corporation will participate again in MotoGP racing from 2015.

Suzuki Motor Corporation will feed back advanced technology to be derived through MotoGP racing activity to develop further attractive production models.

The outline of testing team and racing machine to be developed are as follows:

Chief members of Europe testing team in 2013:
- Team manager: Davide Brivio
- Development rider: Randy De Puniet

MotoGP machine to be developed:
- 1000cc In-line four GP racer
 

KUCIAR666

Registered User
Alex De Angelis and Ignite Pramac Racing Team together at Laguna Seca

Alex De Angelis is to step in as replacement rider for Ben Spies at Laguna Seca on the Ignite Pramac Racing Team?s Ducati Desmosedici GP13. The man from San Marino will be able to take part in the second US round this year due to the fact that the Moto2 World Championship is not scheduled to race that weekend.

Michele Pirro, Ducati?s tester and rider, will continue to replace the Texan until Sachsenring, but will not be able to take part in the American race because he is involved in a test session scheduled for Misano from 23 to 25 July.

Ben Spies is expected to return to racing at the Indianapolis Grand Prix on August 18.

Alex is not new to the top class, having already taken part in two seasons of MotoGP in 2008 and 2009, and also in 2010 as replacement rider for the injured Hiroshi Aoyama in three rounds.

De Angelis, who currently rides for the NGM Mobile Forward Racing Team, will get his first opportunity to try out the Desmosedici GP13, during the forthcoming Ducati test session scheduled for Misano this coming week. Alex will test the bike on Thursday 4 July.

The Pramac Racing Team and Ducati wish to thank the NGM Mobile Forward Racing Team and the San Marino rider for their availability in making possible this collaboration.
 

KUCIAR666

Registered User
SUZUKI MOTOGP TEAM COMPLETES MOTEGI TEST

The Suzuki MotoGP Test Team completed a successful two-day test at the Twin Ring Motegi today after being hampered by poor weather conditions yesterday.

Heavy rain on Tuesday, just after the circuit opened at 10am, halted track testing for all the teams involved until 9am this morning; which saw air temperatures of 30 degrees and track temperatures reaching 50 degrees.

Suzuki MotoGP Test Team rider Randy De Puniet suffered two small crashes in the morning session, but with only minor damage to the machine, he was back on track this afternoon, making important progress and successfully testing two new chassis configurations; one of which the team has chosen to develop further at the next Suzuki MotoGP tests in Italy at Misano next month to obtain more edge grip and stability.

De Puniet's best lap time this afternoon was 1'48:60, which was slightly slower than his previous test times at Motegi, but in-line with the other riders' lap times in less-than grippy conditions and very hot conditions. De Puniet was also joined by Suzuki MotoGP Test rider Nobuatsu Aoki, who completed five evaluation laps towards the end of today's session.

Said De Puniet: "In this test we were not so lucky with the weather, as yesterday we stayed in the pit all day. Also, the track was slippery and very hot today, so the grip wasn't very good, but we found a good direction with one of the chassis configurations we had available. I found one with better tyre contact feeling and better for corner-entry, so we will continue with this in Misano next month. The rain came before the end of the test and I couldn't try to improve my lap time, but overall we are very satisfied."

Suzuki MotoGP Test Team Manager Davide Brivio added: "Today was another good day in our development programme. We had a chance to try different tests with various settings and we tried to better-understand the bike's behaviour in different conditions. Despite difficult weather conditions, we had a chance to choose one of the two frames available, which we will carry on to develop further in future tests. In the meantime, our engineers have taken some good information away with them for the next stage of development."

The Team Suzuki MotoGP Test Team will be next on track at the official IRTA Tests at Misano on September 16-18th.
 

KUCIAR666

Registered User
SUZUKI MOTOGP MOTEGI TEST VIDEO INTERVIEWS




Suzuki MotoGP Test Team Manager Davide Brivio and test rider Randy De Puniet talk about yesterday's Twin Ring Motegi Test in Japan in two new videos just uploaded on www.suzuki-racing.com.

Despite being hindered with poor weather conditions that forced the cancellation of the first day of the test, the team made important progress and successfully tested two new chassis configurations; one of which the team has chosen to develop further at the next Suzuki MotoGP tests at Misano in Italy next month.

To watch both interviews on Team Suzuki Racing: CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO PAGE
 

KUCIAR666

Registered User
Yamaha Set to Continue Partnership with Tech3
Yamaha is delighted to confirm the contract renewal with satellite MotoGP team Tech3 for 2014 and 2015. The two-year agreement will see Tech3 continue to run the prototype Yamaha YZR-M1 machines in the premier class for the next two years.

Tech3 and Yamaha have enjoyed an excellent partnership and cooperation for over a decade, with Tech3 running the YZR-M1 machines for the first time towards the end of the 2002 season.

The agreement will see Yamaha and Tech3 continuing to work closely together to develop young talented riders as they move into the premier class of motorcycle racing.

Lin Jarvis - Yamaha Motor Racing, Managing Director


?I?m really very happy to continue our relationship with Herv? Poncharal and the entire Tech3 Team. We have enjoyed a very successful partnership for more than a decade and have shared many memorable moments over the years. The Monster Yamaha Tech3 Team continues to perform as the top ranking satellite Team in the MotoGP class and their riders are frequently scoring excellent results and providing great excitement for the MotoGP fans. Now that we share Monster Energy as a common sponsor our link is even closer and we are very keen to continue to work together closely for the future to develop young talent which is a very important part of our total Yamaha Factory Racing program.?

Herv? Poncharal - Monster Yamaha Tech3 Team Principal


?I?m very happy and proud to announce that Tech3 is going to be for the next two years again working and supported by the Yamaha Motor Company. It is an honour and a privilege. We have been working with Yamaha since 1999 in the 250 class with Olivier Jacque and Shinya Nakano and in 2000 we won the 250 championship. Next season we switched to the premier class and since then we have enjoyed a great collaboration and a great relationship. It is not only a technical partnership but we feel truly part of the Yamaha family. Next year is a new adventure having two young riders; Bradley Smith will be entering his second MotoGP season and will be joined by Pol Espargar? so we are very excited. I believe this is going to be a great set up not only together with Yamaha, but with our sponsors too and that is something we are pretty proud of.?
 

KUCIAR666

Registered User
POSITIVE TEST FOR SUZUKI MOTOGP AT MISANO

The Suzuki MotoGP Test Team has completed three-days of extensive testing at the Misano circuit in Italy on a positive note today after evaluating several new factory parts that included a new chassis, new engine-specifications and revised electronics, plus a new-styled cowling.

Test riders Randy De Puniet and Nobuatsu Aoki put in more-than 200 laps of the 4,064km circuit in the Provence of Rimini, trying-out improved settings and finding new direction to move-on to the next test at Mugello next week.

The new engine specifications, revised for more torque - and coupled with new electronics for better traction control and engine braking - were tested. The new chassis, that was elected by the Team to further develop at last month's Motegi Test in Japan, was also evaluated and developed further along with a new-style cowling designed for a better overall top speed.

The Suzuki MotoGP Test Team initially encountered some issues due to low rear-grip and braking, but over the duration of the test - that saw track temperatures fluctuate between 22-37 Degrees and in both wet and dry conditions - much-needed data was acquired and the team is very positive moving-on to Mugello next week.

De Puniet's best lap time on the opening day was a 1'35"097 after completing 74 laps. After a wet Tuesday - when De Puniet did not go out and testing was deputised to long-standing Suzuki Factory Test Rider Aoki - this improved to a 1'34"882 today after 102 laps and many of the revisions employed by the team.

Said De Puniet: "I'm pleased because we have improved our bike throughout this test. The rear-grip has improved and so has the braking stability. We also worked a lot on traction control to adjust to the new engine specifications and I found a better throttle connection and improvement. We also kept a good pace with used tyres, which is very important, and we have also greatly-improved the turning by the end of the test.

"Now it is important to go to Mugello, where we can continue to work on any weak points and try to improve there as well. I'm interested to see how the 'wheeling control and engine brake' will work there as there are few interesting points for that, but having the Mugello test so close, it keeps up in the pace and momentum with the Suzuki MotoGP Test Team programme and development."

Suzuki MotoGP Test Team Manager Davide Brivio said: "It has been an intensive three-day test, but I think we have done a good job. This is the first round of our 'Italian Testing Campaign' which includes Mugello next week. We have had a chance to visit another new circuit for our machine and we can continue to get good information for our development. It is very positive that the new items that arrived from Japan have all had positive points and benefits. During these days we have made positive improvements on settings; and especially in the electronics area, which will drive our future development. Randy made many laps on the last day and this was very important to make progress. We now look forward to next week's Mugello test on September 24th and 25th to work on any further issues and find further solutions."

Suzuki MotoGP Project Leader Satoru Terada said:
"We tested many different items here in Misano, such as the new frame we selected in Japan, the new engine spec; and the new cowling. In all the areas we have seen some small improvements and this is very positive. We have also found some good direction on the engine management system. We know we have a lot of work to do but we have collected some good information for our next steps."
 

KUCIAR666

Registered User
Italian WSS rider Luca Scassa to replace injured Karel Abraham

The Italian rider Luca Scassa will replace Karel Abraham in the Czech Cardion AB Motoracing team in the next round of MotoGP in Aragon. Until now Scassa competed in WSS championship for the Czech team Kawasaki Intermoto Ponyexpress.

Karel Abraham, manager Cardion AB Motoracing
?Luca has ridden more then fifty races in WSBK and he has enough experiences to run on the MotoGP bike and to jump to the championship. It was important for us to find a rider, who can manage so specific machine as the Motogp bike is and who knows the circuits where next five races will take place. The first race waiting for us is next weekend in Aragon, where Luca achieved this year?s best result in WSS. Our aim is to get Luca feel comfortable with the bike and try to improve the lap time step by step during the weekend. Then we will decide if we will continue together also in remaining races.?

Luca Scassa ? profile of the rider
Freshly thirty years old rider started his career in 1999. He became the 2003 champion in Superstock 600 class in very well occupied Italian Championship. Next year he changed to the Superstock class. In 2007 he began a "superbike" era in American AMA Championship and he raced in the World Superbike Championship in 2009 and 2010, the first season for Kawasaki and the other for Ducati. He did his best 7th position twice, finished 27th overall, respectively 17th. Luca returned to WSS in 2011 winning first two races of the season. After a series of problems he ended the championship on the fifth place with three wins and four podium finishes. After one year in BSB Luca turned back to WSS, joining Czech team Kawasaki Intermoto Ponyexpress. He stays on 6th overall position with 74 points two races before the end of the season
 

KUCIAR666

Registered User
SUZUKI MOTOGP CONFIRM DIRECTION AT MUGELLO



The Suzuki MotoGP Test Team has completed a positive two-day test at the Mugello circuit in Italy today with more valuable data and more revised settings to move forward from its 2013 test and development programme.

Following-on from last week's three-day test at Misano, test riders Randy De Puniet and Nobuatsu Aoki appraised and made further improvements to the Suzuki's engine - revised for a better overall top-speed - a redesigned cowling to give a higher top-speed, that showed no negative effects under different circuit conditions, along with the team's newly-elected chassis-design and electronics that both provide better traction control and engine brake.

The new cowling was reported to give a better top-speed performance, so it was an improvement and step-forward from the team's initial test of it in Misano. Back-to-back tests with Misano and Mugello also provided more positive data that the machine has improved its braking and corner-entry characteristics; plus the team also found new direction in finding better rear-grip; an area that the Suzuki MotoGP Test Team will look at further-developing during the next few months - and into 2014.

With track temperatures dry on both days - and ranging between 20-36 Degrees - De Puniet put in 67 laps on the opening day and Aoki 10. De Puniet's best lap was a 1'50.080 on Tuesday and today he improved his best-time to 1'49.260 after a total of 53 laps of the 5,245km circuit.

Said De Puniet: "In these two long days we've worked a lot on the electronic-mapping in different situations. We also understand that we need to work more on rear grip. We expected Mugello being a difficult track and from this test we gave a lot of information to the engineers, which they can now work on.

"I'm a little sad that this was the last test for this season, as I've enjoyed riding this bike and working with the Suzuki Factory Team. I hope I will have more opportunities to ride again in the future and to continue improving this bike."

Suzuki MotoGP Test Team Manager Davide Brivio said: "It was another busy test where we again gave good information to our staff. We had some positive confirmation on a few new parts that we had a chance to test in-depth; such as the new frame, the new engine and the new cowling. Of course we also found points that need to be improved and now we have more information, some further directions - and also some homework to do.

"Randy has helped us a lot, even if at some times we've had to ask him for such a big effort between his regular MotoGP races. I would like to thank Randy very much for his contribution in finding strong and weak points of our project. His comments were - and will be - important for the development work we have ahead of us in the coming months. I would also like to thank the Aspar Team that allowed Randy to be available for this testing activity.

"The team staff was also great and I'm happy that we will continue this testing job together next year as well. Now we go back testing to Japan and looking forward to the next opportunity where we will be again on the track with the other strong MotoGP competitors."

Suzuki MotoGP Project Leader Satoru Terada added: "We concluded today's European testing for this year where we visited several circuits finding the weak points of our bike. A fast rider like Randy helped us on understanding better the level of our machine right now and so we can go back to Japan to look for the solutions. We have several directions where we can work-on now and I'm very pleased that we have been able to run for many miles on-track without any trouble on the bike: This is very positive looking at the future of our racing activity."
 

KUCIAR666

Registered User
Karel Abraham undergoes operation on injured shoulder

Czech MotoGP rider Karel Abraham underwent an operation on his left shoulder on Tues 8th October following a crash during training for the Indianapolis Grand Prix. The three-hour operation, conducted by Igor Či?m?ř, Senior Consultant at the Trauma Department of the Olomouc University Hospital, went well and Abraham is expected to be released on Wednesday. The rider simultaneously had removed the titanium plate which doctors in the US implanted in April to strengthen his broken right collarbone.

Igor Či?m?ř, Senior Consultant, Trauma Department, Olomouc University Hospital

?Karel Abraham suffered a multiple injury to the shoulder joint. His ligaments of the articular capsule on the outside of the joint were damaged, while the ligaments connecting the scapula and the clavicle had torn and healed to form a weak join. This was causing instability in the joint and associated discomfort. The ligaments connecting the scapula and clavicle were no longer holding the shoulder in place, so it was necessary to graft on a tendon from the forearm. Use of such tendon is standard and the patient does not miss it even when playing sport to the full. Karel Abraham will be able to start exercising again in two or three weeks at the earliest. Gradually, we will build up the level of exercise so that he should be able to exercise fully after five or six weeks.?


Karel Abraham, rider, Cardion AB Motoracing

?I?m happy to have got it over with, and after the rehab?s finished I?m sure I?ll be able to once again give 100% in my training and riding. I?ve got the whole winter in front of me, and the aim is to be able to go into the pre-season testing without anything holding me back. It?ll be a while of course before I?m able to get back on the bike, but I?m counting on going to the Masaryk Circuit this Sunday to watch the Marco Simoncelli Memorial Ride.?
 

KUCIAR666

Registered User
Yamaha Celebrates Incredible 200 Premier Class Grand Prix Wins
As the flag dropped at the finish line in Motegi this afternoon it signaled not just an incredible victory for Jorge Lorenzo but also a defining moment for Yamaha. The race win is the 200th Grand Prix victory for Yamaha in the premier class of Grand Prix racing.

Both Jorge and his teammate Valentino have made an incredible contribution to this score, adding the last 49 of the 50 race wins taken since 2007 with Ben Spies the only other Yamaha Factory Racing rider to claim a single race win in that time.

This incredible success story goes back to 1973, when British rider Chas Mortimer took the first ever 500cc victory in the class that would become the modern day MotoGP Championship. Yamaha is still only the second manufacturer to achieve this milestone.

The greatest MotoGP legend of all-time, Giacomo Agostini played a key part in writing Yamaha?s story of race success, taking six 500cc wins in the 1970s to add to the score. Later on in the story it was the Americans who wrote their piece of Yamaha history with three in particular, Kenny Roberts, Eddie Lawson and Wayne Rainey racking up the victories.

Roberts was the first, the pioneer of knee dragging wild riding, taking three back-to-back 500cc championships from 1978 to 1980. Eddie Lawson followed, adding 26 wins to the total and claiming three titles for Yamaha in 1984, 1986 and 1988.

The last of the three, Wayne Rainey, then took up the challenge, scoring an impressive 24 race victories on his way to taking the world title in 1990, 1991 and 1992. A tragic accident in 1992 brought an end to Rainey?s racing career, and the focus returned to Europe with riders Luca Cadalora and then Max Biaggi taking up the charge. Biaggi ironically was challenging against the then rival Rossi for the eight victories he scored.

It was in 2004 that Valentino Rossi arrived in the Yamaha garage, forming a love affair with the YZR-M1 that has endured to this day, creating an almost impossible to believe success that has won the hearts of fans worldwide. By 2007 Rossi had made it 150 wins for Yamaha at the historic Assen TT races, his own 28th MotoGP win.

2008 saw the arrival of another remarkable talent in the Yamaha garage. Stepping up to join Valentino on the YZR-M1 was hotheaded Mallorcan Jorge Lorenzo. The pairing proved unbeatable, adding two further world titles with Yamaha and an amazing 30 race wins to Rossi?s haul.

Kouichi Tsuji
YMC Motorsport Development Division, General Manager


?We can be very proud and happy to witness this incredible achievement today here in Motegi. Jorge delivered a perfect performance to give us our 200th Grand Prix victory, continuing in the long tradition of success that we have enjoyed now since 1972. For Yamaha it is also very special to be able to enjoy this victory here in Japan for our home Grand Prix.?

Lin Jarvis
Yamaha Motor Racing, Managing Director


?It?s absolutely fantastic to be able to celebrate our 200th Grand Prix victory here in Japan at our home race with such an incredible performance from Jorge Lorenzo. He totally dominated, not just the weekend, but also the race today under extreme pressure from his rivals. I?d like to say thanks to all of the riders and teams and all of the sponsors and partners and everyone involved in bringing us these memorable victories over the years. May we go on to 201 in Valencia!?

Jorge Lorenzo

?It's a very special day, to be the rider to get the 200 wins is a great honour. To win at Honda?s home race is even more special! It was a very difficult race today, they were very close but I never gave up and tried to be even faster, brake harder and open the gap more. Finally I was able to make a little gap. We are very proud of this victory, for the result, for the circumstances and for the championship, it couldn?t be better.?
 

KUCIAR666

Registered User
Valentino Rossi-backed Moto3 team now confirmed as having filed an entry for the 2014 World Championship.

Valentino Rossi is to start a Moto3 team, running Romano Fenati and possibly half-brother Luca Marini on KTM machinery in 2014.

Rumours that Rossi would become involved in a Moto3 team have been circling for months.

But in August the seven time MotoGP champion insisted the plan was just to start a 'VR46 Riders Academy', to help support young Italian racers, rather than an actual team.

However Italy's SportMediaset reports that the Italian Federation will no longer field the San Carlo-backed Team Italia squad next year, leaving 2012 race winner Fenati in need of a team.

Italy's Sky TV will sponsor the new VR46 project, while KTM machines are also confirmed - and an obvious choice, having won every Moto3 grand prix so far this year.

"We have joined forces with Sky in order to give the Italian riders the opportunity to be competitive and reach the highest levels," said Rossi.

The identity of Fenati's team-mate is not yet known, but Rossi's half-brother Marini is unsurprisingly being tipped as a possibility. Marini - currently second in the Italian Moto3 championship - made his grand prix debut as a wild-card last time at Misano, but fell at the first turn.

Teams wishing to enter next year's Moto2 or Moto3 World Championships submitted their requests at the San Marino Grand Prix. Further details on the 2014 entries will be made available after the next selection meeting at the Malaysian Grand Prix, in October.

However the official MotoGP website has confirmed that the new VR46/Sky team "has already forwarded an official entry application to MotoGP governing body the FIM and commercial rights holder Dorna Sports in order to participate in the Moto3 class."
 

KUCIAR666

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Yonny Hern?ndez and Pramac Racing Team together for 2014
Yonny Hern?ndez will be Andrea Iannone?s teammate on the Pramac Racing Team during the 2014 MotoGP season. Starting today for the three-day IRTA test at the Valencia circuit, the Colombian will be riding his Ducati as a fulltime team rider.

Yonny Hern?ndez Vega (born 25 July 1988 in Medellin) won the Colombian 85cc Motocross Championship in 2003 and 2005, finishing second in 2004. In 2007 he won the Colombian Supermoto S1 and S2 Championships and in 2008, while participating in the Supermotard Spanish League, he climbed to the top step of the podium four times. In 2009 Hern?ndez competed in the CEV Supersport category aboard a Suzuki before moving in 2010 to the Moto2 class, his first season in the World Championship. He continued in that category in 2011 before advancing in 2012 to the MotoGP class, with the introduction of CRT bikes. In 2013 he joined the Paul Bird Motorsport Team, riding an ART, before replacing the injured Ben Spies aboard the Desmosedici GP13 of the Ignite Pramac Racing Team, beginning at the Grand Prix of Aragon.

The determination, enthusiasm and talent exhibited by Yonny during his time with the team as a substitute rider in the last five rounds of the championship convinced Pramac and Ducati to continue the relationship with the Colombian rider.

Yonny Hern?ndez ? Pramac Racing Team

"I am very happy to be here today. It?s a great opportunity for me to continue with the Pramac team, and the fact that we have confirmed our partnership for another year makes me really enthusiastic. I cannot wait to get on track and try the new ?Open? bike, even though that won?t happen here in Valencia, and I'm also curious to try the new tyres. I am proud to be the second Latin American rider, and the first Colombian, to ride with this team in the premier class. I know that I have to work hard, but the new 'Open' category is very interesting. I really want to go out on track and start learning. I want to thank Pramac, Ducati and all those who have made this new adventure possible.?

Francesco Guidotti ? Team Manager Pramac Racing Team

?We are very happy to confirm Yonny because he immediately proved his enthusiasm for and confidence in our team and in Ducati. He has great potential but not much experience with this type of bike, and we will do everything in our power to transform his potential into good results. We know that the work that awaits us will be long and hard, but we expect to achieve success through dedication and determination.?
 

KUCIAR666

Registered User
SCHWANTZ JOINS SUZUKI MOTOGP AT AUSTIN TEST


Suzuki?s former World 500cc GP Champion Kevin Schwantz joined the Suzuki MotoGP Test Team for its test at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas this week.

The 1993 World Champion, who last raced a MotoGP machine in 2006, completed 11 laps of the 5,513m circuit with a best lap-time of 2?12.75.

Schwantz, who also tested the Yoshimura Suzuki Superbike team?s GSX-R1000s, said: ?I went on the MotoGP machine after riding the GSX-R1000 Superbike and it felt like going from a 500cc to a 250cc bike; the MotoGP machine is so small and compact! The bike turns, accelerates, goes fast; it does everything and I had fun and really enjoyed it.

?With this bike you have power and braking so you brake and accelerate and the bike does all the rest. I think Suzuki should race now - the sooner the better! You can test a lot but in the race you really understand.

?After having ridden the MotoGP machine, I now appreciate much-more the GSX-R and I want to continue to work on that now to prepare for my race at Suzuka in July. So tomorrow I will only ride the GSX-R.?

With track and air temperatures much cooler than the weekend?s MotoGP second round ? and with Monday?s opening day hit by heavy rain and dirty track conditions ? Suzuki MotoGP Test rider Randy De Puniet completed 56 laps with a best lap-time of 2?06.41. The team spent a lot of time in the morning session testing new chassis settings and also adjusting the gearbox for the team?s first test on this new-for-them circuit.

Said De Puniet: ?This was a new track for Suzuki but also I have not ridden the bike since February. We spend some time changing the settings and the gearbox ratios, then we continued to compare two different frames and we found again that the best one here was the one we choose in Sepang. And we confirmed it again that this is more-stable in the corner entry. In the afternoon we tested different electronic maps.
It has been not bad as first day here and I?m confident we can improve tomorrow. Hopefully the track will be cleaner.?

Suzuki MotoGP Test Team Manager Davide Brivio said: ?A positive day on a completely new circuit for us. One of the main targets is to continue the development of the new electronics and also to collect useful information on this track for next year when we will be racing.

?We have done that today but also we could work on bike settings and chassis comparison. The lap-time is not bad for the first day and we are looking forward to improving tomorrow hoping that the temperature can go up a bit and the track will be cleaner.
?It was also very emotional to have Kevin Schwantz - everybody?s hero - riding our bike here. He was quite fast considering the conditions, so we?d like to thank Kevin for this gift!?
 

KUCIAR666

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Movistar Yamaha Complete Successful IRTA Test in Catalunya
Fresh from yesterday?s GP Monster Energy de Catalunya, the Movistar Yamaha riders were back on track today to complete a test at the Montmel? circuit.

Jorge Lorenzo and Valentino Rossi took time to test a new Akrapovic exhaust and a new Bridgestone hard front tyre for use in Sepang. There was also an opportunity to test a new engine spec for 2015 M1 and work on some small set up changes to overcome acceleration issues suffered by Jorge in yesterday?s race.

The team will now move to Aragon for a further one day private test on Wednesday.

Monster Yamaha Tech3 riders Bradley Smith and Pol Espargaro undertook a detailed test programme to both finish inside the top 4 today at the Catalunya circuit and achieved highly confidence boosting results for future MotoGP races.

Bradley Smith performed a colossal 75 laps around the 4727 metre Catalunya circuit to clearly illustrate his competitive intentions for the rest of the season by snaring a superb 2nd place. The British rider meticulously investigated various aspects of his Yamaha YZR-M1 and devoted his testing time to thoroughly explore suspension, geometry as well as engine braking settings during the test. Smith completed the session with an impressive time of 1.41,224 set on lap 74 which left him a blink of an eye behind the leading bike of Marc Marquez with a gap of only 0.040. Additionally his lap was quicker than his qualifying time by almost three tenths of a second. The 23-year-old rider's rigid test programme which concluded positively, allowed him and his Monster Yamaha Tech3 to obtain valuable information as well as set him in a good light for the next GP at Assen where he intends to confidently battle for a 5th placed finish.

Furthermore, Pol Espargaro completed the test day in a superb 4th position. The Spaniard embarked on testing various aspects of his Yamaha YZR-M1 as he proceeded to further strengthen his knowledge during his impressive rookie season. He set about thoroughly testing electronics, traction control and engine braking as well as experimenting with the setting of the bike in order to improve grip, specifically in fast corners and under hot conditions akin to those at the circuit today. The reigning Moto2 World Champion's tireless efforts saw him setting a best time of 1.41,640, set on lap 45 out of 60 which was quicker than his qualifying time by 0.037 of a second and only one tenth of a second behind multiple world champion Jorge Lorenzo in 3rd place. His successful day sees him poised to competitively compete at the top of his game for round 8 of the 2014 MotoGP world championship at the Iveco Daily Dutch TT.


Jorge Lorenzo

3rd / 1'41.515 / 67 laps

?I expected to stay more tired because we had three days of riding, but I didn?t feel it today and I was able to make a lot of runs of more than six laps. We?ve tried some things to make the bike more stable on the throttle and to pick up the bike a little earlier we were able to improve it and make quite big steps so I?m happy as it?s not so easy to find some really important things in a test. We tried a front tyre, the feeling is a little better, even if we are just going to use it in Sepang, it?s better for stopping.?


Valentino Rossi

10th / 1'42.174 / 58 laps

?We had some interesting stuff to try, some different exhausts for during the season and also we worked for next season. We had a different engine to try for 2015 and then after something to try for Bridgestone, a front tyre which was an important test. It was ok, I felt good with the bike and we found something new. Now we have to continue like this.?


Massimo Meregalli

Movistar Yamaha MotoGP Team Director

?Both Jorge and Vale have worked hard today on their fourth consecutive day of riding and it has been a successful first test of the week. The schedule went well and we were able to test and compare all the required materials for the day. The most important items were one exhaust and an engine spec for the 2015 M1. We will make a final comparison of the exhaust in Aragon on Wednesday to make a final decision. If the result is positive we will start to use the exhaust from Assen.?


Bradley Smith

2nd / 1'41.224 / 75 laps

"All in all today's test was really positive, as we achieved everything we set out to as well as clarifying a few mysterious problems from yesterday. I felt a lot more comfortable on the bike today plus I did 75 laps with my fastest time at the end which was even quicker than what I was able to achieve in the GP. In general we tested a lot of different things such as geometry settings, electronics, engine braking plus a new tyre from Bridgestone so it was a busy but productive schedule. Our main focus of the day was to improve braking stability and the engine-braking situation, we certainly achieved both of these factors. For me to be able to do a 41.2 lap time is really encouraging and I am definitely happy with the results. Now, I am looking forward to going to Assen to see how this new information we have gathered can be of benefit."


Pol Espargaro

4th / 1'41.640 / 60 laps

"I am very pleased with what we have accomplished today. At the first test in Jerez in May we made some really good improvements that have clearly helped me to understand my Yamaha in a better way and I am convinced that we can safely say the same here. After a tricky weekend the team and I tested a lot of different settings on the bike which will be very interesting for the future races plus the lap times and the rhythm were very positive. The Yamaha felt great and the team worked really hard as always so we have definitely made a step forward in the areas which we were working on and for sure we have improved the bike a lot when compared to yesterday. On a Monday, it's a bit late to say but the lack of experience in setting up the bike seems to be my biggest struggle at the moment and I am sure it is the reason for our performance this weekend. However, I now look forward to the next race at Assen as I am keen to see the value of the testing results."
 

KUCIAR666

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SUZUKI MOTOGP UPBEAT AFTER BARCELONA TEST



The Suzuki MotoGP Test Team has completed a busy and positive three-days of testing at the Barcelona-Catalunya Circuit in Spain today.

Test rider Randy De Puniet was joined by Takuya Tsuda for the official MotoGP test with the current series riders and teams; and then a private test today to evaluate several new revisions to the development 2015 Suzuki machine that included a new-specification engine, plus electronic ignition and chassis revisions.

With weather conditions fluctuating over the three-days, but averaging 25? Air/ 35? Track temperatures, De Puniet put-in his fastest lap on the opening day with a time of 1?43?683. Over the three days, he completed 200 laps of the 4.655 km, 16-corner circuit. Tsuda, who was supporting De Puniet and adding to the Suzuki MotoGP data-logging and evaluation of the new parts and settings at the event, completed a total of 103 laps.

Said De Puniet: ?It was not such an easy period as we had a lot of bad luck after Sepang with many rainy days at other tests. But it was important to be here with all the other MotoGP riders to see our potential; we still have to continue to work on the electronics-side to improve our performances.

?We tested many different things with electronic-maps, on engine-specifications and with the chassis also. I had a better feeling with some of the solutions and we found some good direction here. We still have many days of testing remaining this year and we have time to make further developments.?

Suzuki MotoGP Test Team Manager Davide Brivio said: ?In three days of testing you expect to do a lot, but at the end it is never enough, especially for us, who are at a development stage.

?Randy wanted to try everything together and see the real performance but we had no chance, although we went through many different things, finding very good information for our next steps forward. We also asked the additional support of Takuya Tsuda this time to run more testing on the electronics-side.

?Overall, our engineers were happy with the information we gathered, which indicates a good direction for our next electronics, chassis and engine developments. It was important to get this information now, as we now have time to work on it in time for the next tests. So we are looking forward to continuing our job."

Suzuki MotoGP Director and Project Leader Satoru Terada said: ?We had three-days with a hard job to do: We didn?t get the lap time we wanted but we tested many solutions with good information and feedback for our engineers. We had chassis and engine development-spec to test and now we are clearer how to work in the future.

?On the electronics-side, it was very important too and with this information we can go back to Japan to continue our development.?
 

KUCIAR666

Registered User
Yamaha and Valentino Rossi Set to Continue with Two-Year Contract Extension
Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd is delighted to announce that it has signed a new two-year agreement with Valentino Rossi. The nine-time world champion will continue to race with Movistar Yamaha MotoGP for the 2015 and 2016 MotoGP World Championship seasons.

The announcement comes midway through an excellent season for the MotoGP veteran. Rossi currently sits in second in the standings having taken four second place finishes and a total of five podiums from eight races so far this year.


Lin Jarvis - Managing Director, Yamaha Motor Racing

?I am very happy that we have concluded the agreement with Valentino for 2015 and 2016. Since his return to Yamaha in 2013 it?s been a very positive experience for everybody involved. After two difficult years ?away from home? Valentino returned last year, not only to us but also to his beloved YZR-M1. Fans of racing across the world were happy to see him rediscover his competitive performance and witness him take pleasure in riding and having fun again on two wheels. The ?fun factor? is crucial to Valentino to get results ? in fact when he first joined us in 2004 one of the most important motivations for his move to Yamaha was his desire to create an environment where he could enjoy racing. His enjoyment is obvious to all who meet him at the MotoGP events or who see him race on TV and is reflected in his excellent race results this year where he is currently in second position in the World Championship. We look forward to the next two and a half years together and it is our intention that Valentino will remain with Yamaha until the end of his sporting career and beyond.?


Valentino Rossi
?I am very happy to announce that I have signed a new contract with Yamaha to continue together in MotoGP for the next two years. I am very proud of this announcement. It?s very important to me because I really enjoy working with my crew and all the guys from the team, both the Japanese and European members that have been with me almost my entire career. It?s great because this was my target; I wanted to continue, I am feeling good and I?m motivated to keep giving my best. I am very happy that I can keep riding my YZR-M1, that has been my love for so many years and will still be my love this year and the following two seasons. A big 'Thank You' to everybody, I will try to keep giving the maximum to arrive in front and make good races. Enjoy!?
Valentino Rossi
 
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