boingparty.com

Can Lotus join the midfield and start bringing home points in 2011?

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/f1fanatic/~3/5oc7K5mKSWM/

Torsten Hallman Bob Hannah Donnie Hansen Torlief Hansen Marcus Hansson Doug Henry

McLaren covered the least distance in testing with their new car of all the teams, apart from HRT.

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

Ake Jonsson Julien Bill Pierre Karsmakers Vladimir Kavinov Mike Kiedrowski Darryll King

Pictures of the rain-hit final day of testing in Barcelona.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/f1fanatic/~3/P67l93ksU7k/

Aigar Leok Tanel Leok Billy Liles Ove Lundell Sten Lundin Jeremy Lusk

When Valentino Rossi speaks, the world listens. The popularity of the nine-time World Champion is such that fans (and consequently, the media) hang on his every word. Since Rossi switched from Yamaha to Ducati, the scrutiny has become even more intense, every word and action being analyzed a million times for extra levels of meaning.

So when Rossi spoke to Italian magazine MotoSprint (English highlights over on Autosport), there was plenty for the fans and media to get their teeth into. First subject was of course the Desmosedici GP11, and Rossi's struggle to master what is proving to be a highly wayward beast. The problem, Rossi explained, is getting the bike to turn. The Ducati does not want to turn in corners, and Rossi said he was having to slide the rear to get the bike to turn through corners. The team continues to work on setup changes to alter this behavior, and Rossi told Motosprint that he believes that part of the problem will be solved quickly through electronics changes.

read more

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MotoGPMatters/~3/M1ZBHbt5sKo/rossi_on_the_ducati_s_handling_his_fans_.html

Richard Eierstedt Jimmy Ellis Jeff Emig Harry Everts Stefan Everts Jaroslav Falta

Fernando Alonso names Red Bull as his main competitors in 2011.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/f1fanatic/~3/anbG_D1HHq4/

Rob Herring George Holland Jeremy van Horebeek Kent Howerton Neil Hudson Ryan Hughes

With the final MotoGP test at Qatar just a few days away, and in sight of the season opener a week later, Rizla Suzuki issued a press release previewing the work they have to do at the test. Here's the text of the press release:

Rizla Suzuki ready for the final test

read more

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MotoGPMatters/~3/0S2LmQnhIA4/rizla_suzuki_press_release_bautista_and_.html

Mike Alessi Thomas Allier HÃ¥kan Andersson Victor Arbekov Les Archer Nicolas Aubin

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

read more

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

Sylvain Geboers Broc Glover Rui Goncalves Josh Grant Billy Grossi Davide Guarneri

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

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

Ken Roczen Stephane Roncada Gerard Rond Jean Sebastien Roy Alex Salvini Donny Schmit

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

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

Mike Bell John van den Berk Marnicq Bervoets Fritz Betzlbacher Dave Bickers Anthony Boissiere

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

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

John Draper Doug Dubach Ryan Dungey Vic Eastwood Daryl Ecklund Erik Eggens

As predicted yesterday, the third and final instalment of interviews with the Repsol Honda riders was issued today by the Repsol Media Service. Today it is the turn of Dani Pedrosa, who had some interesting things to say about the state of his shoulder and what Honda is learning from Casey Stoner's experience on the Ducati. Here's the text of the press release:

"From what I have seen this preseason, this year will be very competitive"

read more

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MotoGPMatters/~3/YR6j6-Vzgt8/repsol_press_release_dani_pedrosa_on_qat.html

Josh Coppins Cody Copper Gordon Crockard Craig Dack Roger De Coster Ken De Dycker

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

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

Mike Brown Rick Burgett Jimmy Button Michael Byrne Antonio Cairoli Trey Canard

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

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

Paul Malin Jacky Martens Christophe Martin Mickael Maschio Connor McGechan Jeremy McGrath

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

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

Gaylon Mosier Marvin Musquin Brian Myerscough Maximilian Nagl Kurt Nicoll Bill Nilsson

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

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

Goat Breker Sven Breugelmans Larry Brooks Mike Brown Rick Burgett Jimmy Button

As the countdown to the start of the 2011 MotoGP season continues, the spotlight is intensifying on Valentino Rossi. The pressure created by the magical combination of two Italian legends, Rossi and Ducati, has got marketing and media machines going into overdrive. It has become quite frankly impossible not to write about it.

Rossi himself is managing the situation with great attention to detail. Firstly, with carefully selected media appearances, and secondly, with a carefully constructed media messages. So it came to pass that Rossi turned up on Italian TV, on a talk show called Chiambretti Night, in which he got the chance to talk about his shoulder, his rivals and the Ducati.

read more

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MotoGPMatters/~3/6qzmvS0dI8Q/the_saga_of_rossi_s_shoulder_and_words_f.html

Pierre Renet Marc de Reuver Michele Rinaldi Joël Robert Ken Roczen Stephane Roncada

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

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

Ricky Carmichael Danny Chandler Eric Cheney Alessio Chiodi Jaromir Cizek Guy Cooper

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

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

Donny Schmit Fritz Schneider Darrell Schultz Tommy Searle Gary Semics Andrew Short

More Moto2 press releases: Andrea Iannone presents the Speed Master team in Milan, and FTR talks about its program and riders for 2011. Here are the press releases:

SPEED MASTER TEAM PRESENTATION, MILAN: "BORN TO WIN"

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Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MotoGPMatters/~3/N0Bs-wcsN2U/moto2_press_releases_iannone_presents_te.html

Torlief Hansen Marcus Hansson Doug Henry Broc Hepler Rob Herring George Holland

Michael Schumacher would not be drawn on his car’s performance after leading Friday’s test.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/f1fanatic/~3/RUOmQb-s7iU/

Fritz Schneider Darrell Schultz Tommy Searle Gary Semics Andrew Short Shaun Simpson

About 99.9% of the time, motorcycle racing is treated with deadly earnest, but from time to time, something comes along to remind us that in the grand scale of things, it rates pretty low down, only marginally above the question of the height of Paris Hilton's heels, to pick a celebrity with at least some connection to racing. This was brought home all too sharply by the news that Japan was hit by a massive earthquake in the early hours of Friday morning, wreaking havoc and destruction. The huge shock – magnitude 8.9, the largest ever recorded in Japan – also created a huge tsunami, inundating the coast of Honshu, Japan's main island.

The scale of the disaster was merciless, touching every corner of Japanese life. Industry and business came to a halt, all transport was stopped dead in its tracks, gas and electricity supplies are badly hit, and patchy in places. The disaster even touched Japan's motorcycle industry, with one worker dead and thirty injured at Honda's R&D plant in the Togichi Prefecture. The effects of the quake could affect production, and supplies of some selected Honda motorcycles are expected to be limited, according to the respected motorcycle news site Asphalt & Rubber.

read more

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MotoGPMatters/~3/eattGdJexV0/earthquake_threatens_japanese_motogp_rou.html

Goat Breker Sven Breugelmans Larry Brooks Mike Brown Rick Burgett Jimmy Button

Lotus has confirmed Luiz Razia and Davide Valsecchi will be the team’s test drivers in 2011.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/f1fanatic/~3/o9FeE5k_2nc/

Goat Breker Sven Breugelmans Larry Brooks Mike Brown Rick Burgett Jimmy Button

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

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

Stephane Roncada Gerard Rond Jean Sebastien Roy Alex Salvini Donny Schmit Fritz Schneider

We just showed you the first video that Motus has shot while down at Daytona launching the company’s new sport-tourer to the Bike Week crowd. We’re clearly not on our A-game today (I’m suffering from a nasty head cold, and have to fly in 24 hours to Qatar for the MotoGP test), but luckily our readers are, as one commenter has spotted the fact that Motus switches bikes mid-way through the Daytona video. Sans fairings, …

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AsphaltandRubber/~3/Tp03qSPTB2g/

Peter Johansson Rick Johnson Gary Jones Mark Jones Ake Jonsson Julien Bill

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

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

Jeff Leisk Victor Leloup Aigar Leok Tanel Leok Billy Liles Ove Lundell

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

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

Ashley Fiolek Ernesto Fonseca Lauris Freibergs Paul Friedrichs Steven Frossard Eric Geboers

This quote comes from the Spanish language website elmundodeportivo.es. The message and the sentiment are clear: “You aren’t worth what I get paid Jorge”.
From elmundodeportive.es, translation by Fans.Moto.GP (Thanks!):
What Jorge is looking for seems presumptuous to me: Arrive at Yamaha, and in his second year ask that he be given the same treatment as me. [...]

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/motogpblog/postfeed/~3/39bD3COH8Vo/1151

Dave Bickers Anthony Boissiere Frederic Bolley Xavier Boog Damon Bradshaw Goat Breker

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

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

Gert van Doorn John Dowd John Draper Doug Dubach Ryan Dungey Vic Eastwood

This quote comes from the Spanish language website elmundodeportivo.es. The message and the sentiment are clear: “You aren’t worth what I get paid Jorge”.
From elmundodeportive.es, translation by Fans.Moto.GP (Thanks!):
What Jorge is looking for seems presumptuous to me: Arrive at Yamaha, and in his second year ask that he be given the same treatment as me. [...]

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/motogpblog/postfeed/~3/39bD3COH8Vo/1151

Alessandro Puzar Gaston Rahier Steve Ramon Tyla Rattray Chad Reed Warren Reid

Felipe Massa says he’s happy with the new Pirelli tyres and tips Red Bull to be fastest.

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

Christophe Martin Mickael Maschio Connor McGechan Jeremy McGrath Andrew McFarlane Brett Metcalfe

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

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

Torlief Hansen Marcus Hansson Doug Henry Broc Hepler Rob Herring George Holland

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

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

Joël Smets Jeff Smith Marty Smith Steve Stackable Jeff Stanton Rex Staten

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

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

Håkan Carlquist Ricky Carmichael Danny Chandler Eric Cheney Alessio Chiodi Jaromir Cizek

The Moto2 and 125cc riders got a break on Saturday, the weather gods deciding to, if not exactly smile, then at least hold off on the punishment for the second day of the IRTA test at Jerez. The paddock awoke to clear skies, but the cool temperatures and strong wind was hardly conducive to posting fast times, the track still damp and treacherous in patches until well into the afternoon.

The state of the track was illustrated best by the times posted by the 125cc riders. Nico Terol on the startlingly lime green Bankia Aspar continues to dominate the 125 class, though his times are still 1.5 seconds off lap record pace. The opposition is starting to close in, however. Racing Team Germany's Sandro Cortese got within a tenth of a second of last year's runner up, and even led during part of the session, something which has not happened very often so far during pre-season testing. Meanwhile, Maverick Vinales – probably one of the best names for a motorcycle racer for a long time – once again put in an impressive day's testing, keeping hot on the heels of Terol and raising hopes among the Spanish media. The only concern about the Spanish and European 125 champion is how he will fare once the paddock leaves Spain and heads abroad. He has a lot of learning to do.

read more

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MotoGPMatters/~3/hphn6Pa0Rtg/2011_moto2_and_125_jerez_test_day_2_roun.html

Steve Ramon Tyla Rattray Chad Reed Warren Reid Pierre Renet Marc de Reuver

Rubens Barrichello says the Drag Reduction System could lead to more crashes.

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

Jamie Dobb Gert van Doorn John Dowd John Draper Doug Dubach Ryan Dungey

Finalized results of the last day of testing for the Moto2 class at Jerez:

read more

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MotoGPMatters/~3/n4h_pbrcux8/2011_moto2_jerez_irta_test_day_3_results.html

Greg Albertyn Jeff Alessi Mike Alessi Thomas Allier HÃ¥kan Andersson Victor Arbekov

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

read more

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

Damon Bradshaw Goat Breker Sven Breugelmans Larry Brooks Mike Brown Rick Burgett

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

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

Daryl Ecklund Erik Eggens Richard Eierstedt Jimmy Ellis Jeff Emig Harry Everts

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

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

Brett Metcalfe Heikki Mikkola Auguste Mingels Marty Moates Guennady Moisseev Bobby Moore

Pedro de la Rosa has returned to McLaren as a test driver.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/f1fanatic/~3/BMFByK1e8Dw/

Torsten Hallman Bob Hannah Donnie Hansen Torlief Hansen Marcus Hansson Doug Henry

The busy folks at the Repsol Media Service issued another pre-season press release today, this time another interview with Repsol Honda new boy Casey Stoner. Here's what Stoner had to say:

"It will be interesting to see who goes for victory in the first race"

read more

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MotoGPMatters/~3/D8WUv9QJrTM/repsol_press_release_casey_stoner_on_sep.html

Alessandro Puzar Gaston Rahier Steve Ramon Tyla Rattray Chad Reed Warren Reid

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

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

Trampas Parker Travis Pastrana Gautier Paulin David Philippaerts Mickael Pichon Jim Pomeroy

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

read more

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

Erik Eggens Richard Eierstedt Jimmy Ellis Jeff Emig Harry Everts Stefan Everts

Results of both sessions of testing for the 125cc class at Jerez:

read more

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MotoGPMatters/~3/Dezts_Xigv4/2011_125_jerez_irta_test_day_2_results_t.html

Graham Noyce Carl Nunn Johnny O Mara Zach Osborne Trampas Parker Travis Pastrana

There aren’t a lot of arguments for keeping New Jersey as a state in our more perfect union, and perhaps the only compelling reason for some citizens is to keep the Garden State around so New Yorkers will have somewhere to dump their trash and third-tier reality shows. However one of the shining beacons of hope if you’ve gotten lost on the Pennsylvania Turnpike (and I mean horribly, horribly, horribly lost) is the New Jersey …

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AsphaltandRubber/~3/BH3KhPvxXio/

Josh Grant Billy Grossi Davide Guarneri Thomas Hahn Torsten Hallman Bob Hannah

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

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

Danny LaPorte Mike LaRocco Jason Lawrence Ron Lechien Jeff Leisk Victor Leloup

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

"We have many chances to fight for the championship"

read more

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

Larry Brooks Mike Brown Rick Burgett Jimmy Button Michael Byrne Antonio Cairoli

There aren’t a lot of arguments for keeping New Jersey as a state in our more perfect union, and perhaps the only compelling reason for some citizens is to keep the Garden State around so New Yorkers will have somewhere to dump their trash and third-tier reality shows. However one of the shining beacons of hope if you’ve gotten lost on the Pennsylvania Turnpike (and I mean horribly, horribly, horribly lost) is the New Jersey …

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AsphaltandRubber/~3/BH3KhPvxXio/

Tanel Leok Billy Liles Ove Lundell Sten Lundin Jeremy Lusk Billy MacKenzie

You can file this one under “news we broke a month ago,” but Zero Motorcycles has finally officially announced the departure of company founder Neal Saiki, despite sending an email to its employees last week that Saiki had not been sacked from his position. According to Zero Motorcycles, Saiki is leaving his position to enter into the Igor I. Sikorski Human Powered Helicopter Competition, which Saiki first competed in while attending Cal Poly as aeronautical engineering student …

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AsphaltandRubber/~3/SyBYj9RyC5w/

Victor Leloup Aigar Leok Tanel Leok Billy Liles Ove Lundell Sten Lundin

Results of both sessions of testing for the 125cc class at Jerez:

read more

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MotoGPMatters/~3/Dezts_Xigv4/2011_125_jerez_irta_test_day_2_results_t.html

Steven Frossard Eric Geboers Sylvain Geboers Broc Glover Rui Goncalves Josh Grant

Finalized results of the last day of testing for the 125cc class at Jerez:

read more

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MotoGPMatters/~3/WYWBKyCIQuI/2011_125_jerez_irta_test_day_2_results_f.html

Jean Michel Bayle Pit Beirer Christian Beggi Mike Bell John van den Berk Marnicq Bervoets

Finalized results of the last day of testing for the 125cc class at Jerez:

read more

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MotoGPMatters/~3/WYWBKyCIQuI/2011_125_jerez_irta_test_day_2_results_f.html

Goat Breker Sven Breugelmans Larry Brooks Mike Brown Rick Burgett Jimmy Button

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

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

Gaston Rahier Steve Ramon Tyla Rattray Chad Reed Warren Reid Pierre Renet

The Williams FW33 has been seen on-track in its definitive 2011 livery for the first time.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/f1fanatic/~3/c_tX1O3YFYg/

Connor McGechan Jeremy McGrath Andrew McFarlane Brett Metcalfe Heikki Mikkola Auguste Mingels

If you had told me a few years ago that Ducati would build a cruiser-segment motorcycle, I probably would have called you a couple cylinders short of a v-twin. Up until recently, mentioning the thought of the Bologna brand chasing after Harley-Davidson riders would have invited fisticuffs in most Italian motorcycle cafés. And even despite the launch of the Ducati Diavel, you can start a heated debate among loyal Ducatisti by bringing up Italy’s latest …

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AsphaltandRubber/~3/6Tlzy_-sl2w/

Rick Burgett Jimmy Button Michael Byrne Antonio Cairoli Trey Canard HÃ¥kan Carlquist

Development tyres for Friday practice plus the FIA will look into improving circuits.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/f1fanatic/~3/AwpOaU9xrI4/

Trey Canard Håkan Carlquist Ricky Carmichael Danny Chandler Eric Cheney Alessio Chiodi

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

read more

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

Ken De Dycker Yves Demaria Gilbert De Roover Clement Desalle John DeSoto Tony DiStefano

Jenson Button does not expect McLaren to be able to compete with Red Bull and Ferrari in Melbourne.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/f1fanatic/~3/jnT0r-rnH9w/

David Bailey John Banks Mark Barnett Jonathan Barragan Andrea Bartolini Willy Bauer

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

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/f1fanatic/~3/viwopPf4Hak/

Trampas Parker Travis Pastrana Gautier Paulin David Philippaerts Mickael Pichon Jim Pomeroy

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

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

Harry Everts Stefan Everts Jaroslav Falta Claudio Federici Tim Ferry Ashley Fiolek

Follow the first of five days of testing at the Circuit de Catalunya live on F1 Fanatic.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/f1fanatic/~3/ch1joYSoO6k/

Trampas Parker Travis Pastrana Gautier Paulin David Philippaerts Mickael Pichon Jim Pomeroy

You can file this one under “news we broke a month ago,” but Zero Motorcycles has finally officially announced the departure of company founder Neal Saiki, despite sending an email to its employees last week that Saiki had not been sacked from his position. According to Zero Motorcycles, Saiki is leaving his position to enter into the Igor I. Sikorski Human Powered Helicopter Competition, which Saiki first competed in while attending Cal Poly as aeronautical engineering student …

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AsphaltandRubber/~3/SyBYj9RyC5w/

Paul Malin Jacky Martens Christophe Martin Mickael Maschio Connor McGechan Jeremy McGrath

That the Motorland Aragon circuit would be such a huge hit with both the fans and riders of MotoGP was barely a surprise. The track is spectacular, interesting and cleverly designed to allow decent racing. Its only downside is its location: Though located close to some of the more spectacular parts of Spain, accommodation in and around the town of Alcaniz, where the track is located, is limited, making finding lodgings a tricky affair. Despite such complications, over 70,000 spectators turned up for the inaugural Aragon round of MotoGP, and the race was awarded the prize for the best Grand Prix from IRTA, the teams assocation.

An attendance of 70,000 is even more remarkable given the dire state of the Spanish economy (with unemployment running at around the 20% mark), and the fact that the Aragon race was one of four hosted in Spain, and one of five run on the Iberian peninsula. Whatever money Spaniards still have in their pocket, they remain happy to spend it on attending motorcycle racing.

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Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MotoGPMatters/~3/lwWUp_snVKs/aragon_gets_motogp_for_6_more_years_but_.html

Jeff Alessi Mike Alessi Thomas Allier HÃ¥kan Andersson Victor Arbekov Les Archer

Follow the first of five days of testing at the Circuit de Catalunya live on F1 Fanatic.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/f1fanatic/~3/ch1joYSoO6k/

Mike LaRocco Jason Lawrence Ron Lechien Jeff Leisk Victor Leloup Aigar Leok

Ferrari have adopted an exhaust and diffuser solution similar to Red Bull’s.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/f1fanatic/~3/s–qGT2zUOE/

Georges Jobe Gunnar Johansson Peter Johansson Rick Johnson Gary Jones Mark Jones

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

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

Richard Eierstedt Jimmy Ellis Jeff Emig Harry Everts Stefan Everts Jaroslav Falta

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

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

John Draper Doug Dubach Ryan Dungey Vic Eastwood Daryl Ecklund Erik Eggens

Lewis Hamilton says driving on slower tyres is “just not exciting.”

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/f1fanatic/~3/-oM6qji11b4/

Andrea Bartolini Willy Bauer Jean Michel Bayle Pit Beirer Christian Beggi Mike Bell

Things will be a little slow on Asphalt & Rubber today, as we?re in Los Angeles testing the new Ducati Diavel. We’ll be spending most of the day figuring out how to turn with a 240mm rear tire, and getting rocketed by the Diavel’s 162hp reported power figure. You can follow our thoughts on the bike via Twitter, and our last five tweets will automatically post here on this post. While we ride The Devil, the press …

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AsphaltandRubber/~3/hVsAFtJ1dsE/

Sten Lundin Jeremy Lusk Billy MacKenzie Corrado Maddii Andre Malherbe Paul Malin

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

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

Rob Herring George Holland Jeremy van Horebeek Kent Howerton Neil Hudson Ryan Hughes

The Fiat Yamaha team have been surrounded by hype this past few weeks. Not, as an outsider might expect, caused by a battle to re-sign the reigning champion: Rossi’s contract ends at the end of the 2010 championship, and he looks settled, happy, and at one with the bike he helped shape and tune into [...]

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/motogpblog/postfeed/~3/PNl7Srzdr9I/1189

Thomas Allier HÃ¥kan Andersson Victor Arbekov Les Archer Nicolas Aubin Rene Baeten

The Fiat Yamaha team have been surrounded by hype this past few weeks. Not, as an outsider might expect, caused by a battle to re-sign the reigning champion: Rossi’s contract ends at the end of the 2010 championship, and he looks settled, happy, and at one with the bike he helped shape and tune into [...]

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/motogpblog/postfeed/~3/PNl7Srzdr9I/1189

Johnny O Mara Zach Osborne Trampas Parker Travis Pastrana Gautier Paulin David Philippaerts

The Moto2 and 125cc riders got a break on Saturday, the weather gods deciding to, if not exactly smile, then at least hold off on the punishment for the second day of the IRTA test at Jerez. The paddock awoke to clear skies, but the cool temperatures and strong wind was hardly conducive to posting fast times, the track still damp and treacherous in patches until well into the afternoon.

The state of the track was illustrated best by the times posted by the 125cc riders. Nico Terol on the startlingly lime green Bankia Aspar continues to dominate the 125 class, though his times are still 1.5 seconds off lap record pace. The opposition is starting to close in, however. Racing Team Germany's Sandro Cortese got within a tenth of a second of last year's runner up, and even led during part of the session, something which has not happened very often so far during pre-season testing. Meanwhile, Maverick Vinales – probably one of the best names for a motorcycle racer for a long time – once again put in an impressive day's testing, keeping hot on the heels of Terol and raising hopes among the Spanish media. The only concern about the Spanish and European 125 champion is how he will fare once the paddock leaves Spain and heads abroad. He has a lot of learning to do.

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Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MotoGPMatters/~3/hphn6Pa0Rtg/2011_moto2_and_125_jerez_test_day_2_roun.html

Jeff Stanton Rex Staten James Stewart Jr Brian Stonebridge David Strijbos Kevin Strijbos

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

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

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

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

Dave Bickers Anthony Boissiere Frederic Bolley Xavier Boog Damon Bradshaw Goat Breker

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

A minor crash disrupts Marc Márquez plans in Jerez

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

Jean Michel Bayle Pit Beirer Christian Beggi Mike Bell John van den Berk Marnicq Bervoets

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

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

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

Chad Reed Warren Reid Pierre Renet Marc de Reuver Michele Rinaldi Joël Robert

Finalized results of the last day of testing for the Moto2 class at Jerez:

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Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MotoGPMatters/~3/n4h_pbrcux8/2011_moto2_jerez_irta_test_day_3_results.html

John Banks Mark Barnett Jonathan Barragan Andrea Bartolini Willy Bauer Jean Michel Bayle

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

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

Marty Moates Guennady Moisseev Bobby Moore Blair Morgan Gaylon Mosier Marvin Musquin

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

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

Ken Roczen Stephane Roncada Gerard Rond Jean Sebastien Roy Alex Salvini Donny Schmit

www.youtube.com/watch?v=WL3MVDLK0u8 Source: Aprilia

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AsphaltandRubber/~3/JQBA1zfSvas/

Julien Bill Pierre Karsmakers Vladimir Kavinov Mike Kiedrowski Darryll King Shayne King