Saturday, February 28, 2009

Melandri yet to decide on Kawasaki deal

Melandri yet to decide on Kawasaki deal

Marco Melandri says his MotoGP future is still up in the air, despite the announcement from Kawasaki that they will run a one-bike team in 2009.

The Japanese squad, who had announced their withdrawal from the sport at the start of the year, said on Thursday that Melandri would be riding their bike after partially reversing their decision.

The Italian rider signed with Kawasaki last year after leaving the Ducati team, and he was expected to be partnering John Hopkins before the manufacturer confirmed its exit.

Despite Thursday's announcement, Melandri said he was yet to hear from the team and he admitted he wants to test this year's bike before he commits to racing with it.

"I got calls from many people, but I haven't received any official confirmation," Melandri was quoted as saying by Gazzetta dello Sport. "It's incredible that I should come to know these things from journalists.

"My situation is up in the air: I need to close the old contract and do a new one for this different solution. I know there's not much money, and that's no big issue for me.

"But the discussion was very clear: since they didn't give me guarantees on the 2009 bike, I want to try it myself, from Sunday onwards in Qatar, and then decide.

"That's because I don't feel like starting the season with a bike that is three seconds slower than the others, and that doesn't even get developed during the season.

"I don't know whether the bikes are in Qatar, but I guess they are. But the team is formed: the mechanics are the same I had in the first tests, and they will be headed by telemetry man Andrea Dosoli."



  • Kawasaki commit to 2009 with Melandri
  • With ALDS set, Rays ready for White Sox
  • Dorna confirms Bulgarian MotoGP race

    MotoGP boss Carmelo Ezpeleta said he was confident that the Bulgarian Grand Prix will be an excellent addition to the calendar, having officially announced the deal to bring top level motorcycle racing to the Balkin state from 2012.

    Ezpeleta, the CEO of MotoGP commercial rights-holder Dorna Sports, signed the Bulgarian GP deal with Bulgarian Motorcycle Federation president Bogdan Nikolov in a press conference in Sofia, before discussing the project with prime minister Sergei Stanishev.

    Bulgaria will initially host MotoGP for five years from 2012, although a circuit has yet to be constructed.

    "This is the first step in bringing MotoGP to Bulgaria, which is an exciting project for us," said Ezpeleta at the press conference.

    "The Bulgarian government demonstrated great interest in bringing a grand prix here and it will be an important development for us, having never staged a race here before.

    "We are highly confident in Bulgaria's ability to host and organise grands prix efficiently and safely."

    The Bulgaria deal continues MotoGP's expansion into different parts of Europe. The championship will make its debut in Hungary later this year at the new Balaton circuit.



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  • Bulgaria set to host MotoGP from 2012
  • Bulgaria set to host MotoGP from 2012

    The Bulgarian Motorcycling Federation says it has reached an agreement to bring MotoGP to the nation from the 2012 season.

    BMF head Bodgan Nikolov said a five-year deal had been secured with MotoGP rights-holder Dorna.

    "We signed the agreement with Carmelo Ezpeleta and we're very pleased because no country from our region has hosted a motorcycle grand prix," Nikolov told Reuters.

    "It's still not clear which track will host the races as we're still thinking over two options."

    The news agency reports that a new circuit set to be constructed near the northern town of Dolna Mitropoliya is the most likely location for the event.



  • Rollins brings devotion to grand stage
  • Dorna confirms Bulgarian MotoGP race
  • Thursday, February 26, 2009

    British Eurosport to retain MotoGP

    British Eurosport to retain MotoGP

    British Eurosport will continue to broadcast MotoGP coverage in 2009 alongside the BBC, the sport's rights-holder Dorna has announced.

    It had been thought that Eurosport's long relationship with MotoGP would end this season as Dorna pushed to ensure that live race coverage was on free to air television whenever possible.

    This saw the BBC awarded exclusive UK broadcast rights for the MotoGP races, but British Eurosport has now completed a deal to show all Friday and Saturday practice sessions, and the 125cc and 250cc races, live plus slightly delayed coverage of all the MotoGP races. These will be broadcast just after the BBC's live race coverage has finished.

    Autosport.com's MotoGP correspondent Toby Moody will remain part of the British Eurosport commentary team.

    The BBC has also announced full details of its plans for MotoGP coverage in 2009. It will continue to show all 18 MotoGP races live on its television channels, while the qualifying sessions for all three world championship classes, and the 125cc and 250cc races, will be shown via its Red Button digital service.

    Its MotoGP Extra analysis programme will also run on the Red Button channels immediately after the live coverage of each MotoGP race.

    "We are delighted to be offering more than ever of the world's leading motorcycle series," said Philip Bernie, the BBC's head of TV Sport Editorial.

    "Our coverage of MotoGP, the 250s and 125s means that BBC viewers will be able to get the most comprehensive view of this spectacular sport. Combined with our new F1 contract, this means the BBC is now showcasing fully the best motor sport on both two wheels and four wheels."

    The BBC and British Eurosport will both make their MotoGP coverage available on their respective iPlayer and Eurosport Player online catch-up systems.



  • MLB Network signs Vasgersian
  • MotoGP to make radical cost cuts
  • Honda remains committed to MotoGP
  • Practice reduced as MotoGP cuts costs
  • Kawasaki commit to 2009 with Melandri

    Kawasaki commit to 2009 with Melandri

    Kawasaki have announced that they will remain in MotoGP with a single bike for Marco Melandri.

    The Japanese manufacturer had previously declared that it would end its MotoGP programme due to the global economic crisis, but has now partially reversed its decision.

    "Kawasaki announces that after constructive talks between Kawasaki, Dorna and other involved parties, a new one-rider team will participate in the 2009 MotoGP Championship season," said a Kawasaki statement.

    "This decision was made after negotiations that followed Kawasaki's January 2009 announcement to suspend its factory supported MotoGP activities due to the economic crisis.

    "The team will be equipped with Kawasaki motorcycles and supporting materials. That Kawasaki has come to this new team approach is the result of on the one hand the need for a strong reduction of MotoGP racing investments and on the other hand the necessity to come to constructive solutions for all related parties."

    MotoGP organiser Dorna had been determined to find a way of keeping a Kawasaki presence in the championship, and had looked into placing the ex-factory bikes with a private team. Leading 250cc squad Aspar were initially tipped for the project, as was a new team to be formed from the former works Kawasaki squad.

    Dorna boss Carmelo Ezpeleta had also hinted that he would take legal action if Kawasaki did not remain in the sport, as all the MotoGP manufacturers had signed up to an agreement to race in the championship through 2011.

    The 2009 Kawasaki has already run in Australia with test rider Olivier Jacque.

    John Hopkins had been set to stay on for a second season with Kawasaki alongside Melandri, but the announcement of a one-bike team leaves the American's future unclear.



  • With ALDS set, Rays ready for White Sox
  • Aspar in talks to run Kawasakis
  • Melandri hopes Kawasaki will join test
  • Saturday, February 21, 2009

    Gibernau forced to miss Qatar test

    Gibernau forced to miss Qatar test

    Sete Gibernau has had to withdraw from the forthcoming Qatar MotoGP test after aggravating an old shoulder injury.

    A statement from Gibernau's Guinea Ecuatorial team said that the Spaniard had torn a ligament in his left shoulder during the last test at Sepang earlier this month.

    Having been advised to rest by his doctors, Gibernau will sit out the three-day night session at the Losail circuit, but is confident of being fit for the final pre-season at Jerez last in March.

    The 35-year-old has returned to MotoGP with the new satellite Ducati squad this year after two seasons on the sidelines. Gibernau broke into the top ten on the first day of the Sepang test, but admitted that he still needed more time to reacclimatise to the team and bike.

    The Qatar test commences next Sunday.



  • Gibernau ‘not back to win races’
  • Best-of-seven series a better test
  • Gibernau says he’s still acclimatising
  • Gibernau admits a lot of work needed
  • Homers send Phils to Game 1 victory
  • Wednesday, February 18, 2009

    Silverstone reveals new MotoGP layout

    Silverstone reveals new MotoGP layout

    Silverstone has unveiled plans for a new track layout ready for the arrival of the British MotoGP round from 2010.

    The circuit - which is losing the Formula One British Grand Prix to Donington Park from next year - announced last month that it had won the right to host motorcycle racing's premier championship instead, taking the MotoGP event from Donington.

    As part of a £5 million revamp package, the Silverstone MotoGP track will leave the F1 layout at the Abbey chicane and travel up the International circuit towards Becketts, where it will join the National circuit via a tight left-hander to be known as the Arrowhead. New spectator areas will also be constructed around the section, which will be clearly visible from the Becketts grandstands.

    There will also be changes to other spectator banks and grandstands to bring them closer to the circuit, while the chicane at Woodcote normally used by motorcycle events will be removed as part of alterations to the run-off at this point.

    New pieces of track are also being created at Chapel and Club for MotoGP use.

    The circuit's managing director Richard Phillips believes the changes will address any concerns that MotoGP had about the move to Silverstone.

    "The new Arrowhead on the inside of Becketts will be a major new feature of the circuit," he said. "The fast approach and sharp left should provide plenty of opportunities to overtake, making it a real focal point for spectators.

    Silverstone reveals new MotoGP layout

    "The views will be fantastic, especially from the new spectator banking areas and grandstands we will be building around the Arrowhead.

    "The viewing experience for fans is hugely important and we now have an opportunity to make sure it is absolutely right, all around the circuit. The new layout will also enable fans to circulate around the venue more easily, to watch all the action from different vantage points.

    "We are making a significant investment but it is absolutely worth it. Early feedback from both riders and drivers has been very positive. The chicane at Woodcote is going and changes to other sections of the circuit should result in increased overtaking opportunities."

    The current F1 GP track will not be affected by the changes, so will remain available for other events.



  • Zambrano Game 2’s central figure
  • British round to move to Silverstone
  • MotoGP confirms Silverstone deal
  • Tech 3 not worried about rider rivalry

    Tech 3 not worried about rider rivalry

    Tech 3 team boss Herve Poncharal says he is not concerned about the deteriorating relationship between his riders Colin Edwards and James Toseland, and believes the situation will spur them both on.

    Edwards recently revealed that he was no longer speaking to Toseland after feeling he had been treated unfairly when the Briton instigated a crew chief switch during the winter.

    Toseland's bike will now be run by Edwards's former crew chief Garry Reynders, with Guy Coulon moving in the opposite direction. Edwards declared himself delighted with Coulon after their first tests together, but remained displeased with Toseland over the incident.

    However Poncharal thinks the growing rivalry between his riders will actually boost the team as both push to beat each other.

    "I can't say too much about what Colin has said because those are his own views, but you always know that the first person a rider wants to beat is his own teammate," Poncharal told the official MotoGP website.

    "James improved a lot last year, we think he has shown last year that he could be a podium contender in his second year with Tech 3, so they will try to beat each other and this is fun.

    "If it gives extra motivation to James' department and to Colin's department I am absolutely happy.

    "We will never see two riders going on holiday together because this is an individual sport. They respect each other still, okay they don't talk anymore, but who cares?

    "I wanted to give both of them the best support I could and that is what I have done."

    Poncharal believes the change in crew chiefs has actually worked out well for both parties.

    "I understood James' point of view because Garry lives in England close to James, and he speaks better English than Guy," he said.

    "James and Garry spent a lot of time together last year travelling to and from England and James likes to talk to his crew chief in between races.

    "Colin was not so happy because he thought he could have been more involved in the decision making process, but he accepted it.

    "Since then Colin has had a dream start, as he had a great time in testing both in Jerez in November and then in Sepang with the new bike. He is very, very happy now."



  • Edwards relaxed about MotoGP future
  • Shields takes pride in long outings
  • Tech 3 say riders must earn new deals
  • MLB Network signs Vasgersian
  • Red Sox force decisive Game 7
  • Practice reduced as MotoGP cuts costs

    Practice reduced as MotoGP cuts costs

    Practice time has been slashed and some electronic devices limited from the 2009 MotoGP season after the Grand Prix Commission ratified cost-cutting proposals today.

    Friday practice has been cancelled altogether for all three grand prix classes, and the remaining two MotoGP practice sessions plus qualifying have been shortened from one hour to 45 minutes.

    Two technical changes have also been made, with electronic and hydraulic launch control systems and electronic suspension systems all banned with immediate effect, and restrictions on engine use implemented for the latter part of the season.

    For the eight rounds commencing with the Czech Grand Prix at Brno in August, each rider will be allowed to use no more than five engines in total.

    The plans were submitted to motorcycle racing's governing body, the FIM, after being suggested by the MotoGP manufacturers during meetings in recent months.

    Many in the sport have called for more radical cost-cutting measures to be taken from 2010, following the lead set by Formula One.

    MotoGP costs have been in the spotlight since Kawasaki announced it was pulling its works team out of the championship. Efforts to keep the team in MotoGP as a private entry - and therefore maintain a 19-bike field - are ongoing.



  • Lincecum nabs MLB 2K9 cover
  • Dorna, FIM urged to cut MotoGP costs
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  • Burrell tweaks back during practice
  • MotoGP to make radical cost cuts
  • Suzuki: MotoGP needs major changes
  • Monday, February 16, 2009

    Melandri hopes Kawasaki will join test

    Melandri hopes Kawasaki will join test

    Marco Melandri says he remains committed to the Kawasaki Racing team's efforts to run the ex-factory bikes in MotoGP this season, and is optimistic that they can join the next official test in Qatar.

    MotoGP organiser Dorna is working to ensure that Kawasaki retain a presence in the sport despite the manufacturer pulling the plug on its works programme. The 2009 bike has already tested in Australia with Olivier Jacque, and Melandri remains optimistic that the team can stay together as privateers.

    "Testing-wise, we are on equal footing with the others: Jacque tested in Australia, while the others did in Malaysia," Melandri told Gazzetta dello Sport.

    "At the moment I'm working with Dorna and Michael Bartholemy, the former team manager, to realise the project of a private entry.

    "We are late in re-organising the team: the technicians had already been left to go. On top of that, we need an agreement with Kawasaki for servicing the engines, a minimum of development, and the building of spare parts: at the moment there are only the 2009 bikes from the test in Australia.

    "The idea is to be on track here (Losail) on March 1st with the others. We're going for that. I count on being able to be ready for the tests."

    Melandri said he had no qualms about racing for a non-factory team, and just wanted to restore his reputation after a miserable 2008 alongside Casey Stoner at Ducati.

    "I've accepted to race with a team that from being a works Kawasaki outfit becomes a satellite entry because I see a good atmosphere," he said.

    "Bartholemy wants to do things right and the team will have highly-motivated technicians.

    "I'll start the season with the will to make up for a very bad one. I know I won't be fighting to win the title or the Grands Prix, however I crave having fun on the bike. It will be difficult, not impossible.

    "I didn't mind the character of Kawasaki's 2008 bike, while I don't know the 2009 one. But even if it's not competitive, if the team has faith in me that I'm ready to give my best."

    He expects to be the private Kawasaki team's only rider, as he claimed that potential teammate John Hopkins had chosen not to be involved.

    "Hopkins has given up: in his opinion money is more important, while now we have to race for nothing," said Melandri. "I'm ready to invest in myself. I'll be alone."

    Melandri made a sensational switch to car racing in the Speedcar Series at Losail last weekend, coming close to a victory in race two before suffering a late mechanical failure. He said he was interested in staying in Speedcar, but would not prioritise it over his MotoGP chances.

    "I hope I can be a full time MotoGP rider," said the Italian. "However I'd like to do some more Speedcar races to see whether I can improve."



  • Melandri ready to take year out
  • With ALDS set, Rays ready for White Sox
  • West critical of Kawasaki
  • Sunday, February 15, 2009

    Edwards relaxed about MotoGP future

    Edwards relaxed about MotoGP future

    Colin Edwards says he is not worrying about his long-term future in MotoGP and will just make the most of what he thinks will be a very competitive Tech 3 Yamaha in 2009.

    Tech 3 boss Herve Poncharal admitted last month that Yamaha had intended 2008 to be Edwards's last season with the company, but he earned a one-year extension to his deal with the satellite squad after a series of strong performances.

    Now the second-oldest rider in the field after Loris Capirossi, 35-year-old Edwards said he was not going to let speculation about his future affect him.

    "It's kind of like last year," he said in an interview with the Indianapolis Grand Prix website. "I'm just happy to ride. I'm not really worried about what the future will hold. I'm just happy to be on a motorcycle and riding, and being competitive. That's the main thing.

    "As long as you keep that attitude and keep the fire, it's all good. But if you lose that fire or you're just going around doing nothing, it's time to go home."

    Edwards was fourth quickest in testing at Sepang last week, completing relatively little mileage because he was so content with the new Yamaha's performance on the control Bridgestone tyres. He reckons he has not felt so confident in a bike's immediate performance since he won the 2002 Superbike World Championship for Honda.

    "Everything just seems to be pretty balanced," Edwards said. "They did their homework and understood how to make it better and get the most out of it. I had a bit of a wheelie problem last year, and they've cured that. Had a bit of a flat spot in the engine that we had last year. Cured that. It seems like a really good package.

    "The whole first day we went out - I think we did 40 laps or something - I never even touched it. I never changed a click, never changed a spring.

    "2002, my last year in World Superbike, we had a bike like this. We pulled it out, and I think all year we barely (changed anything)."

    The American added that he was also extremely happy with the outcome of Tech 3's winter crew chief swap, which saw Guy Coulon move from James Toseland's bike to Edwards's, and Gary Reynders move in the opposite direction.

    But while Edwards is delighted with Coulon, he said the change had seen a breakdown in his relationship with Toseland.

    "He's not on the Christmas card list whatsoever," said Edwards of Toseland. "It's funny. We don't talk anymore after this little incident.

    "They decided for my crew chief to go to James, and James decided that my crew chief was better than his.

    "His crew chief last year, I'm with now, and he's frickin' awesome. I'm a lot happier with my crew chief. It's just so relaxed. I don't have to stroke (my crew chief's) ego like I did last year. Everybody's just so relaxed, just happy to be riding motorcycles."



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  • Accident hampers Toseland at Sepang
  • Thursday, February 12, 2009

    Stoner: Next test crucial for wrist

    Stoner: Next test crucial for wrist

    Casey Stoner says he will be extremely concerned about his 2009 MotoGP season if he continues to struggle with wrist pain in the Qatar test next month.

    The former world champion was frustrated by the amount of discomfort in his wrist when he returned to action at Sepang last week, having expected surgery last November to solve the recurrent injury that had plagued the end of his 2008 campaign.

    He hopes that his condition will improve before testing resumes at Losail on 1 March, but admitted that it would be an ominous sign if he continued to struggle in Qatar.

    "Three months have gone by and my wrist has little mobility and hurts badly," Stoner told Motosprint. "I don't like the way this story is going at all.

    "I'll try not to think about it until the test in Qatar, then we'll see. If the situation in Qatar hasn't improved radically, then it means there will be plenty to worry about.

    "I just think that three months have gone by and in my opinion the situation isn't good at all. I say that I shouldn't be in this situation, because the bone has healed, yet it hurts me badly. That's what I can't explain.

    "It's been really disappointing finding out that after three months the wrist is a lot worse than I expected. I already had a wrist operation before, and after two weeks I was already okay."

    Despite the wrist problem, Stoner managed to be quickest on two of the three test days in Malaysia. He said he had surprised himself with his pace, although he had to limit himself to short runs.

    "I try to adapt, to change the way I sit on the bike: I make some movements to make up for the fact that the wrist barely moves and most of all it hurts me a lot under braking," said Stoner.

    "It feels almost unreal to me that I manage to be so quick. The situation is worse than I expected. I say it's not normal. I didn't expect to feel great, but not this bad either."



  • Rough start sinks Moyer, Phils in LA
  • Best-of-seven series a better test
  • Test result ‘a dream’ for injured Stoner
  • Stoner still struggling with wrist pain
  • Stoner, Rossi hope to be fit for long runs
  • Tuesday, February 10, 2009

    De Puniet struggling to get up to speed

    Randy de Puniet admitted he was having difficulty adjusting to the 2009 Bridgestone tyres and LCR's latest Honda after struggling throughout the first test of the season in Malaysia.

    The French rider was never higher than 13th during this week's Sepang test, and was between two and three seconds off the pace on all three days.

    De Puniet has a reputation as a one-lap specialist and achieved some excellent qualifying results on Michelins last year, but was frustrated to be so far from the front-runners at Sepang.

    "We improved the lap time but it's not enough for me: last year I was fourth here in the same test session," said de Puniet.

    "This morning we took a step forward and I knew I could improve more in the afternoon but we suffered some brake problems and we skipped the session for more than one hour.

    "Today I feel more positive than yesterday but I need more time to adjust the bike."

    De Puniet had said on Friday that he could not ride with confidence at present.

    "We tried many things to adjust the setting but I still struggle in corner entries," he said.

    "I cannot face the curves as I normally do. If I push a bit more I can easily crash and this is very frustrating."



  • Alvarez showcases talent for Bucs
  • Stoner fastest on day two at Sepang
  • De Puniet aims to stay in top eight
  • De Puniet not happy with sixth
  • Accident hampers Toseland at Sepang

    James Toseland said he struggled to concentrate on the final two days of Sepang testing after taking a blow to the head when he had a high-speed accident on Thursday.

    The Tech 3 Yamaha rider did not suffer any broken bones in the crash, but the bruising, soreness and after-effects of the impact on his head left him off the pace for the rest of the test.

    "We were ten laps in and we just went to the harder tyre and unfortunately I didn't put enough temperature in the left-hand side and it high-sided me," Toseland told the official MotoGP website.

    "Unfortunately it was at 200km/h and I went pretty far. I'm badly bruised on my arm and legs, but luckily I didn't break anything. I gave my head a bit of a smash as well so I can't really concentrate fully this weekend, unfortunately. I'm still out there riding, but it's been a tough test."

    Toseland said he had tried to carry on acclimatising to the new Yamaha despite his injuries.

    "I've been doing the same times all three days after the crash, just trying to understand the new bike, new chassis and engine," he said.

    "There's nothing much I can do until I get my concentration back and full fitness. It's a really physical circuit around here so I've just been doing as many laps as I can."

    While Toseland's test was ruined by the accident, his teammate Colin Edwards had a more productive week, ending up fourth-fastest on Saturday and then parking his bike after just 22 laps.

    He felt he had already got to grips with the latest Yamaha and refined the set-up, and that with no tyre testing now necessary there was no need to continue running.

    "The new bike is fantastic, really happy with it," Edwards told motogp.com. "It's strange - we've come here for three days and we really don't have a whole lot of work to do.

    "There's no point going out there and doing lap after lap after lap for nothing. We haven't done that many laps, but we've done quality laps.

    "It's a different way of testing, for sure, now that we only have one tyre, but I'm happy with it."



  • Best-of-seven series a better test
  • Zambrano Game 2’s central figure
  • Pedrosa pulls out of test with knee pain
  • Test result 'a dream' for injured Stoner

    Test result a dream for injured Stoner

    Casey Stoner said his fastest time in the Sepang test was a 'dream' result considering how much he had been hampered by pain from recent wrist surgery.

    The Ducati rider was quickest on two of the three days of the first MotoGP test of 2009, despite having to limit his mileage due to the discomfort in his wrist, which underwent surgery in November following the recurring injury that blighted the end of his 2008 season.

    "Considering that I have recently had an operation and my wrist has still not full recovered, to be the fastest rider here is a dream to be honest," said Stoner.

    He is optimistic that he will be in better shape when testing resumes in Qatar at the start of March.

    "Now I have to work hard on improving my physical condition and recovering the level of movement I need to ride the bike properly without pain," Stoner said.

    "Now I know that I can step up training on my arm and hopefully the situation will have improved for the Qatar test."

    The former world champion was delighted with the performance of the latest Ducati in Malaysia.

    "The more I ride the GP9 the more we understand how to improve the set-up of the new chassis and we made a big step forward with improving grip and feel with the new bike," Stoner said.

    "The GP9 is a good bike and in every test we've done with it we've come out on top. That doesn't mean to say that we can afford to relax, though, and we'll keep our heads down and keep working."



  • Stoner to start training in two weeks
  • Best-of-seven series a better test
  • Agent: Junior open to Seattle reunion
  • Monday, February 9, 2009

    Stoner still fastest as Sepang test ends

    Stoner still fastest as Sepang test ends

    Casey Stoner remained on top as the first MotoGP test of 2009 concluded at Sepang.

    The former world champion has struggled with pain from his injured wrist all week, and had to limit his running again today.

    But that didn't stop Stoner setting the pace with a lap of 2:01.043 on his Ducati.

    As had been the case for the previous two days, Valentino Rossi (Yamaha) and Loris Capirossi (Suzuki) were Stoner's main rivals, taking second and third places - just 0.094 and 0.219 seconds off the pace respectively.

    Tech 3 Yamaha's Colin Edwards continued his encouraging debut on Bridgestone rubber by breaking into the top four, ahead of Gresini Honda's Toni Elias, who has been a top six factor throughout the test.

    Chris Vermeulen took sixth on the second Suzuki, with Jorge Lorenzo improving his form on the second factory Yamaha after a difficult start to 2009 and taking seventh.

    With Dani Pedrosa returning home to rest his painful knee, having aggravated a 2008 injury, eighth-placed Andrea Dovizioso was the only works Honda rider present.

    After struggling earlier in the test, Pramac Ducati's rookie Finn Mika Kallio made major gains to take ninth position, ahead of factory rider Nicky Hayden, who crashed at Turn 2.

    James Toseland was again the slowest of the regular riders, the Tech 3 Yamaha rider having been hampered by severe bruising since a heavy accident on the first day of the test.

    Pos Rider Bike Time Laps 1. Casey Stoner Ducati 2:01.043 38 2. Valentino Rossi Yamaha 2:01.137 + 0.094 43 3. Loris Capirossi Suzuki 2:01.262 + 0.219 60 4. Colin Edwards Yamaha 2:01.413 + 0.370 22 5. Toni Elias Honda 2:01.560 + 0.517 43 6. Chris Vermeulen Suzuki 2:01.666 + 0.623 48 7. Jorge Lorenzo Yamaha 2:01.907 + 0.864 61 8. Andrea Dovizioso Honda 2:01.955 + 0.912 54 9. Mika Kallio Ducati 2:02.386 + 1.343 61 10. Nicky Hayden Ducati 2:02.497 + 1.454 62 11. Alex De Angelis Honda 2:02.523 + 1.480 32 12. Sete Gibernau Ducati 2:02.727 + 1.684 42 13. Randy De Puniet Honda 2:03.418 + 2.375 50 14. Yuki Takahashi Honda 2:03.474 + 2.431 58 15. Niccolo Canepa Ducati 2:03.901 + 2.858 41 16. James Toseland Yamaha 2:03.953 + 2.910 36 17. Norihiko Fujiwara Yamaha 2:04.328 + 3.285 38 18. Wataru Yoshikawa Yamaha 2:04.614 + 3.571 33

  • Capirossi tops first day of Sepang test
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  • Stoner fastest on day two at Sepang
  • Best-of-seven series a better test
  • Gibernau says he's still acclimatising

    Sete Gibernau admitted he was still getting up to speed on his return to MotoGP after a low-key test performance at Sepang.

    Following two years on the sidelines, the former title contender is making a MotoGP comeback with a satellite Ducati team set to run under the Guinea Ecuatorial banner.

    Gibernau was just over 1.5 seconds off the pace throughout this week's test in Malaysia, although he did break into the top ten on the first day. He said that after his long lay-off he was still adjusting to being back on MotoGP machinery, and conceded that he also needed to work on his feedback.

    "I think I need to work on myself and trying to ride a little bit more relaxed on the bike," Gibernau told the official MotoGP website.

    "And trying to bring back the feeling of being able to anticipate what the bike is going to do, and also being able to translate that to the team so they can work a little bit easier and find the direction that we need on the bike.

    "And to get to know the team as well, so that they understand what I need to go fast. I need to be more precise to tell them what I need, so they can fix it on the bike."

    But despite his difficulties, the 36-year-old was generally pleased with his progress at the test.

    "I think we had three good days," Gibernau said.

    "We went in many different directions to try to understand the bike a bit. I think sometimes we went in wrong directions, but it's good to understand what the bike does. I'm satisfied. I think the team did a great job. I think we're in a good direction now."



  • Gibernau admits a lot of work needed
  • Hayden delighted after maiden Ducati test
  • Best-of-seven series a better test
  • Culture shock just what Rays needed
  • Five-run second propels Dodgers
  • Unhappy Hayden sure he will improve

    Unhappy Hayden sure he will improve

    Nicky Hayden has admitted that he was frustrated with his times at the Sepang test, but remains optimistic that he can get to grips with the Ducati GP9.

    The American was around the foot of the top ten throughout this week's test, while his teammate Casey Stoner was fastest of all despite struggling with a wrist injury.

    Stoner's previous teammates Loris Capirossi and Marco Melandri both had extreme difficulty adapting their riding style to the Ducati, and though Hayden appears to be in a similar position at present, the former champion is determined to get to the bottom of his problems.

    "Obviously I'm not happy with my lap times, I was expecting more from myself, but I have to stay positive," said Hayden.

    "I've improved my lap times every day and we have gathered a lot of data to work from in the next test.

    "The fact Casey is already so fast means that the bike has the potential - it can only be a good thing that he is going so quick. The team is working hard and they are just as determined as I am to get the results, so that's a good thing.

    "I wasn't too bad in the first two sectors but I was losing too much in T3 and T4, where the problem I'm having with the bike being unstable and unpredictable on the exit was the worst."

    He also had an accident on Saturday, but said this was caused by a problem with the track surface rather than his issues with the bike.

    "I had a little crash in Turn 2, where to be honest they've done a bad job of resurfacing the track and it has caught a few riders out this week," said Hayden. "Luckily I wasn't hurt."



  • Evans busts out for Indios
  • Best-of-seven series a better test
  • Stats-crunching finds a new hero
  • Ducati impressed with Hayden
  • Hayden delighted after maiden Ducati test
  • Capirossi thrilled with Suzuki effort

    Loris Capirossi says he is delighted with the developments Suzuki have made over the winter, and has no concerns about the company's future in the sport.

    After Kawasaki pulled out of MotoGP, there were suggestions that Suzuki might follow suit - or at least have to significantly trim their budget.

    But having gone quickest in testing at Sepang on Thursday and then taken second place behind Casey Stoner's Ducati today, Capirossi said that as far as he was concerned, Suzuki were still putting maximum effort and resources into their MotoGP team.

    "I don't know about the crisis," he told Gazzetta dello Sport. "All I know is that after the tests in Australia in November I made plenty of requests to Suzuki, and they granted practically all of them.

    "They've listened to me and have realised what I was asking for. The bike is now small the way I like it."

    The Italian added he still had some concerns about the latest Suzuki engine, but was confident that the team could close the power gap.

    "It's certainly better than the old one as far as power curve and smoothness are concerned, but we lack top speed," said Capirossi.

    "We still need to improve compared to the best, but we are on the right path. I'm certainly not pulling back."



  • Capirossi’s manager says Suzuki will stay
  • Burns to take ‘Baseball’ to extra innings
  • Phillies match pitching with power
  • Gresini fired up after strong test

    The Gresini Honda team are expecting to be extremely competitive this season after Toni Elias put them in the top six throughout this week's Sepang test.

    After a difficult year at Pramac Ducati, Elias has returned to Gresini for 2009 - and he out-paced the works Hondas for two of the three days of testing in Malaysia.

    "I'm very happy as we improved day by day," said the 25-year-old Spaniard. "We started the work on a completely new machine and the feeling was good since the very first day.

    "We still have to do lot of runs on the track but the direction we are working in is good. There's a nice atmosphere in the garage, it's really a great team."

    Team boss Fausto Gresini hopes that this week's results mark the start of a resurgence for his squad, who are Honda's leading satellite team and have factory-specification bikes.

    Gresini were regular winners and title contenders earlier in the decade but didn't reach the podium with 2008 riders Shinya Nakano and Alex de Angelis. Their last win came with Elias at Estoril in 2006.

    "I'm definitively happy," Gresini said. "It has been a very positive test, thanks to the hard work of the team and the good material prepared by HRC.

    "I couldn't wait to see the new RC212V on track and at the end I was very excited to see that day by day our lap time was faster and faster and the gap to the first riders always smaller.

    "Both the riders and the team are very motivated and after this test we are even more optimistic for this MotoGP season."

    De Angelis, who has stayed on for a second season, was unable to match Elias's performance in Malaysia, but did improve to 11th - 0.7 seconds behind his teammate - by the final day.

    "Today we made a further step forward and I'm very glad about this," said de Angelis. "Today's pace was significantly faster with a better feeling with the machine.

    "I'm very motivated. There's still a lot of work to reduce the gap to the first riders but I can't wait to be in Qatar for the next test."



  • With ALDS set, Rays ready for White Sox
  • Elias glad to be back ‘home’ with Gresini
  • Rossi ends Jerez test on top
  • Rossi thrilled with test performance

    Rossi thrilled with test performance

    Valentino Rossi said he was delighted with Yamaha's performance at the first MotoGP test of 2009, and is confident that his injuries will be fully-healed when he returns to action in the Qatar test next month.

    The reigning champion's participation in this week's Sepang test was in doubt after he sustained cuts to his hand and foot after falling onto a glass table at home in Italy. Pain from the wounds prevented him from completing any long runs in Malaysia, but he was in the top three throughout the test even while limiting his mileage.

    "I am leaving this place feeling happy, because we've made a good start," said Rossi.

    "Everything went well: my pain is less, the bike is good and I am feeling better and better. We finished everything we wanted to do on the bike and the setting and the rhythm is quite good. The lap time is fast so we have made a good start.

    "We didn't do the long run, but actually we didn't need to. Without my injury maybe it would have been possible, but in this situation we decided to leave it.

    "My injuries are getting better each day because they're only cuts and they're healing fast. I don't think that they made much difference to my speed here and by the Qatar test I will be back in perfect shape."

    His teammate Jorge Lorenzo was also upbeat today, having improved to seventh place after struggling to get to grips with the new control Bridgestone tyres and the latest Yamaha on Thursday and Friday.

    "I am very happy because today I've seen how fast I can ride with the Bridgestone tyres," said Lorenzo.

    "Today has definitely been the best day for me at this opening test of the year. Also, we have been able to do a long run in hot conditions with 32 degrees, and I was able to finish 22 laps without stopping.

    "I was tired when I finished but it was incredible; the rhythm was good and my best lap was right at the end, when I did a 2:01.9. This means that I have improved over a second since yesterday and we have made a big step forward."

    Team boss Davide Brivio expects Yamaha to make a much stronger start to the 2009 season as their 2008 preparations were slightly disrupted by Rossi's winter switch to Bridgestone tyres.

    "This bike was created to run with Bridgestone tyres, after the experience Valentino had with Bridgestone last year, so it should be better than the 2008 bike," said Brivio.

    "At the Qatar GP last year we had the most problems of the season, so I am looking forward to going there for the next test and seeing how much we have improved in the last year. It will be very interesting to see what level we have achieved."



  • Zambrano Game 2’s central figure
  • Lorenzo admits he’s struggling to adapt
  • Burns to take ‘Baseball’ to extra innings
  • Best-of-seven series a better test
  • Saturday, February 7, 2009

    Pedrosa pulls out of test with knee pain

    Pedrosa pulls out of test with knee pain

    Dani Pedrosa has withdrawn from the Sepang test a day early due to pain from a knee injury.

    The Honda rider underwent surgery in December, having hurt his left knee in a crash at Phillip Island last autumn, and was struggling to complete long runs during this week's test.

    With the team planning to focus on race simulations during the final day of testing on Saturday, Pedrosa decided it made sense for him to head back to Spain.

    "Tomorrow a race simulation was scheduled but at the end we decided to end the test session because today I could only do five, six laps in a row and tomorrow I won't be able to cover the race distance," he said.

    "Last December, in fact, I underwent an intervention to the left knee for the consequences suffered when I slid off in Phillip Island during the last race in October. I only need some rest."

    Despite his knee problem, Pedrosa was pleased with the work Honda had managed during the first two days of testing. His new teammate Andrea Dovizioso will stay on for Saturday.

    "Today I was much more comfortable on the bike, I could be faster from the first laps and we could work on the bike testing all the items we had to test for this session," said Pedrosa.

    "In fact I know this bike, which is an evolution of last year's bike, and this gives me an advantage compared to last year, when the bike was completely new for me. We have pointed out the aspects we want to improve for Qatar."

    All of the 2009 season's title favourites have been hampered by physical problems during the Sepang test, with Pedrosa's main rivals Casey Stoner and Valentino Rossi struggling with residual pain from winter wrist surgery and cuts sustained in a domestic accident respectively.



  • Rays closing in on playoff roster
  • Pedrosa apologises for crash
  • Agent: Junior open to Seattle reunion
  • Rossi happy after ‘tough’ race
  • Best-of-seven series a better test
  • Lorenzo admits he's struggling to adapt

    Lorenzo admits hes struggling to adapt

    Jorge Lorenzo admitted he was struggling to get up to speed with the latest Yamaha after again trailing teammate Valentino Rossi in Sepang testing.

    The Spaniard has been 10th-fastest on both days of the test so far - two seconds slower than Rossi on Thursday and 1.5 adrift today.

    He blamed his lack of day one pace on poor physical condition after the winter break, but today Lorenzo acknowledged that he hadn't got to grips with the 2009 Yamaha and the now mandatory Bridgestone tyres.

    "Today was still quite difficult, although I am improving slowly," he said.

    "On this second day we have worked on our braking, because we have seen that Valentino is braking sooner than me and so I need to adapt. I need to use the hours we have and the available tyres in the best way possible, but that's the same for everybody.

    "My main problems at the moment are the braking and the corner speed. Right now I don't feel at one with the bike and this means I don't have the confidence to ride fast."

    Lorenzo thinks part of the problem is that he spent last season on Michelins, but he noted that Tech 3 Yamaha rider Colin Edwards - who is also acclimatising to Bridgestones - has outpaced him too.

    "I know I can be faster than this because my bike isn't much different to Valentino's and he is quicker than me," said Lorenzo.

    "Of course he was using Bridgestones last year as well and I am new to them, but Colin is also fast so this shows how competitive the bike is.

    "Today we didn't find the solution, but we still have tomorrow left. The aim will be for me to try to adapt, and not to change too many things on the bike. If I can improve a bit, then maybe we will try a long run."

    Lorenzo's team manager Daniele Romagnoli believes the best solution is for the Spaniard to keep trying to adapt to the bike rather than altering the set-up.

    "We have tried some different settings without finding the solution to our problems, so for tomorrow we will keep the best Yamaha base setting and give Jorge some more time to adapt to the bike and tyres," he said.



  • Magnificent 7: Rays amaze, top Sox
  • Lorenzo disappointed after early exit
  • Lorenzo admits he expected pole
  • Lorenzo unhappy to miss podium
  • Phillies move within one win of NLCS
  • ‘Frank TV,’ take two
  • Hayden making progress on Ducati

    Hayden making progress on Ducati

    Nicky Hayden is confident that he can get up to speed on the Ducati, despite finishing the second day of testing at Sepang more than 1.5 seconds slower than teammate Casey Stoner.

    The American improved his time by one second from yesterday's running at Sepang and says he is learning how to get the best out of the Desmosedici GP9.

    "We made a big improvement immediately this morning on used tyres and I was able knock a second off my best time from yesterday," said Hayden. "We struggled a bit in the afternoon though, and didn't manage to improve any further. I can't push it on the harder compound tyre because it makes the rear move around so much more and the bike becomes unstable.

    "At the end of the session we made a little change that improved the situation and I was able to get back onto my better lap times. The Bridgestones are really consistent and that makes our job a lot easier. Today I did 35 laps on the same front tyre without any problems.

    "We know and I know that there is a lot of work to be done. Everything is still very new to me - the engine characteristics, the chassis and the tyres, as well as the way the team work together. Obviously it's not easy to put all that together straight away. We're working hard though and the improvements will come."

    The test concludes with a third day of running tomorrow.



  • Stoner fastest on day two at Sepang
  • Culture shock just what Rays needed
  • MLB Network signs Vasgersian
  • Hayden delighted after maiden Ducati test
  • Stoner, Rossi hope to be fit for long runs

    Stoner, Rossi hope to be fit for long runs

    Injured riders Casey Stoner and Valentino Rossi both hope they will manage to do their first long runs of winter testing at Sepang tomorrow, having admitted that discomfort has limited their mileage so far this week.

    Stoner had hoped to be completely fit in time for this test, having undergone surgery on a recurring wrist injury in November last year. But he was disappointed to find that his wrist remained very painful when he returned to action for Ducati yesterday.

    Rossi required stitches to his left hand and foot after he fell onto a glass table while attempting to close a curtain at his house in Italy earlier this week.

    Despite struggling with his physical situation, Stoner was still fastest today - but remained frustrated that he could only manage a handful of consecutive laps before his wrist became too painful to continue.

    "The wrist is giving me a lot of problems and I can't manage more than two or three laps at a time, so it's difficult to work on set-up because I'm having to break off too often," he said.

    "We've still managed to do some work on improving the feeling on the GP9, with some changes to the rear set-up that have improved the bike in the area we were suffering the most. Now it is much easier to ride.

    "I still can't ride how I want though and we really need to string a run of consistent laps together, although I know that if I can get a little closer to 100 per cent fitness that problem will be resolved.

    "Hopefully the wrist will feel a bit better tomorrow so that I can try and do a longer run and confirm the positive feedback we've had from the bike today."

    Rossi was more confident about his condition, but he also said that he had to curtail his running due to discomfort today.

    "This afternoon the stitches hurt me a bit, but my pace was still very good so I am happy," said the Yamaha rider, who was third fastest.

    "Today I did not do the long run; I will do it tomorrow if my physical condition allows it.

    "I may have to do it in two parts, so that it won't put too much stress on my stitches."



  • Sox revitalized, stay alive at home
  • Rossi injured in home incident
  • Rossi not hampered by injury
  • Evans busts out for Indios
  • Agent: Junior open to Seattle reunion
  • Stoner fastest on day two at Sepang

    Stoner fastest on day two at Sepang

    Casey Stoner topped day two of the Sepang test, despite limiting his running after struggling with pain in his wrist yesterday.

    The 2007 champion completed only 29 laps, mostly in short runs, but still managed to set a 2:01.483 lap on his Ducati, faster than Dani Pedrosa's 2008 pole time.

    But Thursday pace-setter Loris Capirossi was just 0.072 seconds slower than Stoner as the new Suzuki continued to show good form.

    Valentino Rossi (Yamaha) was third, losing out to Capirossi late in the session, ahead of Honda's Dani Pedrosa and Capirossi's Suzuki teammate Chris Vermeulen.

    After taking fifth place yesterday, Toni Elias maintained his impressive pace on his return to Gresini Honda and completed the top six.

    Colin Edwards (Tech 3 Yamaha), Andrea Dovizioso (Honda), Nicky Hayden (Ducati) and Jorge Lorenzo (Yamaha) filled the rest of the top ten places.

    Friday's testing times:

    Pos Rider Bike Time Laps 1. Casey Stoner Ducati 2:01.483 29 2. Loris Capirossi Suzuki 2:01.555 + 0.072 45 3. Valentino Rossi Yamaha 2:01.626 + 0.143 40 4. Dani Pedrosa Honda 2:01.860 + 0.377 51 5. Chris Vermeulen Suzuki 2:02.086 + 0.603 52 6. Toni Elias Honda 2:02.232 + 0.749 51 7. Colin Edwards Yamaha 2:02.241 + 0.758 37 8. Andrea Dovizioso Honda 2:02.434 + 0.951 44 9. Nicky Hayden Ducati 2:03.034 + 1.551 58 10. Jorge Lorenzo Yamaha 2:03.056 + 1.573 51 11. Sete Gibernau Ducati 2:03.308 + 1.825 40 12. Alex De Angelis Honda 2:03.518 + 2.035 40 13. Mika Kallio Ducati 2:03.774 + 2.291 55 14. Niccolo Canepa Ducati 2:04.021 + 2.538 45 15. Norihiko Fujiwara Yamaha 2:04.312 + 2.829 36 16. Yuki Takahashi Honda 2:04.332 + 2.849 65 17. Randy De Puniet Honda 2:04.507 + 3.024 48 18. Wataru Yoshikawa Yamaha 2:04.536 + 3.053 50 19. James Toseland Yamaha 2:04.597 + 3.114 36

  • Capirossi tops first day of Sepang test
  • MLB Network partners with Verizon
  • Burns to take ‘Baseball’ to extra innings
  • NLCS has all the makings of a classic
  • Pramac play down poor times

    The Pramac Ducati team say they are not concerned by their rookie riders' slow times on the first day of 2009 testing at Sepang.

    250cc graduate Mika Kallio was only 13th for Pramac in Malaysia today, while his teammate Niccolo Canepa - a former factory team test rider and Superstock champion - was slowest of all, 3.4 seconds off the pace.

    But Pramac's technical director Fabiano Sterlacchini insisted they were making good progress.

    "We couldn't expect great lap times from the first day of work," he said. "For us the most important thing is that our riders will learn quickly the best way to work so that we will be able to constantly improve their bikes.

    "Mika really has a great sensibility with the bike and each time he comes back in the garage he make us clearly understand how to modify and improve our performances.

    "In the other side of the garage we have met more difficulties, but this doesn't worry us. We can't forget that Niccolo hasn't been racing for more than a year and this is an important fact. He will have to get used to referring to other riders' lap times and not only to personal sensations like last year during Bridgestone testing.

    "Anyway in today's last few laps he has improved and this give us good hopes for the upcoming two days. We have noticed that we lose too much time in the two final straights where Niccolo is more than 15km/h slower than Mika and we have to understand what slows us down so much."

    Canepa hopes that he can cure his lack of straightline speed by adjusting his position on the Ducati.

    "For sure I cannot be satisfied," he said. "Looking at the lap times and at the data, we have noticed that for half of the circuit I maintain my teammate's rhythm, which is good, while I lose too much time in the two final straights and the last turns.

    "I probably have to improve the way I sit on the bike because my top speed is 16km/h slower than Mika's. This makes a big difference."



  • Stoner quickest in Valencia test
  • MLB Network signs Vasgersian
  • Alvarez showcases talent for Bucs
  • FIM confirms 19-rider MotoGP field
  • One for all, all for one: Phils get it done
  • Hayden tops shortened Valencia test
  • Thursday, February 5, 2009

    Rossi not hampered by injury

    Rossi not hampered by injury

    Valentino Rossi said he was comfortable riding his Yamaha in testing at Sepang today despite having recently injured his left hand and foot.

    The reigning MotoGP champion needed stitches after falling onto a glass table when he tripped while closing a curtain at his home earlier this week.

    He had been unsure if the injury would hamper him during testing, but completed 31 laps and was third-quickest at the Malaysian Grand Prix venue today before deciding to rest.

    "I am very happy because I was able to ride the bike today, despite the stitches in my hand and foot, and I was fast," Rossi said.

    "I am not 100 per cent because of the pain, but I have no problem to ride.

    "I stopped quite early this afternoon because I wanted to keep myself in good shape for tomorrow and the day after. After some laps my finger was hurting and it was also beginning to swell up."

    His teammate Jorge Lorenzo was also struggling with fitness at Sepang - although in the Spaniard's case he was simply rusty after the winter break.

    "Today has been a difficult first day back at work," said Lorenzo, who was only 10th on the timesheets.

    "My body is a little rusty after so much time off. In this condition it's quite difficult to be fast.

    "I stopped quite early because I had already done a lot of laps and was very tired. Tonight I'm going to have a massage and try and get as much sleep as possible, and hopefully I will feel stronger tomorrow."

    Despite their physical problems, both riders were upbeat about the 2009 Yamaha.

    "I am happy because the bike seems to be better, especially the engine," said Lorenzo. "In Japan they have been able to improve the acceleration and with the new chassis as well the bike isn't moving so much on the exit of the corners."

    Rossi shared Lorenzo's enthusiasm, but added that Yamaha still had to work on adapting the bike to the new mandatory Bridgestone tyres.

    "I am also pleased because the engine is better and I feel very comfortable with the new chassis," he said.

    "The bike needs to be gentler with the tyres now; normally I prefer harder tyres but from now on we're going to need to be 'sweeter' with them. For sure it will be good for the show, because everyone will be starting from the same level with tyres."



  • Lorenzo impressed with Michelin wets
  • Homers hurt Dodgers in Game 1
  • Rays closing in on playoff roster
  • Chance to advance spoiled for Rays
  • Rossi injured in home incident
  • Stoner still struggling with wrist pain

    Stoner still struggling with wrist pain

    Casey Stoner was frustrated by the amount of pain in his wrist as he made his first testing appearance since recent surgery at Sepang today.

    The recurrent wrist problem hampered Stoner for much of the second half of 2008, but he waited until the off-season for the necessary operation and hoped he would be fully fit by the time preparations for 2009 began.

    However while Stoner was second-fastest in Malaysia today, he was still in discomfort from the operation.

    "This morning was really difficult, I really didn't feel comfortable on the bike," said Stoner.

    "My wrist is still in a lot of pain and I honestly hoped it would be in better shape than this after three months since the operation.

    "Even though the lap times were good from the start the wrist was still giving me a lot of problems - it is weak and painful under braking, especially in the first left-hand turn.

    "I can't do more than four or five laps at a time and there's nothing I can do about that at the moment, other than hope that it improves over time. Sepang is a physically demanding circuit and probably not the best place to be riding for the first time after three months out.

    "I preferred not to ride too much and tire myself out and hopefully it will already be a bit better tomorrow. Freddy, our physiotherapist, has a bit of work to do tonight."

    Stoner was more positive about the 2009 Ducati, which features a radical carbon fibre frame.

    "The chassis is completely different and we'll have to work on improving the set-up but we have a good starting point and we can use the GP8 as a reference," he said.

    "The power delivery has improved and now we have more torque, which helps on the exit of the slower corners."

    Ducati's second rider Nicky Hayden continued to struggle to get up to speed on the bike, and was only 11th quickest - two seconds adrift of Stoner. But he said the team were getting closer to a solution to his problems.

    "We started out with the same set-up as Jerez, because after two months without riding it was better to go with something we knew," Hayden said.

    "We haven't made massive changes over the course of the day, mainly because before we do that I need to pick up my own pace. The bike feels good on the brakes and it is stable and precise in the fast corners.

    "I'm struggling a bit on corner exit though because it still tends to pump quite a lot and I'm not used to that yet. We're working to reduce it and we've got a couple of ideas that we'll check out over the next two days."



  • Rossi not hampered by injury
  • Red Sox force decisive Game 7
  • Stoner to start training in two weeks
  • Stoner could limit practice mileage
  • Capirossi tops first day of Sepang test

    Loris Capirossi was a surprise pace-setter for Suzuki as testing got underway for the 2009 MotoGP season at Sepang.

    The veteran Italian lapped in 2:01.869 on the updated 2009 Suzuki to beat Casey Stoner by 0.169 seconds.

    Ducati rider Stoner was quickly up to speed in his first appearance since his winter wrist injury, while Valentino Rossi also showed few ill-effects from his domestic incident as he went third-fastest for Yamaha.

    The reigning champion was reportedly having some difficulty walking due to the lacerations he received when he fell through a glass table earlier this week, and also had a minor accident during the morning, but still lapped within half a second of Capirossi.

    Chris Vermeulen was fourth on the second Suzuki, ahead of Gresini Honda returnee Toni Elias and new factory Honda rider Andrea Dovizioso.

    Colin Edwards took seventh as he got to grips with Tech 3's upgraded Yamaha, but his teammate James Toseland crashed and was 14th.

    Dani Pedrosa was eighth on the second Repsol Honda, Sete Gibernau ninth for Onde Ducati and Yamaha's Jorge Lorenzo 10th.

    Nicky Hayden was only 11th quickest on the second works Ducati, two seconds slower than teammate Stoner.

    Leading testing times from Sepang:

    Pos Rider Bike Time Laps 1. Loris Capirossi Suzuki 2:01.869 37 2. Casey Stoner Ducati 2:02.038 + 0.169 34 3. Valentino Rossi Yamaha 2:02.324 + 0.455 31 4. Chris Vermeulen Suzuki 2:02.803 + 0.934 55 5. Toni Elias Honda 2:02.886 + 1.017 52 6. Andrea Dovizioso Honda 2:03.088 + 1.219 50 7. Colin Edwards Yamaha 2:03.254 + 1.385 34 8. Dani Pedrosa Honda 2:03.312 + 1.443 44 9. Sete Gibernau Ducati 2:03.750 + 1.881 54 10. Jorge Lorenzo Yamaha 2:03.894 + 2.025 61

  • MotoGP: Rossi blistering in opening practice
  • West surprises in final free practice
  • Burns to take ‘Baseball’ to extra innings
  • Rossi injured in home incident

    Valentino Rossi had to receive stitches in his left hand and left foot after a domestic incident in his house in Italy.

    The Yamaha team said Rossi was closing the curtains in his house when he tripped and fell onto a glass table, cutting the ring finger of his left hand and the sole of his left foot.

    He went to the hospital and received a few stitches.

    The team said the injuries were not serious but admitted it was not yet clear whether or not they will make him uncomfortable when riding in this week's test.

    Rossi will still fly out to Malaysia as planned and will try to ride his bike when the test begins on Thursday.



  • Dodgers strike back in Game 3 win
  • Agent: Junior open to Seattle reunion
  • Best-of-seven series a better test
  • Rossi not hampered by injury
  • Yamaha: Single tyre a boost for MotoGP

    Yamaha: Single tyre a boost for MotoGP

    Yamaha believe the move to a single tyre supplier will boost MotoGP - even though they admit that they had philosophical objections to the end of the tyre war.

    Last year Valentino Rossi switched to Bridgestone, while the rest of the Yamaha line-up stayed on Michelins for what turned out to be the French company's final season in the sport.

    Team manager Davide Brivio said that the loss of tyre testing had provided an immediate source of cost cuts.

    "The mono tyre rule gave rise to a great deal of discussion, but it came at the right moment," he said.

    "As a consequence there has been a reduction in testing, which is exactly what was needed.

    "I think it's been a happy coincidence, very welcome. During this winter the number of tests has already been reduced and this trend will probably continue during the season, we're still talking about that."

    Yamaha racing director Lin Jarvis added that he had personally supported a switch to single tyres even when his company policy argued otherwise.

    "Yamaha as a manufacturer was against the single tyre rule, but that was primarily because our philosophy as a corporation is free competition, free challenge, free spirit," he explained.

    "However, although Yamaha was officially against the mono tyre rule, the team was not. The team was pro the mono tyre rule, because of course there are different issues at stake.

    "Frankly, I have personally always supported the mono tyre rule and I think now we are starting to see some of the benefits already."

    Although Yamaha do not believe the change will increase the level of action in the races, they expect the field to become more competitive with tyre equality - after several races last season when riders on Michelin were unable to fight at the front.

    "There won't be a great difference. The top riders will be the same, but at least they will compete on an equal footing, which is good from a sporting and an audience's point of view," said Brivio.

    "We paid the consequences of the tyre rule in 2007, but it also happened in 2008, when some riders couldn't fight for victory because they had the wrong tyres. This won't happen next year, so the championship will be even more hard-fought because all the riders will have the possibility to race competitively."

    Despite his team's scepticism, Valentino Rossi hopes that the single tyres will make the races more exciting.

    "For better or for worse and considering the show, during the last few laps of the race the bike will move around a bit more and so you will have to go a little bit slower," he said. "This will probably produce closer battles. We hope so."



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  • Dorna, FIM urged to cut MotoGP costs

    Dorna, FIM urged to cut MotoGP costs

    MotoGP organiser Dorna and motor cycling's governing body, the FIM, have been urged to make radical changes to MotoGP in a bid to help it survive the worldwide economic downturn.

    With continued concerns about the impact a global recession will have on motor cycling's premier racing category, especially following Kawasaki's departure, bosses from the title-winning Yamaha team are adamant that careful thought must be given to changing the sport.

    Lin Jarvis, Yamaha's managing director, said: "I think when you have times of economic difficulty and recession, everybody has to rethink. That includes Dorna, that includes the FIM, it includes the manufacturers, the private teams, and the riders.

    "Everybody has to think about how we can minimise the negative effects and look forward to the future growth. I think the immediate cost-cutting measures that are proposed by the MSMA are a good start. Already this year we reduced a lot the winter tests, we are going to reduce further the testing and the practice times throughout the season.

    "There are proposals for 2010 to make important changes in the technical specifications, and I think all these things will be essential. Cost-cutting however is only one story. I wouldn't say cost-cutting is easy, but it's an action in a negative sense, to try to reduce something.

    "But we have to look for how we can grow the income, because the other way to balance costs is to make sure the sport becomes more commercially attractive and that the show becomes something that is more in demand. The more revenue we have, we can see really long term growth. I think we need sensible cost cutting, serious cost-cutting, but also we need to look for revenue growth, to grow the sport."

    Davide Brivio, Yamaha's team manager, believes Kawasaki's exit from MotoGP was not entirely down to the economic situation - but still thinks action needs to be taken.

    "The economic crisis, which is affecting all sectors of business worldwide, has made no exception for motor racing," he said. "Some companies are facing difficulties, although I think Kawasaki were also pressured into retirement due to a lack of results.

    "With more success and challenge for victories they might have postponed their withdrawal or even stayed. However, this situation requires action.

    "All the manufacturers are planning cost-saving solutions and I hope the FIM might take up an active role again, as we are all asking them to do, because maybe in recent years the commercial aspects of the sport have received too much attention compared to the technical ones. This is the right moment for the FIM to do more, it's the moment for reconsidering the rules.

    "Cost-cutting is the priority, however I don't think anybody should panic. Some things should be changed and costs reduced and resources need to be managed well for the next two years. Also to think of how motorcycling will be in the next years is important, because this sport will go on.

    "The crisis will finish, we must be positive and try to survive like everybody else, but also try to lay the bases for an even better future for this sport. Many suggestions can be made: carbon fibre disks could be eliminated, practice times reduced, thus diminishing the wear of engine and tyres. There are many possible solutions, the engineers will choose which changes will allow them to save the most. We'll all have to make an effort together.

    "Yamaha will do its part, as it is right. Survival is our main aim, and managing resources well, but we must also think of how to improve this sport in the future."

    Despite Kawasaki's departure, and the troubles faced by Japanese manufacturers as a whole, Yamaha are confident that their future in MotoGP is secure.

    Jarvis added: "It started at the end of December when almost one after another, after another, firstly Honda stopped (in Formula One), then Suzuki and Subaru in rally, and then finally, unfortunately, Kawasaki. It's a sign of the times. These big factories are pulling out of the top sports disciplines.

    "Fortunately our position as Yamaha is a little different. We are facing the crisis as mush as anybody else, but our team project is very successful and that's why I think we can and will continue into the future, because it's a very important tool for Yamaha, for its marketing. With regards to the number of bikes on the grid in the MotoGP, of course I'm concerned. I'd rather not see the global recession, I'd rather see the teams prospering, I'd rather see in excess of, 20, 22 or 24 bikes on the grid.

    "We have to face the reality as it is and I sincerely hope that the Kawasaki bikes will stay. Ideally it would be at least 19 or 20 bikes on the grid. We have to really seriously rethink for the future how we can further grow the health of the sport."

    Yamaha Motor Company's president Takashi Kajikawa said that the manufacturer was convinced about the benefits of remaining in MotoGP for now.

    "As you know, 2008 was also a year that saw a dramatic worsening of the world economy, which left Yamaha Motor in an extremely difficult and adverse business environment," he explained. "Needless to say, the severity of this environment also affects our motor sports activities.

    "However, we believe that the MotoGP is an especially important competition for sharing Kando (excitement and deep satisfaction) with Yamaha fans around the world, and as a 'Kando Creating Company', this is a core part of our corporate mission. Therefore, we have decided to continue our participation in MotoGP in 2009 despite the extremely harsh business environment we face."



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  • Tuesday, February 3, 2009

    Lorenzo rules out fighting for 2009 title

    Lorenzo rules out fighting for 2009 title

    Jorge Lorenzo has ruled himself out of the championship fight in 2009 despite his impressive debut season in MotoGP last year.

    The two-time 250cc world champion was the rookie of the year in 2008 after finishing in fourth position in the standings, following one win a four pole positions.

    But the Yamaha rider, whose team unveiled their new bike on Monday, believes he is still lacking experience to fight for the title this year.

    "It is difficult," Lorenzo said of his expectations for the championship. "It is very difficult, firstly because I don't have the experience to fight for the title. I think that right now there are riders with more experience.

    "Above all there is a great champion in the shape of Valentino Rossi, who I have in the box next to me, and in theory he is the favourite.

    "Not only that, I have three riders who in principal are more of a favourite than I am so the most important thing is that we get closer to our objective every season, become faster and learn more. But I don't think I am the favourite for the title."

    He added: "I think that people have higher expectations for the results of Pedrosa, Stoner and Valentino. Yes, it is true that I started the year really well, with a victory in the third race of my first season. I started very strongly but that doesn't mean to say that the same will happen every time and that every season is going to start out the same for me.

    "Things change and every year is different. For example this year we have new rules and things could be different. I am currently working very hard so that one day I can become World Champion, which is my objective. I don't know if I will achieve it next year, within two years or within five but that is the objective."

    Lorenzo, who had an erratic middle part of the season that included several crashes, admitted his injuries have not yet healed completely, but he is confident he will be perfectly fit for the first race of 2009.

    "They're not 100% because I'm still missing a little mobility in my ankles, especially in the left one, but little by little they are clearing up.

    "Many months have passed since the crashes and right now the problems I had with my forearms and my ankles, thanks to the specialists who I am lucky enough to have, the situation is gradually improving and I think that I will be if not 100% then around 95 or 97% before the start of the season."

    The Spaniard, who used Michelin tyres in 2008, said he was already feeling confident with the Bridgestone rubber all teams will use this year.

    "I like them a lot, especially Bridgestone's front tyre, which they have achieved over several years of hard work," he added. "It is a factory with a lot of hunger and in the end they were able to dethrone a giant, which is what Michelin were, even though I don't know what would have happened if the championship had stayed the same.

    "What is clear is that Bridgestone is an impressive company and right now they have control in the championship. As far as rider feedback from the tyres is concerned, they are really good, especially under braking as I said, you can brake very, very late."



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