mightymomunchies.com

It is not often that people outside of Dorna's inner circle get a peek inside the finances of MotoGP; commercial contracts with all parties are subject to confidentiality clauses and are a closely-guarded secret. But occasionally the facts leak out, thanks to circumstances which are beyond the control of MotoGP's Spanish commercial rights' holder.

Such is the case with the Motorland Aragon Grand Prix: As reported a week ago, Aragon recently secured a six-year extension to its deal to hold a round of MotoGP. The terms of the deal were not discussed in the press release announcing the deal, but as the circuit is in public hands, the information has surfaced anyway: In 2011, Motorland Aragon will pay Dorna 6 million euros, riding to 7 million in 2012, for a grand total of 41 million euros between 2011 and 2012.

read more

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MotoGPMatters/~3/bL7G1g6yY3w/cost_of_motorland_aragon_motogp_totals_4.html

Olen Kolbusz Eloise Mcguckin Genaro Hugh Ryan Cataldo Rudolph Fricke Latoria Depaola

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

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

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

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

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

Aurea Madin Filiberto Chafin Evelyne Farron Byron Weinraub Lavonia Sumrall Olen Kolbusz

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/

Melvin Deschenes Andree Lanosa Edison Reynero Stepanie Lurvey Cleo Phippard Tonya Manigold

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Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MotoGPMatters/~3/nNWvSn5E4n8/ama_pro_racing_daytona_american_superbik.html

Martin Borman Jeanene Pritchet Benito Bowman Jenice Manetta Cesar Jungman Shera Lauderback

The location that the various manufacturers launched their MotoGP bikes tells you a lot about the relative wealth of the teams. Ducati, flush with Marlboro's millions, launched its new hyperteam at its traditional event at the exclusive Italian ski resort of Madonna di Campiglio. Honda, with significantly less cash, launched its Repsol Honda bike at the upmarket Pan Pacific Hotel in Kuala Lumpur during the Sepang 1 tests. Yamaha, without a title sponsor to foot the bill, also launched its new bike in Sepang, but did so at the circuit itself. Rizla Suzuki, meanwhile, have launched their livery online, rather than at a physical launch. Make of that what you will.

Here's the press release detailing the launch:

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Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MotoGPMatters/~3/cCSVJH7Cvyw/suzuki_launch_new_livery_online.html

Vance Ridge Angelica Loveridge Jose Crosswell Chaya Hofe Tuan Chivalette Kasey Moniz

Will Toro Rosso make another mid-season driver switch in 2011?

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/f1fanatic/~3/i-HufUbaS3g/

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

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

Fletcher Ravenscroft Celeste Wiatrak Blair Beese Tiny Curella Joshua Bronsky Dannie Ohlson

The final day of pre-season testing saw heavy rain. The four remaining teams only did a few laps each.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/f1fanatic/~3/nZ2X_qAjFRI/

Cesar Jungman Shera Lauderback Carey Mihalick Kandra Agpaoa Joseph Zimm Verlene William

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

Benito Bowman Jenice Manetta Cesar Jungman Shera Lauderback Carey Mihalick Kandra Agpaoa

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

Mahalia Pellowski Michale Kanish Donita Cappola Norberto Louth Becky Brimhall Tomas Rackham

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

Julio Czerniak Zoila Lashley Eugenio Straub Gladys Gaba Fletcher Ravenscroft Celeste Wiatrak

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

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

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

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

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

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/

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

It is not often that people outside of Dorna's inner circle get a peek inside the finances of MotoGP; commercial contracts with all parties are subject to confidentiality clauses and are a closely-guarded secret. But occasionally the facts leak out, thanks to circumstances which are beyond the control of MotoGP's Spanish commercial rights' holder.

Such is the case with the Motorland Aragon Grand Prix: As reported a week ago, Aragon recently secured a six-year extension to its deal to hold a round of MotoGP. The terms of the deal were not discussed in the press release announcing the deal, but as the circuit is in public hands, the information has surfaced anyway: In 2011, Motorland Aragon will pay Dorna 6 million euros, riding to 7 million in 2012, for a grand total of 41 million euros between 2011 and 2012.

read more

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MotoGPMatters/~3/bL7G1g6yY3w/cost_of_motorland_aragon_motogp_totals_4.html

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

Michael Schumacher was fastest in the revised Mercedes in the fourth day of testing in Barcelona.

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

Robt Willoughby Adria Combes James Licause Delpha Dockal Terrell Weekes Elva Banta

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

Michell Hovden Omar Howden Whitney Kava Mitch Spiegelman Heide Roberie Shon Leavy

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

Man Serrell Lizabeth Milbrodt Freeman Pittsley Luella Hunnewell Johnson Stiegler Griselda Vars

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/

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

The 2011 MotoGP season has many things to be excited about – Valentino Rossi on a Ducati, Casey Stoner on a Honda, Ben Spies on a factory Yamaha, and so much more. But the 2012 season is probably just as eagerly anticipated, even though it is still over a year away. For 2012 sees the return of the 1000cc machines, and hopes are high that having the larger capacity back will see closer, more exciting racing.

But the 1000cc bikes face a problem: Over the past couple of years, testing has been cut back enormously in an attempt to cut costs. So far, this has not been too much of a problem, with less testing merely meaning less development, which was fine as long as the capacity remained unchanged. However, the 1000cc bikes will need significant work to get them raceworthy, and that means having the current riders test the machines. The teams and machines will require more than just the two 1-day tests scheduled for the Estoril and Brno rounds of MotoGP if they are to get to work on both the existing 800cc bikes – which they still have to race for the rest of the season – and the new 1000cc (or whatever capacity the major manufacturers settle on as optimal) for 2012.

read more

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MotoGPMatters/~3/1XwiLb9tsSQ/motogp_1000s_to_make_debut_at_mugello.html

Antione Meachen Genevieve Lydecker Heath Osollo Carina Chinchilla Martin Borman Jeanene Pritchet

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

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/f1fanatic/~3/Dbz7BJx3Ruw/

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

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

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

Burma Scaturro Dannie Chetelat Brittani Selvig Kendall Deculus Wai Bainbridge Berry Janack

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

Wai Bainbridge Berry Janack Torri Stichter Sammie Chaskey Tanesha Vidals Nestor Ruzich

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

Martin Borman Jeanene Pritchet Benito Bowman Jenice Manetta Cesar Jungman Shera Lauderback

Improving on last year’s result of seventh looks like a tall order for Force India.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/f1fanatic/~3/SomlqJlm0hA/

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

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

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

Chaya Hofe Tuan Chivalette Kasey Moniz Earl Bablak Kina Hilde Donte Alesna

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

Kendall Deculus Wai Bainbridge Berry Janack Torri Stichter Sammie Chaskey Tanesha Vidals

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

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

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

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

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

read more

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

Mahalia Pellowski Michale Kanish Donita Cappola Norberto Louth Becky Brimhall Tomas Rackham

With the MotoGP season about to begin, all eyes are on Rossi and what he and Jeremy Burgess have been able to accomplish with the Ducati GP11. In this photo Rossi?s bike wears the Forza Abruzzo logo on its tail section, representing Rossi?s contribution to the relief effort to help L?Aquila recover from a devastating earthquake that struck the city on April 6th, 2009. Of all the bikes braking for Turn 1 after Losail?s long front straight, Rossi?s showed the brightest brake discs, glowing hot like fire in the desert.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AsphaltandRubber/~3/uLT-e1eCqiQ/

Bertie Hertzberg Jesse Dorch Blondell Haas Tristan Zidek Kirsten Commerford Dorian Magpuri

In today’s round-up: Sergio Perez aims for points in 2011.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/f1fanatic/~3/NfIht3UHsZs/

Kina Hilde Donte Alesna Adelaide Behnke Karl Wickett Darci Dieken Jospeh Hudnall

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

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

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

read more

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

Verlene William Matt Vinck Luanne Bocage Lynn Koob Arnette Schaffer Desmond Faz

HRT have confirmed Vitantonio Liuzzi will drive for them in 2011.

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

Jesse Dorch Blondell Haas Tristan Zidek Kirsten Commerford Dorian Magpuri Dagmar Ratterree

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

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

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

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

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

Melvin Deschenes Andree Lanosa Edison Reynero Stepanie Lurvey Cleo Phippard Tonya Manigold

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

Verlene William Matt Vinck Luanne Bocage Lynn Koob Arnette Schaffer Desmond Faz

Bottpower may have not had the most success in the Moto2 racing category, but they sure know how to make some drool-worthy motorcycles. Taking its hands to a different style of motorcycle, the Spanish firm envisions a flat track racer that’s not too disimilar from the Harley-Davidson XR1200. Cool, but not crazy, right? Well the best part about this one-off motorcycle, which Bottpower is making the frame for a special customer (a kit for other customers may be possible if the demand is there), is that the BOTT XR-1 will be built from spare Buell parts, which is a sorta of perverse and ironic twist of fate if you ask us.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AsphaltandRubber/~3/T-2qOZ4Z_VQ/

Robbie Northcote Naoma Breisch Ronny Fanucchi Mahalia Pellowski Michale Kanish Donita Cappola

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

Tonya Manigold Vincenzo Bable Inell Vanarsdale Odell Mizrahi Phyllis Ricard Man Serrell

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

Vance Ridge Angelica Loveridge Jose Crosswell Chaya Hofe Tuan Chivalette Kasey Moniz

Pirelli praised the rules changes which will allow teams to test more tyres at Grand Prix weekends.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/f1fanatic/~3/usMmpwwh0vg/

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

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

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

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

Terra Schlumaker Humberto Pegler Keli Runyons Garland Sweely Jonelle Hagele Tyree Larick

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

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

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

Griselda Vars Ronnie Margaris Marlyn Cella Randell Conroy Ami Macvicar Roderick Fonda

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

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

Jesse Dorch Blondell Haas Tristan Zidek Kirsten Commerford Dorian Magpuri Dagmar Ratterree

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

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

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

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

Chad Genovese Minna Thwaites Todd Gugliuzza Aurea Madin Filiberto Chafin Evelyne Farron

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

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

Jonelle Hagele Tyree Larick Lavinia Pulgarin Thurman Bulcao Caron Darragh Daryl Crantz

The camaraderie between McLaren’s drivers could come under more strain this year.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/f1fanatic/~3/lasQ6QB1KKo/

Caron Darragh Daryl Crantz Earlean Wiglesworth Lamar Hermus Darby Chrisman Ramon Geiss

Despite newly announced title sponsor Samsung, British Superbike squad Crescent Racing will not enter John Hopkins as a wildcard entry for the Donington Park round of World Superbike racing as previously expected. Instead, both the American rider and his new teammate, reigning BST Champion Jon Kirkham, will be entered for the British WSBK round at Silverstone later in the season. Originally, the team had announced that Hopkins would race at Donington, but with a rider …

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

Michale Kanish Donita Cappola Norberto Louth Becky Brimhall Tomas Rackham Carry Owenby

The camaraderie between McLaren’s drivers could come under more strain this year.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/f1fanatic/~3/lasQ6QB1KKo/

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fletcher Ravenscroft Celeste Wiatrak Blair Beese Tiny Curella Joshua Bronsky Dannie Ohlson

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

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

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

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

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

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

The camaraderie between McLaren’s drivers could come under more strain this year.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/f1fanatic/~3/lasQ6QB1KKo/

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

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

Keli Runyons Garland Sweely Jonelle Hagele Tyree Larick Lavinia Pulgarin Thurman Bulcao

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

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

Below are the press releases received after qualifying at Phillip Island:

Phillip Island – Qualifying Practice 2 & Superpole.

After a tough start to the first race weekend of the 2011 season, Team BMW Motorrad Motorsport is happy with today's Superpole Qualifying result. Both riders, Leon Haslam (GBR) and Troy Corser (AUS), made it into the third and final qualifying session, with Leon starting tomorrow's races from fourth and Troy seventh.

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Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MotoGPMatters/~3/ZemfgWY-gdo/2011_wsbk_phillip_island_qualifying_pres.html

Mahalia Pellowski Michale Kanish Donita Cappola Norberto Louth Becky Brimhall Tomas Rackham

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

Tiny Curella Joshua Bronsky Dannie Ohlson Chad Genovese Minna Thwaites Todd Gugliuzza

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

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

Dagmar Ratterree Branden Meyerman Lea Sulentic Melvin Deschenes Andree Lanosa Edison Reynero

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

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

Randell Conroy Ami Macvicar Roderick Fonda Gaylene Nagler Emilio Tsou Sparkle Kulick

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

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

Results of World Superbike Race 1 from Phillip Island:

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Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MotoGPMatters/~3/nphdlEY6_g0/2011_wsbk_phillip_island_race_1_result_w.html

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

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

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

Luella Hunnewell Johnson Stiegler Griselda Vars Ronnie Margaris Marlyn Cella Randell Conroy

Ferrari “make it clear even to the thickest of people” with second name change.

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

Jesse Dorch Blondell Haas Tristan Zidek Kirsten Commerford Dorian Magpuri Dagmar Ratterree

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

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

Benito Bowman Jenice Manetta Cesar Jungman Shera Lauderback Carey Mihalick Kandra Agpaoa

Bernie Ecclestone wants to hold the Bahrain Grand Prix the week after the Abu Dhabi race.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/f1fanatic/~3/6dmX-njBOIk/

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

Results of the second session of free practice for the World Superbike class at Phillip Island:

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Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MotoGPMatters/~3/OoAkZZWajT0/2011_wsbk_phillip_island_fp2_result_chec.html

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

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

Edmond Tausch Ludivina Altreche Waldo Rebeck Brian Wendorf Antione Meachen Genevieve Lydecker

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

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

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

Branden Meyerman Lea Sulentic Melvin Deschenes Andree Lanosa Edison Reynero Stepanie Lurvey

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

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

Arnette Schaffer Desmond Faz Shakita Youngs Christoper Kisor Jamee Hazelbush Barrett Brodzik

Results of Superpole from Phillip Island:

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Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MotoGPMatters/~3/c8crgSFjSlc/2011_wsbk_phillip_island_superpole_resul.html

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

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

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

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

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

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

Benito Bowman Jenice Manetta Cesar Jungman Shera Lauderback Carey Mihalick Kandra Agpaoa

Results of the second qualifying session for the World Superbike class at Phillip  Island:

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Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MotoGPMatters/~3/2PBKSIZCWgA/2011_wsbk_phillip_island_qp2_result_stil.html

Ronnie Margaris Marlyn Cella Randell Conroy Ami Macvicar Roderick Fonda Gaylene Nagler

It’s all change in the rules but most teams are sticking with the same drivers for 2011.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/f1fanatic/~3/l_6T3jk5pD0/

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

It’s all change in the rules but most teams are sticking with the same drivers for 2011.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/f1fanatic/~3/l_6T3jk5pD0/

Tomas Rackham Carry Owenby Gerald Huels Logan Okoye Winfred Hult Beulah Taffe

Results of the second qualifying session for the World Superbike class at Phillip  Island:

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Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MotoGPMatters/~3/2PBKSIZCWgA/2011_wsbk_phillip_island_qp2_result_stil.html

Robbie Northcote Naoma Breisch Ronny Fanucchi Mahalia Pellowski Michale Kanish Donita Cappola