Casey Stoner Holds off Valentino Rossi to Take Australian Grand Prix Win
Australian Casey Stoner held off world champion Valentino Rossi to win a hattrick of Australian MotoGPs here on Sunday.
The 2007 world champion, riding a Ducati, led for all but one lap of the 27-lap GP to claim victory by 1.935 seconds from championship leader Rossi on a Fiat Yamaha. AFP
He said his decision to take a 10 week break to overcome his mystery ailment was now paying off, with his win Sunday moving him into third place on the world standings.
“I think without taking that time off we wouldn’t be anywhere near the podium step today, things would have been too difficult for me and physically I wouldn’t have been able to last the race,” Stoner said.
“It’s just been fantastic to come back and get a second in Portugal and almost enough pace to win it, and here have the pace to win. I can’t ask for more,” he added. “We definitely made the right decision to take that time off and find our way.” USA Today
Rossi’s second place was achieved despite personal tragedy, the Italian hearing of his stepfather’s death before qualifying Saturday, and lifted him closer to retaining the title.
Crossing the line well clear of Dani Pedrosa in third, Rossi stretched his championship lead over nearest challenger Lorenzo to 38 points with two races remaining after the Spaniard crashed out before the first turn. New York Times
“It was the most fun second-place of my career because it was a great battle with Casey,” said Rossi.
“I tried with all my energy, all my speed, but Casey rode very well and at the end it was impossible, and I also have to think of the championship.
“With Jorge out, we had a good advantage.”
Spain’s Dani Pedrosa finished third, while Honda team-mate Alex de Angelis of San Marino came fourth. American Colin Edwards (Yamaha) took fifth spot.
Two rounds of the world championship remain - Malaysia and Valencia - with a maximum of 50 points available. BBC Sport
SOURCE:
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Australia MotoGP: Casey Stoner revels in home success
Valentino Rossi lost this race?
Casey Stoner became the second most successful Australian rider in Grand Prix history with a stunning victory over Valentino Rossi at Phillip Island.
Making only his second appearance since returning from a three-race illness lay-off, the 24-year-old fought off a fierce challenge from Rossi to claim his 19th MotoGP success for Ducati.
His victory in front of 50,094 fans moved him ahead of the on-looking Wayne Gardner and the 2007 world champion could barely contain his delight at beating by Rossi by 1.935s for a third straight Phillip Island success.
"I’d forgotten how good that winning feeling is and of all my victories this is perhaps the most special.
"I can honestly say that from a physical perspective I can’t ever remember feeling this strong after a race, which shows that the work we have done and the time we took out has been spot on.
"This has been a really tough season for us. The start of the season we were competitive enough to fight for the championship.
"By the time we got halfway through we were just collecting points. We weren’t even really fighting for anything.
"And that’s why we decided to take that decision to have time off and this is the result of it. I think without taking that time off we wouldn’t be anywhere near the podium today.
"Things would’ve been too difficult for me and physically I wouldn’t have been able to last the race.
"It’s just been fantastic. To come back and get a second in Portugal and almost enough pace to win it and here, to have enough pace to win it, its just fantastic.
"I can’t ask for more. We definitely made the right decision to take that time off and find our way.”
Stoner said he never had any worry about the fatigue issues that dogged him earlier in the season would return and hinder his bid for a third win of 2009.
“Every time I went on the brakes into MG or Honda Corner, I kept expecting my arms to start buckling and just things start to get real hard, but it just never came.
"And five races doesn’t sound like a long time, but when week after week you have the same problem and not being able to fix it and for no reason, it was very, very difficult. Today was just fantastic.
"It was the same in Portugal. I was definitely a little bit more exhausted in Portugal. Of course the weather was a little hotter.
"And we hadn’t had any physical training. We done a little bit this last week just to get myself back up there again and there were no problems for the race. So we were able to just stay consistent throughout.”
Stoner said he expected the pace to be a little faster as he strived to keep a determined Rossi at bay.
But like the majority of the field, Stoner and Rossi both ran into grip problems with the left side of their Bridgestone tyre.
It made for some spectacular but rare sliding in the 800cc era and Stoner said: “I thought the track conditions were good enough to go a little bit faster than what we were.
"We were definitely struggling with rear end grip. I think everybody was to a certain point.
"But that’s something we struggle with in general with our bike at the moment. The bike turns well and brakes well, but we just can’t get grip out of the corners at most of the circuits we go to.
"So its something were still working on each week and when we solve that I think things are going to come a long a lot better and it’ll work a lot more smoothly at most circuits.
"We’re having small pumping issues again recently, because we’re trying to get the bike to hook up but its not hooking up consistently, so it’s causing the bike to move a little bit. Once we solve that we should be fine.
"But anyway the bike was working well enough to stay at the times we were today and hopefully next week in Sepang we can try to stay at the front as well.”
Stoner’s victory promoted him to third in the championship with the fast starting Dani Pedrosa fading to finish a distant third.
As well as trying to secure third in the final standings, Stoner said his other target in the final two races would be to give crucial information to Ducati’s technical staff for the 2010 Desmosedici.
“Now my aim is to help them as much as I can over the last two races and give Filippo (Preziosi) as much useful data as I can so that he can work his magic and improve the bike even more for next year,“ said Stoner.
SOURCE:
Casey Stoner became the second most successful Australian rider in Grand Prix history with a stunning victory over Valentino Rossi at Phillip Island.
Making only his second appearance since returning from a three-race illness lay-off, the 24-year-old fought off a fierce challenge from Rossi to claim his 19th MotoGP success for Ducati.
His victory in front of 50,094 fans moved him ahead of the on-looking Wayne Gardner and the 2007 world champion could barely contain his delight at beating by Rossi by 1.935s for a third straight Phillip Island success.
"I’d forgotten how good that winning feeling is and of all my victories this is perhaps the most special.
"I can honestly say that from a physical perspective I can’t ever remember feeling this strong after a race, which shows that the work we have done and the time we took out has been spot on.
"This has been a really tough season for us. The start of the season we were competitive enough to fight for the championship.
"By the time we got halfway through we were just collecting points. We weren’t even really fighting for anything.
"And that’s why we decided to take that decision to have time off and this is the result of it. I think without taking that time off we wouldn’t be anywhere near the podium today.
"Things would’ve been too difficult for me and physically I wouldn’t have been able to last the race.
"It’s just been fantastic. To come back and get a second in Portugal and almost enough pace to win it and here, to have enough pace to win it, its just fantastic.
"I can’t ask for more. We definitely made the right decision to take that time off and find our way.”
Stoner said he never had any worry about the fatigue issues that dogged him earlier in the season would return and hinder his bid for a third win of 2009.
“Every time I went on the brakes into MG or Honda Corner, I kept expecting my arms to start buckling and just things start to get real hard, but it just never came.
"And five races doesn’t sound like a long time, but when week after week you have the same problem and not being able to fix it and for no reason, it was very, very difficult. Today was just fantastic.
"It was the same in Portugal. I was definitely a little bit more exhausted in Portugal. Of course the weather was a little hotter.
"And we hadn’t had any physical training. We done a little bit this last week just to get myself back up there again and there were no problems for the race. So we were able to just stay consistent throughout.”
Stoner said he expected the pace to be a little faster as he strived to keep a determined Rossi at bay.
But like the majority of the field, Stoner and Rossi both ran into grip problems with the left side of their Bridgestone tyre.
It made for some spectacular but rare sliding in the 800cc era and Stoner said: “I thought the track conditions were good enough to go a little bit faster than what we were.
"We were definitely struggling with rear end grip. I think everybody was to a certain point.
"But that’s something we struggle with in general with our bike at the moment. The bike turns well and brakes well, but we just can’t get grip out of the corners at most of the circuits we go to.
"So its something were still working on each week and when we solve that I think things are going to come a long a lot better and it’ll work a lot more smoothly at most circuits.
"We’re having small pumping issues again recently, because we’re trying to get the bike to hook up but its not hooking up consistently, so it’s causing the bike to move a little bit. Once we solve that we should be fine.
"But anyway the bike was working well enough to stay at the times we were today and hopefully next week in Sepang we can try to stay at the front as well.”
Stoner’s victory promoted him to third in the championship with the fast starting Dani Pedrosa fading to finish a distant third.
As well as trying to secure third in the final standings, Stoner said his other target in the final two races would be to give crucial information to Ducati’s technical staff for the 2010 Desmosedici.
“Now my aim is to help them as much as I can over the last two races and give Filippo (Preziosi) as much useful data as I can so that he can work his magic and improve the bike even more for next year,“ said Stoner.
SOURCE:
Friday, December 25, 2009
Rossi relishing prospect of endurance tussle
Rossi relishing prospect of endurance tussle
ROME: MotoGP world champion Valentino Rossi was relishing the prospect of competing in his first endurance car race after Friday's practice with the
Kessel team in a Ferrari 430 GT3. "In the first session I focused on getting to grips with the commands of the car, which is really quick," Rossi told the website of the Vallelunga track near Rome, where he will take part in a six-hour race on Sunday.
"In the second I started to step on it and I really enjoyed myself trying to get the set-up right.
"We haven't studied the right strategies for the race yet, but I'm really excited about the tussle in store."
The 30-year-old Italian, who has won nine motorcycling world titles, is no stranger to competition on four wheels.
He has taken part in many rallies and has not completely ruled out one day racing for Ferrari in Formula One after turning down the chance three years ago following promising tests.
SOURCE:
ROME: MotoGP world champion Valentino Rossi was relishing the prospect of competing in his first endurance car race after Friday's practice with the
Kessel team in a Ferrari 430 GT3. "In the first session I focused on getting to grips with the commands of the car, which is really quick," Rossi told the website of the Vallelunga track near Rome, where he will take part in a six-hour race on Sunday.
"In the second I started to step on it and I really enjoyed myself trying to get the set-up right.
"We haven't studied the right strategies for the race yet, but I'm really excited about the tussle in store."
The 30-year-old Italian, who has won nine motorcycling world titles, is no stranger to competition on four wheels.
He has taken part in many rallies and has not completely ruled out one day racing for Ferrari in Formula One after turning down the chance three years ago following promising tests.
SOURCE:
Rossi raises money for a cause
Rossi raises money for a cause
A charity motocross event organized by Valentino Rossi drew over 10,000 supporters, raising money for a children’s hospital in Italy.
The event was called “motocross dei Campioni, 30 anni dopo” (translation: “Motocross Championship, 30 years after”) and took place Nov. 15 in Cavallara, Italy. The name refers to a similar charity event organized by Rossi’s father, Graziano Rossi, in 1979.
MotoGP racer Andrea Dovizioso won the event, beating out other Italian racers such as Rossi, Marco Melandri, Loris Capirossi, Marco Simoncelli and Mattia Pasini, Spanish racer Julian Simon and former 500cc Grand Prix Champion Kevin Schwantz.
Simon took the first heat of the day ahead of Dovizioso and Melandri. The results were repeated in the second moto. Simon had a chance to take the overall victory but the 125cc Grand Prix Champion had to leave to catch a flight to Spain. Dovizioso took the third heat to claim the overall win. Melandri finished again in third, this time behind Rossi. The host and 2009 MotoGP Champion finished sixth in the first race and fourth in the second.
The real winners though were the children at the hospital in Pesaro, Italy, which treats leukemia sufferers. The event drew more than 10,000 paying spectators but the total amount of money raised was not released.
“This was important because it was a charity event for children. We are thrilled by the response, and it is exciting to see all these people here in Cavallara. It’s also nice to compete with the other riders!” Rossi told MotoGP.com. “I thank all the riders who wanted to come. I think it was a good show and we’ve been fortunate this year because it didn’t rain, so we’ve all thoroughly enjoyed it.”
A video with highlights of the event can be seen on MotoGP.com.
SOURCE:
A charity motocross event organized by Valentino Rossi drew over 10,000 supporters, raising money for a children’s hospital in Italy.
The event was called “motocross dei Campioni, 30 anni dopo” (translation: “Motocross Championship, 30 years after”) and took place Nov. 15 in Cavallara, Italy. The name refers to a similar charity event organized by Rossi’s father, Graziano Rossi, in 1979.
MotoGP racer Andrea Dovizioso won the event, beating out other Italian racers such as Rossi, Marco Melandri, Loris Capirossi, Marco Simoncelli and Mattia Pasini, Spanish racer Julian Simon and former 500cc Grand Prix Champion Kevin Schwantz.
Simon took the first heat of the day ahead of Dovizioso and Melandri. The results were repeated in the second moto. Simon had a chance to take the overall victory but the 125cc Grand Prix Champion had to leave to catch a flight to Spain. Dovizioso took the third heat to claim the overall win. Melandri finished again in third, this time behind Rossi. The host and 2009 MotoGP Champion finished sixth in the first race and fourth in the second.
The real winners though were the children at the hospital in Pesaro, Italy, which treats leukemia sufferers. The event drew more than 10,000 paying spectators but the total amount of money raised was not released.
“This was important because it was a charity event for children. We are thrilled by the response, and it is exciting to see all these people here in Cavallara. It’s also nice to compete with the other riders!” Rossi told MotoGP.com. “I thank all the riders who wanted to come. I think it was a good show and we’ve been fortunate this year because it didn’t rain, so we’ve all thoroughly enjoyed it.”
A video with highlights of the event can be seen on MotoGP.com.
SOURCE:
The Secret of Rossi's winner bike
The Secret of Rossi's winner bike
WITH ANOTHER rider and manufacturer championship under their belt, and at least one machine on the rostrum at every race of the year, it's easy to see why Yamaha's M1 racer is the bike everyone wants to ride.
Explaining the success behind the company’s racing-winning machine, Yamaha's team director and MotoGP group leader Masahiko Nakajima told reporters after the final round in Valencia how the company had developed the devastatingly fast M1 racer.
“We determined that we needed to enhance maximum tyre performance by modifying the chassis, and to improve the engine management system: engine performance was improved by 12 percent and fuel consumption by six percent,” he said. But stability was compromised, and engine reliability suffered.
For 2009, the chassis was modified, with increased vertical rigidity, and a longer wheelbase that gave improving stability.
Wind tunnel engineers improved the fairing's CdA (drag factor to you and me) by five percent and the machine's top speed by one percent.
At the sharp end, the airbox was enlarged, and fuel pressure increased, while the injector positions were also altered. Fuel consumption was addressed with a more efficient combustion chamber design, and by reducing internal friction with new surface treatment for crankshaft and crankcase, said Nakajima, who added: “we focused on part-throttle performance.”
Further advanced analysis showed the “piston temperature was reduced by 30 degrees,” doubling engine life but provoding lacklustre performance, according to some riders. Yamaha's main man, Valentino Rossi, said his new bike's long-life engine felt 'tired'.
“Now, 2,200 km is no problem for the engine,” said Nakajima. “For next year, we need to achieve 2,400 km. Before Brno [when the regulations came into force] engine life was 1,000km without trouble, but with a loss of performance after 600 km.
Asked why Pedrosa’s Honda generally took the hole shot at every race, Nakajima responded: “When the clutch is engaged the Honda is faster – we need more horsepower”. He also praised Honda’s late-season development, after Brno. “I think they are very strong to get reliability while maintaining performance,” he said.
SOURCE:
WITH ANOTHER rider and manufacturer championship under their belt, and at least one machine on the rostrum at every race of the year, it's easy to see why Yamaha's M1 racer is the bike everyone wants to ride.
Explaining the success behind the company’s racing-winning machine, Yamaha's team director and MotoGP group leader Masahiko Nakajima told reporters after the final round in Valencia how the company had developed the devastatingly fast M1 racer.
“We determined that we needed to enhance maximum tyre performance by modifying the chassis, and to improve the engine management system: engine performance was improved by 12 percent and fuel consumption by six percent,” he said. But stability was compromised, and engine reliability suffered.
For 2009, the chassis was modified, with increased vertical rigidity, and a longer wheelbase that gave improving stability.
Wind tunnel engineers improved the fairing's CdA (drag factor to you and me) by five percent and the machine's top speed by one percent.
At the sharp end, the airbox was enlarged, and fuel pressure increased, while the injector positions were also altered. Fuel consumption was addressed with a more efficient combustion chamber design, and by reducing internal friction with new surface treatment for crankshaft and crankcase, said Nakajima, who added: “we focused on part-throttle performance.”
Further advanced analysis showed the “piston temperature was reduced by 30 degrees,” doubling engine life but provoding lacklustre performance, according to some riders. Yamaha's main man, Valentino Rossi, said his new bike's long-life engine felt 'tired'.
“Now, 2,200 km is no problem for the engine,” said Nakajima. “For next year, we need to achieve 2,400 km. Before Brno [when the regulations came into force] engine life was 1,000km without trouble, but with a loss of performance after 600 km.
Asked why Pedrosa’s Honda generally took the hole shot at every race, Nakajima responded: “When the clutch is engaged the Honda is faster – we need more horsepower”. He also praised Honda’s late-season development, after Brno. “I think they are very strong to get reliability while maintaining performance,” he said.
SOURCE:
Valentino Rossi to sign new range for Packard Bell
Valentino Rossi to sign new range for Packard Bell
Great news from Packard Bell for all Valentino Rossi fans. The nine-times world champion of Moto GP will sign a new and exciting line of Packard Bell products designed for the on-the-go lifestyle of all those who love exclusive, unique, top-performance objects.
Under the agreement a new dedicated line of Packard Bell notebooks and netbooks will be created. Packard Bell, as is well known, is targeted to those users seeking style, design, and elegance combined with a reliable and prestigious brand name.
The range of Packard Bell products signed by Valentino Rossi, is being developed now and the line’s exclusive name will be announced upon its market launch. The range has been designed by the creative genius of ALDO DRUDI, Valentino Rossi's graphic designer, and will integrate the most advanced technologies available on the market. Drudi Performance is credited with hundreds of creations that have amused and thrilled all the champion's fans and Moto GP enthusiasts.
A forceful style, swift and brimming with vitality, evokes the brightly coloured world of Valentino Rossi and the universe of Packard Bell users.
“We are absolutely convinced that users are always seeking an affinity that links the choice of a product to their personal aspirations, to what they want to be and the way they are perceived” - commented Gianpiero Morbello, Acer Group Vice President of Marketing & Brand - "What they buy is above all the idea that rotates around the product, conjured up by the brand and the ‘visual details in which they manage to identify themselves. The ‘Valentino Rossi brand’ has now attained such an international fame that is immediately recognized by most people. As far as we are concerned, being able to offer our customers the opportunity to experience the ‘Valentino dream’ through Packard Bell products is extremely rewarding for us, making us very proud.”
These Packard Bell notebooks and netbooks will be a must-have as soon as they are made available to the general public, as they will sport the signature of Valentino Rossi on the shell, as well as the number 46, or perhaps the Sun & Moon that distinguish the champion's helmet, or even the now famous nickname ‘The Doctor’.
“Technology is now an integral part of all our lives. In my job, the need to continually compete against talented opponents pushes me to improve and, without a doubt, technology was a substantial factor in all the results I have achieved and laurels I have collected. On the job and at home, a computer is something we can no longer do without” – confirms Valentino Rossi.
Packard Bell is highly specialised in the creation of devices that perfectly fulfil the needs of modern users always on the go: innovative products that keep pace with the times, rich in design details, simple to use and reliable.
The Packard Bell notebooks and netbooks signed by Valentino Rossi will certainly become a statement as well as making their owners’ personality known to the world. Facing new challenges. Like a true champion.
SOURCE:
Great news from Packard Bell for all Valentino Rossi fans. The nine-times world champion of Moto GP will sign a new and exciting line of Packard Bell products designed for the on-the-go lifestyle of all those who love exclusive, unique, top-performance objects.
Under the agreement a new dedicated line of Packard Bell notebooks and netbooks will be created. Packard Bell, as is well known, is targeted to those users seeking style, design, and elegance combined with a reliable and prestigious brand name.
The range of Packard Bell products signed by Valentino Rossi, is being developed now and the line’s exclusive name will be announced upon its market launch. The range has been designed by the creative genius of ALDO DRUDI, Valentino Rossi's graphic designer, and will integrate the most advanced technologies available on the market. Drudi Performance is credited with hundreds of creations that have amused and thrilled all the champion's fans and Moto GP enthusiasts.
A forceful style, swift and brimming with vitality, evokes the brightly coloured world of Valentino Rossi and the universe of Packard Bell users.
“We are absolutely convinced that users are always seeking an affinity that links the choice of a product to their personal aspirations, to what they want to be and the way they are perceived” - commented Gianpiero Morbello, Acer Group Vice President of Marketing & Brand - "What they buy is above all the idea that rotates around the product, conjured up by the brand and the ‘visual details in which they manage to identify themselves. The ‘Valentino Rossi brand’ has now attained such an international fame that is immediately recognized by most people. As far as we are concerned, being able to offer our customers the opportunity to experience the ‘Valentino dream’ through Packard Bell products is extremely rewarding for us, making us very proud.”
These Packard Bell notebooks and netbooks will be a must-have as soon as they are made available to the general public, as they will sport the signature of Valentino Rossi on the shell, as well as the number 46, or perhaps the Sun & Moon that distinguish the champion's helmet, or even the now famous nickname ‘The Doctor’.
“Technology is now an integral part of all our lives. In my job, the need to continually compete against talented opponents pushes me to improve and, without a doubt, technology was a substantial factor in all the results I have achieved and laurels I have collected. On the job and at home, a computer is something we can no longer do without” – confirms Valentino Rossi.
Packard Bell is highly specialised in the creation of devices that perfectly fulfil the needs of modern users always on the go: innovative products that keep pace with the times, rich in design details, simple to use and reliable.
The Packard Bell notebooks and netbooks signed by Valentino Rossi will certainly become a statement as well as making their owners’ personality known to the world. Facing new challenges. Like a true champion.
SOURCE:
Stoner beats Rossi for home victory, Lorenzo falls
Stoner beats Rossi for home victory, Lorenzo falls
Casey Stoner returned to the top step of the MotoGP podium after a race long battle with Valentino Rossi during the Australian Grand Prix at Phillip Island, which ended with Stoner's third home victory in a row and Rossi on the brink of his seventh MotoGP crown.
The race began with drama when Rossi's only remaining title rival, Fiat Yamaha team-mate Jorge Lorenzo, crashed out at the very first turn.
Starting fourth on the grid, Lorenzo was passed on either side by Ducati riders Nicky Hayden and Mika Kallio on the approach to turn one, then clipped the back of Hayden as the field hit the brakes.
Unable to make the turn, Lorenzo lost control of his M1 and was dumped onto the asphalt before bouncing through the grass and gravel. Hayden also ran off track, but remained on two wheels.
Rossi, whose title advantage had been cut to 18 points over Lorenzo heading into the event, was immediately informed of the Spaniard's exit via his pit board - allowing him to focus on fighting Stoner for victory.
Stoner had taken the lead from fast-starting Repsol Honda rider Dani Pedrosa on lap two, with Rossi soon pushing the Spaniard back to third.
As predicted, the two world champions soon broke away from the field, with Stoner - riding in a special white livery with an Australian flag on the side of his Ducati - just half a second ahead of Rossi by the halfway point of the 27 laps.
The race proved the toughest test possible for Stoner's improving physical condition, having missed three rounds due to fatigue problems, and the #27 proved more than up for the task - absorbing intense pressure from Rossi for the rest of the race.
The 24-year-old kept his sliding Desmosedici just out of The Doctor's reach to take his third victory of the season - but first since round five at Mugello - by 1.935sec, after Rossi backed off in the final turns. Stoner has now retaken third in the championship by six points from Pedrosa.
Rossi, rocked by the news of his stepfather's suicide in Italy, now holds a 38 point lead over Lorenzo and can afford to lose 13 points to the Spaniard in next weekend's Malaysian Grand Prix and still claim his ninth world title before the Valencia season finale.
After being overtaken by Stoner and Rossi, Pedrosa rode to a lonely third place, a massive 22.6sec from victory but ten seconds in front of satellite Honda rider Alex de Angelis.
Monster Yamaha Tech 3's Colin Edwards fought back from a poor first lap to finish where he began, in fifth - with Pedrosa's factory Honda team-mate Andrea Dovizioso sixth, Hayate's Marco Melandri seventh and LCR Honda's Randy de Puniet eighth.
de Angelis, de Puniet and Loris Capirossi are now all tied for seventh in the world championship standings.
Capirossi was demoted to the back of the grid after becoming the first rider to break the new MotoGP engine limit and went on to finish the race in twelfth place, one spot behind Rizla Suzuki team-mate Chris Vermeulen.
Mika Kallio held sixth for the first half of the race, before slipping back to ninth at the flag for Pramac Ducati, with Toni Elias tenth on the second San Carlo Honda Gresini machine.
James Toseland was pulled in to serve a jump start penalty on lap ten - something the Tech 3 rider indicated he didn't deserve - and went on to finished 14th, a fraction behind Scot Honda's Gabor Talmacsi. A lapped Hayden was 15th and last.
Niccolo Canepa, who injured his arm in Friday practice, watched the race from the Pramac Ducati pits and is also expected to miss the Malaysian Grand Prix.
Aleix Espargaro, who has taken Canepa's seat for 2010, is on standby to replace the Italian should he be unfit for Sepang.
Australian Grand Prix:
1. Stoner
2. Rossi
3. Pedrosa
4. de Angelis
5. Edwards
6. Dovizioso
7. Melandri
8. de Puniet
9. Kallio
10. Elias
11. Vermeulen
12. Capirossi
13. Talmacsi
14. Toseland
15. Hayden
SOURCE:
Casey Stoner returned to the top step of the MotoGP podium after a race long battle with Valentino Rossi during the Australian Grand Prix at Phillip Island, which ended with Stoner's third home victory in a row and Rossi on the brink of his seventh MotoGP crown.
The race began with drama when Rossi's only remaining title rival, Fiat Yamaha team-mate Jorge Lorenzo, crashed out at the very first turn.
Starting fourth on the grid, Lorenzo was passed on either side by Ducati riders Nicky Hayden and Mika Kallio on the approach to turn one, then clipped the back of Hayden as the field hit the brakes.
Unable to make the turn, Lorenzo lost control of his M1 and was dumped onto the asphalt before bouncing through the grass and gravel. Hayden also ran off track, but remained on two wheels.
Rossi, whose title advantage had been cut to 18 points over Lorenzo heading into the event, was immediately informed of the Spaniard's exit via his pit board - allowing him to focus on fighting Stoner for victory.
Stoner had taken the lead from fast-starting Repsol Honda rider Dani Pedrosa on lap two, with Rossi soon pushing the Spaniard back to third.
As predicted, the two world champions soon broke away from the field, with Stoner - riding in a special white livery with an Australian flag on the side of his Ducati - just half a second ahead of Rossi by the halfway point of the 27 laps.
The race proved the toughest test possible for Stoner's improving physical condition, having missed three rounds due to fatigue problems, and the #27 proved more than up for the task - absorbing intense pressure from Rossi for the rest of the race.
The 24-year-old kept his sliding Desmosedici just out of The Doctor's reach to take his third victory of the season - but first since round five at Mugello - by 1.935sec, after Rossi backed off in the final turns. Stoner has now retaken third in the championship by six points from Pedrosa.
Rossi, rocked by the news of his stepfather's suicide in Italy, now holds a 38 point lead over Lorenzo and can afford to lose 13 points to the Spaniard in next weekend's Malaysian Grand Prix and still claim his ninth world title before the Valencia season finale.
After being overtaken by Stoner and Rossi, Pedrosa rode to a lonely third place, a massive 22.6sec from victory but ten seconds in front of satellite Honda rider Alex de Angelis.
Monster Yamaha Tech 3's Colin Edwards fought back from a poor first lap to finish where he began, in fifth - with Pedrosa's factory Honda team-mate Andrea Dovizioso sixth, Hayate's Marco Melandri seventh and LCR Honda's Randy de Puniet eighth.
de Angelis, de Puniet and Loris Capirossi are now all tied for seventh in the world championship standings.
Capirossi was demoted to the back of the grid after becoming the first rider to break the new MotoGP engine limit and went on to finish the race in twelfth place, one spot behind Rizla Suzuki team-mate Chris Vermeulen.
Mika Kallio held sixth for the first half of the race, before slipping back to ninth at the flag for Pramac Ducati, with Toni Elias tenth on the second San Carlo Honda Gresini machine.
James Toseland was pulled in to serve a jump start penalty on lap ten - something the Tech 3 rider indicated he didn't deserve - and went on to finished 14th, a fraction behind Scot Honda's Gabor Talmacsi. A lapped Hayden was 15th and last.
Niccolo Canepa, who injured his arm in Friday practice, watched the race from the Pramac Ducati pits and is also expected to miss the Malaysian Grand Prix.
Aleix Espargaro, who has taken Canepa's seat for 2010, is on standby to replace the Italian should he be unfit for Sepang.
Australian Grand Prix:
1. Stoner
2. Rossi
3. Pedrosa
4. de Angelis
5. Edwards
6. Dovizioso
7. Melandri
8. de Puniet
9. Kallio
10. Elias
11. Vermeulen
12. Capirossi
13. Talmacsi
14. Toseland
15. Hayden
SOURCE:
Rossi and crew chief rubbish Ducati rumours
Rossi and crew chief rubbish Ducati rumours
With one hand now firmly on the 2009 MotoGP title, Valentino Rossi strenuously denied his other hand was poised to sign a mega money deal to join Ducati in Phillip Island.
He told MCN: "There are a lot of rumours in Italy that I will race for Ducati next year, but that is impossible because I already have a contract with Yamaha and I want to stay with them for next year. For the future I will decide by June if I continue and with which bike."
Rossi's crew chief Jerry Burgess described suggestions that he'd joined the Italian star in shock negotiations with Ducati bosses recently as 'laughable'.
Burgess said the spreading of gossip about Rossi¹s future was harmless but ludicrous. "Lets break it down to what it is. It's a bunch of dickhead Italian journalists trying to out-scandal each other," he said.
"Apparently I was seen in a car with Uccio and it had blacked out windows at the back, so the assumption was made that Valentino was in the back. But to be in Bologna the week when I was at home in Australia is laughable. I've got my plane ticket to prove it."
SOURCE:
With one hand now firmly on the 2009 MotoGP title, Valentino Rossi strenuously denied his other hand was poised to sign a mega money deal to join Ducati in Phillip Island.
He told MCN: "There are a lot of rumours in Italy that I will race for Ducati next year, but that is impossible because I already have a contract with Yamaha and I want to stay with them for next year. For the future I will decide by June if I continue and with which bike."
Rossi's crew chief Jerry Burgess described suggestions that he'd joined the Italian star in shock negotiations with Ducati bosses recently as 'laughable'.
Burgess said the spreading of gossip about Rossi¹s future was harmless but ludicrous. "Lets break it down to what it is. It's a bunch of dickhead Italian journalists trying to out-scandal each other," he said.
"Apparently I was seen in a car with Uccio and it had blacked out windows at the back, so the assumption was made that Valentino was in the back. But to be in Bologna the week when I was at home in Australia is laughable. I've got my plane ticket to prove it."
SOURCE:
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Is Rossi getting ready for retirement?
Do a quick google search and you will see that rumours are rife linking the Italian, Valentino Rossi to a move to Ducati. The two-wheeled genius has come out rubbishing reports along with his crew chief Jeremy Burgess stating that he has a contract with Yamaha for next year.
Me personally, I think that Rossi is ready to hang up his leathers and make the move to rallying. Rossi has mentioned that he would like to end his career on an Italian bike and that is what he is doing methinks. Rewind a few years back to 2003 and remember how he denied rumours that he was moving to Yamaha – we all know how that turned out.
Then there were the rumours before Yamaha popped up that he was planning a move to Ferarri in Formula 1. That stemmed from Rossi’s boredom in MotoGP and lack of any form of challenge – then came Dani Pedrosa and Casey Stoner, the latter who won a World Championship crown during Rossi’s tenure. There is no doubt that Rossi will win this year’s title against Pedrosa and Stoner…what challenge is now left?
The Yamaha denial aside, can we take what Rossi denies at face value – he did after all state that he will never race with cigarette sponsorship on his bike…what are Camel and Gauloises?
SOURCE:
Me personally, I think that Rossi is ready to hang up his leathers and make the move to rallying. Rossi has mentioned that he would like to end his career on an Italian bike and that is what he is doing methinks. Rewind a few years back to 2003 and remember how he denied rumours that he was moving to Yamaha – we all know how that turned out.
Then there were the rumours before Yamaha popped up that he was planning a move to Ferarri in Formula 1. That stemmed from Rossi’s boredom in MotoGP and lack of any form of challenge – then came Dani Pedrosa and Casey Stoner, the latter who won a World Championship crown during Rossi’s tenure. There is no doubt that Rossi will win this year’s title against Pedrosa and Stoner…what challenge is now left?
The Yamaha denial aside, can we take what Rossi denies at face value – he did after all state that he will never race with cigarette sponsorship on his bike…what are Camel and Gauloises?
SOURCE:
Rossi on course to claim title in Malaysia
Valentino Rossi is on track for his seventh premier title from this weekend's Malaysian MotoGP with a 38-point advantage.
A top-four ride in Sepang, south of the capital Kuala Lumpur, will be enough for the 30-year-old Italian to be crowned 2009 World champion on Sunday.
Rossi, fresh from second place in Australia last weekend, has sweet memories of wins in Sepang - the season's penultimate event and a circuit he has repeatedly said is a personal favourite.
"Phillip Island was like gold dust for us in terms of points and now we go to Malaysia, another of my favourite tracks," he said
Rossi has a history of good form in the Malaysian heat
.
"Of course anything can happen but it's a great track for me and the Yamaha works well there. We have a good chance but there is no chance to relax - everybody is focused, motivated and excited."
Rossi has a history of good form in the Malaysian heat. He won from second on the grid in 2008 and has had seven podium finishes there, including five wins.
Second place in Australian extended his championship points tally to 270 after title rival and Yamaha team mate Jorge Lorenzo's first-lap crash.
Lorenzo's inability to complete the race means that, even if he wins in Sepang, Rossi only needs to finish fourth to take his ninth World title across all classes. Lorenzo is second with 232 points.
He is the only rider who can stop the Italian from taking the title on Sunday but there will also be interest in the battle for third in the championship
'It's not easy to find the perfect set-up there' - Stoner
.
Dani Pedrosa was overtaken by Casey Stoner at Phillip Island, whose win on home soil moved the Ducati rider up to third in the standings at Pedrosa's expense.
Stoner said: "Sepang will be a tough race. It's not easy to find the perfect set-up there but that's always been the case and with every day that passes I feel stronger and more confident that I can be competitive in both of the two races that remain."
Honda rider Pedrosa, six points behind Stoner on 195, is determined to beat Stoner. This is the penultimate outing of the season so he knows how crucial the race is.
First free practice will be on Friday, the race on Sunday. - AFP
Championship points
MotoGP
1 Valentino Rossi (ITA/Yamaha) 270
2 Jorge Lorenzo (ESP/Yamaha) 232
3 Casey Stoner (AUS/Ducati) 195
4 Dani Pedrosa (ESP/Honda) 189
5 Andrea Dovizioso (ITA/Honda) 152
6 Colin Edwards (USA/Yamaha) 145
7 Alex de Angelis (RSM/Honda) 101
8 Randy de Puniet (FRA/Honda) 101
9 Loris Capirossi (ITA/Suzuki) 101
10 Marco Melandri (ITA/Kawasaki) 100
250cc
1 Hiroshi Aoyama (JPN/Honda) 227
2 Marco Simoncelli (ITA/Gilera) 215,
3 Alvaro Bautista (ESP/Aprilia) 198
4 Hector Barbera (ESP/Aprilia) 194
5 Mattia Pasini (ITA/Aprilia) 128
125cc
1 Julian Simon (ESP/Aprilia) 239
2 Bradley Smith (GBR/Aprilia) 183.5
3 Nicolas Terol (ESP/Aprilia) 162.5
4 Pol Espargaro (ESP/Derbi) 142.5
5 Sergio Gadea (ESP/Aprilia) 128
SOURCE:
A top-four ride in Sepang, south of the capital Kuala Lumpur, will be enough for the 30-year-old Italian to be crowned 2009 World champion on Sunday.
Rossi, fresh from second place in Australia last weekend, has sweet memories of wins in Sepang - the season's penultimate event and a circuit he has repeatedly said is a personal favourite.
"Phillip Island was like gold dust for us in terms of points and now we go to Malaysia, another of my favourite tracks," he said
Rossi has a history of good form in the Malaysian heat
.
"Of course anything can happen but it's a great track for me and the Yamaha works well there. We have a good chance but there is no chance to relax - everybody is focused, motivated and excited."
Rossi has a history of good form in the Malaysian heat. He won from second on the grid in 2008 and has had seven podium finishes there, including five wins.
Second place in Australian extended his championship points tally to 270 after title rival and Yamaha team mate Jorge Lorenzo's first-lap crash.
Lorenzo's inability to complete the race means that, even if he wins in Sepang, Rossi only needs to finish fourth to take his ninth World title across all classes. Lorenzo is second with 232 points.
He is the only rider who can stop the Italian from taking the title on Sunday but there will also be interest in the battle for third in the championship
'It's not easy to find the perfect set-up there' - Stoner
.
Dani Pedrosa was overtaken by Casey Stoner at Phillip Island, whose win on home soil moved the Ducati rider up to third in the standings at Pedrosa's expense.
Stoner said: "Sepang will be a tough race. It's not easy to find the perfect set-up there but that's always been the case and with every day that passes I feel stronger and more confident that I can be competitive in both of the two races that remain."
Honda rider Pedrosa, six points behind Stoner on 195, is determined to beat Stoner. This is the penultimate outing of the season so he knows how crucial the race is.
First free practice will be on Friday, the race on Sunday. - AFP
Championship points
MotoGP
1 Valentino Rossi (ITA/Yamaha) 270
2 Jorge Lorenzo (ESP/Yamaha) 232
3 Casey Stoner (AUS/Ducati) 195
4 Dani Pedrosa (ESP/Honda) 189
5 Andrea Dovizioso (ITA/Honda) 152
6 Colin Edwards (USA/Yamaha) 145
7 Alex de Angelis (RSM/Honda) 101
8 Randy de Puniet (FRA/Honda) 101
9 Loris Capirossi (ITA/Suzuki) 101
10 Marco Melandri (ITA/Kawasaki) 100
250cc
1 Hiroshi Aoyama (JPN/Honda) 227
2 Marco Simoncelli (ITA/Gilera) 215,
3 Alvaro Bautista (ESP/Aprilia) 198
4 Hector Barbera (ESP/Aprilia) 194
5 Mattia Pasini (ITA/Aprilia) 128
125cc
1 Julian Simon (ESP/Aprilia) 239
2 Bradley Smith (GBR/Aprilia) 183.5
3 Nicolas Terol (ESP/Aprilia) 162.5
4 Pol Espargaro (ESP/Derbi) 142.5
5 Sergio Gadea (ESP/Aprilia) 128
SOURCE:
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