Motorcycling fans savor 4-cylinder 800-cc symphony
It may be deafening for some, but the engine roar from a MotoGP race is an addictive melody of thundering sound for racing aficionados.
“The loud sound from the race engine drives me to the circuit here every year,” Malaysian Azmie Mustafa told The Jakarta Post during the Shell Advance Malaysian Motorcycle Grand Prix in Sepang over the weekend.
Mustafa says he has never missed a race, be it Formula One or MotoGP, since the races were first brought to the Sepang International Circuit in 1999.
“On television, we can only watch the race, but to feel the soul of the race, we have to watch it live,” said the 40-something insurance worker, an avid supporter of Formula One’s Ferrari team.He said he was once a wannabe-racer 20-odd years back.
Mustafa might not be aware that a typical Formula One car or MotoGP bike can produce sounds with the audibility level ranging between 110 and 130 decibels (dB), while according to www.dangerousdecibels.org, sounds of 85 dB or stronger can cause permanent damage to the hearing, depending on the length of time one is exposed to the sound.
The site suggests, for instance, the permissible exposure time to a continuous 115-dB sound, the equivalent of a rock concert, leaf blower or chain saw, is only 30 seconds. A MotoGP race usually lasts around 50 minutes.
Besides the health risks it might pose, the sound delights fans such as Mustafa. All the seats at the Main Grand Stand of the Sepang track, which can accommodate 32,000 spectators, appeared full during race day on Sunday.
Mustafa, a supporter of Ducati’s Casey Stoner, acknowledged that more people came to watch the MotoGP race every year.
“Today’s race is more crowded than the previous years,” he said.
“It’s not just men, but also women and foreigners who are coming.”
Singaporean Ayub Abubakar, who drove the 330 kilometers from the city-state, said the sound of the roaring 800-cc motorbike engines was like music to his ears.
“I come here every year, since the first race. The sound of the race engine is fantastic,” he said.
“The sound of the engine makes a lot of difference as you can’t get the sound from an ordinary bike,” added Abubakar, who joined a motorbike tour from Singapore to Thailand last year.
Abubakar, who was eager to see Yamaha rider Valentino Rossi seal the MotoGP world championship, said before the race began, “This is an exciting race where you can conclude now who will be the champion.
“I don’t want to miss it.”
Rossi finished third, but the podium spot was enough to give him an unassailable lead — ahead of the last race in Valencia — and the championship title.
A motorcycling hobbyist, Abubakar said he even video-taped races back in Singapore to enhance his riding skills.
“You can see how the rider rides. You can see the technique,” the hotel-line businessman said.
“You need to know that ... the upgrading of the engine and all that come from MotoGP.”
First-time spectator Wayne Greenwood from Australia, who made the five-hour flight to Malaysia with four of his friends, said he was not irritated at all by the high-decibel din.
“The boys all had earplugs when watching yesterday’s trials,” she said. “But I find the noise okay. I find it fine.”
Greenwood added he would return to Sepang for next year’s MotoGP.
SOURCE:
Showing posts with label rossi. Show all posts
Showing posts with label rossi. Show all posts
Friday, January 15, 2010
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Plans For Next Season Have To Wait - Rossi
Plans For Next Season Have To Wait - Rossi
Although the championship title for the 2009 MotoGP season is not far from the sights of the Fiat Yamaha Team, its plans for the next season have to wait until the race season ends.
"The feeling is great, right now. We are on top of the championship. It is a great season and we will try to make good results.
"We would not think about our plan for the next season, yet. Right now, we have to focus for this weekend's race," said the team's rider, Valentino Rossi, when approched by the media on Wednesday.
Fresh from his 11th podium of the season in last Sunday's Australia Grand Prix at Phillip Island, Rossi made a pit stop at the Petronas MotoGP Showcase at KLCC Esplanade here.
Joining him was team-mate Spaniard Jorge Lorenzo, who is also the title contender for the 2009 FIM World Championship.
The duo had a 30-minute autograph session with the fans, organised by Petronas, the premium partner for the team.
Earlier, both riders were presented with the winning art work from a group of underprivileged students from Sekolah Kebangsaan Saujana Utama Sungai Buloh, who were participants of an outreach programme with the Petronas Sprinta Yamaha Team riders.
The Fiat Yamaha Team riders, Rossi and Lorenzo, have won 10 out of 15 races between them this year and there has only been one race when one of the pair has not been on the podium.
They would make the most successful season in the team's history.
The Malaysian leg of the 2009 MotoGP championship will take place this weekend at Sepang International Circuit.
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Valentino Rossi hopes to avoid Valencia decider
Valentino Rossi hopes to avoid Valencia decider
Valentino Rossi has told MCN he hopes to clinch his seventh MotoGP world title in Malaysia this weekend to avoid a final race decider against Fiat Yamaha team-mate Jorge Lorenzo.
A ninth career world championship for the 30-year-old seems a formality with the Italian heading to the Far East for Sunday’s Malaysian GP with a commanding 38-point lead.
And Rossi, who moved to the brink of the title after Lorenzo’s first corner exit in Phillip Island last weekend, says he wants to avoid a Valencia showdown.
The last time Rossi fought for the world title at the final round was in 2006 in Valencia.
That race turned proved to be one of the biggest disappointments in Rossi’s career after a crash cost him the title that went to American Nicky Hayden.
Rossi told MCN: For sure it is better to finish it early but not because of Valencia and 2006. When it goes down to the last race and everything is to be decided in that one race, anything can happen.
"I’m not very worried about Valencia as such. I lost one world championship there but it can happen like this. It is just another track and I’m confident that in Valencia if we are concentrated we can be fast and fight for the victory.
SOURCE:
Valentino Rossi has told MCN he hopes to clinch his seventh MotoGP world title in Malaysia this weekend to avoid a final race decider against Fiat Yamaha team-mate Jorge Lorenzo.
A ninth career world championship for the 30-year-old seems a formality with the Italian heading to the Far East for Sunday’s Malaysian GP with a commanding 38-point lead.
And Rossi, who moved to the brink of the title after Lorenzo’s first corner exit in Phillip Island last weekend, says he wants to avoid a Valencia showdown.
The last time Rossi fought for the world title at the final round was in 2006 in Valencia.
That race turned proved to be one of the biggest disappointments in Rossi’s career after a crash cost him the title that went to American Nicky Hayden.
Rossi told MCN: For sure it is better to finish it early but not because of Valencia and 2006. When it goes down to the last race and everything is to be decided in that one race, anything can happen.
"I’m not very worried about Valencia as such. I lost one world championship there but it can happen like this. It is just another track and I’m confident that in Valencia if we are concentrated we can be fast and fight for the victory.
SOURCE:
Stoner facing key fitness test
Stoner facing key fitness test
Australian Grand Prix champion Casey Stoner faces a critical fitness test in the draining heat of Malaysia at this weekend's penultimate MotoGP round.
Stoner staggered his rivals and critics by winning last Sunday's Australian race at Phillip Island - a feat which followed his second place on return from illness in Portugal.
But doubts over the fatigue problem which has dogged him for most of the year persist and are likely to be exposed at Sepang.
Stoner out-duelled world champion Valentino Rossi last weekend but was aided by the cool conditions.
The oppressive heat in Kuala Lumpur is likely to prove whether there are any residual effects from his energy-sapping complaint, which left him exhausted near the end of races.
"In the past I used to like racing in the heat but last year in Malaysia I was racing with a wrist injury and I've had the physical problems everybody knows about," Stoner said.
"I suppose it's a combination of factors that I have suffered with in recent hot races.
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"But at Phillip Island things went so well from a physical point of view that I feel reasonably confident.
"It will definitely be a tough race as being fast and consistent in those conditions is always difficult regardless.
"It is not easy to find the perfect set-up here 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.
"The track has become a little boring for me I suppose you could say just because we have done so many laps here in testing but the races are usually fun and I like the place."
Ducati boss Livio Suppo admits the Malaysian race could be a vital pointer to Stoner's fitness for next year's championship.
"We're coming on the back of a really positive grand prix for us in which Casey was able to ride as he knows and as he likes, and most importantly having fun," Suppo said.
"Even though he was lacking a little grip the bike was very competitive and Casey made the most of it to put on a real show.
"In Malaysia we're going to come up against temperatures that are very different to Phillip Island and it will be another test of his condition.
"At the moment he prefers cool conditions but in the past the heat has never bothered him and in fact in 2007 he won."
Stoner is third in the title standings but out of contention as Rossi seeks to seal a seventh championship on Sunday.
SOURCE:
Australian Grand Prix champion Casey Stoner faces a critical fitness test in the draining heat of Malaysia at this weekend's penultimate MotoGP round.
Stoner staggered his rivals and critics by winning last Sunday's Australian race at Phillip Island - a feat which followed his second place on return from illness in Portugal.
But doubts over the fatigue problem which has dogged him for most of the year persist and are likely to be exposed at Sepang.
Stoner out-duelled world champion Valentino Rossi last weekend but was aided by the cool conditions.
The oppressive heat in Kuala Lumpur is likely to prove whether there are any residual effects from his energy-sapping complaint, which left him exhausted near the end of races.
"In the past I used to like racing in the heat but last year in Malaysia I was racing with a wrist injury and I've had the physical problems everybody knows about," Stoner said.
"I suppose it's a combination of factors that I have suffered with in recent hot races.
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"But at Phillip Island things went so well from a physical point of view that I feel reasonably confident.
"It will definitely be a tough race as being fast and consistent in those conditions is always difficult regardless.
"It is not easy to find the perfect set-up here 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.
"The track has become a little boring for me I suppose you could say just because we have done so many laps here in testing but the races are usually fun and I like the place."
Ducati boss Livio Suppo admits the Malaysian race could be a vital pointer to Stoner's fitness for next year's championship.
"We're coming on the back of a really positive grand prix for us in which Casey was able to ride as he knows and as he likes, and most importantly having fun," Suppo said.
"Even though he was lacking a little grip the bike was very competitive and Casey made the most of it to put on a real show.
"In Malaysia we're going to come up against temperatures that are very different to Phillip Island and it will be another test of his condition.
"At the moment he prefers cool conditions but in the past the heat has never bothered him and in fact in 2007 he won."
Stoner is third in the title standings but out of contention as Rossi seeks to seal a seventh championship on Sunday.
SOURCE:
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Casey Stoner Holds off Valentino Rossi to Take Australian Grand Prix Win
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:
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:
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:
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
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:
Monday, November 23, 2009
Casey Stoner edged out world MotoGP champion Valentino Rossi to claim pole position at his home Australian Grand Prix on Saturday and boost his chances of a third successive victory at Phillip Island.
Casey Stoner played down his chances of claiming a third successive win at Phillip Island.
The 2007 world champion will start from the front of the grid for the second year in a row after continuing his superb form following a three-race absence due to a mystery illness.
The Queenslander, who was second in Portugal on his comeback two weeks ago, set a fastest time of one minute 30.341 seconds on his Ducati -- just 0.050 seconds ahead of Rossi after an engrossing battle with the Italian.
Stoner, who turned 24 on Friday, was quick to play down his chances of winning on Sunday.
"We don't have the same grip levels that we have had the last two years here," he told the official MotoGP Web site. "With the stiffer chassis which we have now it works very well at some circuits, but not so well at others. So we have lost that advantage.
"We definitely have more corner speed, but we are spinning a lot as we come out of corners and we can't get it to hook up so we're working a lot on the rear end.
"We've shortened the bike, we've changed some of the pivot positions, we've dropped the riding height, all sorts of things, but we are still searching for something for tomorrow. The warm-up session is going to be very important."
Honda's Dani Pedrosa survived a crash to secure third place after having to use a second bike as he edged past Rossi's Fiat Yamaha teammate and main title rival Jorge Lorenzo.
Lorenzo, who closed to within 18 points of Rossi with three races remaining after his victory at Estoril, missed out on a front-row start for the first time this season.
"We still don't have enough grip on the rear and the tire is spinning too much, which makes it difficult to be fast enough. Tomorrow I will try to adapt my riding style instead in order to try to make it onto the podium," he said.
"I feel better than yesterday but I'm still not at 100 percent. I feel quite weak still because I haven't been able to eat much."
The Spaniard will be joined on the second row by Monster Yamaha Tech 3's veteran American rider Colin Edwards and Honda's Alex de Angelis, who bounced back after an early spill.
The rest of the top-10 qualifiers was made up by Stoner's teammate Nicky Hayden, LCR Honda rider Randy de Puniet, Mika Kallio of Pramac Racing and Repsol Honda's Andrea Dovizioso.
SOURCE:
Casey Stoner played down his chances of claiming a third successive win at Phillip Island.
The 2007 world champion will start from the front of the grid for the second year in a row after continuing his superb form following a three-race absence due to a mystery illness.
The Queenslander, who was second in Portugal on his comeback two weeks ago, set a fastest time of one minute 30.341 seconds on his Ducati -- just 0.050 seconds ahead of Rossi after an engrossing battle with the Italian.
Stoner, who turned 24 on Friday, was quick to play down his chances of winning on Sunday.
"We don't have the same grip levels that we have had the last two years here," he told the official MotoGP Web site. "With the stiffer chassis which we have now it works very well at some circuits, but not so well at others. So we have lost that advantage.
"We definitely have more corner speed, but we are spinning a lot as we come out of corners and we can't get it to hook up so we're working a lot on the rear end.
"We've shortened the bike, we've changed some of the pivot positions, we've dropped the riding height, all sorts of things, but we are still searching for something for tomorrow. The warm-up session is going to be very important."
Honda's Dani Pedrosa survived a crash to secure third place after having to use a second bike as he edged past Rossi's Fiat Yamaha teammate and main title rival Jorge Lorenzo.
Lorenzo, who closed to within 18 points of Rossi with three races remaining after his victory at Estoril, missed out on a front-row start for the first time this season.
"We still don't have enough grip on the rear and the tire is spinning too much, which makes it difficult to be fast enough. Tomorrow I will try to adapt my riding style instead in order to try to make it onto the podium," he said.
"I feel better than yesterday but I'm still not at 100 percent. I feel quite weak still because I haven't been able to eat much."
The Spaniard will be joined on the second row by Monster Yamaha Tech 3's veteran American rider Colin Edwards and Honda's Alex de Angelis, who bounced back after an early spill.
The rest of the top-10 qualifiers was made up by Stoner's teammate Nicky Hayden, LCR Honda rider Randy de Puniet, Mika Kallio of Pramac Racing and Repsol Honda's Andrea Dovizioso.
SOURCE:
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Rossi not happy with set-up yet
Rossi not happy with set-up yet
Valentino Rossi complained of braking issues with his Yamaha following today's first practice for the Portuguese MotoGP.
The reigning world champion was third fastest in the session but nearly half a second slower than team-mate Jorge Lorenzo.
He puts some of that time down to not yet having found a good brake balance and is confident he can close the gap in Saturday morning's sessions.
"The first practice was not so bad but we had some problems, especially in the braking," said Rossi. "We are not strong enough and suffer quite a lot with stopping the bike.
"This track is difficult for braking so we have to find the right balance. But we have some ideas for tomorrow and we hope to be more competitive.
"My laptime is not so bad for the first practice but we have some disadvantage and we have to improve the base. The work we do in practice will make the difference so the first target is to arrive on Sunday with a good setting."
SOURCE:
Valentino Rossi complained of braking issues with his Yamaha following today's first practice for the Portuguese MotoGP.
The reigning world champion was third fastest in the session but nearly half a second slower than team-mate Jorge Lorenzo.
He puts some of that time down to not yet having found a good brake balance and is confident he can close the gap in Saturday morning's sessions.
"The first practice was not so bad but we had some problems, especially in the braking," said Rossi. "We are not strong enough and suffer quite a lot with stopping the bike.
"This track is difficult for braking so we have to find the right balance. But we have some ideas for tomorrow and we hope to be more competitive.
"My laptime is not so bad for the first practice but we have some disadvantage and we have to improve the base. The work we do in practice will make the difference so the first target is to arrive on Sunday with a good setting."
SOURCE:
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Valentino Rossi to make 100th Yamaha start
Valentino Rossi to make 100th Yamaha start
Valentino Rossi will start his 100th MotoGP race for Yamaha this weekend at Estoril.
After leaving Honda at the end of 2003, the Italian shocked MotoGP with a stunning victory on his M1 race debut in the 2004 season-opening Africa's Grand Prix.
Rossi went on to win the world championship for Yamaha in both 2004 and 2005, before losing out on the 2006 title to Nicky Hayden at the very final round - then slipping to a MotoGP worst of third during the first season of 800cc racing in 2007.
The Italian superstar fought back to claim his third Yamaha title in 2008 and is on course for a fourth in 2009, holding a 30 point lead over team-mate Jorge Lorenzo with four rounds to go.
Prior to joining Yamaha, Rossi won three premier-class titles for Honda - the last 500cc crown in 2001, then the first two 990cc MotoGP titles in 2002 and 2003.
During his 99 Yamaha starts to date, Rossi has taken 44 wins (including six in 2009), 71 podiums and 27 pole positions.
Rossi's most successful Yamaha season, in terms of race wins, was in 2005 when he matched his Honda record of 11 victories in one season.
As well as his six premier-class titles, Rossi won the 250cc championship in 1999 and the 125cc title in 1997, both with Aprilia.
Rossi made 64 race starts for Honda between 2000 and 2003, winning 33 times, and 60 starts for Aprilia between 1996 and 1999 (in 125 and 250) when he took 26 wins.
The following list shows the riders who have made most starts in the premier-class riding Yamaha machinery:
1. Norick Abe 143
2. Carlos Checa 112
3. Valentino Rossi 99
4. Christian Sarron 98
5. Eddie Lawson 86
After leaving Honda at the end of 2003, the Italian shocked MotoGP with a stunning victory on his M1 race debut in the 2004 season-opening Africa's Grand Prix.
Rossi went on to win the world championship for Yamaha in both 2004 and 2005, before losing out on the 2006 title to Nicky Hayden at the very final round - then slipping to a MotoGP worst of third during the first season of 800cc racing in 2007.
The Italian superstar fought back to claim his third Yamaha title in 2008 and is on course for a fourth in 2009, holding a 30 point lead over team-mate Jorge Lorenzo with four rounds to go.
Prior to joining Yamaha, Rossi won three premier-class titles for Honda - the last 500cc crown in 2001, then the first two 990cc MotoGP titles in 2002 and 2003.
During his 99 Yamaha starts to date, Rossi has taken 44 wins (including six in 2009), 71 podiums and 27 pole positions.
Rossi's most successful Yamaha season, in terms of race wins, was in 2005 when he matched his Honda record of 11 victories in one season.
As well as his six premier-class titles, Rossi won the 250cc championship in 1999 and the 125cc title in 1997, both with Aprilia.
Rossi made 64 race starts for Honda between 2000 and 2003, winning 33 times, and 60 starts for Aprilia between 1996 and 1999 (in 125 and 250) when he took 26 wins.
The following list shows the riders who have made most starts in the premier-class riding Yamaha machinery:
1. Norick Abe 143
2. Carlos Checa 112
3. Valentino Rossi 99
4. Christian Sarron 98
5. Eddie Lawson 86
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Rossi: 800cc MotoGP's biggest mistake for 15 years
Valentino Rossi has labelled the decision to cut MotoGP engine capacity from 990cc to 800cc for 2007 as 'the biggest mistake in the last 15 years'.
In an interview with Dennis Noyes for Spain's Motociclismo publication, the reigning six time MotoGP world champion - a premier-class title winner on a 500cc two-stroke, then 990cc and 800cc four-strokes - stated:
The 990 motorcycle was 'rough' and wild, but with a great motor and a lot power. The 800 is worse, simply worse, it is the same motorcycle with less power. I was very sad at the beginning, now it has improved, yes... But the power from the 990 made it a lot more fun".
Rossi was then asked how the show can be improved for fans watching trackside and on TV - and has answer made painful reading for those behind the change to 800cc.
"For me the spectacle with the 990 was the same as with the 500. There were big battles and large slides - this is what the public wants, no? The 990 slid a lot on the entry to the turns, but above all on the exit of the corners.
With the 800... I believe that the 800 are the biggest mistake the world championship has made in the last 15 years. We have lost a great part of the spectacle and part of this is because electronics have advanced so much.
For me the manufacturers committed a great error when they changed to 800cc. The 990s were better in every way.
The cut in engine capacity was designed to limit top speeds, but has resulted in higher cornering speeds and greater dependency on electronics.
To rub salt into the wound, Dani Pedrosa took his factory Honda to a new all-time Motorcycle Grand Prix top speed of 349.3 km/h in the opening practice session for this year's Italian Grand Prix.
No satellite rider has yet won an 800cc race, while it took until this year's Catalan Grand Prix for an 800cc race to be won with a last lap pass.
The following table also shows how the change to smaller engines has halved the number of different race winners (from 14 to 7).
Note that weather was a factor in the single 800cc wins for Chris Vermeulen (fully wet), Loris Capirossi (wet/dry) and Andrea Dovizioso (damp).
MotoGP race winners: 990cc (2002-2006)
Honda: 10 riders - Valentino Rossi (20 wins), Sete Gibernau (8), Marco Melandri (5), Nicky Hayden (3), Max Biaggi (3), Dani Pedrosa (2), Alex Barros (2), Makoto Tamada (2), Toni Elias (1), Tohru Ukawa (1).
Yamaha: 2 riders - Valentino Rossi (25), Max Biaggi (2).
Ducati: 2 riders - Loris Capirossi (6), Troy Bayliss (1).
Suzuki: 0
Kawasaki: 0
Aprilia: 0
Roberts: 0
WCM: 0
Moriwaki: 0
MotoGP race winners: 800cc (2007 onwards)
Yamaha: 2 riders - Valentino Rossi (19 wins), Jorge Lorenzo (4).
Ducati: 2 riders - Casey Stoner (18), Loris Capirossi (1).
Honda: 2 riders - Dani Pedrosa (5), Andrea Dovizioso (1).
Suzuki: 1 rider - Chris Vermeulen (1).
Kawasaki: 0
Roberts: 0
Ilmor: 0
Valentino Rossi is he still the best Motogp rider? Will there be any second best to valentino rossi?
In an interview with Dennis Noyes for Spain's Motociclismo publication, the reigning six time MotoGP world champion - a premier-class title winner on a 500cc two-stroke, then 990cc and 800cc four-strokes - stated:
The 990 motorcycle was 'rough' and wild, but with a great motor and a lot power. The 800 is worse, simply worse, it is the same motorcycle with less power. I was very sad at the beginning, now it has improved, yes... But the power from the 990 made it a lot more fun".
Rossi was then asked how the show can be improved for fans watching trackside and on TV - and has answer made painful reading for those behind the change to 800cc.
"For me the spectacle with the 990 was the same as with the 500. There were big battles and large slides - this is what the public wants, no? The 990 slid a lot on the entry to the turns, but above all on the exit of the corners.
With the 800... I believe that the 800 are the biggest mistake the world championship has made in the last 15 years. We have lost a great part of the spectacle and part of this is because electronics have advanced so much.
For me the manufacturers committed a great error when they changed to 800cc. The 990s were better in every way.
The cut in engine capacity was designed to limit top speeds, but has resulted in higher cornering speeds and greater dependency on electronics.
To rub salt into the wound, Dani Pedrosa took his factory Honda to a new all-time Motorcycle Grand Prix top speed of 349.3 km/h in the opening practice session for this year's Italian Grand Prix.
No satellite rider has yet won an 800cc race, while it took until this year's Catalan Grand Prix for an 800cc race to be won with a last lap pass.
The following table also shows how the change to smaller engines has halved the number of different race winners (from 14 to 7).
Note that weather was a factor in the single 800cc wins for Chris Vermeulen (fully wet), Loris Capirossi (wet/dry) and Andrea Dovizioso (damp).
MotoGP race winners: 990cc (2002-2006)
Honda: 10 riders - Valentino Rossi (20 wins), Sete Gibernau (8), Marco Melandri (5), Nicky Hayden (3), Max Biaggi (3), Dani Pedrosa (2), Alex Barros (2), Makoto Tamada (2), Toni Elias (1), Tohru Ukawa (1).
Yamaha: 2 riders - Valentino Rossi (25), Max Biaggi (2).
Ducati: 2 riders - Loris Capirossi (6), Troy Bayliss (1).
Suzuki: 0
Kawasaki: 0
Aprilia: 0
Roberts: 0
WCM: 0
Moriwaki: 0
MotoGP race winners: 800cc (2007 onwards)
Yamaha: 2 riders - Valentino Rossi (19 wins), Jorge Lorenzo (4).
Ducati: 2 riders - Casey Stoner (18), Loris Capirossi (1).
Honda: 2 riders - Dani Pedrosa (5), Andrea Dovizioso (1).
Suzuki: 1 rider - Chris Vermeulen (1).
Kawasaki: 0
Roberts: 0
Ilmor: 0
Valentino Rossi is he still the best Motogp rider? Will there be any second best to valentino rossi?
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Valentino Rossi looking for error free finish
Valentino Rossi looking for error free finish
Valentino Rossi is determined to eradicate some of the crucial mistakes that have dogged him in 2009 as he prepares to wrap up a ninth world title.
With just four races of the campaign remaining in Portugal, Australia, Malaysia and Spain, the 30-year-old is firm favourite to capture his seventh premier class world title.
Following his sixth win of 2009 in Misano recently, the Fiat Yamaha rider holds a comfortable 30-point advantage over team-mate Jorge Lorenzo.
Rossi though is determined to avoid a repeat of mistakes in Le Mans, Donington and Indianapolis as he looks to end Lorenzo’s brave challenge.
The Italian said: "The important thing is not to make any mistakes and arrive on the podium at every race and maybe try to win before Valencia. But anything can happen, any rider can make a mistake so I don't know if it is possible to win before Valencia.
"I had the chance to make things a lot easier but Indy was a big disaster. There are four races and 30-points is a good advantage. But also I was 50 in front and it is very easy to make a mistake at this level."
SOURCE:
Valentino Rossi is determined to eradicate some of the crucial mistakes that have dogged him in 2009 as he prepares to wrap up a ninth world title.
With just four races of the campaign remaining in Portugal, Australia, Malaysia and Spain, the 30-year-old is firm favourite to capture his seventh premier class world title.
Following his sixth win of 2009 in Misano recently, the Fiat Yamaha rider holds a comfortable 30-point advantage over team-mate Jorge Lorenzo.
Rossi though is determined to avoid a repeat of mistakes in Le Mans, Donington and Indianapolis as he looks to end Lorenzo’s brave challenge.
The Italian said: "The important thing is not to make any mistakes and arrive on the podium at every race and maybe try to win before Valencia. But anything can happen, any rider can make a mistake so I don't know if it is possible to win before Valencia.
"I had the chance to make things a lot easier but Indy was a big disaster. There are four races and 30-points is a good advantage. But also I was 50 in front and it is very easy to make a mistake at this level."
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Rossi increases lead
Valentino Rossi led home a Fiat Yamaha one-two as he stretched his lead in the FIM MotoGP World Championship to 30 points over team-mate Jorge Lorenzo with victory at the San Marino Grand Prix.
Rossi and Lorenzo were well clear of the Repsol Honda of Dani Pedrosa at the chequered flag at Misano as the Spaniard's team-mate Andrea Dovizioso came in fourth.
Fifth went to veteran Rizla Suzuki rider Loris Capirossi as the fast-starting Toni Elias, on the San Carlo Gresini Honda, finally faded from second to finish the race in sixth.
Victory stretched Rossi's lead over title rival Lorenzo as Pedrosa's third place moved him up to third in the standings over Ducati Marlboro's Casey Stoner who is taking a break from the series to recover from illness.
A delighted Rossi said: "It was a perfect weekend and thanks to all the fans because it was a very important victory for me."
Lorenzo admitted he had been second best to his team-mate, as he said: "He was the number one this weekend because he is the fastest."
Pedrosa was quickest off the start line ahead of Elias and Rossi as the drama unfolded behind them.
Lorenzo managed to stay on his bike despite being hit in the second corner by Alex De Angelis whose Gresini Honda wiped both Colin Edwards (Monster Tech 3 Yamaha) and Nicky Hayden (Ducati Marlboro) out of the race.
Rossi moved up from third to take the lead on lap eight of 28 and Lorenzo was up to second by half-distance.
Lorenzo was never able to close the gap enough on Rossi to challenge for the lead as Pedrosa finished a lonely third as his Honda appeared to run out of fuel on the slow-down lap.
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Rossi and Lorenzo were well clear of the Repsol Honda of Dani Pedrosa at the chequered flag at Misano as the Spaniard's team-mate Andrea Dovizioso came in fourth.
Fifth went to veteran Rizla Suzuki rider Loris Capirossi as the fast-starting Toni Elias, on the San Carlo Gresini Honda, finally faded from second to finish the race in sixth.
Victory stretched Rossi's lead over title rival Lorenzo as Pedrosa's third place moved him up to third in the standings over Ducati Marlboro's Casey Stoner who is taking a break from the series to recover from illness.
A delighted Rossi said: "It was a perfect weekend and thanks to all the fans because it was a very important victory for me."
Lorenzo admitted he had been second best to his team-mate, as he said: "He was the number one this weekend because he is the fastest."
Pedrosa was quickest off the start line ahead of Elias and Rossi as the drama unfolded behind them.
Lorenzo managed to stay on his bike despite being hit in the second corner by Alex De Angelis whose Gresini Honda wiped both Colin Edwards (Monster Tech 3 Yamaha) and Nicky Hayden (Ducati Marlboro) out of the race.
Rossi moved up from third to take the lead on lap eight of 28 and Lorenzo was up to second by half-distance.
Lorenzo was never able to close the gap enough on Rossi to challenge for the lead as Pedrosa finished a lonely third as his Honda appeared to run out of fuel on the slow-down lap.
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Rossi’s Final Challenge?
Rossi’s Final Challenge?
"My dream is to end my career with Yamaha," said a buoyant Valentino Rossi just two seasons ago, yet if rumours in the media are to be believed from the past week, the eight times world champion could be ready to make a dramatic and shock switch to Italian manufacturer Ducati when his current deal runs out at the end of 2010.
Valentino stunned the world at the end of the 2003 season with the shock announcement that after four successful seasons with Honda he was leaving to join arch rivals Yamaha. It was a move which re-ignited the fuse on the championship, as Rossi battled valiantly against his foes on what was considered inferior machinery and won.
The journey experienced by the Yamaha factory since 2004 has been very varied, with a mixture or highs and lows, joy and pain, the collaboration has seen the pair secure three premier class titles in the five years they have been together, matching Rossi’s title haul at Honda.
Yamaha have spent vast sums of money developing the various evolutions of the M1 motorcycle with the help and technical input from Valentino Rossi, analysing and perfecting the performance of the motorcycle to the point where it is now considered the best bike in the paddock. Which begs the question, why would Valentino Rossi want to leave?
To fully understand any rational reasoning behind that question, we need to take a look at why Rossi decided to leave his former employer Honda. At the end of 2003, Rossi decided that his own accomplishments were being overshadowed by the company. The RC211V had managed to dominant the series since its inception to the premier class and while other teams attempted to chase Rossi down utilising 500cc two strokes or other manufacturers four stroke 990cc equipment, Rossi felt that Honda undervalued his input into the project.
It was mentioned during the 500cc era that the bikes performance amassed to about 20% of the final race outcome, while the rider made up the other 80%. Although in the current era that figure may be closer to 50/50, it was clear that Valentino felt his own input and performance at Honda had being short changed and belittled.
It led to the classic break-up between the two parties, with Honda vowing to crush their former employee in the following season. Rossi and his team moved to Yamaha and worked tirelessly over the winter to develop the M1 into a competitive and competent package capable of winning the title, which he did in 2004 & 2005.
After two seasons without winning the premier class title and with a catalogue of mechanical malfunctions, Yamaha burst back to the front in 2008 with their third evolution of the 800cc prototype M1. It enabled Rossi to battle consistently with Ducati’s Casey Stoner and Honda’s Dani Pedrosa making for a thrilling Championship, which Valentino eventually clinched at Motegi.
However, Yamaha had started to invest in their future with the signing of double 250cc champion, Jorge Lorenzo, which caused a small amount of friction within the team. A dividing wall was initially constructed at the start of 2008 because the two riders were on different makes of tyre. However, the wall has remained intact in 2009 despite the one make tyre regulation and it appears that the camps are drifting apart.
Yamaha has also investing in the progress of another multiple champion in the form of current World Superbike Championship leader, Ben Spies. It has been widely suggested that Ben may become part of the Yamaha satellite project in 2010 with the option of being groomed for a factory seat in the future. It may be the case that with the company investing and courting all this new talent that Valentino is once again feeling a bit underappreciated.
It is important to remember that in the five years that Valentino has been with Yamaha, he is one of only two riders to win a race on their machinery, the only other rider being Jorge. When Rossi joined in 2004 Yamaha hadn’t won a race for over a year. Valentino and his team could rightly feel that they have contributed their 50% and have helped to make the motorcycle the pick of the paddock in the present day.
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"My dream is to end my career with Yamaha," said a buoyant Valentino Rossi just two seasons ago, yet if rumours in the media are to be believed from the past week, the eight times world champion could be ready to make a dramatic and shock switch to Italian manufacturer Ducati when his current deal runs out at the end of 2010.
Valentino stunned the world at the end of the 2003 season with the shock announcement that after four successful seasons with Honda he was leaving to join arch rivals Yamaha. It was a move which re-ignited the fuse on the championship, as Rossi battled valiantly against his foes on what was considered inferior machinery and won.
The journey experienced by the Yamaha factory since 2004 has been very varied, with a mixture or highs and lows, joy and pain, the collaboration has seen the pair secure three premier class titles in the five years they have been together, matching Rossi’s title haul at Honda.
Yamaha have spent vast sums of money developing the various evolutions of the M1 motorcycle with the help and technical input from Valentino Rossi, analysing and perfecting the performance of the motorcycle to the point where it is now considered the best bike in the paddock. Which begs the question, why would Valentino Rossi want to leave?
To fully understand any rational reasoning behind that question, we need to take a look at why Rossi decided to leave his former employer Honda. At the end of 2003, Rossi decided that his own accomplishments were being overshadowed by the company. The RC211V had managed to dominant the series since its inception to the premier class and while other teams attempted to chase Rossi down utilising 500cc two strokes or other manufacturers four stroke 990cc equipment, Rossi felt that Honda undervalued his input into the project.
It was mentioned during the 500cc era that the bikes performance amassed to about 20% of the final race outcome, while the rider made up the other 80%. Although in the current era that figure may be closer to 50/50, it was clear that Valentino felt his own input and performance at Honda had being short changed and belittled.
It led to the classic break-up between the two parties, with Honda vowing to crush their former employee in the following season. Rossi and his team moved to Yamaha and worked tirelessly over the winter to develop the M1 into a competitive and competent package capable of winning the title, which he did in 2004 & 2005.
After two seasons without winning the premier class title and with a catalogue of mechanical malfunctions, Yamaha burst back to the front in 2008 with their third evolution of the 800cc prototype M1. It enabled Rossi to battle consistently with Ducati’s Casey Stoner and Honda’s Dani Pedrosa making for a thrilling Championship, which Valentino eventually clinched at Motegi.
However, Yamaha had started to invest in their future with the signing of double 250cc champion, Jorge Lorenzo, which caused a small amount of friction within the team. A dividing wall was initially constructed at the start of 2008 because the two riders were on different makes of tyre. However, the wall has remained intact in 2009 despite the one make tyre regulation and it appears that the camps are drifting apart.
Yamaha has also investing in the progress of another multiple champion in the form of current World Superbike Championship leader, Ben Spies. It has been widely suggested that Ben may become part of the Yamaha satellite project in 2010 with the option of being groomed for a factory seat in the future. It may be the case that with the company investing and courting all this new talent that Valentino is once again feeling a bit underappreciated.
It is important to remember that in the five years that Valentino has been with Yamaha, he is one of only two riders to win a race on their machinery, the only other rider being Jorge. When Rossi joined in 2004 Yamaha hadn’t won a race for over a year. Valentino and his team could rightly feel that they have contributed their 50% and have helped to make the motorcycle the pick of the paddock in the present day.
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