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

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

Mickael Pichon Jim Pomeroy Christophe Pourcel Sebastien Pourcel Wyman Priddy Alessandro Puzar

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

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

Tommy Searle Gary Semics Andrew Short Shaun Simpson Joël Smets Jeff Smith

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

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

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

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

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

Michael Byrne Antonio Cairoli Trey Canard Håkan Carlquist Ricky Carmichael Danny Chandler

Mario Andretti won his first F1 race 40 years ago today at the 1971 South African Grand Prix.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/f1fanatic/~3/Yo7MOoudh4c/

Pierre Karsmakers Vladimir Kavinov Mike Kiedrowski Darryll King Shayne King Heinz Kinigadner

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

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

read more

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

Andrew McFarlane Brett Metcalfe Heikki Mikkola Auguste Mingels Marty Moates Guennady Moisseev

As far as we can tell right now, you can get the 2012 MV Agusta F3 in just about any color you want, as long as it’s white & red. While the F3 looks good in the classic MV Agusta livery, that fact didn’t stop some Italian fanatics from photoshopping the bike into a variety of other color schemes MV has used over the years. Big ups to our commenters for pointing them out to …

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AsphaltandRubber/~3/zF72xU35kK8/

Sebastien Pourcel Wyman Priddy Alessandro Puzar Gaston Rahier Steve Ramon Tyla Rattray

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

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

Doug Henry Broc Hepler Rob Herring George Holland Jeremy van Horebeek Kent Howerton

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

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

Ove Lundell Sten Lundin Jeremy Lusk Billy MacKenzie Corrado Maddii Andre Malherbe

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

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

Marnicq Bervoets Fritz Betzlbacher Dave Bickers Anthony Boissiere Frederic Bolley Xavier Boog

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

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

John DeSoto Tony DiStefano Jamie Dobb Gert van Doorn John Dowd John Draper

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

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

Grant Langston Danny LaPorte Mike LaRocco Jason Lawrence Ron Lechien Jeff Leisk

Josh Waters will continue to race for Yoshimura Suzuki in 2011, wild carding at the Miller Motorsports Park World Superbike round, and also making an appearance at the Suzuka 8 Hour Endurance Race. “Josh showed he has the potential,” explained team owner Fujio Yoshimura, “I have told him we’d like him to ride again in America at Miller Motorsports Park. It’s a good start for the team and Josh and we will both get better.” With …

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AsphaltandRubber/~3/d7h6sKebEd8/

Grant Langston Danny LaPorte Mike LaRocco Jason Lawrence Ron Lechien Jeff Leisk

Results of World Superbike Race 1 from Phillip Island:

read more

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

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

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

read more

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

Heikki Mikkola Auguste Mingels Marty Moates Guennady Moisseev Bobby Moore Blair Morgan

Red Bull clinched both championships last year. Can they do it again?

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

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

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

read more

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Helping send off Valentino Rossi and Nicky Hayden on their 2011 MotoGP Championship season, Ducati is holding a big event in downtown Bologna on Friday night. Naturally of course the two MotoGP riders will need something to make an entrance with, and Ducati thought this would be the perfect time to tap its Monster Art program for some Rossi/Hayden GP replica paint schemes that take their cues from the duo’s Ducati Desmosedici GP11 race bikes. …

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AsphaltandRubber/~3/eVQQzZKR9Es/

Gary Semics Andrew Short Shaun Simpson Joël Smets Jeff Smith Marty Smith

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

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

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

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

read more

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

Xavier Boog Damon Bradshaw Goat Breker Sven Breugelmans Larry Brooks Mike Brown

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

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

read more

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

HÃ¥kan Andersson Victor Arbekov Les Archer Nicolas Aubin Rene Baeten David Bailey

Confirmation of news that MotoMatters.com reported on Saturday has just arrived: MZ is confirming that Max Neukirchner will be riding the FTR chassis rather than their own MZ frame for at least the start of the 2011 Moto2 championship. The press release also clears up a few more issues: Only Neukirchner will be riding the FTR machine; Ant West will continue development of the MZ chassis, with the aim being that once the MZ chassis reaches the same level as the FTR, Neukirchner will also switch back to the MZ. Work on the MZ chassis will also continue in the Spanish CEV championship, where Arne Tode and Bernd Hiemer will campaign the MZ chassis.

Here's the press release:

MZ riders Neukirchner and West to start new Moto2 season on two different chassis

read more

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MotoGPMatters/~3/9amnJKNG7ic/mz_press_release_confirms_neukirchner_sw.html

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

Confirmation of news that MotoMatters.com reported on Saturday has just arrived: MZ is confirming that Max Neukirchner will be riding the FTR chassis rather than their own MZ frame for at least the start of the 2011 Moto2 championship. The press release also clears up a few more issues: Only Neukirchner will be riding the FTR machine; Ant West will continue development of the MZ chassis, with the aim being that once the MZ chassis reaches the same level as the FTR, Neukirchner will also switch back to the MZ. Work on the MZ chassis will also continue in the Spanish CEV championship, where Arne Tode and Bernd Hiemer will campaign the MZ chassis.

Here's the press release:

MZ riders Neukirchner and West to start new Moto2 season on two different chassis

read more

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MotoGPMatters/~3/9amnJKNG7ic/mz_press_release_confirms_neukirchner_sw.html

Mark Barnett Jonathan Barragan Andrea Bartolini Willy Bauer Jean Michel Bayle Pit Beirer

Jackie Stewart says “everything has now been rectified” following his recent health scare.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/f1fanatic/~3/79MCeM8tlyc/

Jaromir Cizek Guy Cooper Paul Cooper Josh Coppins Cody Copper Gordon Crockard

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

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

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

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

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

Craig Dack Roger De Coster Ken De Dycker Yves Demaria Gilbert De Roover Clement Desalle

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

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

Carl Nunn Johnny O Mara Zach Osborne Trampas Parker Travis Pastrana Gautier Paulin

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

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

Christophe Pourcel Sebastien Pourcel Wyman Priddy Alessandro Puzar Gaston Rahier Steve Ramon

Plans for an F1-standard race track in Croatia have a familiar look to them.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/f1fanatic/~3/005DOT-5lCg/

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

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

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

Bill Nilsson Jorgen Nilsson Graham Noyce Carl Nunn Johnny O Mara Zach Osborne

Red Bull clinched both championships last year. Can they do it again?

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/f1fanatic/~3/ZqzDPdPU1uo/

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

How serious is Honda about winning the 2011 MotoGP World Championship? At Team Gresini’s MotoGP launch at Monza today, it was quietly confirmed that the San Carlo Honda Gresini squad has been given the keys to the candy store, turning the team into a factory-backed effort. While Marco Simoncelli was already assured factory support from Honda for the 2011 season, the move adds Hiroshi Aoyama to the factory rider list, and likely makes Gresini’s life …

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AsphaltandRubber/~3/QoWM7Y2OJVI/

Kurt Nicoll Bill Nilsson Jorgen Nilsson Graham Noyce Carl Nunn Johnny O Mara

At Imola last year, shortly after Ducati had announced it would not be entering a factory team for the 2011 World Superbike series, hardcore Ducatisti and WSBK adepts hung a range of banners along the front straight, with such messages as "Senza SBK, Ducati Vale Meno" and "Ducati-SBK, the 46 reasons for pulling out." The withdrawal of the factory team was widely regarded as a terrible betrayal by Ducati, which had built its reputation and much of its brand on the success of its World Superbike team, creating legends such as Carl Fogarty, Giancarlo Falappa and Troy Bayliss along the way. 

read more

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MotoGPMatters/~3/GC5HtoXYmpE/2011_wsbk_phillip_island_race_notes.html

Neil Hudson Ryan Hughes Georges Jobe Gunnar Johansson Peter Johansson Rick Johnson

What will HRT do with their F111 when they run it for the first time next week?

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/f1fanatic/~3/rC4uGJamwcY/

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

Guest writer Kevin Parrott checks out the F1 and other classic cars at Mercedes-Benz World.

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

Paul Friedrichs Steven Frossard Eric Geboers Sylvain Geboers Broc Glover Rui Goncalves

Tomorrow Asphalt & Rubber must make the trek down from perfect Northern California, to SoCal and the pits of Los Angeles, where dreams go to die. As we descend down through the lower rings of Dante’s ladder and into hell that is the perpetually sunny and warm Los Angeles, our final destination will in fact bring us face-to-face with The Devil himself. Riding the latest creation from Bologna, the American motorcycle press will get its first …

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AsphaltandRubber/~3/Z-2a13JD3Yw/

Tyla Rattray Chad Reed Warren Reid Pierre Renet Marc de Reuver Michele Rinaldi

Results of Superpole from Phillip Island:

read more

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

Tyla Rattray Chad Reed Warren Reid Pierre Renet Marc de Reuver Michele Rinaldi

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

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

Auguste Mingels Marty Moates Guennady Moisseev Bobby Moore Blair Morgan Gaylon Mosier

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

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

Broc Hepler Rob Herring George Holland Jeremy van Horebeek Kent Howerton Neil Hudson

The final pre-season F1 test will be run over five days with each team doing a total of four.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/f1fanatic/~3/WQX1wEENX_8/

Jimmy Ellis Jeff Emig Harry Everts Stefan Everts Jaroslav Falta Claudio Federici

In today’s round-up: F1 drivers appear in a “get well” video message for Robert Kubica.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/f1fanatic/~3/aHeJrdP64F0/

Mickael Pichon Jim Pomeroy Christophe Pourcel Sebastien Pourcel Wyman Priddy Alessandro Puzar

Surgery means Timo Glock will miss the Barcelona test.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/f1fanatic/~3/w3bluw-cyDo/

Mark Barnett Jonathan Barragan Andrea Bartolini Willy Bauer Jean Michel Bayle Pit Beirer

The news of the 2011 Aprilia RSV4 R APRC got me thinking today about where the sport bike market is headed from a big picture perspective. The sport bike market has been dominated the constant need to develop motorcycles with more power, less weight, and new performance enhancing technologies, and you’d be hard pressed to find a year where the bike with the most horsepower wasn’t the top-seller in this category (case in point: the …

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AsphaltandRubber/~3/Pm4t4JFHfKY/

Vladimir Kavinov Mike Kiedrowski Darryll King Shayne King Heinz Kinigadner Dusty Klatt

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

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

Wyman Priddy Alessandro Puzar Gaston Rahier Steve Ramon Tyla Rattray Chad Reed

While Bernie Ecclestone tries to get F1 back to Bahrain, GP2 Asia is going to Imola instead.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/f1fanatic/~3/1S_ZV4vZ2y8/

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

The press releases issued by the Moto2 teams after the latest two-day private test at Jerez:

Another step ahead for Marc Márquez in Jerez

The Repsol rider continues with his progression in Moto2, slowly improving his performance. He reduced yesterday's time by 7 tenths

read more

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MotoGPMatters/~3/Okm3i94C9-o/2011_moto2_jerez_private_test_press_rele.html

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

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

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

Paul Cooper Josh Coppins Cody Copper Gordon Crockard Craig Dack Roger De Coster

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

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

read more

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

Corrado Maddii Andre Malherbe Paul Malin Jacky Martens Christophe Martin Mickael Maschio

Kamui Kobayashi doubts whether the Drag Reduction System will help increase overtaking.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/f1fanatic/~3/0Jpr4ky65ZE/

Alessio Chiodi Jaromir Cizek Guy Cooper Paul Cooper Josh Coppins Cody Copper

The Honda RC212Vs are fast this year, there’s no denying the point. The top four overall testing times at the second Sepang test were each slotted to one of the four factory Honda riders. The Japanese company is hungry for another World Championship in the premier class, something it hasn’t seen since Nicky Hayden took the honor in 2006, and its fielding of three very capable riders in the Repsol Honda squad is just one …

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AsphaltandRubber/~3/Um2N4Uh5nLo/

Darrell Schultz Tommy Searle Gary Semics Andrew Short Shaun Simpson Joël Smets

Results of Superpole from Phillip Island:

read more

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

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

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

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

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

Results of World Superbike Race 1 from Phillip Island:

read more

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

Billy Liles Ove Lundell Sten Lundin Jeremy Lusk Billy MacKenzie Corrado Maddii

Combined result of the two qualifying sessions for the World Supersport session at Phillip Island:

read more

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MotoGPMatters/~3/zOGwtInc9EE/2011_wss_phillip_island_qp2_result_salom.html

Carl Nunn Johnny O Mara Zach Osborne Trampas Parker Travis Pastrana Gautier Paulin

Fernando Alonso says he is “not keen” on having more pit stops during races in 2011.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/f1fanatic/~3/i7O_BUZB7wA/

Tony DiStefano Jamie Dobb Gert van Doorn John Dowd John Draper Doug Dubach

Results of the first session of qualifiying for the World Supersport class at Phillip Island:

read more

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MotoGPMatters/~3/qRJLvEnHNWE/2011_wss_phillip_island_qp1_result_foret.html

Tommy Searle Gary Semics Andrew Short Shaun Simpson Joël Smets Jeff Smith

Combined result of the two qualifying sessions for the World Supersport session at Phillip Island:

read more

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MotoGPMatters/~3/zOGwtInc9EE/2011_wss_phillip_island_qp2_result_salom.html

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tyla Rattray Chad Reed Warren Reid Pierre Renet Marc de Reuver Michele Rinaldi

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

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

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

Mark Webber endorses Jackie Stewart’s view that modern F1 tracks don’t punish mistakes.

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

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

When did Formula 1 stop being about the pursuit of speed?

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/f1fanatic/~3/C3UQ2owPYnI/

Marcus Hansson Doug Henry Broc Hepler Rob Herring George Holland Jeremy van Horebeek

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

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

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

Lewis Hamilton will drive a NASCAR Sprint Cup car at Watkins Glen later this year.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/f1fanatic/~3/rZi52ATNQws/

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

A press release that came out yesterday from FTR about Kev Coghlan riding for the Motorsport 69 team:

MOTOR SPORT 69 AND FTR CONTINUE INTO 2011

FTR MOTO will supply its Moto2 machinery to Alex Debon and his Motor Sport 69 Team for a second successive year as the tough Spanish rider steps down from his racing career to take over management of the team in 2011.

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Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MotoGPMatters/~3/_EC1NFqRyOM/2011_moto2_press_release_kev_coghlan_to_.html

Travis Pastrana Gautier Paulin David Philippaerts Mickael Pichon Jim Pomeroy Christophe Pourcel

Results of the second set of free practice for the World Supersport class at Phillip Island:

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Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MotoGPMatters/~3/lOhvtJhOL2I/2011_wss_phillip_island_fp2_result_parke.html

Gary Semics Andrew Short Shaun Simpson Joël Smets Jeff Smith Marty Smith

At Imola last year, shortly after Ducati had announced it would not be entering a factory team for the 2011 World Superbike series, hardcore Ducatisti and WSBK adepts hung a range of banners along the front straight, with such messages as "Senza SBK, Ducati Vale Meno" and "Ducati-SBK, the 46 reasons for pulling out." The withdrawal of the factory team was widely regarded as a terrible betrayal by Ducati, which had built its reputation and much of its brand on the success of its World Superbike team, creating legends such as Carl Fogarty, Giancarlo Falappa and Troy Bayliss along the way. 

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Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MotoGPMatters/~3/GC5HtoXYmpE/2011_wsbk_phillip_island_race_notes.html

Gilbert De Roover Clement Desalle John DeSoto Tony DiStefano Jamie Dobb Gert van Doorn

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

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

Paul Friedrichs Steven Frossard Eric Geboers Sylvain Geboers Broc Glover Rui Goncalves

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

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

Grant Langston Danny LaPorte Mike LaRocco Jason Lawrence Ron Lechien Jeff Leisk

Lapping by a very narrow margin over reigning World Champion Max Biaggi, Carlos Checa won the pole position for the 2011 World Superbike season opener at Phillip Island today. Though the Spaniard dominated the testing and practice sessions this week, Biaggi continued to improve his times, and was only .013s slower at the end of qualifying session. Also showing strong results were Sylvain Guintoli and Leon Haslam, who complete the front row for Sunday’s races. Jonathan …

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AsphaltandRubber/~3/7aoJ5gJFxHc/

Alex Salvini Donny Schmit Fritz Schneider Darrell Schultz Tommy Searle Gary Semics

A selection of photos from Andrew Gosling, from the Phillip Island World Superbike round:

Champion elect? Carlos Checa has dominated at the Island so far…

Don't look back in anger. Eugene Laverty rolls out of pit lane

Whither Xaus?

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Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MotoGPMatters/~3/Xz95lSCLiyc/2011_wsbk_phillip_island_day_1_photos.html

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

While the factory Marlboro Ducati team were testing in Sepang at the official IRTA MotoGP tests, Ducati's test team was taking part in a private test at Jerez, working on solutions to take to Qatar, a necessity given the worrying results at Sepang. Test rider Franco Battaini spent time trying out some electronic and chassis setup changes, under the watchful eye of Ducati Corse director Filippo Preziosi. Below is the press release issued after that test:

DUCATI DEVELOPMENT TEAM COMPLETE THREE DAY TEST IN JEREZ

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Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MotoGPMatters/~3/UpeD0FJN_3I/ducati_motogp_press_release_after_jerez_.html

Davide Guarneri Thomas Hahn Torsten Hallman Bob Hannah Donnie Hansen Torlief Hansen

In today’s round-up: Red Bull will save £7m with new engine deal.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/f1fanatic/~3/AosdP5SLhM4/

Pit Beirer Christian Beggi Mike Bell John van den Berk Marnicq Bervoets Fritz Betzlbacher

Sunday dawned a damp Phillip Island for the opening round of World Superbike racing, after a clear week of testing and practices which were all dominated by Carlos Checa. The Spaniard won pole on Saturday, though reigning champion Max Biaggi’s improvement through the weekend brought his qualifying time to within .013s of Checa’s. Sylvain Guintoli and Leon Haslam were next to the veterans on the front row. Both were also fast in the damp morning …

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

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

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

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

Steve Stackable Jeff Stanton Rex Staten James Stewart Jr Brian Stonebridge David Strijbos

Results of World Superbike Race 1 from Phillip Island:

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

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

In today’s round-up: Red Bull will save £7m with new engine deal.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/f1fanatic/~3/AosdP5SLhM4/

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

While the factory Marlboro Ducati team were testing in Sepang at the official IRTA MotoGP tests, Ducati's test team was taking part in a private test at Jerez, working on solutions to take to Qatar, a necessity given the worrying results at Sepang. Test rider Franco Battaini spent time trying out some electronic and chassis setup changes, under the watchful eye of Ducati Corse director Filippo Preziosi. Below is the press release issued after that test:

DUCATI DEVELOPMENT TEAM COMPLETE THREE DAY TEST IN JEREZ

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Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MotoGPMatters/~3/UpeD0FJN_3I/ducati_motogp_press_release_after_jerez_.html

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