MotoGP News
Date: 29/September/2011
Alvaro Bautista is hoping to convince Suzuki to remain in the MotoGP World Championship by delivering a strong performance in the factory's home Japanese Grand Prix at Motegi this weekend.
The Spaniard is Suzuki's only full-time MotoGP rider and, after breaking his leg at round one, has scored top six finishes in two of the last three rounds.
But he remains in the dark about Suzuki's plans for 2012, when MotoGP is changing from 800 to 1000cc engines. All other manufacturers, plus some of the new cut-price 'CRT' entries, are already track-testing their 1000cc machines in public.
By contrast, there has been only silence from Suzuki, which last won the premier-class crown in 2000 and hasn’t had a rider on the MotoGP podium since 2008.
"I hope to have news from Suzuki for next year, but still nothing is clear," said Bautista at Motegi on Thursday.
"I hope to make a good race here in Suzuki's home and maybe they can take the motivation from that to make a big effort and have a good bike for next year.
"We will see. At the moment nothing is clear and I have to wait to make a decision for 2012."
Bautista added that a 'good race' would be battling with the 'second group' of riders on Sunday, just behind the podium places.
"I think it is possible to be with the second group of Dovizioso, Spies and Simoncelli because to be at the top with Casey [Stoner], Jorge [Lorenzo] and Dani [Pedrosa] is impossible.
"Last year we did a good race, finished seventh. This year we are more competitive and I have more confidence in the bike. It is a good track for Suzuki so I hope to get a good result."
As well as Suzuki, Bautista has been linked with Tech 3 Yamaha and re-joining the Aspar team - with which he achieved great success in 125 and 250cc racing - for next season.
Former Suzuki MotoGP rider and present BSB title leader John Hopkins is also waiting for a decision from the factory. The American is hoping to return as a full-time rider in 2012.
On Thursday it was announced that Hopkins will again ride as a wild-card for Suzuki, during the Malaysian Grand Prix at Sepang in late October.
Massa, Hamilton clash spills off-track in Singapore
F1 News
Date: 25/September/2011
Lewis Hamilton's latest on-track controversy continued after the conclusion of Sunday's Singapore F1 Grand Prix, when he clashed with Felipe Massa in the post-race interview area.
Earlier, Hamilton had received a drive-through penalty for clipping Massa's Ferrari during an attempted overtake, which broke the McLaren driver's front wing and punctured Massa's rear tyre.
Hamilton went on to finish fifth, while a fuming Massa crossed the line in ninth.
"Again, he cannot use his mind," said Massa. "What he did could have caused a big accident. He's paying for it, but that's the problem - he still doesn’t understand."
The pair previously made contact in this year's Monaco and Silverstone races - with Massa coming off worse on each occasion. Massa had also criticised Hamilton after a near-miss in Saturday's Singapore qualifying.
"How many times has this happened with me and him this year? So many," Massa continued. "It's important the FIA is looking and penalising him every time he goes in the car. I told him [what I think] but he cannot even listen. Maybe his father can imagine…"
Still simmering, Massa then gate-crashed Hamilton's media debrief, slapping the Englishman on the arm and saying a sarcastic "good job, well done" while giving a thumbs-up to the cameras.
It was an inflammatory move that could easily have escalated as a stone-faced Hamilton spun around to confront the swiftly-departing Massa.
The Brazilian later justified his actions, saying: " I [had] tried to talk to him to clear the air but he walked away without even answering: so I told him what I thought when we found ourselves in the interview area."
Although Hamilton kept his composure, he left the media pen without giving interviews. The official McLaren press release later 'air-brushed' over both Massa run-ins, with Hamilton saying simply:
"I had fun picking off cars after my penalty, but it was frustrating to once again be down the field when I felt we had a car that could have challenged up at the front.
“For me, this weekend was a bit of a missed opportunity. As always, though, I’ll put it behind me – I’m already looking forward to Suzuka!”
The track incident had occurred after Hamilton pulled alongside Massa on the approach to a 90-degree left hander.
Massa, on the inside, was later on the brakes and as the pair peeled into the turn Hamilton made light contact with the Ferrari's right-rear tyre, causing the puncture. Few felt the move had been reckless.
Although they have sometimes attempted to project a friendly image, the rivalry between Massa and Hamilton dates back to their tense 2008 title battle, which Hamilton won by a single point.
Hamilton was driving with "RIP MH & CB" on his helmet, in memory of two friends who died recently - Martin Hines and Christian Bakkerud.
Red Bull's reigning world champion Sebastian Vettel led Sunday's race from start to finish and is now just one point away from defending his crown, with five rounds still to go.
Hamilton, winner of two races this year, is fifth in the standings, one place in front of Massa, who is without a podium this year.
Date: 25/September/2011
Lewis Hamilton's latest on-track controversy continued after the conclusion of Sunday's Singapore F1 Grand Prix, when he clashed with Felipe Massa in the post-race interview area.
Earlier, Hamilton had received a drive-through penalty for clipping Massa's Ferrari during an attempted overtake, which broke the McLaren driver's front wing and punctured Massa's rear tyre.
Hamilton went on to finish fifth, while a fuming Massa crossed the line in ninth.
"Again, he cannot use his mind," said Massa. "What he did could have caused a big accident. He's paying for it, but that's the problem - he still doesn’t understand."
The pair previously made contact in this year's Monaco and Silverstone races - with Massa coming off worse on each occasion. Massa had also criticised Hamilton after a near-miss in Saturday's Singapore qualifying.
"How many times has this happened with me and him this year? So many," Massa continued. "It's important the FIA is looking and penalising him every time he goes in the car. I told him [what I think] but he cannot even listen. Maybe his father can imagine…"
Still simmering, Massa then gate-crashed Hamilton's media debrief, slapping the Englishman on the arm and saying a sarcastic "good job, well done" while giving a thumbs-up to the cameras.
It was an inflammatory move that could easily have escalated as a stone-faced Hamilton spun around to confront the swiftly-departing Massa.
The Brazilian later justified his actions, saying: " I [had] tried to talk to him to clear the air but he walked away without even answering: so I told him what I thought when we found ourselves in the interview area."
Although Hamilton kept his composure, he left the media pen without giving interviews. The official McLaren press release later 'air-brushed' over both Massa run-ins, with Hamilton saying simply:
"I had fun picking off cars after my penalty, but it was frustrating to once again be down the field when I felt we had a car that could have challenged up at the front.
“For me, this weekend was a bit of a missed opportunity. As always, though, I’ll put it behind me – I’m already looking forward to Suzuka!”
The track incident had occurred after Hamilton pulled alongside Massa on the approach to a 90-degree left hander.
Massa, on the inside, was later on the brakes and as the pair peeled into the turn Hamilton made light contact with the Ferrari's right-rear tyre, causing the puncture. Few felt the move had been reckless.
Although they have sometimes attempted to project a friendly image, the rivalry between Massa and Hamilton dates back to their tense 2008 title battle, which Hamilton won by a single point.
Hamilton was driving with "RIP MH & CB" on his helmet, in memory of two friends who died recently - Martin Hines and Christian Bakkerud.
Red Bull's reigning world champion Sebastian Vettel led Sunday's race from start to finish and is now just one point away from defending his crown, with five rounds still to go.
Hamilton, winner of two races this year, is fifth in the standings, one place in front of Massa, who is without a podium this year.
New premises and new name for Team Lotus?
F1 News
Date: 23/September/2011
Team Lotus looks set for a new name and premises for the 2012 F1 season, but will always keep its spiritual home in Norfolk.
That was the pledge given by Group CEO Riad Asmat in Singapore on Friday, when he admitted that the team is likely to acquire a presence in the UK's Oxfordshire/Northamptonshire 'Motorsport Belt'.
Having enjoyed legendary success under the leadership of founder Colin Chapman in the 60s and 70s, the Lotus name disappeared from Formula One in the mid-1990s.
It returned in 2010, thanks to popular Malaysian entrepreneur Tony Fernandes, who obtained a licence from the Malaysian-owned Group Lotus for an F1 entry under the moniker 'Lotus Racing'.
But the relationship quickly soured and the canny Fernandes, founder of Air Asia, then purchased the similar 'Team Lotus' name for 2011, when Group Lotus began title sponsorship of the rival Renault team!
Having two teams bearing the name Lotus was clearly undesirable, but both sides refused to give in and court action only confirmed they could each continue using their names in F1.
Whilst it is embarrassing for Group Lotus to not have total control of the Lotus name, Fernandes is more than aware that his team is now effectively providing millions of dollars of free branding for Group Lotus (which builds the Lotus road cars).
His solution seemed clear when he purchased Caterham Cars earlier this year. Caterham - a small British sportscar manufacturer - and Lotus have historical links, but are two completely separate brands.
By changing Team Lotus for Team Caterham (or similar) for 2012, Fernandes would have exclusive use of his F1 name, without throwing away all of the effort he has made in reviving the Team Lotus heritage.
That included being based in Norfolk, the traditional home of Lotus. Asmat explained that the present team HQ will continue, but that some form of additional premises will be found closer to the 'Motorsport Belt'.
"Our home is in Norfolk, in Norwich in Hingham, and that is, for sure, never going to change," he said. "That will be maintained as one of our parts, but as a team that is growing and progressing we need to look at how to get more efficiencies out of the team and one of the main areas is to be in the motorsport belt of the UK. It is something we are looking into and when the time is right we will make the necessary announcement. But for sure Hingham is our home."
The name change might sound simpler, but F1 identities are difficult to modify without sacrificing financial perks gained over past seasons - unless there is unanimous permission from other teams.
Perhaps for that reason, Asmat was coy on what his team would be called in the future.
"No decision as yet," he said. "We are still Team Lotus as you can see, but as my shareholders have mentioned we are open to anything and we will see how it progresses from this point.
"I guess there is a process that we all have to go through [to change the name] but as I highlighted, it is a process that we will undertake if and when the decision is made."
Date: 23/September/2011
Team Lotus looks set for a new name and premises for the 2012 F1 season, but will always keep its spiritual home in Norfolk.
That was the pledge given by Group CEO Riad Asmat in Singapore on Friday, when he admitted that the team is likely to acquire a presence in the UK's Oxfordshire/Northamptonshire 'Motorsport Belt'.
Having enjoyed legendary success under the leadership of founder Colin Chapman in the 60s and 70s, the Lotus name disappeared from Formula One in the mid-1990s.
It returned in 2010, thanks to popular Malaysian entrepreneur Tony Fernandes, who obtained a licence from the Malaysian-owned Group Lotus for an F1 entry under the moniker 'Lotus Racing'.
But the relationship quickly soured and the canny Fernandes, founder of Air Asia, then purchased the similar 'Team Lotus' name for 2011, when Group Lotus began title sponsorship of the rival Renault team!
Having two teams bearing the name Lotus was clearly undesirable, but both sides refused to give in and court action only confirmed they could each continue using their names in F1.
Whilst it is embarrassing for Group Lotus to not have total control of the Lotus name, Fernandes is more than aware that his team is now effectively providing millions of dollars of free branding for Group Lotus (which builds the Lotus road cars).
His solution seemed clear when he purchased Caterham Cars earlier this year. Caterham - a small British sportscar manufacturer - and Lotus have historical links, but are two completely separate brands.
By changing Team Lotus for Team Caterham (or similar) for 2012, Fernandes would have exclusive use of his F1 name, without throwing away all of the effort he has made in reviving the Team Lotus heritage.
That included being based in Norfolk, the traditional home of Lotus. Asmat explained that the present team HQ will continue, but that some form of additional premises will be found closer to the 'Motorsport Belt'.
"Our home is in Norfolk, in Norwich in Hingham, and that is, for sure, never going to change," he said. "That will be maintained as one of our parts, but as a team that is growing and progressing we need to look at how to get more efficiencies out of the team and one of the main areas is to be in the motorsport belt of the UK. It is something we are looking into and when the time is right we will make the necessary announcement. But for sure Hingham is our home."
The name change might sound simpler, but F1 identities are difficult to modify without sacrificing financial perks gained over past seasons - unless there is unanimous permission from other teams.
Perhaps for that reason, Asmat was coy on what his team would be called in the future.
"No decision as yet," he said. "We are still Team Lotus as you can see, but as my shareholders have mentioned we are open to anything and we will see how it progresses from this point.
"I guess there is a process that we all have to go through [to change the name] but as I highlighted, it is a process that we will undertake if and when the decision is made."
Vettel: Singapore 'tougher than Monaco'
F1 News
Date: 22/September/2011
Sebastian Vettel is staying cool as he faces the first of six chances to defend his F1 title in Sunday's hot, humid and possibly wet Singapore night race.
The only grand prix to be held completely at night - Abu Dhabi starts just before sunset - Singapore has quickly become one of the highlights of the season for drivers and fans alike.
But that doesn’t mean it's easy.
On the contrary, at 5.073km the Marina Bay circuit is one of the longest on the calendar, and the race distance is equally extensive. Ever since it's 2008 debut, the Singapore Grand Prix has finished just minutes before the two-hour time limit.
Add in the punishing heat and humidity, plus the topsy-turvy time schedule and Singapore is rightfully considered one of the toughest rounds on the calendar.
"In a way it’s tougher than Monaco," said Vettel on Thursday. "The circuit is very bumpy. At some places there’s not a lot of room for mistakes and there are so many corners.
"It is one of the most difficult tracks for the car and for the drivers. It is a long, long way to the chequered flag.
"It's one of the biggest challenges we have. The focus of the driver has to be extremely high throughout the race. It’s very hot, the humidity is very high and, being at night, more difficult for your eyes."
Visibility could become even harder on Sunday if the predicted rain storms arrive, since spray from the cars would reflect the light being beamed down onto the track.
MotoGP, which holds a night race in Qatar each year, considers such reflection to be a 'red line' safety issue and only allows its grand prix to take place on a dry track.
Singapore's location, on the very southern tip of Malaysia, means accurate weather forecasts are unlikely to be possible until just before the race begins, adding tension to what is already a big weekend for Vettel.
The young German, winner of eight of the 13 rounds so far, has spent much of the season brushing-off title talk.
That is becoming increasingly difficult, since Vettel starts this weekend with a 112 point lead over Ferrari's Fernando Alonso. Vettel will be crowned a double world champion at the age of 24 if he can leave Singapore with a lead of at least 125 points.
"'Would, could, should'. So far we haven’t won anything," stated Vettel. "We are in a good position but still some way to go. We have to do our normal job and try to achieve our best. A lot of people talk about [the championship], but certain things have to happen.
"It’s not the objective for this weekend," he insisted. "The target is to optimise our performance and then either we get surprised or not? I don’t feel any extra pressure trying to win the championship here."
While Vettel remains cautious, Virgin driver Timo Glock is ready to cash-in on what he believes will be a championship-winning drive by Vettel on Sunday.
"Sebastian managed to have a near perfect season up until now," said Glock, before revealing: "I have my money on him to win the championship this weekend, so he has to push for it!"
Date: 22/September/2011
Sebastian Vettel is staying cool as he faces the first of six chances to defend his F1 title in Sunday's hot, humid and possibly wet Singapore night race.
The only grand prix to be held completely at night - Abu Dhabi starts just before sunset - Singapore has quickly become one of the highlights of the season for drivers and fans alike.
But that doesn’t mean it's easy.
On the contrary, at 5.073km the Marina Bay circuit is one of the longest on the calendar, and the race distance is equally extensive. Ever since it's 2008 debut, the Singapore Grand Prix has finished just minutes before the two-hour time limit.
Add in the punishing heat and humidity, plus the topsy-turvy time schedule and Singapore is rightfully considered one of the toughest rounds on the calendar.
"In a way it’s tougher than Monaco," said Vettel on Thursday. "The circuit is very bumpy. At some places there’s not a lot of room for mistakes and there are so many corners.
"It is one of the most difficult tracks for the car and for the drivers. It is a long, long way to the chequered flag.
"It's one of the biggest challenges we have. The focus of the driver has to be extremely high throughout the race. It’s very hot, the humidity is very high and, being at night, more difficult for your eyes."
Visibility could become even harder on Sunday if the predicted rain storms arrive, since spray from the cars would reflect the light being beamed down onto the track.
MotoGP, which holds a night race in Qatar each year, considers such reflection to be a 'red line' safety issue and only allows its grand prix to take place on a dry track.
Singapore's location, on the very southern tip of Malaysia, means accurate weather forecasts are unlikely to be possible until just before the race begins, adding tension to what is already a big weekend for Vettel.
The young German, winner of eight of the 13 rounds so far, has spent much of the season brushing-off title talk.
That is becoming increasingly difficult, since Vettel starts this weekend with a 112 point lead over Ferrari's Fernando Alonso. Vettel will be crowned a double world champion at the age of 24 if he can leave Singapore with a lead of at least 125 points.
"'Would, could, should'. So far we haven’t won anything," stated Vettel. "We are in a good position but still some way to go. We have to do our normal job and try to achieve our best. A lot of people talk about [the championship], but certain things have to happen.
"It’s not the objective for this weekend," he insisted. "The target is to optimise our performance and then either we get surprised or not? I don’t feel any extra pressure trying to win the championship here."
While Vettel remains cautious, Virgin driver Timo Glock is ready to cash-in on what he believes will be a championship-winning drive by Vettel on Sunday.
"Sebastian managed to have a near perfect season up until now," said Glock, before revealing: "I have my money on him to win the championship this weekend, so he has to push for it!"
Stoner credits Pedrosa, 'No risks by Yamaha' says Lorenzo
MotoGP News
Date: 18/September/2011
Dani Pedrosa may not be the most personable character in MotoGP, but it's hard not to feel sorry for the Spaniard.
A loyal Honda rider since his 2001 debut in the 125cc class, Pedrosa was HRC's most successful MotoGP rider from 2007-2010, when he twice finished title runner-up.
But just as the RC212V was looking like the bike to beat, towards the end of last season, in walked Casey Stoner for 2011.
The Australian has gone on to win eight of the 14 races this year, and has one hand on his second MotoGP title. Meanwhile Pedrosa's championship chances broke with his collarbone after a controversial accident at round four (Le Mans).
Some in the paddock believe Stoner's success proves Pedrosa should have achieved more with the Honda in previous years. However Stoner insists Pedrosa instead deserves credit for making the RC212V the machine it is today.
The Honda has won ten races this season, with the other four wins taken by Yamaha.
"I respect Dani a lot as a racer and the work that he has done with this bike is evident," Stoner said. "We don’t ride the same bike and there are some differences, but I only arrived here at the end of last year and have only changed a few small things with the settings.
"The Honda has been improving these past few years and, with Dani being the strongest rider, I'm sure most of the development was coming from him. It's a big credit to Dani that the bike is what it is today."
But Stoner then warned about the dangers of creating a bike to suit the needs of just one person.
"I don't think any bike should be developed around one rider," Stoner said. "You can't fill every gap that way. You need input from other riders. That's also why I really wanted Dani's opinion on next year's 1000cc bike."
Those words could be taken as both an explanation of why the RCV was inconsistent in previous seasons - too much concentration on Pedrosa - and a warning to Stoner's former team Ducati, currently struggling to make MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi competitive.
Barring disaster, Stoner is on target to claim Honda's first MotoGP title since Nicky Hayden in 2006.
Stoner holds a 44 point advantage over Yamaha's reigning world champion Jorge Lorenzo, with four rounds and 100 points remaining. Lorenzo offered this insight into Honda's current supremacy:
"The Honda was already extremely fast at the end of last year," he began. "I would say they improved by one step at the end of last year, and then another step for this year.
"We, as Yamaha, have won the last three titles in a row so it was logical that we didn’t take so many risks with this year's bike. Honda has worked a lot and done a great job. At most of the tracks, they are a little further ahead than the rest."
Date: 18/September/2011
Dani Pedrosa may not be the most personable character in MotoGP, but it's hard not to feel sorry for the Spaniard.
A loyal Honda rider since his 2001 debut in the 125cc class, Pedrosa was HRC's most successful MotoGP rider from 2007-2010, when he twice finished title runner-up.
But just as the RC212V was looking like the bike to beat, towards the end of last season, in walked Casey Stoner for 2011.
The Australian has gone on to win eight of the 14 races this year, and has one hand on his second MotoGP title. Meanwhile Pedrosa's championship chances broke with his collarbone after a controversial accident at round four (Le Mans).
Some in the paddock believe Stoner's success proves Pedrosa should have achieved more with the Honda in previous years. However Stoner insists Pedrosa instead deserves credit for making the RC212V the machine it is today.
The Honda has won ten races this season, with the other four wins taken by Yamaha.
"I respect Dani a lot as a racer and the work that he has done with this bike is evident," Stoner said. "We don’t ride the same bike and there are some differences, but I only arrived here at the end of last year and have only changed a few small things with the settings.
"The Honda has been improving these past few years and, with Dani being the strongest rider, I'm sure most of the development was coming from him. It's a big credit to Dani that the bike is what it is today."
But Stoner then warned about the dangers of creating a bike to suit the needs of just one person.
"I don't think any bike should be developed around one rider," Stoner said. "You can't fill every gap that way. You need input from other riders. That's also why I really wanted Dani's opinion on next year's 1000cc bike."
Those words could be taken as both an explanation of why the RCV was inconsistent in previous seasons - too much concentration on Pedrosa - and a warning to Stoner's former team Ducati, currently struggling to make MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi competitive.
Barring disaster, Stoner is on target to claim Honda's first MotoGP title since Nicky Hayden in 2006.
Stoner holds a 44 point advantage over Yamaha's reigning world champion Jorge Lorenzo, with four rounds and 100 points remaining. Lorenzo offered this insight into Honda's current supremacy:
"The Honda was already extremely fast at the end of last year," he began. "I would say they improved by one step at the end of last year, and then another step for this year.
"We, as Yamaha, have won the last three titles in a row so it was logical that we didn’t take so many risks with this year's bike. Honda has worked a lot and done a great job. At most of the tracks, they are a little further ahead than the rest."
No team orders for Ben Spies at Aragon
MotoGP News
Date: 17/September/2011
Jorge Lorenzo's 2011 MotoGP title hopes might be on the ropes, but he can expect no assistance from Yamaha team-mate Ben Spies in Sunday's Aragon Grand Prix.
Lorenzo, the reigning world champion, is 35 points behind Honda's Casey Stoner with five rounds and 125 points remaining.
Stoner is in awesome form and will start on pole at Aragon, while Lorenzo admits he is struggling this weekend and will line-up in fourth place, just behind Spies.
Spies, riding in his first season with the official Yamaha team, is just one point away from being mathematically eliminated from the title chase.
In Formula One, that would be enough for the Texan to be asked to sacrifice his own race in order to assist his team-mate.
But Yamaha claims it has 'never' used team orders and, speaking at Aragon on Saturday evening, Spies confirmed he has no intention of being reduced to a supporting role on Sunday.
"For me there's been no team orders," he said. "I think we saw that at Indy when I passed Jorge, and then at Misano when Dani Pedrosa was able to pass [team-mate] Casey.
"That's the way it should be. Everybody races for themselves. When a championship is won because somebody let somebody beat them, I don't think it means so much.
"I don’t plan on riding any differently on Sunday. Whoever is in front of me - whether it's a Honda, a Ducati or a Yamaha - I plan on trying to pass them."
Speaking earlier in the year, Stoner was equally against any artificial manipulation of the results.
"I don’t think there should ever really be team orders," he said. "It's not football. You're not all on the same team, playing for the same thing. We're each our own person."
But Lorenzo disagreed, saying team orders were appropriate towards the end of the season.
"If your partner can help you - and they are not fighting for the championship - we are a team, no? MotoGP is not football, but it is still a team and success for the brand is very important," said the Spaniard.
Date: 17/September/2011
Jorge Lorenzo's 2011 MotoGP title hopes might be on the ropes, but he can expect no assistance from Yamaha team-mate Ben Spies in Sunday's Aragon Grand Prix.
Lorenzo, the reigning world champion, is 35 points behind Honda's Casey Stoner with five rounds and 125 points remaining.
Stoner is in awesome form and will start on pole at Aragon, while Lorenzo admits he is struggling this weekend and will line-up in fourth place, just behind Spies.
Spies, riding in his first season with the official Yamaha team, is just one point away from being mathematically eliminated from the title chase.
In Formula One, that would be enough for the Texan to be asked to sacrifice his own race in order to assist his team-mate.
But Yamaha claims it has 'never' used team orders and, speaking at Aragon on Saturday evening, Spies confirmed he has no intention of being reduced to a supporting role on Sunday.
"For me there's been no team orders," he said. "I think we saw that at Indy when I passed Jorge, and then at Misano when Dani Pedrosa was able to pass [team-mate] Casey.
"That's the way it should be. Everybody races for themselves. When a championship is won because somebody let somebody beat them, I don't think it means so much.
"I don’t plan on riding any differently on Sunday. Whoever is in front of me - whether it's a Honda, a Ducati or a Yamaha - I plan on trying to pass them."
Speaking earlier in the year, Stoner was equally against any artificial manipulation of the results.
"I don’t think there should ever really be team orders," he said. "It's not football. You're not all on the same team, playing for the same thing. We're each our own person."
But Lorenzo disagreed, saying team orders were appropriate towards the end of the season.
"If your partner can help you - and they are not fighting for the championship - we are a team, no? MotoGP is not football, but it is still a team and success for the brand is very important," said the Spaniard.
Rossi reveals aluminium switch, will race in Japan
MotoGP News
Date: 15/September/2011
The rumours that Ducati will drop its ambitious F1-style carbon fibre MotoGP chassis in favour of a conventional aluminium frame were proven partially correct at Aragon on Thursday.
On the eve of round 14 of the 2011 season, struggling MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi announced that the front part of one of his Desmosedicis will be changed from carbon fibre to aluminium for this weekend's grand prix.
The decision to switch materials was made after Rossi tried the aluminium during a test on the 2012 1000cc Ducati at Mugello last week. With no more in-season testing of 800cc bikes allowed, Rossi now hopes that his positive feelings from the 1000cc test will be replicated at Aragon.
Rossi, who has struggled with the front-end of his Ducati all season, explained:
"We tested at Mugello last week where we tried something different with the bike to improve the front feeling and turning. The lap time was not so bad, I was a bit faster than last time, but especially the feeling was quite good."
But the Italian was quick to point out that the change doesn’t mean Ducati has scrapped its philosophy of using the engine as a major load-bearing part of the bike.
All other MotoGP bikes - from Honda, Yamaha and Suzuki - carry the engine inside a twin-spar aluminium frame.
Ducati has never used such a design, instead starting with a steel trellis frame in 2003, before making the engine 'stressed', then introducing carbon fibre for the front and rear (swingarm) sections from 2009 onwards.
"It is not a frame [like the Japanese bikes]," Rossi stated. "The philosophy of the Ducati remains the same, but the front part of the bike is a bit different. It is in aluminium and not carbon fibre like before."
Although he claimed to have felt improved feel from the aluminium, Rossi claimed that the change of material is mainly to do with speeding up the development process. Rossi is currently enduring his longest losing streak in MotoGP and has taken just one podium so far this season.
"The material is especially a question of time," he said. "Because we have to work a lot to try to understand the bike and with aluminium we need a lot less time to make modifications, compared to the carbon fibre.
"This is just the first step. We will keep working and try to come back and fight at the front."
Aragon was one of Ducati's best races last season, when Casey Stoner and Nicky Hayden finished first and third. "Last year the Ducati was very strong and so we hope we can be closer to the top guys this weekend," said Rossi.
Changing subject, the #46 also confirmed that he will now race in the Japanese Grand Prix at Motegi, having earlier suggested he would not attend due to the risk of radiation from the damaged Fukushima power plant.
"I will go to Japan to race. All the tests have been negative so it looks quite safe," he said.
With 2011 title leaders Jorge Lorenzo and Casey Stoner also retracting their early 'no-go' statements, a full 17-rider line-up is expected for the October 2 race.
Date: 15/September/2011
The rumours that Ducati will drop its ambitious F1-style carbon fibre MotoGP chassis in favour of a conventional aluminium frame were proven partially correct at Aragon on Thursday.
On the eve of round 14 of the 2011 season, struggling MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi announced that the front part of one of his Desmosedicis will be changed from carbon fibre to aluminium for this weekend's grand prix.
The decision to switch materials was made after Rossi tried the aluminium during a test on the 2012 1000cc Ducati at Mugello last week. With no more in-season testing of 800cc bikes allowed, Rossi now hopes that his positive feelings from the 1000cc test will be replicated at Aragon.
Rossi, who has struggled with the front-end of his Ducati all season, explained:
"We tested at Mugello last week where we tried something different with the bike to improve the front feeling and turning. The lap time was not so bad, I was a bit faster than last time, but especially the feeling was quite good."
But the Italian was quick to point out that the change doesn’t mean Ducati has scrapped its philosophy of using the engine as a major load-bearing part of the bike.
All other MotoGP bikes - from Honda, Yamaha and Suzuki - carry the engine inside a twin-spar aluminium frame.
Ducati has never used such a design, instead starting with a steel trellis frame in 2003, before making the engine 'stressed', then introducing carbon fibre for the front and rear (swingarm) sections from 2009 onwards.
"It is not a frame [like the Japanese bikes]," Rossi stated. "The philosophy of the Ducati remains the same, but the front part of the bike is a bit different. It is in aluminium and not carbon fibre like before."
Although he claimed to have felt improved feel from the aluminium, Rossi claimed that the change of material is mainly to do with speeding up the development process. Rossi is currently enduring his longest losing streak in MotoGP and has taken just one podium so far this season.
"The material is especially a question of time," he said. "Because we have to work a lot to try to understand the bike and with aluminium we need a lot less time to make modifications, compared to the carbon fibre.
"This is just the first step. We will keep working and try to come back and fight at the front."
Aragon was one of Ducati's best races last season, when Casey Stoner and Nicky Hayden finished first and third. "Last year the Ducati was very strong and so we hope we can be closer to the top guys this weekend," said Rossi.
Changing subject, the #46 also confirmed that he will now race in the Japanese Grand Prix at Motegi, having earlier suggested he would not attend due to the risk of radiation from the damaged Fukushima power plant.
"I will go to Japan to race. All the tests have been negative so it looks quite safe," he said.
With 2011 title leaders Jorge Lorenzo and Casey Stoner also retracting their early 'no-go' statements, a full 17-rider line-up is expected for the October 2 race.
Champion-elect Vettel shrugs off Monza boos
F1 News
Date: 13/Septembeer/2011
Sebastian Vettel may not have been the winner the Italian fans wanted in Sunday's Italian Grand Prix, but the young German's eighth victory of the season has put him on the brink of defending his F1 title.
The Red Bull ace cut an emotional figure as he wiped his eyes on the top step of the Monza podium, the same place where he had celebrated his very first F1 win in 2008.
"Obviously the first win here was very special," Vettel said. "So to win here again, given the memories I have for 2008 is incredible."
The partisan fans saw things differently. Vettel and second-place McLaren driver Jenson Button were booed on the podium, while Ferrari's Fernando Alonso received a roaring cheer for third.
Vettel commented: "I think all the people who had a Red Bull shirt or flag were very happy, but the majority came here dressed in red. Fair enough, it’s Ferrari’s home grand prix.
"There were people who were very happy with our result, but I think the majority, after a while, didn’t enjoy the fact that we were enjoying ourselves. You could hear that. Jenson said to me that [the booing] is normal here."
"I’ve had it for the last two years," revealed Button, runner-up at Monza every season since 2009.
Vettel knows boos would turn to cheers in an instant if he switched to Ferrari, a team he has been linked with in the past.
Whilst in no hurry to break his Red Bull links, the 24-year-old confessed: "The only thing that could make today better is wearing a red suit, to really be appreciated by all the fans.
"We will see what happens in the future, but for now I am very, very happy and I owe a lot to Red Bull. They gave me the chance when I was just 12 years old and we go back a long way… but you never know what could happen in the future. We will see."
Of more immediate concern will be wrapping up his second F1 title in succession, a feat he can achieve next time out in Singapore.
Vettel stands 112 points clear of Alonso and will be champion, with five rounds remaining, if he can raise his advantage to 125 points on the floodlit streets of South East Asia on September 25.
"I think I will allow myself to say we are in a great position," said the ever-cautious Vettel. "I think if you ask Fernando or Lewis or Jenson or anybody, Mark, I think they would like to swap positions with me. But it’s over when it’s over, not before. I think look at last year was the best proof. You don’t know until the last lap of the last race.
"I think we will just do Singapore as we did all the other races this year. Go there and take it step-by-step and see what we can do. I love the circuit. It is very interesting so I am looking forward and we will see what happens then."
Date: 13/Septembeer/2011
Sebastian Vettel may not have been the winner the Italian fans wanted in Sunday's Italian Grand Prix, but the young German's eighth victory of the season has put him on the brink of defending his F1 title.
The Red Bull ace cut an emotional figure as he wiped his eyes on the top step of the Monza podium, the same place where he had celebrated his very first F1 win in 2008.
"Obviously the first win here was very special," Vettel said. "So to win here again, given the memories I have for 2008 is incredible."
The partisan fans saw things differently. Vettel and second-place McLaren driver Jenson Button were booed on the podium, while Ferrari's Fernando Alonso received a roaring cheer for third.
Vettel commented: "I think all the people who had a Red Bull shirt or flag were very happy, but the majority came here dressed in red. Fair enough, it’s Ferrari’s home grand prix.
"There were people who were very happy with our result, but I think the majority, after a while, didn’t enjoy the fact that we were enjoying ourselves. You could hear that. Jenson said to me that [the booing] is normal here."
"I’ve had it for the last two years," revealed Button, runner-up at Monza every season since 2009.
Vettel knows boos would turn to cheers in an instant if he switched to Ferrari, a team he has been linked with in the past.
Whilst in no hurry to break his Red Bull links, the 24-year-old confessed: "The only thing that could make today better is wearing a red suit, to really be appreciated by all the fans.
"We will see what happens in the future, but for now I am very, very happy and I owe a lot to Red Bull. They gave me the chance when I was just 12 years old and we go back a long way… but you never know what could happen in the future. We will see."
Of more immediate concern will be wrapping up his second F1 title in succession, a feat he can achieve next time out in Singapore.
Vettel stands 112 points clear of Alonso and will be champion, with five rounds remaining, if he can raise his advantage to 125 points on the floodlit streets of South East Asia on September 25.
"I think I will allow myself to say we are in a great position," said the ever-cautious Vettel. "I think if you ask Fernando or Lewis or Jenson or anybody, Mark, I think they would like to swap positions with me. But it’s over when it’s over, not before. I think look at last year was the best proof. You don’t know until the last lap of the last race.
"I think we will just do Singapore as we did all the other races this year. Go there and take it step-by-step and see what we can do. I love the circuit. It is very interesting so I am looking forward and we will see what happens then."
Lorenzo 'No regrets', Stoner 'tired'
MotoGP News
Date: 4/September/2011
Jorge Lorenzo insists he has no regrets, despite his third victory of the MotoGP season looking like it has come too late in terms of his title defence.
The Factory Yamaha rider gained nine points on Casey Stoner at Misano, cutting the Honda's rider's championship advantage from 44 to 35 points.
But even if Lorenzo wins all of the remaining five rounds, second places for Stoner would be more than enough to secure Honda's first MotoGP crown since 2006.
Both Stoner and Lorenzo have failed to finish once this year. Stoner was knocked down by Valentino Rossi at Jerez, while Lorenzo crashed out of the wet Silverstone race.
Jerez aside, Stoner has been the model of consistency, finishing on the podium at the twelve other rounds and winning seven races.
Lorenzo's season has been more complicated.
The Spanish star recovered to sixth after being brought down by Marco Simoncelli at Assen, then slumped to fourth at Brno and Indianapolis after a bad tyre choice and off-form weekend respectively.
Without those 'dips' Lorenzo would be well within striking distance of Stoner, but the 24-year-old - who has firmly emerged from former team-mate Valentino Rossi's shadow this season - isn’t wasting time pondering ifs, buts and maybes.
"No regrets. I have the mentally where I don’t regret what I have done in the past," Lorenzo said of his championship chances.
"If you think about the mistake I made at Silverstone and what happened at Assen, then these last two races [Brno and Indianapolis]. Maybe we could now be very close to Casey.
"But he also crashed at Jerez and he has won seven races this year, so he deserves to have this advantage.
"Let's try to win the next races. It's not so easy, but if we can do that maybe at the end of the championship we will have more options."
Stoner showed a rare sign of weakness at Misano, when he faded from Lorenzo's rear wheel to a distant third place - behind team-mate Dani Pedrosa - after struggling with jet lag due to the hectic race schedule.
Stoner, seeking to add to his 2007 world title for Ducati, explained: "I haven’t recovered well from Indianapolis. It's been a difficult week with sleep deprivation.
"I tried to save as much energy as possible for the race and at first everything was going well. Then I started to pick up the pace and just got to the point where I started getting tired. Simple as that.
"I was weak under brakes and was running wide. That allowed Jorge to get away and I was still losing chunks of energy. I saw Dani was closing so I knew third place was the way to go today."
Round 14 of the season will be held at Aragon, Spain, on September 18.
Date: 4/September/2011
Jorge Lorenzo insists he has no regrets, despite his third victory of the MotoGP season looking like it has come too late in terms of his title defence.
The Factory Yamaha rider gained nine points on Casey Stoner at Misano, cutting the Honda's rider's championship advantage from 44 to 35 points.
But even if Lorenzo wins all of the remaining five rounds, second places for Stoner would be more than enough to secure Honda's first MotoGP crown since 2006.
Both Stoner and Lorenzo have failed to finish once this year. Stoner was knocked down by Valentino Rossi at Jerez, while Lorenzo crashed out of the wet Silverstone race.
Jerez aside, Stoner has been the model of consistency, finishing on the podium at the twelve other rounds and winning seven races.
Lorenzo's season has been more complicated.
The Spanish star recovered to sixth after being brought down by Marco Simoncelli at Assen, then slumped to fourth at Brno and Indianapolis after a bad tyre choice and off-form weekend respectively.
Without those 'dips' Lorenzo would be well within striking distance of Stoner, but the 24-year-old - who has firmly emerged from former team-mate Valentino Rossi's shadow this season - isn’t wasting time pondering ifs, buts and maybes.
"No regrets. I have the mentally where I don’t regret what I have done in the past," Lorenzo said of his championship chances.
"If you think about the mistake I made at Silverstone and what happened at Assen, then these last two races [Brno and Indianapolis]. Maybe we could now be very close to Casey.
"But he also crashed at Jerez and he has won seven races this year, so he deserves to have this advantage.
"Let's try to win the next races. It's not so easy, but if we can do that maybe at the end of the championship we will have more options."
Stoner showed a rare sign of weakness at Misano, when he faded from Lorenzo's rear wheel to a distant third place - behind team-mate Dani Pedrosa - after struggling with jet lag due to the hectic race schedule.
Stoner, seeking to add to his 2007 world title for Ducati, explained: "I haven’t recovered well from Indianapolis. It's been a difficult week with sleep deprivation.
"I tried to save as much energy as possible for the race and at first everything was going well. Then I started to pick up the pace and just got to the point where I started getting tired. Simple as that.
"I was weak under brakes and was running wide. That allowed Jorge to get away and I was still losing chunks of energy. I saw Dani was closing so I knew third place was the way to go today."
Round 14 of the season will be held at Aragon, Spain, on September 18.
Bradl still in limbo over MotoGP move
MotoGP News
Date: 3/September/2011
Moto2 title leader Stefan Bradl expected a 2012 MotoGP deal to have been completed by now.
The German won four of the opening six races this season and, although Marc Marquez has been the man to beat since, Bradl still holds a 28-point lead at the top of the standings.
While rookie Marquez has failed to score four times, Bradl has made only one race mistake and the 21-year-old's speed, consistency - and nationality - has put him firmly on the MotoGP radar for 2012.
Interest has been shown by both Honda and Yamaha, although the situation became further complicated after Bradl's present Viessmann Kiefer Moto2 team gained a MotoGP entry of its own for 2012.
But when HRC boss Shuhei Nakamoto spoke of having a 'German-speaking rider' next season, it seemed to confirm speculation that Kiefer would forsake a CRT MotoGP project and join forces with the LCR Honda team.
The suggestion is that Bradl would ride an RC213V, in Viessmann colours and with Kiefer team members, while the other side of the LCR garage would run factory reject Andrea Dovizioso.
But Bradl admits no deal has yet been done.
"It is not decided. I think that it just depends on the money side," he said. "Everybody knows that the German guys would be interested in coming to MotoGP. But still it's not sure.
"I expected a decision before this race but it didn’t happen. I have to focus on my job right now and leave the rest to my team and my father and so on. I cannot tell you exactly what is going on next year."
Stefan is the son of Helmut Bradl, a five-time 250cc grand prix winner who finished runner-up in the 1991 world championship. Stefan will be aiming to hold off Marquez and go one better this season.
Germany, which hosts a sell-out MotoGP round at the Sachsenring, has been without a home rider since Alex Hofmann was sacked from the Pramac Ducati team towards the end of the 2007 season.
Date: 3/September/2011
Moto2 title leader Stefan Bradl expected a 2012 MotoGP deal to have been completed by now.
The German won four of the opening six races this season and, although Marc Marquez has been the man to beat since, Bradl still holds a 28-point lead at the top of the standings.
While rookie Marquez has failed to score four times, Bradl has made only one race mistake and the 21-year-old's speed, consistency - and nationality - has put him firmly on the MotoGP radar for 2012.
Interest has been shown by both Honda and Yamaha, although the situation became further complicated after Bradl's present Viessmann Kiefer Moto2 team gained a MotoGP entry of its own for 2012.
But when HRC boss Shuhei Nakamoto spoke of having a 'German-speaking rider' next season, it seemed to confirm speculation that Kiefer would forsake a CRT MotoGP project and join forces with the LCR Honda team.
The suggestion is that Bradl would ride an RC213V, in Viessmann colours and with Kiefer team members, while the other side of the LCR garage would run factory reject Andrea Dovizioso.
But Bradl admits no deal has yet been done.
"It is not decided. I think that it just depends on the money side," he said. "Everybody knows that the German guys would be interested in coming to MotoGP. But still it's not sure.
"I expected a decision before this race but it didn’t happen. I have to focus on my job right now and leave the rest to my team and my father and so on. I cannot tell you exactly what is going on next year."
Stefan is the son of Helmut Bradl, a five-time 250cc grand prix winner who finished runner-up in the 1991 world championship. Stefan will be aiming to hold off Marquez and go one better this season.
Germany, which hosts a sell-out MotoGP round at the Sachsenring, has been without a home rider since Alex Hofmann was sacked from the Pramac Ducati team towards the end of the 2007 season.
Edwards moves Forward for MotoGP future
MotoGP News
Date: 2/September/2011
One day after Loris Capirossi (38) announced his forthcoming retirement from MotoGP, fellow veteran Colin Edwards (37) has revealed a new team and new challenge for 2012.
Edwards has become the first rider to sign-up for one of the new 'Claiming Rule Teams' arriving in the premier-class next season.
Six CRTs are set to graduate from Moto2, their path to MotoGP being made possible by new rules that will allow tuned Superbike engines to be fitted inside a bespoke chassis and raced against the established MotoGP factories.
In order to keep the CRTs in the same 'timezone' as the hyper-expensive prototypes from Honda, Yamaha and Ducati, they will be allowed concessions in terms of engine changes and fuel capacity.
CRT bikes will never be in championship contention, but a solid project with a good rider should be capable of fighting for the top ten at certain circuits - although the main aim is simply to stop the current 17-rider grid decreasing further.
Edwards said: "I've always been a good test rider and I'm happy that this will be my next challenge."
Interestingly, Edwards - a MotoGP rider since 2003 and Yamaha rider since 2005 - revealed he intends to continue his links with Tech 3 and, to a lesser extent, Yamaha next year.
Edwards wants Tech 3 to build the chassis for the Forward team's MotoGP bike, which he said will be powered by a modified R1 engine.
Edwards said: "We will use a Yamaha engine and my number one option for the chassis would be for Tech 3 to build one for us. That would be the dream team - a Yamaha engine in a Tech 3 chassis."
Tech 3 already builds its own podium-finishing Moto2 chassis and the team's design guru, Guy Coulon, has been Edwards' MotoGP crew chief since 2009.
Edwards, the top Tech 3 rider for all but one of his four seasons, continues to be held in high regard by the French-based squad, but has been 'let go' so that Yamaha can use Tech 3 to develop young riders. His replacement is yet to be named.
A double World Superbike champion before starting a grand prix career, Edwards has taken twelve MotoGP podiums and came agonisingly close to a race win at Assen 2006.
The popular Texan's best season was 2005, when he finished fourth in the championship as team-mate to Valentino Rossi at the Factory Yamaha Team.
Edwards is currently eighth in the world championship, with more than double the points of rookie team-mate Cal Crutchlow, who has a two-year deal with Tech 3.
2012 will be the first year of the new 1000cc engine rules - the same engine size as used by Edwards during his glittering Superbike career.
Riders signed for 2012 MotoGP season:
1. Valentino Rossi - Ducati
2. Nicky Hayden - Ducati
3. Casey Stoner – Repsol Honda
4. Dani Pedrosa – Repsol Honda
5. Jorge Lorenzo - Factory Yamaha
6. Ben Spies - Factory Yamaha
7. Cal Crutchlow - Tech 3 Yamaha
8. Colin Edwards - Forward Racing
Date: 2/September/2011
One day after Loris Capirossi (38) announced his forthcoming retirement from MotoGP, fellow veteran Colin Edwards (37) has revealed a new team and new challenge for 2012.
Edwards has become the first rider to sign-up for one of the new 'Claiming Rule Teams' arriving in the premier-class next season.
Six CRTs are set to graduate from Moto2, their path to MotoGP being made possible by new rules that will allow tuned Superbike engines to be fitted inside a bespoke chassis and raced against the established MotoGP factories.
In order to keep the CRTs in the same 'timezone' as the hyper-expensive prototypes from Honda, Yamaha and Ducati, they will be allowed concessions in terms of engine changes and fuel capacity.
CRT bikes will never be in championship contention, but a solid project with a good rider should be capable of fighting for the top ten at certain circuits - although the main aim is simply to stop the current 17-rider grid decreasing further.
Edwards said: "I've always been a good test rider and I'm happy that this will be my next challenge."
Interestingly, Edwards - a MotoGP rider since 2003 and Yamaha rider since 2005 - revealed he intends to continue his links with Tech 3 and, to a lesser extent, Yamaha next year.
Edwards wants Tech 3 to build the chassis for the Forward team's MotoGP bike, which he said will be powered by a modified R1 engine.
Edwards said: "We will use a Yamaha engine and my number one option for the chassis would be for Tech 3 to build one for us. That would be the dream team - a Yamaha engine in a Tech 3 chassis."
Tech 3 already builds its own podium-finishing Moto2 chassis and the team's design guru, Guy Coulon, has been Edwards' MotoGP crew chief since 2009.
Edwards, the top Tech 3 rider for all but one of his four seasons, continues to be held in high regard by the French-based squad, but has been 'let go' so that Yamaha can use Tech 3 to develop young riders. His replacement is yet to be named.
A double World Superbike champion before starting a grand prix career, Edwards has taken twelve MotoGP podiums and came agonisingly close to a race win at Assen 2006.
The popular Texan's best season was 2005, when he finished fourth in the championship as team-mate to Valentino Rossi at the Factory Yamaha Team.
Edwards is currently eighth in the world championship, with more than double the points of rookie team-mate Cal Crutchlow, who has a two-year deal with Tech 3.
2012 will be the first year of the new 1000cc engine rules - the same engine size as used by Edwards during his glittering Superbike career.
Riders signed for 2012 MotoGP season:
1. Valentino Rossi - Ducati
2. Nicky Hayden - Ducati
3. Casey Stoner – Repsol Honda
4. Dani Pedrosa – Repsol Honda
5. Jorge Lorenzo - Factory Yamaha
6. Ben Spies - Factory Yamaha
7. Cal Crutchlow - Tech 3 Yamaha
8. Colin Edwards - Forward Racing
Loris Capirossi: Retirement and reaction
MotoGP News
Date: 2/September/2011
Loris Capirossi's amazing 22-year motorcycle grand prix career will come to an end at the final round of the 2011 MotoGP season.
The 38-year-old announced his plans during an emotional press conference at Misano, in Italy on Thursday, venue for this weekend's San Marino Grand Prix.
Capirossi said: "It's difficult for me to say, after 22 seasons, but this will be my last race in Italy because I've decided to stop. To retire. It's strange for me hear other riders talking about testing for next year and I won’t be doing that."
A tearful Capirossi was then forced to pause, prompting a standing ovation from the media.
"I'm sorry for my emotion. I've been thinking a lot about whether to stop. Yes or no, yes or no. I think it's the right decision for me," he added. "Thanks to everybody that has supported me and I'll do my best for the last few races."
Capirossi, undefeated during his two years in the 125cc World Championship, also claimed a controversial 250cc title - following contact with team-mate Tetsuya Harada - and finished a best of third in the premier 500cc/MotoGP class.
After taking a single 500cc race win with Yamaha (1996) and then Honda (2000), Capirossi got his big chance when he was selected by Ducati to lead their factory MotoGP team, which entered the championship in 2003.
Capirossi had been chosen ahead of countryman Max Biaggi, who appeared a far stronger candidate. Team manager Livio Suppo later explained:
“When I was talking to Max, in his mind he was thinking ‘without a Honda you cannot win’. So I told the Ducati management ‘I know on paper Max is stronger, but Loris has been in a satellite team for three years and is dreaming of a factory ride. Biaggi has been in a factory [Yamaha] team for four years and is dreaming of a satellite Honda!’"
The 'hungrier' Capirossi proved an inspired choice, giving Ducati a podium on its MotoGP debut, a victory in round six and fourth overall in the championship - a stunning first-year achievement against the likes of Honda and Yamaha.
The closest Capirossi came to a MotoGP title was in 2006, when he was injured while leading the standings at round seven (Catalunya).
The Italian bravely rode through the pain at following events and finished the year with eight podiums - including three wins - but had dropped to third in the standings. In a sign of what might have been, the points difference to Nicky Hayden and Valentino Rossi was less than one race win.
Speaking moments after Capirossi announced his retirement, countryman Rossi said:
"I have a lot of memories of Loris. The first were from the television when I was very young and maybe some guys here were not even born! I was a great fan when he was against Biaggi and the other Italian riders in 250 and after, for me to fight with him, was great.
"I remember the fight for my 250 championship in '99 and also a lot of battles with the 500cc two-stroke. But my best memories are from 2006 at Mugello and Sepang, fighting with Loris on the last lap. They were great battles and I think he is one of the best riders in our sport."
The change to smaller engines for 2007 grated with Capirossi's wide-open style, and he became the first of many high-profile riders to struggle on Ducati's 800cc Desmosedici.
Capirossi salvaged a ninth and final MotoGP win in mixed conditions at Motegi, the day that young team-mate Casey Stoner won the championship, before heading for Suzuki.
The sole highlight of Capirossi's three seasons with Suzuki was a 99th grand prix podium, before a return to Ducati - albeit with the satellite Pramac team - for 2011.
In a tough year for all Ducati riders, Capirossi has rarely looked comfortable and missed two races after being injured at Assen. He is just 16th in the championship and likely to require shoulder surgery at the end of the season.
Capirossi could still have continued his career with one of the new privateer MotoGP teams, or switched to World Superbike, but felt the time had come for a full stop… although he'd like one last podium between now and Valencia.
"I want to say to these guys 'please try to help me in the last races', because I have 99 podiums and I want to get 100!" smiled Loris, referring to the riders sitting alongside him at the press conference.
Date: 2/September/2011
Loris Capirossi's amazing 22-year motorcycle grand prix career will come to an end at the final round of the 2011 MotoGP season.
The 38-year-old announced his plans during an emotional press conference at Misano, in Italy on Thursday, venue for this weekend's San Marino Grand Prix.
Capirossi said: "It's difficult for me to say, after 22 seasons, but this will be my last race in Italy because I've decided to stop. To retire. It's strange for me hear other riders talking about testing for next year and I won’t be doing that."
A tearful Capirossi was then forced to pause, prompting a standing ovation from the media.
"I'm sorry for my emotion. I've been thinking a lot about whether to stop. Yes or no, yes or no. I think it's the right decision for me," he added. "Thanks to everybody that has supported me and I'll do my best for the last few races."
Capirossi, undefeated during his two years in the 125cc World Championship, also claimed a controversial 250cc title - following contact with team-mate Tetsuya Harada - and finished a best of third in the premier 500cc/MotoGP class.
After taking a single 500cc race win with Yamaha (1996) and then Honda (2000), Capirossi got his big chance when he was selected by Ducati to lead their factory MotoGP team, which entered the championship in 2003.
Capirossi had been chosen ahead of countryman Max Biaggi, who appeared a far stronger candidate. Team manager Livio Suppo later explained:
“When I was talking to Max, in his mind he was thinking ‘without a Honda you cannot win’. So I told the Ducati management ‘I know on paper Max is stronger, but Loris has been in a satellite team for three years and is dreaming of a factory ride. Biaggi has been in a factory [Yamaha] team for four years and is dreaming of a satellite Honda!’"
The 'hungrier' Capirossi proved an inspired choice, giving Ducati a podium on its MotoGP debut, a victory in round six and fourth overall in the championship - a stunning first-year achievement against the likes of Honda and Yamaha.
The closest Capirossi came to a MotoGP title was in 2006, when he was injured while leading the standings at round seven (Catalunya).
The Italian bravely rode through the pain at following events and finished the year with eight podiums - including three wins - but had dropped to third in the standings. In a sign of what might have been, the points difference to Nicky Hayden and Valentino Rossi was less than one race win.
Speaking moments after Capirossi announced his retirement, countryman Rossi said:
"I have a lot of memories of Loris. The first were from the television when I was very young and maybe some guys here were not even born! I was a great fan when he was against Biaggi and the other Italian riders in 250 and after, for me to fight with him, was great.
"I remember the fight for my 250 championship in '99 and also a lot of battles with the 500cc two-stroke. But my best memories are from 2006 at Mugello and Sepang, fighting with Loris on the last lap. They were great battles and I think he is one of the best riders in our sport."
The change to smaller engines for 2007 grated with Capirossi's wide-open style, and he became the first of many high-profile riders to struggle on Ducati's 800cc Desmosedici.
Capirossi salvaged a ninth and final MotoGP win in mixed conditions at Motegi, the day that young team-mate Casey Stoner won the championship, before heading for Suzuki.
The sole highlight of Capirossi's three seasons with Suzuki was a 99th grand prix podium, before a return to Ducati - albeit with the satellite Pramac team - for 2011.
In a tough year for all Ducati riders, Capirossi has rarely looked comfortable and missed two races after being injured at Assen. He is just 16th in the championship and likely to require shoulder surgery at the end of the season.
Capirossi could still have continued his career with one of the new privateer MotoGP teams, or switched to World Superbike, but felt the time had come for a full stop… although he'd like one last podium between now and Valencia.
"I want to say to these guys 'please try to help me in the last races', because I have 99 podiums and I want to get 100!" smiled Loris, referring to the riders sitting alongside him at the press conference.
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