F1 News
Date: 31//August/2012
The Belgian F1 Grand Prix got off to a rain-induced false start on Friday, when Kamui Kobayashi set the pace during limited track action.
The Sauber driver set the best time of the day, a 2m 11.389s, on his 13th of 20 morning laps.
The Japanese was one of only ten drivers to record a lap time during the soaking afternoon session, which ended with Marussia’s Charles Pic fastest after a lap of 2m 49.354s.
Spa is the first event after the summer break.
Kobayashi said: “I feel very sorry for the spectators here in the grandstands. We did some running in the first session, but in the afternoon we basically stayed in the garage.
“There wasn’t anything to learn out there and it is obviously pretty easy to damage the car in these conditions.
“I can’t say much except: ‘Welcome to Spa’ - and welcome back to reality. I didn’t see a drop of rain for the five weeks I have just spent in Tokyo and Hawaii.”
Better weather is forecast for Saturday and Sunday, although the lost track time and continued chance of rain increases the odds of an unpredictable race.
Looking to Saturday, McLaren’s Lewis Hamilton said: “It’s going to be challenging tomorrow, but everyone is in the same boat - no joke intended!
“If it dries out, the track will be green in the morning, so you’ll be setting the car up during a couple of runs in FP3.”
Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso starts this weekend with a 40-point lead over Red Bull’s Mark Webber.
Schumacher to reach 300 as F1 restarts at Spa
F1 News
Date: 30/August/2012
After a lengthy five-week summer break, an unpredictable 2012 F1 World Championship bursts back into life at one of the most thrilling circuits on the calendar, Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium, this weekend.
A world away from the glamour of the Monaco street circuit, Spa nevertheless shares a similar status among drivers, many of whom consider it to be the ultimate racing challenge.
The circuit - which weaves its way through the Ardennes forest - contains legendary corners such as the uphill Eau Rouge kink and daunting Blanchimont left-hander over its 7.004km distance.
It is no coincidence that the best of the best have enjoyed the most success at Spa, led by six wins for Michael Schumacher, five for Ayrton Senna and four for both Jim Clark and Kimi Raikkonen.
Schumacher, born over the border in Germany, made his F1 debut at the circuit in 1991 and will become only the second driver in history to reach 300 grand prix starts on Sunday.
“It’s certainly an interesting and beautiful number,” said Schumacher on Thursday. “And a number that I didn’t think I would reach when I retired at the end of 2006.
“This morning I had a beautiful welcome by becoming an honorary citizen of Spa, that is something very special to me. That’s why the 300 is special - because it’s in Spa.
“It all happened to me here. First race, first victory, some beautiful and interesting races, the seventh title in 2004, last year the 20th anniversary and now number 300 and being honoured.
“Spa has always meant a lot to me. I always called it my living room - now I can officially call it my living room!”
Asked what makes the circuit so special, Schumacher replied: “It's one of the old character tracks with lots of history. It is going through the natural countryside that we are in, the up and down like a rollcoaster. There are so many variants that make it so particular and so special.
“We all, as race drivers, prefer high speed and if you have a challenging high-speed corner it's special. If you go through Eau Rouge… nowadays it's probably a little bit too easy flat-out, but the sensation, the forces that go through you in a cornering sense and in a vertical sense, that is a combination that you don't find everywhere.”
Reflecting on his lengthy career, Schumacher picked out the 2000 Japanese Grand Prix, when he clinched Ferrari’s first world title since 1979.
“I keep talking about Suzuka in 2000, both for the quality of the race, for the end of the race and for the whole meaning of that result,” he said. “It was a total package of many circumstances which made it a very special race.”
The last two and half seasons since returning from retirement haven’t been as memorable. The German has claimed just one podium since signing for the ‘Silver Arrows’ and is presently twelfth in the World Championship.
But the 43-year-old Mercedes racer insists his passion for the sport is as strong as ever.
“I have the same passion for what I am doing, absolutely,” he said. “Formula One is the ultimate racing and if you're involved, you're only involved because you want to do the best that you can. There's been plenty of satisfaction that I've had over more than 20 years now and I still enjoy it.”
Schumacher’s racing future beyond the end of this season is yet to be confirmed and he refused to give any further clues.
“I think we made a very clear statement some time ago that by October we will be able to give an indication and nothing has changed since then, so no news I'm afraid,” he said.
Schumacher’s former Ferrari team-mate Rubens Barrichello holds the all-time F1 start record, at 326 grands prix.
One big name missing from the Spa victory list is 30-time F1 race winner and present World Championship leader Fernando Alonso.
The Ferrari ace will start this weekend with a 40-point lead over Red Bull’s Mark Webber. Alonso (3) and Webber (2) are the only multiple race winners from the eleven rounds so far held.
Spa is the first of nine remaining rounds before the season concludes in Brazil on November 25.
Date: 30/August/2012
After a lengthy five-week summer break, an unpredictable 2012 F1 World Championship bursts back into life at one of the most thrilling circuits on the calendar, Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium, this weekend.
A world away from the glamour of the Monaco street circuit, Spa nevertheless shares a similar status among drivers, many of whom consider it to be the ultimate racing challenge.
The circuit - which weaves its way through the Ardennes forest - contains legendary corners such as the uphill Eau Rouge kink and daunting Blanchimont left-hander over its 7.004km distance.
It is no coincidence that the best of the best have enjoyed the most success at Spa, led by six wins for Michael Schumacher, five for Ayrton Senna and four for both Jim Clark and Kimi Raikkonen.
Schumacher, born over the border in Germany, made his F1 debut at the circuit in 1991 and will become only the second driver in history to reach 300 grand prix starts on Sunday.
“It’s certainly an interesting and beautiful number,” said Schumacher on Thursday. “And a number that I didn’t think I would reach when I retired at the end of 2006.
“This morning I had a beautiful welcome by becoming an honorary citizen of Spa, that is something very special to me. That’s why the 300 is special - because it’s in Spa.
“It all happened to me here. First race, first victory, some beautiful and interesting races, the seventh title in 2004, last year the 20th anniversary and now number 300 and being honoured.
“Spa has always meant a lot to me. I always called it my living room - now I can officially call it my living room!”
Asked what makes the circuit so special, Schumacher replied: “It's one of the old character tracks with lots of history. It is going through the natural countryside that we are in, the up and down like a rollcoaster. There are so many variants that make it so particular and so special.
“We all, as race drivers, prefer high speed and if you have a challenging high-speed corner it's special. If you go through Eau Rouge… nowadays it's probably a little bit too easy flat-out, but the sensation, the forces that go through you in a cornering sense and in a vertical sense, that is a combination that you don't find everywhere.”
Reflecting on his lengthy career, Schumacher picked out the 2000 Japanese Grand Prix, when he clinched Ferrari’s first world title since 1979.
“I keep talking about Suzuka in 2000, both for the quality of the race, for the end of the race and for the whole meaning of that result,” he said. “It was a total package of many circumstances which made it a very special race.”
The last two and half seasons since returning from retirement haven’t been as memorable. The German has claimed just one podium since signing for the ‘Silver Arrows’ and is presently twelfth in the World Championship.
But the 43-year-old Mercedes racer insists his passion for the sport is as strong as ever.
“I have the same passion for what I am doing, absolutely,” he said. “Formula One is the ultimate racing and if you're involved, you're only involved because you want to do the best that you can. There's been plenty of satisfaction that I've had over more than 20 years now and I still enjoy it.”
Schumacher’s racing future beyond the end of this season is yet to be confirmed and he refused to give any further clues.
“I think we made a very clear statement some time ago that by October we will be able to give an indication and nothing has changed since then, so no news I'm afraid,” he said.
Schumacher’s former Ferrari team-mate Rubens Barrichello holds the all-time F1 start record, at 326 grands prix.
One big name missing from the Spa victory list is 30-time F1 race winner and present World Championship leader Fernando Alonso.
The Ferrari ace will start this weekend with a 40-point lead over Red Bull’s Mark Webber. Alonso (3) and Webber (2) are the only multiple race winners from the eleven rounds so far held.
Spa is the first of nine remaining rounds before the season concludes in Brazil on November 25.
Pedrosa, Lorenzo talk thrilling Brno battle
MotoGP News
Date: 28/August/2012
Dani Pedrosa won the best race of the MotoGP season at Brno on Sunday, beating championship rival Jorge Lorenzo in a duel that was decided at the very final corner.
Inseparable for the entire race, Lorenzo launched his victory attack with a surprise pass with just a few corners to go.
But Pedrosa pulled alongside as they raced uphill to the final chicane and passed Lorenzo’s Yamaha on the brakes.
Pedrosa said: “On the last lap I could hear Jorge right behind me and in the left hander I opened a little gap and ‘boom’ he was straight in. His bike was so close, it was right by my face!
“I was nervous but stayed calm, tried to get better drive up the hill and in the last corner I was alongside him. Jorge tried to release the brakes and we were head-to-head into the corner, but I could keep my line and win the race.
“It was amazing and I’m just so happy.”
Pedrosa’s third victory of the season has cut Lorenzo’s lead to just 13-points with six rounds and 150 points still to be decided.
“It was a fun race,” said Lorenzo. “We were both strong. Dani had his good points, I had mine and when it came to the last lap victory was so close that I had to try something.
“So I tried in the slow corner, but then made a mistake on the exit to the uphill, when I gave Dani enough space to overtake me. Then I wanted to pass him back at the last corner, but it was impossible.
“It was a great ride by Dani today, but next time maybe it will be different.”
Twelve-seconds behind the victory battle, Cal Crutchlow celebrated his new Tech 3 Yamaha contract by sealing his first ever MotoGP podium in third.
Crutchlow said: “To end a 12-year drought for a British rider to get on a MotoGP podium is a great feeling. I hope the British fans don't have to wait that long for the next one!”
Most teams will now remain at Brno for a test session on Monday, where World Superbike star Jonathan Rea will try Casey Stoner’s RC213V.
The world champion has returned to Australia for ankle surgery and Rea is set to take his place, alongside Pedrosa, at the forthcoming Misano and Aragon rounds.
Rea, who tested an 800cc Honda in 2010, said: “This is a great opportunity to ride one of the best bikes in the world.
“Sure the 1000cc bike will be much faster than the 800 I rode in Sepang, but I already have some familiarity with the bike and I know what I'm letting myself in for.
“It's an animal. A proper fire-breathing racing machine. I'm really looking forward to the challenge.”
Date: 28/August/2012
Dani Pedrosa won the best race of the MotoGP season at Brno on Sunday, beating championship rival Jorge Lorenzo in a duel that was decided at the very final corner.
Inseparable for the entire race, Lorenzo launched his victory attack with a surprise pass with just a few corners to go.
But Pedrosa pulled alongside as they raced uphill to the final chicane and passed Lorenzo’s Yamaha on the brakes.
Pedrosa said: “On the last lap I could hear Jorge right behind me and in the left hander I opened a little gap and ‘boom’ he was straight in. His bike was so close, it was right by my face!
“I was nervous but stayed calm, tried to get better drive up the hill and in the last corner I was alongside him. Jorge tried to release the brakes and we were head-to-head into the corner, but I could keep my line and win the race.
“It was amazing and I’m just so happy.”
Pedrosa’s third victory of the season has cut Lorenzo’s lead to just 13-points with six rounds and 150 points still to be decided.
“It was a fun race,” said Lorenzo. “We were both strong. Dani had his good points, I had mine and when it came to the last lap victory was so close that I had to try something.
“So I tried in the slow corner, but then made a mistake on the exit to the uphill, when I gave Dani enough space to overtake me. Then I wanted to pass him back at the last corner, but it was impossible.
“It was a great ride by Dani today, but next time maybe it will be different.”
Twelve-seconds behind the victory battle, Cal Crutchlow celebrated his new Tech 3 Yamaha contract by sealing his first ever MotoGP podium in third.
Crutchlow said: “To end a 12-year drought for a British rider to get on a MotoGP podium is a great feeling. I hope the British fans don't have to wait that long for the next one!”
Most teams will now remain at Brno for a test session on Monday, where World Superbike star Jonathan Rea will try Casey Stoner’s RC213V.
The world champion has returned to Australia for ankle surgery and Rea is set to take his place, alongside Pedrosa, at the forthcoming Misano and Aragon rounds.
Rea, who tested an 800cc Honda in 2010, said: “This is a great opportunity to ride one of the best bikes in the world.
“Sure the 1000cc bike will be much faster than the 800 I rode in Sepang, but I already have some familiarity with the bike and I know what I'm letting myself in for.
“It's an animal. A proper fire-breathing racing machine. I'm really looking forward to the challenge.”
Crutchlow stays in all-British Tech 3 line-up
MotoGP News
Date: 25/August/2012
Having seen his hopes of a factory MotoGP ride evaporate, Englishman Cal Crutchlow will stay at Yamaha Tech 3 next season, alongside rookie countryman Bradley Smith.
Crutchlow’s priority for 2013 had been to secure a factory ride with Yamaha, but with no room at the official squad - and the request of a factory M1 at Tech 3 rejected - the 26-year-old then became the hot tip for a move to the Ducati team.
An announcement was rumoured for Mugello in mid-July, but nothing materlisied and when it became clear that Valentino Rossi was leaving, Ducati moved to secure the continued services of Nicky Hayden - the rider Crutchlow was tipped to replace
Crutchlow received a further blow when his own team-mate Andrea Dovizioso - who has taken five podiums this year - was picked to join Hayden at Ducati, leaving Tech 3 as Crutchlow’s most competitive option.
Crutchlow, 26, is fifth in the World Championship but yet to claim a MotoGP podium. The former World Supersport champion has been with Tech 3 since entering MotoGP at the start of last year and has signed a one-year contract extension.
Crutchlow said: “I am delighted to commit my future to the Monster Yamaha Tech 3 Team for at least one more year. Together we have made huge progress this season and achieved some strong results and I am confident we can be even more competitive in 2013.
“Yamaha put together a great package for 2012 and next year it will be even stronger. Hopefully I can reward their loyalty by challenging for the podium throughout 2013, which I know we are capable of.”
Smith, 21, currently races for Tech 3’s Moto2 team and claimed three podiums during his debut 2011 season.
That form prompted a surprise multi-year contract to be announced last September, compromising Moto2 in 2012 and then two seasons of MotoGP. But the triple 125cc grand prix winner is just seventh in this year’s Moto2 championship, causing some to question his MotoGP credentials.
However, upon announcing Crutchlow’s contract, Tech 3 also confirmed that Smith will move up to the premier-class as planned.
Smith said: “I have dreamed about being a MotoGP rider for as long as I can remember and to get this chance with such a professional and successful team is fantastic.
“It is clear from the results achieved by Cal and Andrea in 2012 that the Tech 3 Yamaha is a very competitive package and I can't wait to begin this new adventure in my career.
“I know I have a huge challenge ahead of me but I believe in my ability. I already know the Tech 3 Team so it won't be such a huge transition for me and I have a good relationship with Cal. This will be very important because I can learn a lot from him.”
Smith will make his MotoGP debut in the post-race Valencia test, immediately after the 2012 season finale.
Date: 25/August/2012
Having seen his hopes of a factory MotoGP ride evaporate, Englishman Cal Crutchlow will stay at Yamaha Tech 3 next season, alongside rookie countryman Bradley Smith.
Crutchlow’s priority for 2013 had been to secure a factory ride with Yamaha, but with no room at the official squad - and the request of a factory M1 at Tech 3 rejected - the 26-year-old then became the hot tip for a move to the Ducati team.
An announcement was rumoured for Mugello in mid-July, but nothing materlisied and when it became clear that Valentino Rossi was leaving, Ducati moved to secure the continued services of Nicky Hayden - the rider Crutchlow was tipped to replace
Crutchlow received a further blow when his own team-mate Andrea Dovizioso - who has taken five podiums this year - was picked to join Hayden at Ducati, leaving Tech 3 as Crutchlow’s most competitive option.
Crutchlow, 26, is fifth in the World Championship but yet to claim a MotoGP podium. The former World Supersport champion has been with Tech 3 since entering MotoGP at the start of last year and has signed a one-year contract extension.
Crutchlow said: “I am delighted to commit my future to the Monster Yamaha Tech 3 Team for at least one more year. Together we have made huge progress this season and achieved some strong results and I am confident we can be even more competitive in 2013.
“Yamaha put together a great package for 2012 and next year it will be even stronger. Hopefully I can reward their loyalty by challenging for the podium throughout 2013, which I know we are capable of.”
Smith, 21, currently races for Tech 3’s Moto2 team and claimed three podiums during his debut 2011 season.
That form prompted a surprise multi-year contract to be announced last September, compromising Moto2 in 2012 and then two seasons of MotoGP. But the triple 125cc grand prix winner is just seventh in this year’s Moto2 championship, causing some to question his MotoGP credentials.
However, upon announcing Crutchlow’s contract, Tech 3 also confirmed that Smith will move up to the premier-class as planned.
Smith said: “I have dreamed about being a MotoGP rider for as long as I can remember and to get this chance with such a professional and successful team is fantastic.
“It is clear from the results achieved by Cal and Andrea in 2012 that the Tech 3 Yamaha is a very competitive package and I can't wait to begin this new adventure in my career.
“I know I have a huge challenge ahead of me but I believe in my ability. I already know the Tech 3 Team so it won't be such a huge transition for me and I have a good relationship with Cal. This will be very important because I can learn a lot from him.”
Smith will make his MotoGP debut in the post-race Valencia test, immediately after the 2012 season finale.
Valentino Rossi and Yamaha - The Return
MotoGP News
Date:</b> 24/August/2012
Mr Lin Jarvis, Managing Director of Yamaha Racing, has cleared up some of the rumours surrounding MotoGP superstar Valentino Rossi’s return to the team for 2013.
Speaking at Brno, venue for this weekend’s Czech Grand Prix, Jarvis revealed that it was Rossi - who has struggled since leaving Yamaha for Ducati at the end of 2010 - who made first contact.
Jarvis said: “The first point of contact came from Valentino’s side to Yamaha. There were some discussions in the background and the real negotiations began in July.
“Then Valentino made his decision in the week after Laguna Seca. So the final negotiation was quite short, because we know each other.
“The reason to have Valentino back is the seven years of excellent history we have together, when we won four titles and created a very positive image for Yamaha.”
Jarvis insisted there had been no outside influence from Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of Dorna, which owns the commercial rights to MotoGP.
Ezpeleta had caused a stir earlier in the year by declaring that Rossi ‘would be on a competitive bike next season.’
“I can say that Carmelo had no influence whatever in the entire process. I have never discussed Valentino Rossi’s return with Carmelo still to this day,” said Jarvis.
Rossi won 46 races for Yamaha, but tension grew after the factory signed rising star Jorge Lorenzo for 2008.
Lorenzo went on to win the MotoGP title in 2010, the year Rossi broke his leg, and is leading this year’s series. The Spaniard signed a new two-year Yamaha deal earlier in the season.
Jarvis said: “We informed Jorge at Mugello that there looked like there was a possibility to contract Valentino.
“I think Jorge would have preferred to keep Ben [Spies], and that was the way we were going in our early planning.
“But finally Jorge respected Yamaha’s decision to bring back Valentino and it is up to us to manage the situation.
“We consider Jorge to be the most capable rider to win the world championship for Yamaha in the next two seasons. But both riders will have exactly equal treatment and equipment.”
Jarvis added that having Rossi at the front of the MotoGP field would give the whole sport a welcome boost.
Jarvis said: “Valentino on a competitive motorcycle will be very popular for MotoGP. This sport is going through difficult times and it is not aided by seeing the most popular rider in world down in sixth, seventh or eighth place.”
Jarvis is also confident that the relationship between Rossi and Lorenzo will be smoother the second time around.
Jarvis said: “Previously, Valentino was the number one and Jorge the arriving youngster. That created tensions. I think the dynamic will be different this time.
“We have explained that we don’t want to see any situations where our riders will be endangering the result of the other. I not saying the next two seasons will be easy, but I believe we can manage it.”
The Englishman predicts Rossi will win races next season, but isn’t sure the Italian legend can clinch a tenth world championship title.
Rossi won the 125cc and 250cc crowns prior to joining the premier-class in 2000.
Jarvis said: “Nobody knows how competitive Valentino will be. Jorge has two more years under his belt and is very fast and consistent. Dani [Pedrosa] is riding superbly. Unfortunately Casey [Stoner] won’t be there, but there are a lot of young fast riders.
“My opinion is that he can definitely win races next season. Can he win a tenth championship? Time will tell…”
Rossi, 33, is expected to make his Yamaha return during the test immediately after the final round of the season, at Valencia in November.
Date:</b> 24/August/2012
Mr Lin Jarvis, Managing Director of Yamaha Racing, has cleared up some of the rumours surrounding MotoGP superstar Valentino Rossi’s return to the team for 2013.
Speaking at Brno, venue for this weekend’s Czech Grand Prix, Jarvis revealed that it was Rossi - who has struggled since leaving Yamaha for Ducati at the end of 2010 - who made first contact.
Jarvis said: “The first point of contact came from Valentino’s side to Yamaha. There were some discussions in the background and the real negotiations began in July.
“Then Valentino made his decision in the week after Laguna Seca. So the final negotiation was quite short, because we know each other.
“The reason to have Valentino back is the seven years of excellent history we have together, when we won four titles and created a very positive image for Yamaha.”
Jarvis insisted there had been no outside influence from Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of Dorna, which owns the commercial rights to MotoGP.
Ezpeleta had caused a stir earlier in the year by declaring that Rossi ‘would be on a competitive bike next season.’
“I can say that Carmelo had no influence whatever in the entire process. I have never discussed Valentino Rossi’s return with Carmelo still to this day,” said Jarvis.
Rossi won 46 races for Yamaha, but tension grew after the factory signed rising star Jorge Lorenzo for 2008.
Lorenzo went on to win the MotoGP title in 2010, the year Rossi broke his leg, and is leading this year’s series. The Spaniard signed a new two-year Yamaha deal earlier in the season.
Jarvis said: “We informed Jorge at Mugello that there looked like there was a possibility to contract Valentino.
“I think Jorge would have preferred to keep Ben [Spies], and that was the way we were going in our early planning.
“But finally Jorge respected Yamaha’s decision to bring back Valentino and it is up to us to manage the situation.
“We consider Jorge to be the most capable rider to win the world championship for Yamaha in the next two seasons. But both riders will have exactly equal treatment and equipment.”
Jarvis added that having Rossi at the front of the MotoGP field would give the whole sport a welcome boost.
Jarvis said: “Valentino on a competitive motorcycle will be very popular for MotoGP. This sport is going through difficult times and it is not aided by seeing the most popular rider in world down in sixth, seventh or eighth place.”
Jarvis is also confident that the relationship between Rossi and Lorenzo will be smoother the second time around.
Jarvis said: “Previously, Valentino was the number one and Jorge the arriving youngster. That created tensions. I think the dynamic will be different this time.
“We have explained that we don’t want to see any situations where our riders will be endangering the result of the other. I not saying the next two seasons will be easy, but I believe we can manage it.”
The Englishman predicts Rossi will win races next season, but isn’t sure the Italian legend can clinch a tenth world championship title.
Rossi won the 125cc and 250cc crowns prior to joining the premier-class in 2000.
Jarvis said: “Nobody knows how competitive Valentino will be. Jorge has two more years under his belt and is very fast and consistent. Dani [Pedrosa] is riding superbly. Unfortunately Casey [Stoner] won’t be there, but there are a lot of young fast riders.
“My opinion is that he can definitely win races next season. Can he win a tenth championship? Time will tell…”
Rossi, 33, is expected to make his Yamaha return during the test immediately after the final round of the season, at Valencia in November.
‘Game over’ for injured Casey Stoner
MotoGP News
Date: 23/August/2012
It’s ‘game over’ for Casey Stoner’s hopes of retiring as a triple MotoGP champion after the Repsol Honda rider withdrew from this weekend’s Brno round to undergo surgery in Australia.
Stoner suffered fractures and ligament damage to his right ankle in a huge highside crash during qualifying at Indianapolis last Saturday, then braved the pain to finish fourth in the race.
But after a specialist in Australia viewed the scans, Stoner was advised against riding this weekend and will instead undergo surgery.
Stoner explained: “We've been waiting since Indianapolis for my doctor in Australia to receive the discs of the MRI scan and x-rays to fully understand the situation.
“The doctors in America were fantastic but I needed a specialist to study them and give me his report and explain exactly what's gone wrong.
“We were hoping that once they had seen the scans that it wouldn't be as bad as I first suspected and that we could race here, but in fact it was the opposite and a lot worse than first expected.
“We only found out at lunchtime today that it was ‘game over’ but it seems this is our only option at this point.”
Stoner, who won last year’s Czech round, now has just two weeks’ to recover if he is to make the Misano round from September 14-16 and an October return is seen as more likely.
Stoner said: “We don't have a timescale for my return yet - it depends on the surgery and how fast I can recover. We still have a season to complete and this isn't just me giving up, I want to get back to racing as soon as possible.
“I have a job to do and a career to see through to the end and for it to finish like this would be a disaster, so I'll be back as soon as I can to take part in as many races as I can before the end of the season.”
Stoner is third in the championship and 39 points behind Yamaha rider Jorge Lorenzo with seven rounds to go.
Ducati’s Nicky Hayden has already been ruled out of this weekend’s event after also suffering a big accident in qualifying last Saturday.
Date: 23/August/2012
It’s ‘game over’ for Casey Stoner’s hopes of retiring as a triple MotoGP champion after the Repsol Honda rider withdrew from this weekend’s Brno round to undergo surgery in Australia.
Stoner suffered fractures and ligament damage to his right ankle in a huge highside crash during qualifying at Indianapolis last Saturday, then braved the pain to finish fourth in the race.
But after a specialist in Australia viewed the scans, Stoner was advised against riding this weekend and will instead undergo surgery.
Stoner explained: “We've been waiting since Indianapolis for my doctor in Australia to receive the discs of the MRI scan and x-rays to fully understand the situation.
“The doctors in America were fantastic but I needed a specialist to study them and give me his report and explain exactly what's gone wrong.
“We were hoping that once they had seen the scans that it wouldn't be as bad as I first suspected and that we could race here, but in fact it was the opposite and a lot worse than first expected.
“We only found out at lunchtime today that it was ‘game over’ but it seems this is our only option at this point.”
Stoner, who won last year’s Czech round, now has just two weeks’ to recover if he is to make the Misano round from September 14-16 and an October return is seen as more likely.
Stoner said: “We don't have a timescale for my return yet - it depends on the surgery and how fast I can recover. We still have a season to complete and this isn't just me giving up, I want to get back to racing as soon as possible.
“I have a job to do and a career to see through to the end and for it to finish like this would be a disaster, so I'll be back as soon as I can to take part in as many races as I can before the end of the season.”
Stoner is third in the championship and 39 points behind Yamaha rider Jorge Lorenzo with seven rounds to go.
Ducati’s Nicky Hayden has already been ruled out of this weekend’s event after also suffering a big accident in qualifying last Saturday.
Dovizioso signs as Rossi’s Ducati replacement
MotoGP News
Date: 22/August/2012
Andrea Dovizioso has taken a tactical gamble by opting to replace Valentino Rossi at the factory Ducati MotoGP team next season, rather than continue his successful partnership with Tech 3 Yamaha.
After just two podiums in 28 races, seven time MotoGP champion Rossi has chosen to return to the Factory Yamaha team alongside Jorge Lorenzo next season.
Rossi’s return also blocked Dovizioso’s hopes of gaining the Factory M1 ride. Dovizioso has enjoyed an impressive debut season at Tech 3, claiming five podiums and holds fourth place in the World Championship.
Tech 3 were naturally been keen to keep the former 125cc world champion, but Dovizioso made clear his main goal was a return to factory status. ‘Dovi’ has thus turned down the competitive Tech 3 seat in the belief that Ducati can turn its struggling motorcycle into a frontrunner once again.
Ducati President Gabriele Del Torchio said: “It is with great pleasure that I welcome Andrea, as we marshal our best efforts in confronting the MotoGP World Championship.
“Along with Nicky Hayden, with whom we have renewed a working agreement, we are confident that we will be able to proceed with our development program, to compete, and to obtain the results and rewards that will repay our efforts and the faith that our partners, sponsors and fans have never failed to demonstrate."
Filippo Preziosi, General Manager of Ducati Corse, added: “Andrea’s technical sensibility and test-riding abilities are of great value, as are his talent and determination.
“I’m pleased that he has chosen to be a part of our team. He is aware of the work to be done, and he approaches it with enthusiasm and confidence, which are fundamental requirements for achieving success and for competing in this challenging championship.”
Dovizioso will ride alongside Nicky Hayden, who recently signed a new one-year deal.
All six factory rides have thus been decided for next season: Lorenzo and Rossi at Yamaha, Dani Pedrosa and Marc Marquez at Honda, Dovizioso and Hayden at Ducati.
Date: 22/August/2012
Andrea Dovizioso has taken a tactical gamble by opting to replace Valentino Rossi at the factory Ducati MotoGP team next season, rather than continue his successful partnership with Tech 3 Yamaha.
After just two podiums in 28 races, seven time MotoGP champion Rossi has chosen to return to the Factory Yamaha team alongside Jorge Lorenzo next season.
Rossi’s return also blocked Dovizioso’s hopes of gaining the Factory M1 ride. Dovizioso has enjoyed an impressive debut season at Tech 3, claiming five podiums and holds fourth place in the World Championship.
Tech 3 were naturally been keen to keep the former 125cc world champion, but Dovizioso made clear his main goal was a return to factory status. ‘Dovi’ has thus turned down the competitive Tech 3 seat in the belief that Ducati can turn its struggling motorcycle into a frontrunner once again.
Ducati President Gabriele Del Torchio said: “It is with great pleasure that I welcome Andrea, as we marshal our best efforts in confronting the MotoGP World Championship.
“Along with Nicky Hayden, with whom we have renewed a working agreement, we are confident that we will be able to proceed with our development program, to compete, and to obtain the results and rewards that will repay our efforts and the faith that our partners, sponsors and fans have never failed to demonstrate."
Filippo Preziosi, General Manager of Ducati Corse, added: “Andrea’s technical sensibility and test-riding abilities are of great value, as are his talent and determination.
“I’m pleased that he has chosen to be a part of our team. He is aware of the work to be done, and he approaches it with enthusiasm and confidence, which are fundamental requirements for achieving success and for competing in this challenging championship.”
Dovizioso will ride alongside Nicky Hayden, who recently signed a new one-year deal.
All six factory rides have thus been decided for next season: Lorenzo and Rossi at Yamaha, Dani Pedrosa and Marc Marquez at Honda, Dovizioso and Hayden at Ducati.
Pedrosa wins, Spies explodes, Stoner pain
MotoGP News
Date: 19/August/2012
Honda’s Dani Pedrosa romped to his second MotoGP victory of the season at Indianapolis on Sunday, trimming Jorge Lorenzo’s points lead in the process.
Pedrosa’s victory was effectively decided when home hero Ben Spies suffered a huge engine failure whilst in a close second place.
That promoted Yamaha team-mate Lorenzo to the runner-up spot, but the Spaniard could do nothing to threaten Pedrosa, who won by over 10 seconds.
Pedrosa said: “At the beginning, the race was tough because the pace was very high. So I had to keep the concentration. I was leading and when I saw the oil left on the track by Ben, I and didn’t know where to go for a few laps.
“I also made a mistake in Turn 2 but I was able to stay on two wheels and keep the rhythm to the end, where I think Jorge struggled a little with the soft rear tyre. We managed to take our second win of the season and every point is important.”
Spies, riding with an injured shoulder after a big qualifying crash, had led the early laps and felt he had a real chance of breaking his 2012 victory drought.
Spies said: “When Dani passed me I could see he was using the rear tyre more than I was so the plan was to let him get a maximum three seconds ahead and start reeling him back in at the end.
“But as soon as he passed me the bike started to slow down, I wasn’t sure what was happening then all of a sudden it blew up so I tried to get off the line as quickly as possible. I’m disappointed, I think we definitely had second place and possibly the win.”
The engine failure marked the latest race day mishap for Spies, who won his first MotoGP race last season but is yet to finish higher than fourth in 2012.
The Texan caught Yamaha by surprise last month when he announced that he will leave the team at the end of the season for undisclosed reasons.
Looking back on his miserable season, Spies highlighted one possible motive when he revealed a comment made by somebody ‘high up’ at Yamaha.
Spies said: “At Mugello, we had food poisoning. I tried everything I could, but it was a bad result. I was told by somebody at Yamaha that if I'm not going to ride a hundred percent at Laguna [Seca], don't show up.
"I came to Laguna, and I tried the best I could. The bike had a malfunction. Then we came here with a hundred percent and did the best we could, and we had another mechanical with the bike.
“I've given my hundred percent. So to be told what I was told after Mugello and the way it was, and then to give the effort I've given the last two weekends, I just don't think it's been too fair."
Spies will be replaced by Valentino Rossi next year.
Spies wasn’t the only person riding hurt on Sunday. Two other MotoGP factory riders - world champion Casey Stoner and Ducati’s Nicky Hayden - had suffered almost identical qualifying falls at the same Turn 13 area.
Hayden was ruled out of the race after being briefly knocked out, but Stoner fought the pain of ankle fractures and ligament damage to claim fourth place.
Stoner said: “At the end of the race it was almost impossible to maintain the pace. The painkillers I took to dull the pain gradually wore off and I simply had no energy left. It was frustrating to give up third position to Andrea Dovizioso but we did everything we could and at least I was able to ride and take some points.”
Lorenzo now holds an 18-point lead over Pedrosa and 39-point lead over Stoner heading into this weekend’s Brno round in the Czech Republic.
Date: 19/August/2012
Honda’s Dani Pedrosa romped to his second MotoGP victory of the season at Indianapolis on Sunday, trimming Jorge Lorenzo’s points lead in the process.
Pedrosa’s victory was effectively decided when home hero Ben Spies suffered a huge engine failure whilst in a close second place.
That promoted Yamaha team-mate Lorenzo to the runner-up spot, but the Spaniard could do nothing to threaten Pedrosa, who won by over 10 seconds.
Pedrosa said: “At the beginning, the race was tough because the pace was very high. So I had to keep the concentration. I was leading and when I saw the oil left on the track by Ben, I and didn’t know where to go for a few laps.
“I also made a mistake in Turn 2 but I was able to stay on two wheels and keep the rhythm to the end, where I think Jorge struggled a little with the soft rear tyre. We managed to take our second win of the season and every point is important.”
Spies, riding with an injured shoulder after a big qualifying crash, had led the early laps and felt he had a real chance of breaking his 2012 victory drought.
Spies said: “When Dani passed me I could see he was using the rear tyre more than I was so the plan was to let him get a maximum three seconds ahead and start reeling him back in at the end.
“But as soon as he passed me the bike started to slow down, I wasn’t sure what was happening then all of a sudden it blew up so I tried to get off the line as quickly as possible. I’m disappointed, I think we definitely had second place and possibly the win.”
The engine failure marked the latest race day mishap for Spies, who won his first MotoGP race last season but is yet to finish higher than fourth in 2012.
The Texan caught Yamaha by surprise last month when he announced that he will leave the team at the end of the season for undisclosed reasons.
Looking back on his miserable season, Spies highlighted one possible motive when he revealed a comment made by somebody ‘high up’ at Yamaha.
Spies said: “At Mugello, we had food poisoning. I tried everything I could, but it was a bad result. I was told by somebody at Yamaha that if I'm not going to ride a hundred percent at Laguna [Seca], don't show up.
"I came to Laguna, and I tried the best I could. The bike had a malfunction. Then we came here with a hundred percent and did the best we could, and we had another mechanical with the bike.
“I've given my hundred percent. So to be told what I was told after Mugello and the way it was, and then to give the effort I've given the last two weekends, I just don't think it's been too fair."
Spies will be replaced by Valentino Rossi next year.
Spies wasn’t the only person riding hurt on Sunday. Two other MotoGP factory riders - world champion Casey Stoner and Ducati’s Nicky Hayden - had suffered almost identical qualifying falls at the same Turn 13 area.
Hayden was ruled out of the race after being briefly knocked out, but Stoner fought the pain of ankle fractures and ligament damage to claim fourth place.
Stoner said: “At the end of the race it was almost impossible to maintain the pace. The painkillers I took to dull the pain gradually wore off and I simply had no energy left. It was frustrating to give up third position to Andrea Dovizioso but we did everything we could and at least I was able to ride and take some points.”
Lorenzo now holds an 18-point lead over Pedrosa and 39-point lead over Stoner heading into this weekend’s Brno round in the Czech Republic.
Three down, Hayden out after crash strewn Indy qualifying
MotoGP News
Date: 18/August/2012
Three leading MotoGP riders required hospital scans - and one has already been ruled out of Sunday’s race - following a crash strewn qualifying session at Indianapolis on Saturday.
First to be caught out by the low-grip infield circuit was reigning MotoGP champion Casey Stoner, who stopped the session after just eight minutes when he was thrown high into the air from his Repsol Honda
The Australian tried to get to his feet, but the pain proved too much and he was taken by stretcher to an ambulance and then the Medical Center. Initial scans ruled out any serious injury and identified a ligament strain to the right ankle.
Stoner was subsequently taken to the Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis for an MRI scan to assess the injury more precisely and it remains to be seen if he will be fit to ride in Sunday’s race. Stoner set the sixth best qualifying time.
Americans’ Ben Spies (Yamaha) and Nicky Hayden (Ducati) also suffered big accidents through the same Turn 13-Turn 14 left hand turns, later in the one hour session.
Spies suffered possible shoulder ligament damage, but hopes to take his fourth place on the grid. However Hayden has been ruled out of the race after being briefly knocked unconscious and fracturing bones in his hand during his session-stopping fall.
Hayden joins Hector Barbera on the sidelines. Barbera fractured three vertebrae in a Friday practice fall and has been replaced for the remainder of the weekend by Toni Elias.
In-between the stoppages, Stoner’s team-mate Dani Pedrosa took his third pole of the season by 0.1s from Yamaha’s title leader Jorge Lorenzo, with Tech 3 Yamaha’s Andrea Dovizioso in third.
Pedrosa said: “It was tough and tricky because it was very slippery. We saw many crashes in Moto3 and MotoGP. The bike was sliding a lot. It felt like you could control the slide, but suddenly it goes quick. So it wasn't easy to find the edge. Maybe that's why many riders crashed.
“So it was tough, but at the end good because we could get on pole. And this is always good here because the first turns are tight. I think the bike is working well and this time the top speed is now even to Yamaha, even one or two Ks more.”
Looking ahead to Sunday's grand prix, Pedrosa added: “We are confident for the race, but other riders look strong as well. Lorenzo picked up his pace, Spies is strong here and I hope Casey has nothing serious and can be on the grid. We will need to fight at the maximum tomorrow.”
Lorenzo who leads Pedrosa by 23-points in the championship, made the biggest gains in qualifying - leaping forwards from seventh in final free practice after some big changes.
Lorenzo said: “We made a big modification, big improvement. Before this weight modification, I really didn't feel great coming into the corners. So I was struggling. Now I can feel better.
“Also, it has been a difficult qualifying because so many riders crash, and it wasn’t nice to see companions crashing so violently. But anyway, after seeing their crashes, I’ve been more relaxed with my eyes looking all the trash on the track. So it was important to be fast but also to be careful not to crash.
“I think the important thing tomorrow is to finish. If it's possible on the podium, and who knows, maybe to try to fight for the victory.”
Stoner is already 32-points behind Lorenzo in the championship and, should he be declared unfit to ride, his dream of retiring at the end of this year as a triple world champion could be all but over.
Date: 18/August/2012
Three leading MotoGP riders required hospital scans - and one has already been ruled out of Sunday’s race - following a crash strewn qualifying session at Indianapolis on Saturday.
First to be caught out by the low-grip infield circuit was reigning MotoGP champion Casey Stoner, who stopped the session after just eight minutes when he was thrown high into the air from his Repsol Honda
The Australian tried to get to his feet, but the pain proved too much and he was taken by stretcher to an ambulance and then the Medical Center. Initial scans ruled out any serious injury and identified a ligament strain to the right ankle.
Stoner was subsequently taken to the Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis for an MRI scan to assess the injury more precisely and it remains to be seen if he will be fit to ride in Sunday’s race. Stoner set the sixth best qualifying time.
Americans’ Ben Spies (Yamaha) and Nicky Hayden (Ducati) also suffered big accidents through the same Turn 13-Turn 14 left hand turns, later in the one hour session.
Spies suffered possible shoulder ligament damage, but hopes to take his fourth place on the grid. However Hayden has been ruled out of the race after being briefly knocked unconscious and fracturing bones in his hand during his session-stopping fall.
Hayden joins Hector Barbera on the sidelines. Barbera fractured three vertebrae in a Friday practice fall and has been replaced for the remainder of the weekend by Toni Elias.
In-between the stoppages, Stoner’s team-mate Dani Pedrosa took his third pole of the season by 0.1s from Yamaha’s title leader Jorge Lorenzo, with Tech 3 Yamaha’s Andrea Dovizioso in third.
Pedrosa said: “It was tough and tricky because it was very slippery. We saw many crashes in Moto3 and MotoGP. The bike was sliding a lot. It felt like you could control the slide, but suddenly it goes quick. So it wasn't easy to find the edge. Maybe that's why many riders crashed.
“So it was tough, but at the end good because we could get on pole. And this is always good here because the first turns are tight. I think the bike is working well and this time the top speed is now even to Yamaha, even one or two Ks more.”
Looking ahead to Sunday's grand prix, Pedrosa added: “We are confident for the race, but other riders look strong as well. Lorenzo picked up his pace, Spies is strong here and I hope Casey has nothing serious and can be on the grid. We will need to fight at the maximum tomorrow.”
Lorenzo who leads Pedrosa by 23-points in the championship, made the biggest gains in qualifying - leaping forwards from seventh in final free practice after some big changes.
Lorenzo said: “We made a big modification, big improvement. Before this weight modification, I really didn't feel great coming into the corners. So I was struggling. Now I can feel better.
“Also, it has been a difficult qualifying because so many riders crash, and it wasn’t nice to see companions crashing so violently. But anyway, after seeing their crashes, I’ve been more relaxed with my eyes looking all the trash on the track. So it was important to be fast but also to be careful not to crash.
“I think the important thing tomorrow is to finish. If it's possible on the podium, and who knows, maybe to try to fight for the victory.”
Stoner is already 32-points behind Lorenzo in the championship and, should he be declared unfit to ride, his dream of retiring at the end of this year as a triple world champion could be all but over.
Slippery Indianapolis plays into Pedrosa’s hands
MotoGP News
Date: 17/August/2012
MotoGP title contender Dani Pedrosa set the pace during a slippery day one at the Indianapolis Grand Prix.
The Indianapolis infield circuit, formerly home to the F1 Grand Prix, is rarely used outside of the annual motorcycle world championship round and the MotoGP stars faced a ‘green’ and slippery track at the start of Friday’s action.
Pedrosa was second to Repsol Honda team-mate Casey Stoner in the morning session, then lopped 2.3s off his lap time during the afternoon - with other riders managing even greater gains on the improving track surface.
Pedrosa, winner at Indianapolis in 2010 and runner-up to Stoner last season, said:
“This afternoon the track was a little better than in the morning and we were able to improve our lap times quite a lot and also try the hard tyres, which worked much better than the soft specification we tried this morning.
“As we saw today, the times will keep dropping during the weekend with more rubber on the asphalt, so we have to continue working hard on the bike.”
Pedrosa is currently second in the world championship, 23 points behind compatriot Jorge Lorenzo.
Yamaha rider Lorenzo struggled with the lack of grip on his way to eighth in the morning session and, although he marched up the timesheets to third in the afternoon, was still 0.719s behind Pedrosa.
Lorenzo said: “We were better this afternoon than this morning. I didn’t feel great on the track today so I hope we can improve the feeling for tomorrow. This track seems to be quite difficult for us to find a good set up. I’m struggling on the entry to the corners where I don’t seem to have much grip.”
Lorenzo’s team-mate Ben Spies was second quickest at a track where he has been on the podium for the last two years, while reigning champion Stoner dropped to fifth after suffering bike problems in the second session.
Stoner said: “This afternoon we knew what we wanted to do but unfortunately we had some issues with the bike. We had a problem with electronics and then a strange feeling in the rear, perhaps a stone got into the chain or something, we're not sure yet.
“Due to the fact we couldn't identify what the problem was, we decided to use the second bike and I only managed a few laps. A slightly disappointing afternoon and we know what we want to work on tomorrow morning.”
Stoner, last year’s Indianapolis winner, is 32-points from Lorenzo in the standings.
Final practice and qualifying takes place on Saturday.
Date: 17/August/2012
MotoGP title contender Dani Pedrosa set the pace during a slippery day one at the Indianapolis Grand Prix.
The Indianapolis infield circuit, formerly home to the F1 Grand Prix, is rarely used outside of the annual motorcycle world championship round and the MotoGP stars faced a ‘green’ and slippery track at the start of Friday’s action.
Pedrosa was second to Repsol Honda team-mate Casey Stoner in the morning session, then lopped 2.3s off his lap time during the afternoon - with other riders managing even greater gains on the improving track surface.
Pedrosa, winner at Indianapolis in 2010 and runner-up to Stoner last season, said:
“This afternoon the track was a little better than in the morning and we were able to improve our lap times quite a lot and also try the hard tyres, which worked much better than the soft specification we tried this morning.
“As we saw today, the times will keep dropping during the weekend with more rubber on the asphalt, so we have to continue working hard on the bike.”
Pedrosa is currently second in the world championship, 23 points behind compatriot Jorge Lorenzo.
Yamaha rider Lorenzo struggled with the lack of grip on his way to eighth in the morning session and, although he marched up the timesheets to third in the afternoon, was still 0.719s behind Pedrosa.
Lorenzo said: “We were better this afternoon than this morning. I didn’t feel great on the track today so I hope we can improve the feeling for tomorrow. This track seems to be quite difficult for us to find a good set up. I’m struggling on the entry to the corners where I don’t seem to have much grip.”
Lorenzo’s team-mate Ben Spies was second quickest at a track where he has been on the podium for the last two years, while reigning champion Stoner dropped to fifth after suffering bike problems in the second session.
Stoner said: “This afternoon we knew what we wanted to do but unfortunately we had some issues with the bike. We had a problem with electronics and then a strange feeling in the rear, perhaps a stone got into the chain or something, we're not sure yet.
“Due to the fact we couldn't identify what the problem was, we decided to use the second bike and I only managed a few laps. A slightly disappointing afternoon and we know what we want to work on tomorrow morning.”
Stoner, last year’s Indianapolis winner, is 32-points from Lorenzo in the standings.
Final practice and qualifying takes place on Saturday.
Rossi and rivals talk Ducati split
MotoGP News
Date: 16/August/2012
Indianapolis on Thursday saw MotoGP hero Valentino Rossi face the media for the first time since announcing he will split from Ducati and return to Yamaha next season.
Trumpeted as an all-Italian dream team, the Rossi-Ducati partnership has been troubled from the start, leaving MotoGP’s most successful rider with just two podiums in 27 races.
At 33 years old, and with no clear signs of progress, Rossi has decided to cut his losses and return to Yamaha, the manufacturer whose MotoGP fortunes he helped transform from 2004 to 2010.
Rossi said: “This is a great pity for me, for Ducati and for all of our fans. An Italian rider with an Italian bike - unfortunately it didn’t happen.
“These two seasons have been very difficult and we are struggling very much. We were not able to improve our speed, our performance and fight for a good position.
“I chose [to go back to Yamaha] because I want a more competitive bike for the next two years, which may be the end of my career, or the last part anyway.
“I need a bike to enjoy racing, I have to try to fight and to arrive happy at the racetrack.”
Reflecting on his time at Ducati, Rossi admitted that same problems have existed since day one.
“The reality is that I was never fast from the first test to now. Unfortunately, together with Ducati, we were not able to improve the bike and to fix the problems that the bike has.”
One of the greatest riders in the history of motorcycle grand prix, and certainly the most popular, the nine time world champion is now openly questioning his own ability as he prepares to re-join Jorge Lorenzo at Yamaha.
Rossi said: “The next two seasons will be hard, especially trying to beat Jorge, because now he's very, very fast.
“Jorge has become stronger than when I was with him at Yamaha from 2008-2010. And he is riding the M1 at an incredible level, without any mistakes. So it's a question mark for me, I don't know if I will be at Lorenzo’s level.
“For now, another world title is a dream. First we have to understand if I'm still a top rider, if I'm still fast, and if I can still fight for the podium. Because after two seasons like this, nobody knows.”
Lorenzo, currently leading the 2012 championship, insisted he is pleased to have Rossi back - despite a tense relationship between them during their earlier Yamaha partnership.
Lorenzo, who won the 2010 title for Yamaha, said: “It's a big pleasure to be team-mate with Valentino again. I have a lot of respect for him. For me, everything is positive.
“Maybe one of my challenges will be to beat Valentino next year, but it's not the main one. The main one is to again be world champion this year and for the next two years.”
But Rossi’s decision received a more critical review from Ducati’s former champion Casey Stoner.
Stoner said: “I’m not surprised Rossi’s going back to Yamaha. After two years like this it must be difficult, must be a little bit embarrassing. Rossi needs to understand if he's still competitive, so it makes sense to go back to a bike that he knows he was last fast with.”
Stoner, the reigning champion for Honda, is the only person to achieve real success with Ducati since 2006.
It what will be seen as a further dig at Rossi, the Australian stated that the key to mastering the Italian bike is to put pride to one side.
Stoner said: “I think it's nothing to do with riding style. It's pride. No matter how you think a bike should be ridden, you basically have to give the pride up and ride it how it wants to be ridden.”
Rossi is expected to be replaced at Ducati by countryman Andrea Dovizioso and, despite his departure, insists the factory has a bright future following its recent acquisition by Audi.
Rossi said: “I think that in the future things will change a lot in Ducati, because Audi will arrive with a lot of money, but especially a lot of experience, a lot of technical help.
“So good luck to Dovizioso and especially to Ducati, to achieve better results than during these last two seasons.”
Practice for the Indianapolis Grand Prix takes place on Friday.
Date: 16/August/2012
Indianapolis on Thursday saw MotoGP hero Valentino Rossi face the media for the first time since announcing he will split from Ducati and return to Yamaha next season.
Trumpeted as an all-Italian dream team, the Rossi-Ducati partnership has been troubled from the start, leaving MotoGP’s most successful rider with just two podiums in 27 races.
At 33 years old, and with no clear signs of progress, Rossi has decided to cut his losses and return to Yamaha, the manufacturer whose MotoGP fortunes he helped transform from 2004 to 2010.
Rossi said: “This is a great pity for me, for Ducati and for all of our fans. An Italian rider with an Italian bike - unfortunately it didn’t happen.
“These two seasons have been very difficult and we are struggling very much. We were not able to improve our speed, our performance and fight for a good position.
“I chose [to go back to Yamaha] because I want a more competitive bike for the next two years, which may be the end of my career, or the last part anyway.
“I need a bike to enjoy racing, I have to try to fight and to arrive happy at the racetrack.”
Reflecting on his time at Ducati, Rossi admitted that same problems have existed since day one.
“The reality is that I was never fast from the first test to now. Unfortunately, together with Ducati, we were not able to improve the bike and to fix the problems that the bike has.”
One of the greatest riders in the history of motorcycle grand prix, and certainly the most popular, the nine time world champion is now openly questioning his own ability as he prepares to re-join Jorge Lorenzo at Yamaha.
Rossi said: “The next two seasons will be hard, especially trying to beat Jorge, because now he's very, very fast.
“Jorge has become stronger than when I was with him at Yamaha from 2008-2010. And he is riding the M1 at an incredible level, without any mistakes. So it's a question mark for me, I don't know if I will be at Lorenzo’s level.
“For now, another world title is a dream. First we have to understand if I'm still a top rider, if I'm still fast, and if I can still fight for the podium. Because after two seasons like this, nobody knows.”
Lorenzo, currently leading the 2012 championship, insisted he is pleased to have Rossi back - despite a tense relationship between them during their earlier Yamaha partnership.
Lorenzo, who won the 2010 title for Yamaha, said: “It's a big pleasure to be team-mate with Valentino again. I have a lot of respect for him. For me, everything is positive.
“Maybe one of my challenges will be to beat Valentino next year, but it's not the main one. The main one is to again be world champion this year and for the next two years.”
But Rossi’s decision received a more critical review from Ducati’s former champion Casey Stoner.
Stoner said: “I’m not surprised Rossi’s going back to Yamaha. After two years like this it must be difficult, must be a little bit embarrassing. Rossi needs to understand if he's still competitive, so it makes sense to go back to a bike that he knows he was last fast with.”
Stoner, the reigning champion for Honda, is the only person to achieve real success with Ducati since 2006.
It what will be seen as a further dig at Rossi, the Australian stated that the key to mastering the Italian bike is to put pride to one side.
Stoner said: “I think it's nothing to do with riding style. It's pride. No matter how you think a bike should be ridden, you basically have to give the pride up and ride it how it wants to be ridden.”
Rossi is expected to be replaced at Ducati by countryman Andrea Dovizioso and, despite his departure, insists the factory has a bright future following its recent acquisition by Audi.
Rossi said: “I think that in the future things will change a lot in Ducati, because Audi will arrive with a lot of money, but especially a lot of experience, a lot of technical help.
“So good luck to Dovizioso and especially to Ducati, to achieve better results than during these last two seasons.”
Practice for the Indianapolis Grand Prix takes place on Friday.
Rossi dumps Ducati for Yamaha return
MotoGP News
Date: 10/August/2012
Valentino Rossi’s dream of winning the MotoGP title for home Italian manufacturer Ducati is over.
A winner of 79 MotoGP races and seven titles, Rossi has scored just two podiums since joining Ducati at the start of 2011.
Ducati is rumoured to have offered huge financial incentives to try and retain Rossi, but his priority was a competitive bike and a return to Yamaha alongside Jorge Lorenzo has now been officially confirmed.
Lin Jarvis, Managing Director of Yamaha Motor Racing, said: “In June we were able to sign Jorge Lorenzo for the 2013-14 campaign and now we are able to confirm Valentino Rossi for the next two years. In doing so we have been able to put together the strongest possible team to challenge for victories and to promote the Yamaha brand.
“We have run this ‘super team’ together in 2008, 2009 and 2010 and during that time we achieved the ‘triple crown’ titles with Rider, Manufacturer and Team World Championship victories for three consecutive years.
“The target for the future is obvious and we will do our utmost to achieve our goals.”
Rossi brought Yamaha instant MotoGP success when he made the brave decision to quit Honda, as the reigning triple world champion, at the end of 2003.
Yamaha had taken just one podium the season before Rossi’s arrival, but the Italian won his very first race on the M1 and finished the season as Yamaha’s first world champion since Wayne Rainey in 1992.
More titles followed, in 2005, 2008 and 2009, but the arrival of rising star Lorenzo in 2008 had upset Rossi, who felt let down by Yamaha. Lorenzo grew ever stronger and was leading Rossi in the 2010 championship when the Italian broke his leg at round four (Mugello).
Later that summer, Rossi delighted Italy by signing for Ducati - which had won the 2007 world title with Casey Stoner and was seeking a replacement for the Honda-bound Australian.
Despite Stoner’s success, the post-2006 Desmosedici was a ‘hard-to-please’ machine, with talented riders such as Marco Melandri stumped by its handling characteristics.
Rossi and his team of loyal mechanics remained confident they could ‘crack’ the Ducati, but have made virtually no tangible progress despite extensive technical changes.
Rossi is just eighth in this year’s world championship and, at 33 years old, seems to have decided he can’t wait any longer for Ducati to provide the kind of bike he needs.
“Ducati wishes [Rossi] well for the new challenges that await him, and in the meantime, the team will continue to give its best effort in order to improve over the latter part of the season,” said a Ducati statement.
Ducati has already re-signed Nicky Hayden for 2013, but has no options available in terms of replacing Rossi with a multiple MotoGP race winner. The leading candidates to replace Rossi are Yamaha Tech 3 team-mates Andrea Dovizioso and Cal Crutchlow.
Date: 10/August/2012
Valentino Rossi’s dream of winning the MotoGP title for home Italian manufacturer Ducati is over.
A winner of 79 MotoGP races and seven titles, Rossi has scored just two podiums since joining Ducati at the start of 2011.
Ducati is rumoured to have offered huge financial incentives to try and retain Rossi, but his priority was a competitive bike and a return to Yamaha alongside Jorge Lorenzo has now been officially confirmed.
Lin Jarvis, Managing Director of Yamaha Motor Racing, said: “In June we were able to sign Jorge Lorenzo for the 2013-14 campaign and now we are able to confirm Valentino Rossi for the next two years. In doing so we have been able to put together the strongest possible team to challenge for victories and to promote the Yamaha brand.
“We have run this ‘super team’ together in 2008, 2009 and 2010 and during that time we achieved the ‘triple crown’ titles with Rider, Manufacturer and Team World Championship victories for three consecutive years.
“The target for the future is obvious and we will do our utmost to achieve our goals.”
Rossi brought Yamaha instant MotoGP success when he made the brave decision to quit Honda, as the reigning triple world champion, at the end of 2003.
Yamaha had taken just one podium the season before Rossi’s arrival, but the Italian won his very first race on the M1 and finished the season as Yamaha’s first world champion since Wayne Rainey in 1992.
More titles followed, in 2005, 2008 and 2009, but the arrival of rising star Lorenzo in 2008 had upset Rossi, who felt let down by Yamaha. Lorenzo grew ever stronger and was leading Rossi in the 2010 championship when the Italian broke his leg at round four (Mugello).
Later that summer, Rossi delighted Italy by signing for Ducati - which had won the 2007 world title with Casey Stoner and was seeking a replacement for the Honda-bound Australian.
Despite Stoner’s success, the post-2006 Desmosedici was a ‘hard-to-please’ machine, with talented riders such as Marco Melandri stumped by its handling characteristics.
Rossi and his team of loyal mechanics remained confident they could ‘crack’ the Ducati, but have made virtually no tangible progress despite extensive technical changes.
Rossi is just eighth in this year’s world championship and, at 33 years old, seems to have decided he can’t wait any longer for Ducati to provide the kind of bike he needs.
“Ducati wishes [Rossi] well for the new challenges that await him, and in the meantime, the team will continue to give its best effort in order to improve over the latter part of the season,” said a Ducati statement.
Ducati has already re-signed Nicky Hayden for 2013, but has no options available in terms of replacing Rossi with a multiple MotoGP race winner. The leading candidates to replace Rossi are Yamaha Tech 3 team-mates Andrea Dovizioso and Cal Crutchlow.
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