Asymmetric front slicks available for Australia and Valencia

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Bridgestone has announced that it will be offering its new asymmetric front slick tyre as part of the allocation for this year’s Grands Prix at Phillip Island in Australia and the Ricardo Tormo circuit in Valencia.

Of the many items on the agenda for Bridgestone during the Brno post-race test on Monday, one was to test its new asymmetric front tyre for the first time. As explained by Shinji Aoki, Manager of Bridgestone Motorcycle’s Tyre Development Department, the aim of the test was to evaluate the balance offered between braking stability and edge grip: two key characteristics of a front tyre.

“On Monday, the track conditions were very good in comparison to what we had on Sunday and many riders were able to set better lap times using the same tyre combinations they used for the race,” Aoki explained. “We offered our new asymmetric front slick to all riders to evaluate at Brno and some riders took the opportunity to test these and provide us with feedback.

“Although the Brno circuit is quite balanced in terms of layout and isn’t a circuit where an asymmetric front slick would be offered, we wanted riders to test the braking stability as well as the transition while cornering of this new development.”

Aoki went on to confirm that the new asymmetric front tyre will be available for riders to use across the Australian and Valencian rounds of the season later this year:

“Overall, the reaction to this tyre is that it will work very well at circuits like Phillip Island which have a big difference in the number of right and left corners, so we will be bringing this new front slick to the Phillip Island and Valencia rounds this year as part of our tyre allocation, which we feel will improve safety levels for the riders to an even higher level.”

source: Bridgestone

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Elena Rosell: "I know that just arrived and is going to be tough"

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Elena Rosell satisfied with its first test in Valencia, but is aware that there is a long way to go. More than 160 laps of the Ricardo Tormo circuit and a 25th place in the standings, still have not shaken the nut driver the feeling of being "amazed" when he remembers that until one year was more a fan in the stands or on the couch of his home watching the bikes through television. Thus, not surprisingly, confesses that he still ashamed to greet fans who will see it.

- How have you been on the bike?

"Honestly it on Tuesday and I got to the circuit montarme on the bike in the garage to put the handlebars, foot pegs and shift lever to my taste, then you could see that the position was somewhat" rare ", but still I could not confirm until the Wednesday morning made my first foray into track. going out of boxes I was sitting on it will be my fellow-sufferers during this season, my Moriwaki Moto2, somewhat different in a position on the bike I had ridden the last season, but quite reliable in their front. After several laps I was adjusting to my saddle and we expand our level of confidence at every turn made improving the layout of Cheste, and after three days of training we have made progress in all directions, although we know we'll have to keep working and adapting to this new bike to go up in this challenging and competitive category. "

- Did you expect to finish at No. 25?

"The truth is that after a considerable hiatus, we test this first with no target, much less of position. The main thing was to get the new bike, a lot of laps, knowing the team well and the bike to know what direction we must work together and move forward more quickly. And we did, rolling each day many turns, gain confidence step by step "

- How was the meeting with your partner Damian Cudlin and your team?

"Okay, I got to know Damian for the trip to Paris to meet members of the QMMF, but now we have had more time to share our impressions of the bike and so on, and I think will be a partner in the which to lean for further progress due to their level of experience, much higher than mine, and I'm sure will help me a lot. And as for the team, great. In Cheste and I worked one hundred percent with all of them, especially with my technical side, they are all wonderful people who I've been wrapped up soon and excited to move forward together, I feel at home. "

- It's too early, but do you have confidence these early workouts? Do you see most likely now after going through Valencia?

"Well is much work to do, certainly I have more confidence after this first contact, because I could meet my team, my bike and perhaps a part of the atmosphere you can breathe in and out of this track. But I know you just got, I'll be competing against other drivers who exceed me in experience in every way and this is going to be tough, but we are willing to work to improve. "

- How many times have given in these three days?

"The first day I 57, the second 54 and I remember that the third 53".

- Do you still like a dream or you get used to being in the World?

"Undoubtedly it is a continuous sleep, it will be difficult, but we are dreaming. I will share track with very good drivers coming up from the former category 125 and others as good as down for lack of space in the premier class, it's amazing for me to be part of this Moto2 grid, made a great team. Competing in a tournament I've been following for many years, as do many fans, from television, where now it will not, now I will do as a pilot , a real privilege. "

- What do you think you've got in Valencia and what you hope to improve on your next appointment at Jerez?

"In Valencia we took confidence with our horse and we have known and learned how to work in the garage, how to communicate with my mechanics, endless things in which we will also go forward. And Sherry, I expect a little more of the same, keep doing miles on my bike to get to know better and know what I need to continue to improve, step by step. "

- What about the fans? Have you noticed your support in Valencia?

"The truth is that it is amazing, in Valencia with the cold that had made motorcycle fans in the stands willing to endure the cold so to see the drivers roll, roll to see us, and that's always appreciated. While some is that where more messages of support and encouragement received samples is via facebook, to me these people are also part of this project or dream I'm doing because their messages are of little use. "

- Any story that has happened already in the track?

 "Now I do not know what to say, having been so focused on this first contact I'll be sure to last many details overlooked. What I did I perhaps was rare to see people in the stands, every time track out to greet me and others, was somewhat familiar, because a year before I had been in that position to greet other drivers, and now I'm on the other side, where we seem a bit inaccessible to others, and as I did not feel that way might even say I was kind of embarrassed to greet the stands. "

- A commitment or desire to Jerez

"Well what else I can ask, keep progressing and working as we did in Valencia for improvement."

Source: Walnut

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Espargaro tops Moto2™ Test at Valencia

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Pol Espargaró reported the fastest time on Friday at the Ricardo Tormo circuit, where the first 2012 preseason Moto2™ Test concluded after three days of action at the track in Valencia.

Warmer weather and an absence of wind saw the Moto2™ field quicken the pace substantially, demonstrating the although the 2012 season is just beginning, the Moto2 squads have their heads down and the competition has already started.

Pons Racing finally reported lap time for their riders on the third and final day of the test, and it was their new rider Pol Espargaró who set the unofficial fastest lap of the three days. The Spaniard made 61 laps on his Kalex on, reporting a time 1’35.4, three tenths quicker than Scott Redding who had dominated the two previous days. "In these tests, you don't get points or win races, but it takes enormous confidence to keep working hard and building confidence for the start of the World Championship," said Espargaró.

Another regular among the front runners was Speed Master’s Andrea Iannone, who recorded the same time as the Briton Redding, Simone Corsi (Ioda Racing Project) and Claudio Corti (Italtrans Racing) both were within a tenth of the time set by Redding and Iannone to complete the top five in the field.

Although conditions were better, there were still several crashes (though none with serious consequences) including Max Neukirchner, Ratthapark Wilairot, Alex de Angelis, Gino Rea, Niklas Ajo, Esteve Rabat, Mike Di Meglio (two times), Damian Cudlin and new comer Roberto Rolfo.

The Moto2 riders now have five days before returning to the track again for the next three day test in Jerez.

Unofficial Moto2 lap times Friday (recorded by teams):

1. POL ESPARGARO, PONS RACING, KALEX, 1’35.4 (61 laps)

2. SCOTT REDDING, MARC VDS RACING TEAM, KALEX, 1’35.8 (63 laps) 

3. ANDREA IANNONE, SPEED MASTER, SPEED UP, 1’35.8 (37 laps) 

4. SIMONE CORSI, IODARACING PROJECT, FTR, 1’35.9 (45 laps) 

5. CLAUDIO CORTI, ITALTRANS RACING TEAM, KALEX, 1’35.9 (38 laps) 

6. JULIAN SIMON, AVINTIA RACING Moto2, FTR, 1’36.0 (55 laps) 

7. THOMAS LUTHI, INTERWETTEN PADDOCK, SUTER, 1’36.0 (53 laps) 

8. ESTEVE RABAT, PONS RACING, KALEX, 1’36.3 (42 laps) 

9. GINO REA, GRESINI RACING Moto2, MORIWAKI, 1’36.4 (48 laps) 

10. MIKA KALLIO, MARC VDS RACING TEAM, KALEX, 1’36.5 (57 laps) 

11. ALEX DE ANGELIS, NGM MOBILE FORWARD RACING, SUTER, 1’36.5 (47 laps) 

12. ANGEL RODRIGUEZ, SAG TEAM, FTR, 1’36.5 (47 laps)

13. BRADLEY SMITH, TECH 3 RACING, TECH 3, 1’36.5 (50 laps) 

14. TAKAAKI NAKAGAMI, ITALTRANS RACING TEAM, KALEX, 1’36.7 (67 laps) 

15. MAX NEUKIRCHNER, KIEFER RACING, KALEX, 1’36.7 (79 laps) 

16. TONI ELIAS, ASPAR TEAM Moto2, SUTER, 1’36,8 (50 laps)

17. NICOLAS TEROL, ASPAR TEAM Moto2, SUTER, 1’36.8 (50 laps) 

18. YUKI TAKAHASHI, NGM MOBILE FORWARD RACING, SUTER, 1’36.9 (55 laps) 

19. AXEL PONS, PONS RACING, KALEX, 1’37.3 (53 laps) 

20. XAVIER SIMEON, TECH 3 RACING, TECH 3, 1’37.4 (78 laps) 

21. RANDY KRUMMENACHER, GP TEAM SWITZERLAND, KALEX, 1’37.6 (53 laps) 

22. JOHANN ZARCO, JIR Moto2, MOTOBI, 1’37.6 (60 laps) 

23. MIKE DI MEGLIO, SPEED UP, SPEED UP, 1’37.7 (27 laps) 

24. DOMINIQUE AEGERTER, TECHNOMAG-CIP, SUTER, 1’37.8 (79 laps) 

25. RATTHAPARK WILAIROT, THAI HONDA GRESINI Moto2, MORIWAKI, 1’37.8 (54 laps) 

26. ROBERTO ROLFO, TECHNOMAG-CIP, SUTER, 1’39.0 (55 laps) 

27. ELENA ROSELL, QMMF RACING TEAM, MORIWAKI, 1’39.3 (53 laps) 

28. ERIC GRANADO, JIR Moto2, MOTOBI, 1’39.6 (69 laps) 

29. ALEXANDER LUNDH, MZ RACING TEAM, MZ-RE HONDA, No times provided 

30. DAMIAN CUDLIN, QMMF RACING TEAM, MORIWAKI, No times provided 

31. MARCO COLANDREA, SAG TEAM, FTR, No times provided

source: motogp official

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Redding under lap record at Valencia

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In a repeat of yesterday morning, none of the participating teams attempted a run on the cold pavement before 11:00am due to the cold track temperatures, and again the Marc VDS Racing Team reported their star Scott Redding as posting the fastest lap time, a 1’35.6, nine tenths quicker than his reported time yesterday and half a second faster than the best recorded lap set by Toni Elias in 2010.

In a change from yesterday however, the top five were on a varied mix of bikes, with Andrea Iannone reporting the second fastest time, two tenths behind Redding aboard his Speed Up modified FTR. The Italian was able to put in around fifteen more laps than yesterday and making a two second improvement in the process.

Claudio Corti was again third with an improvement of 1.3s on his Italtrans Racing Kalex, followed by the Suter of Thomas Luthi and Simone Corsi on the FTR Ioda bike reporting the same time (1'36.3) to complete the top five unofficial times. 2010 Champion Toni Elias improved his pace seven tenths, landing him in twelfth position,

Team Gresini’s Gino Rea made up for lost time after an engine problem yesterday allowed the British rider to only complete ten laps, putting in 50 today and ranking 17th, and Yuki Takahashi also recovered lost time after troubles that saw the Japanese rider complete only 3 laps on Wednesday, putting in 57 laps to place 19th.

There were a handful of minor crashes, including both JiR team’s Johann Zarco and Brazilian rider Eric Granado, the latter of whom will debut in the Moto2 World Championship from the Silverstone race after he reaches the required age of 16, and all three members of the Pons Racing Team, Tito Rabat, Pol Espargaró and Axel Pons, none of whom provided any lap times for today, though Espargaró and Rabat reported the second and fifth fastest times yesterday.

Unofficial Moto2 lap times Thursday (recorded by teams):

1. SCOTT REDDING, MARC VDS RACING TEAM, KALEX, 1’35.6 (59 laps) 

2. ANDREA IANNONE, SPEED MASTER, SPEED UP, 1’35.8 (40 laps) 

3. CLAUDIO CORTI, ITALTRANS RACING TEAM, KALEX, 1’36.1 (48 laps) 

4. THOMAS LUTHI, INTERWETTEN PADDOCK, SUTER, 1’36.3 (30 laps) 

5. SIMONE CORSI, IODARACING PROJECT, FTR, 1’36.3 (30 laps) 

6. BRADLEY SMITH, TECH 3 RACING, TECH 3, 1’36.5 (52 laps) 

7. MIKA KALLIO, MARC VDS RACING TEAM, KALEX, 1’36.6 (54 laps) 

8. ANGEL RODRIGUEZ, SAG TEAM, FTR, 1’36.8 (42 laps) 

9. MAX NEUKIRCHNER, KIEFER RACING, KALEX, 1’37.2 (67 laps) 

10. RANDY KRUMMENACHER, GP TEAM SWITZERLAND, KALEX, 1’37.5 (55 laps) 

11. ALEX DE ANGELIS, NGM MOBILE FORWARD RACING, SUTER, 1’37.5 (51 laps) 

12. TONI ELIAS, ASPAR TEAM Moto2, SUTER, 1’37.6 (59 laps) 

13. MIKE DI MEGLIO, SPEED UP, SPEED UP, 1’37.6 (50 laps) 

14. NICOLAS TEROL, ASPAR TEAM Moto2, SUTER, 1’37.7 (60 laps) 

15. JOHANN ZARCO, JIR Moto2, MOTOBI, 1’37.7 (34 laps) 

16. XAVIER SIMEON, TECH 3 RACING, TECH 3, 1’37.7 (62 laps) 

17. GINO REA, GRESINI RACING Moto2, MORIWAKI, 1’37.8 (50 laps) 

18. TAKAAKI NAKAGAMI, ITALTRANS RACING TEAM, KALEX, 1’37.8 (66 laps) 

19. YUKI TAKAHASHI, NGM MOBILE FORWARD RACING, SUTER, 1’37.9 (57 laps) 

20. ALEXANDER LUNDH, MZ RACING TEAM, MZ-RE HONDA, 1’38.4 (45 laps) 

21. DOMINIQUE AEGERTER, TECHNOMAG-CIP, SUTER, 1’38.4 (67 laps) 

22. RATTHAPARK WILAIROT, THAI HONDA GRESINI Moto2, MORIWAKI, 1’38.6 (61 laps) 

23. DAMIAN CUDLIN, QMMF RACING TEAM, MORIWAKI, 1’39.4 (44 laps) 

24. ROBERTO ROLFO, TECHNOMAG-CIP, SUTER, 1’39.7 (61 laps) 

25. ELENA ROSELL, QMMF RACING TEAM, MORIWAKI, 1’40.1 (52 laps) 

26. ERIC GRANADO, JIR Moto2, MOTOBI, 1’40.3 (20 laps) 

27. MARCO COLANDREA, SAG TEAM, FTR, 1’42.3 (19 laps) 

28. JULIAN SIMON, AVINTIA RACING Moto2, FTR, No times provided

29. POL ESPARGARO, PONS RACING, KALEX, No times provided

30. AXEL PONS, PONS RACING, KALEX, No times provided

31. ESTEVE RABAT, PONS RACING, KALEX, No times provided

source: MotoGP Official

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Elias and Terol test Suter new chassis

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The Circuit of Valencia smells from today until next Friday to Worldwide. Practically the entire staff of pilots Moto2 and Moto3 met today at Valencia for the first official test of the year.

Brand new and fresh from the oven they expected, Toni Elias and Nico Terol, the new 2012 chassis manufacturer Suter Federer. The harsh temperatures have forced them to delay its start until well past noon. Today was a day of reunions, to recapture feelings, to adjust the position on the bike to remove the accumulated Tarquin after two months of inactivity, as far as racing bikes are concerned. The feeling was positive despite the cold, both Toni and Nico have agreed that the new chassis has enormous potential and therefore successfully concluded the day. Nico has completed a total of thirty laps, and preferred not to go out on track in the afternoon shift, Toni has instead defied low temperatures to give vent to his tenacity. 1.38.30 has been the best record of Catalan and the Valencian 1.39.65, a good start for the first official test of the year.

Toni Elias 1.38.30 (47 laps): "It is very cold, so I'm taking it easy, because it is easy to make a mistake and go to the ground. go on you get a shock alert, it is still important to work because we are two months without driving. I am very happy because the bike run a lot, and we have also solved a problem with the clutch we had in the last test, then worked hard and fortunately it has been solved. Today we had very clear ideas and thanks to that has worked in the right direction, it is very important for us to lay a good foundation. know how we work, today was the first day of training on 2012 World Cup begins in April and seems to lack a eternity, but we have to take the maximum time to prepare. "

Nico Terol 1.39.65 (30 laps): "Early in the day I felt quite strange, the truth is that I have a few miles in the new category and I have to keep me still getting used to many things. In the latest round of the day and I started to regain some feeling. I've only given thirty laps, with the same tire, I have not had much information, but this journey has helped me desoxidarme after the winter. Today we basically worked on the bike position, we tried to put everything right in place tomorrow and Friday to try many things. The base is good and we have time left, so I'm calm and pleased with how this training has begun. Temperatures have dropped a lot, so we decided not to roll out in the latest round of the day. The new chassis I liked, I notice that has been deleted rather the lack of grip and is more docile when to turn. "

source: motocuatro

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Debut of the Repsol riders in Moto3

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After a long winter break, the Repsol riders of Moto3, Alex Marquez, Miguel Oliveira and Maverick Viñales, have had the opportunity to shoot for the first time this year with their new bikes at the Ricardo Tormo circuit. Despite the low temperatures, young drivers were able to go out and earn his first kilometers on the first of three scheduled days of testing at the Valencia track.

The 12 º C of asphalt on this first day of practice did not prevent pilots begin the process of adaptation to their new machines. In order to earn miles with the new Moto3, Marquez, Oliveira and Viñales have defied the cold asphalt to get your first impressions about your new frames and gradually learn their characteristics.

After a final outing in the afternoon, the three young pilots have concluded the training today with good taste, even though two of them, Alex Marquez and Maverick Viñales-paths have suffered falls significant because of the low temperature of the track.

Morning workouts in the Ricardo Tormo circuit and riders continue Repsol will have a new opportunity to advance the process of adapting to their new Moto3.

Alex Marquez  1:45.1, 28 laps, 112 km. "It was a positive day. Despite having been all winter without touching the bike, now the feeling was good. In the morning, I started quiet and I have gone from strength to strength. By late morning I suffered a fall in a right-hander but I have not done anything, I'm fine.

In the afternoon I was able to roll out again and then I managed to re-set a good pace. Finally, I have finished the first day with good feelings. "

Miguel Oliveira  1:43.2, 34 laps, 136 km. "I felt great on the first day of practice, and I wanted to re-roll. It was a good touchdown after two months without riding the bike.

Although I left a little late to roll on how cold it was early, I could set a good time. The track was cold, but this first day has helped me see where I am compared to other drivers. "

Maverick Viñales  "After so long without training, we have considered this first day as a journey to re-take desoxidarme and sensations. has become quite cold and just picked up the asphalt temperature.

I'm happy with the first feeling with the new bike, from here, much work ahead to do with the team. At day's end I had a small crash but no importance. I cant wait to get back on the bike tomorrow to continue with these early days of adaptation. "

Source: Repsol

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Redding fastest in the Moto2 field at Test

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The Official Test of 2012 for the Moto2 class saw Scott Redding lead the field as the intermediate class gears up for the start of the season at Valencia.

The first day out for the Moto2 riders concluded after a slow start had many team waiting in their boxes for the track temperatures to rise. The second part of the day allowed all the Moto2 riders to get to work preparing for the start of the 2012 season, with Briton Scott Redding topping the unofficial reported times with a 1‘.36.5 aboard his Marc VDS Racing Team Kalex bike.

Pol Espargaró (Pons Racing) completed the day in second, half a second behind Redding, with Italtrans Racing Team rider Claudio Corti in third with a reported time of 1’37.4. Max Neukirchner of Kiefer Racing and Pons Racing’s Tito Rabat completed the top five times, with all five riding Kalex machinery.

2010 Moto2 World Champion Toni Elias finished the day in the eleventh place out of 31 riders on track, at the controls of Mapfre Aspar Team’s Suter. The Spaniard reported that he took the day easy after not riding for two months, saying "we took it easy because it’s easy to make mistakes and crash, after two months it was important to get back on the bike with confidence."

Elias was a tenth of a second behind last year’s 125cc runner up, Johann Zarco, who was the fastest newcomer of the day, ranking 9 places ahead of rival and 125cc World Champion Nico Terol.

Season favorite and 2011 runner up, Marc Marquez is recovering from eye surgery and was not present at the test.

Unofficial Moto2 lap times Wednesday (recorded by teams):

1. SCOTT REDDING, MARC VDS RACING TEAM 1’36.5 53 laps

2. POL ESPARGARO, PONS RACING 1’37.0 47 laps

3. CLAUDIO CORTI, ITALTRANS RACING TEAM 1’37.4 52 laps

4. MAX NEUKIRCHNER, KIEFER RACING 1’37.5 38 laps

5. ESTEVE RABAT, PONS RACING 1’37.5 43 laps

6. THOMAS LUTHI, INTERWETTEN PADDOCK 1’37.9 24 laps

7. ANDREA IANNONE, SPEED MASTER 1’37.9 27 laps

8. SIMONE CORSI, IODARACING PROJECT 1’38.0 43 laps

9. MIKA KALLIO, MARC VDS RACING TEAM 1’38.1 26 laps

10. JOHANN ZARCO, JIR Moto2 1’38.2 22 laps

11. TONI ELIAS, ASPAR TEAM Moto2 1’38.3 47 laps

12. ALEX DE ANGELIS, NGM MOBILE FORWARD RACING 1’38.7 20 laps

13. ANGEL RODRIGUEZ, SAG TEAM 1’38.7 27 laps

14. BRADLEY SMITH, TECH 3 RACING 1’38.8 36 laps

15. DOMINIQUE AEGERTER, TECHNOMAG-CIP 1’39.0 68 laps

16. AXEL PONS, PONS RACING 1’39.1 45 laps

17. TAKAAKI NAKAGAMI, ITALTRANS RACING TEAM 1’39.2 40 laps

18. MIKE DI MEGLIO, SPEED UP 1’39.2 21 laps

19. NICOLAS TEROL, ASPAR TEAM Moto2 1’39.6 30 laps

20. RANDY KRUMMENACHER, GP TEAM SWITZERLAND 1’39.7 36 laps

21. ALEXANDER LUNDH, MZ RACING TEAM 1’39.7 29 laps

22. XAVIER SIMEON, TECH 3 RACING 1’40.1 36 laps

23. DAMIAN CUDLIN, QMMF RACING TEAM 1’40.9 45 laps

24. ROBERTO ROLFO, TECHNOMAG-CIP 1’41.4 46 laps

25. ERIC GRANADO, JIR Moto2 1’41.5 30 laps

26. ELENA ROSELL, QMMF RACING TEAM 1’41.7 57 laps

27. YUKI TAKAHASHI, NGM MOBILE FORWARD RACING 1’42.7 3 laps

28. MARCO COLANDREA, SAG TEAM 1’44.0 35 laps

29. GINO REA, GRESINI RACING Moto2 No times provided

30. RATTHAPARK WILAIROT, THAI HONDA GRESINI Moto2 No times provided 

31. JULIAN SIMON, AVINTIA RACING Moto2 No times provided

source: MotoGP Official

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Moto3™ machines hit the track at Valencia

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2012 Preparations are underway for the inaugural Moto3™ class, with the first day of the Official three day Test at the Ricardo Tormo circuit in Valencia finishing with the Sandro Cortese leading the field.

After a slow start to the day due to cold weather conditions, there was plenty of action on track in Valencia from the new Moto3™ machines preparing for the upcoming season as more than 30 riders made the most of a warmer afternoon on the 250cc four-stroke bikes.

The top ten unofficial times saw eight of the top ten riders on KTM machinery, with Sandro Cortese (Red Bull Ajo) the clear leader of the field during the first day of testing with a 1’41.6 on his KTM, nearly a full second ahead of any of his rivals.

Alberto Moncayo (Aspar Team Moto3) and another Aspar Team rider, Hector Faubel, both had reported times of 1’42.5, with Finnish rider Niklas Ajo (TT Motion Events Racing) and Spaniard Luis Salom of the RW Racing GP team completing the top five, all aboard KTM machines.

125cc Rookie of the Year Maverick Viñales (Avintia Racing), who just signed with the sponsor Repsol today, completed 35 laps though his times were not given.

Unofficial Moto3 lap times Wednesday (recorded by teams):

1. SANDRO CORTESE, RED BULL KTM AJO 1’41.6 (39 laps) 

2. ALBERTO MONCAYO, ASPAR TEAM Moto3 1’42.5 (48 laps)

3. HECTOR FAUBEL, ASPAR TEAM Moto3 1,42,5 (45 laps)

4. NIKLAS AJO, TT MOTION EVENTS RACING 1,42,7 (37 laps) 

5. LUIS SALOM, RW RACING GP 1,42,8 (30 laps)

6. DANNY KENT, RED BULL KTM AJO 1,42,8 (43 laps)

7. MIGUEL OLIVEIRA, MONLAU COMPETICION 1’42.9 (35 laps)

8. ZULFAHMI KHAIRUDDIN , AIRASIA - SIC - AJO 1’43.0 (33 laps)

9. EFREN VAZQUEZ, TEAM LAGLISSE 1’44.4 (30 laps)

10. BRAD BINDER, RW RACING GP 1,44,9 (42 laps)

11. ARTHUR SISSIS, RED BULL KTM AJO 1,45,0 (52 laps)

12. ALEX MARQUEZ , MONLAU COMPETICION 1’45.1 (28 laps)

13. TONI FINSTERBUSCH, RACING TEAM GERMANY 1’45.2 (10 laps)

14. ADRIAN MARTIN, TEAM LAGLISSE HONDA 1’45.5 (29 laps)

15. NICCOLO ANTONELLI, SAN CARLO GRESINI 1’45.8 (26 laps)

16. KENTA FUJII, TECHNOMAG-CIP-TSR 1’46.2 (59 laps)

17. DANNY WEBB, MAHINDRA RACING 1’46.5 (36 laps)

18. LOUIS ROSSI, RACING TEAM GERMANY 1’46.5 (36 laps)

19. ISAAC VINALES, ONGETTA-CENTRO SETA 1’46.6 (18)

20. ALAN TECHER, TECHNOMAG-CIP-TSR 1’46.7 (40 laps)

21. JACK MILLER, CARRETTA TECHNOLOGY 1’47.1 (35 laps)

22. ALEXIS MASBOU, CARRETTA TECHNOLOGY 1’47.7 (52 laps)

23. GIULIAN PEDONE, AMBROGIO NEXT RACING 1’48.7 (50 laps)

24. JASPER IWEMA, MOTO FGR 1’49.2 (21 laps)

25. LUIGI MORCIANO, IODA TEAM ITALIA 1’50.1 (9 laps)

26. RICCARDO MORETTI, MAHINDRA RACING 1’50.1 (13 laps)

27. ROMANO FENATI, TEAM ITALIA FMI no time provided

28. ALESSANDRO TONUCCI TEAM ITALIA FMI no time provided

29. IVAN MORENO, TEAM MACHADO no time provided 

30. MAVERICK VINALES, AVINTIA RACING Moto 3 no time provided 

31. MARCEL SCHROTTER, MAHINDRA RACING no time provided 

32. JAKUB KORNFEIL, REDOX-ONGETTA-CENTRO SETA no time provided 

33. JONAS FOLGER, MZ RACING TEAM no time provided

source: MotoGP Official

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Gino Borsoi on the Aspar CRT project

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The former rider and current manager of the Valencia team presents the bike that Randy de Puniet and Aleix Espargaró will contest this year in the premier class.

The new CRT adventure begins with the start of the 2012 MotoGP ™ World Championship, and the Aspar Team is playing a pioneering role in the class. Last week in Valencia, riders Randy de Puniet and Aleix Espargaró had their first contact with the ART prototype. Gino Borsoi spoke with motogp.com about the characteristics of the new bike and in the attached video you can see its potential.

source: MotoGP Official

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Smith eager to start 2012 preparations

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Bradley Smith is looking forward to getting back on his Tech 3 Moto2 machine, during the first test of 2012 at Valencia this week.

The 21-year-old took three podiums on his way to seventh overall during his rookie Moto2 season and will be looking to find a solid base-setting during testing.

“I've been training in California and can't wait to get back on the bike,” explained the Tech 3 rider. “That first grand prix in Qatar is just two months away and so we have a very busy testing schedule. 

“I will probably start on the bike that I rode in the Jerez test at the end of last season because I will be a little bit rusty and need a day to get it out of the system. It's not a race at the moment and it's important not to try too hard and be a test rider for at the least the next three days.”

After the three-day Valencia test the Moto2 and Moto3 teams travel further south for a further three-day test at Jerez which starts on February 16.

Smith already has a Tech 3 MotoGP contract in his pocket for 2013 and 14.

source: crash.net

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Valencia hosts Moto2™ and Moto3™ teams

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The 2012 Moto2™ and Moto3™ season is set to get underway with a three day test at the Ricardo Tormo Circuit in Valencia, from February 8th to the 10th, which will see over 60 bikes on the track.

Among those Moto2 teams scheduled to attend the test in Valencia are the Aspar Team with 2010 Moto2 Champion Toni Elias making his return to the class teamed up with 2011 125cc World Champion Nicolas Terol, who continues learning the new machinery ahead of his debut in the class.

Last year’s 125cc runner up Johann Zarco will also be testing ahead of his first Moto2 season, with JiR Moto2 team mate and World Championship newcomer Eric Granado joining him. Pons Racing with their three rider line up of Pol Espargaró, Axel Pons and Tito Rabat will be in force, as will Bradley Smith and Xavier Simeon of Tech 3 Racing.

Elena Rosell is teamed up with Australian rider Damian Cudlin with the QMMF Racing team, and both will be testing the team Moriwaki bikes as the two step into the category as full time riders following several wildcard appearances each in the class.

Speed Master representative Andrea Iannone will be testing an FTR chassis modified by Speed Up after riding a Suter chassis last season, while Scott Redding and Mika Kallio will continue testing the Kalex machinery they will run in 2012 on the Marc VDS Racing Team, as will Claudio Corti and Takaaki Nakagami on the Italtrans Racing Team.

The Gresini Racing Moto2 team will test with riders Ratthapark Wilairot and British rider Gino Rea, who makes his debut in the World Championship following a successful test in Jerez with the team, while Ricky Cardus will be contesting this year with the Arguiñano Racing Team, replacing the earlier signed rider Kenny Noyes.

Avintia Racing will have former 125cc World Champion Julian Simón present as their Moto2 representative, while Technomag-CIP brings Roberto Rolfo back into the World Championship, paired with Dominique Aegerter.

Absent from the meeting will be CatalunyaCaixa Repsol Moto2 rider Marc Marquez, who is recovering from eye surgery to resolve vision issues he has been suffering since a crash in Malaysia last year.

Preparations for the debut season of the Moto3 category in 2012 continue, with teams such as Avintia Racing’s Maverick Viñales as a season favorite in their Moto3 effort, Hector Faubel and Alberto Moncayo from Aspar Team Moto3, and the three rider line up of the Red Bull KTM Ajo Team: Sandro Cortese, Danny Kent and newcomer Arthur Sissus.

Missing from the Moto3 class will be Alex Rins, the Spanish rider making his debut this season on the Monlau Competicion team at the side of Portuguese rider Miguel Oliveira. Rins is also recuperating from injury and will be replaced by Alex Marquez (younger brother to Marc).

source: MotoGP

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Marc Márquez: "I will not go to Valencia and still do not know if I will be in Jerez"

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Marc Marquez resumes this week contact with his fans through his blog, confirming what we already we advance , which is not in Cheste tests this week and probably also in those of Jerez. It also gives scoop his brother Alex will be responsible for conducting the test in place of injured Alex Rins .

"Hi all!

It is the first time that I write here from last season, and the first thing I do is thank all your expressions of support. These days I'm training a lot, physically, to maintain the highest possible way, and your support is always a great help to continue working.

Each passing day I noticed a little recovered. I decided to wait to get back on the bike and, in consultation with the team and the advice of the doctor, do not go to Valencia for caution and still do not know if I'll be in training in Jerez. But it is important to continue training and working my fitness to be at your best when we kick off the preseason.

Also, although I'm not able to work with the team as usual, do maintain contact with them, always making pineapple. Last week they came to see me Cervera motorcycle training ground, and then I invited them to a barbecue. We are a tight-knit group and it is important that we team up together, hand in hand.

This week my brother Alex will be at Valencia. He will be the replacement for Alex Rins pilot, and will be able to test the Moto3 World Cup championship, which will certainly take more times this year, as will pilot 'wild card' in some races. I encourage you not be able to go to live, becausd I have to keep training, but I wish him well and I am sure he will do very well.

A hug to all and thank you very much for always being there. 

Marc "

Source: Blog Repsol

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De Puniet closes Valencia test with fastest lap

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The three riders piloting MotoGP™ CRT (Claiming Rule Team) bikes continued with development of the ART machine, with Randy de Puniet of the Aspar Team topping the timesheets with a best lap of 1’34.9, seven tenths better than his teammate Aleix Espargaró and nearly two seconds ahead of Italy's Mattia Pasini (Speed Master).

"Today the conditions were worse, the cold and wind have caused the track to have even less grip than yesterday, and it cost us more to catch up. Yet we improved our lap times, but I am convinced that we would have improved more if the conditions were better," said De Puniet. "Today we continued working hard on the electronics, and also on managing the engine braking and the clutch. We're leaving Valencia happy to have collected a good amount of information, and defined the next steps forward for the next tests at Jerez as well. The year has started great, I hope we continue in the same way. "

In the Moto3 category, reliability has been the key with the new bikes, and this seems to have been achieved by all the teams present, havinf completed the second day of testing successfully and with no major mechanical issues with the KTM powered bikes at the Cheste circuit. The fastest rider of the day was Sandro Cortese, with a time of 1’43.2 being the best of his 48 laps; while three tenths behind the German was Luis Salom, who recorded the fasted time on the first day of practice. Third was Hector Faubel, who finished just over half a second behind Cortese.

The Moto3 riders return next week along with the Moto2 field for the Official IRTA test at the Circuit de la Comunitat Valenciana Ricardo Tormo, from the 8th to the 10tho of February, with free access for spectating fans.

Unofficial day two times provided by teams:

1.- Randy De Puniet 1’34.9 35 laps

2.- Aleix Espargaró 1’35.6 46 laps 

3.- Mattia Pasini 1'36.7 43 laps 

Moto3 1.- Sandro Cortese 1’43.2 48 laps 

2.- Luis Salom 1’43.5 31 laps 

3.- Héctor Faubel 1’43.8 56 laps > 4.- Niklas Ajo 1’44.0 50 laps 

5.- Zulfahmi Khairuddin 1’44.1 43 laps 

6.- Alberto Moncayo 1’44.2 52 laps 

7.- Danny Kent 1’44.2 64 laps 

8.- Brad Binder 1’45.7 49 laps 

9.- Arthur Sissis 1’46.2 55 laps

source: motogp official

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Start the season of low cost CRT Cheste

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While the official MotoGP season begins Tuesday at Sepang with official teams in the premier class, will start the season Monday morning 'low cost' CRT equipment in the Spanish track of Chester, in Valencia. 

Following the philosophy of low cost of the new category of bikes competing series derived from the MotoGP prototypes, at least during the 2012 season, teams will compete in this subdivision have scheduled a preseason parallel circuits will be developed entirely in Spanish 

Initially some of these teams CRT, as the Forward Racing or BQR, plan to train officers in the Sepang test, while the rest will be scheduled in parallel sessions. 

This is the case of teams that have opted for CRT developed by Aprilia motorcycle and is called ART. Specifically, the Aspar team and Speed ​​Master will release the new ART morning at Valencia with race drivers, Aleix Espargaró and Randy de Puniet with Aspar bikes, and Italian Mattia Pasini, who yesterday announced that the new Pilot Speed ​​Master, after dismounting the bike Anthony West team after failing to meet with sponsors part of the cost of the project. The other teams are waiting to have new bikes will have to wait until tomorrow to see which of them can start the season since the first day.

Preseason CRT: 

Cheste January 30-31 

February 20-22 Jerez 

Motorland March 8-9 

March 23-25 ​​Jerez * 

* (official IRTA Test all MotoGP teams)

source: motocuatro

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Valencia circuit to name corner after 125cc World Champion Nico Terol

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The Comunitat Valenciana Ricardo Tormo Circuit will name one of its corners as the new 125cc World Champion, Nico Terol, who achieved the title in the last MotoGP Grand Prix held at the Valencia Circuit.

“Besides being a great rider, Nico demonstrates every day the values we try to instill ​​in young people in our school, sacrifice, humility, perseverance, teamwork … all that with his immense talent has taken him to the top,” stated Julio Garcia, CEO of the circuit.

Terol will now have to chose the corner that will bear his name, “We do not know what corner to choose, but the important thing is that it is a great honor to have a corner in the track right where I started my career and where I was proclaimed champion”

The World Champion began his motorcycling career at the Circuit’s School and is the fourth Valencian rider who became a World Champion after Ricardo Tormo, Jorge Martínez Aspar and Champi Herreros.

source: twowheelsblog

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Bautista looks back on Suzuki, forward to Honda

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Alvaro Bautista's switch from Suzuki to Gresini Honda, in time for the last day of testing at Valencia, marked the final major move in MotoGP's annual game of musical chairs. 

The Spaniard had spent his first two seasons in MotoGP on the GSV-R, and seemed keen to continue, but couldn't afford to let the coveted Honda RC213V ride slip away. 

Suzuki subsequently confirmed its withdraw from MotoGP, after a season that began with a broken femur for lone rider Bautista during the opening event in Qatar. 

"It's been a tough year," said Bautista, in an interview with Europa Press. "I did not start as expected with the fall in Qatar. Then I needed to get my confidence back. Mid season everything fell into place, I went on with enthusiasm and confidence, taking small steps forward to make the bike more competitive." 

A career-best equalling fifth in the wet at Silverstone was followed by two sixth places in the dry at Indianapolis and Aragon - and was promoted to a front row start at Phillip Island - but accidents meant Bautista finished just three of the last eight races. 

"In practice I was usually around sixth and seventh and I made a couple of second row starts. We lacked luck in the race, we have missed opportunities to end the year with good results. But we must be satisfied," reflected Bautista. 

Ultimately, the catalyst for Bautista's departure was when team manager Paul Denning broke the news that if there was a bike available for 2012 it would be one of this year's 800cc machines, rather than a new 1000cc entry. 

The number 19 told MotoGP.com: “I left Suzuki only because of the technical side, because the people there are fantastic and I'm very happy with the work I did last year and I want to say sorry to the team, but the technical plan for next year was not the best for me and I thought the best way to have a competitive bike was to change teams and I did that." 

While Suzuki repeatedly deferred their decision and deadlines passed, Bautista had been linked with a seat at Tech 3 Yamaha, which eventually went to Andrea Dovizioso. 

Talks were also opened with LCR Honda, who were so keen to gain Bautista's signature that they entered into a 'gentlemen's agreement' to wait for Suzuki's decision, set up by Suzuki's Project Manager. 

Tragically, another door opened. 

The passing of Marco Simoncelli in Sepang, where Suzuki had been due to make an announcement, meant that a bike better financed and with superior results to the LCR became available in the most tragic of circumstances. 

The level of Bautista's support from Honda is yet to be revealed. Simoncelli was contracted to HRC directly and was to receive full factory support. Bautista looks unlikely to receive this as he is under contract to Gresini. 

The 26-year-old is also uncomfortable with the idea of being seen as some kind of successor to Simoncelli. 

“I hate to say that I inherited Simoncelli's bike," he told rtve.es. "It was a tragic accident for everyone. Gresini had two riders Marco and Hiroshi Aoyama. I will work with the mechanics of Hiroshi, not with the team of Marco. But it is true that maybe I'm here because of what has happened, but I do not take his place.” 

Bautista also admits that changing teams has made setting 2012 goals harder. 

"I've changed motorcycle and team, I have to start working with them, get used to the bike and change the way I ride. It is difficult to set goals. I go step by step, feel comfortable and work well with the team and do my best," he told Europapress.es 

The last time he rode a Honda was back in 2005 in the 125cc class, the year before he won the championship on an Aprilia with the Aspar Team. 

This week Bautista paid tribute to Suzuki, following the announcement that they will withdraw from MotoGP for at least two seasons, taking to Twitter to say that they were a great team and adding “We will miss blue bikes on the track.” 

source: crash

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Nicky Hayden undergoes successful wrist surgery

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Nicky Hayden has undergone successful surgery on the right wrist he broke in two places during a multi-rider collision at the first corner of the final MotoGP race in Valencia earlier this month.

The 2006 world champion broke his right scaphoid bone when he was caught up in an incident involving factory Ducati team-mate Valentino Rossi, Suzuki’s Alvaro Bautista and Frenchman Randy de Puniet.

The injury forced the American to miss a crucial two-day test session at Valencia on Ducati’s new factory GP12 1000cc machine.

Hayden underwent surgery yesterday (Monday) at the Fremont Sports Therapy and Surgery Center in California. Dr. Arthur Ting placed a small screw in Hayden’s fractured scaphoid. The radial styloid, which was also fractured in the Valencia spill, was not treated.

Hayden said: “Everything went pretty smoothly. The scaphoid is a slow-healing bone, so you don’t want to wait, only to find out in January that it’s not healing correctly. I’m happy to get it fixed right so that I’ll be ready to go when I need to be.”

Hayden now needs to wear a brace on the recovering wrist for four weeks but he is confident he will be fit to return to action when winter testing resumes at the Sepang circuit in Malaysia on January 31.

source: MCN

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Bautista makes Honda debut on RC212V

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The Spaniard signed with San Carlo Honda Gresini for 2012 on Wednesday, and was immediately out on track with his new team at the Valencia Test.

Shortly after agreeing a deal for 2012 with Team San Carlo Honda Gresini, Álvaro Bautista took to the Valencia circuit on board the Honda RC212V for the first time today (Wednesday).

It was the first session of a winter testing programme that will continue at Sepang from January 31st to February 2nd, when the Spaniard will switch to the 1000cc Honda RC213V – the Japanese factory's new prototype for the new season.

Bautista did 55 laps today with a best time of 1’33.814 as he gained confidence with the Honda and tested two new Bridgestone 2012 tyre options. Not too much should be read into this test but the early signs are positive. The team now takes a much-needed break to recover the necessary spirit and energy to tackle its next challenge.

San Carlo Honda Gresini press release

source: motogp official

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Busy second day at Valencia Test

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The Official MotoGP Test commenced its second and final day at the Spanish track, with plenty of action and a high-profile signing confirmed for 2012.

Day two of the Official MotoGP Test at Valencia got underway on Wednesday and by 2pm local time there had been a flurry of activity both on and off the track.

Confirmation came during the morning that Álvaro Bautista had signed a contract with the San Carlo Honda Gresini team for 2012, and the Spaniard and his new crew wasted little time getting to work as he rode 32 laps on the RC212V, getting accustomed to the 2011 Honda.

Elsewhere, Dani Pedrosa and Casey Stoner led the way in terms of lap times, the duo both getting down into the 1’31” band. Stoner is testing a new Bridgestone tyre and seeking a solution to the chatter issue he has encountered on the RC213V.

Yamaha Factory Racing rider Ben Spies is working on engine geometry and electronics on the 2012 M1 and was within a second of Pedrosa’s top time from the first half of the day, with Monster Yamaha Tech 3 pair Cal Crutchlow and Andrea Dovizioso both riding the new bike too – the Italian compared the 800cc and more powerful evolution on Tuesday but is today (Wednesday) concentrating solely on the 2012 version.

In the absence of the injured Nicky Hayden, Valentino Rossi continues to work on the experimental GP12 chassis as he and Test rider Franco Battaini gather further data. Battaini is focusing on electronics.

The CRT bikes of Inmotec (Iván Silva), Team Laglisse (Carmelo Morales) and Gapam (Federico Sandi) are also again on track, with Moto2 rider Yonny Hernández also lapping on an FTR/Kawasaki machine.

You can follow regularly updated live times by clicking here. A full end of day report will also appear on motogp.com shortly after the track closes at 5pm local time.

source: motogp

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Repsol Honda Team dominate on 1st day of testing at Valencia

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Repsol Honda riders Casey Stoner and Dani Pedrosa were back in action at Valencia circuit today on the new RC213V. Dani Pedrosa set the fastest lap time with 1'32.186 on his final lap of 40 and Casey Stoner who did 42 laps, finished closely behind him with a 1'32.322, recorded on lap 34.

The 1000cc prototype included some new parts after feedback from both factory riders when they tested the bike in Brno in August. HRC test rider Kosuke Akiyoshi also joined the Repsol Honda riders in a perfect day for testing, with temperatures reaching 20 degrees and no wind.

Dani Pedrosa – 1st 1'32.186

"It's been a good day for testing after so much rain! The track conditions were good which allowed us to work well on the bike and get the first feeling with the new RCV. We made a step forward from August, when I first tried the bike in Brno which is a good thing: we modified the front end a little and I felt the corner entry is better, also under braking. I'm quite satisfied, not because of the lap times but more for the feeling I had. It was a bike test but also a rider test, I feel it's like a schooling for me also and I enjoyed it. Not only the bike is new, also the tyres are different for these bikes, the engine is new, you have more power and more torque. We've been riding 800cc quite a long time and I feel that I need to adapt my riding style a little and it's interesting. It's more fun, in general."

Casey Stoner – 2nd 1'32.322

"Everything has gone pretty well for us we're struggling a little bit with the new tyres, we're finding they are giving us a little bit of chatter on the bike. We compared the bike that we tested in Jerez and Brno to the newer version we have here and we found quite a lot of improvements in some small ways with chattering but we still need to work on this some more. In general it was good to be out there on the 1000 and feel the horsepower, it's a lot of fun and I'm looking forward to feeling it on a lot of different tracks!."

Press release courtesy of Repsol Honda Team

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