Showing posts with label Yamaha Team. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Yamaha Team. Show all posts

Saturday, April 7, 2012

Lorenzo: "Being first was not the goal, we will not know until Sunday where each one"

Jorge Lorenzo Losail 2012


Jorge Lorenzo set the fastest lap in free practice for the third Grand Prix of Qatar, a track that seems unbeatable Casey Stoner, a theory that is preserved Spanish is working well to try to change it. Yes, the Yamaha has set his best lap on soft tires, while Casey, who used them in the other two sessions, was shot in the third off with hard rubber.

"I'm happy, yes, I see in his face. We are almost always first or second, with a very strong pace and see the standings, with second and Stoner Crutchlov is near, still going very fast at the beginning of the session went very quickly, but in comparison to last year we much better and everything seems to look good. "

Jorge scored on Thursday, as key to have options to win, be close to or even overtake Stoner in any practice session. The script is being met. "It was a major goal now finish first, but had to try the soft tire tomorrow (used in qualifying) to see if the bike improved a lot or not, what we have and we have improved and we first seven tenths. But as I said it was not the goal. Tomorrow I will be remembered in 54/2. I think the race tire will be hard as the soft can give five or six times faster, but then you lose. "

About the fact that Stoner has not mounted soft in the third train, said that "can not mount at all sessions soft, you have to save yourself the tires. I rode in the first two workouts, which I made with hard, and tonight I have assembled for testing. "

The truth is that seeing three Yamaha in the top four further strengthens confidence in the bike. "Absolutely. We saw a couple of years with Ducati's Casey, who was the only one with that bike I was able to go ahead, an out of class, going very fast and above all other Ducati were far behind. But to have three or four Yamaha front means that the bike is going well. "

"So far we are very close, both Casey and I are the ones we have better rhythm, but I say that I have five or six laps in a row, I have given more, and the race are twenty-something, so until we do the race will not know where everyone is, "said the Spaniard.

Jorge was asked about Valentino Rossi and also by the fact that Hector Barbera has been much faster than the Italian, both with Ducati. "Well ... Barbera is hooked to my wheel, specializes in this type of maneuver, which is doing very well and has made a very quick lap early in the round, then his time has not improved but has earned to be there in front of Valentino. But Rossi is a racing driver and the race will certainly be ahead, but in workouts Hector is doing well. "

On the CRT, which are much slower ... "has bothered me in the first round a pulling, which was faster than the fast I have done, I think it was 55.1, but I found Ellison and I had to abort ".

Still, George is keeping his feet on the ground. On Thursday he signed the second for this race, "the second, and third or the fourth, if the circumstances are not favorable we must finish the race as the post and we can."

About the chattering affecting other drivers ... "we too are suffering, as we are going faster we are chattering at the rear wheel, and also the first slow wave in the front wheel when the brakes much effort. We're having enough trouble with the rear wheel. "

source: motocuatro
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Lorenzo delighted with pace but Spies rues 'rough' session

Jorge Lorenzo Losail 2012


The final free practice this evening (Friday) ahead of Sunday’s Grand Prix of Qatar saw Yamaha Factory Racing rider Jorge Lorenzo set the MotoGP pace. The Mallorcan finished in second place in the penultimate practice session earlier in the evening, 0.214 seconds behind leader Casey Stoner as he continued to develop his set-up. A strong final session on hard tyres was then delivered before a softer rear option at the end provided the extra speed to take the top spot, 0.154 seconds ahead of fellow Yamaha rider Cal Crutchlow in second.

Ben Spies experienced a less fortunate final practice session this evening. The Texan had embarked on a race simulation but lost the front end early on, possibly due to a cold front tyre. Spies was unhurt and returned to the garage to continue the session. Unfortunately his second bike then experienced a technical problem, preventing him from continuing.

Jorge Lorenzo:
“I am very happy with today because we improved a lot on yesterday’s lap time. I’m also happy for Cal in second, the bike seems much better than last year for us. I think we have even more potential for improvement tomorrow. We still have a few issues to solve, especially corner entry, but we managed to keep a good pace. I’m going to try my hardest for qualifying tomorrow and see what we can do.”

Ben Spies:
“It was a rough session tonight, we’ve had a good weekend up to now, unfortunately tonight was the most important session for us. I went out to do a race simulation and I think I didn’t let the front tyre heat up properly. I need to check the data to confirm it but I put the blame firmly on myself for it. Unfortunately the second bike just didn’t run right so a wasted session for us.”

Yamaha Factory Racing press release
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Lorenzo responds with top FP3 time

Jorge Lorenzo Losail 2012


Jorge Lorenzo signed off the final practice at the Commercialbank Grand Prix of Qatar with the fastest lap of the weekend so far, with Cal Crutchlow and Casey Stoner – who had been quickest in the two prevhous sessions – in the top three.

After Casey Stoner had led both of the previous practices Jorge Lorenzo took control of the final session on Friday, setting the best lap in FP3 and raising expectations for an exciting qualifying run on Saturday. The Yamaha Factory Racing rider put in a lap of 1'55.302 to top the timesheet, as he responded to the reigning World Champion's earlier efforts.

Completing a superb FP3 display in second position was Cal Crutchlow (Monster Yamaha Tech 3), who was just 0.154s off Lorenzo with a time of 1'55.456. Repsol Honda rider Stoner ended the last practice third fastest in a time of 1'55.674, although he did meet some on-track traffic when trying to put in one last flying lap before the 45 minutes were up.

Andrea Dovizioso complemented his Monster Yamaha Tech 3 team-mate Crutchlow's impressive display with the fourth best time, and the Italian was the last rider to run under 1'56”. Dani Pedrosa (Repsol Honda), who had a fall in the earlier FP2 session, showed little after effects as he lapped fifth fastest at 0.812s off Lorenzo.

Héctor Barberá (Pramac Racing) was the highest placing Ducati in sixth with factory team riders Nicky Hayden and Valentino Rossi in seventh and eighth respectively. Rookie Stefan Bradl (LCR Honda) and Álvaro Bautista of the San Carlo Honda Gresini team completed the top 10.

Ben Spies (Yamaha Factory Racing) only rode eight laps in the session, after crashing just 10 minutes in, and the American ended 11th on the timesheet as the only rider unable to improve on his time from the earlier practice. Randy de Puniet (Power Electronics Aspar) was again the quickest CRT rider in 13th, although the Frenchman had a fall at the very end of the session which left him limping away from his Aprilia machine.

NGM Mobile Forward Racing's Colin Edwards, on a BMW-powered Suter, kept the competition with De Puniet close at just 0.049s off his rival.

The MotoGP riders will return to action at 7.55pm local time on Saturday, for the 60-minute qualifying session.

source: MotoGP Official
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Friday, April 6, 2012

Lorenzo and Spies content with first run

Jorge Lorenzo Losail 2012


The long winter wait is finally over as the MotoGP™ grid took to the track this evening (Thursday) under the spectacular floodlights of the Losail circuit for the first session of the 2012 season. Yamaha Factory Racing riders Jorge Lorenzo and Ben Spies took up where they left off in winter testing, putting in quick, consistent and competitive laps from the start.

Texan Spies led for a good part of the session and was the first rider to break under the 1’57" barrier. He finished the session in fourth, 0.508 seconds from top. Team mate Lorenzo was quick to follow, delivering a blistering 1’56.648 in the last minutes to wrap up in second just 0.174 seconds from first.

Jorge Lorenzo:
"A quite good start, the track seems pretty dirty though, we are very far from the lap times of last year but that’s the same for everybody. I feel good, we are in the top close to Casey and we have improvements to come tomorrow from the bike, the track and myself. At the end we made a small change to gain some rear grip on all the corners which helped drop the lap time."

Ben Spies:
"I was happy with tonight, we were generally pretty close to the top. The bike seemed to work pretty well; we made just two small changes to it and kept the same set of tyres on the whole time. We made our fastest lap when the tyre had dropped off with almost race distance on it. I’m quite pleased with how the bike performed. We’ve tested at Sepang, Jerez and here and the bike has been good at all three so I’m happy with the bike, the team and myself. We’ve just got to keep rolling and keep the momentum going."

Yamaha Factory Racing press release
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‘Happy’ Ben Spies strong throughout

Ben Spies Losail 2012


Ben Spies topped the Thursday timesheet on no less than five occasions during the 45-minute practice session for the season-opening Qatar MotoGP.

The Yamaha rider was leading with just over three-minutes remaining, before being shuffled down to an eventual fourth place. 

But having stuck with the same set of tyres throughout, the Texan is feeling even more confident in the potential of the 2012 M1.

“I was happy with tonight, we were generally pretty close to the top,” said Spies, who eventually finished 0.5sec from Honda's Casey Stoner. “The bike seemed to work pretty well; we made just two small changes to it and kept the same set of tyres on the whole time.

“We made our fastest lap when the tyre had dropped off with almost race distance on it. I'm quite pleased with how the bike performed. We've tested at Sepang, Jerez and here and the bike has been good at all three so I'm happy with the bike, the team and myself. 

“We've just got to keep rolling and keep the momentum going.”

Team-mate Jorge Lorenzo took second, with Ducati's Nicky Hayden also edging ahead of Spies in the closing minutes.

source:carash.net
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Wednesday, April 4, 2012

Lorenzo and Spies ready for Losail

Jorge Lorenzo Yamaha Racing 2012


This Sunday sees the long awaited and hugely anticipated season opening race of the 2012 MotoGP™ Championship at the Losail circuit in Qatar. Yamaha Factory Racing riders Jorge Lorenzo and Ben Spies will line up on the grid under the spectacular floodlights alongside their rivals for the first true test of the 1000cc era. A strong winter testing period with very competitive times means both riders arrive in Qatar confident in the abilities of their all-new 1000cc YZR-M1 as they set their sights on the podium.

2011 Championship runner up Lorenzo has a strong record at Qatar, starting every MotoGP race there from the front row and always finishing on the podium. An outright Losail victory has so far eluded him, something he aims to put right this weekend. Team-mate Spies has yet to score a podium finish in Qatar, taking fifth in 2010 and sixth in 2011. The Texan is looking very comfortable on the new 1000cc machine and is aiming for nothing less than a podium finish on Sunday.

Jorge Lorenzo:
"I’m very excited to finally race and see how we are compared to our rivals. Qatar was a good race for us last year but I think this season we have a slightly more competitive bike so I am hoping for good things to happen. Because of my hand injury it has been a long time since I was in a race so I am really excited for Sunday. I have been training a lot for this season; I’m feeling very good and very happy with the bike as well."

Ben Spies:
"Finally! I think testing can get a bit dull after a while so I’m happy we now get to go and do some racing at last. We’ve worked really hard over the winter; the Yamaha Engineers have done a great job so we’ve got a pretty good bike to race with at the weekend. Let’s get out there on Thursday and start finding a set up and see how it feels. It’s always special to race at night under the lights, we’re going to give it 100% and put on a good show."

Wilco Zeelenberg, Team Manager:
"I’m really excited to go to Qatar, it’s been a longer off season than usual. We had a great winter test season and we solved a lot of problems from 2011 so I’m curious to see how our package behaves under race conditions. Testing is one thing but finishing on a podium is the real test. Jorge is very fit and the M1 is ready to go. Let’s clean the track for the first couple of days and then go racing!"

Massimo Meregalli, Team Director:
"We are going to Qatar in good spirits. After the three winter tests our performance was consistently good which is important. We’re starting this Grand Prix with good expectations, knowing that we can achieve a good result. Last year Jorge had a really good race and the bike was less competitive than it is now, and Ben has always been strong at Qatar, also in World Superbike. The Losail circuit layout is very suitable for our bike characteristics so we should do well!"

Yamaha Factory Racing press release
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Monday, April 2, 2012

Ben Spies: “I have high expectations”



Ben Spies will start the 2012 MotoGP world championship in Qatar next week with expectations of fighting for the title on Yamaha’s impressive new factory YZR-M1 1000cc machine.

Spies has been backed to emerge as a serious title threat in 2012 having been close to the pace set by reigning world champion Casey Stoner, Dani Pedrosa and factory Yamaha team-mate Jorge Lorenzo in winter testing.

Spies is confident of adding to his one MotoGP victory claimed in Assen last June and the Texan is aware that needs to be a consistent podium threat in the new 1000cc era after Yamaha demanded improved results in 2012.

Talking to MCN ahead of the first race in Qatar on April 8, the former World Superbike champion said: “I don’t have any real goals. I do have high expectations though. I’m not going to say I’m going to win two races and get five podiums.

"I’ve done that but not as much as I’d like and now we need to improve and be in that podium battle every week and fight for wins a lot more often.”

Spies said the formula for becoming a regular victory contender was simple. “I just need to ride faster. I need to be consistently fast. We have shown we have speed with Assen and Indy.

"I know the speed is there but we have to keep it there all year. There are bad tracks that I don’t like and set-ups that don’t work but we’ve got to make the best we can out of it.

"But the expectation is running at the front of the race. The guy in 10th place wants to win the races but it is all relative to what you really can do. I know we have the bike to do it, so we just have to put it together and be consistent.

"I just need to go a bit faster and be a little more confident but I feel really good on this bike. I’ve no excuses. If we don’t do then it we’re not doing our job and if we do it that’s what we are here to do,“ said the former Tech 3 Yamaha rider.

source: MCN
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Sunday, April 1, 2012

Cal Crutchlow lauds special Jorge Lorenzo



Cal Crutchlow has praised factory Yamaha rider Jorge Lorenzo’s silky smooth riding style having been able to observe the Spaniard at close quarters in MotoGP for the last 18 months.

The 2010 world champion is hailed for his smooth and consistent technique and Crutchlow admits that no other rider can replicate how Lorenzo rides the factory YZR-M1 machine.

Since joining the Monster Yamaha Tech 3 squad for the 2011 world championship campaign, the 26-year-old has had full access to the Spaniard’s data to see first hand how Lorenzo has won 17 MotoGP races and 38 in his career.

And looking ahead to the start of the new 1000cc era in Qatar next week, Crutchlow told MCN: “He is such a special rider that nobody can replicate what he does on the Yamaha. What makes him special is that he does it lap after lap after lap.

"Every single lap he does over a weekend from the time he leaves the pitlane, the other riders might be able to only do that once.”

Crutchlow said Lorenzo’s riding style was so natural and effortless that the former double 250GP world champion can’t explain how he does it.

He added: “I remember at the Twin Ring Motegi last year and how he was braking and you ask him about it and he has no idea he is doing it because it is a natural thing for him.

"What he does comes so natural and so easy that I don’t think there is anybody else out there that is as consistent or as good as him. There might guys a little bit faster but for consistency he is unrivalled.”

Crutchlow also said having access to Lorenzo’s data was a valuable source of information but impossible to copy because each individual has their own approach.

He added: “Looking at data is not that easy. You don’t just look at it and go ‘well I can go and do that now.’ You have to find your own style.

"For instance he normally brakes earlier than the other Yamaha riders but his entry speed and mid-corner speed is faster. He brakes earlier but where he releases the brakes is maybe ten metres before everybody else.”

source: MCN
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Thursday, March 29, 2012

Ben Spies: 1000s easier to ride in rain than 800s



The new generation 1000cc MotoGP bikes might have a lot more horsepower and are more of a physically demanding challenge to ride in the dry, but factory Yamaha rider Ben Spies says the new YZR-M1 is easier than an 800cc machine to ride in the wet.

The Texan got chance to ride the Yamaha 1000cc bike in rain conditions during last weekend’s final official test session at the Jerez circuit in Spain.

And he said the extra horsepower but smoother power delivery made the riding the 1000cc M1 in the rain an easier task than the peaky 800s.

Spies, who finished fourth fastest in the Jerez test, told MCN: “For me the 1000 is easy to ride in the rain because it has a lot more power. A lot of people would think it would be more difficult but the way the power is it is more linear from the bottom up.

"The 800 didn’t have much torque and it came on quite strong like a 250. So dry or wet, for me the bike is easier to ride in every way. Physically it is harder to ride because of stopping, changing and holding onto the damn thing coming out of the corners.

"But I think a big wide range of power makes it easier to ride. It is a lot of power but very smooth and consistent.”

The wet conditions in Jerez also gave the MotoGP field the opportunity to test new red lights, which are now compulsory equipment for rain.

The 2009 World Superbike champion added: “It is a good idea because last year in Silverstone it is all good when you are in the top three but when you are sixth or seventh like I was and the spray starts coming up it can get a bit dangerous and you can’t see.

"If an accident was to happen as soon as you hit the brakes you can’t see anything. It is something small but safer.”

source: MCN
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Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Ben Spies on Jorge Lorenzo: "We respect and support each other"



Ben Spies, Grup Pont official driver, spoke during the official IRTA test at Jerez on his relationship with the Insurance Brokers, the expectations for this new season, new bike, mate Jorge Lorenzo and the opportunity to learn from Kevin Schwantz on School Safety Club Grup Pont.

- Who is Ben Spies?

I am my sister's brother, the son of my parents, I'm cousin and nephew, a friend of my friends. Someone who likes to go fast on a bike and cycling.

- What motivates you to be part of Pont Grup?

I am very much concerned with safety. To live, whether in connection with sport or not, you have to be responsible and live without worries. In that sense Pont Grup, with its safe, I removed a load off, I can enjoy life without worries.

- How do you see the season start?

This year I see a lot more competitive, the new power with the bikes. Fans will enjoy. As for my cycling team, Elbowz Racing (www.elbowzracing.com) we have started the season and we're winning and staying in the top places.

- What are the chances this season Ben Spies?

I feel very strong and the new Yamaha are very close to the head.

- How do you feel with the new bike?

I am very comfortable with it and very happy with the power it has.

- Will there be more show this year with 1000cc bikes?

If, in some ways I think will be more spectacular.

- How do you take the same team as Jorge Lorenzo?

We work well together, but above all we respect. Apart from the laughter in front of the cameras, we talk and support each other in what we must do.

- For you, Who are the favorites for the title this year?

I think it's a bit early to say one, but several drivers are in the fight and I hope to be with them.

- Why the number 11?

It's my birthday.

- How about the initiative of the Club Pont Grup making safe driving courses for motorists through Pont Club Grup Safety School?

I think it's important to raise awareness among motorists about safety when riding. The opportunity Grup Pont Club Safety School to learn the correct techniques of driving and doing the hand of someone so great in motorcycling as Kevin Schwantz is a privilege.

- What do you think is the most common error when driving a motorcycle through the city?

  Not being aware that they are more fragile than other vehicles, so need to be aware of possible problems that may arise on the road.

- What are your basic keys to safely operate a motorcycle in town? Be attentive to each vehicle, every pedestrian, every bike, drive safely and observe trial and the road to avoid any damage that may occur.

- Do you think that motorists are aware enough to practice safe driving?

Motorists may think they are, but not in all cases take all necessary security measures.

- Aside from the biker equipment (helmet, overalls, gloves ...) What is the best security measure is? Education, awareness and safe driving.

Source: Grup Pont
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Monday, March 26, 2012

Lorenzo and Spies leave Jerez happy



Yamaha Factory Racing rider Jorge Lorenzo wrapped up the final pre-season Test of 2012 today (Sunday) in Jerez with an impressive 84 laps covered. Lorenzo spent almost the entire day as the only rider to drop under the 1’39” mark, with rival Casey Stoner joining him to lead by 0.173 seconds in the last moments of the session. The Mallorcan delivered an impressive race simulation, showing his trademark lap time consistency over the distance.

Team-mate Ben Spies also covered some distance, putting in 61 laps as he worked on final set-up solutions for his 1000cc YZR-M1. The Texan ends the Test as the fourth fastest rider, 0.715 seconds from the front. Spies also worked on a race simulation earlier in the Test and was satisfied with a competitive pace.

The MotoGP paddock now moves to Qatar where the first race will be played out under the floodlights in the desert on April 8th. With the gap to their rivals much closer than last year in testing, both Yamaha riders are keen to line up on the grid and get the season started.

Jorge Lorenzo:
“I’m really happy because we tried to make some good lap times so we put new tyres on the rear this morning to make the 1’38.9 which is a good time. This afternoon we improved the bike for a race simulation which went really well. In general we are very happy, it’s not just me, Ben is also very close to the competition as are Cal and Andrea. We need to improve our braking a little, if we can do that we could gain some more tenths of a second.”

Ben Spies:
“I’m happy with how the Test went. Both Jorge and I worked really methodically on getting through a number of different things, I think we’re quite happy with the bike going to Qatar, it’s been good here and good in Sepang. A couple of the areas where we had problems last year seem to be a lot better. We can’t say if they are completely fixed until we go to more tracks but we are happy with the balance of the bike and I think we have a very competitive bike for 2012.”

Yamaha Factory Racing press release
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Sunday, March 25, 2012

Yamaha duo make wet evaluation of M1



Jorge Lorenzo and Ben Spies were unable to use the early part of the second day of the MotoGP™ Test at Jerez on Saturday, but did get some valuable work done in the afternoon.

Today’s second of three days of testing at the Jerez circuit proved to be a frustrating one for Yamaha Factory Racing with wet and windy conditions reducing track time. Riders Jorge Lorenzo and Ben Spies were forced to sit it out until the early afternoon before venturing out onto a wet track. As the wind dropped they were able to make use of the rain to evaluate wet set-ups on the 1000cc YZR-M1 for the Jerez circuit.

Ben Spies:
"It’s been a tough day but it’s been like that for everybody. Luckily we got a lot of stuff done yesterday, a simulation and most of the Test settings. Today we just tested some wet set-up stuff. I was quite happy with that, we didn’t get on the track when it was in prime condition for wet but good enough. As the track dried out we needed to wait a little to try one thing in the dry. We know what we need to do for tomorrow so we’re hoping for good weather."

Jorge Lorenzo:
"Today we started late because of the weather so we only managed to do 25 or 30 laps in wet conditions. Now we know that the bike is working quite well and is competitive, we were in second place in the wet behind Dani and the next rider, Cal, was a second behind. We still need to work on our electronics as we haven’t got the perfect solution for Qatar. For tomorrow we haven’t got anything new but we need to decide whether to put away some parts."

Yamaha Factory Racing press release
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Saturday, March 24, 2012

Both sides of Yamaha garage satisfied with start



Jorge Lorenzo and Ben Spies were both content with how the opening day of the MotoGP™ Test at Jerez went on Friday.

Yamaha Factory Racing made a purposeful start to the final 2012 pre-season Test today (Friday) at the Jerez circuit in Spain. Riders Jorge Lorenzo and Ben Spies were out for the first time in the new racing livery and looking very comfortable on their 1000cc YZR-M1s. Today was the first opportunity to test this evolution of the 1000cc M1 at a different track to Sepang.

Spies was the first rider to break under the 1’40” lap barrier with a 1’39.984, with team mate Lorenzo following quickly to take the lead with a 1’39.956. Lorenzo continued to pick up speed on one of his ‘home’ tracks, completing the first of the three days as the second fastest rider with a time of 1’39.419, 0.273 seconds behind Casey Stoner in first. Spies wrapped up the day in fourth having completed a race simulation, 0.838 seconds from first.

Jorge Lorenzo:
“Today was a very long day because we started at 10am and finished at 6pm. We did a lot of laps and it was very interesting to see how different the bike was compared to Sepang because it’s a different track. Here it is much slower and more corners, not so many straights. The 1000cc is not so easy compared to the 800cc here. At the end of the day we were able to be very fast and stay in the first three positions so we are satisfied.”

Ben Spies:
“Today was a positive day; we actually got more than we thought accomplished. We were able to look at the two tyres Bridgestone wanted us to test and also went through a couple of different settings on the bike. We did a race simulation to get one out of the way and we might do one more before the end of the test just to get me and the bike in tune for that many laps. Today’s run was to test the fuel consumption and we were happy with that. We can now focus pretty much on going fast and trying to improve the bike lap-time-wise and also improve me around the track! This isn’t a strong track for me so I’m quite happy that we’ve shown some decent pace around here. We’ve got a lot done and it’s been a good day.”

Yamaha Factory Racing press release
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Friday, March 23, 2012

video: Inside Yamaha YZRM1 2012


video detail of Yamaha YZRM1 2012





source: youtube
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video: Interview Ben Spies and Jorge Lorenzo Yamaha Presentation


video interview Ben Spies and Jorge Lorenzo, yamaha presentation




source: youtube
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Yamaha boss says tensions over MotoGP's future easing between Dorna and teams



Yamaha racing boss Lin Jarvis says the MotoGP manufacturers and commercial rights-holder Carmelo Ezpeleta are now finding more common ground over the future shape of the world championship.

There have been tensions over the rules for 2013 and beyond in recent months, with the manufacturers sceptical about Ezpeleta's Claiming Rule Teams system and reportedly offering a commitment to provide cheaper customer MotoGP bikes as an alternative.




But Jarvis said the impasse between the two factions was easing.

"There are a lot of ongoing discussions and I think what's important is that perhaps at the end of last year there were some different positions and frictions emerging between the participants and the promoter," he said.

"That situation has changed since the beginning of this year. Now you see an area of greater collaboration. I think there's more common understanding now. We're in this together, from different angles and different perspective."

Jarvis insisted that the manufacturers were aware of the pressures on smaller teams and of the current economic realities.

"I think we need to see a championship where the promoter can grow the business by running the sport, but also where manufacturers can be present - I think it's very important for manufacturers to stay in the sport - and where private entries can join," he said.

"What's important now is to have good discussions in the coming months and make the right plans for the future. Surely we will have to make changes, and this will be based on cost saving. Everyone's aware of the current economic situation.

"We need to create a sport in the future that will provide excellent racing with good global coverage, but for an affordable cost."

Yamaha's lead rider Jorge Lorenzo said he was content with the direction the rules were heading in, and that his priority was to see as many competitive bikes as possible even if it meant a wholescale switch to CRT-style regulations.

"CRT is a good decision, because we didn't have enough bikes in the last two years," he said. "In some races with so many crashes we only had 14 riders finishing the races and it wasn't enough.

"I think [CRT] was an emergency rule to have more teams, bikes and riders on the grid. Of course we all would like to have more competitive bikes and now CRT are not, but in the future I hope and I wish we will have 20-22 bikes that can fight for the podium. This would be the ideal category."

source: autosport
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Spies: "The bike's just getting better and better"



The American previewed the 2012 season and the final Test at Jerez in an interview ahead of the Yamaha Factory Racing team launch on Thursday.

"The 1000cc suits me a little bit more than the 800; it’s more or less suited to the way I ride," said Spies of the increase in engine size for 2012. "Being a bigger rider, having more torque and the extra horsepower helps. Yamaha’s done a fantastic job getting us a base package. Pre-season testing’s gone well; we had some good times, so far so good!"

"I think the Yamaha engineers have done a fantastic job, we’ve been to Sepang twice now and we’ve had a lot of parts to test. In the last couple of years it’s been about refining and tuning; now we’ve been actually testing new parts. We’ve reached some good solutions on different things on the electronics and the engine package and everything. We’ve also got another test coming up and we’ll have some more stuff to try so the bike’s just getting better and better every test which is good."

Evaluating the machine overall, Spies added: "The 2012 M1 is for me a very good balance. Like the 800 was but we seem to have improved our weaker points of the bike. The balance of the bike is the key thing so when we go to one track that’s an extreme from another track it will work well there too. I’d say it doesn’t have one general strong area it’s just every area is now not weak. It’s a good balanced bike, that’s what we need for a full Championship with as many races as we have."

source: MotoGP Official
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Lorenzo: "The best pre-season of my career"



Preparations for the launch of his bid to reclaim the MotoGP™ World Championship title have gone well for Jorge Lorenzo, and in a special interview prior to the final official Test at Jerez which commences on Friday the Spaniard spoke about how his pre-season has unfolded.

In the attached video Lorenzo said of his return to fitness after the finger injury that ruled him out of the final three races of last season: "When I came back it wasn’t so easy, but for me it was easier than expected as in the first two Tests things went well and I was really close to the fastest lap times, so for me maybe it was the best pre-season of my MotoGP™ career. The injury doesn’t effect my riding style as I can catch the clutch with my full hand."

Other subjects discussed by Lorenzo included his reaction to the increase in engine capacity for 2012: "The 1000cc has more power and acceleration so you must put more energy into controlling the bike. Also the weight is higher, but on the other side for us it is easier to ride, especially in the acceleration because we have more torque and the bikes moves less."

Of his team-mate Ben Spies, Lorenzo said: "I think he can be one of the favourites for the World Title". And when asked about his future the Mallorcan replied: "My first option is Yamaha. I would like to finish my career in Yamaha; if the bike is competitive this year I don’t see any big reason to change manufacturer."

source: MotoGP Official
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picture: Ben Spies Yamaha 2012 Livery


Ben Spies with 2012 Yamaha's livery



















source: crash.net
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picture: Jorge Lorenzo Yamaha 2012 Livery


Jorge Lorenzo with 2012 Yamaha's livery

















source: crash.net
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