Cal Crutchlow plays down podium hopes

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Cal Crutchlow has played down hopes that he could kick off the new 1000cc MotoGP era with a podium on Sunday night in Qatar after he ended practice in second position and just 0.154s behind Jorge Lorenzo.

The British rider dazzled under the spectacular Losail International Circuit floodlights to lead in the final stages of the third and final 45-minute free practice session.

But his best lap of 1.55.456 was eclipsed by factory Yamaha rider Lorenzo, who posted a fastest time of 1.55.302 to deny the inspired Crutchlow in the final moments.

Crutchlow’s superb display raised hopes that he could challenge for a career first front row start in tomorrow night’s qualifying session and then a maiden podium in Sunday’s 22-lap race.

But the former World Supersport champion, speaking exclusively to MCN, said: “Maybe it does make me think about the front row tomorrow night but it doesn’t change a thing as far as I am concerned. I need to get this first race under my belt with a good result.

"I’d like to be in the top six and closer to the leaders than I was last year and I’ll be happy with that. But I’m not going to be suddenly battling to win the race or be on the podium. What it does show is that I have got the potential to run with the best in the world.”

Crutchlow believes he could have gone even quicker on his best lap had he not been slightly baulked as he exited the final corner onto the fast home straight.

He added: “I actually got held up on my best lap as well. Coming onto the start/finish straight one of the BQR bikes went really wide and he came right back into my path.

"I changed to third and fourth gear eight metres later than what I normally do, so that cost me a bit of momentum. I might have been a bit quicker but I’m not worried and I’m not going to get ahead of myself just because I am second fastest.

"I could have done a run in the 55s but there is no point pushing too hard. I had quite an old front tyre on as well with the new soft rear at the end and it was pushing a bit and there was no point doing anything stupid with qualifying and a race to go.

"The set-up is not perfect. I can’t finish the corner off. I enter fine but the bike won’t turn very well and I can’t finish it off to get the bike stood up. So I am carrying a bit too much lean angle on the exit but I know that. I also need to work on my riding style round here.

"I’m braking a bit too late to be honest if you look at my data compared to Lorenzo’s. I’ll work on that tomorrow to see if that helps me get out of the corner. The easier you go round the corner the sooner you can pick up the throttle. But I am going round the corner and picking up the throttle a little bit too late.”

source: MCN

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Crutchlow and Dovizioso thrilled with displays

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The Monster Yamaha Tech 3 riders both put in head-turning performances in the final practice sessions at the Commercialbank Grand Prix of Qatar on Friday evening.

Monster Yamaha Tech 3 Team riders Cal Crutchlow and Andrea Dovizioso produced dazzling performances under the spectacular Losail International Circuit floodlights in Qatar tonight (Friday) to finish practice in second and fourth respectively.

British rider Crutchlow was in sparkling form on the new Yamaha YZR-M1 1000cc machine and a best lap of 1'55.456 came tantalisingly close to claiming top spot in this evening's third and final free practice session. The former World Supersport champion was only 0.154s behind 2010 World Champion Jorge Lorenzo on a fantastic night for Yamaha, with three YZR-M1 machines occupying the top four places.

Italian Dovizioso also demonstrated the rapid progress he is making in getting the best out of the impressive YZR-M1 machine after he finished third quickest in the earlier second session, which took place in blustery conditions. A lap of 1'56.648 put him in the top three behind Casey Stoner and Lorenzo and he was able to improve his pace by 0.7s as grip levels improved after the strong winds decreased ahead of the third and final session.

Dovizioso ended with a best lap of 1'55.905 to finish fourth quickest and he too will start tomorrow's all-important qualifying session optimistic that he can battle for a place on the front row of the grid for Sunday night's season opening 22-lap race.

Cal Crutchlow:

“I'm really happy to be second quickest but I'm not going to get carried away and say I will be on the front row tomorrow night. I think we can certainly be challenging for it but my expectations for the race on Sunday are to be battling for the top six and being closer to the leaders than last year. The start of the session wasn't that great because we went the wrong way with the chassis setting and once we went back to the previous set-up, I was much more comfortable. At the end I used the soft tyre but I had an old hard compound front on. I was pushing the front but I am really happy with the lap time. I got held up a little bit too on my fastest lap coming out of the last corner by one of the CRT bikes. It just meant I changed from third to fourth gear a bit later than normal and I lost a bit of drive. I'm not going to say that would have put me quickest, but it would have been very close. But to be second and just over one-tenth behind Jorge is great for my confidence. My Monster Yamaha Tech 3 crew have done an awesome job, so hopefully we can battling for a similar position tomorrow night in qualifying.”

Andrea Dovizioso:

“I am really satisfied again with our performance tonight. Each session I go out on the bike my feeling with the Yamaha improves and I am gaining a lot of confidence. Even during a race weekend like this when you don't have so many laps, we have made some very big improvements and this is very positive. We didn't make any special changes to the bike but the improvement comes from me having a better understanding of how to use the Yamaha's potential and now I am really confident for qualifying. Maybe the front row will be difficult but I will be trying my best. I am convinced our times will be faster because the track condition will be better and I know in myself where I can be faster on the track. Tonight was very positive for the Monster Yamaha Tech 3 Team and I've no doubt that we will be as fast and competitive in qualifying.”

Monster Yamaha Tech 3 press release

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Crutchlow and Dovizioso off to fast start in Qatar

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Cal Crutchlow and Andrea Dovizioso began their preparations for the opening round of the new 1000cc MotoGP World Championship campaign in positive fashion in Qatar tonight, the Monster Yamaha Tech 3 Team riders reeling off fast and competitive times throughout the opening practice session.

British rider Crutchlow produced one of the standout performances of the opening night at the floodlit Losail International Circuit, having led the timesheets shortly after the halfway point of the 45-minute practice session.

A lap of 1.57.601 rocketed the 26-year-old from 12th to first position and he was able to improve his pace to a 1.57.395 at the end of the session to finish in a hugely encouraging sixth position.Crutchlo w used just one soft compound rear Bridgestone tyre for the duration of the session and he is confident had he switched to fresh rubber in the final stages he could have posted an even more competitive lap time.

The former World Supersport champion though was the leading non-factory rider and his best time was less than 0.5s away from the top three.

Dovizioso was also satisfied with his evening's work, the experienced Italian continuing the process of learning how to get the best out of his YZR-M1 machine in less than ideal conditions.

Strong winds earlier in the day meant sand and dust had been blown onto the track from the surrounding desert landscape, and Dovizioso concentrated on improving rear grip on his way to setting the eighth fastest time.

His quickest lap of 1.57.547 was less than 0.2s behind Crutchlow and he is o ptimistic of making progress up the leaderboard with a cleaner track offering more grip tomorrow night.

Cal Crutchlow 6th 1.57.395 – 17 laps:

"That's not a bad way to start 2012 at all and I'm pretty happy to be in the top six. At the start of the session I was way down and not really going as quick as I should, but once I got my head down and got into a good rhythm I was always around the top six and that is very positive. I didn't change anything on the bike at all and I kept the same soft rear tyre on throughout, so I'm sure had we put in a new tyre at the end like some of the others did, I could have been a bit faster and possibly inside the top four. I'd like to get the bike turning better but I'm not going to complain starting the new season inside the top six. It is a good platform to build on for the rest of the weekend and now I'm really looking forward to the race on Su nday night."

Andrea Dovizioso 8th 1.57.512 – 16 laps:

"I'm satisfied with the first session and the feeling with the bike was immediately good. Straightaway I had a better feeling at the beginning than I did at the last test in Jerez, so we could work on improving the bike. I still need to understand how to use the maximum potential of the Yamaha. It has some very good points, which I like a lot, but I know in some parts I can be faster, particularly on the exit of the corner. We need to improve in that area but I know we have some good ideas for tomorrow and I am confident we will make the bike better. The gap to the front is quite big at the moment but tomorrow the conditions will be better and I am sure I will be much closer." 

Press release courtesy of Monster Yamaha Tech 3

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Tech 3 boss hails strongest ever MotoGP line-up

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Cal Crutchlow and Andrea Dovizioso spearhead the strongest Tech 3 Yamaha line-up ever in MotoGP in 2012, according to team boss Herve Poncharal.

British rider Crutchlow has been in outstanding form during winter testing and at the last two sessions in Sepang and Jerez he posted the fifth quickest time.

Dovizioso meanwhile has been impressively getting to grips with the new Yamaha YZR-M1 1000cc machine after his switch from Honda at the end of last season.

The Italian brings proven premier class pedigree to Tech 3 after he finished third in the 2011 world championship rankings while riding for Repsol Honda with Casey Stoner and Dani Pedrosa.

Poncharal believes his French-based squad will start the season with its strongest line-up since it joined MotoGP back in 2001.

Poncharal told MCN: “When you look at Cal’s performances in winter testing and you consider the pace and experience Andrea has, maybe this is strongest MotoGP package that Tech 3 has ever had. And with only six factory riders I think we have some good cards to play.”

Poncharal is optimistic that both Crutchlow and Dovizioso can challenge for podium finishes in 2012, though he conceded that battling Stoner and factory Yamaha rider Jorge Lorenzo was a huge ask.

He added: “The big question mark is how will Ducati perform. For sure you have Casey, Dani, Jorge and Ben (Spies) at the front and after that we are in that zone and we could be close to Valentino (Rossi), Nicky (Hayden) and Alvaro (Bautista).

"But we could even be fighting with Ben and Dani in some races for the podium and that has to be the target. We are certainly very optimistic that 2012 is going to be a very successful year for Cal and Andrea.”

source: MCN

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Andrea Dovizioso: Difficult to topple Casey Stoner in 2012

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Andrea Dovizioso believes it will be hard for anybody to stop Casey Stoner from winning the inaugural 1000cc MotoGP world championship in 2012.

The Australian starts the new season in Qatar this weekend as an overwhelming favourite to retain the crown he won in dominant fashion in 2011.

The Repsol Honda rider won 10 races in the last 800cc title fight and he has carried that impressive form over to the new Honda RC213V 1000cc machine having dominated the pre-season testing schedule.

In two tests at the Sepang circuit in Malaysia and one three-day session at Jerez last month, the 26-year-old headed the timesheets in each and heads to Doha this week hotly-tipped to start the defence of his crown in winning fashion.

Since 2006, Stoner has only been defeated twice in Qatar and former Repsol Honda team-mate Dovizioso believes he will take some stopping this season.

Dovizioso witnessed first hand Stoner’s blistering speed when the pair were part of three-rider official HRC effort last season.

Now at Monster Yamaha Tech 3 with Cal Crutchlow, Dovizioso told MCN: “He won the title easy last year and he can be just as strong this year.  It will be really difficult for the other riders. He is very fast but we must try.

"Already he was fast but now he has a normal bike, he likes it, and he is two seconds faster than everybody on the first lap and this is unbelievable. He is very talented."

source: MCN

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Cal Crutchlow lauds special Jorge Lorenzo

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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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Tech 3 halt work on new CRT machine

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Cal Crutchlow’s Tech 3 squad has suspended work on a proposed new CRT 1000cc MotoGP project.

The French-based squad planned to have a new prototype chassis ready for track testing by the middle of 2012, with a view to entering a new project in the MotoGP world championship in 2013 or ’14.

But with on-going discussions about sweeping rule changes in the premier class for 2013, which includes a maximum lease price for prototype machinery of 1m Euros (£835,000), Tech 3 boss Herve Poncharal said work on the CRT project had not gone further than early designs of the chassis.

Tech 3 currently leases YZR-M1 machines off Yamaha and with the price of lease machinery set to be capped to save costs, Poncharal said the difficult and expensive task of developing a new CRT project from scratch was not the most viable option.

Poncharal told MCN: “I was very enthusiastic about CRT because I thought the only way to go racing in the future was to build your own bike. But now everything has been put on hold and I would like to see the final rules before deciding.

"If we can have a factory prototype for around one million Euros, you have to think twice and for me it is much more affordable and better from a performance point of view to lease a bike. 

"That doesn’t mean it is the end of CRT but if I have the chance to lease a YZR-M1 for one million Euros then I have no interest to build a CRT. A CRT could cost maybe more and for sure the performance on track would be less.”

Poncharal is also adamant that the technical specification of the YZR-M1 he plans to lease in the future will not be greatly reduced because of the lower fixed lease cost.

Ducati expressed concerns about leasing its current GP12 in its current spec for 1m Euros.

But Yamaha boss Lin Jarvis recently told MCN that the Japanese factory could still supply the current level of technology made available to British rider Crutchlow and Andrea Dovizioso, regardless of a reduction in lease price.

And Poncharal added: “Yamaha has always been the best factory in terms of how much they support their independent team and what level of specification they give with the bike.

"We always felt we were part of the factory team and the crucial point is cost. On the financial side Yamaha has always been good and competitive and they don’t make any money out of leasing.

"Our deal is really competitive and my only goal at the moment is to ensure it carries on for as much as possible.”

Speaking specifically about the proposal to limit the price of a lease machine to 1m Euros, Poncharal said it would represent a huge saving and he added: “For me the limit is a very good idea. Talk to all the independent team managers and I think all of us agree that this is a very reasonable price.

"We know the Honda figures are very high and when you hear that amount then you understand that switching to CRT could give you a big saving. CRT was a must and this is working because it is helping us have a decent grid in 2012.

"Now there have been a lot of talks and Carmelo Ezpeleta (Dorna CEO) has set June as a final deadline to have the rules to go to 2013.”

source: MCN

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Bradley Smith training with one eye on MotoGP in 2013

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Bradley Smith might not have even started the 2012 Moto2 world championship but the British rider is already honing his training regime to be ready for a switch to a more powerful 1000cc MotoGP bike next year.

The 21-year-old will move to MotoGP with the Monster Yamaha Tech 3 squad having signed a three-year contract with the French squad last September.

The Oxfordshire rider has already started working during the winter on building up his strength for this year’s Moto2 class, but he has one eye too on a switch to a Yamaha YZR-M1 machine in 2013.

Smith has changed his training schedule in the winter to build up muscle mass and he told MCN: “I’ve worked a lot over the winter on my fitness. Strength in change of direction and strength in the braking is where I need to improve. 

"I still need to keep light so I need to build strength in a different way. The training programme completely changed and I suppose it will only be when I go the full race distance that we will see if it actually pays off.

"I went back to motocross and a lot more gym and strength work than I have been doing but not really weights as such. I’m now working with three different trainers and that’s a lot but it is something I felt necessary with MotoGP coming.

"Although I feel a Moto2 bike is difficult it has nothing on a MotoGP bike. I’ve gained five kilos of muscle and lost two kilos in fat with hopefully another two left, so I should be down to a very similar weight but with a different tone.

"In Moto2 with the same tyres, engine and electronics a lot of it comes down to the rider and your ability to muscle the bike around and how strong you are at the end of the race. So we will find out next week if it has paid off.”

source: MCN

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Smiles all round in Tech 3 garage

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Cal Crutchlow and Andrea Dovizioso enjoyed a successful ending to the winter testing schedule in Jerez today (Sunday), the Monster Yamaha Tech 3 riders heading to the first race of the 2012 MotoGP World Championship in confident mood.

British rider Crutchlow once again excelled with and he set the fifth quickest time after completing an incredible 83 laps. After yesterday's schedule was disrupted by rain and strong winds, Crutchlow was able to assess updated Yamaha electronics and two new Bridgestone front tyres in much more favourable conditions today, and he was able to clock a fastest time of 1'39.613.

The former World Supersport Champion was again the leading non-factory rider and encouragingly his fast and consistent pace was less than 0.1s behind Ben Spies in the Yamaha Factory Racing Team.

The sunny but breezy conditions today enabled Dovizioso to carry out an extensive testing schedule and helped him continue adapting his riding style to suit the Yamaha machine. The Italian concentrated on improving stability under acceleration and he finished in seventh position, his fastest pace of 1'39.860 putting him just over 0.2s away from the top six.

Cal Crutchlow:

"I'm really happy to finish this test in the top five with a very fast pace because we worked through a lot. Today I only used three sets of tyres in 83 laps, yet I was fast and consistent all day, so it shows we are getting good endurance from the soft and the hard options. The different electronic set-up also helped in acceleration, so it was a very positive and productive day after the rain washed out yesterday. The good thing is we know the bike works very well on a completely different track. The tests in Sepang were crucial but we needed to come to a completely different circuit like Jerez to understand if the bike has a good base level for a tighter and shorter track. Yamaha has done a great job because the YZR-M1 works very well. Finishing behind Stoner, Lorenzo, Pedrosa and Spies is obviously good for my confidence and now I'm looking forward to going to Qatar and racing. I feel ready and much better prepared than last year."

Andrea Dovizioso:

"I'm really happy about the work we did today and thanks to my Tech 3 crew because they worked incredibly hard. After the stomach illness I had on the first day and the rain yesterday, I really needed to get in as many laps as possible to understand the potential of the Yamaha on a completely different track to Sepang. We did some very good work in improving the stability of the bike on the exit of the corner and this is so important at a slower track like Jerez. You can have a lot of sliding and wheelie on the exit but we have improved a lot in this area. I think I could have gone faster but I only used the soft rear tyre in the final 30 minutes, so with more time I'm sure I could have been inside the top six. Now I am looking forward to going to Qatar and racing the Yamaha for the first time. I'm convinced we will be fast and competitive but the four at the top of the timesheets are really strong. They are consistently fast, so it will not be easy to stay with them. But I will be giving it my maximum to start the new season in the best possible way."

Monster Yamaha Tech 3 press release

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Important laps in wet for Monster Yamaha Tech 3

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Cal Crutchlow and Andrea Dovizioso were happy to at least have gotten some time riding in adverse conditions under their respective belts at Jerez on Saturday.

Cal Crutchlow and Andrea Dovizioso continued their final preparations for the 2012 MotoGP™ World Championship by battling challenging weather conditions at the Jerez track in Spain today (Saturday).

Rain and gusting winds dominated the majority of the second day of the final pre-season Test, but the adverse conditions did not stop Monster Yamaha Tech 3 Team riders Crutchlow and Dovizioso from putting in vital laps on the wet weather settings of their YZR-M1 machines.

Crutchlow, who was fifth fastest in breezy but dry conditions yesterday, was impressively fast and competitive too in the rain and his best lap of 1'51.127 had put him in fifth position.

Crutchlow's performance was particularly impressive considering he had never previously ridden the YZR-M1 1000cc machine in wet conditions. He slipped down the rankings to 14th after several riders posted quick times on slick tyres in the final 30 minutes when the track had almost completely dried.

Dovizioso took the opportunity to make his second appearance on the YZR-M1 in wet conditions this afternoon and he was as high as seventh on the leaderboard before he ended 15th.

Close to 100% strength after being struck by a stomach bug on the first day, he completed 16 laps to get more of an understanding of the Yamaha's potential in wet conditions having tried the YZR-M1 in the rain during the second Sepang Test in Malaysia earlier this month.

Like Crutchlow, the 26-year-old decided not to ride when track conditions were at their best towards the end of the session and he finished with a best time of 1'51.702.

Cal Crutchlow:

"I've never ridden the 1000 in the rain so it was important to get a few laps under my belt today. I only did 16 laps though because it is pointless taking too many risks with the first race so close. The surface wasn't actually completely wet when I was out because this track dries so quickly but the first impression of the bike in the wet is really positive. With the extra power it is challenging to ride but I don't think more difficult than the 800. Our chassis is quite similar to the 800, so it felt similar but the 1000 bike is definitely a handful. It is a handful to ride in the dry, so it is the same in the wet but I enjoyed it. The big positive today is I only used one set of rain tyres and I think some of the others used three. I think if I had put in a new tyre I could have been fastest in the rain. Hopefully the weather is much better tomorrow because I've got a few things to try. I was fast yesterday without trying the new Bridgestone front tyres, so I think there is some time to be gained with those."

Andrea Dovizioso:

"I felt in much better physical shape than yesterday, so it was a pity that the weather meant we were unable to test the bike in the dry. When I was on track today the surface wasn't fully wet but it was good experience and it was very important to test in the wet again because the grip is less than in Malaysia. It was an interesting experience and we learned some good information that will help for the future. Hopefully tomorrow we will have dry conditions so we can continue the work of the first day. My feeling with the bike in this track is not the same as in Malaysia, so it is important we can try and improve tomorrow. We used the new red light that you have to use in the wet and I think in some places it will be a good step for the safety. We need to see in a race situation when there are a lot of bikes, but in a situation like the rain in Silverstone last year where the conditions were really difficult, it will be good to use the light."

Monster Yamaha Tech 3 press release

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Cal Crutchlow continues dazzling winter form

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Cal Crutchlow’s brilliant winter testing campaign continued today (Friday) when the British rider clocked the fifth quickest time at the start of the final pre-season test in Jerez.

The Monster Yamaha Tech 3 rider was the fastest non-factory rider on track, with a best pace of 1.40.130 in a mammoth 74-lap stint putting him in front of Nicky Hayden, Alvaro Bautista, team-mate Andrea Dovizioso and Valentino Rossi.

Crutchlow’s best time was less than 0.2s behind factory Yamaha rider Ben Spies in fourth and he was less than a second behind reigning world champion Casey Stoner, who set the fastest time of the day on his final lap.

The 26-year-old told MCN: “The lap times are really consistent and that is good for me. That was an area I needed to work on and it was something that during the winter I talked to the team about a lot.

"We are not battling with the factory boys but being a satellite team rider I can’t really ask for too much more. To be in fifth place shows I have been able to carry on the momentum gained from the last test in Sepang but it is crucial as well because it shows the Yamaha is working on a completely different track.

"This place is like a go-kart track compared to Sepang but we have a good feeling at both, and that is a positive sign.”

One bonus for Crutchlow today was 69 of his 74-laps were completed on the harder compound Bridgestone rear tyre.

He added: “Last year on the 800 I could never get the hard tyre to work at all. Only Jorge (Lorenzo) really felt strong on the hard tyre but today the only laps I did on the soft were the first five.

"Maybe I’m a little surprised to be fifth fastest because this is only the second time I’ve ridden on this track. Most of the other guys have been here for 10 years, and that’s why I did so many laps today.

"I need more experience and it is a good feeling to be where I am. But there are a lot of guys behind capable of going faster, so I need to focus on my own job and try and improve the bike.”

source: MCN

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Dovi: Stoner was hiding

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He wanted to celebrate in another way, its twenty-sixth birthday, Andrea Dovizioso, but a nagging stomach did not allow him even to enjoy the cake prepared by his team. For this reason, ended the day in advance, with the eighth time . The three days at Jerez are an important test bed for Forli, who has a chance to try the M1 on a completely different circuit than Sepang. " Last night I slept badly and I felt sick all day - he explained - are hardly the best conditions for driving, or maybe it's just because I'm older now , "he joked.

To slow it down over the physical condition also familiar with the Yamaha is not yet 100%. " And 'normal, I drove alone in a fast track, already normally get here from Malaysia is a small shock - he emphasized - even more so for me it does not yet know this bike. The first feeling is that everything is too small, even more with the horses of 1000, is only a matter of getting used to . " The main objective is to gain experience and three days in Jerez last chance before the Grand Prix of Qatar. " In a different track so they can understand a lot of things - continued Dovi - we also need more work on balance and try the new electronic ", the provision of Lorenzo and Spies in Sepang.

The M1 has two defects still to be deleted: " the tendency to soaring and pumping at the rear - said the Italian - especially the first problem it is perceived here as compared to Malaysia for the track layout . " The hope is to move forward tomorrow, weather permitting, " but if it rained we would have a chance to try this bike in the wet , would not be all bad , "Andrea said with optimism.

It does not seem worried even his "status" of a satellite team rider: " I know what that means - he said - Jorge Ben, and will take forward the development and we will have new pieces of second timing that Yamaha deems appropriate . " Dovizioso has good reason to hope that the M1 can guarantee him a season as protagonist: " I can not judge the 800 Having lived only driven one once - it was his analysis - but this year the Yamaha seems to me closer to the Honda, even though the real potential of the two bikes do not yet know anyone, have to wait, but I think that Stoner and Pedrosa have not yet put all the cards on the table . " When Andrea spoke these words, Lorenzo was leading, a few minutes later Casey gave the fatal blow: prediction spot on.

source: GP One

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Crutchlow and Dovizioso begin final preparations in Jerez

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Monster Yamaha Tech 3 Team riders Cal Crutchlow and Andrea Dovizioso kicked off their final preparations for the 2012 MotoGP World Championship with a positive and productive first day of testing at the Jerez circuit in Spain.

Crutchlow continued his outstanding winter testing form to set the fifth fastest time on Yamaha's impressive new YZR-M1 1000cc machine. Evaluating different set-up options to improve stability on acceleration, the British rider's best time of 1.40.130 ensured he was the quickest non-factory team rider and he was less than 0.2s behind factory Yamaha rider Ben Spies.

Having made only one previous visit to the Jerez track in his career, Crutchlow completed a marathon stint of 74-laps to build-up his experience of the circuit. He also managed to gather vital information on Bridgestone's hard compound rear tyre option, improving his feeling and confidence throughout to continue the momentum gained in two morale-boosting test sessions at the Sepang circuit in Malaysia.

Dovizioso, who celebrated his 26th birthday today, was eighth quickest but the Italian was unable to show his true potential having been struck down by a stomach bug overnight.

The illness meant Dovizioso was forced to ride in considerable discomfort during the day but he was still able to complete 46-laps and gain more experience of riding Yamaha's YZR-M1 machine. A quickest time of 1.40.665 put him eighth on the time sheets and less than 0.2s away from the top six. He is confident with a good night's rest he will be in better physical shape to post a more competitive pace tomorrow.

Cal Crutchlow 5th 1.40.130 – 74 laps:

“Today was a positive start to the test and important for me to carry on the momentum we gained in Sepang. I did a lot of laps but I have to do that because this is only my second time at this track and I need to gain some experience so I am in the best shape possible when we return for the race next month. We have made really good progress with the set-up of the bike today and it is good that we have come to a completely different style track compared to Sepang and the bike is working well. We are always looking to improve and the bike is still a bit of a handful to manage exiting the corner, but a real positiv e is that I did my best time today on the hard rear tyre. Last year on the 800 I could never really use the hard tyre, so I'm pleased about that because today I only did five laps on the soft tyre. Another big plus is my consistency. We talked about improving that over the winter and I've definitely improved in doing more constant times, so it has been a really productive start to the test.”

Andrea Dovizioso 8th 1.40.665 – 46 laps:

“I was really looking forward to starting this test today because it is a very important three days for me. It is my birthday too and I was looking forward to gaining more experience with the Yamaha. This morning though was not easy because I didn't have the same good feeling with the bike as I did at the last test in Sepang. Thanks to my Tech 3 crew we found a much better setting but unf ortunately I wasn't able to exploit it because of my physical condition. I had some problem with my stomach and I had zero energy and I am sorry I could only make 46-laps. The most positive point of the day was some new electronics I tried which helped stability exiting the corner. But we can still improve more in this area. I am not worried about the gap to the front because I didn't feel in a good enough physical condition to push hard.”

source: Yamaha Tech3 Official

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picture: Yamaha Tech3 Livery 2012

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Yamaha Tech3 2012 new livery with Andrea Dovizioso and Cal Crutchlow. Not much different from last year.

source: crash.net

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2012 1000cc Yamaha YZR-M1 - Technical Specification Sheet

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The new 1000cc Yamaha YZR M1 technical specification

source: Yamaha Tech3 Official

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Monster Yamaha Tech 3 Team ready for exciting 2012

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With anticipation building ahead of the start of the new 1000cc MotoGP World Championship era in 2012, the Monster Yamaha Tech 3 Team unveiled its exciting new livery at the Jerez circuit in Spain earlier today.

Cal Crutchlow and Andrea Dovizioso showed off the new design, incorporating the instantly recognisable logo of title sponsor Monster Energy, on the eve of the final pre-season test session, which commences in Jerez tomorrow (Friday).

British rider Crutchlow and Italian Dovizioso have enjoyed a successful pre-season campaign so far, with both posting fast and competitive times during two test sessions at the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia.

The impressive performance of the new Yamaha YZR-M1 1000cc machine means Dovizioso and Crutchlow are both optimistic they can fight for top five finishes when the new sea son gets underway in Qatar on April 8. 

Cal Crutchlow #35:

“2012 will be my second season in the MotoGP World Championship and the second season with the Monster Yamaha Tech3 Team and I am really looking forward to it. The team has been working great all through the winter and Yamaha has done a fantastic with the new YZR-M1. Development never stops and I know Yamaha is continuing to work incredibly hard, so I am convinced I can have a much stronger season in 2012 with their support behind me. I learned a lot in my first season and although I still have much less experience than most of my rivals, my target is to be much closer to the front. I have already shown in testing that the 1000cc bike suits my style better and I am able set some very competitive lap times. The level of competition though is once again unbelievably high, but if I can be close to the factory bikes and be top independent team rider, I will be very happy.”

Andrea Dovizioso #4:

“This season is a really important one for me and I am looking forward to going racing after a long winter. We can see that Yamaha has done a very good job with the new YZR-M1 and I believe we will be really competitive. I found a very good feeling with the bike at the last test in Sepang but I still have a lot of work to do to fully understand it because it is completely new for me. But we can clearly see that the Yamaha is a bike with a lot of potential, so I'm really c onfident for the season. At the same time though we will only see our true potential after the first race in Qatar. I have a lot of motivation for this season after finishing third in the World Championship last year, but there are a lot of riders capable of fighting for the title."

Herve Poncharal – Team Manager:

“Everybody in the Monster Yamaha Tech3 Team is looking forward to 2012 with a lot of excitement. I believe we have one of the strongest rider line-ups in the history of Tech3 and I am confident Andrea and Cal will deliver some fantastic results. Andrea was third in the overall standings in 2011 and he has already demonstrated by finishing third at the last test in Sepang that he has exceptional talent and he will be very strong on the new Yamaha. Cal has been outstanding throughout the winter and he is clearly riding with a lot of confidence on the 1000cc bike. WE are optimistic that he will be consistently challenging inside the top five. We can aim to see Andrea and Cal fighting for the top five thanks to the incredible support the Tech3 Team receives from Yamaha. I must congratulate Yamaha's technical staff on the fantastic job they have done with the new YZR-M1. Tech3 is honoured to continue its long collaboration with Yamaha and we look forward to another successful season. I am also thrilled that we were able to sign a new three-year agreement with Monster Energy and continue the close relationship with our valued partners like the Black & Decker Group, including their brands Stanley and DeWalt. I'm also proud to continue our technical partnership with Motul and LeoVince and co llectively we can't wait for the new season to start in Qatar.”

source: Yamaha Tech Press Release

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Bradley Smith unhurt after 120mph crash

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Tech 3 Racing's Bradley Smith walked away unscathed from a 120mph crash during the final day of pre-season testing at Jerez in Spain.

Smith bit the dust on his Mistral 610 machine at the fast Turn 12 in the afternoon, but recovered to set the 14th fastest lap (1m 42.978s), just 0.5s outside the leading half dozen riders a the Spanish circuit.

“It has been a very positive test, despite the crash at the end at Turn 12. It was a very fast crash and I'm just thankful I've got away with just a few bumps and bruises and I will be 100% fit and ready to go in Qatar,” Smith said.

“I was pushing hard on new tyres and just lost the front, but we have learned a lot about the Mistral 610 this week, which makes me optimistic for the season. 

"We have some work to do when you look at the lap times of the guys at the front, but I'm convinced we have a competitive package. I can lap comfortably and consistently inside the 1.43 bracket but when I push for a 42 it is not easy,” he added.

“But I am still really happy with the performance of the Mistral 610. We have improved the overall balance of the bike, particularly with stability on the brakes and corner entry. The Tech 3 Racing Team has been working unbelievably hard throughout the winter and at every test we have improved the bike. 

“I'm a lot more confident on this new bike we have tried here, so I am looking forward to going to Qatar and starting the season with a strong result.”

Smith's Belgian team-mate, Xavier Simeon, was 19th fastest.

source: crash.net

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Scott Redding and Bradley Smith make big progress in Jerez

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Scott Redding and Bradley Smith made big moves up the Moto2 timesheets in Jerez today.

Redding climbed up from 11th yesterday to fourth fastest this afternoon, despite a late crash at Turn 10 that he was able to walk away uninjured from.

The Marc VDS Racing rider took advantage of cooling track temperatures and a drop in strong winds that hit the track earlier to clock a best time of 1.42.638 on the Kalex chassis.

That put him 0.480s behind Swiss rider Thomas Luthi, who once again headed the timesheets with a quickest lap of 1.42.158 set in the fina hour of the day.

The Gloucestershire rider told MCN: “Today was a bit better and I feel better in myself, but we need to find a little bit more out of the bike to close the gap. I got down to a 43.0 earlier which is good but it is still a little bit frustrating because at the last test I did a 42.2 and that is a bit strange for me.

"I think it is the temperature of the track and the feeling is not so good in the heat. We are making it better slowly. We need to get the bike turning a bit more and find a bit more rear traction for the heat.

"(Thomas) Luthi and (Claudio) Corti seem really consistent and now the gap to them is closer, so I’m happier about that.”

Smith also made significant progress today on the second day on board an all-new Tech 3 Racing chassis and swingarm package.

The Oxfordshire rider was a lowly 17th yesterday but he climbed iinto the top 10 today. A best lap of 1.43.012 put him eighth quickest but he was less than half-a-second away from the top three.

He told MCN: “It is nice to actually put on the timesheets what I am feeling on the bike. I knew there was the potential in the bike yesterday but when you look at a 43.8 and you are 17th on the sheets, it doesn’t look like there is much potential.

"But we just needed to find it and today we made some big, big changes and actually found a bike that always in my mind I’ve thought how a 600 Moto2 should react and now we ard 95% there.

"I’m really happy over race distance again too and I am banging in low 43s consistently and that fills me with confidence because we are not dropping off. I’d have liked to see a 1.42 but the work we did was fantastic.

"A lot of it is balance for braking and corner entry. We need to make a bike that when I’m braking it doesn’t feel like I’m going over the handlebars all of the time and the rear is jumping off the floor.

"That makes a big difference on these bikes because when you have got 155kg of bike hopping off the ground and wanting to go straight it is difficult to muscle it into the corner regardless of how much you counter steer on the handlebars.

"That’s the biggest change making sure we’ve got a stable feeling entering the corner.”

Gino Rea also made good progress today on the Gresini Moriwaki machine and he ended up 14th with a best time of 1.43.486. That was 0.7s quicker than his pace on day one and he cut the gap to the top six to just 0.6s.

Spaniard Marc Marquez was in impressive form again today and he clocked the third best time.

Making his first serious testing appearance of the winter having been ruled out for five months with nerve damage in his right eye resulting from a heavy crash in Sepang last Octoher, he set a best time of 1.42.557.

That put him 0.399s adrift of Luthi and he walked away from a late crash at Turn 10.

source: MCN

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Dovizioso in MotoGP divided between work and passion for motocross

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Waiting for the next official MotoGP test, Andrea Dovizioso spend these warm days of March training with motocross. The rider of the Yamaha Monster Energy Tech 3 , attention to detail athletic training, but want to keep warm for its new 800cc, "betraying" the 2012 YZ250F, retreat a few weeks ago directly from the headquarters of Yamaha Motor Italy in Gerno of Lesmahagow.

The bike was equipped with the kit of the Yamaha Rinaldi Research and Development, for several seasons official supplier of home Iwata, specializing in the development of components "racing" high performance motocross bikes. The components supplied are tested directly on the race from the Factory Yamaha Monster Energy MX Team and various satellite team of World Motocross Championship.

For Dovi is a beautiful variation "in the dust", in view of the Championship which is due to the inaugural stage to be held April 8 at Sepang, Qatar. The rider from Romagna, third in the 2011 MotoGP Championship, having recently witnessed the Mantova Starcross wanted to visit the headquarters of Yamaha Monster Energy MX owned by former World Champion and absolute legend of motocross Michele Rinaldi.

For the occasion, Dovizioso has spoken at length about his passion for cross country and especially for his new Yamaha YZ250F, bike already highly effective series. "I'ma huge fan of motocross and when can I watch the World Cup races in person. The 2012 YZ250F I loved from the very first time I rode, and in particular I was impressed with the chassis that allows you to always be very accurate and provides stability on the front. "

"Also I'm looking forward to testing new components of the kit YRRD as the new head of the cylinder and special camshafts as on duemmezzo a bit 'more power never hurts! The YZ250F is perfect for me for a thirty minute workout at a steady rate. I love jumping, maybe not supercross style ones, but the tall ones, and I really like driving in the sand even if on this ground so hard I still can not have absolute cnntrol of the bike. "

The desire to compete in Motocross is always: "I guarantee I'll be back. Look at the calendar and then try to figure out when I am free from commitments. For me it's really nice to have the opportunity to race with Yamaha, this company is in MotoGP in motocross and in both categories at the highest levels. I train a lot in the gym, but my motocross days a week I did not remove the no! And then I love the environment, full of passion, of people running without thinking of millions of euros and will turn Europe into the van. "

source: Motoblog.it

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pictures: Andrea Dovizioso with Yamaha Dirt Bike

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pictures of Andrea Dovizioso with Yamaha Dirt Bike

source: Facebook

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