Pirro Make Progress, Bautista Disappointed

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Michele Pirro continues to surprise on board the Honda CBR 1000R powered FTR CRT machine despite it having on a few hundred kilometres on the clock. The Italian rookie shaved a second and a half off his best time from yesterday in tonight's second and third free practice sessions and could have gone even faster but for a small technical setback with the bike. Alvaro Bautista struggled for front feel on the RC213V tonight and has work to do ahead of tomorrow night's qualifying session.

Alvaro Bautista (10th 1’ 56” 771) “Today wasn't a good day for us – we tried to improve the feeling with the bike from yesterday but didn't manage it. My feeling with the front just doesn't allow me to push although when we changed to the soft tyre it improved so maybe we should have done that from the start and we'd be in better shape right now. Anyway, it's important to try these things because we need to make our tyre choice for the race. After 11 laps we had more grip than we'd had with the hard so I think the soft has good potential for the race. Now we need to look at the data and try to improve the front.”

Michele Pirro (15th 1’ 58” 800) “We have taken another big step and improved by a second and a half from yesterday, closing the gap to the top CRT bike, so that gives us reason to be satisfied. Obviously we have a lot still to do but we are staying positive. Our priority is to work on the electronics because they play such a big part. We are trying to work without making mistakes, I have a great team around me so I think we just need to keep working in the same direction and we will get our rewards.”

Fausto Gresini “It wasn't an easy night for Alvaro. He struggled more than yesterday and we need to know why. There is one particular section of track that he's having difficulty with so we need to have a close look at the data and try to get more out of the bike. I should say that apart from the top guys everybody else is very close so it looks like it could be a tight race from fourth place back. Like yesterday Michele and the CRT bike were a pleasant surprise. Even though the bike is so young it is improving every time and that's great for me and all the guys in the team because this first part of the season was never going to be easy.”

Honda Gresini Press Release

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Some problems of confidence with the bike have affected the Gresini's performance

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First day of the 2012 season and the first free practice session in Doha for the MotoGP. Some problems of confidence with the bike have affected the performance of Alvaro Bautista, however, although not far from the first used for the entire shift on the hard tires. However, good prospects for tomorrow for the Spaniard and his Honda RC213V. Positive start and almost beyond expectations for CRT RDF powered Honda CBR 1000R and Michele Pirro. While still very immature for a few miles run the CRT Team San Carlo Honda Gresini finished just three tenths off the best time from CRT. A positive performance that bodes well for the future.

Alvaro Bautista (7 ° 1 '57 "512) "And 'the world began 2012 on a track that always creates some problems with grip in the first free practice session. We tried to work on finding a good feeling with the bike but I had some problems in the corner entry because I jumped in front and then I had a lot of confidence to get stronger. We have also used for the entire round hard rubber back and with the current condition of the asphalt bike was very "spinning" and it was hard out of corners. So our work plan for tomorrow is to work on electronics and buoyancy geometries with the aim to improve my confidence with the bike. "

Michele Pirro (15 ° 2 '00 "322) "The first day did not go bad, we tried to run as much as possible to become familiar with this track on which I have never shot with this bike. We are continuing the work started at Jerez and we are making significant progress. I have confidence in the team and I am increasingly convinced that every race we will be increasingly competitive. Unfortunately the bike is still too young has only a few hundred kilometers of life and like all new things it takes time. I have the right people at my side and trying to give my best every turn, will improve. In any case I did not expect you to be just three tenth from De Puniet an experienced driver with a CRT competitive. It 'was a first great satisfaction for me and the boys. "

Fausto Gresini "The first practice session did not go badly at all. With Bautista as we are not far from the best race pace and also we now have not even used the soft tire so I'm quite happy. We worked the race in perspective and we are clear about actions to do his best so that Alvaro confidence with the bike. It also was positively surprised by Pirro that far only three tenths off the best CRT and so it seems almost unbelievable considering the few kilometers that our bike. So one day the whole positive. "

source: Honda Gresini Press Release

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Gresini Team set for season start

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The San Carlo Honda Gresini team approaches this weekend's Commercialbank Grand Prix of Qatar ready for a new challenge, as it competes with riders Álvaro Bautista and Michele Pirro in MotoGP™ in 2012.

Bautista will be on a Honda RC213V in 2012 with Pirro riding an FTR chassis powered by a Honda 1000R engine, as part of the new CRT regulations introduced for this year's World Championship.

The team also continues with the memory of Marco Simoncelli at the centre of its determination to make 2012 a successful campaign.

Álvaro Bautista:

“I am really looking forward to racing again because testing is pretty stressful with so much work to do in and out of the box, the days are endless. Now is the time for the real action, for us to give everything. This will be my first race with Team San Carlo Honda Gresini and it's exciting because the guys are working well and I think we have made the connection we need for me to exploit my potential in Qatar. I like the circuit, it's fast and flowing and has a nice long straight. Unfortunately I am still not keen on the idea of racing at night, even though the track is well lit it is still not the same as racing in the day. Anyway, it is an investing event and I have the machinery to be fighting at the front so I will be giving my best to do that.”

Michele Pirro:

“I am feeling nervous but excited ahead of this new challenge. Obviously I know I don't have the means to run at the front but I will be giving my all to be amongst the best of the CRT entrants. Unfortunately we only have 500km on the clock so we know we have a lot of work to do with the new bike but we know the potential is there and we will do everything we can to be as competitive as possible in Qatar.”

Fausto Gresini, Team Owner:

“It all starts again now but I can't honestly imagine right now what this first Grand Prix is going to be like for us. It is a brand new championship for everybody and we are taking on a new, difficult challenge. We want to do well and we think we can because Álvaro has a good bike and every chance of running at the front. This is a chance for Álvaro to show his ability but also for us to start looking to the future because Marco's tragedy hit us hard. Marco is and always will be in our hearts, the pain is still fresh and strong but we decided to carry on, we are doing it with Álvaro and this is the best way. It also helps that we have a new challenge in the CRT project with Michele Pirro, making his debut in MotoGP. It won't be easy and it has already been a challenge just to get the bike on track and have Michele with us in Qatar. It is a completely new project, there is a lot of work to do and we know it but I am fascinated by the concept of CRT and I am proud of the enthusiasm shown by my guys to get involved. I think it will be a successful formula and Team San Carlo Honda Gresini can be a part of that success.”

source: MotoGP Official

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Bautista confident despite tough Test

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The final day of pre-season at Jerez could have gone better for Álvaro Bautista, with two crashes denying him the opportunity to complete his testing programme. His race pace is good but the Spaniard perhaps struggled a little for the confidence to push for a faster time because of his two tumbles. Michele Pirro paid the price for his bike's youthfulness on Sunday, setting some decent lap times in the morning but struggling to improve his pace in the afternoon due to technical problems.

Álvaro Bautista:

"It hasn't been a great day for us. We started out well and tried some interesting electronic solutions this morning, as well as two different Bridgestone tyres, to try and work out which gave me the most confidence. Then in the afternoon we were doing a race simulation when I crashed not once but twice, when the front let go without warning. I still don't know exactly what happened and naturally that damaged my confidence in the front and I couldn't push to the limit as I would have liked. Anyway, we are not losing faith because we found some good things and now we just have to prepare for the first race in the best way we can. Racing at night in Qatar is not easy but I still feel confident even after the worst afternoon of pre-season testing. My feeling with the team is perfect and I am sure they will help me to recover the confidence I lost today."

Michele Pirro:

"All I can say is that we have a lot to work on! Lap by lap I am building my confidence with the bike but I couldn't really make the most of it because we had a problem with the bike and I had to come back into the pit box. They are teething problems but it is frustrating for me because I want to squeeze out everything I feel inside. It is a shame but I know that the guys are working hard, I have complete faith in them and I am sure that we will soon be reaping the rewards of all their effort. We just need to be patient."

San Carlo Honda Gresini press release

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Frustrating day for Gresini riders

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Adverse weather conditions slowed progress for the MotoGP™ teams present for the second day of testing at Jerez de la Frontera today (Saturday). However, Álvaro Bautista at least had the chance to complete his first laps on the Honda RC213V in the wet, establishing a good feeling. It was a less positive day for Michele Pirro, who needs dry time and could only make use of the final 30 minutes of the session, leaving plenty of work to do tomorrow.

Álvaro Bautista:

"It has been a similar day to the second Test at Sepang in Malaysia but we at least managed to get some laps in the wet and the first impressions are good because I have confidence in the bike so that's positive. Then the track started to dry out but there was no point riding because the wet tyres just tore up. In the final 30 minutes we got some track time and I was happy with what we achieved but it wasn't really dry. In conclusion it hasn't been a productive day so we just have to hope for better conditions tomorrow."

Michele Pirro:

"A real shame because with such a young bike it is important for us to get some laps but the weather has played us a bad hand today. We have lost a day of testing and will have to try and make it up tomorrow, which makes life difficult. Patience! We managed to get some laps in the final 30 minutes even though the conditions weren't perfect and at least got some information to work from tomorrow."

Fausto Gresini:

"Today was endless, with the track conditions bringing everything to a halt. It was neither wet nor dry so everything was difficult. Luckily when the track was at its wettest Álvaro managed to get some laps in and built his confidence with the bike in these conditions. The most important job he was did was some practice starts with different settings, which was very useful. Overall it was a waste of a day, especially for the CRT bike because we were only able to get a few laps in and set up for tomorrow. The good thing is that we continue to move forward every time we get on track and that gives us confidence. It will be an intense day tomorrow trying to make up for lost time, which for the CRT project is a precious commodity."

San Carlo Honda Gresini press release

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pictures: Michelle Pirro Gresini CRT Test at Imola

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 picture of Michelle Pirro Gresini CRT Test at Imola

source: GP One

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Gresini CRT shakedown stopped for modifications

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The planned three-day shakedown of the new Gresini Racing CRT MotoGP bike came to an early end when it was discovered that modifications to the bodywork were required. 

Michele Pirro gave the FTR-Honda its track debut at Imola on Friday, but was forced to end testing on Saturday due to the belly pan grounding once speed increased.

GPOne.com quotes team principal Fausto Gresini as saying: "The bike is very new and it's normal that there are some problems. The belly of the fairings is hitting the track in certain sections, and to modify it you must make changes to the bike itself.”

The decision to end testing was made in order to give as much time as possible to complete the redesign before the official Jerez MotoGP test, which starts on Friday.

Gresini added that 50 laps with the bike, whose CBR1000RR engine and electronics are supplied by Ten Kate, had been completed by Valencia Moto2 winner Pirro. 

The Italian is said to have lapped in the 1min 51sec range, which is some way off the official WSBK lap record of 1min 47.934sec, but the comparison means little at such an early stage.

The Gresini machine is the ninth and last of the 2012 CRT entries to take to the track.

source: crash.net

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Pirro to make CRT debut at Imola

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The San Carlo Honda Gresini Team rider will make his debut on the CRT at a private three day test at the Imola circuit.

Beginning tomorrow, the San Carlo Honda Gresini Team will commence with the debut of their CRT machine at the historical Imola circuit. Testing will be held alongside riders of the Italian championship for three days (March 16-18), and will allow Michele Pirro to build some confidence with his new ride.

The team missed the first opportunity to test at Aragon March 8th and 9th, due to a delivery delay of certain parts needed to assemble the bike. Thus, this week’s test will be the first shakedown of the prototype that the team will undertake.

Speaking at the official presentation of the Honda San Carlo Team at the Polytechnic Institute of Milan last weekend, the Italian rider took a positive view regarding their missing the Aragon test.

"Every cloud has a silver lining," declared Pirro. "If we had gone to Aragon, we wouldn’t have collected much information due to the cold and wind, so our adventure will start at Imola, Fausto Gresini’s city."

The 26 year old rider is excited for the new adventure that CRT presents, though is aware of the challenge ahead. "I am happy and eager to try the bike and start working with my new team and at this test, where we’ll start to understand how our CRT works. The season is very long and it will not spare any obstacles, but I’m sure that with the support of everyone, commitment and team work, we will bring home the best result possible."

source: MotoGP Official

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The San Carlo Honda Gresini Team presentation in Milan

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The Fausto Gresini led team presented its three projects for the 2012 season, with riders Álvaro Bautista, Michele Pirro and Nicolás Antonelli.

The San Carlo Honda Gresini team chose the Galleria del Vento at the headquarters of the Polytechnic University of Milan to host the presentation of the MotoGP, CRT and Moto3 projects for the 2012 season. The ambitious project has the motto “Technology and Passion” which summarizes the team's philosophy for this new adventure. Fausto Gresini and Alberto Vitaloni commence the challenge with energy and enthusiasm and a vision to build a project based on the present and the future of motorcycling.

2012 sees the interests of the team diversified in many directions: Álvaro Bautista will race in MotoGP with the Honda RC213V, Michele Pirro will be responsible for the FTR with the Honda CBR1000 RR engine in CRT category and Niccolò Antonelli Honda lead the NSF250R in Moto3.

Alberto Vitaloni:

"Technology and Passion is the perfect combination and remains the driving force behind the project we are doing with the Gresini team. From here a new season begins and we are proud to continue a collaboration that has given us much excitement in recent years. We want to continue on behalf of Marco (Simoncelli), because I'm sure he would have wanted it that way. I hope the choice we made will bring us new successes."

Fausto Gresini:

"It was a fantastic day, full of positivity. We are starting again with renewed enthusiasm, trying to combine the best “Technology and Passion”. Having a partnership with San Carlo is a great source of pride because the energy that President Alberto Vitaloni sends out is essential for everyone. We have a comprehensive program for 2012, participating on several fronts: in MotoGP with Alvaro Bautista and Michele Pirro (CRT), with Niccolo Antonelli in Moto3 and in Moto2 with Gino Rea and Ratthapark Wilairot. It was also very nice to meet with students at the Polytechnic University of Milan. I can say that we are starting on the right foot and feel confident for the season start in Qatar on April 8th."

Álvaro Bautista:

"I am very happy to be in Milan for the presentation of the San Carlo Honda Gresini team. It’s the start of a new adventure for me and I think we have all the elements to do well this season. I’m satisfied that the Sepang test were very positive and now we head to Jerez to finish the job and try to find an even better set up with the Honda RC213."

Michele Pirro:

"I've finally been able to touch my bike with my own hands! Is beautiful and I'm eager to try it. I’m convinced that the team did a good job and therefore I feel confident ahead of this new challenge. At first it won’t be easy, but I’ll work with my guys to get positive results. "

Niccolò Antonelli:

"For me, everything is really new and it’s been exciting to experience the atmosphere at the presentation. Standing next to Michele and Alvaro, I could breathe in the smell of the championship and I’m charged for next season. I found a good set up that felt good with my Moto3 and soon at the Jerez test I’ll try to improve it even more. "

source: MotoGP Official

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pictures: Honda Gresini Launch

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pictures Honda Gresini Launch

source: MotoGP Official

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CRTs meet for testing at MotorLand

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One month ahead of the start of the new MotoGP™ World Championship season, various premier class teams will be testing this week to continue preparations for the 2012 Championship. Over the course of two days—Thursday and Friday, the 8th and 9th of March—the Aragon MotorLand circuit will bring together several teams registered as CRT for another important test, one of the last of the preseason.

Teams confirmed thus far for the test are the Power Electronic Aspar team, with riders Randy de Puniet and Aleix Espargaró, Speed Master with Mattia Pasini, Paul Bird Motorsport with rider James Ellison, and Ioda Racing Project with Danilo Petrucci. After returning last week from Malaysia, Avintia Racing’s Ivan Silva and Yonny Hernandez will be present for further testing of their BQR-FTR machine.

The MotorLand circuit in Alcañiz could possibly see the debut of Michele Pirro, who has not yet ridden his 1000cc Honda CRT of the Gresini Team, although the outfit has not yet confirmed their attendance.

For those fans who wish to attend the test, the Aragon circuit is allowing access to grandstand 1, located on the home straight of the circuit. Access is free and is open from 9:00 am until 17:30 pm.

source: MotoGP 

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Pirro: "I want to make a statment in MotoGP"

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Michele Pirro shared his expectations and goals ahead of his upcoming season aboard the Gresini team’s CRT. "It's definitely an important milestone," began the 25 year-old. "I’ll be joining the best riders in the world in the highest category of racing on board a great team.”

Pirro recently extended his partnership with the Italian team, about which he said: “I am happy I’m staying with them, they are like family and after everything that happened at the end of the season, I really wanted to stay. My first place at Valencia gave Fausto (Gresini) and the team the strength to take the next step they needed to continue. After what happened in Sepang, the motivation to continue racing was at risk, but that victory helped us want to try to build something positive.”

After a competitive season in the Moto2 Championship, the Italian is ready to make the lead into the premier class where he will confront the challenge of the new CRT category, which will commence in 2012. “People are saying that it is the future,” said Pirro. "Of course in the beginning it will be criticized, just like the Moto2 class was. But after the first year, it should be possible to develop the performance of the CRT bikes even further.”

Following his win at the final round in Valencia, most expected that he would run a second term in the 600cc Moto2 class. But the two-time 1000cc Italian Superstock champion surprised everyone by opting instead for the jump to MotoGP. "I admit I waited until the last second to decide whether to continue with Moto2, especially after learning about the circuits and the category in general. With a few improvements to the bike, most likely we could have had a successful season. But I spoke with Fausto several times and he has always had the utmost confidence in me and encouraged me, and has never stopped believing in my abilities, so I'm really happy and proud to represent the Gresini team in MotoGP.”

“Staying in Moto2 surely would have allowed me to develop further in the class as a rider, and taking on this new opportunity will be a lot of hard work. But I'm happy, we will work hard to do our best to have a good season, although, given the newness of the class it’s difficult to predict too much. I am prepared and excited to invest in this new project."

The San Carlo Honda Gresini Team will run a prototype Italian FTR chassis with a Honda CBR 1000 engine, which he went on to describe: "The bike is promising, FTR has always made good chassis and of course the Honda engine and will strong. Although Aprilia and BMW are further ahead in development, I will still try to focus and prepare myself to start from where we are to move the project forward. Hopefully we can adapt the chassis to the tires, but for my part I will have to learn everything about the bike, from the electronics to the best suitable riding position. But most important will be the first test, which is expected to be in February.”

Pirro isn’t new to 1000cc bikes, having won the Italian 1000cc Superstock Championship in 2007 and 2008, riding a Yamaha YZF-R1 for the Yamaha Lorenzini by Leoni team. The next season he won the Italian Supersport Championship, and in 2010 rode as a replacement for the injured Vladimir Ivanov of the Gresini Racing Moto2 team, with which he remained for the next season as a regular rider.

The Italian’s career path saw him jump to the highest category in just a few years’ time. “For every rider, the ultimate goal is to race in MotoGP, but I’ll admit that this step in my plans was expected to happen in a couple of years. The important thing now is to work well with the team and have fun at the same time, because when everything goes your way and you can ride without problems, the results gradually come. In a few years I’ve done what many of my colleagues take much longer to achieve, but I believe I've earned each step along the way to the higher categories."

"I don’t want to just 'participate' in the MotoGP class, I’d also like make a statement. Even if the level is high, and I’m racing with the best riders in the world, I want to try to be competitive with them. I realize that in the beginning this won’t be easy, it will be difficult to achieve much because of the different technical circumstances, but hopefully the first year with CRT is an investment for the future, to grow and be competitive in the coming seasons.”

source: motogp official

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Nine CRT entries 'approved' for MotoGP 2012

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During the final Grand Prix Commission meeting of 2011, held on December 14 in Madrid, the following MotoGP rule changes and announcements were made, effective from January 2012.

The changes confirm the amount of tyres available in the aftermath of the MotoGP testing restrictions being lifted; that a red rear light must be displayed on all bikes in wet conditions (as in F1); that the minimum weight for next year's 1000cc bikes has been raised by 4kg and that nine CRT entries - plus one reserve - have been approved for the 2012 MotoGP season.

CRT entries have already been announced for Colin Edwards (NGM Forward Racing), Randy de Puniet (Aspar), Aleix Espargaro (Aspar), James Ellison (PBM), Anthony West (Speed Master) and Michele Pirro (Gresini).

The other three and the reserve are likely to come from Ioda Racing, BQR, Team Grillini and Team Laglisse.

These add to the twelve factory-built bikes, meaning MotoGP looks set for a grid of 21 riders next season, up from 17 (all factory built) in 2011.

source: crash

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FTR-Honda MotoGP bike ready for February

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A new 1000cc MotoGP bike using a British-built FTR chassis and a tuned Honda CBR1000RR engine will be ready for shakedown testing in February.

But the bike that is being raced by Fausto Gresini’s squad in 2012 is unlikely to be on track for the first major winter test session at the Sepang circuit in Malaysia on January 31.

FTR recently signed a deal with Gresini’s Italian-based squad to supply the chassis for its new 1000cc project (CRT) and Valencia Moto2 winner Michele Pirro will ride the bike next season.

FTR boss Steve Bones told MCN: “I would think the bike will be on track in February but where will be a decision left to the team.  We will push on and get the bike done as soon as we can but there are still a few items that need to be resolved in terms of the engine supplier that need to come together. We are beavering away on the layout of the bike but it won’t be ready for the first Sepang test in February. I’m pleased that we have got arguably one of the best teams on the grid to work with and I think it will be a very good set-up.”

The Gresini team will also field Spanish rider Alvaro Bautista on a prototype Honda RC213V machine.

source: MCN

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Pirro to ride the San Carlo Honda Gresini CRT bike in 2012

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Michele Pirro, winner of the final Moto2 race of the 2011 season in Valencia, has been chosen ride the San Carlo Honda Gresini CRT machine which sports a FTR chassis and Honda CBR 1000R engine.

Team owner Fausto Gresini and 25 year old Michele Pirro have come to an agreement to continue their partnership into the 2012 season. Pirro will take to the controls of the CRT bike with a FTR chassis and a Honda CBR1000R engine alongside Álvaro Bautista, who will ride a Honda RC213V.

Fausto Gresini:

"We think that for a new project like CRT, the right thing to do was give Michele Pirro an opportunity to further demonstrate his potential. In the final round of the Moto2 World Championship, he certified that he has the technical and competitive qualities and we believe that in this new category of CRT he can be one of the protagonists."

"His victory in Valencia was impressive and memorable; he provided us all enthusiasm and encouraged us to want to be a part of this fascinating adventure. Also, we have keep in mind that we are a Italian team, this is important for us, and the decision to do this project with Michele is also the result of this standpoint".

Michele Pirro:

"I’m happy to have made this decision and proud to join the San Carlo Honda Gresini team in this interesting new adventure. It wasn’t an easy decision to make because of the fact that initially I had wanted to try to improve on the 2011 results I had in Moto2, but the growing confidence that Fausto Gresini had for me at the end of the season left me with no doubt about the choice to take. I feel honored to continue to be a part of this fantastic group and to work together with them on this ambitious project that represents the future of MotoGP. I hope to return the confidence they have in me with results and technical contributions to this exciting team.

source: motogp official

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Melandri & Dovizioso racing for charity

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On November 12th and 13th, at the Crossdromo Internazionale Monte Coralli di Faenza, the second edition of  the “RideForLife” charity event will take place. The weekend will feature motocross, quad, pit bike and go-pro auto races, with some of the biggest names in road and off-road racing at the controls.

Expected to participate are: Andrea Dovizioso, Marco Melandri, Alex De Angelis, Michele Pirro, Chicco Chiodi, Andrea Bartolini, Claudio Federici and Davide Guarneri. Some freestyle jumping displays will also be part of the show.

Practice and qualifying is scheduled for Saturday, with the races taking place from 12:30pm onwards on Sunday.  At 4:30pm there will be a raffle drawing for two Yamaha motocross bikes, and various articles of equipment  

The event is officially promoted by the FMI (Italian Federation), and by the charity organization Riders4Riders.  The goal is to raise funds for injured riders, and to support research into curing spinal cords injuries.

source: GP One

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Pirro scores his first win at Valencia

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Gresini Racing’s Michele Pirro rode to his first Moto2 win at the Gran Premio Gernerali de la Comunitat Valenciana, in emotional conclusion to the final race of the season for the Gresini Team. Mika Kallio and Dominique Aegerter completed the podium.

Pole position starter Michele Pirro claimed his first ever GP win in the final round of the season at the Ricardo Tormo circuit, crossing the line over six seconds ahead of Mika Kallio (Marc VDS Racing) who scored his first podium of the season. The result for the Gresini Team was a fitting tribute to their fallen rider MotoGP Marco Simoncelli, and a was welcome finish to a weekend they had previously questioned participating in.

Pirro’s team mate Yuki Takahashi had joined him on the front row of the damp grid, the Japanese rider launching well off the start and holding the lead until lap five when an unfortunate crash in the slippery conditions put and end to his race. With Pirro inheriting the lead, the battle for second between Kallio (Marc VDS Racing), Yonny Hernández (Blusens-STX) and Aegerter (Technomag-CIP) ensued, with the Finn claiming second ahead of the Swiss rider Aegerter when Hernández rode off the track.

A four way battle for behind the leaders between Anthony West (MZ Racing), Alex de Angelis (JiR Moto2), Kenny Noyes (Avintia-STX) and Xavier Simeon (Tech 3 B) went to the line, with Australian West coming out on top of the pile to take fourth position ahead of American rider Noyes in fifth.

Hernandez took sixth, with Mike di Meglio (Tech 3 Racing) seventh ahead of Simeon. Max Neukirchner (MZ Racing) and Julián Simón (Mapfre Aspar) completed the top ten, while World Champion Stefan Bradl (Viessmann Kiefer Racing) fell from 7th position early in the race.

Andrea Iannone (Speed Master) crossed the line 11th to claim third place in the Championship, beating out De Angelis who followed the Italian across the line in 12th.

source: motogp official

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Pirro on pole in rain hindered qualifying, Bradl claims Moto2 title

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Gresini Team’s Michele Pirro set the fastest lap in the first dry ten minutes of the intermediate class qualifying at the Valencia circuit, with Stefan Bradl posting the fourth quickest time before rain began to fall.

Viessmann Kiefer Racing’s Stefan Bradl set the fourth fastest time just before the rain flag came out, and with Marc Márquez (Team CatalunyaCaixa Repsol) not participating in the GP on Sunday, the German rider officially claims the 2011 Moto2 Championship title.

Pirro’s team mate Yuki Takahashi claimed the second spot on the grid, thus giving the Gresini Team the top two spots on the Moto2 grid, a serendipitous and fitting QP result for a weekend full of tributes to the fallen MotoGP Gresini Team rider Marco Simoncelli. The two were separated by just 0.009s, with the Italian setting the session leading lap of 1'37.067.

Most of the field elected to sit out for the remainder of the session, which remained as it was before rain soaked the track, with Mika Kallio (Marc VDS Racing) taking third position with a lap four tenths behind Takahashi. Bradl in fourth was three tenths off Kallio, with Alex de Angelis (JiR Moto2) in fifth ahead of Thomas Lüthi (Interwetten Paddock Moto2).

Dominique Aegerter (Technomag-CIP), Xavier Simeon (Tech 3 B) and Mike di Meglio (Tech 3 Racing) comprise row three, with Simone Corsi (Ioda Racing Project) completing the top ten ahead of Aleix Espargaró (Pons HP 40) and Bradley Smith (Tech 3 Racing).

source: motogp official

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