MotoGP paddock buzzing in Jerez on eve of 2006 season With the first race of the season taking place this Sunday at the Jerez circuit in southern Spain, the whole MotoGP paddock came together for first time in 2006 for what promises to be yet another fantastic year of action in the world’s premier motorcycling series. The highlight of the day came when the top riders faced the media for the opening press conference of 2006, with reigning MotoGP World Champion Valentino Rossi pitted against the reigning 250cc World Champion Dani Pedrosa for the first time, albeit without their bikes. The duo, whose head-to-head was just one of the themes of the conference, were joined by John Hopkins, Shinya Nakano and Sete Gibernau as they all spoke about Sunday’s Gran Premio betandwin.com de España World Champion Valentino Rossi was the first in line for questioning, and gave an answer to those who doubted his whether he was motivated this season, “I am”¦ I hope that I am,” commented the Yamaha rider, before remaining upbeat about the vibration problems which have been a recurring theme of his Yamaha team’s preseason. “We have had just 10 days to fix the problem, which is usually something that appears in Barcelona but instead occurred in Jerez. The Japanese engineers have been trying to sort it, and we have new tyres for this purpose.” Meanwhile, although many expect him to challenge this season, Dani Pedrosa reiterated at the press conference that he needed time to get used to his Honda. “It means a lot to be here in Spain, but it’s better to be here amongst the top riders, I have wanted this ever since I was young. I am still getting used to the MotoGP machine, but I have a good opportunity to do things I like in life, so that makes me pleased.” Another home favourite Sete Gibernau is also looking for glory in a new team this season, and the former championship runner-up eulogised those behind him at Ducati in his drive for success, “One thing I’ve learnt through the years is that a team wins, not just the rider. I need to be surrounded by people who are focused on pushing for the championship, and I have that here at Ducati.” Before the riders made it into the press conference three of their peers, Chris Vermeulen, Toni Elias and Randy de Puniet, all headed to the Gonzalez Byass sherry bodega to sample the local Tio Pepe speciality, on which Jerez’s worldwide fame was built. Vermeulen in particular will be glad that he is riding the new Suzuki GSV-R for the World Championship, and not the 1880 Penny Farthing which resides in the bodega, and which he took a ride around on. After taking a look at the world’s largest weather vane, the riders all signed a barrel of sherry produced especially for the Grand Prix, before taking turns to pour and taste a small sample. However, they assured that they would be all in a fit state to ride in tomorrow’s free practice. Today also saw the traditional MotoGP family photos, in which all riders from the three categories posed in full leathers on the grid. Of particular interest was the appearance of 250cc rider Michele Pirro, who attended the event on crutches despite having been ruled out of the Gran Premio betandwin.com de España. Tomorrow’s practices begin at 9am with 125cc, whilst the MotoGP season gets underway at 10am. The latest news, reports and action can all be found by following the link to motogp.com.