Ducati Team arrives at Sachsenring for the German Grand Prix

After the satisfaction of Assen, where Andrea Dovizioso picked up an excellent second place, the Ducati Team now arrives in Germany for the ninth round of the MotoGP World Championship, which takes place this weekend at the Sachsenring circuit, near the town of Chemnitz in the former East Germany.

The Sachsenring is one of the shortest and slowest circuits on the calendar, but it is by no means an easy track. Its counter-clockwise layout contains several truly difficult curves, as well as a number of ups and downs. Dovizioso has obtained one podium in MotoGP with a third place in 2012, while Crutchlow finished runner-up in the race at the German track twelve months ago.

The German Grand Prix will also mark the half-way point in the 2014 MotoGP World Championship.

Andrea Dovizioso (Ducati Team #04)

“The result at Assen was very important for me and the Ducati Team, but I don’t think we have the speed in dry conditions to be able to aim for the podium too much. As always however we must push 100% and improve over last year. In my opinion Sachsenring is too short and too tight for MotoGP, but I think the bike has improved from last year so we have to show the difference at every race, like we did at Assen”.

Cal Crutchlow (Ducati Team #35)

“I’ve never ridden at the Sachsenring on the Ducati, but I like the track and went really well there last year, when I was second in qualifying and finished second in the race, which is one of my best results ever in MotoGP. Unfortunately because of the layout and the corners I think we will have a few problems with understeer on this track, but we will see and as always I’ll try my best to be competitive”.

The Sachsenring Circuit

Like Assen, Sachsenring is another circuit with a great motorsport tradition: racing on roads near the town of Chemnitz began in 1920 and continued there until 1990. In 1996 it was decided to build the new Sachsenring circuit about ten km away from the German town, and its first German GP took place there in 1998. Since then the circuit has undergone a series of improvements, including a radical change in the track layout in 2001. Its numerous tight curves make it one of the slowest circuits on the calendar, but these characteristics ensure that races at the Sachsenring are always exciting and hard-fought.

Fastest lap: 2011 Dani Pedrosa (Honda), 1’21.846 (161.4 km/h)

Qualifying: 2008 Casey Stoner (Ducati), 1’21.067 (163.0 km/h)

Track length: 3.671 km

Race length: 30 laps (110.1 km)

Corners: 13 (10 left, 3 right)

Race start: 14.00 local time (GMT +2)

More, from a press release issued by Repsol Honda:

Repsol Honda Team head to Germany with momentum on their side

This weekend’s German GP marks the midway point of the 2014 season and Repsol Honda’s Marc Marquez is firmly in the driving seat, with teammate Dani Pedrosa third in the Championship but level on points with second place Valentino Rossi.

The German GP attracts some of the biggest crowds on the racing calendar. Originally the track weaved through the streets of nearby Hohenstein-Ernstthal – the first race taking place in 1927 – but when it became too dangerous, Sachsenring was constructed, 3.67km in length combining ten left turns and just three rights and has hosted the German GP since 1998.

Championship leader Marc has an exceptional record at this track having won here the last four years (2013 MotoGP, 2012 and 2011 Moto2, 2010 125cc). Teammate Dani, who unfortunately missed the race last year due to an injury sustained in Saturday’s FP3, also has an incredible history at this circuit with six victories (four in MotoGP), and a total of seven podiums.

TEAM QUOTES

Marc Marquez

Championship Standing: 1st – 200 points

“It was a tough and complicated weekend in Assen, but I was really happy to win a race under such tricky conditions. Now we have Sachsenring which is a nice circuit, but quite special as it’s so small! Last year I had a good race but we must remember that neither Dani or Jorge were able to race so this year I look forward to racing them, especially as Dani is so strong at this track! It seems the Honda is well suited to this circuit so we will look to make the most of this advantage”

Dani Pedrosa

Championship Standing: 3rd – 128 points

“It was a tricky weekend in Assen and in those kind of races, it’s easy to lose many points in the Championship, so I’m pleased with our podium finish. Now we’re heading to Germany where I had a disappointing weekend last year after being declared unfit to race due to my crash on Saturday. I always enjoy racing at Sachsenring and finding the right set up is critical – especially as you spend a lot of time on the left, but the fastest corner is to the right, so tyre performance will be key. I’m looking forward to getting there to make up for missing last year!”

More, from a press release issued by NGM Mobile Forward Racing:

The NGM Forward Racing Team ready for the German GP

Following the incredible weekend at the Assen TT, the NGM Forward Racing Team look forward to the German GP at the Sachsenring circuit, ninth round of the 2014 championship.

Riders Alex Espargaro and Colin Edwards head to Germany with huge motivation. The Spaniard aims at repeating the strong performance he made in Holland, where he scored the pole position and fought hard with Dani Pedrosa for the podium. Team-mate Colin Edwards looks forward to Germany, where he is determined to make some big changes and get some feeling with his Forward Yamaha.

The German GP will be an important opportunity also for the Moto2 riders Simone Corsi and Mattia Pasini. Following the unlucky race at the Assen TT, where they showed to be very fast but couldn’t get the deserved results, the NGM Forward Racing riders look forward to Sachsenring. Second last year, Simone Corsi is determined to fight for the podium on the German track. Also Mattia Pasini has good memories at Sachsenring, where he won in 2006 in 125cc.

Located just outside Chemnitz, Sachsenring first hosted a MotoGP round in 1998 on the venue that used to host car and bike races on closed public road since the 1920s. Every year the German GP attracts many spectators and the ambience is warm and passionate.

Circuit Info

Length: 3.671 m / 2.281 miles

Width: 12m

Left corners: 10

Right corners: 3

Longest straight: 700 m / 0.435 miles

Constructed: 1996

Modified: 2003

Colin Edwards

“After Assen, I look forward to racing at Sachsenring. We need to get on the bike and figure something out, make some big changes in one direction or the other and get some feeling. I have a few memories at Sachsenring, of course 2003, when my machine went on fire”.

Aleix Espargaro

“I am very happy for the Holland race. Now it’s important to keep the momentum and ride my best to keep fighting with the front guys. At Assen we fought hard for the podium and finally finished 4th. We will try this week to repeat another strong performance at Sachsenring. It’s one of the slowest circuit on the MotoGP calendar and the layout with its tight corners should suits our machine, so I’m very confident for the race”.

Simone Corsi

“I arrive at Sachsenring after two unlucky races. I like this circuit very much and last year we finished on the podium. I’m determined to repeat myself with another strong performance. It’s very important to close this first part of the season with a good result”.

Mattia Pasini

“I look forward to racing at Sachsenring. This will be the last race before the summer break and I’d like to leave Germany with a good result. In the last races we were able to ride fast but in the race we haven’t got the results we expected. I’d like to fight for the podium here at Sachsenring”.

More, from a press release issued by Bridgestone:

Bridgestone MotoGP™ Preview – Round 9: Sachsenring

Bridgestone slick compounds available: Front: Soft, Medium & Hard; Rear: Soft, Medium & Hard (Asymmetric)

Bridgestone wet tyre compounds available: Soft (Main), Hard (Alternative)

Round nine of the 2014 MotoGP™ season takes place at Germany’s Sachsenring; a technical circuit whose combination of abrasive tarmac and fast left-hand turns make it one the most punishing tracks for tyres.

The Sachsenring circuit is one of the shorter circuits on the MotoGP™ calendar, measuring just 3.671 kilometres in length. However, with ten left-hand turns compared to just three right-handers, the Sachsenring is extremely punishing on the left shoulder of the tyres, and the lack of right-hand turns means superior warm-up performance for the tyres is also a key requirement at this circuit.

The imbalance in the number of left and right-hand turns at this circuit means asymmetric rear slicks are supplied. However the large difference in temperatures generated on the shoulders of the tyres due to the many successive left-hand corners means the difference in compound hardness between the left and right shoulders of the rear slicks is greater than at other circuits. The rear slick options for the German Grand Prix are the soft and medium compound for the Open-class and Ducati entrants, and the medium and hard compound asymmetric rear slicks for the Factory Honda and Yamaha riders.

The front slick tyre allocation for Sachsenring is the soft, medium and hard compound options to ensure excellent warm-up performance and safety in the case of cool conditions, as well as superior front-end stability. The main wet tyre for Sachsenring is the soft compound, however each rider can select up to two front and rear tyres of the alternative, hard compound wet tyre if they desire.

Hiroshi Yamada – Manager, Bridgestone Motorsport Department

“The German Grand Prix at Sachsenring brings us to the halfway point of what has been an enthralling MotoGP season so far. Marc has been in imperious form having won all races so far, but this hasn’t prevented 2014 being one of the best championships of recent times, with so many exciting battles. Sachsenring is a short circuit but is very demanding on tyres due to its abrasive tarmac and unbalanced layout, so in terms of technical development it is one of the more challenging circuits for Bridgestone. The German Grand Prix is always a pleasure for everyone in the paddock as the huge crowd of fans that flock to the circuit every year create an amazing atmosphere.”

Shinji Aoki – Manager, Bridgestone Motorcycle Tyre Development Department

“Sachsenring is a very demanding circuit for tyres as it features long-radius corners where the bikes stay at high lean angles for long periods. In particular, the high-speed left-hand corners that sweep onto the back and main straights generate a lot of temperature in the left shoulder of the rear tyre. To meet the demands of this circuit, asymmetric rear slicks with much harder rubber compounds on the left shoulder are provided, while the softer compounds on the right shoulder help retain tyre temperature for maximum safety in the slow right-handers. Our front tyre options will ensure good warm-up and grip for the cool morning sessions, and maximum front-end stability when the pace quickens. This is a short circuit with a relatively low average speed, but the stress placed on the tyres and high abrasion levels means that a good bike setup and a riding style that uses the tyres most effectively are crucial to getting a decent result here.”

More, from a press release issued by Scott Redding:

Redding ready for the Sachsenring

Hohenstein-Ernstthal, Germany – 8 July 2014: Scott Redding heads to the Sachsenring for the final race before the traditional summer break, looking to retain his position in the championship standings as the top production Honda rider.

The 21-year-old Briton currently has 28 championship points to his name after once again finishing as the top Honda RCV1000R last time out at Assen, his first wet and his first flag-to-flag race aboard a MotoGP bike.

Redding likes the mostly tight and twisty Sachsenring track. At just 3.671km or 2.281 miles in length it’s the shortest circuit on the MotoGP calendar and, on paper at least, should suit well the characteristics of his Honda RCV1000R.

Scott Redding:

“We got a good result at Assen, despite it being my first real experience of a MotoGP bike in the wet and the first time ever that I’ve swapped bikes during a race. It means I go to the Sachsenring with an advantage over the other production Honda riders in the championship standings, although Nicky Hayden is only one point behind me. Racing at the Sachsenring will certainly be interesting because the circuit is really small and these bikes are so fast! I like the track; it has some ups and down, some fast corners, some slow corners and, best of all, no long straight. For this reason I think our Honda RCV1000R will be well suited to this track. There are ten left-handers compared to only three right-handers and I’ve always preferred right-handers myself, so racing a MotoGP bike there could be quite funny. Anyway, we will see how we go, but it would be good to go into the summer break as the top production Honda rider in the championship standings.”

More, from a press release issued by Movistar Yamaha:

Movistar Yamaha MotoGP Prepare for Sachsenring

Gerno di Lesmo (Italy), 9th July 2014

After a rainy weekend in the Netherlands two weeks ago, Movistar Yamaha MotoGP looks ahead to a new race weekend full of action in Germany for the Motorrad Grand Prix Deutschland at the Sachsenring circuit. The TT in Assen saw Valentino Rossi ride from the back of the field to an impressive fifth place while Jorge Lorenzo faced a tough challenge in uncertain conditions. Both riders are looking forward to a more orderly race this weekend during the German GP.

Though Rossi finds Sachsenring challenging he has won four MotoGP races at the circuit and has stood on the German rostrum ten times over his whole career. This year the Italian aims to finish on the podium for a second consecutive year, and create a gap between him and the man in third place, Dani Pedrosa. Both Rossi and Pedrosa are currently tied on 128 championship points.

Teammate Lorenzo missed the GP of Germany last year due to emergency surgery after a fall during FP2. This year the Spaniard hopes to change his fortunes as he shows the German public his Spartan spirit. Prior to 2013’s missed race Lorenzo has four consecutive second place finishes at Sachsenring but has yet to grace the top step of the podium.

Sachsenring has a long history of hosting motorsport events. The first race was held at this track in 1927, but due to safety issues it was decided that the circuit needed to be rebuilt in 1996. It wasn’t until 1998 that the Sachsenring track hosted its first MotoGP event, but even within these last 16 years the circuit has seen many improvements take place, including a drastic layout enhancement in 2001. The numerous tight corners and the 12m width of the tarmac make this circuit one of the slower tracks on the calendar where it’s hard to overtake, but there is still plenty of close racing action that keeps the fan coming back for more.

Valentino Rossi

“I am very happy to go to Sachsenring after the contract renewal with Yamaha for another 2 years. I’ve been saying that we are very close to signing for many races and finally we did it! For me it is really important, I am very happy! At Assen we did a good race but at the Sachsenring we’ll try to do better. I like the track; it’s very difficult, very tricky and very small. In the last few years it was not so bad, especially with the Yamaha. It’s strange and something different, but it’s always good to ride MotoGP there. In Germany we can also have issues with the weather. It is always difficult, so we hope for good weather so we can make a good result.”

Jorge Lorenzo

“After a disappointing race at Assen where we expected much more I’m right now focused on the next race. Sachsenring is not one of my favorite circuits, especially after last year when I crashed again and I had a problem with the plate fixing my collarbone. After that crash I had to suffer another surgery and that issue changed it all. Despite this season where I don’t feel so lucky for so many different things, I’m looking forward to racing there and trying to revert the situation. The bike is working well and I can feel the support of all the team. I’m pretty optimistic as usual and I will never give up!”

Massimo Meregalli

“After a very unpredictable weekend in Assen we are all looking forward to getting to Germany and the Sachsenring circuit. Whilst the weather made Assen a very complicated race weekend, we were still able to show that we have a very competitive package in both wet and dry conditions. We do hope that this coming weekend we can finally experience one or the other to give us an opportunity to maximise this and get the results we know we are capable of.”