2007 Bennetts British Superbike Championship Rounds 17 & 18 Mallory Park, Leicestershire Sunday 22nd July 2007 Stobart Vent Axia Motorsport riders Shane ‘Shakey’ Byrne and Tom Sykes will start tomorrow’s two 30 lap races from the second row of the grid after all qualifying sessions were cancelled for round nine of the Bennetts British Championship at Mallory Park, Leicestershire today. After torrential downpours on Friday and then overnight caused parts of the track to flood, the organisers took the decision to cancel all the qualifying sessions and run free practice sessions instead, with the grid positions determined by Championship position. The first of the Bennetts British Superbike races gets underway at 13.00 with the second one screened live on ITV1 at 15.40. Grid Positions (as per Championship Position) 1, Ryuichi Kiyonari (Honda) 2, Jonathan Rea (Honda) 3, Leon Haslam (Ducati) 4, Gregorio Lavilla (Ducati) 5, Shane Byrne (Stobart Vent Axia Motorsport Honda) 6, Leon Camier (Honda) 7, Tom Sykes (Stobart Vent Axia Motorsport Honda) 8, Chris Walker (Suzuki) 9, Karl Harris (Honda) 10, Tommy Hill (Yamaha)

2007 FIM Superbike World Championship Brno, Czech Republic July 21, 2007 Superpole Results: 1. Noriyuki HAGA (Yam YZF-R1), 1:59.603 2. Max BIAGGI (Suz GSX-R1000K7), 2:00.018 3. Troy BAYLISS (Duc 999F07), 2:00.034 4. James TOSELAND (Hon CBR1000RR), 2:00.235 5. Troy CORSER (Yam YZF-R1), 2:00.251 6. Yukio KAGAYAMA (Suz GSX-R1000K7), 2:00.879 7. Lorenzo LANZI (Duc 999F07), 2:01.078 8. Max NEUKIRCHNER (Suz GSX-R1000K6), 2:01.177 9. Roberto ROLFO (Hon CBR1000RR), 2:01.234 10. Michel FABRIZIO (Hon CBR1000RR), 2:01.690 11. Karl MUGGERIDGE (Hon CBR1000RR), 2:01.708 12. Fonsi NIETO (Kaw ZX-10R), 2:01.755 13. Shinichi NAKATOMI (Yam YZF-R1), 2:01.849 14. Ruben XAUS (Duc 999F06), 2:02.237 15. Regis LACONI (Kaw ZX-10R), 2:02.279 16. Jakub SMRZ (Duc 999F05), 2:02.855 More, from a press release issued by FGSport Group: HAGA THE HAMMER IN BRNO QUALIFYING NEW TRACK RECORD FOR SUPEPROLE WINNER HAGA Noriyuki Haga (Yamaha Motor Italia) beat down the doors of the Brno Citadel by becoming the first rider to dip under the two-minute lap barrier on a race weekend, scoring to his second Superpole win of the 2007 season. His 1’59.603 lap beat the strong 2’00.018 of Max Biaggi (Alstare Suzuki Corona Extra), which four other top riders could not better, despite Troy Bayliss (Ducati Xerox) looking set to be quickest until the last power-sapping climb up the hill to the final chicane. Bayliss was to finish third on the grid, with James Toseland (Hannspree Ten Kate Honda) scoring fourth place and a front row start. In regulation qualifying, Haga was also fastest, and was thus last man away in Superpole. CORSER ON ROW TWO WITH DOUBLE WINNER KAGAYAMA ALONGSIDE Troy Corser (Yamaha Motor Italia) was many spectator’s best bets for the Superpole win but he lost pace in the final split and ended up on the second row, fifth fastest. Yukio Kagayama (Alstare Suzuki Corona Extra) had a wild Superpole lap, running wide on one particular corner exit and drifting onto the dirt, but still ending up sixth fastest. The second row is completed by Bayliss’ team-mate Lorenzo Lanzi (Ducati Xerox) and top privateer Max Neukirchner (Suzuki Germany), who was only 12th in regulation qualifying. ROW THREE HEADED BY ROLFO Roby Rolfo (Hannspree Ten Kate Honda) ran out ninth after a small crash at the end of the second qualifying session and suffered a slight leg injury, which held back his Superpole charge somewhat. Double 2007 podium finisher Michel Fabrizio (DFX Corse Honda) was into the top ten despite a couple of worrying rear-end slides, while Karl Muggeridge (Alto Evolution Honda) improved from 14th in regulation to record a third row time, and 11th position. Fonsi Nieto (PSG-1 Kawasaki Corse) finished off the third row after failing to improve on qualifying tyres. NAKATOMI MAKES IT COUNT IN SUPERPOLE Shinichi Nakatomi (Yamaha YZF Team) mimicked his 13th place from regulation qualifying in Superpole, but two bigger SBK names had difficulties that held them on the fourth row. Ruben Xaus (Sterilgarda Ducati) has struggled all weekend and went 14th in Superpole, while Regis Laconi (Kawasaki PSG-1 Corse) battled hard on a bike which did not want to change direction in the fast sections, ending up 15th. Local rider Jakub Smrz (Caracchi Ducati SC) slipped to 16th only in Superpole, with 23 riders present at Brno. WORLD SUPERSPORT – KENAN THE PRACTICE KING Kenan Sofuoglu (Hannspree Ten Kate Honda) set a new Supersport track best of 2’04.871 in final qualifying to take pole at Brno for Sunday’s 18-lap race. The long time championship leader was over half a second faster than the next best rider, Broc Parkes (Yamaha World Supersport Team), who was in turn followed in the pre-race ranking by a slow starting, fast finishing, Joshua Brookes (Stiggy Motorsports Honda). In a happy final session for the Stiggy Honda team, regular rider Robbin Harms (Stiggy Motorsports Honda) was fourth fastest, joining Brookes on the front row. Sebastien Charpentier (Hannspree Ten Kate Honda) went fifth fastest but for Fabien Foret (GIL Kawasaki), the closest rider to Sofuoglu in the championship battle, Brno was a tough challenge, and he finished only 11th in qualifying. SUPERSTOCK 1000 FIM CUP QUALIFYING – CANEPA ON THE HOT SPOT Niccolo Canepa (Ducati Xerox Junior Team) secured pole in the big Superstock class, while Ayrton Badovini (Biassono Racing Team) held off former champion Didier Vankeymeulen (TTSL-MGM Racing Yamaha). Michele Pirro (Yamaha Team Italia) went fourth on the grid. More, from a press release issued by Scuderia SC Caracchi: NANNELLI CLENCH THE TEETH AT BRNO GOOD RESULT FOR SMRZ ON HIS HOME TRACK Gianluca Nannelli is not a rider that easily surrender. At Brno, after the first practice day, “Nanna” was quite back in the grid because of the pain in the injured knee, but today in the two final sessions the 749R Ducati SC Caracchi rider used all his fighting spirit and improved more as 2 seconds his lap time, recording the 17th position that will allow him to start from the fifth row. The weather forecast speak about a small fall of the temperature and that too could give some advantage to the riders’ effort. “In those physical conditions I have to find a set up for give to the bike the agility that I couldn’t have on the saddle.” said a shaking Gianluca Nannelli getting of his bike at the end of the day. “The team made a lonh job looking for the solution and this morning too, during the free practice session, I rode better. The engine is powerful, with the best top speed of the group and the work we made on the suspension allowed me to get a better performance. Well, the zeal that the team and myself spent during those practices could merit something better, but the Supersport, with about fifteen riders in the gap of a second, is pitiless. I am still slow in the flip-flop corners and a few tenth of second should be very precious to bring us maybe a row before in the starting grid. I’m sorry to lose the possibility of the fourth row, during the last minutes of qualifying I found a couple of riders that slowed me a bit. The bike looks to be OK, but tomorrow it will be a very hard race. If the temperature will go on so warm I don’t know how my body will resist to the continuous stress of a hard race. Today I rode with a tutor to protect the left knee and for tomorrow’s race the Clinica Mobile staff will treat me with some anti-pain medicine, to be in the best conditions at the moment, as the great work of the Team and all my zeal merit.” Jakub Smrz on the 999F05 Superbike during the morning recorded a very good final qualifying session that allowed him to reach easily to be admitted to Superpole as the best of Ducati riders behind the pair of full factory Xerox Ducati riders. A small lack of power of his engine during the Superpole did not allow him to improve his grid position, but for tomorrow’s race “Kuba” looks to be confident and calm. “In the morning I earned easily the admission to Superpole, as I recorded my qualifying time using race-soft tyres.” commented Jakub Smrz at the end of Superpole “Also during the afternoon’s free practice session I rode the same tyres for several laps with very good result. The when we wear the qualifying tyres the engine started to fail and I rode even slower as with race tyres, but we were at the end of the session and Superpole would start a few minutes later. For that I couldn’t improve my lap time, but with the race set up we could ride a very good pace and so for tomorrow I’m quite confident in a good result on my home track. The Team has already installed a new engine, tomorrow we’ll be in the best conditions.” More, from a press release issued by Team Alstare Suzuki Corona Extra: 2007 Superbike World Championship Round 9, Brno, CZ Final qualifying, Saturday 21st July Circuit: 5.403 kms Weather: Dry, sunny 28 C. MAX JUST MISSES OUT ON POLE. Team Alstare Suzuki Corona Extra rider Max Biaggi was on course for pole position in the 16-rider Superpole shoot-out today right up the moment the last rider, Noriyuki Haga, went out. At that stage, Max had lapped the 5.403 kilometre Brno circuit in 2:00.018 – a time that looked unbeatable. But then Haga blitzed his Yamaha round the undulating track in 1:59.603 and became the first rider ever to have lapped a Superbike at Brno in under two minutes. But Max is happy enough with second today, a front row grid position and is ready for two long 20 lap races tomorrow. His team mate Yukio Kagayama made a couple of small mistakes on his Superpole lap and ended sixth quickest – the same as last year. Third fastest in Superpole today is Troy Bayliss (Ducati), with series leader James Toseland (Honda) fourth. Max – 2nd My Superpole lap time was the fastest I’ve been round here this weekend and I thought maybe it was good enough for pole position. It didn’t work out that way, but I’m not too unhappy because I am on the front row and that is what counts. If the weather is as hot or similar to these last two days, tyres are going to be a crucial element. I think the guy who wins tomorrow’s race is the one who conserves his tyres best. It’s going to be a long, hard day for sure and the last five or six laps of the races are going to very interesting. I hope that tomorrow Brno will once again give me good memories. Yukio – 6th I was sixth in qualifying last year and went on to win both races, so if I can do the same I will be very happy! Today I made some mistakes in Superpole and lost some time. That was enough to lose the front row, but sixth is not so bad. I went onto the grass and then wheelied when I hit the ripple strip and that was probably about four tenths of a second gone. Then some slides and more time lost, so that’s where my Superpole lap went. But, I’m quite happy with my times on race rubber and as long as I get a good start I think I can be competitive for sure. It’s going to be very hard tomorrow – especially if the weather stays as hot. Tyre life is going to be a problem and you will have to have a good tyre strategy to win the race. This is going to be my goal. More, from a press release issued by Xerox Ducati: FRONT ROW START FOR BAYLISS, LANZI IMPROVES TO ROW 2 IN BRNO HEAT FOR DUCATI XEROX TEAM Brno (Czech Republic), Saturday 21 July: Troy Bayliss (Ducati Xerox) will start tomorrow’s ninth round of the World Superbike Championship at the Automotodrom Brno from the front row of the grid after setting third quickest time in Superpole. The 38 year-old Australian was looking good in the first two splits but lost time in the final sector to finish behind Max Biaggi (Suzuki). Noriyuki Haga then did the first ever sub-2 minute lap of the Czech Republic circuit to grab pole for Yamaha. Team-mate Lorenzo Lanzi did his quickest lap of the entire weekend in Superpole to line up on row 2 in seventh place. “It’s pretty important to be on the front row here because last year with the track conditions we really struggled” declared Troy. “I was happy to set the time that I did and was surprised Nori made 59.6 because that’s a really good job. No one has ever gone that fast on a Superbike here before. My last split was far from perfect, I ran a little wide in the final corner but it wasn’t going to gain me four tenths so I’m happy with that and hopefully we can do a decent job tomorrow. They are going to be two very hard races tomorrow. Honestly there are two choices of tyre: a soft one that everyone will want to use and that’s going to be very difficult for the last six laps and then there’s the harder tyre where you’re going to lose a second a lap right from the start, so I’m sure we’re going to see some strange things tomorrow!” “I made a mistake right in the middle of the first corner on my Superpole lap and for sure I lost some time there. The rest of the lap wasn’t bad so I start on the second row, which is OK because it’s a row ahead of what we have been doing all weekend” commented Lorenzo. “I feel I’ve got a good race pace so tomorrow we will try and get a good start and do a good race with the tyres. We’ve still got a couple of things to try in the warm-up as well. Conditions will for sure be different for tomorrow’s races, like last year, but hopefully they will be a bit more in our favour and the temperature will be lower, which should help us”. More, from a press release issued by Troy Corser’s publicist: SECOND ROW FOR TROY Troy just missed out on a front row grid position in today’s Superpole shoot-out at Brno. He had tried a couple of qualifying tyres just before Superpole started and couldn’t get them to work, so when he began his Superpole lap on a similar tyre he was a bit concerned that it might be the same. He started his flying lap cautiously and that was enough to drop him from the front row to the second. Troy’s Yamaha Motor Italia team mate Noriyuki Haga stormed round the 5.403 kilometre circuit in 1:59.603 and in so doing became the first Superbike rider to lap the circuit in under two minutes. Third quickest today is Troy Bayliss (Ducati), with series leader James Toseland (Honda) fourth. Troy – 5th Superpole was ok, but I was bit tentative in the first split because I wasn’t sure how my tyre was going to behave. I had tried a couple in the free practice before and had not been able to get them to work, so I guess I was just a bit too cautious at the beginning and that was enough to lose the front row. On race tyres though, I’m reasonably happy and I think everybody is going to have some sort of tyre problems tomorrow – mainly because of the heat. The tyres are going to fall off in performance towards the end, so the rider who looks after them best during the race will be a strong position. The last five or six laps are going to be very interesting for sure, and I hope that I will be in a good position when the fun starts. More, from a press release issued by Yamaha Racing: Haga Goes Under the Two-Minute Lap to Take Pole Haga today became the first rider to do a sub two-minute lap at Brno, taking pole position with a time of 1’59.603. With this morning’s track temperature over ten degrees cooler than yesterday’s qualifying, both Haga and Corser found the going easier in second qualifying. Haga went out this morning and put in two fast laps, waking the rest of the pack up and reinforcing his place at the head of the qualifying table. Corser also beat his best time from yesterday, breaking into the 2’00 lap times, but was unable to hold off an attack for second from Bayliss. Superpole was where the action really heated up. Haga was the last rider to complete his Superpole lap and did not disappoint as he went to the top of the board to take his second successive pole at the Czech circuit with the record-breaking lap time. Corser’s lap earlier in the session had been smooth throughout the first two sections until he lost grip on the final part of the circuit, putting him in third. It was only Haga and Bayliss’ laps afterwards that shifted him to fifth. Shinichi Nakatomi had another good day of progress as he took almost a second off his best time to put himself in 13th going into his second Superpole of the season. He went even better on his flying lap, posting a 2’01 lap to maintain his 13th grid position going into tomorrow’s race. Haga is joined on the front row tomorrow by Biaggi, Bayliss and Toseland and both Corser and Haga will be keen to give Yamaha their 150th WSB podium. With rain forecast, though, the weather will become an important factor in the day. Noriyuki Haga (1st – 1’59.603 – Yamaha Motor Italia WSB Team) “The track temperature was lower this morning which meant the tyres felt better and had more grip. This is why I was able to put in a couple of fast laps right at the start of the morning session. I then focused on doing a long distance run and found a much better front set-up, though the rear still needed work. My Superpole lap was almost perfect except for one small mistake. To lap in less than two minutes is excellent; I’m very pleased with that achievement. If the weather is the same as this tomorrow it’s going to be a tough race. I’ll be happy if it rains, which it might, as it’ll then be survival of the fittest.” Troy Corser (5th – 2’00.251 – Yamaha Motor Italia WSB Team) “The grip was a bit better this morning than yesterday but I think that was more down to the track temperature than any tyre options we tried! We concentrated on finding the right set-up this morning to help the tyres in this heat but we haven’t quite got there yet, as my Superpole lap showed. I was going well in the first and second sections but then I lost some grip in the final one, which lost me time. Second row isn’t great but I’m confident of a good start.” Massimo Meregalli (Team Coordinator, Yamaha Motor Italia) “Today’s result is great. Tomorrow morning we will do a final check of everything and then we we’ll be ready to race. When I saw Biaggi’s lap time I thought it would be very difficult to get pole. I couldn’t watch Nori’s lap until the last few corners; I was just praying that he could go better. Once I saw 1’59.6 I was so pleased – well done to Nori. If Troy hadn’t lost grip in the last part of the circuit we would’ve had both riders on the front row. Tomorrow’s results will be dependent on the weather but I believe we’ll be on the podium whatever happens.” Shinichi Nakatomi (13th – 2’01.849 – Team Yamaha YZF) “I’m happy with my grid position for tomorrow’s races. Today has been a good day and I’m looking forward to taking away some more points from Brno. The team has worked hard on the bike’s set-up all weekend and I am pleased with what we have achieved so far.” Martial Garcia (Team Manager, Team Yamaha YZF) “Finally all our hard work bears fruit! This is result of the work that we’ve done over the last winter and spring. The bike is working well and we had the second top speed in qualifying practice. I hope that Nakatomi has a good race, like last year when he finished eighth. He looks in good shape for the last third of the season; he was 1.5 seconds faster here today than he was in 2006 so it is all looking hopeful.”

2007 FIM Supersport World Championship Brno, Czech Republic July 21, 2007 Final Qualifying Results: 1. Kenan SOFUOGLU (Hon CBR600RR), 2:04.871 2. Broc PARKES (Yam YZF-R6), 2:05.438 3. Josh BROOKES (Hon CBR600RR), 2:05.504 4. Robbin HARMS (Hon CBR600RR), 2:05.608 5. Sebastien CHARPENTIER (Hon CBR600RR), 2:05.656 6. Massimo ROCCOLI (Yam YZF-R6), 2:05.826 7. Craig JONES (Hon CBR600RR), 2:06.072 8. Vesa KALLIO (Suz GSX-R600), 2:06.100 9. David CHECA (Yam YZF-R6), 2:06.149 10. Katsuaki FUJIWARA (Hon CBR600RR), 2:06.172 More, from a press release issued by HANNspree Ten Kate Honda: Sofuoglu claims fourth pole for HANNspree Ten Kate Honda World Supersport Championship leader Kenan Sofuoglu secured his fourth pole position of the 2007 series at the Automotodrom Brno in the Czech Republic today. The Turkish rider will start tomorrow’s 18-lap race at the 5.403km circuit from the top spot on the grid. Team-mate Sébastien Charpentier qualified in fifth position for a second row start. Sofuoglu’s focus for the morning free practice was on race distance. He put in an impressive performance, setting a succession of consistently fast laps to remain at the top of the timesheet. The official qualifying was an eventful 45-minute session in which six different riders claimed fastest laps. In the end, Sofuoglu won the battle with a blistering time of 2’04.871 – setting a new best Supersport lap at Brno and securing the premier spot on the grid. Team-mate Sébastien Charpentier was less fortunate and struggled with grip on his CBR600RR as the track temperature rose to a hot and slippery 48°C. The Frenchman’s best lap time stands at 2’05.656, placing him at the head of the second row for the ninth race of the 2007 World Supersport Championship. Ronald ten Kate, Team Manager: “This was a pretty good session for Kenan. We came a little bit closer to the times of the test here, but I’m still quite amazed that we are so far off. During his first run we had some traffic. Fortunately it was behind us and not in front, but he still couldn’t give it his all. Luckily we had time to do a second run on a soft tyre and he made a good time – 2’04.8 is pretty fast in these conditions. With Sébastien we definitely need to sort things out for tomorrow, but we’ll study the data tonight to get things on track for the race.” Kenan Sofuoglu: “I am really happy to get the pole again. I was thinking yesterday that I can be at least one second faster and I have done that. The conditions are very hot and you don’t get a good feeling on the tyres. I am actually more pleased about the race distance that I did this morning in free practice – I was really fast compared to all the riders. For the qualifying I just wanted to do one good lap to get on pole. Tomorrow I need to get some good laps in the race – obviously I want to win, but if not I am aiming for the podium.” Sébastien Charpentier: “I tried my best this afternoon. I had fresh tyres every time but again I didn’t have a good feeling. I am 1.5 seconds off my times from the Brno test and almost a second away from my team-mate, which is really bad for me. I pushed very hard but I lost the front and the rear on every corner trying to go faster, but it was just impossible. I don’t know exactly why, but tonight the team will look at the data and we hope to sort it out tomorrow.”

2007 FIM Superbike World Championship Brno, Czech Republic July 21, 2007 Combined Qualifying Results (heading into Superpole): 1. Noriyuki HAGA (Yam YZF-R1), 2:00.573 2. Troy BAYLISS (Duc 999F07), 2:00.794 3. Troy CORSER (Yam YZF-R1), 2:01.126 4. James TOSELAND (Hon CBR1000RR), 2:01.168 5. Yukio KAGAYAMA (Suz GSX-R1000K7), 2:01.364 6. Max BIAGGI (Suz GSX-R1000K7), 2:01.371 7. Michel FABRIZIO (Hon CBR1000RR), 2:01.380 8. Roberto ROLFO (Hon CBR1000RR), 2:01.573 9. Regis LACONI (Kaw ZX-10R), 2:01.604 10. Fonsi NIETO (Kaw ZX-10R), 2:01.738 11. Lorenzo LANZI (Duc 999F07), 2:01.893 12. Max NEUKIRCHNER (Suz GSX-R1000K6), 2:01.955 13. Shinichi NAKATOMI (Yam YZF-R1), 2:02.391 14. Karl MUGGERIDGE (Hon CBR1000RR), 2:02.612 15. Jakub SMRZ (Duc 999F05), 2:02.709 16. Ruben XAUS (Duc 999F06), 2:02.799 17. Vittorio IANNUZZO (Kaw ZX-10R), 2:03.545 18. Jiri DRAZDAK (Yam YZF-R1), 2:03.995 19. Luca MORELLI (Hon CBR1000RR), 2:04.467 20. Christian ZAISER (MV Agusta F4-1000R 312), 2:04.746

FMV Venezuelan and FIM Latin American Superbike Champion Robertino Pietri was 23rd fastest in Friday practice for AMA Superbike at Laguna Seca, turning a fastest lap at 1:30.400 on his Suzuki GSX-R1000 Superstock bike on Pirelli tires. Colombian Martin Cardenas qualified 11th for Saturday’s AMA Supersport race, turning a fastest lap at 1:29.500 on his Team M4 EMGO Suzuki GSX-R600 on Pirelli tires. Earlier in the day, Cardenas was eighth-fastest in the single practice session, at 1:29.801. Former and two-time FMV Venezuelan Superbike Champion Fernando Amantini qualified 23rd in Supersport, turning a fastest lap at 1:31.010 on his Kawasaki ZX-6R on Dunlop tires. In practice, Amantini was 22nd fastest, at 1:32.478. Mexico City’s Dirk Sanchez qualified 32nd in Supersport, turning a fastest lap at 1:33.255 on his Suzuki GSX-R600 on Dunlop tires. In practice, Sanchez was 32nd fastest, at 1:34.987. More, from a press release issued by Robertino Pietri’s publicist: ROBERTINO PIETRI PRESENTE EL LAGUNA SECA El piloto venezolano, representante del Estado Anzoátegui, Robertino Pietri tomará salida en las rondas 12 de Campeonato AMA de la categoría Superbike, a celebrarse este fin de semana en el circuito de Laguna Seca, donde también estará presente la categoría reina del motociclismo la MOTO GP. Pietri, perteneciente al equipo PDVSA, PDV, Polar, Gobernación del Estado Anzoátegui, InverUnión, CanTV, Roadracingworld.com, participará en la categoría Superbike, con una moto de la categoría Superstock. “El equipo y yo hemos decidido participar este fin de semana en Laguna Seca, en la categoría Superbike, En un principio participaríamos con una moto Superbike, y buscar un buen resultado, pero nuestro objetivo principal es lograr avanzar en la posición general del campeonato de la Superstock, por lo que participaremos con una moto de ésta categoría para obtener la mayor cantidad de datos posible para la última válida del campeonato que se celebrará en este mismo circuito” dijo Pietri. No es la primera oportunidad donde Pietri participa en la categoría Superbike, anteriormente ha tomado salida en algunos circuitos, siempre con una moto de la categoría Superstock, con el fin de obtener la mayor cantidad de datos posibles. Actualmente Pietri se encuentra ubicado en la novena posición, de la categoría Superstock con 112 unidades.

Torrential rain and standing water on the circuit cut short today’s Superbike practice for the ninth round of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship at Mallory Park in Leicestershire after just 17 minutes. On-track activity was limited with only 19 racers taking to the 1.41-mile circuit at the start of the shortened 20-minute session. After 16-minutes Rizla Suzuki’s Chris Walker and Cal Crutchlow both went on to the track but a red flag meant they didn’t complete a single lap. The red flag was caused by Naturally Best Suzuki’s 21-year-old Ollie Bridewell suffering a fatal crash. Rizla Suzuki Team Manager Simon Buckmaster said: “The circuit was that waterlogged the riders would have learnt next to nothing, so cancelling the day is not a big issue for us as it is the same for all the teams and riders. Hopefully the weather will be better tomorrow and we can all get out on track. “On behalf of Team Rizla Suzuki, I wish to pass on our sympathies to the Bridewell family and the Naturally Best Suzuki team after today’s tragic loss.”

2007 Pro Honda Oils AMA Supersport Championship Presented By Shoei Helmets Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca Monterey, California July 21, 2007 Qualifying Results: 1. Roger Hayden (Kaw ZX-6R), Dunlop, 1:27.496 2. Geoff May (Suz GSX-R600), Pirelli, 1:27.607 3. Jamie Hacking (Kaw ZX-6R), Dunlop, 1:27.841 4. Josh Hayes (Hon CBR600RR), Dunlop, 1:27.865 5. Ben Attard (Kaw ZX-6R), Pirelli, 1:28.346 6. Steve Rapp (Kaw ZX-6R), Pirelli, 1:28.582 7. Aaron Gobert (Hon CBR600RR), Dunlop, 1:28.894 8. Chas Davies (Yam YZF-R6), Dunlop, 1:28.920 9. Josh Herrin (Yam YZF-R6), Dunlop, 1:29.369 10. Tommy Hayden (Suz GSX-R600), Dunlop, 1:29.386 11. Martin Cardenas (Suz GSX-R600), Pirelli, 1:29.500 12. Cory West (Yam YZF-R6), Pirelli, 1:29.502 13. Blake Young (Suz GSX-R600), Dunlop, 1:29.547 14. Shea Fouchek (Hon CBR600RR), Dunlop, 1:29.671 15. Danny Eslick (Suz GSX-R600), Dunlop, 1:28.700 16. Bobby Fong (Suz GSX-R600), Michelin, 1:29.884 17. Ryan Andrews (Hon CBR600RR), Dunlop, 1:29.967 18. Jason Perez (Yam YZF-R6), Dunlop, 1:30.285 19. Ryan Elleby (Hon CBR600RR), Dunlop, 1:30.443 20. Jeremy Toye (Kaw ZX-6R), Dunlop, 1:30.559 21. Hawk Mazzotta (Yam YZF-R6), Dunlop, 1:30.704 22. Chris Siglin (Suz GSX-R600), Dunlop, 1:30.934 23. Fernando Amantini (Kaw ZX-6R), Dunlop, 1:31.010 24. Michael Beck (Suz GSX-R600), Pirelli, 1:31.086 25. David Anthony (Yam YZF-R6), Pirelli, 1:31.137 26. Garrett Carter (Yam YZF-R6), Dunlop, 1:31.255 27. Darren Luck (Suz GSX-R600), Dunlop, 1:32.121 28. Chris Siebenhaar (Suz GSX-R600), 1:32.249 29. Davie Sadowski (Suz GSX-R600), Michelin, 1:32.623 30. Mark Crozier (Suz GSX-R600), Michelin, 1:32.701 31. Scott Ryan (Suz GSX-R600), Michelin, 1:33.130 32. Dirk Sanchez (Suz GSX-R600), 1:33.255 33. Grant Riggs (Suz GSX-R600), 1:33.404 34. Morgan Murphy (Suz GSX-R600), 1:34.700 35. C.R. Gittere (Suz GSX-R600), Michelin, 1:35.294 36. Matt Eccleston (Yam YZF-R6), 1:35.741 110% of Fast Time = 1:36.246 Did Not Qualify 37. Reno Karimian (Suz GSX-R600), Dunlop, 1:48.128 More, from a press release issued by Team M4 EMGO Suzuki: MAY IN THE FIGHT FOR SUPERSPORT POLE AT LAGUNA SECA Team M4 EMGO Suzuki put in an impressive performance on Friday, the opening day of the high-profile combined MotoGP/AMA race weekend at Laguna Seca. Geoff May got the weekend off to an ideal start, posting the fastest time in the very first session to set the stage. May circulated the undulating California raceway with a fast time of 1:29.039 to lead the Supersport free practice aboard his Pirelli-shod GSX-R600. He then came back in the afternoon and lowered his mark by well over a second. May’s 1: 27.607 put him atop the leaderboards until the very final moments of qualifying and proved quick enough to earn him a front-row grid position. Starting from the second slot on the front row and having proven to be one of the men to watch this weekend, May is confident heading into Saturday’s 17-lap affair. “It was a strong day for M4 EMGO Suzuki and the GSX-R600,” May commented after qualifying. “We rolled the thing off the truck just like we have everywhere else this year and decided not to touch it this weekend, just get comfortable on it. It’s such a short weekend, we haven’t changed anything. “It’s great coming to Laguna because it’s a level playing field for us. It’s a new surface for everybody and nobody has had time to develop anything for here. The Pirellis work really good on all the new surface tracks because we can run the hard stuff and the hard stuff has tons of grip and is really durable and consistent. I think what you’re seeing in practice is a real good indicator of what you’ll see in the race.” Colombian sensation Martin Cardenas will start from the third row, qualifying eleventh fastest at 1:29.700. Cardenas is unlikely to be discouraged by his grid position — the former World 250 Grand Prix contender took the holeshot and ultimately finished on the podium from the third row in the most recent AMA Supersport race contested at Miller Motorsports Park. Californian Michael Beck qualified in 24th position at 1:31.086 and will seek to fight his way up the order in Saturday’s race. With no Superstock race this weekend, May is focusing all of his efforts on his Superstock-spec GSX-R1000 in the Superbike class at Laguna Seca. He broke into the top ten in practice today, logging the tenth fastest time (1: 26.748) ahead of a handful of Superbike regulars. The last time May put in a real effort in a Superbike race, he finished fifth in the season opener at Daytona. “It’s kind of like Daytona again for me,” May said. “It’s a fun run and we’re working real hard trying to figure out some stuff for when we come back. We’re looking to develop the tires a little bit. We’re going to run it out, run the whole race, and try to put on a good show for the fans. Hopefully get a top five — that’s what we’re shooting for this weekend — maybe beat some of the factory guys on the real Superbikes.” More, from a press release issued by Pirelli: Rome, Georgia: The AMA/MotoGP super-double event with everything on it, at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, opened with AMA Supersport practice and M4 EMGO Suzuki rider Geoff May setting the fastest times of the session, providing promise for Pirelli’s chances of another win and more podiums in Pirelli’s record-setting year of American road racing. Fast racers joining May on Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa tires are, Steve Rapp with the fourth-fastest time of the session on his Attack Kawasaki ZX-6R, his teammate Ben Attard setting the seventh-fastest time, and M4 EMGO Suzuki’s Martin Cardenas right with Attard at eighth fastest. Supersport qualifying saw Geoff May place his Suzuki GSX-R600 on the front row of the grid with the second-fastest time for Saturday afternoon’s race. Attack Kawasaki’s Ben Attard earned the top spot on row two with the fifth fastest time, while his teammate Steve Rapp is right next to him at sixth fastest. Other quick Pirelli Supersport riders include Martin Cardenas on row three at 11th fastest, and Hunter Racing’s Cory West next to Cardenas with the 12th-best qualifying time, on his Chuck Giacchetto tuned Yamaha YZF R-6. Forget about the buses; it goes from racing to rocking with the band Hoobastank performing at 5:00 pm, Saturday, July 21, in the infield immediately following the Supersport race. Hoobastank’s drummer Chris Hesse started racing this season, choosing the Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa tires. The concert, sponsored in part by Yamaha, will also feature an on-stage visit by Yamaha’s Colin Edwards and Valentino Rossi.

2007 FIM MotoGP World Championship Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca Monterey, California Provisional Combined Practice Results: 1. Casey Stoner (Ducati), Bridgestone, 1:22.997 2. Marco Melandri (Honda), Bridgestone, 1:23.177 3. John Hopkins (Suzuki), Bridgestone, 1:23.452 4. Colin Edwards (Yamaha), Michelin, 1:23.535 5. Dani Pedrosa (Honda), Michelin, 1:23.548 6. Valentino Rossi (Yamaha), Michelin, 1:23.550 7. Chris Vermeulen (Suzuki), Bridgestone, 1:23.576 8. Nicky Hayden (Honda), Michelin, 1:23.768 9. Loris Capirossi (Ducati), Bridgestone, 1:23.912 10. Makoto Tamada (Yamaha), Dunlop, 1:23.965 11. Carlos Checa (Honda), Michelin, 1:23.998 12. Randy De Puniet (Kawasaki), Bridgestone, 1:24.043, crash 13. Anthony West (Kawasaki), Bridgestone, 1:24.077 14. Sylvain Guintoli (Yamaha), Dunlop, 1:24.173 15. Roger Hayden (Kawasaki), Bridgestone, 1:24.325 16. Alex Barros (Ducati), Bridgestone, 1:24.457 17. Kurtis Roberts (KR-Honda), Michelin, 1:24.666 18. Shinya Nakano (Honda), Michelin, 1:24.850 19. Miguel Duhamel (Honda), Bridgestone, 1:25.550 20. Chaz Davies (Ducati), Bridgestone, 1:26.459* *Replacing injured Alex Hofmann More, from a press release issued by Gresini Racing Honda less than four minutes after the end of the session: MELANDRI STRAIGHT ON THE PACE AT LAGUNA SECA Free practice The first day of free practice took place today at the Laguna Seca circuit, host of the US Grand Prix this weekend – the eleventh round of the MotoGP World Championship. The spectacular American circuit, famous for its “Corkscrew” corner – an exciting downhill chicane that puts the riders skill and courage to the ultimate test – has been completely resurfaced. Marco Melandri has continued with his recent good form, having arrived at Laguna Seca in good spirits after his excellent race at Sachsenring. Marco instantly found a good feeling with the bike and is already looking forward to the race. The Gresini Honda rider is a huge fan of the American event and, like last year, has chosen a stars and stripes design for his helmet to celebrate the occasion. It was a positive first day, also, for Miguel Duhamel, who replaces Toni Elias at this race. Duhamel, who probably knows Laguna Seca better than anybody, was hugely impressed by the performance of the RC212V. For this round both Marco Melandri and Miguel Duhamel’s bikes are decorated in the colours of Hannspree, the Taiwanese market leader in television and LCD Monitor production. The company have sponsored Gresini Honda already this season all over the world. MARCO MELANDRI (2nd, 1’23″597): “We’ve made a good start to the weekend, I’m happy. The bike is responding well and thanks to the new exhaust pipe the engine performance is much sweeter and I can ride it as I like around here. I’m also satisfied with the tyres. I’m feeling highly motivated for the challenge ahead and I’m determined to finish with a top result. I like this track – I was third here last year and after such a good ride in Germany I’m ready to fight for the podium again.” MIGUEL DUHAMEL (16th, 1’25″550) : “My first impressions of the RC212V are very positive. This is a really nice experience for me. There’s a lot to learn but we’re making progress, improving with every outing and I’m enthusiastic. The team are doing a great job.” More, from a press release issued by Fiat Yamaha: EDWARDS AND ROSSI FOURTH AND SIXTH AS ACTION COMMENCES IN CALIFORNIA Fiat Yamaha Team riders Colin Edwards and Valentino Rossi got off to a solid start today at the US Grand Prix at Laguna Seca, finishing the day fourth and sixth in the combined standings. With the track newly resurfaced and the temperatures sitting comfortably in the high twenties, riding conditions were vastly improved from this time last year and times were fast from the start. Edwards, who is running a one-off ‘Texas Tornado’ livery for his home GP, and Rossi were quick to get down to business this morning during a first session that was red flagged for ten minutes after a crash involving Alex Hofmann and Sylvain Guintoli. The Yamaha pair finished the morning third and fifth fastest respectively and were both positive about the improved track conditions and the initial performance of their 800cc M1s. This afternoon saw more of the same as they continued to work on set-up and tyres, which are likely to be a crucial factor during Sunday’s 32-lap race. Casey Stoner set the fastest lap of the day in a time of 1’22.997 with Edwards and Rossi 0.538 and 0.551 seconds off the Australian’s time. Colin Edwards Position: 4th Time: 1’23.535 Laps: 61 “Not too bad for the first day. This morning felt quite good and actually the track didn’t change too much throughout the day so we pretty much just kept going in the same way this afternoon. We’ve been playing about with the settings and I am feeling quite comfortable but could definitely be more so. Tyre-wise we’ve got some more work to do before we’re in a position to make a decision about race tyres, so we’ll be concentrating on that tomorrow morning. Stoner and Melandri are looking pretty strong so we need to close the gap to them tomorrow. It’s fun being back out on this track again and the 800 feels good around here. The track surface is fantastic compared to last year; there are still a few too many bumps around turn nine but otherwise it’s pretty smooth.” Valentino Rossi Position: 6th Time: 1’23.550 Laps: 64 “My first impressions after today are quite good. The new surface is much, much better; quite smooth with only a few bumps and it seems almost like a different track! I’m very happy about this because last year it was really a nightmare and almost impossible to ride. Now we can have fun! I think the new 800s are better for this; you can use all of the track and the best lines. Today we’ve been quite fast from the start and our bike seems to be working well here. It seems that we have a good selection of tyres, we started with something quite soft and we’ll need something a little bit harder for the race, but anyway I think the situation so far is quite good. It’s a tricky track but I enjoyed today a lot. It’s always great fun to race here, the fans are great and the weather is good! We have some more work to do tomorrow of course and we need to improve our pace in comparison to the leaders, but we have made a good start.” Davide Brivio Fiat Yamaha Team Director “Overall a positive first day for us. Both Colin and Valentino are able to run at the front quite comfortably and the bike seems to be working quite well around this track. We need to improve our pace a little bit more and work on choosing the tyres for the race, as this is going to be a key factor on Sunday. We’ve got some more tyres to test tomorrow before we can make a final decision about this. Anyway, we’re quite close to the top so now we’ll keep working in the same direction and hopefully be right at the top tomorrow!” More, from a press release issued by Bridgestone: Encouraging opening day for Bridgestone in USA Round 11 USA – Free Practice Laguna Seca Circuit, California, USA Friday 20 July 2007 Bridgestone Motorsport got its US Grand Prix weekend underway in positive style at the Laguna Seca circuit in California today with three riders using Bridgestone tyres occupying the first three places of the combined free practice standings. Championship leader Casey Stoner was the only man to lap under 1m23s to claim the fastest time of the day aboard his Ducati. His best lap time (1m22.997s) represented a 0.3s improvement over the current circuit record lap (1m23.333s) set in 2006. Honda Gresini’s Marco Melandri ended the opening day in an encouraging second place just 0.18s off Stoner’s pace, while California-born Suzuki rider John Hopkins enjoyed a positive opening day in preparation for his home grand prix, rounding out the top three. Meanwhile, three riders have enjoyed their first taste of Bridgestone’s MotoGP tyres in today’s free practice sessions. American Roger Lee Hayden is making a wildcard appearance for Kawasaki, Canadian Miguel Duhamel is standing in for injured Toni Elias at the Honda Gresini team, while British rider Chaz Davies is replacing Pramac d’Antin’s Alex Hofmann who has been ruled out of the US Grand Prix after sustaining injuries in a morning practice collision. Tyre Talk with Junichi Kawajiri Bridgestone Motorsport Manager, Motorcycle Race Tyre Development What has been the programme for today’s free practice sessions? “We have worked on several different things today to carry out an initial evaluation of our tyre specifications for this weekend’s race. It has been quite an encouraging day and some of our riders have been able to conduct comfortable mid-range runs with the same tyre, equivalent to around half a race distance. Tomorrow morning we will go for longer runs with the selected tyre to understand better the tyre behaviour in race trim.” Laguna Seca has been resurfaced since last year’s US Grand Prix, how have the track characteristics changed? “The new asphalt at Laguna Seca has resulted in a smoother surface, but it is also particularly oily. The track is also dusty which makes it difficult for the riders to find front and rear grip. We are likely to face this situation all weekend because we are in a particularly remote location and the slightest gust of wind always carries the dust back on to the track. We are hopeful that our range of tyres will continue to show the level of competitive performance that we have seen with our teams in today’s two sessions.” Bridgestone Combined Free Practice Session Results Pos Rider Team Session 1 (pos) Session 2 (pos) Gap P1 Casey Stoner Ducati 1m23.410s (1) 1m22.997s (1) Fastest P2 Marco Melandri Honda Gresini 1m23.597s (2) 1m23.177s (2) +0.180s P3 John Hopkins Suzuki 1m23.753s (4) 1m23.452s (3) +0.455s P6 Chris Vermeulen Suzuki 1m23.962s (6) 1m23.576s (6) +0.579s P9 Loris Capirossi Ducati 1m24.786s (12) 1m23.912s (9) +0.915s P12 Randy de Puniet Kawasaki 1m24.311s (7) 1m24.043s (12) +1.046s P13 Anthony West Kawasaki 1m25.570s (17) 1m24.077s (13) +1.080s P15 Roger Lee Hayden Kawasaki 1m24.584s (11) 1m24.325s (15) +1.328s P16 Alex Barros Pramac d’Antin 1m24.552s (9) 1m24.457s (16) +1.460s P19 Miguel Duhamel Honda Gresini 1m25.550s (16) 1m25.726s (19) +2.553s P20 Chaz Davies Pramac d’Antin Did not take part 1m26.459s (20) +3.462s P21 Alex Hofmann Pramac d’Antin 1m27.751s (20) Did not take part +4.754s Weather: Session 1 Dry track – Air 24°C, Track 32°C, Humidity 36% (taken from official MotoGP timesheet) Session 2 Dry track Air 27°C, Track 42°C, Humidity 34% (taken from official MotoGP timesheet) More, from a press release issued by Rizla Suzuki: Rizla Suzuki MotoGP on the pace Stateside Rizla Suzuki MotoGP racers John Hopkins and Chris Vermeulen finished in third and seventh places respectively on the first day of practice for Sunday’s American Grand Prix. Hopkins was one of the hardest working riders on the track today as he completed 66 laps of the 3.6km Laguna Seca circuit in California. He set his fastest time of 1’23.452 during the afternoon session as track temperatures reached 58°C, the American-born Suzuki star looked comfortable on his GSV-R as he made his home debut on an 800cc MotoGP machine. Hopkins worked all day to get the correct set-up for his bike and search for the optimum combination of tyres for Sunday’s 32-lap race, and believes that the best is still to come from him and the machine. Vermeulen clocked a quickest time of 1’23.576 from his 59 laps, just over a half-of-a-second behind the fastest time set by championship leader Casey Stoner. Vermeulen suffered with some arm-pump in the morning session, but worked hard with his crew to find the set-up to overcome this later in the day. He too spent much of the day searching the best tyre pairing for Sunday’s race. Today’s practice was held in warm, sunny, but breezy conditions with air temperatures reaching 27°C. Rizla Suzuki MotoGP will have one more practice session tomorrow morning followed by an hour of qualifying in the afternoon. Round 11 of the MotoGP World Championship gets underway at 14.00hrs local time (21.00GMT) on Sunday 22nd July. John Hopkins: “It feels good to be Stateside and it’s been a pretty good day all round. The track owners and the asphalt layers have done a great job this year and the track is a lot better than it was the last time we were here. Some of the bumps have gone and the surface isn’t breaking up anywhere so well done to them on that! Basically we got pretty lucky coming into this weekend because the set-up we had for the bike wasn’t too far off. The crew did a great job to get it like that so we were able to start testing tyres straight away. Everything seems pretty sweet right now, I know there are a couple of places that I need to improve my lines and we need to get a bit more consistency. We need a couple more tenths and then we’ll be right there. We’ll all be working hard to get that and I’m sure that come tomorrow we’ll come out and qualify great!” Chris Vermeulen: “It’s great to be back here as it’s a circuit I really enjoy. This morning with the cooler air temperatures we had some problems with the brakes – as I couldn’t keep the heat in them – but the guys worked very well on that and sorted it all out. The bike set-up and the tyres from Bridgestone are all working well, and it doesn’t seem to matter what tyres we put in they all work as well as each other! We will have to do some more tyre testing tomorrow to see which ones will have the best durability for the race. We made a lot of improvements today and if we can keep going in that direction I think we can hopefully qualify up the front tomorrow!” Paul Denning Team Manager: “The conditions here at Laguna Seca have been a lot more favourable than they were last year when the track started to break up. It appears that the new surface is a lot better and although it was a bit greasy in places early on it seems to be suiting the new 800s well. John and Chris both did a great job today and the their positions reflect the hard work that they both put in. “Both the guys have got quicker as the day progressed and I am sure the improvements will continue tomorrow and we will see Chris and John battling for high qualification positions on Saturday afternoon, and hopefully for podiums come race time!” More, from a press release issued by Dorna Communications: Stoner unstoppable on day of surprises at Laguna Seca Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix – Friday 20th July Report Day 1 motogp As he did one week ago at Sachsenring, Casey Stoner burst out of the blocks in the opening free practice sessions for the Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix. The Australian, who whatever happens this weekend will enjoy his summer break as the MotoGP World Championship leader, clocked a fastest time of 1’22.997 at the newly resurfaced track, nearly a third of a second quicker than Dani Pedrosa’s circuit best from 2006. Stoner had problems last year when preparing for the Sunday race, coming unstuck on a couple of occasions as he got to grips with the tricky American circuit. It was a more assured Ducati factory rider who took to the track today, clocking consistently fast times onboard his Desmosedici GP7. Another rider to show his cards early at Laguna Seca was Marco Melandri, sporting a special American-themed helmet for one of his favourite Grands Prix. Less than two tenths slower than Stoner, the unpredictable Italian has been as steady as they come thus far in practice for Sunday’s race. An all-Bridgestone top three was completed by local rider John Hopkins, who will have abundant support from the American crowd over the next few days. Countryman Colin Edwards will want to return to his 2005 podium form at Laguna Seca after problems last season, and made a promising start to proceedings today in fourth. Race winner in Germany Dani Pedrosa was close behind, as were World Championship challenger Valentino Rossi, 2006 poleman Chris Vermeulen and twice Laguna victor Nicky Hayden. Looking to complete a hat-trick of U.S. triumphs, the reigning MotoGP World Champion has picked up his form in recent weeks, although has emphasised that an improvement in practice times is necessary. The top ten was completed by Loris Capirossi, a previous winner stateside with a 250cc triumph to his name, and the Dunlop qualifying tyre-shod Makoto Tamada. Three riders made their MotoGP 800cc debut today, with one highly unexpected addition to the field being announced just ten minutes before the second practice session. With Alex Hofmann being examined in a San Francisco hospital after breaking a metacarpal in a morning crash with Sylvain Guintoli, former 250cc rider and current AMA Supersport competitor Chaz Davies was approached to step in for the injured German in the Pramac d’Antin Ducati team. The Briton had a respectable showing in his first ride onboard the Desmosedici GP7, just over three seconds off friend and fastest rider Casey Stoner’s time on his maiden outing. The other two debutants on-track today were Nicky Hayden’s younger brother Roger Lee, competing for Kawasaki in a third rider wild card spot, and experienced Canadian Miguel Duhamel. The latter stands in for Toni Elias at a track he knows very well indeed. A selection of American legends from years past also made an appearance today, taking part in a special press conference for the gathered media. Wayne Rainey, Eddie Lawson, Kevin Schwantz, Kenny Roberts Sr and Freddie Spencer fielded questions about their time in the World Championship, and passed comment on the current state of MotoGP. More, from a press release issued by Marlboro Ducati: SUPERB STONER FASTEST AT LAGUNA,CAPIROSSI FINDS A GOOD DIRECTION World Championship leader Casey Stoner continued his impressive performance at sun-baked Laguna Seca this afternoon, upping the pace aboard his Ducati Desmosedici GP7 to lap three tenths inside the lap record and once again set the practice pace. Team-mate Loris Capirossi meanwhile continued working on the set-up of his GP7 and is confident of a good race pace on Sunday. CASEY STONER, fastest, 1m 22.997s “It’s not too bad so far – we tried a different rear this afternoon and we’ve already done over race distance on the front. The new surface is better than last year out of the Corkscrew but it’s worse everywhere else, but it’s the same for everyone so we’ve just got to make the best of it.” LORIS CAPIROSSI, 9th fastest, 1m 23.912s “This afternoon we tried two very different set-ups, one like we used at the Sachsenring, the other like we used before Germany. The Sachsenring set-up works better here, so we are focusing on that and working at improving my feeling. If we can keep going in this direction tomorrow, I am confident I can have a good race on Sunday.” More, from a press release issued by Konica Minolta Honda: KONICA MINOLTA Honda makes a cautious start at Laguna Seca Shinya Nakano and his KONICA MINOLTA Honda made a cautious start in today’s first practice session for Sunday’s US MotoGP race. Lower temperatures than expected along with windy conditions and alternating grip levels meant that the 29-year-old Japanese rider is looking for improvements in time for tomorrow’s hour-long qualifying session around the challenging 2.24 mile-long Laguna Seca circuit. Tomorrow the KONICA MINOLTA Honda Team will make further changes to the suspension and gearing set-up of their Honda RC212V MotoGP machine to give Shinya the best technical package so the former 250cc World Championship runner-up can be further up the order in time for Sunday’s race. Gianluca Montiron Team Manager KONICA MINOLTA Honda “Today’s result is not so impressive, but we will improve tomorrow. During the first practice session our situation was better, but this afternoon as others improved we weren’t able to move forward as much. At the moment we have the standard Honda machine while our competitors move forward and receive something new. We were perhaps a little too conservative with our approach in practice today, so the Team as a whole has to help Shinya get his rhythm and achieve his best lap time a little more quickly. The temperature is the same for everybody so this is something we simply have to deal with. I think tomorrow it’s not just about the qualifying session but also to give Shinya the best machine possible for the race: this is the most important point. Tomorrow we will dedicate at least last half an hour to help Shinya make the best lap time and today we know that some of our competitors tested some soft tyres, hence they made a better lap time than us.” Shinya Nakano Rider, KONICA MINOLTA Honda (60 laps 1′ 24.850″) “I’m so disappointed with the overall result today but not so worried when I think that today is essentially set-up day and I think perhaps in the afternoon we went in a bit of a wrong direction with settings so we couldn’t improve so much. The track this year is a bit better that last year and a little less bumpy, but conditions are still so-so: it’s quite windy and the track is dirty in places so grip levels are different. Of course, it’s the same for us all. I think tomorrow should still be OK. We need to find some gearbox settings tomorrow to improve things, so that is one of the things we shall be working on.” Giulio Bernardelle Technical Director, KONICA MINOLTA Honda “The overall temperatures are much colder than expected. The sun is shining but there’s a lot of wind, which means the overall temperature is so low, much lower than Germany and much lower than we experienced here last year. We were expecting to have higher temperatures and some sectors seem to have different track temperatures. All our competitors have to deal with the same problem, but basically we have to find more grip on both the front and rear of the bike. We are playing with gearbox settings as well at the moment to find the optimum for this track. This afternoon we changed 2nd and 3rd gears so we will discuss with Shinya what is the best solution.” More, from a press release issued by Kawasaki Racing Team: KAWASAKI SQUAD OUT IN FORCE AT LAGUNA The Red Bull US Grand Prix practice sessions began today, in preparation for Sunday’s race: the 11th round of the 2007 MotoGP world championship. With Kawasaki running three bikes at the event, Randy de Puniet and Anthony West were joined by wildcard AMA Superbike and Supersport regular, Roger Lee Hayden, on the 3.61km, Laguna Seca circuit and it was a constructive day for all the crews. On combined times after the day’s two sessions, de Puniet was classified 12th fastest. After clocking the highest top speed of the first practice with a recorded 256.3kmh, the 26-year-old Frenchman fell in the second session after going in to the first corner too quickly. Fortunately, he was unhurt and returned to the pits. Taking out his second bike, he took a while to settle back in to a rhythm but, by the end of the hour, was back, picking up speed and finishing just over a second off leading man of the day, Casey Stoner. Anthony West followed closely behind, coming home 13th quickest on combined times. Today was the first time the 26-year-old Australian had ridden at the Californian track and learning it was his priority. With his laps getting progressively faster throughout the two practice sessions, he made a pretty good job of it. Just 0.034 seconds off team mate, de Puniet, West’s best time was only 1.080 seconds off Stoner. American Hayden, meanwhile, used his superior track knowledge to take the Ninja ZX-RR around the circuit with enthusiasm, regularly running times in the top ten. He ended the day in 15th position after showing the sixth highest speed of the second session: 251.5kmh. Having only ridden the Kawasaki for one day prior to this MotoGP event, Hayden impressed the team and his home fans alike with his performance. Furthermore, the three fastest men of the day run Bridgestone rubber, which will also boost Kawasaki’s confidence for the rest of the event. The weather for both sessions was clear, warm and sunny and there’s more of the same to come during the weekend. Tens of thousands of fans are expected to descend on Laguna as the track celebrates its 50th year and the team hope they’ll have something to celebrate themselves when it comes to qualifying tomorrow and then the race on Sunday. Randy De Puniet #14 12th – Best Lap 1’24.043 “I’m ok but I had a crash at end of the start/finish straight. I went in too fast, locked the front wheel and tried to stop but couldn’t, then crashed close to the wall. It was a bit like the accident last weekend at the Sachsenring. With the second bike we had some problems with rear grip, so we made some adjustments but then it started vibrating as it entered corners. Obviously, we need to fix this because it’s difficult to ride at the moment. My times got better at the end but there’s some work to do yet. At least I’m not injured: I banged my head but I’m ok.” Anthony West #13 13th – Best Lap 1’24.077 “I really struggled to learn the track this morning. At first, I wasn’t sure where the lines were or anything but it got better and it all started to fall in to place in the last ten minutes or so. It seems the more laps I do the faster I get, which is positive. I had wanted to follow somebody around but every time I went out, there didn’t seem to be anybody on the same bit of track! Still, I’m learning it on my own and maybe I’ll be able to see if I can stay with the other guys tomorrow. Every time I get to the Corkscrew I’m holding my breath and worrying if I’m going to make it but it’s exciting, that’s for sure. Anyway, it felt good and, although the set up is not perfect yet, the times were quite consistent in the end and I hope we can continue like that tomorrow.” Roger Hayden #95 15th Best Lap 1’24.325 “Things went pretty well. I’m still learning so much about the bike but managed to go faster every time I went out, which was my aim, so I’m glad about that. All in all, I think the first day went pretty well and we’re just getting some ideas to maybe make the bike a bit better for tomorrow. There’s been a bit of chatter, and a few little things to sort out which may help me go a little faster, but it’s good, getting used to working with the crew: they’re doing a great job and making me feel really welcome. I had a lot of fun out there and I just want to do my own thing. I don’t want to get in anybody’s way.” More, from a press release issued by Pramac Ducati: HOFFMAN TAKEN OUT IN CRASH AT LAGUNA SECA GRAND PRIX, DAVIES TO SUBSTITUTE The Red Bull Laguna Seca Grand Prix kicked off at 10AM Friday morning, when the riders took to the track under gorgeous California sunshine and balmy weather conditions so different from the heat wave the year prior. 6 Laps into the first free practice session, Alex Hofmann, still recovering from an injured right hand, was brutally knocked off-track and into his Ducati when Sylvain Guintoli, himself a Laguna Seca and MotoGP rookie, missed his braking marker coming into the infamous Corkscrew, and collided with Hofmann at a high rate of speed. Hofmann was able to stand immediately after the accident, but it was obvious that his left hand had been severely damaged by the charging Yamaha, and he grimaced in pain while his helmet and gloves were removed. Due to Laguna Seca’s lack of frontage roads surrounding the track, the practice was Red-Flagged to clear the track of all riders so that an ambulance could carry Hofmann to the onsite medical center. He was then airlifted to the Surgery Center in San Francisco where he underwent a three-hour surgery to repair damage to all the broken bones in his hand, including a split second metacarpal. The Team was devastated to have lost Alex for the moment, and after travelling all the way to California from Sachsenring, it was decided that a second rider would be fielded. Former 250cc Grand Prix racer, Chaz Davies, was selected and his MotoGP baptism will be a trial of fire. Riding the Laguna raceway for the first time earlier in the morning on a 600, he took to the track in the second free practice session aboard the mighty Ducati Desmosedici GP7, determined to learn more about the bike, the notoriously tricky circuit, and Bridgestone tires. Alex Barros rode, despite being in pain from his crashes in Germany, but was unable to truly lay down the lap times he was looking for. The Brazilian will rest and recover tonight and come back stronger tomorrow. Alex Barros (1:24.457, 24 laps): For me, it wasn’t an easy day. My hand was particularly painful and I wasn’t able to ride well. Today I tried to ride without the aid of anaesthesia, but it was really impossible because I simply had too much pain. I was convinced that my hand was going to be a little better from last weekend, but now I know that I can’t ride like I normally do, and for this reason I didn’t get a good lap time. Overall, I’m satisfied as regard the bike. We found a good set-up and the tires, too, worked very well. I’m confident that if I didn’t have this injury I could achieve a better result. Anyway, tomorrow before the start of the session, I will take an anaesthetic injection so it’s less painful. I’m confident for the race, but we still have big range to improve. Chaz Davies (1:26.459, 26 laps): I don’t know what can I say, I’m simply surprised. I never thought about something like this. Riding with the best bike and tires of this moment, isn’t a possibility that everyone has. I have never ridden both on this track and in MotoGP, but when the Pramac d’Antin Team made me this proposal, I couldn’t refuse, because it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity. There was just a half hour before the afternoon practice when I saw the Team coordinator coming; for a moment I didn’t understand, then, when I thought back to Hofmann’s crash I suddenly understood. I’m very happy for this opportunity, and I would to say thank you to the Pramac d’Antin Team, and also, get well to the Hoff. Luis d’Antin – Team manager: Alex Hofmann’s crash was very bad for us. This was one of Alex’s favourite tracks and he was strongly motivated to ride on Sunday, but unfortunately MotoGP can also be like this. At the beginning we didn’t know the best decision to take, then, we chose Chaz Davies to replace Hofmann on Sunday. For Chaz, it was his first day on this track and in the MotoGP class, too, but in this difficult situation he did relatively well. I’m confident that from now until Sunday, he will continue to improve.