1. Jamie Hacking (Kaw ZX-6R), 1:27.262 2. Roger Hayden (Kaw ZX-6R), 1:27.335 3. Geoff May (Suz GSX-R600), 1:27.339 4. Josh Hayes (Hon CBR600RR), 1:27.464 5. Michael Barnes (Suz GSX-R600), 1:27.657 6. Aaron Gobert (Hon CBR600RR), 1:27.931 7. Tommy Hayden (Suz GSX-R600), 1:28.009 8. Josh Herrin (Yam YZF-R6), 1:28.025 9. Ben Attard (Kaw ZX-6R), 1:28.133 10. Steve Rapp (Kaw ZX-6R), 1:28.191

DUCATI MARLBORO TEAM SET FOR CHINESE CHALLENGE The Ducati Marlboro Team travels to China following a brilliant weekend in Turkey where the dazzling Casey Stoner won his second Grand Prix of the year to regain the World Championship lead and Loris Capirossi signalled his renaissance with his first podium finish of the season. Not only does Stoner lead the riders’ points chase, Ducati currently tops the constructors’ World Championship and the Ducati Marlboro Team heads the teams’ prize. A remarkable performance from the legendary Italian marque, but everyone involved in the factory’s MotoGP project is determined to remain cool, calm and collected, continuing to treat each MotoGP event as a new challenge. There are still 15 races remaining in this, the longest-ever MotoGP season, which means a huge amount of work for the riders, the team, the awesome Desmosedici GP7 and its Bridgestone tyres. LIVIO SUPPO, Ducati MotoGP project manager “We now go to a circuit where, in theory, we should be very competitive. A lot of people say Shanghai will be easy because it features two long straights but I don’t think it will be easy. Anyway, top speed isn’t everything and during the first three races we have proved that our bike is very fast around the whole racetrack, not just at the end of the straights. It is good to be leading the riders’ championship, the constructors’ championship and the teams’ championship, but we are keeping our feet on the ground, treating each weekend as a new challenge and just doing our best. Everyone at the factory and in the team is working very hard, Bridgestone are doing a great job and Shell Advance are also playing an important role.” CASEY STONER, World Championship leader, 61 points “I think Shanghai is going to be pretty good because our whole package is working just about perfectly so far. The motorcycle and the tyres are amazing, plus the team itself. It’s like a great family, I’ve felt at home since I first arrived and they allow me to do the job I want to do. For me Shanghai is a pretty good track, that hairpin at the end of the back straight is a bit dodgy but the rest seems to flow quite well together, so you can get a bit of a rhythm going, except through the first two corners and the hairpin. I think we should be pretty competitive. You don’t only need horsepower at Shanghai, you also need good braking performance and I remember last year that the Ducatis were very, very hard to beat into the hairpin because the Ducati has got great braking. I think the track will be good for the bike and the Bridgestone tyres. Everyone in the team is doing a great job but we’re still a long way from home as far as the season goes.” LORIS CAPIROSSI, 11th overall, 20 points “After Turkey I feel like I am back, like the season has started for me. The first two races were difficult for me but the team and Bridgestone kept their faith and now I am enjoying myself again, and you have to enjoy riding these bikes to be fast. Bridgestone continue to work very, very well, last year Turkey was difficult for them but this time they really dominated the race, fantastic! We think we can have another good weekend at Shanghai because already last year’s Chinese GP wasn’t so bad for us. Shanghai is quite a strange track with a really long back straight, amazing. The first part is a little bit too F1 style for me, it’s not really easy and it’s not much fun with a motorcycle, but overall the track isn’t so bad. I like riding there and for sure our bike is not too bad on long straight! After Turkey I feel like we have a very, very good opportunity for the rest of the season, but we will see what happens and we must keep working, race by race.” THE TRACK China hosted its first MotoGP event in 2005 and the Shanghai facility made an instant impression, its unusual track layout offering a special challenge to riders while its massive infrastructure towered over proceedings. The circuit is shaped like the Chinese character ‘shang’, meaning ‘above’, the origin of the port city’s name that translates as ‘above the ocean’. Its dominant features are the ultra-long T1/2 and T12/13 right-handers and two long straights, the fastest of which is currently the quickest in MotoGP. The fastest 990cc MotoGP bikes achieved top speeds of 343km/h down the back straight. This year MotoGP bikes are 190cc smaller at 800cc. Lap record: Dani Pedrosa (Honda), 1m 59.3318s, 159.336km/h- 99.007mph Pole position 2006: Pedrosa, 1m 59m 009s DUCATI MARLBORO TEAM RIDER DATA LOGS LORIS CAPIROSSI Age: 34 (born 4 April 1973) Lives: Monaco Bike: Ducati Marlboro Team Desmosedici GP7 GP starts: 251 (81xMotoGP, 59×500, 84×250, 27×125) GP victories: 28 (6xMotoGP, 2×500, 12×250, 8×125) First GP victory: Britain, 1990 (125) First GP: Japan, 1990 (125) Pole positions: 41 (8xMotoGP, 5×500, 23×250, 5×125) First pole: Australia, 1991 (125) World Championships: 3 (125: 1990, 1991, 250: 1998) Shanghai 2006 results: Grid: 10th. Race: 8th CASEY STONER Age: 21 (born 16 October 16 1985) Lives: Monaco Bike: Ducati Marlboro Team Desmosedici GP7 GP starts: 80 (19xMotoGP, 31×250, 30×125) GP victories: 9 (2xMotoGP, 5×250, 2×125) First GP victory: Valencia, 2003 (125) First GP: Britain, 2001 (125) Pole positions: 5 (1xMotoGP, 2×250, 2×125) First pole: Italy, 2003 (125) Shanghai 2006 results: Grid: 7th. Race: 5th

FIAT YAMAHA TEAM HOPING FOR POINTS BOOST IN CHINA After the disappointment of an unrewarding weekend in Istanbul, the Fiat Yamaha Team take their quest for glory even further east this week as the MotoGP World Championship points-chase stops off in Shanghai. The Grand Prix of China is the fourth round of eighteen on this year’s gruelling calendar and it promises to be one of the most challenging, with the horsepower-sapping nature of the circuit and the unpredictable weather of the world’s ninth largest city sure to play their part. The past two visits to Shanghai have provided almost polar extremes in the conditions, with a torrential downpour virtually flooding the circuit in the inaugural event of 2005 and then the intense heat of a year ago, when ambient temperatures during the race touched 31ºC, presenting an altogether different challenge. The event has also seen stark contrasts in fortunes for Valentino Rossi, who navigated his way to victory ahead of Olivier Jacque two years ago but suffered front tyre problems in the heat-wave of 2006 and was forced to retire from the race. Colin Edwards provided some cheer for the team last year by clinching third place in what would prove to be his only podium finish of the campaign. This year the Texan heads to China with a rostrum already under his belt, thanks to his third place at Jerez, following an encouraging start to the season that was only spoiled by an unfortunate crash in Turkey, when he was knocked out of the leading group by another rider on the first lap. Edwards suffered a cut and swollen knee in the incident and was forced to skip a day of testing at Istanbul Park last Monday but he will be fit to resume action in Friday morning’s opening free practice session. Despite being drawn by the same hand as the Istanbul Park Circuit in Turkey, Shanghai has different characteristics that bring to mind closer comparisons with the other Herman Tilke circuit of Sepang. Combining fast straights and hard braking zones with a series of slow and difficult corners, bike set-up is a question of finding a compromised balance and enough horsepower to deal with the longest straight on the calendar, measuring 1202 metres. The unpredictable conditions and mixed data from previous seasons mean grip levels will be a complete mystery, making life even more difficult for Michelin’s engineers as they try to adapt to new tyre restrictions in the most demanding of circumstances. Valentino Rossi “MIXED MEMORIES BUT CLEAR FOCUS” Valentino Rossi heads to Shanghai with his mind still fully focused on the job despite tyre problems at Istanbul and in this race last year. Other than when he fell and re-mounted to take 14th at Jerez last season, tenth place in Turkey was the Italian’s worst-ever dry weather result since his rookie premier-class season in 2000 and he is keen to make amends this Sunday. “We had a bad result in Turkey which we weren’t expecting after being on pole, but Michelin have been working very hard to understand what went wrong and to ensure that it won’t happen again,” says Rossi. “We had a good test on Monday and tried a lot of new tyre combinations with China in mind, so we are going there with some ideas about what we think will work. Now it’s a case of making what is hopefully the right tyre choice and then seeing how things go on Friday morning. “Last year we had a big problem in China and I couldn’t finish the race, but in 2005 I had a great victory there in the wet so I have some nice memories of this track as well as some bad ones! We know it’s not ideal for our bike and maybe they’re going to have to split the main straight in two – one part for Ducati and one part for the rest of us! Joking aside though, it’s a very long straight and we know that we’re going to lack some top speed on it but the new engine modifications we had in Turkey worked well and there’s a good improvement, so hopefully it won’t be too serious. We’re second in the championship and we’ve lost a few points so we need to aim for a podium to get back on track.” Colin Edwards “PUNCHING BACK!” Colin Edwards insists he will be back up and fighting in China despite being knocked to the canvas on the first lap of the Grand Prix of Turkey. The Texan has boxed clever throughout testing and the opening three rounds of the season to give himself an optimum chance of success this season and he is hoping his excellent relationship with Michelin can pay dividends in a race that will place huge emphasis on tyre choice. “Turkey was a real shame because I felt I could have challenged for a podium, but that’s racing and there’s no point getting angry and stewing over it,” reflects Edwards. “I didn’t test on Monday because my knee was pretty painful but a few days resting up at home has helped a lot and it’s feeling a lot better. After starting the season pretty well it was disappointing to have such a bad time in Turkey for the team but that’s our ‘bogey’ circuit and now we’re looking forward to punching back in China! “Shanghai last year was good for me and I ended up on the podium and of course I’m aiming to repeat that with improvement this year! We know it’s going to be a tricky track for us with the long straight but hopefully we can make it up on the other parts of the track. Again the tyres are going to be a big factor but Valentino and Michelin worked seriously hard on Monday in Turkey, while I was chair-bound, and I think they’ve got some good plans about what’s going to work.” Davide Brivio Team Director Fiat Yamaha “DEFENCE THE PRIORITY” Fiat Yamaha Team Director Davide Brivio says his riders face an uphill challenge in their battle for honours this weekend and admits the onus will be on defence rather than attack in the final ‘flyaway’ race before the start of the European term. The Italian pinpoints the long straights of Shanghai as a potential sticking point for the YZR-M1 but says his team are putting their faith in a new direction of development with Michelin tyres – aimed at an assault on the top positions during the decisive run of races up to summer. “Turkey was disappointing but at the same time very important to get information and data about where the limit of the tyres is with these new bikes and where they can be improved,” says Brivio. “We had a very good meeting with Michelin and developed some ideas during the test last Monday. Time will tell but it seems we have identified a new direction to work in and we are all keen to get to China to verify those ideas and help Michelin find a tyre that is most suitable for our bike and for our riders’ style. “China will be a very difficult race for us because of the long straight. It is not a track that allows us to maximise the potential of our bike, which is perhaps stronger at smaller, more ‘rideable’ circuits. We really have to go there and defend as much as possible and focus on getting the bike and tyres ready to attack when we return to Europe once more. Hopefully then we can be back fighting for the victory.” Valentino Rossi : Information Age: 28 Lives: London, UK Bike: Yamaha YZR-M1 GP victories: 85 (59 x MotoGP/500cc, 14 x 250cc, 12 x 125cc) First GP victory: Czech Republic, 1996 (125cc) First GP: Malaysia, 1996 (125cc) GP starts: 177 (117 x MotoGP/500cc, 30 x 250cc, 30 x 125cc) Pole positions: 47 World Championships: 7 Grand Prix (1 x 125cc, 1 x 250cc, 1 x 500cc, 4 x MotoGP) Colin Edwards: Information Age: 33 Lives: Conroe, Texas Bike: Yamaha YZR-M1 First GP: Japón, 2003 (MotoGP) GP starts: 69 x MotoGP World Championships: 2 World Superbike Shanghai: Lap Record D.Pedrosa (Honda) 2006, 1’59.318 Shanghai: Best Lap D. Pedrosa (Honda) 2006, 1’59.009 Grand Prix Results: Shanghai 2006 1. D. Pedrosa (Honda) 44’07.734 2. N. Hayden (Honda) +1.505 3. C. Edwards (Yamaha) +14.634 . Valentino Rossi (ITA) Yamaha NF

AMA Superstock Championship California Speedway Fontana, California April 27, 2007 Provisional Practice Results (the session was cut short by two red flags): 1. Ben Spies (Suz GSX-R1000), Dunlop, 1:24.714 2. Jake Holden (Suz GSX-R1000), Dunlop, 1:24.775 3. Aaron Yates (Suz GSX-R1000), Dunlop, 1:25.612 4. Geoff May (Suz GSX-R1000), Pirelli, 1:25.748 5. Chris Ulrich (Suz GSX-R1000), Pirelli, 1:26.419 6. Blake Young (Suz GSX-R1000), Dunlop, 1:27.255 7. Danny Eslick (Suz GSX-R1000), Dunlop, 1:27.386 8. Robertino Pietri (Suz GSX-R1000), Pirelli, 1:27.419 9. Ben Bostrom (Yam YZF-R1), Dunlop, 1:27.429 10. Martin Cardenas (Kaw ZX-10R), 1:27.463 11. John Haner (Suz GSX-R1000), Dunlop, 1:27.754 12. David Weber (Suz GSX-R1000), Dunlop, 1:28.162 13. Scott Jensen (Suz GSX-R1000), Pirelli, 1:28.240 14. Jason Curtis (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:29.360 15. Johnny Rock Page (Yam YZF-R1), Dunlop, 1:30.571 16. Ivan Garza (Suz GSX-R1000), Dunlop, 1:30.847 17. Santiago Villa (Suz GSX-R1000), Dunlop, 1:31.400 18. Chad Rolland (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:31.458 19. Jay Tanner (Yam YZF-R1), 1:31.520 20. Corey Sarros (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:31.858

April 27, 2007 2nd Annual Heart of America Cyclefest Heartland Park-Topeka Topeka, Kansas Heartland Park-Topeka Listens to Cyclefest Competitors As the Heartland Park-Topeka organization prepares to host its Second Annual Heart of America Cyclefest, it is clear that the management is dedicated to the growth of motorcycle racing and the improvement of this world class facility. This three day racing extravaganza starts on Friday April 27th with Round 3 for the ASRA National Team Challenge Series, Round 2 for the ASRA Pro Series and the season opening rounds for both the Track Addix GP Series as well as the Mid-West Motorcycle Road Racing Championships on the improved 2.5 mile road course. After last season’s event, several riders and officials answered questions by HPT management concerning potential improvements, and it is obvious that HPT listened. For the first of the safety improvements at Heartland Park-Topeka, the management has upgraded the standard tire bales to new Type B soft foam bales, to the tune of nearly 2000 feet of protection. Combined that with the 476 feet of Roadracing World Action Fund inflatable barriers deployed by the ASRA/CCS crew, and you can see the focus at Heartland Park-Topeka is motorcycle safety. To further that commitment to motorcycle road racing, HPT officials removed nearly 100′ of concrete barrier on rider’s left coming out of Turn 5, increasing the run off by 100 feet over last year in response to rider input. “We just want to make it right,” says Michael Casey, Motorcycle Road Course Manager for HPT, “Riders and officials gave some input after the last event, and we did everything we could to act on those issues.” The gates open at 7:00am Thursday through Sunday Racing starts at Noon on Friday Saturday and Sunday, see www.hpt.com for ticket prices, for complete schedule information go to www.ccsracing.us and click on the HPT event info link.

FIM Superbike World Championship Assen, Netherlands April 27, 2007 Provisional Qualifying Results: 1. James TOSELAND (Hon CBR1000RR), 1:39.603 2. Noriyuki HAGA (Yam YZF-R1), 1:39.750 3. Ruben XAUS (Duc 999F06), 1:39.765 4. Troy BAYLISS (Duc 999F07), 1:39.806 5. Troy CORSER (Yam YZF-R1), 1:39.938 6. Karl MUGGERIDGE (Hon CBR1000RR), 1:40.092 7. Fonsi NIETO (Kaw ZX-10R), 1:40.201 8. Jakub SMRZ (Duc 999F05), 1:40.355 9. Lorenzo LANZI (Duc 999F07), 1:40.445 10. Josh BROOKES (Hon CBR1000RR), 1:40.480 11. Max NEUKIRCHNER (Suz GSX-R1000K6), 1:40.537 12. Max BIAGGI (Suz GSX-R1000K7), 1:40.804 13. Michel FABRIZIO (Hon CBR1000RR), 1:40.844 14. Shinichi NAKATOMI (Yam YZF-R1), 1:41.032 15. Roberto ROLFO (Hon CBR1000RR), 1:41.109 16. Regis LACONI (Kaw ZX-10R), 1:41.155 17. Yukio KAGAYAMA (Suz GSX-R1000K7), 1:41.273 18. Christian ZAISER (MV Agusta F4-1000R 312), 1:43.732 19. Luca MORELLI (Duc 999RS), 1:43.756 20. Dean ELLISON (Duc 999RS), 1:44.869 More, from a press release issued by FGSport Group: FABULOUS SUNSHINE ALLOWS TOSELAND TO SIZZLE TOSELAND DEPOSES HAGA AND XAUS Championship leader James Toseland (Hannspree Ten Kate Honda) took the upper hand in the early exchanges as the World Superbike riders baked in the 27°C temperatures which blessed Assen on day one. Toseland was one of three competitors to head the timesheets at various stages, with eventual second placed rider Noriyuki Haga (Yamaha Motor Italia) and third placed Ruben Xaus (Sterilgarda Ducati) each taking their turns at the top earlier in the hour-long session. BAYLISS FOURTH FASTEST FOR DUCATI Troy Bayliss (Ducati Xerox) scored fourth best time overall, some 0.203 from Toseland, as each rider got consistent conditions to run on thanks to the clear skies and bright sunshine – conditions which are expected to remain through to raceday. Another legendary SBK figure, Troy Corser (Yamaha Motor Italia) scored fifth best time, with the highly experienced privateer Karl Muggeridge (Alto Evolution Honda) sixth, easily the best of the non-factory equipped riders. NIETO TOP SEVEN AT ONE OF HIS FAVOURITE CIRCUITS Fonsi Nieto (PSG-1 Kawasaki Corse) was an impressive seventh after his Valencia disappointments, with another ex-GP rider, Jakub Smrz (Team Caracchi SC Ducati) eighth on a private 999, one place up on the official machine of Lorenzo Lanzi (Ducati Xerox). A good day for the Alto Evolution team saw them put their second rider, Joshua Brookes, into the top ten. NEUKIRCHNER FASTER THAN BIAGGI Fast privateer Suzuki rider Max Neukirchner (Suzuki Germany) scored an early confidence-boosting ride at Assen, setting a pace faster than Max Biaggi (Alstare Suzuki Corona Extra) and finishing within a second of leading rider Toseland. Biaggi’s team-mate Yukio Kagayama (Alstare Suzuki Corona Extra) was a lowly 17th. WORLD SUPERSPORT – CHARPENTIER BACK ON TOP FORM Sebastien Charpentier (Hannspree Ten Kate Honda) showed that he has largely recovered form his pelvic and coccyx injuries by posting the fastest time in the first session at Assen, with a 1’42.174 lap. Another recently injured rider, Broc Parkes (Yamaha World SSP Racing), was a gritty second fastest, only 0.017 behind Charpentier and 0.291 seconds up on runaway championship leader, Kenan Sofuoglu (Hannspree Ten Kate Honda). The ‘dummy’ front row was completed by Aussie race winner Fabien Foret (GIL Motorsport Kawasaki). A great day for the Pioneer Hoogee Suzuki team saw them leave the track with Finn Vesa Kallio fifth fastest and his team-mate Barry Veneman (the highest placed Dutch rider) sixth. Davide Salom scored an early advantage for his Yamaha Spain team with a seventh place, one up on Yamaha Lorenzini by Leoni rider Massimo Roccoli. The third Hannspree Ten Kate Honda of Andrew Pitt was ninth, with Kevin Curtain’s stand-in, Steve Martin, 13th. SUPERSTOCK 1000 FIM CUP – BADOVINI THE DAY ONE LEADER Ayrton Badovini (Biassono Unionbike MV Agusta F4 312R) took the early advantage in the Superstock 1000 class, with Claudio Corti (Team Lorenzini by Leoni Yamaha) second, 0.673 seconds behind. Belgian rider Didier Van Keymeulen (TTSL-MGM Racing Yamaha) was third at what is almost his ‘home’ track. Ilario Dionisi (Cruciani Suzuki) finished the top four off, with German rider Arne Tode (Dirk Van Mol – Alpha Technik Honda) fifth. SUPERSTOCK 600 EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP – BERGER FASTEST Maxime Berger (Team Yamaha Trasimeno) led the rankings on the first day of 600 Superstock competition, with local rider Roy Ten Napel (MQP Racing Team Yamaha) second. British rider Greg Black (Politas Racing Yamaha) was an assured third. Andrea Antonelli (Team Italia Megabike AX) finished fourth in the first timed session. More, from a press release issued by HANNspree Ten Kate Honda: HANNspree Ten Kate Honda on top at Assen The fifth round of the 2007 World Superbike Championship began today at a sun-drenched Assen Circuit in The Netherlands. Last year’s wet weekend was a distant memory as the HANNspree Ten Kate Honda riders took to the 4.55km track for the first qualifying session. James Toseland secured the fastest lap time of the day, while team-mate Roberto Rolfo qualified in fifteenth place. Toseland proved once again that he is a force to be reckoned with in the 2007 series as he set the fastest lap eight times in morning practice and three in the afternoon official session. His immediate fast pace gave the team the chance to concentrate on the race set-up of the CBR1000RR, ensuring that the British rider is more than ready for Sunday’s race. His best time stands at 1’39.603. After a challenging weekend in Valencia, Roberto Rolfo is determined to get his 2007 campaign back on track. He performed well in today’s session, but got caught behind a group of slower riders which forced him to settle for fifteenth position. His final best time was 1’41.109. Ronald ten Kate, Team Manager: “Today has been a great start for James – he was immediately fast in the free practice so we were able to go straight into working on the race set-up. We have been testing the race tyres, which are sure to be an issue with the high temperatures here this weekend. We are constantly making small improvements to the bike, but generally it is all good for James. Although Roby’s position does not show it, it seems he is in contact with the group in front of him once again. He had a traffic problem when we put the soft tyre in and he didn’t manage to go any faster so his best lap time was on the racing tyre. I’m sure we can improve tomorrow, so let’s see.” James Toseland: “Today has been a really good day. We were second quickest this morning on the race tyre and I think other riders were using the softer one. Right at the end there I did put that softer tyre in and it worked quite a lot better than the race tyre. I’m pleased with today – we’ve got a bit of work to do on the set-up to get the bike ready for tomorrow but overall I’m pretty happy.” Roberto Rolfo: “I am not happy with this session. We did a lot of good work at the beginning and it was ok, but it wasn’t so good at the end because there were a lot of slower riders in front of me that I couldn’t pass. I was trying to do a 1’40 lap time but I lost it and only managed to fit in one more lap before the end of the session. The session could have gone a lot better. Having said that, I am happy with my progression because I think my race rhythm is not too bad.” More, from a press release issued by Xeros Ducati: DUCATI XEROX MEN FOURTH AND NINTH IN FRENETIC FIRST QUALIFYING SESSION AT ASSEN Assen (Netherlands), Friday 27 April: The opening qualifying session for the Dutch Round of the World Superbike championship at Assen saw both Ducati Xerox Team riders close to the front-runners’ pace but down in fourth and ninth place at the end of the day. Troy Bayliss was the quicker of the two in 1m39.806s, just two-tenths of a second slower than provisional pole sitter James Toseland (Honda), while Lorenzo Lanzi was a further six-tenths of a second down with 1m40.445s. Such was the frenetic pace of the leading ten riders that the Italian eventually ended up in ninth place. “We have changed the bike a lot from when we were here last year, trying the settings from 2006 and giving the bike I’ve had this year a bit of a go and they are both completely different” declared Troy. “We’ve also been testing the hardest tyre Pirelli has got because we thought it would be the only one that was able to do any good for the race. Right at the last moment we put a soft tyre to do a lap and I decided to stay out, I did eight laps and my time looked good so we’ve got a few things to think about tonight. Despite the fact that I’m missing quite a bit in the second split and missing a bit of feeling with the back and I’m struggling to touch the gas the way I want and not feeling as comfortable as I should be, I’m looking forward to tomorrow and feeling good in general”. “The track conditions changed a lot from this morning because the temperature warmed up and I was unable to improve as much as I would have liked” declared Lorenzo. “In the qualifying session I went well while I was using the race tyre then I put on a softer compound to try and move up a few positions, but unfortunately I could only record the same time. However I’m pleased with my race pace and I’ve already got an idea of the tyres to use Sunday, I did a lot of laps to test them and try and get the best setting. Even though I’m only ninth I’m close to the times of the top guys and am quite pleased with everything so far.” Times: 1. Toseland (Honda) 1m39.603s; 2. Haga (Yamaha) 1m39.750s; 3. Xaus (Ducati) 1m39.765s; 4. Bayliss (Ducati Xerox) 1m39.806s; 5. Corser (Yamaha) 1m39.938s; 6. Muggeridge (Honda) 1m40.092s; 7. Nieto (Kawasaki) 1m40.201s; 8. Smrz (Ducati) 1m40.355s; 9. Lanzi (Ducati) 1m440.445s; 10. Brookes (Honda) 1m40.480s. More, from a press release issued by Scuderia SC Carrachi: An unattended sunshine and a Mediterranean temperature welcomed today the Superbike circus at Assen, for the first practice day of the fifth round of World Superbike and Supersport. The Dutch circuit has been hard modified and shortened at 4555 meters, a modification that fired up different comments between the riders present in Assen. In Supersport Gianluca Nannelli finished in 12th position that could be better, but the new track layout is not in favour of the 749R twin, and anyway the leaders gap are very close. “Assen was one of my favourite tracks, but they did ruined it with this change. Now the sector after the start, that was fast and good for our twin engine, is slow in an atrocious way, broking the riding pace and unable to give any satisfaction.” commented at the end of practices Gianluca Nannelli. “For sure I could get something better, but we knew that it would be difficult and, at the end, is not a very bad result. I’m just a second behind the leader. Rather is the position on the provisional grid that could be worrying, Assen is a narrow track and isn’t easy to overtook, on the contrary now in the first sector is almost impossible. We are not very fast in the first split and tomorrow we have to be focused to improve this sector, then in the fastest sector the bike is OK and the engine push very hard. However my race’s pace is quite good and so I’m quite confident.” In Superbike Jakub Smrz has been the real revelation of this first practice day: after a very good 7th fastest in the morning’s free practice session the young Czech rider during qualifying session confirmed his value recording the 8th fastest, third between the Ducati riders behind Xaus and Bayliss. “It has been a great satisfaction!” said Jakub Smrz after his splendid exploit. “Already in the morning I scored a good result and in qualifying I did repeat it. At the second split of my fast lap I got an excellent lap time and I could get a better result, but in the final split I’ve been slowed by another rider, however I’m very satisfied. The bike runs well and also the engine has a good top speed. Looking that we are eleven riders in a gap of one second it’s easy to forecast a great fight for the race!” More, from a press release issued by Team Alstare Suzuki Corona Extra: 2007 Superbike World Championship Round 5, Assen, NL Circuit: 4.555 kms Weather; dry, sunny Friday qualifying, 27th April DISAPPOINTING START FOR MAX AND YUKIO The first day of qualifying for the fifth round of this year’s Superbike World Championship at Assen took place in perfect conditions, but it was a far from perfect start for Team Alstare Suzuki Corona Extra riders Max Biaggi and Yukio Kagayama. Max ended the day twelfth fastest and Yukio finished well down the order in seventeenth place. Series leader James Toseland (Honda) posted the day’s fastest time, just over a tenth of a second ahead of his nearest rival Noriyuki Haga (Yamaha). Third quickest was Ruben Xaus (Ducati), with reigning champion Troy Bayliss (Ducati) fourth. MAX – 12th, 1:40.804 This morning we had some settings problems, so we made quite a few changes to the bike for the qualifying session in the afternoon. Then we focussed on sorting out the engine braking and tomorrow we will try and find a good balance to the bike so that I can push hard. I have ridden this track many times in the past, but this is my first time riding the new layout, so there was that to learn as well today. YUKIO – 17th, 1:41.273 Normally I like Assen and normally it likes me, but today was very strange. I did not find hardly any good grip at all today and I’m not sure exactly why. We made some suspension changes to the bike for the afternoon qualifying, but we had a little bit of a clutch problem and I couldn’t push hard. Tomorrow we’ll make some more changes to the suspension and see if we can get better grip. We need it! More, from a press release issued by Troy Corser’s publicist: TROY HAPPY ENOUGH ON DAY ONE. Troy ended the first day of qualifying at Assen with the fifth fastest lap, but was happy enough with what he and the team had achieved. This is the first time that Troy is riding the Yamaha at Assen and so he spent the morning session getting used to his bike’s behaviour round the 4.555 kilometre circuit. Series leader James Toseland (Honda) posted the day’s fastest time, just over a tenth of a second ahead of his nearest rival Noriyuki Haga (Yamaha). Third quickest was Ruben Xaus (Ducati), with reigning champion Troy Bayliss (Ducati) fourth. TROY – 5th, 1:39.938 Considering that this is my first time here on the Yamaha, I’m pretty happy with how the day has gone. The morning session was all about learning about the Yamaha and the track together, so I certainly didn’t push at all hard then. We made a few changes to the weight balance, the settings of the rear shock and altered the mapping for the afternoon and that definitely made an improvement. In the afternoon, I was able to feel what the bike was doing and it felt more comfortable to ride. Tomorrow we’ll work on the gearing because it wasn’t quite right for this circuit and hopefully we’ll improve some more. See ya! Troy More, from a press release issused by Yamaha Racing: Yamaha in provisional second and fifth after a good day at Assen Yamaha have had a good day in the first qualifying session today at the fifth round of the World Superbike Championship in Assen. In sunny, warm and dry weather Haga took provisional second qualifying place and Corser finished in fifth with both riders promising more progress tomorrow. Noriyuki Haga started the afternoon qualifying session in fourth place but went on to top the board in front of Xaus and Toseland with only five minutes to go. Unfortunately, in the dying minutes of the session Toseland came back to take the top slot, pushing Haga down to second. Troy Corser started the afternoon qualifying session in second where he remained for most of the session until Toseland knocked him down into third. Muggeridge and Bayliss also posted faster times putting him in a comfortable fifth slot for tomorrow’s second qualifying. Team Yamaha YZF rider Shinichi Nakatomi also had a good day, much preferring Assen’s dry conditions to the wet weather experienced at Valencia two weeks ago. Concentrating on getting a good set-up, the young Japanese rider put in 20 laps, doing the second fastest speed of over 285kph and finishing the day in 14th. Toseland currently tops the provisional qualifying grid at his team’s home track with Haga only 0.147 seconds behind in second and Xaus in third. Haga currently holds the Superpole record at Assen with a 1’39.009 which he claimed last year. He will be looking to equal this in tomorrow’s qualifying and Superpole sessions, especially as this weekend will be his 137th race start with Yamaha. This will equal Fabrizio Pirovano’s record with Yamaha. Noriyuki Haga (2nd – 1’39.750 – Yamaha Motor Italia WSB Team) “I used a soft tyre for this afternoon’s session but I know I won’t be able to use it for the race because it will be too warm for it to last the race distance. I have already made a tyre choice for tomorrow, though, and we will make some more minor modifications tomorrow to try and get pole position. Second place is okay today but I want to go for pole position tomorrow.” Troy Corser (5th – 1’39.938 – Yamaha Motor Italia WSB Team) “Today has been good for my first day on this bike at this track. We now have a good idea of the direction we need to go in tomorrow. This afternoon we made some changes and found some positive results as well as some negative ones. I also rode both bikes to get as much data as possible, but we didn’t have enough time to really try out all the changes we made. Tomorrow will be about finding a good race setting and to continue testing the changes we have made to the gearbox and suspension. I’m feeling good about how it’s going, though. We’re really close.” Massimo Meregalli (Team Coordinator – Yamaha Motor Italia WSB Team) “I am quite confident after today’s practice and qualifying sessions. We’ve had a problem free start to the weekend and tomorrow we will focus on deciding which tyres to use for the race. We already have an idea which we will confirm tomorrow.” Shinichi Nakatomi – 14th – 1’41.032 – Team Yamaha YZF) “I have had a good day today and so far this weekend everything feels much better than at Valencia. I am very positive for this weekend’s result and I am working hard on finding a good set-up. I am certain that tomorrow we will find it.”

FIM Supersport World Championship Assen, Netherlands April 27, 2007 Provisional Qualifying Results: 1. Sebastien CHARPENTIER (Hon CBR600RR), 1:42.174 2. Broc PARKES (Yam YZF-R6), 1:42.191 3. Kenan SOFUOGLU (Hon CBR600RR), 1:42.482 4. Fabien FORET (Kaw ZX-6R), 1:42.755 5. Vesa KALLIO (Suz GSX-R600), 1:42.773 6. Barry VENEMAN (Suz GSX-R600), 1:42.875 7. David SALOM (Yam YZF-R6), 1:43.000 8. Massimo ROCCOLI (Yam YZF-R6), 1:43.010 9. Andrew PITT (Hon CBR600RR), 1:43.040 10. Katsuaki FUJIWARA (Hon CBR600RR), 1:43.167 11. David CHECA (Yam YZF-R6), 1:43.241 12. Gianluca NANNELLI (Duc 749R), 1:43.245 13. Steve MARTIN (Yam YZF-R6), 1:43.297 14. Davide GIUGLIANO (Kaw ZX-6R), 1:43.369 15. Craig JONES (Hon CBR600RR), 1:43.414 16. Vladimir IVANOV (Yam YZF-R6), 1:43.478 17. Simone SANNA (Hon CBR600RR), 1:43.539 18. Pere RIBA (Kaw ZX-6R), 1:43.578 19. Sebastien GIMBERT (Yam YZF-R6), 1:43.601 20. Lorenzo ALFONSI (Hon CBR600RR), 1:43.624 28. Chris PERIS (Yam YZF-R6), 1:44.789 More, from a press release issued by HANNspree Ten Kate Honda: Charpentier on a mission for HANNspree Ten Kate Honda HANNspree Ten Kate Honda’s home round of the 2007 World Supersport Championship began in style today as inujred rider Sébastien Charpentier made an impressive comeback. The Frenchman set the fastest lap time in the first qualifying session, while team-mates Kenan Sofuoglu and Andrew Pitt finished in third and ninth places respectively. Having missed out on the fourth round race in Valencia due to his pelvic injuries, Charpentier was determined to prove his fitness at his team’s home track. He set about doing this by securing the fastest lap in both the free practice and the official qualifying session. His final time was 1’42.174 – just 0.268 seconds behind the Supersport best lap at Assen, set by Charpentier in 2006. Sofuolglu was on top form once again as he secured the fastest lap five times during the morning free practice. He followed this up in the official session by shaving almost a full second off his practice time and qualifying in third position with a best lap of 1’42.482. Temporary rider Andrew Pitt experienced problems when he got caught up in slow traffic towards the end of the 45-minute session. However, he is happy with the set-up of the CBR600RR and looks forward to improving on his position tomorrow. Ronald ten Kate, Team Manager: “We’ve had a good start to the weekend today. I am truly happy to see Sébastien on top of the timesheets again. His new helmet says ‘on a mission’ and that is exactly what he is! It is nice to have him back with us in the garage. Kenan did a good job today and has made good progress in getting onto the provisional front row. With Andrew, everything was looking fine. We did a long run on race tyres, then we wanted to test a softer tyre but unfortunately he got stuck in traffic. We are confident that he can move up the timesheets tomorrow. The team has quite a bit of work to do because we still have to shave around half a second off the time of the boys – we have made good progress but we are not done yet.” Sébastien Charpentier: “I am really happy to come back at Assen because it is the home race of the Ten Kate team and we are lucky to have good conditions today. I worked really hard after my crash and for the moment I am ok. The bike is running well, the team has worked hard and they have managed to improve the new CBR600RR even further. For tomorrow we will make some small changes, but nothing special – I am ok, the bike is ok and I am happy to be back with my team.” Kenan Sofuoglu: “Today was not too bad. I am happy because we have been trying something new with the clutch on the bike and it seems to be working very well. I have had problems with the clutch since the beginning of the season but now we seem to be sorting that out and it gets better every time I use it. I am pleased with the lap times as I am getting faster with each lap. Tomorrow morning I will go race distance. My ambition is the same as usual – to be in the front row. This is always where I want to be and that is what I will set my sights on tomorrow.” Andrew Pitt: “We put the soft tyre on the end there and I just got caught up with a lot of guys on the track. By the time I got a clear lap it was lap four or five on the tyre and it was starting to move around a bit. Anyway, we did a long run and we have ruled out the tyre that we don’t want to use so it’s ok. We won’t be changing the bike too much – I just need to do some more laps.” More, from a press release issued by Yamaha Racing: Parkes takes second in day one qualifying at Assen Parkes showed that he is back on the pace today by taking second place in qualifying following his accident at Donington only a month ago when he broke his right collar bone. And with Steve Martin settling into Curtain’s seat while he recovers from the leg injuries he sustained at Valencia, the team is confident of good results this weekend. Parkes started the morning’s free practice session focusing on ensuring he was happy with the set-up and trying out several tyre options for the race. In the qualifying session Parkes proceeded to take second place on a flying lap before being knocked down to fourth by Sofuoglu and Charpentier. The session was then red flagged but as soon as it was re-started Parkes went out and re-took second place where he ended up only 0.017 seconds off pole position man Charpentier. Time ran out before the Australian could push any further for first place. Today was Steve Martin’s first opportunity to ride the R6 since stepping into Curtain’s boots. Martin started the morning’s free practice session using Parkes settings which he adapted to suit his riding style. Martin hasn’t ridden in the supersport class since 2000 but that didn’t stop the highly experienced World Superbike rider taking to the R6 within the first few laps. Yamaha Team Italia rider Massimo Roccoli comes to Assen confident after a win in the national Italian championship last weekend at Mugello. His new-found confidence showed today in both sessions with him finishing in eighth. Broc Parkes (2nd – 1’42.191 – Yamaha World Supersport Team) “Today’s sessions felt good. We tried two bikes which were set-up quite differently and have found a good direction for this weekend. Tomorrow we will concentrate on riding race distance to see if we can find the right tyre before the second qualifying session in the afternoon. But at the moment everything is going the right way for a good result this weekend. My collar bone is still sore and I’m finding it a bit hard to change direction in some of the fast-change corners but it certainly feels a lot better than it did at Valencia.” Steve Martin (13th – 1’43.297 – Yamaha World Supersport Team) “I’m happy with what I’ve achieved today considering I have only been on the bike for less than two hours. The bike is great to ride and I feel I am making solid progress. I didn’t manage to get a good run on the tyres today due to the oil flag during the session, but I am confident we will go faster tomorrow. I just need to get to know the bike more and understand what it can and can’t do.” Massimo Roccoli (8th – 1’43.010 – Yamaha Team Italia) “Last weekend’s win for me was a great boost to my confidence and the bike is very fast here. Those two things combined make me very happy and confident this weekend. It is thanks to my race engineer that the bike is so good. I am happy with my position and will look to improve on it tomorrow.”

FIM World Superbike Championship Assen, Netherlands April 27, 2007 Free Practice One Results: 1. Ruben XAUS (Duc 999F06), 1:40.460 2. James TOSELAND (Hon CBR1000RR), 1:40.529 3. Troy BAYLISS (Duc 999F07), 1:40.826 4. Noriyuki HAGA (Yam YZF-R1), 1:40.903 5. Lorenzo LANZI (Duc 999F07), 1:40.976 6. Troy CORSER (Yam YZF-R1), 1:40.991 7. Jakub SMRZ (Duc 999F05), 1:41.382 8. Karl MUGGERIDGE (Hon CBR1000RR), 1:41.599 9. Regis LACONI (Kaw ZX-10R), 1:41.852 10. Roberto ROLFO (Hon CBR1000RR), 1:41.906 11. Michel FABRIZIO (Hon CBR1000RR), 1:42.183 12. Yukio KAGAYAMA (Suz GSX-R1000K7), 1:42.330 13. Fonsi NIETO (Kaw ZX-10R), 1:42.349 14. Max BIAGGI (Suz GSX-R1000K7), 1:42.453 15. Josh BROOKES (Hon CBR1000RR), 1:42.570 16. Max NEUKIRCHNER (Suz GSX-R1000K6), 1:42.882 17. Shinichi NAKATOMI (Yam YZF-R1), 1:43.662 18. Luca MORELLI (Duc 999RS), 1:45.046 19. Dean ELLISON (Duc 999RS), 1:45.144 20. Christian ZAISER (MV Agusta F4-1000R 312), 1:46.446