London 12.02.07: Ilmor GP rider Jeremy McWilliams is set to make his return to the race track during the MotoGP test this week at the Losail circuit in Qatar. McWilliams suffered multiple injuries after crashing out at the test in Jerez back in November 2006 a fractured left femur, suspected fractured collarbone and the loss of a fingertip were the result injuries that McWilliams played down and has since worked tirelessly to return to form as quickly as possible. Following the Malaysian test last week in Sepang, the team are very keen to continue developing the bikes set up ahead of the start of the season in Qatar in March. McWilliams’ team mate Andrew Pitt put in a sterling effort in Sepang clocking up 70 laps in one day however the Australian understandably has made no secret of his eagerness to once again share the responsibilities of testing. Jeremy McWilliams, Ilmor GP Rider: “I had some minor work to my damaged leg on Friday in Ireland, they fiddled around with the screws in my knee to make it easier for me to train and ride. I’ve made good progress in the past few weeks and I’m feeling really strong, I can’t wait to get back on the bike. It’s been so frustrating being out since November, I’ve been in constant contact with the team and Andrew but nothing compares to actually getting out there and putting the bike through its paces. “I think we’re all realistic and the biggest problem we have at the moment is a lack of track time, the start of the season will be upon us before we know it so every day counts. We made great progress in Jerez before the incident so I hope we can continue going forward and see a significant improvement in Qatar and Jerez.” Mario Illien, Ilmor GP Team Principal: “I’m pleased and surprised at the speed of Jeremy’s recovery, he’s dedicated himself to getting fit again as quickly and safely as possible. Andrew has done a good job without him but it will be great to have both of them back out on the track. “I know that the team were a little disappointed with the test in Sepang, everyone is working incredibly hard and sometimes you don’t progress as fast as you would like but I believe in persistence and we are at the start of a long journey in terms of development, no one is expecting overnight miracles slow, steady progress is our goal. I’m expecting good things from both riders in Qatar.”

Bruno Ruffo Former Italian rider Bruno Ruffo died last Friday in Italy. He was 86 years old. Bruno Ruffo was born on December 9, 1920 in Colognola (Verona). He started in motorcycle racing in 1946. His first Grand Prix was in Bern, Switzerland, on July 2, 1949, in the 250cc class riding a Moto Guzzi, and was also his first win. With a second place in Ulster and a fourth place in Monza, he became the first 250cc Grand Prix World Champion. In 1950, he also raced in the 125 class and won the World title, riding a Mondial, with a victory at the Dutch TT in Assen; that same year he finished 3rd in the 250cc Championship. He won again the 250cc title in 1951 with two wins, in France (Albi) and Ulster (Belfast-Clady). He finished 6th in 1952, always riding a 250cc Moto Guzzi. In the name of the FIM, President Vito Ippolito and CEO Guy Maitre present their sincere condolences to his family and his friends.

RANDY DE PUNIET Randy de Puniet is one of the emerging young stars of MotoGP, entering his second season at the elite level of racing with Kawasaki. By his own judgement his rookie season in 2006 was not easy, a learning year slowed by some unlucky crashes and injuries. But, having achieved a childhood dream of reaching MotoGP, the five-time 250cc GP winner is now aiming for success in the premier class. He is intent on improving on his rookie season result of 16th in the championship standings, and the 25 year-old Frenchman has shown impressive speed in pre-season testing, with a smooth transition to the new 800cc ZX-RR. In 2007 he will race alongside the experienced Olivier Jacque in an all-French squad at Kawasaki. From scooter racing as a youngster to the ZX-RR in 2007, De Puniet is out show to that he has a winning future with Kawasaki in MotoGP. Q: What are your feelings in advance of your second season in MotoGP with Kawasaki? A: I’m feeling very positive about the new season, I feel very settled now with the Kawasaki team. One of the most important things for me as a rider is that my crew chief and mechanics are same as last year; it is very good to have the same staff. We did a lot of hard work last year, even though my results were not that satisfying, and I’m looking forward to a much stronger season. Q: Looking back, what were some of the problems you encountered last year? A: As a rookie I had a lot to learn and everyone understood that, but even so I thought I was unlucky with some crashes and injuries. I was an innocent victim of that big, six-rider crash in the Barcelona race and those things do not help in your rookie season. But I’m looking ahead, not back, this is a new year and I’m very positive. Q: Have you set any goals that you would like to achieve? A: My first target is to improve at every race and improve my consistency over the race distance, which is what I have been working on during the winter testing. We have a very good base with the new 800cc ZX-RR and I’m looking to go a step forward with my own riding performance. But there are now a lot of factory bikes and very good riders in MotoGP, so it will not be easy. Q: How have you had to adapt your style to riding the new 800cc machine? A: Without the same level of power as with the previous 990cc bike you brake later and carry more corner speed, so I have done a lot of work on adjusting my style to suit the new bike. For me, it’s a nice feeling as a rider on the 800, my first impression was very positive and after many laps in testing I’m enjoying it even more. Q: What do you feel will be the important areas for a fast lap time on the 800? A: Perhaps the key factor this season will be good tyre life and durability, especially at the end of the races because of the close competition. And braking stability will also be very important, as this will assist in carrying higher corner speeds. Q: You come from a background of 250cc grands prix, has this helped in the transition to the 800cc concept? A: Not so much, because I don’t think the 250cc riding style is exactly what is required on the 800. Now on the 800cc ZX-RR I’m working on moving my weight around to able to pick the bike up earlier on corner exit, and get on the throttle earlier. And during the winter tests I have been concentrating on doing race simulations, so that I can understand how to change my style towards the end of race when the tyre performance is going down, to be more consistent. At some of the tests I have done a long race run each day. Q: How have you prepared for the 2007 season? A: I have done a lot of cycling and motocross, and also some supermotard riding. In the winter break I have been out with some other French riders, Regis Laconi and Fabien Foret, and we do 45 minute runs on motocross bikes, which I think is more exhausting than a MotoGP race. I’m hoping this will help my endurance over the race distance this season. I’ve also done some work in the gym, but once the season starts you need to balance fitness with recovery time, because it’s a long year. Q: For the first time there will 18 races in the MotoGP championship, what do think about this? A: I like racing so this is not a problem for me. The difficult part will be in May and until the end of June, that is a busy period on the calendar, but it’s the same for everyone. This season will be an important one for me, so I hope there are not too many surprises. Q: Did you get some time for holidays and to relax during the winter break? A: Yes, I was in Ireland with my girlfriend for ten days and then mainly at home training, maintaining my fitness and just relaxing. Q: And where is home for you? A: I live in Andorra. It’s a nice place and in the winter there is snow, which is a lot of fun, plus I have many friends there. Q: And this year there are two French riders in the Kawasaki team… A: It’s great, the more French riders in MotoGP the better. For Kawasaki this was the best choice this season because Olivier has been the test rider and doing a lot of work with the team. I already had a two year contract and I’m happy OJ will be racing with us this year. Q: With less electronic control on the 800cc motors this year will this mean the opportunity for greater rider input? A: Yes, there will be more influence from the rider and I prefer that, especially towards the end of a race when you have to manage the tyres. Fortunately it is not like F1, this is important, because in MotoGP the rider can make the difference. Q: What is the difference between testing and racing? A: Testing is more relaxed even though it is an eight hour day at the track, which can sometimes mean 85 laps. But you do not have the same pressure as a race weekend when there is less time. At the race weekends I try to carry over that relaxed approach because when you are relaxed it is easier to perform at your maximum. Q: Do you have some favourite tracks in MotoGP? A: I like the fast circuits, like Mugello, Sepang and Barcelona but not so much tracks like China and Estoril. Q: What is the best part of being a MotoGP rider? A: Just to be able to ride these bikes, which are at the top level of performance in motorcycling. My dream is keep doing this for a long time and become one of the top riders in the world. Q: This year you will race with number 14, not your usual number 17. Why? A: Last year was not a good season for me so I thought I would change from number 17. I wanted to use number 7 but Carlos Checa uses this number – so it is 14, two times seven.

HANNspree Ten Kate Honda ready for fresh challenges The countdown to the 2007 World Superbike Championship has begun and HANNspree Ten Kate Honda is ready for the challenges it faces to claim the Superbike title. The first round of the series takes place at Losail International Circuit in Doha, Qatar on 24 February. Youngest ever Superbike Champion James Toseland and new team-mate Roberto Rolfo will contest the championship aboard the formidable CBR1000RR Fireblade. Hopes are high as the team makes its final preparations before travelling to the 5.4km circuit on the outskirts of Qatar’s capital city. Twenty-five-year-old James faces his seventh World Superbike Championship and second consecutive year with Ten Kate Honda. The 2006 series saw the British rider achieve 12 podium finishes including three victories, five second and four third places to take second position overall. James is looking to improve on this in 2007 by reclaiming the title. Last year’s season opener at Qatar saw the rider take his first race win of the season so expectations are high for 2007’s corresponding race. Joining JT in the 2007 HANNspree Ten Kate Honda line-up is rising star Roberto Rolfo. The Italian rider made his first world Superbike appearance last year following a successful seven-year career in the 250cc World Championship and a year in MotoGP. With the support of HANNspree Ten Kate Honda, the talented 25-year-old is set to fulfil his potential and could become the rider to watch in 2007. Ronald Ten Kate, Team Manager: “After a winter of hard work, I am really happy that the season is starting again. I believe we are ready in all areas and should be competitive from the start. For sure there is a big challenge ahead of us with a lot of good riders and teams to compete with for the title. I think our Honda machinery, riders and team are ready to take on the challenge.” James Toseland: “I have been looking forward to the first race since I finished so strongly at the end of last year. I won the first race of the season in Qatar in 2006, which was a big surprise to everyone including myself particularly as I had switched to Honda after being with a rival manufacturer for five years. This put us in a good position to battle for the championship for the rest of the year and this it the kind of start I am hoping for again. I want to keep the winning streak going. The development of the HANNspree Ten Kate Honda CBR1000RR in pre-season testing has been really strong. After the final test in Valencia last week, I think we are ready to go to Qatar and be capable of winning.” Roberto Rolfo: “For the first race of the championship I am very focused on understanding and applying everything we have learned during the winter testing. I have learned a different riding style and I am really happy with the progress that I have made with HANNspree Ten Kate Honda. Qatar is a track that I like very much because I have always had good results there. I’m glad that the first race is there because hopefully I can start the series well and carry this on through the rest of the championship.” HANNspree Ten Kate Honda ready for Supersport success With less than two weeks to go until the first round of the 2007 World Supersport Championship, HANNspree Ten Kate Honda is well prepared for the season ahead. The opening race will take place at the 5.4km Losail International Circuit in Doha, Qatar on the 24 February. HANNspree Ten Kate Honda’s World Supersport riders return to the championship aboard the all-new CBR600RR. The 600cc four-cylinder bike has performed well in winter testing and is sure to follow the success of its championship-winning predecessor in the 2007 series. Defending back-to-back Supersport champion Sébastien Charpentier is hoping to score a hat trick of series wins in his third year with the team. At the 2006 Qatar round the Frenchman secured the best lap time, pole position and race win. The track obviously suits his riding style, so the team is expecting good things for the 2007 race. Turkish rider Kenan Sofuoglu also retains his place in the team and is set to provide a serious challenge to his team-mate. The 22-year-old secured third position overall in the 2006 Championship an impressive achievement for the young rider’s first year in world Supersport. After securing seven podium finishes in 2006 including two race wins ­ Kenan is likely to be a serious championship contender in 2007. Recent tests in Phillip Island and Valencia have given the HANNspree Ten Kate Honda riders the chance to get to grips with the new bike. The team is looking forward to kicking off the battle for the championship title in Qatar next week. Ronald ten Kate, Team Manager: “We are all excited about racing the new Honda CBR600RR. The bike has already shown its potential during winter testing, but of course racing is something different. We still have some development to do with the bike but I think we will have a solid start to the season. We have worked really hard, so big compliments to Honda Japan for delivering a standard bike that is already strong; to the Ten Kate tuners for making the bike so quick and also to the team for building what I think is the best CBR600RR in Ten Kate racing history. Now we have to take it racing and we look forward to getting the best results possible. Both Kenan and Sébastien are aiming for wins this season so we will keep our fingers crossed.” Sébastien Charpentier: “Qatar is a good track for me, I won the first race of the series there last year and in 2005 so it is suited to my style. I think with the new bike there is a good possibility for me to finish on the podium. The team has worked very hard to get the bike ready for the first race. I feel very relaxed.” Kenan Sofouglu: “I am really looking forward to the start of the season. For me, it is better than last year because 2006 was my first year in Supersport and I had no idea what would happen. Now I know the class, I know the other riders, I know my team and I know what to expect. We have already tested with the new bike and it is a big improvement. The test times are much faster than last year. I think Sébastien and I we will do a very good job for HANNspree and Ten Kate Honda.”

NCR CORSE will take part in the European Supertwins Championshiop. Valter Bartolini has been confirmed as NCR CORSE official factory rider for the entire 2007 season. NCR CORSE will tune the MILLONA FACTORY 07 according to his specific needs so as to put him in the ideal conditions to race and aim at the European Supertwins Championship Title and at winning all national and international races NCR will decide to take part in. The European Supertwins Championship will race on the following tracks: Assen 06/8-10 (Netherlands) Panoniaring 07/20-22 (Hungary) Croix 08/4-5 (Belgium) Spa Francorchamp 08/11-12 (Belgium) Vallelunga 09/7-9 (Italy) When the official racing calendars are out, NCR CORSE will decide whether to also take part in the Italian Supertwins Championship and in the Ducati Desmo Challenge. NCR CORSE confirms the BARTOLINI-MILLONA pairing, aiming at the best possible result both in terms of victories and, even more important, to continue the MILLONA development through testing on the race track of many new products and configurations to be offered on MILLONA production models. In the 2007 season, as usual, NCR CORSE will focus on its “NCR MILLONA CUSTOMER-RACE” program, providing technical assistance on the track to all MILLONA customer-pilots. Thus, every MILLONA owner in this program can count on the official NCR assistance, which guarantees for the racer best possible performance, fun, and a sense of belonging in the NCR community. Most important, Customer-Race members will have priority for all new products to be introduced by NCR. NCR CORSE will also take part in the North American Battle of the Twins races through its North American NCR Dealers coordinated by NCR CORSE.

KONICA MINOLTA Honda starts the next phase of testing with their new Honda RC212V 800cc machine tomorrow at the Losail circuit in Qatar. With just two more scheduled tests to go before the start of the season, it’s vitally important that the entire schedule is completed before the 2007 race season begins on 10th March. Shinya Nakano arrives from Japan fully recovered from the stomach complaint that cut short his first day at the previous Phillip Island test. The team’s aim for this test is to further acquaint themselves with the new V4 Honda and test more tyres and settings in a bid to be in perfect shape for that first race which is less than four weeks away. The three-day test concludes on Thursday, but the team will not have much time to relax as the gruelling schedule continues the following Friday at Jerez in Spain for a further three days over the weekend of 23rd-25th February. Gianluca Montiron Team Manager KONICA MINOLTA Honda “These last two tests at Qatar and Jerez are very important to evaluate the gradual improvement of our package and by that the machine, rider, tyres and the team. I think we are ahead of schedule from the management side as we are one of few teams that re-confirmed the support of our sponsors so early, which helps enormously. As everything is new, the next two tests are vital if we are to be in a good condition to start the championship next month. Honda is the number one manufacturer in the world and I believe all Honda riders will have their chance to win and that includes Shinya. Already in the past we have showed that a rider can win even with a satellite machine. We intend to do more of that in 2007.” Shinya Nakano Rider, KONICA MINOLTA Honda “After being ill in Phillip Island, I feel much better now! After the tests so far this year I can say that we have already found a good base setting for the new 800cc bike and I am more familiar with the Michelin tyres. In Qatar I want to push harder and focus more on getting a good lap time. The Qatar circuit is not my favourite; it is too affected by weather conditions, temperature and the sand. In my experience with the track the first day has never been very good and only after time does the track become cleaner and the grip levels increase. Sand on track can be really dangerous, so I hope that we can get up to speed on the circuit from day one. I’m pleased, as when KONICA MINOLTA Honda’s Technical Director Giulio joined the team in Phillip Island, the internal organization of the team improved and we began to get through a lot of the work and that’s what we need to before the first race of the season next month.” Giulio Bernardelle Technical Director, KONICA MINOLTA Honda “Last time out in Phillip Island we found a good base set-up for the Honda RC212V, but we’ve still a little way to go to fully understand the character and potential of our new machine. In Qatar, we’ll continue this process of familiarising ourselves with the 800cc bike. Despite the hard work in the first test sessions we still need time to further refine the settings. Michelin is giving us a great support particularly in the development of the front tyre, so we’ll have a lot of material to test in the second and the third day at Losail. We expect that the track will be fast on the 800, so I wouldn’t be surprised for us to have similar lap times to last season’s race. This test session and the official IRTA tests in Jerez will be very important because the Qatar and Jerez GPs will take place just a few weeks later.”

Steve Plater began his preparations for the 2007 World Endurance campaign with a two-day shakedown test for Team Kawasaki France at Valencia in Spain. He was joined on track by French teammate Gwen Giabbani to check suspension settings and test the Pirelli tyres they are to use throughout the 2007 season. Steve was greeted with continuous rain on day one but was able to complete over 80 laps and test out the Pirelli wets before returning to the track the following day in bright sunshine to work on a dry weather set-up and slick tyres. Steve from Woodhall Spa in Lincolnshire said: “We had a good, positive test putting in over 160 laps apiece over the two day period. The weather was awful on the first day but it brightened up for day two when we were greeted by sunshine and a track temperature of around 20 degrees giving us an ideal opportunity to try out various tyre compounds in the dry. “After testing the Kawasaki ZX10 in both wet and dry conditions I am feeling very positive and ready for the next test at Albacete on February 26, & 27.” Not content with testing the Kawasaki France machinery, Steve returns to Albacete with the AIM Yamaha British Superbike team where he will conduct a three day test over March 16, 17 & 18 before setting off to Le Mans for more testing with Kawasaki France on March 21 & 22. He will round off his testing schedule with AIM Yamaha at Snetterton in Norfolk where he will take part in the official British Superbike test on March 24 & 25 prior to the opening race on the calendar at Brands Hatch over the Easter weekend.

Team RPS & South Central Race Center Team up for the 2007 Season We are happy to announce that Team Racing Performance Services(RPS)/Komodo/Repsol will be teaming up with South Central Race Center for the 2007 season. Team owner, Marcus McBain, has assembled a great team of riders. The team consists of Danny Kelsey, Billy Lee, Dustin Doucet, and Todd Fleeman. They will compete in the entire CMRA sprint series as well as two WERA National events and the AMA Sports Grand National Championship on Bridgestone tires. South Central Race Center (SCRC) owner John Hutchinson commented “We did some extensive off season testing, and the RPS/Komodo/Repsol GSXR 600’s were working great on the BT002’s. I am impressed by the level of commitment the RPS team is exibiting.” South Central Race Center is the exclusive Trackside Vendor for Bridgestone racetires for Texas, Louisiana & Oklahoma. SCRC also sells VP race fuel & Suzuka Tire Warmers. John Hutchinson can be contacted at [email protected] or by calling (281) 703-0296.

British motorcycle racing will see an exciting new on track association between Hawk Kawasaki and AGV Sports Group UK for the 2007 season. Swadlincote, Derbyshire, is the home to the Hawk Kawasaki British Superbike team and 2007 heralds their 10th year of racing at the top national level. AGV Sport from Eastleigh near Southampton have struck a deal to supply race leathers, boots and gloves to both team riders in the British Superbike Championship, as well as British Supersport, National Superstock and the Superteen RS125 Challenge. As Director of AGV Sports Group UK Keith Bloxsome explains, this is a responsibility they do not take lightly:- “AGV Sports motorcycle apparel is designed by riders for riders and top level racing is where it has to perform. On track, the riders must have complete confidence in the protective clothing they wear, to the point that they can compete at 100% without worry or discomfort. Although the race suits will be made to measure, this is virtually the same clothing that we sell to all bikers on the road “. Keith continues;- “It is possible to be one of the best without being one of the biggest. The association with Hawk Kawasaki is an exciting new venture and we are delighted to be working with a high profile underdog. Their results often surprise those around them. Our aim is to provide safety and style at a great price for the consumer, without necessarily being the biggest name in our market; so we have mutual goals “. Hawk Kawasaki will be supplied with the SP4 leather racing suits, the dedicated new Laguna race boot and the top-of-the range SP1000 and SP900 sports gloves. Replicas of this Hawk Kawasaki team apparel will be available from dealers later in the season. More information about AGV Sport can be viewed on www.agvsport.co.uk