The MotoGP World Championship hits the shores of the US before taking a well-deserved mid-season break. The eleventh round of the season will take place at the legendary Laguna Seca circuit with the MotoGP category the guest of honour as the 125 and 250cc classes sit it out for the weekend. However, the MotoGP riders will have some company as, for the very first time, they share track duties this weekend with the American AMA Superbike championship riders. After an absence of ten years, MotoGP returned to Laguna Seca last season and the hugely testing circuit ensured one of the most exciting and fascinating races of the season. “The corkscrew” – a turn that requires both great skill and great courage – has since undergone a major transformation costing some $9 million in a bid to try and improve safety at the circuit, although officials are confident that none of the excitement it brought will be lost. “We are very happy as we did not expect such a rapid response for the Safety Commission,” stated Franco Uncini – head of riders’ safety. “The track has been completely resurfaced and corners one and seven have been levelled out, while the circuit’s drainage system has also been redesigned. The run-off areas have also been increased at the most important points, but the mythical character of the track has not been altered. Laguna Seca is not a circuit that has been designed with any modern software, but it is still a very exciting and enjoyable circuit.” MARCO MELANDRI: “Laguna Seca is a circuit that I like a lot; it has a unique design that is a lot of fun. Last year we had a few problems with the set-up of the bike and it wasn’t until the ‘warm-up’ for the race that we found a suitable solution. We are in a good moment of form right now and I must make the most of the situation and continue to concentrate and perform despite still not being 100 percent physically. In the last two races I have had some great battles and I hope to repeat that here. I hope to be practically fully fit when I start the race, but competitiveness forms part of my personality and I love a real battle.” TONI ELIAS: “Laguna Seca is a mythical circuit. When I was young I remember the races at this circuit perfectly and used to love watching them. I really like the circuit and although it is difficult it is a lot of fun and completely different to the European ones we are used to. The ‘Corkscrew’ turn is really impressive, you don’t appreciate just how amazing it is on television. I was still suffering physically at the German GP and my fracture still isn’t completely healed, but I will give my all.” LAGUNA SECA – THE CIRCUITS TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS Built: 1957 Latest modification:2006 Length: 3.610 m Width: 15 m Pole position: from the right Right corners: 4 Left corners: 7 Longest straight: 966 m RECORD: Record: 2005 C.Edwards (Yamaha) 1’23″915 Pole: N. Hayden (Honda) 1’22″670 Race ’05: 1st N.Hayden (Honda), 2nd C.Edwards (Yamaha), 3rd V.Rossi (Yamaha) THE GRAND PRIX FROM INSIDE THE FORTUNA HONDA BOX The box of a MotoGP team is an operations room where technology and hard work combine against just one factor: time. The few hours of qualifying and the fierce battle between rider and his eternal rival – time, would not be possible without the priceless help of the group around him – the team. The lay-out of the box is designed to guarantee the most efficient work environment possible in the small space permitted. The design, the result of many years of hard work and experience, is improved upon almost daily and in the case of Team Gresini, is marked by the combination of elegance and functionality. One of the team’s partners, BETA TOOLS, bring all their know-how to the team’s equipment with the aim of ensuring that the team spend their time in the best and most efficient way possible, with each member comfortable with his tools. Over the course of a weekend a simple nut can be put on and taken off up to 500 hundred times. Under the watchful eye of the chief mechanic, the work that goes on in the box is carried out with two main objectives; speed and efficiency. The work of each and everyone of the group goes on to define just how effective the team will perform as a unit over the course of a weekend. In the case of the tyres, the different members of the team will work together with the objective of getting the rider back out on the circuit as quickly as possible so he has every chance to win his the most important battle of all – ‘the battle against time’. JOB TIMES: 30 seconds needed to change the rear tyre 2.5 minutes needed to change the front tyre 4 minutes needed to change the rear suspension fork 3 minutes needed to change the front suspension fork 25 minutes needed to dismantle and change the gear-box 3.5 minutes needed to change the chassis and engine of the bike 6 – 7 hours needed to dismantle and then put back together the entire bike

FIRST PERSON/OPINION Via e-mail: Attention all AMA teams, per the Laguna Seca officials at the biggest U.S. event in motorcycle road racing. YOU WILL BE RIDIN DIRTY FOR THE MOTO GP EVENT. A “no water in the paddock” rule is being enforced, that means no equipment can be rinsed with just water, no soap mind you, just plain old soft water! So all the equipment that is usually washed at every event, floors, awning and the like, will be dirty for the biggest motorcycle road racing event in the U.S. So when all you fans come to the event and think, “Man all these AMA guys are nasty,” no you have Laguna Seca to thank for this. And if you think this is the rules of the MotoGP body “Dorna”, think again because in speaking with the Dorna officials, they say that all the teams in all the countries they go to, wash the equipment before the event! Laguna Seca officials’ response to this was “we have a guy on the other side of the property washing transporters.” That is not the problem the Transporter is clean, but all the other equipment is in need of a rinse. Laguna officials respond, well just take all your equipment to the other side of the property set it up, have them wash it tear it down, bring it back to the paddock and set it up again! Also in talking with SCRAMP officials, they said that all the other events they have here, washing of transporter and equipment is allowed in the paddock? Pass it along, Norm Hammond Taylors, South Carolina

FIRST PERSON/OPINION Via e-mail: I was down at Laguna Seca on Tuesday helping drop off a motorhome and asked about the traffic entrance and parking plans because I was skeptical that it would work as well as hoped, but learned some encouraging details that I had not seen publicized anywhere else. They have 70 buses that can take 40-48 people each from the car parking at Cal State University Monterey Bay, which they figure will shuttle 3500 people per hour. People can make their own calculations for how wide a time frame it will take to shuttle 10,000 or 20,000 people by that method and make their plans accordingly. Most encouragingly, they are going to let all the motorcycles into the parking lot at Wolf Hill before they check tickets. You don’t have to show your ticket until you are walking from the parking lot into the raceway, which avoids all the waiting in line on your bike with the engine overheating. Last year, I saw 3 bikes that expired because of overheating in line, one scary episode of road rage using a car as a deadly weapon, and my engine was, I think, done in by the 2.5 hour 10 mile entrance. Checking tickets after we get off the bikes is the right thing to do. I am happy to report this information. Hopefully this solves alot of the traffic difficulties. Jeff Lee Oakland, California FIRST PERSON/OPINION Via e-mail: Out of curiosity and a burning desire to ingest $30 of gas I decided to try the directions for the motorcycle entrance for Laguna this year. There are some misleading maps out there, and I though I would offer specific directions confirmed from behind the wheel of my trusty Subaru. Note the following: These are directions for motorcycle entrance only – assuming you did not buy a $50 parking pass, and that you are riding a bike capable of 55+ mph (scooteristas see directions #3). Once on Ft. Ord grounds: Warning – government road – chip-seal – bad for bodywork paint! Don’t speed or tailgate! Keep your pass in an easily accessible pocket or tank bag. Do not speed. 1) From Salinas/Hwy 101: a) Hwy 68 or North / South Davis Road West. b) Exit G17 / Reservation Road and turn right. c) In a few miles on your left just as you are topping a hill/curve you will see flags marking the East Garrison entrance. Inside that entrance you will be directed to Barloy-Canyon and on to the track 2) From Monterey/Seaside on a motorcycle: a) Jump on Hwy 1 North. b) About 5 miles North of Seaside exit 12th St. and turn right. c) This becomes Imjin Road/Parkway. d) Continue on Imjin Pkwy. ’till you hit Reservation road and turn right. e) Continue several miles and you will come across the East Garrison entrance on your right. Look for the flags and watch out for left-turning traffic. f) Enter and follow to Barloy Canyon into the track. BTW – Saw several cops on Imjin Pkwy. today. They were protecting and serving with vigor to say the least. You have been warned. 3) Small scooters from Monterey Seaside: This is the same direction that cars utilizing shuttle service will take – however you are on road <50 mph the whole way. a) Head into Seaside and take 218 or Broadway East until you see General Jim Moore Rd. Turn left. (Warning - big uphills from the 218 end). b) Continue through the construction zone. c) Take a right on Gigling Rd. d) Take a left on 8th Ave. e) Take a right on Inter-Garrison Rd. You MAY be able to continue on Inter-Garrison on to the back side of the East Garrison entrance thereby avoiding Reservation Rd. and the 60-mph-plus traffic. From the East Garrison entrance you will meet up with the main motorcycle traffic into the track. f) If you cannot enter due to gate closure, back-track to Abrams Drive and turn right. g) Turn right on Imjin Parkway. h) Turn right on Reservation Road and hug the white line. i) Several miles being a potential hood-ornament later you will see the East Garrison Entrance, flags and streams of motorcycles entering that gate. Everybody have a happy and safe journey to MotoGP. If these direction clarify entrance directions for a few riders, it was worth the gas exploring the Fort Ord Perimeter. If you have the time, go to www.googleearth.com and download the viewer. Load in Marina, California and you will be amazed at the detailed satalite imagery available. Ciao for now - Robert Pandya Austin, Texas

USA Grand Prix, Laguna Seca 21/22/23 July 2006 DUCATI MEN READY FOR WILD WEST ADVENTURE Ducati Marlboro Team riders Loris Capirossi and Sete Gibernau are all set for their Wild West adventure at Laguna Seca – MotoGP’s most westerly venue and almost certainly its wildest racetrack. The undulating Californian circuit is a veritable rodeo ride for MotoGP riders who must control their 340kmh/211mph motorcycles around its tight, twisting layout where the average speed is just 155kmh/96mph, slower than any other MotoGP venue. Capirossi, who led the 2006 MotoGP World Championship until he crashed at last month’s Catalan Grand Prix, has already enjoyed success at Laguna. The Italian won the US 250 GP at the track way back in 1993 and is delighted to be returning to a circuit that really excites him. Team-mate Sete Gibernau hopes to be in better shape than he was at last weekend’s German GP, where he rode for the first time following surgery to the left collarbone he broke at Catalunya on June 18. On the Tuesday preceding the US GP Gibernau took part in a spectacular Los Angeles event to promote ‘The Doctor, The Tornado and the Kentucky Kid’, a spectacular MotoGP documentary movie. Gibernau and several other MotoGP stars rode down Hollywood Boulevard, specially closed off for the event, aboard a variety of bikes. Gibernau rode a Ducati 749 in team livery, while former GP winner Randy Mamola rode the Ducati Team two-seater. Loris Capirossi, 5th overall, 118 “In Germany last week I was maybe 85 per cent fit and I will be even stronger for this race. I am very happy to be returning to Laguna Seca. The track is so good, so technical and now that they have made some more changes to improve safety it will be even better. From what I have heard they have given us more run-off and smoothed out the brow at Turn One. And they have also taken away the hump on the hill before the Corkscrew. They have also resurfaced the whole track which is good news because the old surface was quite old and slippery. I love most of the circuit but especially from the Corkscrew to the end of the lap. You need a very reactive chassis to be fast at Laguna, because there are a lot of places where you need to change direction quickly. You also need really good engine control because parts of the track are so tight, too tight for MotoGP really.” Sete Gibernau, 13th overall , 52 “I first went to Laguna in 1993, just to watch that year’s GP. It’s one of those tracks that everyone knows about even if they haven’t raced there, because of the Corkscrew and layout, which is so different to what we’re used to. “I raced there for the first time last year and really enjoyed myself. I enjoyed the atmosphere, I enjoyed the crowd and I enjoyed being in the US. In fact everything was really good except that I had two difficult days of practice, so it seemed like a difficult track for me but I think this visit will be very different. The team is working so well with me that I believe we will be able to have some fun but much will depend on the condition of my shoulder. It wasn’t good in Germany but I’ve been back to my surgeon in Barcelona, and I hope that it will be a bit stronger for Laguna because it is a tough track, tight and bumpy.” Livio Suppo, Ducati MotoGP project manager “We are really looking forward to Laguna. Last year’s US GP was a fantastic event and, of course, the USA is an important market for us and there are a lot of Ducati fans in the country. Loris and Sete should be in better physical shape for this race after some difficult races following the Catalan GP accident that hurt both of them. Laguna will be interesting because it has been resurfaced and changed somewhat, so we hope it works well with our package.” THE TRACK Laguna Seca is a spectacular circuit, twisting this way and that across rolling Californian hillsides. It is best known for its infamous Corkscrew section, a tight left-right chicane on a steep hillside. In fact the entire circuit is a bit of a rollercoaster, starting with Turn One, an ultra-quick lefthander over a brow that is one of MotoGP’s greatest tests of bravery. The infield section (completed in the late 1980s to bring the track up to GP spec) is relatively straightforward, then the fun starts again as riders tackle the high-speed run up to the Corkscrew, then plunge downhill to the finish line. Laguna’s many downhill corners make front-tyre performance particularly crucial, since riders need extra confidence to attack off-camber turns. Machines need to be particularly well balanced for this circuit. Laguna hosted six GPs between 1988 and 1994, then slipped off the calendar. The track underwent major safety revisions for last year’s first MotoGP event and has been further improved for 2006. Lap record: Colin Edwards (Yamaha), 1m 23.915s, 154.871kmh/96.232mph) Pole position 2005: Nicky Hayden (Honda), 1m 22.670s DUCATI MARLBORO TEAM RIDER DATA LOGS LORIS CAPIROSSI Age: 33 (born April 4, 1973) Lives: Monaco Bike: Ducati Marlboro Team Desmosedici GP6 GP starts: 241 (71xMotoGP, 59×500, 84×250, 27×125) GP victories: 26 (4xMotoGP, 2×500, 12×250, 8×125) First GP victory: Britain, 1990 (125) First GP: Japan, 1990 (125) Pole positions: 40 (7xMotoGP, 5×500, 23×250, 5×125) First pole: Australia, 1991 (125) World Championships: 3 (125: 1990, 1991, 250: 1998) Laguna Seca 2005 results: Grid: 14th. Race: 10th SETE GIBERNAU Age: 33 (born December 15, 1972) Lives: Switzerland Bike: Ducati Marlboro Team Desmosedici GP6 GP starts: 168 (72xMotoGP, 76×500, 19×250) GP victories: 9 (8xMotoGP, 1×500) First GP victory: Valencia, 2001 (500) First GP: Spain, 1993 (250) Pole positions: 13 (12xMotoGP, 1×500) First pole: South Africa, 2000 (500) Laguna Seca 2005 results: Grid: 13nd. Race: 5nd More, from a press release issued by Gresini Honda: MOTOGP SET FOR CRUCIAL CLASH AT US GP After one of the most exciting races of the season in Germany, the MotoGP tour heads to Laguna Seca for the eagerly anticipated US Grand Prix. The Fortuna Honda riders Marco Melandri and Toni Elias look forward to the American round that will be disputed on the historical track of Laguna Seca in California. Marco MelandrI “I like the layout of Laguna Seca, it’s an impressive track where it’s fun to race. Last year I made a mistake in the approach to a track that was new to me and this spoiled my race weekend. Fortunately during the warm up we found a good set up and I started to understand the track. This year my approach will be completely different as I have learnt a lot from that experience. I look forward to race in the United States. I feel confident and also my physical conditions have improved a lot. After two incredible races in England and in Germany, I know that I have all what I need to battle every weekend for the front positions. I’m motivated and I want to face one race at the time.” TONI ELIAS: “Laguna Seca is an historical track, a myth. I remember that I was watching with great admiration the races at Laguna since I was a child so it’s great to race there. I like the track, it’s so different from every other circuits. It’s difficult and demanding. From the TV you cannot realize how is the Corkscrew, it’s an impressive curve, similar to a big wave. I really look forward to go to the States. I’d like to do a good race, hoping to be able to get some rest in before and to improve my physical conditions. In fact last week in Germany I suffered a lot form the injury at the left shoulder.” More, from a press release issued by Honda Racing: US Grand Prix at Laguna Seca July 21, 22, 23 2006 RIDERS HEAD STATESIDE FOR KEY RACE AT LAGUNA This is the big race before the summer break and the importance of this, the 11th round of a 17 race series, cannot be underestimated. The rider who goes into the holiday period with a win will be able to let his rivals worry about what is to come in the six remaining rounds. Nicky Hayden (Repsol Honda RC211V) won here in 2005. His maiden MotoGP victory seemed a long time coming, but when it did, it gave the genial American a springboard with which to attack the remaining races of the season and begin this year in confident, consistent, series-leading form. He leads the overall points standings with 169 to nearest rival Valentino Rossi (Yamaha) who has 143, with Dani Pedrosa (Repsol Honda RC211V) on 140 and Marco Melandri (Fortuna Honda RC211V) on 134. These four are the main contenders, although fifth-placed Loris Capirossi (Ducati) cannot be ruled out of the running on 118. Winning this race is vital, but there is also the small matter of not losing it too. Hayden knows he cannot afford to let Rossi beat him in his backyard. He also knows last year’s second-placed rider Colin Edwards (Yamaha) still aches for a MotoGP win and Laguna Seca is likely to represent his best chance of achieving that. Rossi knows that a win now would damage the confidence of his rivals for the World Crown, but he is unlikely to be expecting anything other than a hard fight from Hayden here. There’s also the small matter of a resurgent Kenny Roberts (Roberts KR211V). Former World Champion Roberts is enjoying a new lease of life on the Honda-powered KR bike. His front row qualifying performance and third place finish in Catalunya was encouraging and his second place on the grid in Germany last weekend before crashing out of the race showed that he could be a major force here too. Kenny would like nothing better than a ‘home’ win at a track his father did so much to put on the MotoGP map. Melandri had a torrid time here last year, struggling to 11th in qualifying and then crashing out on the first lap. But this is a chance for the Italian star to show what he can do now he has a second chance to shine here. He knows what to expect and he is almost back to a proper level of fitness after his Catalunya crash. One title contender does not know what to expect. Dani Pedrosa in his rookie MotoGP season has never been here before and he will need all his methodical mastery of a new track to get to grips with this wild circuit. Built in 1957 near Monterey, California, Laguna Seca ticks all the boxes for a track in terms of rider involvement. There’s gradient aplenty, long sweeping curves which invite adventurous riders to carve radical lines through. It’s track that rewards momentum everywhere except the Andretti Hairpin and the infamous Corkscrew. If ever a turn defined a track it’s Laguna’s Corkscrew. Variously described as ‘riding off the end of the earth’, ‘surfing a 30ft wave’ and ‘dropping down a lift shaft’, this is one of the great corners in MotoGP. The approach to it has been changed this year and the whole track has been resurfaced. The longest straight is just 996m long on a 3.610km track that winds around a compact footprint and turns back on itself providing four right-hand turns and seven lefts. Set-up requires a bike that turns-in accurately and yet remains stable for the two main braking points, the Hairpin and that critical Corkscrew Toni Elias (Fortuna Honda RC211V) managed a 13th place here last year, but the young Spaniard is now much better equipped to deal with this track than he was in 2005. With his broken shoulder now on the mend, he might not be quite at full fitness stamina-wise, but he will lack nothing in speed. Casey Stoner (LCR Honda RC211V) is another rider who, like Dani, will have to expecdite the track learning process if he is to go well here. After a heavy fall in morning warm-up at the Sachsenring last weekend, he will be eager to stay on the bike and take what points he can. Makoto Tamada (Konica Minolta Honda RC211V) is eager to get on track again after looking like the rider he used to be in Germany last weekend. The Japanese ace has been struggling for form this season, and looked to have found it before he was accidentally punted off the track by Kenny Roberts in mid-crash. Nicky said, “It’s a pretty good feeling to be leading the world going into my home race. Even though there’s a lot racing still to go and I really want to be leading the championship at the end of the season, I’m proud to go home to my fans out in front. Plus it’s a while since an American has been on top so I’m excited. But more importantly we’re going to go to Laguna and try to get 25 points.” Dani said, “I’m not sure how I’m going to find things at Laguna because it’s a new track to me. It’s a long time since I’ve raced at a track I don’t already know and most of the others have seen it before, so it will be difficult for me and the other new MotoGP riders at first. My job will be to adapt to the track as quickly as possible, find a base setting for the RC211V and have another strong weekend. I was a little disappointed to finish fourth at the last race in Germany, but I believe in myself and I’m still pretty confident. We are having a great season so far and I’ve just got keep working on the areas where I can improve.” Kenny said, “It’s going to be fun. We want to do as we’ve been doing. I’ve got a great family and friends type of thing going on here and as long as I have a safe race and I give it 100% and the team gives it 100%, I’m happy with that. That’s what I did last year and I rode around in 80th or whatever it was. This year we’re going to try to maybe have a shot at the podium or a victory. It doesn’t change the outlook or my preparations for it.” Makoto Tamada said, “I’m still aching from last Sunday at Sachsenring. I feel confident I will recover fast and be ready to be on track again for Friday two free practice hours. I’m really sorry for the big occasion I lost in Germany; the rhythm I kept during the laps I covered was very high and I’m convinced I could remain there with the others up to the end. Last Sunday I had good feelings when riding my Honda RC211V and that’s what I want to feel again at Laguna Seca. I can’t wait to ride the track to show the competitive level we’ve reached.” “I like the layout of Laguna Seca,” said Melandri. “It’s an impressive track where it’s fun to race. Last year I made a mistake in the approach to a track that was new to me and this spoiled my race weekend. Fortunately during the warm up we found a good set-up and I started to understand the track. This year my approach will be completely different because I learned a lot from that experience. My physical condition has improved a lot and after two incredible races in England and in Germany, I know that I have all what I need to battle every weekend for the front positions.” Elias said, “Laguna Seca is a historic track, a legend. I remember watching races at Laguna when I was a kid, so it’s great to race there. I like the track because it’s so different from every other circuit. It’s difficult and demanding. From the TV you just don’t realize how wild the Corkscrew is. It’s an impressive curve, similar to a big wave.” Stoner said, “It’s vital to get a good result here before the break and we owe it to ourselves to do well. We’ve just got to keep everything going in the right direction and see how we get on. The track’s new to me so we’ll have to get down to business straight away.”

2006 SBK CORONA EXTRA SUPERBIKE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP® BRNO 7th ROUND 21, 22 and 23 JULY PREVIEW CLASH OF THE SUPERBIKE TITANS PROMISED AT BRNO BRNO HERALDS THE SECOND HALF OF THE SBK SEASON The seventh of 12 World Superbike events on the 2006 calendar takes place at Brno in the Czech Republic this coming weekend, with the promise of even closer racing than has been witnessed in the first half of this action-packed year. Brno is no stranger to World Superbike competition and offers one of the most majestic venues imaginable, being set in the pine forests above the Czech Republic’s second city. The ‘modern’ design of the current day Brno nonetheless offers the high speeds of the old road circuit which it replaced, and makes great use of the natural features which have virtually dictated its layout of six left and eight right hand corners. A challenge to the riders, a popular destination for the fans, Brno is a true modern classic, boasting a ‘family’ history few circuits can match. BAYLISS THE QUARRY FOR THE SBK PACK After an incident-packed Misano round in late June, in which several top contenders crashed out of contention for wins, Andrew Pitt (Yamaha Motor Italia) scored his first ever World Superbike victory, in race two. He joins an illustrious band of fellow SBK race winners, having previously scored the World Supersport Championship outright in 2001. In race one at Misano, this year’s most rapacious win-machine, Troy Bayliss (Ducati Xerox) scored his eighth full-pointer in a row, to squeeze out a significant 94 point advantage over second place rider, Noriyuki Haga (Yamaha Motor Italia). A win is yet to be taken by Haga this year, but after a recent tyre test session at Lausitzring in Germany, Haga showed he is as fast as anyone in the championship when his machine’s set-up works to his advantage. TOSELAND SITS THIRD BUT AIMING FOR SECOND AT BRNO 2004 World Champion James Toseland (Winston Ten Kate Honda) is looking to Brno to make another push in his championship campaign. Having won the first race of the year, at Qatar, Toseland added his first pole win at Misano, before a slip in race two deprived him of a possible race win. At Brno, which should suit his Honda perfectly, he will be all out to leapfrog Haga for second, and dent the points differential to Bayliss. With a Ducati rider leading a Yamaha rider, and with a Honda rider third, Troy Corser (Alstare Suzuki Corona Extra) makes it four manufacturers’ machines in the top four. The 1996 and 2005 season champion Corser had a double no score in Misano, and as such will no doubt unleash himself on the Brno circuit at full pace, from first practice to final flag. BARROS LOOKING FOR THE ELUSIVE FIRST WIN Despite some great difficulties getting off the line in race conditions in this his rookie SBK year, multiple MotoGP winner Alex Barros (Klaffi Honda) has put in some astoundingly polished and forceful rides. His first career SBK win has been tantalisingly close, but at Brno he will have a distinct advantage over his fellow SBK riders for the first time this season, such have been his frequent visits to the Czech circuit. In race two at Misano he finished only behind Pitt, and we can expect each of these class riders to shine under what is expected to be an intense Czech sun. LANZI AND XAUS WITH POINTS TO PROVE After some astonishingly impressive rides in his rookie season in 2005, Ducati Xerox rider Lorenzo Lanzi has had to settle for only two podium finishes this year, each at Valencia during round three. His form has been on the rise in recent events, and in the aforementioned Lausitz tests he was a true force once again. From a current factory Ducati rider to a former one, Ruben Xaus (Sterilgarda Berik Ducati) is burning to score his first podium this year, despite his relative lack of factory equipment. Having won nine previous SBK races, he is always one to watch. Arguably the top true privateer in the class currently, Xaus will find Brno the perfect canvas on which to impress his action-painting riding style. WALKER TOP KAWASAKI RIDER AT TURN OF THE SEASON Chris Walker and his team-mate Fonsi Nieto (both Kawasaki PSG-1 Corse) are separated by a mere three points, with Walker in ninth place and Nieto just inside the top ten. A superb fourth place at Misano is hoped to be conjured into a podium finish of some colour at Brno by Walker, with Nieto also looking for his first podium on the Kawasaki. Third rider in the PSG-1 Kawasaki Corse team, Regis Laconi, missed out on the recent Lausitz tests, and is currently 13th, with a best single race finish of sixth, in race one at Misano. Ahead of Laconi is a Japanese double act of Norick Abe (Yamaha Motor France Ipone) and Corser’s Alstare Suzuki Corona Extra team-mate, Yukio Kagayama. The top 15 is completed by Toseland’s team-mate Karl Muggeridge and Italian rider Roberto Rolfo (Ducati SC Caracchi). WILD CARDS TO MAKE A SPLASH AT BRNO No fewer than six wild cards are set to take on the world at Brno, adding to an already bursting grid of almost 30 regulars. They will be aiming to make life hard for the midfield, swapping international experience for intimate circuit knowledge. SUPERSPORT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP Current championship leader Sebastien Charpentier (Winston Ten Kate Honda) is still some 30 points ahead of his closest competitor, despite missing the previous Misano round through injury. His still-healing pelvis and injured collarbone prevented him from attending the recent Lausitz tests, but the world from his camp is that he will be at Brno. The Supersport season has already delivered two rookie race winners, with Monza victor Yoann Tiberio (Megabike Honda) now joined on a higher plateau of Supersport status by Massimo Roccoli (Yamaha Italia), winner of the Misano race. Charpentier has won every other race so far, and sits on 116 points, after only five points scoring races. In Broc Parkes and Kevin Curtain (both Yamaha Motor Germany) Charpentier, and Charpentier’s mercurial team-mate Kenan Sofuoglu, Charpentier has contenders worthy of great respect, and each was in blistering form during the recent Supersport tests at Lausitz. Robbin Harms (Stiggy Motorsports Honda) has been a revelation this season, and currently sits fourth, while Javier Fores (SLM Racing Yamaha) has been another to write his name large as a future contender. SUPERSTOCK 1000 FIM CUP Alessandro Polita and the Celani Suzuki team have grown in stature since the opening victory at Valencia in April, to the point where Polita has only dropped five points from a possible 100. The only other rider to have dislodged Polita’s crown of perfection is class rookie Claudio Corti (Yamaha Team Italia) who scored a victory at Silverstone. Ayrton Badovini (Biassono Unionbike MV Agusta) and Luca Scassa (EVR Corse Ormeni racing MV Agusta) scored sit third and fourth in the championship thus far, but each is still looking for a breakthrough win for themselves and their machines. SUPERSTOCK 600 EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP Xavier Simeon (Alstare Corona Extra Suzuki) has been the man on form in the smaller capacity Superstock class, but coming up on the outside is a closely following Davide Guigliano (Lightspeed Kawasaki Racing) who was the most recent winner in the class. He will have to work hard to overcome Simeon’s record of two wins and two seconds, but in this class Ducati is another real force to contend with, especially in the form of Ducati Xerox rider, Niccolo Canepa, winner of the Silverstone round. TWO WEEKS UNTIL THE BIGGIE COMES AROUND The second British-based World Superbike round of the season, and traditionally the biggest race of the year, takes place at Brands Hatch between 4 and 6 August 2006. More, from a press release issued by Suzuki Racing: After the successful tests at the Eurospeedway Lausitz, Team Alstare Suzuki Corona Extra has just time for a very short break before the Czech round of the championship in Brno this weekend. The team packed all their gear away on Monday evening and began the journey from the former East Germany and into the Czech Republic and will have just a day or so to prepare for Brno. Both reigning champion Troy Corser and Yukio Kagayama were pleased with their Lausitz tests and felt that they had sorted out some of their recent problems. Brno is fast, flowing and, at 5.403 kilometres, one of the longest on the SBK circuit. It is a circuit much loved by riders and fans alike and last year Corser won the first race and took runner-up spot in the second. But it was not such a good day for Yukio, who could only take a pair of 11ths. Troy Corser: “I’m very happy with our tests in Lausitz and, although it is not the best track for testing things, we were able to work on some of the stuff that caused us a few problems recently. At the end of the tests I felt much happier with the clutch and I also think we made some steps forward with regards to the electronics. I never really pushed for any lap times, but we did about three simulated race distances and they went very well. I like racing at Brno – it is a proper racetrack – and had some good results there last year. I’m hoping to repeat that success this year and make up for Misano as the title race is far from over!” Yukio Kagayama: “I am happy after our test programme at Lausitz and we made some good results there. We worked on many ideas and I was particularly happy with a suspension setting we tried that made it more easy for me when I brake hard. Also, some clutch improvement and a little change to some of the electronics will be better for us I feel. Last year I did not have such a good weekend at Brno, so my goal for this year is to make a big improvement. I hope to begin that with a good grid place, two good starts and two good results – I need that and I want that!” 2005 results: Race 1: 1 Troy Corser (Aus-Alstare Suzuki Corona Extra), 2 Toseland (GB-Ducati), 3 Laconi (F-Ducati). 11 Yukio Kagayama (J-Alstare Suzuki Corona Extra). Race 2: 1 Haga (J-Yamaha), 2 Troy Corser (Aus-Alstare Suzuki Corona Extra), 3 Vermeulen (Aus-Honda). 11 Yukio Kagayama (J-Alstare Suzuki Corona Extra). More, from a press release issued by Winston Media Service: ONLY BRNO IN FOCUS FOR TOSELAND AND MUGGERIDGE The second part of the season begins at Brno in the Czech Republic, one of the most technical and spectacular circuits in the world. The Winston Ten Kate Honda Team arrives after three positive days of testing at the German Eurospeedway circuit in Lausitz, where James Toseland and Karl Muggeridge made their final preparations for the Czech round. Good progress was made in all areas, including the electronics package, with both riders convinced that they have at their disposal bikes ready to allow them to aim for the top positions on offer. It will be an important race, most of all for Toseland, determined to score as highly in the top three as possible in the overall championship battle, while his team-mate is also aiming high, ready to turn around a not so lucky first half of the season. Ronald Ten Kate Team Manager “The three days of testing in Germany have been really important. It wasn’t only an important test to keep us well practiced, but it has allowed us to develop the electronic parts on the bike a bit more. The step forward we made gives us positive thoughts for the second half of the season. I am also very satisfied because I have seen James and Karl very focused, most of all Karl who has helped us a lot working on the electronic parts. I am sure that both riders are ready for the weekend and they will be in top positions in both Brno races.” James Toseland Winston Ten Kate Honda Rider “At the Lausitzring I found the answers I was looking for and I was fast on both race and qualifying tyres. Physically I feel good, focused and well motivated for the coming weekend. With the bike that we are developing now I feel, day-by-day, any goal can be reached. In Brno there will be lots of riders who want to win: but none of them more than me.” Karl Muggeridge Winston Ten Kate Honda Rider “In Germany I wasn’t looking for a fast lap, what was most important for me was to develop the new electronic parts and I believe we have done a good job of that. In the previous days I was bitten by an insect which made me feel a bit sick for a few days. Now I have begun to feel much better and for the Brno race I will be at my best, ready to use the potential of our bike in the best way possible.” More, from a press release issued by Pirelli: ROUND 7 BRNO, CZECH REPUBLIC RACE PREVIEW July 2006, Brno (Czech Rep.) In the run-up to the Brno round of the championship there is an even bigger degree of tension and expectation in the air than normal. This week the SBK and SS development teams have been testing in Lausitz, Germany, so there’s been little time for them to rest, and soon the leathers will come out of the packing cases once more. Looking at the standings after Misano it seems clear that Toy Bayliss is the man to be stopped, despite a ‘mere’ 12th in race two at Misano. Having scored eight consecutive race wins before that, he is the man to beat and now enjoys a significant advantage over his competitors, with half the season gone but half the season remaining. But, with three other riders having taken race wins, and at least another half dozen looking like potential winners at some stage, Bayliss will not be taking anything for granted in the Czech Republic. It is impossible to forget last year’s Brno race: It was the scene of Haga’s rebirth, and the Japanese rider has just proved in the Lausitz test that he’s ready to fight yet again this year. He lies second overall at present, with Toseland, Corser and Barros close behind. Brno is also a well-known track for Alex Barros, who used to race there in GPs. To face the difficult task ahead in the Czech Republic Pirelli will have four different front tyres and three different rear tyres, plus qualifying tyres, for the WSBK class, while the SSP riders will have at their disposal three fronts and three rears. Adding the Diablo Corsa III for the European Superstock 600 class, and counting also the WSST1000 class’s Dragon Supercorsa fitments, the total number of tyres to be moved to Brno by Pirelli is more than 6,000. Over 180 riders are expected in the paddock, for what is one of the most eagerly anticipated races of the season. More, from a press release issued by Honda Racing: World Supersport and Superbike Championships 2006 Round 7 Brno Czech Republic Brno Race Preview 21 23 June 2006 World Supersport Round 7 of 12 CHARPENTIER AND CO BACK IN ACTION AT POPULAR CZECH CIRCUIT The majestic sweeps and long corners of the Brno circuit in the Czech Republic form the backdrop for the start of the second half of the World Supersport season, with reigning champion Sebastien Charpentier (Winston Ten Kate Honda) returning to action after recent pelvic and collarbone injuries. Despite missing the most recent round, at Misano in late June, and the recent Lausitzring tyre tests, Charpentier will be back in action at Brno, having opted to take the extra rehabilitation time rather than risk all for a pre-Brno test outing. Brno was the scene of the accident which kept him out of the previous race, but was also the scene of one of his most clear-cut race victories in 2005. Charpentier still enjoys a 30-point lead over his nearest rival, Kevin Curtain, and 42 over the next two riders, Broc Parkes and Stiggy Motorsports Honda rider, Robbin Harms. Kenan Sofuoglu (Winston Ten Kate Honda CBR600RR) enjoyed his recent Lausitzring test, setting competitive times, which he can use as a motivating factor as he approaches Brno. Once more injury precludes Katsuaki Fujiwara (Team Megabike Honda CBR600RR) from running, but he will again be replaced by the Misano marvel, Simone Sanna (Megabike Honda CBR600RR). The three-time 125cc GP winner scored second in both race and qualifying stakes at Misano, and knows the Brno circuit well. Yoann Tiberio (Team Megabike Honda CBR600RR) victor at Monza in round four, then faller at Misano last time out, is out to recover points and poise for the run into the final rounds of the championship over the coming months. Charpentier may not be fully fit after his heavy crash at Brno when tyre testing in mid-June, but he knows that every point gained is a step closer to his ultimate desire to become champion for the second time in succession. “I would have been happy to step back on the bike even in Germany but the French doctors advised me to take another week of rest before Brno race,” said the 2005 champion. “I feel quite good and I can’t wait to be back. I will understand my real physical condition only when I will make my first few laps on the track. I don’t think I will find any sort of mental problems because I got injured on this track during the test. I will only think about last year’s victory, and I am convinced that this will give me the right motivation.” Sofuoglu, currently ninth in the championship, wants to get himself back into the front line of the fight for podiums. “To switch off the button really helped me,” said Sofuoglu. “I am now back in top condition and I am really satisfied on how the Lausitzring test went. The main progress I made is in my head, I feel much more secure and the fact that I remained concentrated for the all tree days, without making any mistakes, is really important. From Brno I hope that a new championship will begin for me, to demonstrate to the Team, the sponsor and Honda that they didn’t make a mistake betting on me. I am really happy Sebastien is back and I hope he will earn a prestigious result.” Season rookie Tiberio has already tasted both the sweet taste of champagne and the bitterness of gravel, and despite his lack of Supersport experience, he knows Brno. “In Brno I ran a good race last year with the Superstock bike but I know that with the Supersport machine it will be more difficult,” said the candid Frenchman. “I’m not sure how practice will turn out but I hope my race rhythm will be good once again.” Sanna is grateful to Honda and his adopted Megabike squad for another outing in the biggest Supersport class of all, and has recent experience of what a CBR600RR can do around the sweeps and elevation changes at Brno. “I’m happy for this second chance,” said Sanna in the run-up to Brno. “I want to thank the Megabike Team and Honda for this opportunity and I will try to make my best. I know the Brno circuit and I ran here last year with the Intermot Honda Team. It’s a wonderful track and I have confidence to my team: my target is to have another good result. I know another podium will be difficult to achieve but I want to be competitive with the leading group.” World Superbike Round 7 of 12 HONDA SUPERBIKE RUNNERS OUT TO CONQUER AT BRNO After an up and down season so far James Toseland (Winston Ten Kate Honda CBR1000RR) is out to hit the heights once again at Brno. Scoring second in race one at the most recent round in Misano, Toseland was in the position to challenge for the second race win before a small slip dropped him back to eighth. He nonetheless sits third in the championship overall, only three points from second place. His team-mate Karl Muggeridge (Winston Ten Kate Honda CBR1000RR) is still looking for his first SBK podium, and was faster than Toseland in recent Brno tyre tests, in June. Lying 14th at present, Muggeridge is only 11 points from an overall top ten placing, and will be out to score every single point possible at Brno, to get himself back onto a more natural position for a rider of his quality. Alex Barros (Klaffi Honda CBR1000RR) is a big fan of Brno, and after a highly effective Misano race weekend, where he finished fourth and second, he sits fifth overall only 14 points from second. It has been a very tough year for rookie rider Michel Fabrizio (DFX Honda CBR1000RR) and the most experienced SBK competitor of them all, Pierfrancesco Chili (DFX Honda CBR1000RR) with neither rider being helped by recent injury. In readiness for Brno Toseland takes heart from his recent race performances, his Superpole win at Misano, but most of all – his positive test at Lausitz. “At the Lausitzring I found the answers I was looking for and I was fast on both race and qualifying tyres,” said Toseland. “Physically I feel good, focused and well motivated for the coming weekend. With the bike that we are developing now I feel, day-by-day, any goal can be reached. In Brno there will be lots of riders who want to win: but none of them more than me.” Bringing his MotoGP experience to bear on World Superbike has already delivered four podium finishes to Barros so far. At Brno, one of his favourite circuits, he is expected to be a force from start to finish. “Brno’s turns are very wide and it is also very smooth,” said the Brazilian rider. “Basically, it is interesting and very technical, while things like traction control are not so important there. But you need an engine with a lot of power! Nearly all the riders have been testing at Brno earlier in the year and have a good set-up for the track. So I’m sure it will be a tough race.” Muggeridge has found good fortune a fleeting companion in 2006, despite his obvious talents. With a strong body of work behind him in Lausitz, Brno holds no fears for the popular Aussie rider. “In Germany I wasn’t looking for a fast lap, what was most important for me was to develop the new electronic parts and I believe we have done a good job of that.” said Muggeridge. “In the previous days I was bitten by an insect which made me feel a bit sick for a few days. Now I have begun to feel much better and for the Brno race I will be at my best, ready to use the potential of our bike in the best way possible.” After a heavy crash at the Donington GP, when standing in for the injured Toni Elias, Fabrizio has been recovering from a collarbone injury, but hopes it will not hold back his charge at a circuit he scored second at in the Supersport race last year. “My right collar-bone will not be at 100% but I hope that the ache will be bearable,” said Fabrizio. “I have thought frequently of the crash at Donington but it was just a mistake due to my inexperience. My first objective is the World Superbike Championship, and for my DFX team, I hope to make a very good race in Brno.” Chili’s pelvic injury is not much healed, with only his injured shoulder causing him any degree of concern before the run-in to one of his favourite events of the year. “The long break from Misano to now has been good for my recovery,” said Chili. “Brno is a very beautiful circuit for me because it is driving-school for us old riders! The bike has improved after the tests there so I hope in the good result for my team.” The next round is the biggest WSS and SBK event of the season, Brands Hatch, which takes place at the English circuit between 4 and 6 August.