Team SUZUKI MotoGP heads down under Team SUZUKI MotoGP is on its travels again as the MotoGP World Championship heads to the southern hemisphere for the one and only time this season. The Polini Australian Grand Prix at Phillip Island near Melbourne will be round 15 of the 17 event season and Kenny Roberts Jr and John Hopkins will be hoping to add to their points tally and push themselves towards a top-10 championship position. Roberts Jr didn’t race at Phillip Island last year due to injuries he sustained earlier in the season. The 2000 World Champion will be aiming to continue his impressive run of always finishing in a points scoring position at every Australian Grand Prix he has raced in. Hopkins is also eager to add to his current total, the hard charging Anglo-American already has eight more points than the whole of the 2004 season and is still confident that he can better the fifth place that he secured in Japan last month. The Phillip Island circuit is arguably one of the most spectacular in the world and the stunning ocean backdrop just adds to the fantastic spectacle of the Australian GP. The circuit is very demanding on tyres due to many long left handed corners that have to be powered around and the extremes of temperatures that can range from warm spring conditions to chill winds blowing straight up from Antarctica. The new generation of Bridgestone tyres will certainly be put to the test at a track where high average speed – not top speed – is the key to a good lap time and the correct choice of tyre for race day will be vital. Sunday’s race will begin at 14.30hrs (local time), 06.30hrsCET and both riders will be going all out to get the best result for Team SUZUKI MotoGP. Paul Denning Team Manager: “We have just about recovered from the strenuous three-week Asian tour and now have the long trek to Australia. Both Kenny and John are rested and ready to race. They both enjoy the Phillip Island circuit so they are looking forward to Sunday. “Team SUZUKI MotoGP has been working on many exciting behind the scenes projects for next season and we should hopefully have some news soon. But firstly we must focus on the job in hand and that is to continue with the steady development of the GSV-R and the latest Bridgestone tyres. We must work as hard as we can to get the best possible results over the remaining three rounds and try to improve on both the rider’s individual positions and team’s standing in the championship.”

Brand’s Hatch, 9 October 2005, British Superbike Championship racing. Leon Camier was crowned British Supersport Champion Sunday at the Brands Hatch round of the British Superbike Championship series. Camier cruised home in fifth place on his Padgett’s Honda CBR 600 capturing the crown by 13 points. After a very on and off season in 2004, Leon began California Superbike School training at the school’s UK branch. After meeting with the school’s director, Keith Code, in Spain last October Leon decided to come to America and continue his schooling and Code took him on for some private coaching at that time. After being crowned 2005 UK Supersport Champion, Leon acknowledged the school’s help in his interview over British National television. “We’ve been working with Leon at the schools in England, here in the US and long distance coaching over the phone and e-mail. You can’t help but like Leon and want to help him win.” says school founder Keith Code, “There is no question of his talent and ability to learn, I think his performance at the 8 Hour this year proved that. He’d never even ridden a superbike or been to Suzuka. The finish wasn’t all that impressive but his performance was. Rumor has it that some teams here are looking at him for 2006.”

Looking onto the sea, the track of Phillip Island is the essence of motorcycle racing: unique, splendid, technical. The track is situated on an island inside of Melbourne Bay. A Natural Reserve, the island is a tourist destination as every day hundreds of people flock to see the Penguin Parade. Completely respecting the surrounding nature, the track hosts a minimal amount of races and even the testing days are limited. The track managers do in fact liaise with the local island residents regarding the hours and days the track will be open each year. Phillip island has the feel of a classic track. A simple track that has only essential structures, there are no grandstands on the finishing line like you would normally find on modern tracks. Here the grey tracks blend in with the green hills it is surrounded by. There is nothing surrounding the track, only grassy hills and the blue of the sea. Adding onto the imposing beauty of the surrounding areas is the design of the track: technical and complete. A track which exalts the riders capability. The track expertly mixes quick parts with slow ones, it has very strong acceleration points, violent braking, changes in slopes and direction. You can overtake in many points and the highest area is the favourite amongst the riders. The track requires extra special attention when choosing tyres as they are especially put under pressure by the presence of many quick left hand corners. Strong acceleration together with agility in corners is the secret to take on one of the best races of the season. SETE GIBERNAU AND THE TRACK OF PHILLIP ISLAND With the GP of Qatar behind him, Sete returns to the Australian track where last year he started from pole position and ended second on the podium. “The track of Phillip Island is one of the quickest and most spectacular of the championship. It is fun to ride and it is very technical. I know it well as we often test here in the winter. During the pre season tests I went very quick, we have very interesting data references, useful for the setup of the bike. I am confident for the Australian GP. I am convinced that as soon as we are able to overcome this difficult period with a positive result, we will go back to being stronger than ever.” SETE’S COMMENTS ABOUT THE TRACK “Phillip Island has some of the quickest corners of the championship and is spectacular and fun to rider here, both for riders and spectators alike. It is a very technical circuit, one that needs to really be ridden, which requires a perfect bike setup. The main incognito is the weather as the climate can change quite rapidly. In fact in just a few moments you can go from sunshine to rain. Another constant of this track is the wind, which is normally very strong and comes from the ocean. Which is your favourite part of the track Phillip Island is one of the tracks I prefer, it is very complete. The track is a fantastic combination of slow and fast corners, changes of direction etc. There is a bit of everything! Which is the best point to overtake? The two hairpins. What is the secret to a good lap? On this track it is fundamental to have a good setup. Phillip Island requires a non aggressive ride, it is important to follow the correct line. Your fondest memory? My pole position in 2004, it was my fifth pole of the season. MARCO MELANDRI AND THE CHALLENGE OF PHILLIP ISLAND Marco Melandri takes on his 15th round of the season on a track which is a friendly one for this rider from Ravenna. Phillip Island is in fact one of his favourite tracks. On this track Marco conquered his World Championship title in the 250cc in 2002 when he was only 20, becoming then the youngest ever rider to conquer a world title. Marco is ready to race in Australia. It is on this track in fact that Marco did much of his pre season testing on board of his RC211V with Michelin tyres. The data gathered in March will be an important reference point when setting up the bike. “I can’t wait to go back racing after the fantastic race disputed in Doha. After a bit of a difficult moment I finally got back onto the podium. The GP of Qatar was an important race even when thinking of championship standings, I am now third again and I am ready to give my best. I am coming to a track I really like, I am full of energy and very relaxed as well. After the GP of Qatar I went straight to Australia, Brisbane to be exact for one week of complete relaxation on the beach!” MARCO COMMENTS THE TRACK OF PHILLIP ISLAND “Phillip Island is one of my favourite tracks. It is beautiful, there are some of the quickest corners of all of the MotoGP championship, just think from corner 3 to corner 12. Which is you favourite section? From Siberia to Lukey Heights, this is the section that really makes the track famous. Which is the slowest part? The MG corner The best place to over take? The braking on the MG corner an the H hairpin The secret to a quick lap? Here you really need a load of courage on this track as it is very fast with lost of ascents and descents. What atmosphere do you find there? The Australian race is the best over seas race. Many fans assist the event. Not only the people, but the place is beautiful as well and I always love to go back. Which is your fondest memory of this track? The 2002 GP when I won the World title in the 250cc Class Your worse memory? In 2003 I fell but my worse race was last year when I had to stop as I had a problem with my eye. I was very upset as I could have disputed a great race.” THE TRACK Name of the circuit: Phillip Island Opened: 1956 Last modified: 1988 Length: 4.448 m Width: 13 m Pole position: left Right corners: 5 Left corners: 7 Longest straight: 900 m RECORD: Track record: 2004 Capirossi (Ducati) 1’31″102 pole position: 2004 Gibernau (Honda) 1’30″122 2004 race: 1st Rossi (Yamaha) 2nd Gibernau (Honda) 3rd Capirossi (Ducati)

ROSSI AND EDWARDS PLOT PHILLIP ISLAND SIEGE Valentino Rossi and Colin Edwards will be looking to turn Phillip Island a Gauloises Yamaha shade of blue this weekend as they head south to the state of Victoria in Australia with one remaining joint objective for the season. With three rounds to go and the riders’ and teams’ world championship titles already in the bag, Yamaha needs to leave Phillip Island 50 points clear of its nearest rival in the standings to secure the manufacturers’ championship for the first time since 2000. This would put the shine on a season of unprecedented Grand Prix success for the factory in the year of its 50th Anniversary. Rossi already has ten wins to his name this year, more than any other Yamaha rider has ever previously managed in a single campaign, and has his eye on number eleven at a circuit where he has taken victory for each of the last four seasons. His most recent victory there last year clinched the MotoGP World Championship for Yamaha for the first time in over a decade and ensured many happy memories for the team, with several members of Rossi’s pit crew hailing from Australia. Colin Edwards also has a special affiliation with Australia, as it is the country of his father’s birth. Whilst making a massive contribution to the team’s achievements this season, Edwards has his own personal agenda for the final three rounds and, in particular, this weekend. Boosted by the added support of hoards of friends and family and with years of World Superbike experience at the circuit, the Texan is aiming for a poignant first MotoGP victory and another step towards finishing second in the championship. This will be the 17th consecutive year that a Grand Prix has been held in Australia since 1989. The first two events were held at Phillip Island, followed by six consecutive seasons at Eastern Creek, before the series returned to ‘The Island’ in 1997. Sunday’s MotoGP race action gets underway at 14.30h local time (CET +8). VALENTINO ROSSI: RIDERS’ PARADISE Valentino Rossi’s memorable title success at Phillip Island last year was perhaps the most famous of his six Grand Prix victories at the circuit. For the past four seasons the Italian has dominated the MotoGP race in Australia but he also tasted success in previous seasons, winning the 250cc race in both 1998 and 1999. There is no doubt that the legendary track is a special venue for Rossi, although he revealed an even deeper affinity with the country itself ahead of the fifteenth round of the season. “Australia is one of my favourite countries,” says Rossi. “I always have a good time in Melbourne and in Phillip Island and once I made a trip to Surfers Paradise with some of my team. I really like the country and I always have fun there. It’s an important race for me because most of my mechanics are Australian so it’s their home race, like Mugello is for me. “Phillip Island is a great track, maybe my absolute favourite, and I have some wonderful memories of racing there. Winning the 500cc championship for the first time in 2001 was very special and of course winning the championship for Yamaha last year, which was probably the best title of them all. The track is very fast, very beautiful, and the Yamaha seems to work well there. “I have had some great, great battles there in the past – two years ago I managed to escape from Capirossi but last year was a hard battle with Gibernau until the last lap. In some parts I was faster than him and some other places slower and for sure it was a lot of fun for everybody watching. I have many rivals who can do well at Phillip Island so we will see this weekend. “Sometimes the weather is not so good and I hope it’s a bit warmer than last year! Still, I am looking forward to it. We had some small problems testing there in the winter but when we tested at Sepang everything was great but during the race weekend we had some problems, so I hope that for Phillip Island it’s the opposite!” COLIN EDWARDS: A HOME FROM HOME Like Rossi, Colin Edwards has extra reason to look forward to Phillip Island thanks to a series of impressive results there in the past. The American built a strong record at the track during his World Superbike career, finishing on the podium on no fewer than eight occasions, including a win in 2001 in atrocious weather conditions. With three races to go and just seven points separating him from that elusive second place in the championship, Edwards has two clear objectives. “Phillip Island I like, Valencia also, and we don’t know what to expect from Turkey so my mind is still set on winning one of those races and taking second in the championship,” says Edwards. “I’ve got a lot of family in Australia and obviously my connection with the country is very strong. Phillip Island is a race I always look forward to going to for those reasons and this year is no different.” “As for the circuit, we had a good test there in preseason and it is fast, which is the kind of track I have always liked. It has a bit of everything, from fifth gear to first, elevation, positive and negative camber, slow turns, fast turns”¦ all in the space of ten corners! But the biggest thing for me right now is that we learn from the problems we had in the race at Qatar. If we don’t then it doesn’t matter how much I like the track!” DAVIDE BRIVIO: HAPPY MEMORIES After the stresses and strains of three weeks on the road in Asia with the MotoGP World Championship on the line, Gauloises Yamaha Team Director Davide Brivio says he is looking forward to a relatively stress-free trip to Australia, where the team will be doing everything they can to add the manufacturers’ title to their list of honours this season. “Phillip Island is a circuit that holds good memories for the team because we won the title there last year and it was a very special moment for everybody at Yamaha,” says Brivio. “Both Valentino and Colin like the track very much so we’re looking forward to a good race from both of them. We have already got the riders’ and teams’ titles and we would very much like to win the manufacturers’ title too, as well as trying to secure second position in the championship with Colin. We are very close now and all we can do is continue to give our best at each of the remaining three rounds and see what happens. “It makes Phillip Island an important race but we go there without feeling any pressure. It is a place the riders know well because they have been racing there for many years, also we complete a lot of preseason testing work there, but the conditions seem to be different every time so we’ll wait and see what this year holds! “Anyway, the Australians are very passionate about motorcycle racing and always come down to Phillip Island in big numbers. They are true MotoGP fans and always make it a very special atmosphere so we’re all looking forward to it.” BLAST FROM THE PAST: CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF YAMAHA GLORY After seeing local hero Wayne Gardner take victory for the first two years of the Australian Grand Prix in 1989 and 1990 at Phillip Island, hopes were high for another home victory when the series switched to a new venue at Eastern Creek on the outskirts of Sydney in 1991. Not only was Gardner still in his prime, but a new young star was emerging in the shape of Mick Doohan, taking the challenge to Yamaha’s reigning World Champion Wayne Rainey. Despite starting from pole position, Rainey was ranked by some locals as an outsider for victory at Eastern Creek including the race organisers yet he romped home with a 2.5 second advantage over Doohan, with his Yamaha colleague John Kocinski completing the podium in third place. “Probably my favourite story about any of my trophies was the one I won at Eastern Creek in 1991,” smiles Rainey. “They moved the race there after two years at Phillip Island, which had both been won by Wayne Gardner, and it seemed the race organisers thought an Australian would win again. “The trophy was this incredible 1850s America’s Cup-style thing, which was worth a fortune, but they had only insured it to stay in Australia! They obviously didn’t count on me winning the race but on the Sunday night it was on its way back to the USA with me!” Throughout his career Rainey experienced a love-hate relationship with Australian fans and riders alike, with Gardner and Doohan two of his fiercest rivals. However, the Californian insists that the mutual respect that always existed between them still lasts to this day. “The Australians always got behind their Grand Prix riders and I really respected that. In fact, I was probably more popular myself in Australia than I was in the US because of the interest in motorcycle racing and the excellent coverage it was given on the television. They had some of the best tracks and the best fans in the world so it was always a great pleasure to race in Australia.” TECHNICALLY SPEAKING Phillip Island demands far more than just a fast bike to make for quick and consistent lap times. The sweeping and flowing circuit is possibly one of the ultimate tests of machine control and throttle accuracy, not to mention the sheer bravery and forcefulness required of the rider. Frequent heavy braking is less of a consideration at Phillip Island than most other tracks, and thus a certain level of stability under braking can be sacrificed to allow for greater cornering finesse and agility. The 4.448km Phillip Island track has undergone considerable trackside improvements over the years, aimed at enhancing rider safety. Nonetheless a fast lap of Phillip Island is still rated as one of the most adrenaline-fuelled experiences in any rider’s season. The compromise between setting the suspension at a hard enough level to handle the high cornering forces, while remaining supple over the few high speed ripples, is the goal at ‘The Island’. This also helps to prevent the rear end from trying to spin out on the slower corners, losing crucial acceleration. Overly stiff suspension will not allow the rear end to squat to the required degree under power, making the rear tyre work excessively hard around what is predominantly a left-handed track, promoting premature tyre wear. Rider confidence through suspension consistency is a key at such a fast track, allowing the rider to push the pace for the entire race distance. The seemingly never-ending final corner is crucial to a good lap time at Phillip Island, and a high speed exit will also determine how soon the rider can reach top speed down the long main straight, another important factor, especially in the last lap of a close race. Phillip Island’s exposed nature means that weather is a constant talking point in the Australian spring climate, adding to the potential VALENTINO ROSSI: INFORMATION Age: 26 Lives: London, UK Bike: Gauloises Yamaha Team YZR-M1 GP victories: 79 (40 X MotoGP, 13 X 500cc, 14 X 250cc, 12 X 125cc) First GP victory: Czech Republic, 1996 (125cc) First GP: Malaysia, 1996 (125cc) GP starts: 154 (62 x MotoGP, 32 x 500cc, 30 x 250cc, 30 x 125cc) Pole positions: 40 World Championships 7 Grand Prix (1 x 125cc, 1 x 250cc, 1 x 500cc, 4 x MotoGP) Phillip Island 2004 Results (Yamaha): Grid 2nd, Race 1st COLIN EDWARDS: INFORMATION Age: 31 Lives: Conroe, Texas Bike: Gauloises Yamaha Team YZR-M1 First GP: Japan, 2003 (MotoGP) GP starts: 46 (MotoGP) World Championships – 2 World Superbike Phillip Island 2004 Results (Honda): Grid 4th, Race 4th Phillip Island MotoGP Lap Record: Loris Capirossi (Ducati), 1’31.102 2004 Circuit Best Lap: Valentino Rossi (Honda) 1’30.068 2003

Circuit: Phillip Island Country: Australia Track length: 4448 m Opened: 1956 Fastest Lap Ever: 1:30.068 (Valentino Rossi, 2003) MotoGP lap record: 1:31.102 (Loris Capirossi, 2004) Last year MotoGP winner: Valentino Rossi The visit to Phillip Island will bring back sweet memories for the Gauloises Yamaha team and Valentino Rossi. About one year ago it was here where Rossi wrote history by winning the 2004 MotoGP World Championship, giving Yamaha its first title in the premier class since 1992, while Rossi won more victories (nine) in one season than any other Yamaha rider in history. By now this last record has already fallen at the previous victorious race in Qatar, adding the tenth race win to Rossi’s tally in 2005. Being one of Rossi’s favorite tracks he is the big favorite for success this year too, but like last year it won’t come easy. A year ago ‘The doctor’ had a race long battle with Sete Gibernau (Honda), winning the race by only 0.097 seconds. In a hard stopping moment Rossi almost ran off the track on lap one, giving Gibernau the chance to strike a gap. But by lap seven Rossi arrived at Gibernau’s back wheel and a terrific scrap saw both riders swapping the lead several times. Rossi, determined to be champion in true style, overtook Gibernau on the last lap just for a short moment, losing the lead again when he ran wide at Honda corner. The decisive move came when Rossi made a seemingly impossible and final pass on the inside going back into the entrance of Lukey Heights. He held on to take a magnificent victory by the smallest of margins. Not far behind the two race leaders Colin Edwards was having a great race too, fighting with Loris Capirossi and Alex Barros for the last podium spot. At the line Colin came 0.331 seconds short to finish the race in fourth position. Set-up report YZR-M1 Due to its fast flowing nature Phillip Island is a track most riders love to race on. It is one of the few circuits where they can unleash their manic 240+ horsepower machines. Contrary to some of the recent circuits where braking stability and front end feel is crucial, such as Motegi and Sepang, the fast and flowing nature of Phillip Island requires above all a good linear acceleration and turning stability. The key to a fast lap is a high-speed average, not just top-speed, carrying speed and momentum from one to the next long and high-speed sweeping corners is the key to success. ‘The Island’, as it is often referred to, offers a variety of cambers throughout its sweeping 4448m layout, both positive and negative, the rear suspension unit will need to be on the money so to speak. It will need to offer enough feedback and predictability, without pumping through its stroke as the rider tries to drive hard off the side of the tyre, or squatting as the weight transfers onto the rear. The latter will unload the front of the motorcycle, causing it to understeer and push wide – affecting exit speed and eventually lap times. On the other hand too stiff a rear shock will only lead to the front wheel rising while the rider powers off each of the slow and medium speed turns. It will also lead to the fast deterioration of the rear tyre and increase the likelihood of a highside crash. The rear shock must use a slightly soft spring rate, to aid feel, with a reasonable amount of preload to prevent rear-end squat. As for the damping, it will be dialed in to help balance out the package over some of the finer bumps, located in some of the high-speed corners. The front forks will mimic the rear set-up to ensure an overall balanced geometry. Too hard and the front will become vague in its feedback, and at these high speeds and lean angles this can be detrimental. Too soft and the basic feel will be too loose, not giving the rider the confidence he needs to carry the high speeds through the corners that is required to be competitive on the Island. The M1 engine will be mapped to reach a high top end performance, but not at the expense of a linear delivery. Acceleration off the side edge of the tyre is the key to a fast lap time, especially exiting the final fast turn where momentum can make the difference between winning and losing.

Chris Vermeulen debuts in MotoGP with Camel Honda team The whole of the MotoGP world is eagerly awaiting the debut of Chris Vermeulen, the Brisbane-born twenty-three year old who was recently confirmed as vice-champion in the World Superbike Championship. This Friday he will don Camel Honda colours and will take to the track at his home Grand Prix in Phillip Island, one of the most spectacular, technical and challenging circuits on the entire MotoGP calendar. It represents an exciting challenge for the talented young Australian, who on one hand will be having his first ride on board the Honda RC211V, but will be doing so at a track he knows every inch of, and which is a particular favourite. His new team-mate Alex Barros is also a fan of the Island circuit, where he has his own particular challenge, re-discovering a good feeling on the front end of his RC211V so he can battle for victory once more. Sito Pons Camel Honda “It’s a real shame that Troy hasn’t recovered in time for his home Grand Prix in Australia. We hope he is able to make a speedy recovery. In his place we have another Australian this weekend, Chris Vermeulen, who is a really quick rider but we mustn’t forget that it is his MotoGP debut. I think the fact that he knows the track so well will help him in his first experience on board the RC211V, and he can also rely upon an experienced team of expert technicians. We will also be trying our hardest to get the feeling back that Alex has missed in the last two or three races, and that should see him back on the pace.” Alex Barros #4: “Phillip Island is a track I really like, it’s one of the best on the calendar; it’s fast, technical, with super-fast corners where the front of the bike is worked really hard, and as such has to be set up perfectly. So I hope that, with Michelin’s help after a week of being able to analyse the problems we have had in the last few races, we can get back to finding a good set-up between the tyre-forks combination. Compared to Qatar and Malaysia, Phillip Island will be a lot cooler, so conditions will be very different. We’ll see, I hope to have a good race.” Chris Vermeulen #77: It’s especially exciting to be able to ride Honda’s RC211V at Phillip Island. It’s always good to ride at home because we only get one race there each year – nice to have friends and family there to support. Phillip Island is one of the best circuits in the world; it’s fast and flowing and that really suits my riding style. You get a great view of the ocean coming down the start-finish straight, but maybe I won’t get the chance to appreciate that so much on a factory Honda GP machine at something like 320kph! I’ve always struggled a bit on the two hairpins but that’s mostly because of the way I’ve had the bike set up. Because the rest of the circuit is so fast, there always has to be a bit of a compromise. Otherwise I love the place and Lukey Heights has to be one of my three favourite corners anywhere.

South African rider Hudson Kennaugh wrapped up the inaugural five-round Suzuki GSX-R European Cup with an emphatic win at Magny-Cours in France today. Starting from pole position, Kennaugh went off into the lead and was not headed for the rest of the race: His nearest rival in the Championship, Carmelo Morales – who started in second place – crashed on the second lap which allowed Kennaugh an easy route to victory. Said Kennaugh: “It really helped that I was also racing in the World Supersport event and then when I broke down in that race it gave me extra time to prepare for the ‘Cup’. I was also very angry after that breakdown which also helped! This has been a great series and I have enjoyed racing against all these guys. I want to say thank you to my team and also the GSX-R Cup organisers who have put on a really good show.” Top British rider on the day was 43-year-old Mike Edwards in eighth position, who also claimed the same position in the series despite missing his home round due to another riding commitment. He said: “I’m really pleased overall but I would have liked to have finished higher – it’s a shame I missed the Silverstone round. Today I had an altercation with another rider on the track which held me back. I’d love to do this series again; it’s been very well organised and it is a great opportunity for young riders – unlike me!” Second British rider home at Magny Cours was Rob Barber in 14th, who finished the series in 15th overall. He said: “I was a bit disappointed about being knocked off the track today on lap nine, which stopped me finishing higher in the race. I know I could have finished higher but I’m pleased with my lap times. This has been a great Championship and I’d like to thank Suzuki for the opportunity to ride in it.” Magnus Houston grabbed 15th position in the race and 17th overall in the series, despite carrying a wrist injury for the past two rounds. He said: “I got a really good flying start and made up five places before the first corner. It’s been a mega day for me and I felt better and stronger than I have for a long time. I had a great race all the way through with several riders. I’d really like to thank Suzuki GB, all the team and especially the British Team Manager Andy Parr for giving me this opportunity to race in the series.” Suzuki GSX-R Cup Results: 1 Hudson Kennaugh (South Africa), 2 Roman Stamm (Switzerland), 3 David Salon (Spain), 4 Xavier Simeon (Belgium), 5 David Fouloi (France), 6 Emerick Jonchiere (France), 7 Ismael Ortega (Spain), 8 Mike Edwards (GB), 9 Max Weymann (Germany), 10 Domenico Colucci (Italy), 11 Dominic Lammert (Germany), 12 Jarno Van Der Marel (Holland), 13 Rene Mahr (Austria), 14 Rob Barber (GB), 15 Magnus Houston (GB), 16 Gerard Jolivet (France), 17 Oliver Skatch (Germany), 18 Stephane Lacaze (France), 19 Marketa Janakova (Germany). Final Championship Points: 1 Kennaugh 103, 2 Salon 94, 3 Morales 83, 4 Fouloi 54, 5 Ortega 47, 6, Lammert 44, 7 Simeon 42, 8 Edwards 37, 9 Forster 30, 10 Skatch 28.

Season best for Haydon at finale RIZLA SUZUKI’S James Haydon scored his best result of the season with a podium third place at the 13th and final round of the British Superbike Championship at Brands Hatch GP circuit in Kent today. After securing his maiden pole position, Haydon was on top form and determined to get on the podium and taste champagne in the opening event. His race-long fight with two other riders for third place eventually ended with his first visit to the podium in 2005 and enormous cheers from the fanatical crowd. In race two Haydon was in third place and the only rider able to follow the pace of the leaders when he crashed out on the exit to Druids. Ducati’s Gregorio Lavilla and Leon Haslam shared a win each with Lavilla taking the Championship title in the process. James Buckingham, standing in for the injured John Reynolds for this round, crashed out of the opening event and finished an impressive 14th after starting from 22nd on the grid in the second race. JR remains in Darent Valley Hospital under observation for injuries he sustained during a crash in first practice on Friday. His doctors are happy with his progress and are working to transfer him to his home hospital in Nottingham early next week. Rizla Suzuki will be on display at the International Motorcycle Show at Birmingham’s NEC between October 28th- November 6th and is already planning its pre-season test campaign in a bid to challenge for the Championship in 2006. James Haydon: “I didn’t want my last race of the season to be a DNF but after scoring my first pole position in BSB and my first podium of the year in the opening race, I really went for it in the second outing. I was following Gregorio out of Druids when the rear end low-sided, which is a really weird way to crash. I’m not sure what happened, but am gutted as my bike felt good and I wanted another podium. “Race one was great and I had to soak up a lot of pressure to take third place. That result shows the true potential of the Rizla Suzuki. Thanks to everyone in the team for a cracking weekend and a great season – I can’t wait to buy my technicians a beer this evening, they have thoroughly deserved it!” James Buckingham: “In race one a rider high-sided in front of me on the third lap. I couldn’t avoid him and ended up crashing at Surtees, which was disappointing as I was already five-places ahead of my starting position. “Race two was much better and I had a proper battle for the points scoring positions, ending up 14th and more comfortable on the Rizla Suzuki than ever before. I have enjoyed this experience with the team as a stand-in for JR but my thoughts are with him now in hospital and I wish him a quick and complete recovery. I have won the Privateers Championship and tasted life with a Factory Superbike team this year and that can’t be bad!” Robert Wicks, Team Manager: “James Haydon rode fantastically to take a thrilling podium for Rizla Suzuki. His pace all weekend shows the strides forward that we have made with the performance of the Rizla Suzuki GSX-R1000. In race two he was the only rider that looked like he may have been able to compete with the Ducatis and that is encouraging. “James Buckingham put on an great performance in the second race to score points from a difficult 22nd place on the grid. He is a star of the future for sure. “This weekend shows we are moving in the right direction and we can go into our closed season testing regime with a strong base package that allows us to build for a title challenge in 2006. “According to his doctors JR had a good night in hospital and is in ever-improving spirits. Our thoughts are with him and getting him home to Nottingham as quickly as possible.” Race One Result: 1: Gregorio Lavilla (Ducati) 29:07.520, 2: Leon Haslam (Ducati) +0.312, 3: JAMES HAYDON (RIZLA SUZUKI) +7.390, 4: Ryuichi Kiyonari (Honda) +7.498, 5: Dean Thomas (Kawasaki) +7.795, 6: Michael Rutter (Honda) +11.848, 7: Gary Mason (Honda) +20.394, 8: Steve Plater (Honda) +23.404, 9: Jeremy McWilliams (Honda) +30.839, 10: Jonathan Rea (Honda) +35.126. Race Two Result: 1: Haslam 28:58.591, 2: Lavilla +1.980, 3: Plater +18.938, 4: Kiyonari +19.291, 5: Thomas +19.539, 6: Glen Richards (Kawasaki) +20.231, 7: Mason +20.385, 8: Rutter +26.386, 9: Tommy Hill (Yamaha) +34.100, 10: Rea +39.445, 14: JAMES BUCKINGHAM (RIZLA SUZUKI) +46.689. Final Championship Standings:1: Lavilla 461, 2: Kiyonari 429, 3: Rutter 371, 4: Haslam 350, 5: Richards 241, 6: Thomas 198, 7: Karl Harris (Honda) 195, 8: Mason 174, 9: JOHN REYNOLDS (RIZLA SUZUKI) 139, 10: Michael Laverty (Honda) 129, 11: JAMES HAYDON (RIZLA SUZUKI) 126.

Report on Round Five of the Spanish 1000cc Formula Extreme Championship at Albacete, Spain, October 9 2005. Reus, Tarragona, Spain Noyes Seventh in Spanish FX Despite Broken Clutch American Kenny Noyes took his third consecutive seventh place in the Spanish National 1000cc Formula Extreme Championship on his Folch Yamaha R1, this time at Albacete in round five of the seven-round series. On this occasion, however, he and his team left Albacete certain that only a broken slipper clutch kept him out of the scrap at the front which was won by former 500/MotoGP rider Jose David de Gea (BQR Honda CBR1000RR) ahead of former Spanish Supersport champion, Javier del Amor (LaGlisse Yamaha R1) and former 250 GP rider and Spanish 250 Champion David Tomas (BQR Honda CBR1000RR), the three separated at the flag by only .3 of a second. Kenny had his best ever qualifying, taking sixth fastest time, and was especially confident on raceday after a change to front fork settings in the warm-up improved the Yamaha’s handling under hard braking. But at the start the slipper clutch failed with a bang, sending the former dirt tracker wheeling off the line. “I thought I had a real good start off the second row and then it broke and dumped all the power in at once. But it got worse in turn one when I had absolutely no engine braking. Coming out of the corners the clutch was slipping if I got on it real hard. The spooky part was that sometimes going into the corner free-wheeling the clutch would suddenly come back in, like I had hooked a gear. I had to pull in the clutch at the same time I got on the brakes in case it happened again. It was scary and I even thought of coming in on lap two, but I found a way to ride it. I had to change my lines and ride the front very hard into the corners. But I really learned a lot this weekend. This was the first time I could stay with De Gea, Tomas, Silva and del Amor and, thanks to the help we got from Michelin and Öhlins, we finally understand the traction problem that has been dogging us all year. We know what to do now to make the R1 even better,” said Kenny. “It’s funny,” said Noyes. “I was happy to finish seventh in Catalunya. I was disappointed to finish seventh in Jerez when I had a set-up problem but finishing seventh here was just awful. It felt like being last. I’m tired of seventh now.” Noyes is now 17 points back of Carmelo Morales who holds sixth in the Spanish Championship which is led by de Gea who holds a 19 points advantage over del Amor. The final two rounds of the Spanish Nationals take place at the GP circuits of Valencia and Jerez on the last two weekends of November. Results round 4 of Spanish 1000cc Formula Extreme Championship 1 Jose David de GEA. Wurth Honda BQR Honda 29:28.246 2 Javier del AMOR, T.Laglisse Yamaha 29:28.442 -0.1 3 David TOMAS,Wurth Honda BQR 29:28.573 -0.3 4 Ivan SILVA, T.Laglisse Yamaha 29:33.845 -5.5 5 Jospe MONGE, Promoracing Yamaha 29:35.010 -6.7 6 Jose Oriol FERNANDEZ, T.Merson Yamaha 29:46.793 -18.5 7 Kenny NOYES, Folch Yamaha 29:47.820 -19.5 8 David GOMEZ,Megabike Kawasaki 29:59 -30.7 9 Juan E. GOMEZ, RPM Expert Suzuki 30:04.345 -36.0 10 Roberto PANDILLA, Saltoki Kawasaki 30:04.465 -36.2 11 Bernat MARTINEZ, Folch Yamaha 30:13.766 -45.5 12 Salvador CABANA, Motorrad Suzuki 30:14.497 -46.2 13 Mario A CARAZO,. Hotelplus Yamaha 30:37.977 -1:09.7 14 Antonio SALOM, Motos Salom Yamaha 30:42.636 -1:14.3 15 Víctor J. CASAS, ZK Pontgrup Suzuki 30:53.574 -1:25.3 32 starters. 25 finishers, 3 riders lapped