From a press release issued by MARRC:

MARRC Road Racing School Gets New Director

Chantilly, VA – – Rick Beggs has accepted the position as director of the Mid-Atlantic Roadracing Club (MARRC) Road Racing School.

Rick brings a wealth of knowledge and experience with him to the school after nearly a decade of racing professionally. In that time, he has raced with Formula USA and WERA Endurance events, and won the CCS Mid-Atlantic #1 plate twice and over 20 regional championships.

“I’ve always enjoyed introducing people to racing,” Rick said. “So now I get to continue that with the school.”

Rick has been working with new riders as the school’s technical inspector for several years, and been an instructor with the school since 1995.

Active throughout racing, Rick is Vice-President of MARRC, and sponsors dozens of racers in the Virginia area through his motorcycle shop, Fast Lane Cycles, in Chantilly, VA.

Rick takes over for Brian Summers, who stepped down as director after a long and successful tenure with the school. MARRC thanks Brian for his years of dedication and wishes him great success in his new endeavors.

The MARRC Road Racing School is accredited with CCS and WERA, and is one of the only all-volunteer schools in the country, providing a high student to instructor ratio. All classes in the school are taught at Summit Point Raceway near Charles Town, WV, and are proudly sponsored by Blurred Vision Productions and Dunlop Tires.

The 2005 schedule for the MARRC Road Racing School (all Fridays), held in partnership with CCS Racing:
April 29
May 27
July 1
August 26
October 7

MARRC is dedicated to the advancement of motorcycle road racing. Established in 1983 as a not-for-profit, all-volunteer club to provide a trained and organized safety crew at Summit Point Raceway in West Virginia, it has expanded in membership and scope. The club boasts over 500 active members that include racers, cornerworkers, and racing enthusiasts. MARRC runs a nationally recognized safety crew. Last year, MARRC volunteers spent over 10,000 hours of service in the safety crew, road racing school, track day events, and racer support functions.

For more information, see the MARRC website at www.marrc.org.

From a press release issued by Clear Channel Entertainment — Motor Sports:

National Arenacross to Air on SPEED Channel

AURORA, Ill. (February 12, 2005) – Clear Channel Entertainment’s Motor Sports division announced today that the entire 2004-2005 National Arenacross Series will air on SPEED Channel.

Beginning with this past Sunday (February 6), SPEED Channel is airing 13 consecutive one-hour Sunday broadcasts (check local listings) which includes a one-hour recap show. For complete show details log on to www.speedtv.com . This Sunday, fans can watch racing from Des Moines starting at 1:00 p.m. (EST) and Albany at 2:00 p.m. (EST).

Announcers Robbie Floyd, Denny Stephenson and Ryan Gauld will capture the action and bring the race call from the season that recently crowned Darcy Lange with his second consecutive championship. Other top riders include Josh Demuth, Brandon Jesseman and Chad Johnson.

The 2004-2005 National Arenacross Series is the largest indoor motorcycle racing series in the world, and this year arenacross will celebrate its 21st anniversary. Top amateur and professional riders from across the country will compete for fame and fortune in the National Arenacross Series. Professional riders will compete for more than $2,600,000.00 in purse money, contingency, performance bonuses plus a series ending points fund.

For more information on the National Arenacross Series log on to www.arenacross.com.

Copyright 2005, Roadracing world Publishing, Inc.

A press release issued yesterday announcing Hooters Suzuki’s 2005 rider lineup included the notable absence of John Haner, who rode for the team in 2004.

Roadracingworld.com called Haner and asked him what happened.

“I had to give the team (Hooters) an answer, they couldn’t wait for me, and we were working on another deal,” said Haner. “It was a decision we had to make, and then the other deal fell through.

“It’s not dead yet. We’re still working hard on getting everything going. I have hope. We should definitely be at Daytona.

“It’s just money. We have all the rest of it. I just need to find eight to nine guys with $10,000 each who are willing to sponsor the team.”

Interested parties can contact Haner’s manager, Bill Syfan of Proforma, at 817-244-8552.



See related post:

2/11/2005 Hooters Suzuki Adds New Sponsor, Signs Eric Wood, Jimmy Moore

From a press release issued by Gauloises Yamaha:

GAULOISES YAMAHA TEAM TEST
Sepang, Malaysia
Saturday, February 12, 2005

Ambient temperature: 32 degrees C
Track temperature: 52 degrees C
Humidity: 62%

EDWARDS CONTINUES PROGRESS BUT ROSSI FORCED TO SIT-OUT SECOND DAY IN SEPANG

Gauloises Yamaha rider Colin Edwards continued to make headway with the development of his YZR-M1 machine today throughout a very humid second day of a three-day test at the Sepang circuit, just outside Kuala Lumpar. However his team-mate Valentino Rossi, who turns twenty-six next week, was unwell and unable to ride. Rossi felt progressively worse throughout the first day of testing but the Italian had hoped to be recovered enough to ride today. Unfortunately this was not the case and he was forced to spend the day resting in the hotel in the hope that he will be well enough to resume his testing program tomorrow. Rossi was not the only rider to be suffering today; Fortuna Yamaha rider Ruben Xaus was watching from the pit wall, sidelined by minor injuries picked up at the last test, and Loris Capirossi (Ducati) was also sick and headed back to his hotel after just ten laps left him feeling too ill to continue.

Testing alongside MotoGP teams from Honda, Ducati, Suzuki and Kawasaki, as well as the Fortuna Yamaha Team, Edwards completed 50 laps of the 5.548 km circuit on his 2005-spec machine. Once again the main task of the day was Michelin tyre testing, although some time was also spent working on engine mapping. The Texan rider eventually finished the day a little early after a best lap of 2:02.378, which put him eighth in the unofficial standings. Honda rider Max Biaggi recovered from two crashes yesterday to post the fastest time of the day in 2:01.501, while the next three positions were filled by his fellow Honda riders Sete Gibernau (2:01.686), Nicky Hayden (2:01.717) and Alex Barros (2:01.786).

Colin Edwards (2:02.378, 50 laps)
“It was tyres again today! We did little bits here and there with the engine, but tyres were the main focus. Hopefully tomorrow we’ll get a bit more time to try some other things and we’re also going to do a long run, which will be tough in these conditions! I’m ready to leave Malaysia now; this is our third test in a row here and I’m ready for a change of scenery! We’ve got one more day here and of course I’ll keep pushing as hard as I can throughout it. I feel really good about everything but I’m looking forward to getting out of here and moving on to Phillip Island next week.”

Daniele Romagnoli, Colin Edwards’ Crew Chief
“Today was hard work for everyone because it was so hot. We did some more tyre testing and found some positive things to help us move forward. We also worked a little on the engine mapping. Our performance is at the same level as at the last test and now we are looking for better handling and agility in order to move forward again, so we will keep focusing on this tomorrow for the final day.”

Davide Brivio, Gauloises Yamaha Team Director
“Yesterday Valentino felt weak at the end of the afternoon and this morning he felt worse. We called a doctor to visit him and he found that Valentino has a throat virus. We decided together that it was better to keep resting and lose only one day, instead of pushing and trying to continue with uncertain results. We will see how he feels tomorrow and decide whether we will be able to test or not.”

Unofficial Lap Times:

1. Max Biaggi (Honda) 2:01.501
2. Sete Gibernau (Honda) 2:01.686
3. Nicky Hayden (Honda) 2:01.717
4. Alex Barros (Honda) 2:01.786

8. COLIN EDWARDS (YAMAHA) 2:02.378


More, from a press release issued by Telefonica MoviStar Honda:

THE WORK GOES ON FOR THE TELEFONICA TEAM AT SEPANG

Sepang, Test MotoGP pre-season test, DAY 2

Another hot day (34 degrees C the air temperatures and 45° C the temperature of the tarmac) at Sepang for the second day of testing where all main protagonists of the 2005 championship are gathered.

Sete Gibernau and Marco Melandri have carried on the program of work starter yesterday. The Spaniard worked on chassis, tyres and electronics whereas the young Italian rider focused more on electronics and bike settings in order to better understand the RC211V. Sete Gibernau, the fastest rider of the morning, lapped with a constant pace and finished with the second better time of the day. Satisfaction also for Marco Melandri who lapped with a regular pace, improving his time of yesterday.


SETE GIBERNAU – 2:01.686:
“we did a good job today. We worked hard in understanding what we have and we had some more things to test. We focused on chassis, tyre testing and electronics, working in different directions in order to study the behaviour of every single thing. I think I have selected the best of what I have and tonight my mechanics will work to prepare the best combination. The base we have is good, the bike has a better balance. There is still some work to do especially to make the bike more stable in braking. All in all I’m very satisfied of the work we are doing and the relationship with Honda and Michelin.”


MARCO MELANDRI – 2:02.429:
“I’m happy of the work done, I have improved my lap time and I’m gaining in consistency. I’m concentrated in having a constant rhythm because I want to work for the race. Today we worked on electronics, trying different solutions. During hot hours, I lapped concentrating in understanding the bike. Tomorrow I’d like to try a long run.”



More, from a press releas issued by Camel Honda:

Malaysian 2005 pre-season testing session 2 – MotoGP

Sepang – Saturday February 12th 2005

Second test day in Malaysia, Camel Honda amongst the fastest in MotoGP

Around three o’clock in the afternoon on the second day of MotoGP tests at Sepang in Malaysia, a few drops of rain looked as though they would end the day’s work. Luckily the weather held out until just after the chequered flag brought the session to an end and riders were able to run until gone six o’clock. It was another positive day for the Camel Honda team, with Alex Barros riding strongly all day once more, going under two minutes and two seconds early on, and then remaining comfortably amongst the front runners as he kept up a fast pace whilst continuing with set-up and tyre tests. Troy Bayliss also made improvements, having worked devotedly alongside chief mechanic Santi Mulero and telemetrist Ramon Aurin he is beginning to get a better feeling for his RC211V.

Sito Pons – Camel Honda
“I’m happy with how things are going. We are exploring every possibility that this new bike offers and the times are improving every day. Alex looks confident, motivated and in perfect harmony with the engineers. He is constantly running at a fast pace and that’s important. Troy is working his socks off too and bit by bit he is getting used to this new bike, which is so different to the one he rode last year, especially as regards the engine-braking and the clutch. There are a few weeks left before the beginning of the season, and lots of test days left, at several tracks, and he will gradually get into a groove with his RC211V.”

Alex Barros – Camel Honda – 2:01.78 (84 laps)
“I’m completely happy with the work we are doing. Today we focused on tyres and I certainly think we’ve made steps forward. I didn’t stop for lunch until we did everything we had to on both the fronts and the rears because we were finishing off the work we started three weeks ago in these first two days: we’ve basically achieved the objectives we set ourselves in the first session here in Sepang. Perhaps there’s a few little things that could improve the front tyre, but I don’t think that will be possible for Australia, it’s too close; probably in the Qatar tests. In the afternoon we tried to change a few things in the bike settings but we haven’t really seen any particular changes we can make at the moment with the bike already going so well.”


Troy Bayliss – Camel Honda – 2:03.75 (77 laps)
“These tests are proving challenging because we still haven’t got the results we wanted. We’re exploring all possible solutions and we hardly took a break today. We’re working hard on the clutch, but I still don’t feel comfortable. We tried several different tyres, but until we get the set-up better the tyres won’t change the situation too much. We are analysing the telemetry with the team and the Honda technicians, and we hope to make a good step forward tomorrow.”



More, from a press release issued by Honda Racing:

HONDA RACING INFORMATION

MotoGP test Sepang, Malaysia. Second day of three-day test February 12, 2005.

Max Biaggi tops time sheet on day two of three-day Sepang MotoGP test.

Italian Max Biaggi was the fastest man on track during the second day of the three-day MotoGP test at Sepang, Malaysia today. Repsol Honda team rider Biaggi and teammate Nicky Hayden, who set the third fastest time of the day, had quickly established a solid base set up for their 990cc V5 Honda RC211V yesterday and spent today running tests on a variety of chassis parts.

Hayden was in particularly buoyant mood at the end of his second day on the new RCV. The young American feels the 2005 machine is more stable than its predecessor and he consistently lapped the 5.548km circuit one second faster than his best race lap at the circuit last October.

Biaggi worked hard all on all aspects of the machine placing special emphasis on variety of chassis parts HRC wished to test. Despite the slippery track conditions Biaggi’s effort was rewarded with fastest lap of the day.

Sete Gibernau, fastest Honda rider on the opening day of the test, ended day two with second fastest time overall, sandwiched between the Repsol Honda riders. The Spanish Telefonica MoviStar Honda rider spent the day analysing the potential of a variety of chassis parts running with different Michelin tyres.

Teammate Marco Melandri is on the verge of his first season with the V5 990cc RC211V and Has wisely adopted a step by step policy with the 240PS plus Telefonica liveried Honda. The former 250c World Champion ran with a constant high rhythm as he tried out various electronic control variations in his bid to find a fast consistent pace.

The Camel Honda team riders, Alex Barros and Troy Bayliss, were the busiest men on track in the stifling heat. Brazilian Barros putting in 84 laps with Bayliss not far behind with 77. Barros ended the second day of testing in the best position of the two men. He has almost completed his test schedule and will dedicate the final day to minor changes in preparation for the next test, at Phillip Island, Australia, next week.

Bayliss has yet to find the optimal base settings for his RC211V and until he does he cannot make progress on tyre testing. The Australian will sit down with his team technicians and the HRC race engineers to study all data gathered over the opening two days of the test in the hope that between them they will find the way forward.

Makoto Tamada returned to a semblance of fitness for the second day of the test. The Konica Minolta Honda rider shrugged off the worst effects of his bout of flu to begin serious tyre testing on his RC211V. The Japanese star took a break when the temperatures were at their highest in a bid to reserve his strength. A wise decision as Tamada ended the day in optimistic mood with a lap time of 2:01.83, half a second faster than yesterday. Tamada now feels more and more comfortable on the new machine with each test session.

Honda rider lap times and quotes:

Max Biaggi – Repsol Honda: 2:01.50 – 62 laps.
“The fast lap time didn’t really matter yesterday and it doesn’t matter too much today but it’s still good to record the fastest lap of the day– for everyone in the team, from the last technician to the first engineer. But we are still at the beginning of a long path and we still have a lot of new parts to try so the hard work will continue tomorrow. I didn’t even try new tyres today – the track is very slippy because of the high temperature and humidity but tomorrow we will try the new tyres from Michelin.”

Nicky Hayden – Repsol Honda: 2:01.71 – 69 laps.
“I’ve had a much better day today. I gave yesterday’s test a lot of thought last night and came out fresh this morning and put a quick lap in straight away. We’ve made a lot of improvements to the machine set-up today and the new chassis parts certainly are giving the machine more stability and it feels much better on entry into the corners. I put in a run on a race tyre today and was consistently one second faster than my best lap in the race last year. The endurance run was good because I really struggle in the heat at the hot races in Barcelona and Mugello and of course here. I’m confident of getting a faster lap tomorrow, we’ve really started to get the bike working well here.”

Makoto Tanaka – Repsol Honda Team Manager
“We made a lot of progress today and Max Biaggi made a good lap time at the end of the day. Nicky Hayden was again very impressive as he continues to improve. The riders tested new chassis parts today and the result was good. We’ve found some good settings and a good direction which we will now aim to improve upon in the next tests in Australia, Qatar and Spain.”

Sete Gibernau – Telefonica MoviStar Honda: 2:01.686
“We did a good job today. We worked hard in understanding what we have and we had some more things to test. We focused on chassis, tyre testing and electronics, working in different directions in order to study the behaviour of every single thing. I think I have selected the best of what I have and tonight my mechanics will work to prepare the best combination. The base we have is good, the bike has a better balance. There is still some work to do especially to make the bike more stable in braking. All in all I’m very satisfied of the work we are doing and the relationship with Honda and Michelin.”

Marco Melandri – Telefonica MoviStar Honda: 2:02.429
“I’m happy of the work done, I have improved my lap time and I’m gaining in consistency. I’m concentrated in having a constant rhythm because I want to work for the race. Today we worked on electronics, trying different solutions. During hot hours, I lapped concentrating in understanding the bike. Tomorrow I’d like to try a long run.”

Alex Barros – Camel Honda: 2:01.78 – 84 laps.
“I’m completely happy with the work we are doing. Today we focused on tyres and I certainly think we’ve made steps forward. I didn’t stop for lunch until we did everything we had to on both the fronts and the rears because we were finishing off the work we started three weeks ago. In these first two days: we’ve basically achieved the objectives we set ourselves in the first session here in Sepang. Perhaps there’s a few little things that could improve the front tyre, but I don’t think that will be possible for Australia, it’s too close; probably in the Qatar tests. In the afternoon we tried to change a few things in the bike settings but we haven’t really seen any particular changes we can make at the moment with the bike already going so well.”

Troy Bayliss – Camel Honda: 2:03.75 – 77 laps.
“These tests are proving challenging because we still haven’t got the results we wanted. We’re exploring all possible solutions and we hardly took a break today. We’re working hard on the clutch, but I still don’t feel comfortable. We tried several different tyres, but until we get the set-up better the tyres won’t change the situation too much. We are analysing the telemetry with the team and the Honda technicians, and we hope to make a good step forward tomorrow.”

Makoto Tamada – Konica Minolta Honda Team: 2:01.83 – 74 laps.
“I felt a bit better compared to yesterday, but I’m still not at my best physical conditions. Even if the flu doesn’t want to go away, I can consider my self very satisfied on how things went in the first two days of test with the new Honda RC211V. The bike reacts well and I feel comfortable with it, in fact, lap times are showing that between me and the new bike there is already a good feeling. These two days of test in Sepang have been really useful for me and I consider it a good start, for a season, in which I want to be a protagonist.”

Giulio Bernardelle – Konica Minolta Honda Team Technical Director
“Today we have worked a lot on the adjustment of the frame and we found a better setting compare to yesterday. This will permit us tomorrow, last day of test here in Sepang, to make a race simulation to evaluate the reaction of the bike on long distance. Today we have also continued to work on the setting of the electronic system of the bike and we have tried different types of front and rear tyre that Michelin brought us. For tomorrow we are planning to make the last modifications, and this will allow us to end the Malaysian test having well-developed the 2005 material.”



More, from a press release issued by Team Suzuki:

Team SUZUKI MotoGP moves forward in latest Sepang test

Team SUZUKI MotoGP has completed its second test of 2005 at Sepang in Malaysia, with spirits high for the next outing in Australia.

The team put the Suzuki GSV-R race bike through many gruelling tests at the hot and humid Malaysian circuit. All aspects of the bike were scrutinised to give the technicians and riders more valuable data about the GSV-R’s performance and handling capabilities. New engine mapping and control systems were tested along with the latest front and rear tyre compounds from Bridgestone.

Kenny Roberts Jr and John Hopkins were both positive about the progress made since visiting the circuit last month. Roberts Jr lapped the 5.5km track in a time of 2:02.07 on race tyres, which is over a second inside the current lap record, held by World Champion Valentino Rossi.

Roberts Jr said: “The guys are working really hard to get the GSV-R at the top of its game. The bike has a lot of potential and it’s certainly capable of a good lap time, the target now is to make it capable of those lap times over a race distance. The good news is that Suzuki knows exactly what it has to do to achieve just that.”

Hopkins clocked a time of 2:02.19 — over 2.5 seconds quicker than his race lap time at Sepang last year. Equally as pleased with his performance as Roberts Jr, he said: “The GSV-R is coming along great and so am I. Every time I ride I feel fitter and the bike has so much more potential. We’ve done a lot of laps over the last few days and now have a very clear direction which way we need to go to make the GSV-R even better.”

Team SUZUKI MotoGP manager Paul Denning said: “These Sepang tests have given very satisfying results and are helping the team to establish a firm and positive baseline to take forward into the new season. I am especially pleased with the way the crew are coming together and the feedback from the riders and the technicians.

“The support from Bridgestone this week has been fantastic. The high humidity and heat meant that the tyres were subjected to a very torrid test, which Bridgestone responded to excellently.

“We are all looking forward to the next step in the development of the GSV-R and our aim is to get it as competitive as possible for the first round at Jerez in April. We need to refine the overall package and concentrate especially on the driveability and acceleration of the bike. Suzuki knows what it needs to do to take the next step, the riders are both very capable and there is a real sense of excitement within Team SUZUKI MotoGP.”

Team SUZUKI MotoGP travels to Phillip Island in Australia for the third leg of its test schedule on February 17th – 19th, before heading to Europe for the Official MotoGP tests in March. The new MotoGP season begins at Jerez in Spain on April 10th.



More, from a press release issued by Ducati Corse:

SECOND DAY OF TESTING IN THE HEAT OF SEPANG

Testing continues for Carlos Checa and the Ducati-Bridgestone Tyre Test Team. Loris Capirossi out of action with flu after 10 laps.

Sepang (Malaysia), 12 February 2005 – Carlos Checa was hard at work today at Sepang as he concentrated on set-up work for the rear of his Ducati Desmosedici: after completing back-to-back testing with both the GP5 machines at his disposal, Carlos focussed on getting the best out of the new rear tyre compounds. These tyres proved to offer considerable duration, and enabled the Spanish rider to lap constantly in the low 2:02 bracket. Checa ended the day after a total of 52 laps, the best being 2:01.891.

“We did a good job today” commented Carlos. “We concentrated on tyre duration and found several interesting solutions. Hopefully we can continue to work in the same way tomorrow”.

The Tyre Test Team concluded its third day of testing at the Malaysian circuit with an excellent time of 2:02.551 recorded by tester Shinichi Itoh, who completed 56 laps of the track. The Japanese rider tested several new generation tyres, which will be given to the Ducati Marlboro Team riders tomorrow.

The heat and humidity of Malaysia (32° C air/55° C track) did not do any favours to Loris Capirossi, who was kept out of the action by a high fever and flu, but who is determined to get back on the track tomorrow to offer his contribution to the development of the Desmosedici GP5. Loris, who returned to the pits after just 10 laps, was however able to set an encouraging time of 2:02.291.

“It just wasn’t my day today” declared Capirossi. “Considering my condition, I actually lapped quite well, but I had quite a high temperature and it prevented me from being able to test. It was better to rest today and try to recover for tomorrow”.

Loris Capirossi, Carlos Checa and Shinichi Itoh will be on the track tomorrow Sunday 13 February for a third day of testing at Sepang.

From a press release issued by Proforma:

JIMMY MOORE RETURNS FOR 2005 SEASON WITH HOOTERS SUZUKI

After a rough 2004 season, two-time AMA Superstock Champion Jimmy Moore will be returning to competition with Team Hooters HelpMeRide.com Suzuki. After receiving a last minute call from crew chief Mike Fargnoli, Jimmy agreed to ride with the team in both Superstock and Superbike on the all-new 2005 Suzuki GSX-R1000. Fargnoli will be working directly with Jimmy as lead mechanic, as well as Jimmy’s long-time friend Troy Olsen, also from Eugene, Oregon.

“I am really looking forward to getting back to racing this year!” said Jimmy. “After the ups and downs of last season, I want to concentrate on being strong and consistent, and improving as the year goes on. If I stick to that plan, the results will follow.”

From a press release issued by Gauloises Yamaha:

GAULOISES YAMAHA TEAM TEST
Sepang, Malaysia
Friday, February 11, 2005

Ambient temperature: 38 degrees
Track temperature: 55 degrees
Humidity: 28%


ROSSI AND EDWARDS GET BACK TO WORK IN STEAMY SEPANG

The Gauloises Yamaha Team’s busy winter testing schedule resumed in Sepang today, as the team began the second three-day test of the year at the Malaysian circuit. Just over a fortnight since they were last here, reigning World Champion Valentino Rossi and his new Yamaha team-mate Colin Edwards were back on board their 2005-specification YZR-M1s, once again sharing the track with the large majority of their fellow MotoGP competitors.

Rossi completed 58 laps and was fifth fastest in the unofficial standings with a best time of 2:02.53, despite suffering from a fever which worsened as the day wore on. He spent much of the day testing Michelin tyres, whilst also doing some work on the engine braking settings of his M1. Like his team-mate, Edwards’ day was largely focused on tyre work with he and his team also spending some time changing the front and rear settings. He set a fastest lap of 2:02.98 from a total of 63, which was the ninth fastest time of the day. The Quickest man on the track was Honda man Sete Gibernau with a time of 2:01.76, followed by fellow Honda riders Alex Barros (2:02.12) and Makoto Tamada (2:02.41). Loris Capirossi set the fourth fastest time of the day on his Ducati, just ahead of Rossi with a lap of 2:02.47.

Valentino Rossi, (2:02.53, 58 laps)
“I had a fever today and I didn’t feel so good. As the day went on I felt more and more weak and I began to find it hard to focus on the bike. I thought it was a good idea to stop a little early, as we had already done all the work we wanted to do. We worked a lot on tyres today and also on engine braking; we had a few things to improve on this from the last test and we managed that today, so we achieved what we needed to do. I am going to go to sleep early tonight and I hope to feel better tomorrow!”

Colin Edwards (2:02.98, 63 laps)
“We had a few difficulties starting out today; for some reason the bike didn’t feel the same as last time, but once we sat down and discussed things, everything got better. We did a lot of tyre work and didn’t change much on the settings throughout the morning, but this afternoon we played around a bit with the front and rear settings, and made some good improvements. It felt even hotter than at the last test, but I’m pleased because I was doing consistently fast laps during the hottest part of the day.”

Davide Brivio, Gauloises Yamaha Team Director
“The first day went quite smoothly for the whole team. We did a good job with the tyres and we are now fine-tuning the bike settings and will continue to work on this over the next two days. We took it quite easy today as we have plenty of time ahead of us!”

Unofficial Lap Times:

1. Sete Gibernau (Honda) 2:01.76
2. Alex Barros (Honda) 2:02.12
3. Makoto Tamada (Honda) 2:02.41
4. Loris Capirossi (Ducati) 2:02.47
5. VALENTINO ROSSI (YAMAHA) 2:02.53
6. Carlos Checa (Ducati) 2:02.56

9. COLIN EDWARDS (YAMAHA) 2:02.98


More, from a press release issued by Telefonica Movistar Honda:

Sete Gibernau is the fastest rider of the today on the new RC211V

Sepang, pre-season test, Day One

After two weeks of break, the motoGP teams come back to Sepang for the second testing session of the 2005.

With incredible hot temperatures (38° degrees the air temperature and 50°C the tarmac temperature), the riders of the Team Telefonica MoviStar Honda tested the new 2005 RC211V, an updated version especially in the electronics. Sete Gibernau made his debut on the new bike and scored the fastest time of the day, he worked particularly on the chassis, while his team-mate, Marco Melandri, worked on the electronics of the bike.

SETE GIBERNAU – 2:01.765, 64 laps :
“I’m very satisfied of the work we did today. We worked on the chassis, forks and suspensions both front and rear. We also did some tyre testing requested by Michelin because of the extremely hot temperatures of the tarmac. I think that we have done a step forward because we have understood more about the bike and above all because we, the team, Honda and Michelin are working in the same direction and this is the most important thing. Today we focused on the chassis, tomorrow I think we will work on the electronics.”

MARCO MELANDRI – 2:02.691, 75 laps :
“Today I could finally test the bike I will use during the coming season. I’m happy because I have found immediately a good feeling with the bike and I lapped with a constant pace. Despite the new bike and the hot temperatures, my rhythm is improved compared to the times I did during the last 3 days test session here in Sepang. Today I have never pushed to make a fast lap, because at the moment I’m not interested on the single lap, on the contrary I’m focused on the race rhythm. During this test session I’d like to make an endurance test of 21 laps. Today we tested the electronics in order to see the different possibilities of regulations that we have at disposal.”

The Team Telefonica MoviStar Honda will test on the following circuits in preparation of the coming season:

11th, 12th and 13th of February at Sepang (Malaysia)
17th, 18th and 19th of Febraury at Phillip Island (Australia)
1st, 2nd and 3rd of March at Doha (Qatar)


More, from a press release issued by Honda Racing Information:

MotoGP test Sepang, Malaysia. Day one of three-day test February 11, 2005.

Honda unveil 2005 RC211V on opening day of the Sepang MotoGP test

The 2005 MotoGP teams and riders returned to the Sepang circuit in Malaysia, for the second winter test of the year. Seven riders, racing in
the colours of four Honda teams took to the 5.548km grand prix circuit eager to test the 2005 version of the RC211V 990cc V-5 four-stroke machines that they will race in the 17-round world championship series.

All seven RCV riders started the test with basically the same equipment, the chassis and engine configurations that were confirmed as optimal for the RCV from the technical data gathered during the test at Sepang last month.

The Repsol Honda factory team machines of Max Biaggi and Nicky Hayden, plus the Telefonica MoviStar liveried machine of Sete Gibernau featuring more advanced electronic systems to those employed on the RCVs tested by the
satellite team riders.

With an ambient temperature of 35, high humidity and a track surface temperature over 50 (43 in January) that offered less grip than at the previous test held at the circuit the MotoGP riders faced a tough shakedown test day.

The Honda rider least affected by the energy sapping heat and poor track conditions proved to be Sete Gibernau who claimed the honour of fastest Honda man on the day. Spaniard Gibernau was immediately at home on his new mount and quickly found a base set up to work from. Once established he used the set up to test chassis and suspension settings before moving on to test new race rubber from tyre supplier Michelin. His best lap time of 2:01.765 was half a second off his fastest time set in the January test.

Gibernau’s new Telefonica MoviStar Honda teammate Marco Melandri shared Gibernau’s impression of the 2005 RCV. The young Italian immediately felt comfortable on the new bike and despite the oppressive heat he soon found a good rhythm. Melandri worked from the set up he was happiest with at the last Sepang test, tried several alternative electronic adjustments before reeling off a series of consistently fast laps.

Repsol Honda factory riders Max Biaggi and Nicky Hayden had an eventful day. Biaggi slid off his RCV at turn 11 escaping injury. The RCV was not so lucky sustaining crash damage. Later in the day as he exited his pit box the Italian collided with teammate Nicky Hayden who was entering his pit. Both riders emerged from the incident unscathed Biaggi particularly happy not to hurt himself as he is now close to full fitness following his winter recuperation from a broken ankle sustained in November.

Biaggi treated his day as a shakedown test trying various small adjustments to the rolling chassis in a bid to find the optimum base setting to suit his style. He was not looking for a fast lap ending the day 8/10ths of a second off his best time set during the January tests.

Hayden worked in the same direction as his teammate before concentrating his attention on the suspension of his RC211V in preparation for chassis testing tomorrow. The former American Superbike Champion put in a marathon 87 laps the track temperature so high he could not get within one-second of his best time at the last Sepang test.

Camel Honda teamsters Alex Barros and Troy Bayliss emerged from day one of the three-day test in very different moods. Brazilian Barros used his vast experience of the RCV to continue where he left off in January and despite the poor conditions out on track was quick to find a good base set up to work from. He spent his day working on the front forks in combination with new front tyres from Michelin.

By contrast teammate Bayliss admitted he was disappointed with his day’s work and ended the first day of three one and a half seconds slower than he had been at the January tests. The Australian, a former World Superbike Champion, was unable to find his rhythm and a late afternoon crash did not help matters. Bayliss has an optimistic view of life and is confident his chief mechanic, Santo Mulero, will find solutions to his difficulties with the base set up of the RC211V.

Japanese star Makoto Tamada arrived at Sepang suffering from a bout of flu but still managed to put his Konica Minolta Honda RC211V through a grueling 60-lap stint. Working from data gleaned at the last test and changes to the electronics Tamada slowly lowered his lap time on the poor surface. The popular Japanese rider ended the day in positive mood with a lap time half a second faster than on his previous visit.

Honda rider lap times and quotes:

Sete Gibernau – Telefonica MoviStar Honda: 2:01.765 – 64 laps: “I’m very satisfied of the work we did today. We worked on the chassis, forks and suspensions both front and rear. We also did some tyre testing requested by Michelin because of the extremely hot temperatures of the tarmac.”

“I think that we have made a step forward, because we have understood more about the bike and above all because we, the team, Honda and Michelin are working in the same direction and this is the most important thing. Today we focused on the chassis, tomorrow I think we will work on the electronics.”

Marco Melandri – Telefonica MoviStar Honda: 2:02.691 – 75 laps:”Today I could finally test the bike I will use during the coming season. I’m happy because I have found immediately a good feeling with the bike and I lapped with a constant pace. Despite the new bike and the hot temperatures my rhythm is improved compared to the times of the last test session here in Sepang. I have never pushed to make a fast lap, because I’m focused on the race rhythm. During this test session I’d like to make an endurance test of 21 laps. Today we tested the electronics in order to see the different possibilities of regulations that we have at disposal.

Max Biaggi – Repsol Honda: 2:02.60 – 41 laps: “We started some important work today, trying and testing new materials. It is a delicate job, it takes time and patience to get to the definitive bike. Today I’m satisfied with the little improvements we have made which all indicate important things for the future. We don’t care about the lap time today as it counts for nothing. The crash this morning happened when I lost the front wheel and the pit-lane accident happened when I was leaving the pit garage, Nicky returns to his pit very close to the garages and I didn’t see him.”

Nicky Hayden – Repsol Honda: 2:02.67 – 87 laps: “I started the day just with a shakedown on the two brand new 2005 bikes. They didn’t feel too much different to the last test here a couple of weeks ago but we knew that would be the case. I tried a few suspension changes and some were good but I got into a bit of a rut this afternoon. We knew that, for the first day, we wouldn’t be giving too much focus to any one area of the machine. I’ve got some chassis changes to try tomorrow so I’m sure I can get going better than today. The pit-lane incident was one of those things, Max pulled out of his pit garage right in front of me as I was heading back into mine, we hit each other, it was nothing more than an accident.”

Alex Barros- Camel Honda: 2:02.08 – 68 laps: “It was really hot today, and humid too, so it was a challenging day from a physical point of view. I’m still very satisfied though. We worked in the first part of the morning getting the bike set-up, seeing as a few of the electronic components have changed, but despite the track conditions being really bad, I went quick straight away. Obviously we already have a good base and that is really positive. In the afternoon we made some more adjustments to the forks and then I tried three new front tyres from Michelin. They are still just prototypes which their engineers made after the work we did three weeks ago, and tomorrow we will try some more, whilst we will also test some rear tyres which I was unable to try out during the last tests.”

Troy Bayliss – Camel Honda: 2:04.45 – 59 laps: “I’m a bit disappointed, I can’t deny it, because just a couple of weeks ago I left Sepang in good shape, yet today things just didn’t go too well. On a positive note, basing things on my experiences at the last test, I know that working with this team we will eventually find the right direction for the set-up, because that’s all that’s missing – the bike is strong and it goes well. Today to make matters worse the track was in poor condition, I didn’t have a good feeling and towards the end of the day I crashed as I opened the throttle and was going rather quick. But I’m fine and I have already agreed with Santi Mulero (crew chief) the changes we will make tomorrow.”

Makoto Tamada – Konica Minolta Honda: 2:02.34 -60 laps: “I was glad to begin to work on the new version of the bike, even if from a few days I have the flu and in my conditions, this tropical atmosphere doesn’t help me out to do my job. But if we put aside my physical situation, I consider myself more than satisfied on how things have been going today: in fact, after a few technical adjustments, my lap times have gotten better and better, and this gives me positive hopes for the next days of test.”


More, from a press release issued by Fortuna Yamaha:

FORTUNA YAMAHA CONCLUDES FIRST DAY OF TESTS AT SEPANG

The Fortuna Yamaha Team was back at the Malaysian circuit of Sepang today for their second testing session of the 2005 preseason. Intense heat and slippery track conditions made life difficult for both Fortuna Yamaha riders, Toni Elías and Ruben Xaus.

The Spanish pair, who shared the track with several other MotoGP rivals, concentrated mainly on clocking up the kilometres and continuing to adapt to their new M1 machines. Toni Elías is still suffering from the fractured little finger he sustained in the last test whilst Rubén Xaus is also struggling with minor injuries picked up in the team’s previous visit to Sepang and was forced to end his session early. The best time of the day was set by the Spaniard Sete Gibernau with a lap of 2:01.7, closely followed by the Brazilian Alex Barros (Honda, 2:02.1) and Japanese rider Makoto Tamada (Honda, 2:02.4). Gauloises Yamaha riders Valentino Rossi and Colin Edwards finished the first day of tests with the fifth and ninth fastest times respectively with laps of 2:02.5 and 2:02.9.

Toni Elias, (2:03.9, 60 laps)
We have continued the job we started here just a few weeks ago and bit by bit we are making progress. We’ve basically concentrated on running up the kilometres with hard tyres so that I can adapt to the M1. Throughout the day we also worked on the set-up of the bike as well as chassis and suspension although it’s still very early to make any conclusions. The finger still hurts but it’s nothing like the pain I had here at the last test. The track is a little bit dirty so the lap times are not as fast as they were then.

Rubén Xaus (2:04.08)
I had to end the test early because I’m still in a lot of pain from the injury I picked up in the last test here at Sepang. We’ll see how I feel tomorrow and hopefully I can get on the bike. In any case the Yamaha engineers are working to build me a new seat for the M1.


More, from a press release issued by Camel Honda:

MotoGP engines roar once more in Sepang.
Camel Honda team already back at the front

MotoGP riders today completed the first of three test days in extreme conditions at the Sepang circuit in Malaysia. During the session which took place at the same circuit towards the end of January the asphalt measured 43º Celsius, but today it reached over 50°C. The scorching heat, along with the accompanying high humidity, forced all the riders to take an hour’s break at midday, with the track conditions extra slippery. The two Camel Honda riders rode the 2005 spec RC211V for the first time, getting the crucial first positive feelings. Alex Barros, quickest throughout the whole day as he constantly built on his best time, eventually was second fastest. Troy Bayliss also continued to make progress along his learning curve on the RC211V. The testing continues for two more days on the Malaysia track, before the team transfers to Australia for three further days.


Sito Pons – Camel Honda – (Team Principal)
“These tests are important because we have begun work on the new bike. Our first impressions are good and we want to make the most of the relatively long time before the season begins to continue to make progress. The bike is an evolution of last year’s machine, with modifications in the electronics and the aerodynamics. Alex, who has ridden the Honda for a while, was instantly quick on it and made constant improvements throughout the day. Troy wasn’t totally comfortable in the saddle today, but we are working intensely with him to put his requests into effect. At the end of the January test he was happy, now the bike has changed a bit, but I am sure that we will manage to find a good setting for him, so the RC211V feels like it is his.”

Alex Barros – Camel Honda – 2:02.08 (68 laps)
“It was really hot today, and humid too, so it was a challenging day from a physical point of view. I’m still very satisfied though. We worked in the first part of the morning getting the bike set-up, seeing as a few of the electronic components have changed, but despite the track conditions being really bad, I went quick straight away. Obviously we already have a good base and that is really positive. In the afternoon we made some more adjustments to the forks and then I tried three new front tyres from Michelin. They are still just prototypes which their engineers made after the work we did three weeks ago, and tomorrow we will try some more, whilst we will also test some rear tyres which I was unable to try out during the last tests.”


Troy Bayliss – Camel Honda – 2:04.45 (59 laps)
“I’m a bit disappointed, I can’t deny it, because just a couple of weeks ago I left Sepang in good shape, yet today things just didn’t go too well. On a positive note, basing things on my experiences at the last test, I know that working with this team we will eventually find the right direction for the set-up, because that’s all that’s missing – the bike is strong and it goes well. Today to make matters worse the track was in poor conditions, I didn’t have a good feeling and towards the end of the day I crashed as I opened the throttle and was going rather quick. But I’m fine and I have already agreed with Santi (Mulero, crew chief) the changes we will make tomorrow.”


More, from a press release issued by Ducati Corse:

DUCATI HARD AT WORK AT SEPANG IN THREE DAYS OF TESTING

First day of testing at Sepang for the Ducati Marlboro Team: Capirossi sets quick time despite feeling feverish. Good performance also by Checa and Itoh.

Sepang (Malaysia), 11 February 2005 – Another day of torrid conditions (33° air/60° track) greeted all the protagonists of the 2005 MotoGP world championship at the Malaysian circuit for the second and final winter test session scheduled for Sepang. Very little grip and high humidity inevitably conditioned this first day of testing, which saw both Ducati Marlboro Team riders out on the track on their new Desmosedici GP5 machines for further shakedown tests.

Loris Capirossi joined his team-mate Carlos Checa and, despite a high temperature, carried on with the scheduled test programme. The Italian rider completed 54 laps on the new GP5 which had been tested by Shinichi Itoh yesterday, setting a best time of 2:02.47.

“Today I lapped pretty good, but I was worn out by the end of the day” declared Loris. “I’m not feeling very well, so I get tired pretty quickly and above all my reactions are a bit slow. However I am quite satisfied because I managed to quickly find something that enabled me to set some good times immediately: now my hopes are high for the next couple of days”.

Carlos Checa, who also tested the new GP5, also went well, the Spanish rider finishing the day with a total of 58 laps and a best time of 2:02.56.

“We worked well and are improving step by step, even though I still have to get into the swing of things” commented Checa. “I tried several different tyres, some with a good potential, others which lasted well. Now my bike has a good balance and we have ahead of us a couple of hard days of work that I want to get the best out of!”

Tester Shinichi Itoh was also on the track today, the Japanese rider completing 58 laps with the Desmosedici GP4 of the Ducati-Bridgestone Tyre Test Team and setting a best time of 2:04.30. In preparation for his work with the team this season, Itoh tried several different set-ups in order to get to know the behaviour of the bike, which is fundamental for the development of the tyres.

Loris Capirossi, Carlos Checa and Shinichi Itoh will continue to test at Sepang on Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 February.

From a press release issued by Fastrack Riders:

MOTHER NATURE NOT COOPERATING – NEVER BOOK DURING NHRA WINTER NATIONALS

FastrackRiders is canceling tomorrow’s event 2/12/2005 at California Speedway due to weather conditions. Sunday’s event is still scheduled. Should you have any questions and want to re-book a date, please call 877-560-2233.

Larry Pointer

Copyright 2005, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc. American Honda Superbike tuner David McGrath will be spending more time at home and less time on the road following wife Lisa Marie’s recent delivery of triplets. “I am very fortunate to be working for a company that has bent over backwards enabling me to modify my responsibilities here at Honda,” McGarth e-mailed to Roadracingworld.com. “After working with Kurtis (Roberts) for three years and last year with Jake (Zemke) – Honda gave me the choice of position and direction I wanted to pursue this coming year and perhaps future seasons. I am in-house working on Superbike development which covers everything from engine management, dyno thrashing, to on-track chassis development. “Although I feel I had some unfinished business working with Jake on the Superbike, my new position allows me to stay closer to home, particularly in these first critical months with the new family.”

From a press release issued by Fortuna Honda:

LORENZO CONFIRMS HIGH HOPES FOR 2005

Jorge Lorenzo again confirmed that he is adapting to the quarter-litre class at a spectacular pace on the second day of tests at the Cheste circuit. The Spaniard’s lap time today would have put him on pole position at the Valencian Grand Prix in the final race of last season.

The Fortuna-Honda rider’s best effort was bettered only by Argentinean Sebastián Porto, one of the main stars of last season’s championship and, without doubt, one of the big favourites for this year.

Lorenzo was only ten thousandths of a second behind the Aprilia rider after completing 84 laps today. Yesterday he completed 32 laps of the Cheste circuit on a damp day which was affected by a spell of morning rain. The Fortuna Honda rider suffered a slight crash and, although he was unharmed, it delayed set-up work with the bike on the team’s sixth day in total of preseason tests at the circuit that is named in the memory of legendary rider Ricardo Tormo.

However, Lorenzo was typically modest at the end of the session: “Although it may seem a lie, I’m not completely happy with the final result. The bike worked perfectly and that’s what makes me angry. I know that I could have ridden a couple of tenths faster, but on my fastest lap I was held up by a bunch of 125cc riders, who we’ve been sharing the track with, and that messed up my day. Despite that I’m leaving Valencia feeling quite happy and optimistic because we’ve done these times with the ’04 bike and that makes me more enthusiastic than ever about receiving the 05′ version.”

His team-mate at Fortuna Honda, Héctor Barberá, set the fifth fastest time yesterday and was ninth today, just over a second behind Lorenzo. Yesterday he clocked up 49 laps and today managed 80, with his bike emblazoned with the new logo of team sponsors Lotus. This was the third visit for Dani Amatriaín’s team to Valencia as they finalise their preparations for a championship that starts exactly two months from today at Jerez de la Frontera. The Fortuna-Honda team will be back in action in mid-March for the official IRTA tests at Catalunya.

LAP TIMES:

1.- Sebastian Porto – 1:36.100
2.- Jorge Lorenzo (Fortuna Honda) 1:36.110 (84 laps).
3.- Casey Stoner 1:36.144

9.- Héctor Barberá (Fortuna Honda) 1:37.392 (80 laps).


More, from a press release issued by KTM:

Sergio Gadea set the quickest lap on the second and final day of 125cc tests at the Cheste circuit in his hometown of Valencia on Thursday.

The Master Aspar Team rider clocked a best time of 1:40.060 to hold off Thomas Luthi and Mika Kallio, who had swapped places at the top of the time sheets for most of the day.

Unofficial lap times:
1.- Sergio Gadea Aprilia 1:40.060 (64 laps)
2.- Thomas Luthi Honda 1:40.493 (88)
3.- Mika Kallio KTM 1:40.584 (60)
4.- Gabor Talmacsi KTM 1:41.388 (63)
5.- Lorenzo Zanetti Aprilia 1:41.524 (77)
6.- Imre Toth Aprilia 1:41.651 (67)
7.- Dario Giuseppetti Aprilia 1:41.822 (28)
8.- Héctor Faubel Aprilia 1:41.862 76)
9.- Mateo Túnez Aprilia 1:41.940 (75)
10.- Julián Miralles Aprilia 1:41.995 (81)