Circuit: Misano, San Marino Country: San Marino Track length: 4060 m Opened: 1972 Fastest Lap Ever: 1:33.525 (Troy Bayliss, 2002) WSB lap record: 1:34.913 (Troy Bayliss, 2002) Last year WSB winner: Regis Laconi, Pierfrancesco Chili Round six of the Superbike World Championship takes place at the Misano Adriatica circuit near Rimini in Italy. The Yamaha Motor Italia team goes into the event in high spirits after Noriyuki Haga took the team’s first podium finish of the season at Silverstone last time out. Haga and team-mate Andrew Pitt recently completed a two-day test at Brno in the Czech Republic where they were able to test a new specification gearbox and revised chassis settings to further increase their confidence in the R1. Also testing since the last round was Yamaha Motor France rider Norick Abe, who spent two days at the Magny Cours circuit in France. Like his counterparts in the Yamaha Motor Italia team, the Japanese was able to try out a range of new parts and settings ahead of his debut at Misano circuit. The Japanese rider did test at the Adriatic circuit two weeks ago, but torrential rain meant he was unable to gather any meaningful data. Just eight points separate the three riders in the R1’s first full year in the championship. Pitt is the leading Yamaha rider, with 70 points and seventh in the championship. Haga is two points adrift on 68 while Abe is tenth on 62. Rider’s view – Andrew Pitt’s guide to Misano “Misano is a circuit that I enjoy going to. It’s normally very hot there, which along with the fact that you’re on the left side of the tyre so long, means that it’s a hard track on the tyres. It’s also hard on the rider. I’ve only raced supersport there so this is my first time doing two races there in one day, but if you’re not doing your training then you’re going to be found out at Misano. “It’s mostly left hand corners around here and you’re on the side of the tyre for a big part of the lap. There are only one or two right handers and a couple of chicanes. The most critical part at Misano is the triple left hand corner leading into the back straight. You need to get that right to get a good run onto the back straight, because in the race that’s really the only chance you get to overtake. The place to overtake is into the slow left at the end of the straight. You have to push hard here as you are braking from probably over 270kph on a superbike. Other than that it’s pretty much a simple one line circuit. “We haven’t had the R1 at Misano yet, so we’ll have to work to find a good setting, but it is quite bumpy, so we’ll be looking for a set-up that works well over the bumps, but the main thing is that it must be stable on the brakes, because as I said there is really only one good overtaking place here and you must make sure that you can pass here – and not be passed by other riders.” Supersport World Championship Kevin Curtain goes to Misano as the leading R6 rider in this year’s Supersport World Championship. The 39-year-old Australian has proved to be one of only two riders capable of taking the fight to series leader Sebastien Charpentier this year finished and is looking at the very least for another podium finish to go alongside the three he already collected this year. Curtain finished second at a wet Misano last year, after Broc Parkes crashed out while holding a commanding lead. This season Parkes is riding alongside his fellow countryman in the Yamaha Motor Germany squad and lies just two places behind in the race to the championship. While Parkes has yet to score a podium finish this season, the 23-year-old has proved to be ultra consistent as he adapts to the revvy characteristics of the R6. With a season’s best finish of fifth last time out in Silverstone and two full days of testing at Brno, Parkes believes he is now ready for the podium on his Yamaha. Both riders were also able to get in some additional track time at last weekend’s Nurburgring round of the German superbike championship, where Curtain showed the regulars the way by winning both races on an R1. FIM Superstock 1000 Cup Misano is the home round for Yamaha’s Massimo Roccoli, who hails from nearby Rimini. The youngster was the man of the match in Silverstone, winning an exciting race as well as making his superbike debut at the tight British circuit. He goes to Misano second in the championship and fired up to take the series lead from Yamaha Motor Germany’s Turkish hotshot Kenan Sofuoglu, who will be absent after breaking his left scaphoid in an off track accident. The Turkish rider underwent an operation in Cologne two weeks ago as he aims to be fit for the following round in Brno. “It was an unfortunate accident on my motocross bike. I would like to race this weekend but I know it is better to sit it out and come back fit to Brno. I know that I will probably lose my championship lead but with six races to go after Misano I know that things will still be in my own hands.” Replacing Sofuoglu at Misano will be German superbike championship leader Stefan Nebel. The 23-year-old is no stranger to the squad as his national championship squad is also backed by Yamaha Motor Germany and run by superstock team coordinator Michael Gallinski. More, from a press release issued by Honda Racing: World Supersport and Superbike Championships 2005 Round 6, Misano Adriatico Italy Race Preview 24 26 JUNE 2005 HONDA RIDERS SET FOR INTENSE WEEKEND BY THE SEASIDE Few of the venues on the 2005 World Supersport calendar offer the same mix of contrasts as Misano, both on and off track. The demanding 4.060km circuit layout features some of the most tortuous twists, turns and chicanes imaginable, yet is also host to the awesome Curvone corner, where riders accelerate through the gearbox around three increasing velocity left hand corners, ending up at top speed on the back straight. The almost entirely flat layout of the Santamonica circuit nonetheless features a mix of cambers on the asphalt itself, making set-up a sometimes-tricky affair. Off track Misano and its surrounding holiday resorts offer a sun-kissed playground for the locals, but with the championship entering the critical middle section, riders and teams will have little chance to relax and cool off until their tasks are completed on Sunday evening. Honda CBR600RR riders may be largely dominating the standings in World Supersport, but nothing can be taken for granted at a circuit that has thrown up some peculiarities in years gone by. Even allowing for this, the strong favourites to continue their monopoly of the top step of the podium are Sebastien Charpentier (Winston Ten Kate Honda CBR600RR) and Katsuaki Fujiwara (Winston Ten Kate Honda CBR600RR), currently first and second in the rankings, having taken three and two race wins respectively. A sometimes-dramatic season for 2002 Honda-mounted World Champion Fabien Foret (Team Italia Megabike Honda CBR600RR) sees him in fourth position overall, on 54 points, as he endeavours to make his particular machinery package fully competitive. Twice a winner at Misano, once in breathtaking fashion on a previously uncompetitive machine, Foret is always a committed competitor. Michel Fabrizio (Team Italia Megabike Honda CBR600RR) had a superb start to his first full rookie season in World Supersport, but bad luck and a relative lack of experience have dropped him down the rankings to seventh, on 42 points. On one of his home circuits, however, he will be nothing short of a podium favourite. Finnish pilot Tatu Lauslehto (Klaffi Honda CBR600RR) is even less experienced than Fabrizio, but the latest rider to be talent spotted by former World Sidecar Champion Klaus Klaffenbock has already shown his burgeoning pace. Racing with, and often beating, big names in this most overheated of championship classes; he is currently ninth, on 30 points. Charpentier, the class act of the year, with three wins and two second places so far, is out to build on his momentum for another weekend, at a place he knows well. A recent test at Magny Cours has given him another reason to be cheerful, as have his personal pre-race preparations. “I just want to continue with more of the same this weekend, because the start to the season has been a dream,” said Charpentier in the run-up to Misano. “Three wins and two second places is fantastic for me, and with Kats second in the championship, that’s also great for the team. There is a fantastic atmosphere in the garage. Everyone is very relaxed and after our test at Magny-Cours, we are confident that we can continue with our good performances. The last round at Silverstone was perfect for me, with pole position, the fastest lap and a win. I would like to repeat that at Misano this weekend, so I have been doing some cycling in the hot weather in France, to prepare the conditions this weekend.” Fujiwara, riding a Honda for the first time in World Supersport, has been an immediate hit, only giving ground to Charpentier, who is a more experienced CBR600RR pilot. ‘Kats’ had a tough last round in England, making him more determined than ever to overhaul his team-mate, and tie the win count at 3-3. “Silverstone was not so good for me because I had a crash during practice and a bit of a cold as well,” said a rueful Fujiwara. “In the race I experienced some gear selection problems and that allowed Sebastien to have a bigger lead in the championship. I have to try very hard for another win this weekend to close the gap and after the test in France I think I have a good chance. I am feeling fit now and the shoulder that I injured at Silverstone is much better. I’m looking forward to Misano, where I have been on the podium before. Now I would like to win there.” Foret, a rider of outright Supersport genius on occasion, harks back to previous Misano glories for additional inspiration. “Misano is always a lucky track for me,” said a clearly motivated Foret. “Two years ago I won my first and last race with the Kawasaki and I hope that on Sunday I can repeat the performance. After the bad experience at Monza I want to continue the positive moment, which started with the podium position at Silverstone. At the Santamonica circuit I want to take more important points for the championship. My target is to secure one of the first three positions.” Fabrizio, another charging rider and one learning more of his craft with every passing weekend, was reserved in his pre-race comments. Despite his caution, and some recent bad luck, he is sure to fly on home tarmac. “I don’t know what I must hope for, as it has not been a positive period for me,” said a reflective Fabrizio. “I hope that the unlucky run will stop soon. In Silverstone I ran a good race but a technical problem stopped me before the end. Now I want to take important points and get back into the top three by the end of the season. I hope that on my home circuit I can make a fantastic result. My team and I both need this, as we have all worked so hard to reach the same level as the first two bikes in the series.” Lauslehto will be in learning-while-racing mode once more, something he has grown used to this year. The confidence of his youth shines through, and beyond, his pre-race comments. “It will be my first race at Misano and I’m very eager to do my first laps,” said the Finn. “Last week we were testing at Brno and I’m very content. The Klaffi Honda CBR600RR is super-fast, and our set-up and suspension feel perfect. I really like my bike!” World Superbike Round 6 of 12 HALF WAY POINT FOR HONDA’S FAMOUS SUPERBIKE FIVE All of Honda’s five supported World Superbike riders feature in the top half of the championship table as the mid season race approaches, in what is the most competitive and densely packed Superbike series for a number of years. Despite an early season illness, lack of preparation time for his team and the very early start to the championship season in general, Chris Vermeulen (Winston Ten Kate Honda CBR1000RR), has nonetheless shown he can win on the big CBR, taking race two at Monza in May, one of his four podium finishes so far. Within three points of second position overall, Vermeulen approaches Misano with two clear desires – to overtake Yukio Kagayama for second, and narrow the points gap on leader Troy Corser. For the other four Honda riders, the start of the 2005 season has been sometimes rewarding, yet equally frustrating, as each has celebrated and suffered. Pierfrancesco Chili (Klaffi Honda CBR1000RR), went ninth overall in the championship at Silverstone, thanks to two fifth place race finishes, while his team-mate Max Neukirchner (Klaffi Honda CBR1000RR), had only one scoring ride in England, and now sits 11th overall. Both Klaffi Honda riders have been injured and faced restorative operations this year, missing points scoring opportunities, which have held back their overall challenges. Chili (the oldest competitor in the series at 41) and Neukirchner (the youngest at 22) have nonetheless demonstrated their combined strength, as they bounced back from suffering a broken collarbone and hand respectively. Neukirchner, a rookie in the class, scored a magnificent podium in Australia before his heavy fall in Spain, while Chili approaches his home round with the knowledge that he won a Misano race last year. Karl Muggeridge (Winston Ten Kate Honda CBR1000RR) has taken a leap from a championship winning Supersport career into Superbike this season, with mixed fortunes so far. A personal best of fourth could well be beaten by the 2004 Misano Supersport race winner, as he endeavours to move on from 12th overall in the standings. Ben Bostrom (Renegade Honda Koji CBR1000RR) carries on his work with his new team, with sixth place in race two at Valencia the highlight of his half-year, which sees him 15th. Vermeulen knows that Misano is a considerable physical challenge for all riders, such is the heat of Italy in late June, and that the competition for race wins will come from the usual suspects. “I’ve spent the last few days in Florence with my leathers supplier so I’m getting acclimatised,” said Vermeulen, “but I still think it’ll be pretty hot this weekend. We’ve definitely made some improvements to the bike which I hope will help me fight for at least a couple of podiums. I like Misano but I’ve never had much luck here and never finished on the podium in Supersport – although I did qualify on the front row in 2003. As far as this year’s championship goes, I have to be looking at podium finishes and would like another win this weekend. Troy Corser is fast at Misano and the Ducatis will be strong here as well, so I’ll be looking to get the most of the recent improvements we’ve made.” Misano is a literal home race for Chili, as his wife Romina owns a beach in Misano itself. The weekend is all the more meaningful as he is on schedule to pass the mark of 250 career Superbike races. Home or away, Chili nonetheless knows Misano will be a hard challenge once more, but his aim is to celebrate from the podium nonetheless. “It is my 250th race in the Superbike Championship and for me a ‘home’ game,” said Chili. “I want to make a good race, and to be on the podium would be great. We will give our all but whatever the result on Sunday, after the race we will have a beer or two.” Neukirchner’s recovery from an awkwardly broken thumb socket, on his throttle and braking hand, will continue at Misano. A fan of the Misano circuit, despite being taken out in the Supersport race last year, he aims to improve his standing once more, without taking undue risks with the recovery of his hand. “I’m already dreaming of Misano – Italian food, a lot of sun, a day at the beach and for sure some fast laps at Santa Monica circuit,” said the youthful Neukirchner. “Last year I had a lot of bad luck at Misano but I like the track very much. Only the chicanes are tricky and it is risky to underestimate them. A top ten position would be OK at present, a top five even better. The fracture of my right thumb is nearly healed. It is not yet perfect but it is okay. I still have some problems with the flexibility of the thumb but I don’t worry about it.” Muggeridge, fresh from a test at Magny Cours in France, is more at home on his machine now, after some critical set-up breakthroughs for the rookie SBK rider. “The two day test at Magny-Cours were really good for me we got to test properly for the first time and tried a load of new things on the rear of the bike to improve grip and the driveability out of corners,” said 2004 Supersport champ Muggeridge. “We need as much grip as possible this weekend because when it’s hot in Misano, any problems you have seem to get exaggerated. The test came at just the right time of the season for us. I think the new swingarm and linkage combination we’ve gone for should work well here. I really like the place because I had my first official World Supersport race here for Castrol Honda in 1998 and I won the race last year.” Bostrom’s season of contrasts is expected to firm up into regular top tens from now on, after a positive test session at Magny Cours. “I’m excited about Misano but always a little nervous,” said the popular Bostrom, a returee to SBK this season. “I expect results and the biggest thing we made progress with at Magny Cours was the clutch. It’s now much better than it’s been all season. The bike’s going well now and the team is really gelling.” Round seven of both Supersport and Superbike series will take place at a returnee World Superbike circuit, Brno, on Sunday 17 July. Brno has been used for World Superbike races on two previous occasions, in 1993 and 1996.

Assen June 22nd, 2005 Dutch TT Preview New tyres and new hope on Grand Prix racing’s oldest and most famous track Located 200 kilometres north-east of Amsterdam, the famous Dutch TT in Assen is one of the true classics in the MotoGP calendar. 2005 marks the 75th anniversary of the “Tourist Trophy”, and even though the track underwent safety modifications since last year, with unique new “floating” grandstands that bridge bigger and improved run-off zones, the 5.997-kilometre-track still maintains the feel and the spirit of its origin as a true public-road-circuit. However, the transformation into the future is set to continue, with a shortened track and a new visitor’s centre and amusement park for next year’s edition. The massive investments in the future of motorcycle racing were rewarded recently, with Grand Prix organiser DORNA and the Assen event promoter signing a new 10-year-agreement that ensures the future of the Dutch TT until the year 2016. The Assen circuit doesn’t feature a very long main straight, but its ultra-fast kinks and bends, some of them slightly banked, make it the circuit with the highest average speed of more than 182 kph for the fastest MotoGP bikes. Threading a 250 hp-motorcycle through the S-turns at high speed on a relatively narrow track is not only exhilarating for the riders, but also awesome to watch for the spectators. The high-speed direction changes require bravery and special riding skills, but also good handling of bikes and tyres. Turning characteristics, braking performance and rear tyre traction are especially crucial, and Bridgestone pulled all strings to offer its three MotoGP teams and six MotoGP riders a suitable tyre selection: No less than 1200 tyres were shipped to Assen, with 3-4 different tyre specifications for the front, and 6-8 different rear tyre specs to choose from. After a weekend with unexpected difficulties in Barcelona, all Bridgestone teams are confident of their return back to success with the new modified spec tyres and new compound mixtures. The fast and flowing Assen circuit reminds Ducati’s riders Loris Capirossi and Carlos Checa of the Mugello track in Italy, where they had celebrated a podium finish and their best team result so far three weeks ago. “At Mugello, we showed what we can do when everything is good”, beams Loris Capirossi with new confidence. Hiroshi Yamada – Motorcycle Racing Manager Bridgestone Motorsport “The last Grand Prix in Catalunya was difficult for us. Shinya Nakano in 9th and Carlos Checa in 11th position were our top riders, which is obviously much less than we expected after our success in Mugello. Grip consistency was the main issue in Catalunya, but we’ve immediately analysed all data, and since then made another significant step in our development program. In Assen there are different demands for the tyres, so we’ve brought new modified specs in order to support our teams with a tyre selection that should suit the unique characteristics of this track perfectly. We are looking forward to good results!”

Team Alstare Suzuki Corona Extra riders Troy Corser and Yukio Kagayama head to the San Marino sixth round of the World Superbike Championship holding the top two positions and a 77-point lead in the Manufacturers Championship on their GSX-R1000s. Former World Champion Corser – who has finished on the rostrum at every round so far with six race wins, two seconds and two thirds – holds the series lead on 222 points from Kagayama on 144 points. This weekend’s race at Autodromo di Misano has been home to the San Marino round ever since 1991 and is a popular fixture with riders and fans alike – no doubt partly due to circuit’s proximity to the beautiful beaches of the Adriatic. The 4.06 kilometre circuit runs in an anti-clockwise direction and features a mixture of fast straights and flowing turns and is notoriously tricky in the wet. Corser has been particularly successful at Misano, racking up 11 podiums including a memorable double victory in 2000. Kagayama has no history at the circuit but he is a quick track learner and will be all-out for a pair of podiums to challenge the series leader. Troy Corser: “I have good memories of Misano and taking the double there in 2000 was one of the highlights of my career, especially as it was done on Ducati’s doorstep! It is quite a technical track and it can also be a handful in the wet partly because there is a change of surface about two-thirds the way round. Now that we are approaching the halfway mark, I am happy to have a healthy lead in the championship. That is due to all the hard work we all put in over the winter months and at the start of the season. That doesn’t mean that our work is over – far from it – because we are striving all the time to make the best overall package this year even better. “We knew our competitors would get stronger as the season progressed, but we are up to the task. I know what it’s going to take to win the title and I am focussed on doing my best to make sure that happens.” Yukio Kagayama: “Misano is unknown to me but it’s not a big problem because I learn tracks pretty quickly. I was disappointed with my results at Silverstone and especially unhappy because I have many fans in England. But Silverstone is over for this year and I am ready for my next challenge – Misano. Troy-san tells me that it is quite technical so I hope I can learn something from him during practice. My Alstare Suzuki should be well-suited to the track and if I can learn the circuit quickly, there is no reason why I cannot take a podium or maybe two!” 2004 results: Race 1: Troy Corser (Petronas) – 2nd, Yukio Kagayama – DNS. Race 2: Troy Corser (Petronas) – 7th, Yukio Kagayama – DNS.

Red Bull statement: Red Bull is equally upset to hear of the hotel accommodation concerns and inconveniences experienced by readers of Roadracing World. In fact, Red Bull is dealing with similar issues. Unlike what has been alleged, Red Bull has never booked the entire room block of any hotel and has never displaced pre-existing reservations. We at Red Bull would never book room blocks with the intention of leaving our many friends in the racing community without proper accommodations. Reservations are the sole responsibility of the hotels. Therefore, we ask that you address the issue with them directly. Thanks for your support and understanding. Best regards, Steve Pegram Red Bull Communications Santa Monica, California See related posts: Travel Agency Says Its Hyatt Reservations For Laguna Seca MotoGP Are Valid June 17, 2005 ~https://www.roadracingworld.com/news/article/?article=23201~ Another Racer Who Says He Lost His Confirmed Reservation Because Red Bull Bought Out A Hotel After The Fact June 16, 2005 ~https://www.roadracingworld.com/news/article/?article=23194~ Monterey Hotel Problems Not Limited To Embassy Suites June 15, 2005 ~https://www.roadracingworld.com/news/article/?article=23189~

VERMEULEN AND MUGGERIDGE SET SIGHTS ON MISANO Winston Ten Kate Honda riders, Chris Vermeulen who celebrated his 23rd birthday last Sunday and Karl Muggeridge, head for round six of the World Superbike championship this weekend at Misano in Italy. The 4.06km Autodromo Santa Monica circuit lies near the Adriatic coast, 35km from San Marino. With summer heat sure to play a part in this weekend’s proceedings, the Australian duo’s confidence is high following a successful test at Magny-Cours in France two weeks ago. The team tried a variety of rear swingarm and linkage combinations in an effort to improve driveability on their Honda CBR1000RRs and both riders declared themselves happy with the improvements. Ronald ten Kate team manager: “We found a good direction at our recent test in France and head for Misano with the new components that we need to give both riders the combinations they prefer. Having lost a lot of testing time before the season started, this was our first real chance to address some of the problems we have encountered. Hopefully, our rivals haven’t improved as much as we have and this should give us the chance to finish strongly and get the kind of results that the team’s efforts deserve.” Chris Vermeulen championship position 3rd, 141 points: “I’ve spent the last few days in Florence with my leathers supplier so I’m getting acclimatised but I think it’ll be pretty hot this weekend. We’ve definitely made some improvements to the bike which I hope will help me fight for at least a couple of podiums this weekend. Last year’s Misano race was the fourth round of the season so we were still getting used to the new bike and the weather was a little more unpredictable. I like Misano but I’ve never had much luck here and never finished on the podium in Supersport, although I did qualify on the front row in 2003. As far as this year’s championship goes, I have to be looking at podium finishes and would like another win this weekend. Troy (Corser) is fast in Misano and the Ducatis will be strong here so I’ll be looking to get the most of the recent improvements we’ve made.” Karl Muggeridge championship position 12th, 50 points: “The two days at Magny-Cours were really good for me we got to test properly for the first time and tried a load of new things on the rear of the bike to improve grip and the driveability out of corners. We need as much grip as possible this weekend because when it’s hot in Misano, any problems you have seem to get exaggerated, so the test in France came at just the right time of the season for us. I think the new swingarm and linkage combination we’ve gone for should work well here. I really like the place because I had my first official World Supersport race here for Castrol Honda in 1998 and I won the race last year. But, after the test two weeks ago, I felt that I was really getting somewhere with the bike so I’m looking forward to putting that feeling to good use this weekend.” Championship points after five of 12 rounds: 1 Troy Corser AUS (Suzuki) 222, 2 Yukio Kagayama JPN (Suzuki) 144, 3 Chris Vermeulen AUS (Winston Ten Kate Honda) 141, 4 Regis Laconi FRA (Ducati) 112, 5 James Toseland GBR (Ducati) 98, 6 Chris Walker GBR (Kawasaki) 74, 7 Andrew Pitt AUS (Yamaha) 70, 8 Noryuki Haga JPN (Yamaha) 68, 9 Pierfrancesco Chili ITA (Honda) 66, 10 Norick Abe JPN (Yamaha) 62, 12 Karl Muggeridge AUS (Winston Ten Kate Honda) 50. Misano World Superbike event schedule: Friday 24 June 10.30-11.30 free practice, 14.15-15.15 qualifying; Saturday 25 June 11.00-12.00 qualifying, 14.45-15.45 free practice, 16.00 Superpole; Sunday 26 June 09.20-09.40 warm-up, 12.00 race one (25 laps, 101.5km), 15.30 race two (25 laps, 101.5km). More, from another press release issued by Winston Ten Kate Honda: WINSTON RIDERS LOOK TO SHINE IN ITALIAN HEAT Winston Ten Kate Honda’s World Supersport pairing of Sébastien Charpentier and Katsuaki Fujiwara head for the 4.06km Autodromo Santa Monica circuit in Misano this weekend for round six of the championship that they have dominated all season. Charpentier took his third win of the season last time out at Silverstone, GB, while his team-mate Fujiwara has scored two victories himself. A successful test at Magny-Cours in France two weeks ago sees the Winston Ten Kate Honda squad brimming with confidence for this weekend’s 23-lap outing. Ronald ten Kate team manager: “The test at Magny-Cours allowed us to try some new ignition and injection mapping components which enhanced the riders’ feel for the CBR600RR and improved acceleration a little. We were also able to experiment with some different chassis settings to see if there are any areas where we can make some positive changes. We’ll try some of these on the spare machines when we start practice at Misano, where the heat will be an influencing factor. The season has started fantastically with five wins from five races and, if we can get another win in Misano, it will be the team’s tenth consecutive World Supersport race win. That will be good to celebrate.” Sébastien Charpentier championship position 1st, 115 points: “I just want to continue with more of the same this weekend because the start to the season has been a dream. Three wins and two second places is fantastic for me and Kats (Fujiwara) is second in the championship which is also great for the team. There is a fantastic atmosphere in the garage and everyone is very relaxed and, after our test at Magny-Cours, we are confident that we can continue with our good performance. The last round at Silverstone was perfect for me with pole position, the fastest lap and a win. I would like to repeat that at Misano this weekend so I have been doing some cycling in the hot weather in France to prepare the conditions this weekend.” Katsuaki Fujiwara championship position 2nd, 90 points: “Silverstone was not so good for me because I had a crash during practice and a bit of a cold as well. In the race I experienced some gear selection problems and that allowed Sébastien to have a bigger lead in the championship. I have to try very hard for another win this weekend to close the gap and after the test in France I think I have a good chance. I am feeling fit now and the shoulder that I injured at Silverstone is much better. I’m looking forward to Misano, where I have been on the podium before. But now I would like to win there.” World Supersport Championship points after five of 12 rounds: 1 Sébastien Charpentier FRA (Winston Ten Kate Honda) 115, 2 Katsuaki Fujiwara JPN (Winston Ten Kate Honda) 90, 3 Kevin Curtain AUS (Yamaha) 80, 4 Fabien Foret FRA (Honda) 54, 4 Broc Parkes AUS (Yamaha) 49, 5 Stephane Chambon FRA (Honda) 45, 6 Michel Fabrizio ITA (Honda) 42, 7 Gianluca Nannelli ITA (Ducati) 40, 9 Tauto Lauslehto FIN (Honda) 30, 10 Javier Fores ESP (Suzuki) 27. Misano World Supersport event schedule: Friday 24 June 09.35-10.20 free practice, 13.15-14.00 qualifying; Saturday 25 June 10.00-10.45 free practice, 13.45-14.30 qualifying; Sunday 26 June 09.50-10.10 warm-up, 13.20 race (23 laps, 93.38km).

Report on Round two of Round One of Spanish 1000cc Formula Extreme Championship at Valencia, Spain, June 19, 2005. A press release from Folch Endurance Yamaha Reus, Tarragona, Spain Noyes Crashes out of battle for Sixth in Spanish Formula Extreme American Kenny Noyes (Folch Yamaha R1) was right in the thick of things at Valencia, battling for sixth place in the Spanish National Formula Extreme Championship and was running just off the pace of the leaders at half distance when he crashed in a second-gear left hander. He was uninjured but unable to continue due to a broken gear lever. Team owner Josep Folch said, “Kenny made a big step forward this weekend. He was unable to ride on Friday because of a gearbox problem due to a broken chain, and we had to use the first qualifying session to find a set up. In the afternoon on Saturday when the track temperature was so hot that very few riders improved their morning times, he came down 1.2 seconds to take eighth in the session. We didn’t have a second close-ratio gearbox available because that material is already fitted in our Superbike spec endurance racer and ready for the 24 Hours of Catalunya, so he rode with a big handicap with the wide-ratio standard box and was still able to hold his own with the two top Suzukis. I’m very happy with the way he rode. Before this year is over he’ll running at the front.” “I just got too aggressive at lap later when I was right on Carmelo Morales. The power came on a little sharp when I was leaned way over and it stepped out and low-sided me. I could have picked it up and kept going but the gear lever was broken,” explained the former dirt tracker now in his fourth season in the Spanish Nationals. The race was won by former 500 and MotoGP rider José David de Gea (BQR Honda) followed by the Yamahas of Ivan Silva, Javier del Amor, Josep Sardá and Josep Monge, Then came Morales on the first of the Suzukis. Attention in Spain now shifts to the 24 Hours of Catalunya on July 3rd. Noyes will team with Ribalta and Salvador Cabana on the Superbike-spec R1 for Folch Endurance. Folch won the race last year and has won the race in four of the last five years, Folch Endurance with Noyes, Ribalta and Cabana recently took second in the World Endurance round at Albacete last month. but will have strong opposition this year from the Wurth BQR Honda team of De Gea, David Tomás and Edu Ullastres. This will be the 50th anniversary of the 24 Hours of Barcelona, run at Monjuich park from 1955 through 1986 and then continued at the new Circuit of Catralunya.

Polini becomes title sponsor for Australian MotoGP round Polini Motori continues to maintain its traditional link with MotoGP, and during the recent Gran Premi Gauloises de Catalunya the Bergamo-based company reached an agreement with Dorna Sports to acquire the right to be the title sponsor of the Australian round of the MotoGP World Championship this year. The Polini Australian Grand Prix is scheduled for October 16th at Phillip Island. Polini Motori is a world leader in the manufacturing of cylinders and special parts for scooters and for two- and four- stroke engines, in addition to a whole range of minibikes and minicross. Polini Motori has to its credit five Road Racing World Championship titles, three in the 125cc class (two with Loris Capirossi and one with Valentino Rossi), one in the 500cc class with Valentino Rossi and another with Valentino Rossi in MotoGP. In 2005 Polini Motori is also a partner of Fausto Gresini’s Movistar Honda MotoGP Team with Sete Gibernau and Marco Melandri.

WERA National Series Concludes Western Tour at Las Vegas this Weekend LAS VEGAS, Nev. The real excitement in Las Vegas this weekend won’t be in the casinos; instead, it will be at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, where the WERA National Series will hold round five over two days of motorcycle road racing. This weekend is the second of two Western rounds for the National Series. Like round four at Willow Springs earlier this month, the Las Vegas National will feature the WERA Dunlop National Endurance Series, the WERA Michelin National Challenge Series and WERA West. The first event will be the four-hour endurance race on Saturday, June 25, at 12:30 p.m. Vesrah Suzuki is still unbeaten this season. The series regulars took victories in all five classes at Willow Springs, but a number of local teams gave them a tough challenge. Now, armed with the experience of the six-hour race at Willow, the local teams will have an even better chance of scoring a class victory. Sunday will feature eight-lap sprint races for both the National Challenge Series and the WERA West region. There will be 16 races throughout the day, with 13 of them awarding points in both the National Challenge and WERA West championships. Among the notable dual-championship races are Open/A Superstock, 600/C Superstock, 750/B Superstock and Formula 1. Michael Beck was the top West Coast expert at Willow Springs, and he will be looking to improve on the two victories he earned there. Defending champions, including Mark Junge and Tray Batey, and up-and-coming racers such as Ben Thompson and Josh Herrin will be some of the series regulars to keep an eye on, as well. Fans can catch both days of racing for just $20. Camping at the track is also available. More information, including directions to Las Vegas Motor Speedway, can be found at www.lvms.com. WERA’s home on the Internet is www.WERA.com, and includes complete schedules, race results and championship standings.

What: Motorcycle Road Races Where: Homestead-Miami Speedway, Homestead, Fl. When: Saturday & Sunday June 25-26, 2005 General Admission & Paddock Pass: Sat. $10. Sun. $20. 2-Day Pass $25. Children Under 12 Free, Parking Free * Motorcycle Racing at Homestead This Weekend* The Championship Cup Series of Florida returns to the Homestead-Miami Speedway this weekend. Top contenders are this year’s number 1 plate holder Marco Martinez of Ft. Lauderdale aboard a Suzuki GSX-R1000 and number 2 ranked Jim Pihokken of Davie also riding a Suzuki GSX-R1000. Saturday Schedule: Gates open 8:00am. Practice 9:00am-5:00pm Sunday Schedule: Gates Open 7:00am Practice 8:00-9:00am Morning GT Sprint Races (5) 9:30-11:30am Afternoon Sprint Races (14) 12:00-5:00pm Track Location: Florida Turnpike (Homestead Extension) to SW 137th Ave. (Speedway Blvd.) turn left to track. Follow the signs to rear tunnel infield entrance, Homestead, Florida. For further information call: (561) 793-3394 (before race) (305) 230-5177 (on race days)