From a press release issued by Dorna:

MotoGP television audiences continue to grow in 2004

Television audiences around the globe for the MotoGP World Championship continued to grow in 2004, one of the most exciting seasons in the 55-year history of the series. In total, some 5,226 million viewers tuned in to the sixteen rounds of the championship as Valentino Rossi won the title in his first season with Yamaha, a staggering 121 million more than those who saw him win for Honda the previous year.

MotoGP coverage was provided in every corner of the world, with the average number viewers per Grand Prix boosted to 327 million in 208 countries, an increase of 2.5% on 2003. Almost half of that total (148 million) watched the races live in 185 countries, through 47 terrestrial and pan-continental broadcasters.

Improved exposure from free-to-air broadcasters saw the total broadcast hours for the season also increased, rising 4% to 3,729 hours. In addition, 270 million homes were reached by cable or satellite

Adding to established broadcasters, such as Mediaset (Italy), TVE (Spain), BBC (Great Britain), RTL (Germany), NHK and NTV (Japan), Ten and Fox (Australia), Globo (Brazil), RTL Club (Belgium), RTE (Ireland), Nelonen (Finland), NOS (Netherlands), TSI, TSR and DRS (Switzerland), ATV+ (Austria), Guangdong TV, Shanghai TV and Beijing TV (China) and Center TV (Russia), new channels in 2004 included Magic TV (Greece), Prime TV (New Zealand), Ten Sports (India and Pakistan), Channel 11 (Thailand), RTS (Serbia) and Al Jazeera Sport (Middle East).

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail:

Do you think you could post something on your site for other racers to keep an eye out for my stolen leathers? They were stolen in the Los Angeles area. Pics are here:

http://www.yroui-racing.com/Leathers/front.jpg
http://www.yroui-racing.com/Leathers/back.jpg
http://www.yroui-racing.com/Leathers/left.jpg
http://www.yroui-racing.com/Leathers/right.jpg

I was headed to a Fastrack event at Fontana on November 27-28, but someone broke into my teammate’s trailer in Mission Hills, California the night before and stole my brand new custom leathers, spine protector, helmet, gloves, toolbox and tools. This was especially frustrating because I broke my leg pretty badly in February and have spent the last nine months going through multiple surgeries and trying to get back on the bike.

What a way to kick me while I’m down.

Lisa Birch
AFM/CCS/WERA #575
www.yroui-racing.com
Seaside, California

From a press release issued by Ducati North America:

TEXAS STYLE DUCATI MONSTER CHALLENGE AT DALLAS IMS SHOW

More Monster Challenge winners prove that Ducatisti in Texas know what makes the coolest Ducati Monster

Cupertino, CA – December 1, 2004 – Round 2 of the continued search for the coolest Monster in North America concluded the weekend before Thanksgiving in Dallas, Texas at the Cycle World International Motorcycle Show. As with the previous show, each bike had a unique flavor and style. However, Kyle Diane Brussich, a Houston resident, tossed down the gauntlet to all the Monster men when she was judged best of show, winning the trip to Daytona. Her beautifully outfitted 2000 Monster 900 showed a staggering amount of creativity, hard work, and investment. She will definitely be a contender during the final round in Daytona.



Kyle says her bike is cool because, “Cool is watching the expressions on the faces of people when after seeing the bike they want to know whose it is and I get to tell them it’s mine. And I’m a girl. Then I get to spend hours answering their questions on how I came up with such an awesome bike. That’s way cool.”

Jim Gnitecki from Austin, Texas won second place with his 2002 Monster S4. The bike is mostly carbon fiber and you can see the attention to detail in the fit and finish. Jim’s bike flaunts a weight savings of more than 50 pounds compared to a stock bike. Jim was also selected as the “Dallas Wildcard” so he still has a shot at attending the final round.

Third place, Clifford Zeifman also from Austin, showed a beautiful 2001 Monster 900 Chromo. This bike was a limited edition model with a chrome fuel tank and Clifford’s bike was very cleanly punctuated with carbon fiber.

One hundred and seventy IMS show patrons voted Jeff Brooks’ 1998 Monster 900 the “People’s Choice” winner. Jeff’s bike boasts a unique white paintjob and has a very race bike appearance. His bike is clean, simple, and unique, an excellent recipe for winning the hearts of fans. Jeff is from Austin and works for Ducati Austin.

Founded in 1926, Ducati builds racing-inspired motorcycles characterized by unique engine features, innovative design, advanced engineering and overall technical excellence. The Company produces motorcycles in five market segments which vary in their technical and design features and intended customers: Superbike, Supersport; Monster, Sport Touring and Multistrada. The Company’s motorcycles are sold in more than 60 countries worldwide, with a primary focus in the Western European, Japan and North American markets. Ducati has won thirteen of the last fifteen World Superbike Championship titles and more individual victories than the competition put together. For more information about the Company, please visit our web site at www.ducati.com.

From a press release issued by Yamaha Racing:

Ruben Xaus joins Toni Elias at Yamaha Tech3

The French based Yamaha Tech3 team has announced its 2005 MotoGP World Championship rider line-up with Ruben Xaus joining fellow Spaniard and former GP 250 rider Toni Elias on the YZR-M1. Xaus, who signed a one-year deal with the Tech3 team, finished his Rookie MotoGP season in 11th place, after having scored points in 11 of the 16 round championship – a result which secured the ‘Rookie of the Year’ title for the former Superbike and Supersport rider. He is set to join Elias for his first test aboard the 2005 YZR-M1 in Malaysia next year – January 22.

Tech3 team Manager Hervè Poncharal had this to say about the two new rider signings: “After having signed Toni Elias we decided with our partners of the Altadis group, to complete the package by recruiting Ruben Xaus. Ruben not only showed consistency during the 2004 season, by finishing 11 MotoGPs, but he also produced an impressive third place finish at the Qatar Grand Prix.”

After securing fourth place in the 2004 GP250 World Championship Elias sampled the 2004 YZR-M1 for the first time in a Valencia following the final round of the season. The young Spaniard is now looking forward to the season beginning in earnest.

“Elias is clearly a talent, evident from his impressive performance on the M1 during the Valencia test, and I’m sure he will make his mark in MotoGP in the not too distant future,” explained Poncharal. “He is a very promising young rider who is showing a real enthusiasm for this new venture, which is just the injection of life our team needs.

“It is Elias’ mix of youth, and the four-stroke experience that will come with Ruben which I believe will provide the balance for a successful season for the Tech3 team. We are confident that Xaus will take the next step in his MotoGP career and that we will see him fighting for more podium results in 2005, allowing Elias the opportunity to hone his skills aboard the more powerful M1 and develop into a future MotoGP Championship contender.”

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

We’re collecting nominations for the Eighth Annual Roadracing World Young Guns feature, highlighting up-and-coming young road racers from the United States and Canada.

To qualify for the Young Guns feature, a racer must be between the ages of 13 and 19, have finished in the top three in a sanctioned Expert-level road race or Championship on a 125cc or larger motorcycle with full-size wheels, and reside within the United States or Canada. Teenagers with paid professional rides may or may not be excluded to make room for up-and-coming riders, as required by space limitations.

The Roadracing World Young Guns series started as an answer to critics who said America lacked up-and-coming young riders.

Returning Young Guns should call David Swarts at 951-245-6411 between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday to quickly update their profile.

To nominate a new youngster for the latest Young Guns feature, obtain, fill out and return a Young Guns questionnaire to Roadracing World by February 1, 2005. Questionnaires may be obtained by downloading them from the link on this page or by calling Roadracing World headquarters at 951-245-6411 and requesting that a questionnaire be e-mailed, FAXed or mailed to you (e-mail is preferred).

Questionnaires can be returned via e-mail, FAX (951-245-6417) or U.S. mail.

In addition to their completed questionnaires, candidates should also submit an action photo and a head shot suitable for magazine reproduction; all submitted photos must include written permission to reproduce, from the photographer. Scans and photocopies of photos are not usable. Digital images must be high-resolution, or 300 ppi/dpi or higher at 4×6-inches. All photos must have the name of the rider and the photographer included, along with when and where the photo was taken, including the racetrack and race sanctioning body. Photos will be returned.

The mailing address is: Roadracing World, Attn: Young Guns, P.O. Box 1428, Lake Elsinore, CA 92531-1428

The Federal Express or other overnight delivery address is: Roadracing World, Attn: Young Guns, 581-C Birch St., Lake Elsinore, CA 92530

The seven Young Guns features to date appeared in the November 1997, March 1999, February 2000, March 2001, February 2002, April 2003 and April 2004 issues.

If you have any questions, call 951-245-6411 between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. PST and ask to speak to David Swarts or e-mail [email protected].

Click here to download a pdf questionnaire that you can print out to mail or FAX in.

Click here to download a Word document questionnaire that you can complete and return via email.

From a press release issued by Ducati:

DUCATI MOTOR HOLDING STREAMLINES THE STRUCTURE OF ITS BRANDS

Bologna, Italy – Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A. (NYSE: DMH, Borsa Italiana S.p.A: DMH), a leading manufacturer of high performance motorcycles, announced that its Board of Directors decided yesterday to sell the Ducati Corse brand from Ducati Motor Holding to Ducati Corse S.r.l On the same date Ducati Corse Board of Directors decided to purchase the Ducati Corse brand. The transaction will take place by the end of the year.

The main reason for the transaction is to rationalize management of the “Ducati” and “Ducati Corse” brands, allowing each brand to be developed economically as separate entities.

Ducati Corse S.r.l., fully-owned by Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A.(99% directly and 1% indirectly), is focused on the organization and management of the MotoGP and Superbike racing teams, the development and construction of racing bikes, as well as all related promotional activities which aim to increase the Company’s presence on the international circuits and enhance its brand image.

The Ducati Corse Brand has been valued at Euro 23 million, and has been calculated on a discounted cash flow of Ducati Corse’s brand royalties, related to the use of the brand by licencees and sponsors. The valuation was based on an independent appraisal commissioned by Ducati Motor Holding.

Founded in 1926, Ducati builds racing-inspired motorcycles characterized by unique engine features, innovative design, advanced engineering and overall technical excellence. Ducati has won thirteen of the last fifteen World Superbike Championship titles and more individual victories than the competition put together. The Company produces motorcycles in five market segments which vary in their technical and design features and intended customers: Superbike, Supersport; Monster, Sport Touring and Multistrada. The Company’s motorcycles are sold in more than 60 countries worldwide, with a primary focus in the Western European and North American markets. For more information about the Company, please visit our web site at http://www.ducati.com

This press release contains statements that are forward-looking and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated, as described in documents previously filed by the Company with CONSOB and with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

From a press release issued by Ducati Corse:

DOUBLE RECORD PACE FOR DUCATI MARLBORO TEAM IN VALENCIA TESTING

Valencia (Spain), 30 November 2004 – The Ducati Marlboro Team has concluded its 2004 testing schedule in the best possible way at Valencia, Spain. Thanks to superb performances by its two riders, the Italian team went quicker than the 2004 pole mark set by Tamada (1:32.81) and Biaggi’s fastest lap (1:33.58) recorded just over one month ago in the final GP of the season.

After yesterday’s rain, perfect conditions today allowed Loris Capirossi and Carlos Checa to put in a full day’s work and conclude the final tests of the year with interesting times.

The Italian was particularly quick on Bridgestone qualifying tyres and set an excellent 1:32.67 in his 62 laps.

Loris Capirossi, on the evolution version of the Desmosedici GP4 with changes to the frame and the new swing-arm, tested a variety of suspension and chassis set-ups. The Italian said that he was pleased with the results obtained and motivated by the changes made to the bike and the new Bridgestone tyres.

“I am really satisfied with what we have been able to achieve on the one day that the track was dry, but I wasn’t sorry that I got a chance to test the Bridgestone wets yesterday, which proved to be extremely valid tyres” commented Capirossi. “I’m pleased with the way things are going and the working method we are using. Today we did a lot of laps and tried a number of changes, obtaining some good times. It’s as if we are about to start 2005 and I’m feeling confident already.”

Carlos Checa, with a total of 65 laps on the prototype Desmosedici GP5, was the quickest rider on the track with race tyres, setting a time of 1:33.09. The Spanish rider, who preferred to focus on race set-up and not use qualifying tyres, has adapted quickly to the numerous changes he has encountered after signing for the Ducati Marlboro Team – bike, team and tyres – and has clearly demonstrated his motivation and professionalism.

Régis Laconi’s period as Ducati Desmosedici development team test rider came to a positive end with a best time of 1:35.78. Régis’s total of 44 laps also included a crash, which luckily finished without any serious consequences. The Frenchman, who focussed on electronics and engine mapping work on the Italian V4 machine, has offered valid support in the development of the bike that will race in next year’s MotoGP World Championship: a big thanks to him from Ducati Corse for the professional and positive attitude demonstrated in these tests.

The Ducati Marlboro Team’s next testing session is scheduled for January 22-24, 2005 at the Sepang circuit in Malaysia.



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

EXCELLENT JOB AT VALENCIA FOR THE TEAM TELEFONICA MOVISTAR HONDA

Valencia, 30th November 2004

After the heavy rain of yesterday that spoiled the first day of testing at Valencia, today the team Telefonica MoviStar Honda could enjoy one complete day of testing thanks to better weather conditions. The track, wet in the morning, started to dry in the central part of the day so that Sete Gibernau and Marco Melandri could lap a lot to carry on the program of work started last week in Jerez. The Spaniard Sete Gibernau made 85 laps whereas his teammate Marco Melandri completed 101 laps, for him only one small inconvenience as he entered too long in a curve going through the gravel bed.

SETE GIBERNAU, 85 laps, 1:33.4
“Today the weather was good so we worked hard continuing the work started in Jerez. I needed dry conditions to lap at a good pace in order to better understand all the material that we had to test yesterday and today with the purpose of creating the best package of what we have. I’m satisfied of the work of today, it’s a hard work but absolutely necessary in this time of the year.”

MARCO MELANDRI
“I’m very satisfied of the work done today. We lapped a lot and lap by lap my feeling with the bike improved. We have worked on the setting of the bike and tested different solutions to have more traction. I think we have done an important step forward compared to the last test session at Jerez. Here I had much more data and points of reference compared to Jerez because we raced in Valencia one month ago so we could work better. I’m very happy of the pace I had today with race tyres , in fact I had never done this time even with qualifying tyres during the last weekend of GP here in Valencia.”

LAP TIMES
1. Loris Capirossi (Ita/Ducati) 1:32.7
2. Carlos Checa (Sp/Ducati) 1:33.0
3. Alex Barros (Brs/Honda) 1:32.3
4. Sete Gibernau (Sp/Honda) 1:33.4
5. Marco Melandri (Ita/Honda) 1:33.4
6. Nicky Hayden (USA/Honda) 1:33.5
7. Troy Bayliss(Austr/Honda) 1:34.5



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

Honda teams complete successful two-day test at Valencia

Honda MotoGP teams wrapped up their 2004 testing programme with a two-day test at the 4.005km Ricardo Tormo Circuit at Valencia, Spain. The heavy rain that fell on Monday washed away the series of test planned for the day restricting the riders to rain tyre testing and alternative engine mapping to cope with the conditions.

Nicky Hayden (Repsol Honda) put in just 26-laps yesterday. The American trying various engine settings in search of a smoother power delivery from his RC211V 990cc Honda around the twisty demanding circuit.

The Telefonica MoviStar Honda riders elected to sit out the day. Wet weather specialist Sete Gibernau confident he had nothing to learn while his new tem mate, Marco Melandri felt he lacked the necessary experience on the RCV to conduct meaningful testing in wet conditions.

Makoto Tamada was not too unhappy with the conditions. The Konica Minolta Honda rider made the most of the wet track testing Michelin rain tyres for the first time, gaining invaluable experience as he continues his adjustment to the performance of the tyres he will use in 2005.

The final day of testing was held in bright but chilly weather. Track conditions were not optimal early on damp patches dotting the circuit. But having lost almost a complete day to the weather yesterday the riders wasted no time in getting to work.

Nicky Hayden put in a solid 70 laps today to complete his test programme. The young American more than happy with the rapport he has established with his new technical crew during the five days they have worked together.

Telefonica MoviStar riders Sete Gibernau and Marco Melandri were particularly busy, Gibernau working hard assessing the remaining untried parts in the time available to the team. Melandri put in another marathon 101 lap day, improving as the day went on. The Italian ending the test with a lap time to equal the best of team mate Gibernau.

Makoto Tamada had high hopes for the day but managed no more than 20 laps failing to establish a good feel for the cool track surface.

Honda rider lap times and quotes.

Nicky Hayden: 1:33.7 – 70 laps.
“Generally it was a good few days of testing we had in Jerez and Valencia. It was really good to be working with the new team and everyone seems to be gelling real well. We’re got a pretty good base setting and I’m pleased to go into the winter break with a positive feeling. It took a while today for the track to dry out and there were a lot of guys jumping off everywhere; we just took our time and had a solid day. I’m off the Japan for some PR work than back home next week for a little rest but I know it won’t be long till I’m really wanting next year to come and to get back on the bike.”

Sete Gibernau: 1:22.4 – 85 laps.
“Today the weather was good so we worked hard continuing the work started in Jerez. I needed dry conditions to lap at a good pace in order to better understand all the material that we had to test yesterday and today with the purpose of creating the best package of what we have. I’m satisfied of the work of today, it’s a hard work but absolutely necessary in this time of the year.”

Marco Melandri: 1:33.4 – 101 laps.
“I’m very satisfied of the work done today. We lapped a lot and lap by lap my feeling with the bike improved. We have worked on the setting of the bike and tested different solutions to have more traction. I think we have done an important step forward compared to the last test session at Jerez. Here I had much more data and points of reference compared to Jerez because we raced in Valencia one month ago so we could work better. I’m very happy of the pace I had today with race tyres, in fact I had never done this time even with qualifying tyres during the last weekend of GP here in Valencia.”

Makoto Tamada: 1:34.00 – 20 laps.
“After the heavy rain we had yesterday I didn’t get a good feeling from the track today and I went straight on at one corner so I decided to stop there was no meaning to testing. I only did 20 laps today.”

Copyright 2005, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

WSMC will implement AMB transponder scoring during the 2005 season, according to track manager Stephanie Huth.

The system will first be used at WSMC’s January 14-16, 2005 race.

Details will be posted as they become available.

From a press release issued by Fortuna Racing:

RUBEN XAUS JOINS TONI ELIAS AT FORTUNA YAMAHA TECH3

Ruben Xaus signed today a one year contract with the Fortuna Yamaha Tech 3 team, managed by Herve Poncharal, to ride an YZR-M1 Yamaha under the Fortuna colors, which will be entered in the 2005 MotoGP world championship.

Eleventh of the of 2004 world MotoGP championship, after having finished eleven Grand Prix out of sixteen in the points, which was worth to him to be elected ‘Rookie of the Year’, the Spanish rider, free from all contractual obligations with his former team, will have his compatriot Toni Elias as team mate.

“After having logically hired Toni Elias who carried already the Fortuna colors in the 250cc class this year, but who will discover a complete new category, we decided with our partners of the Altadis group, to recruit Ruben, who not only showed regularity in 2004 by finishing eleven Grand Prix, but who also took his chance, by obtaining a splendid third place at the Qatar Grand Prix”, declared Herve Poncharal, adding: ” Toni Elias and Ruben Xaus will benefit from the technical support of Yamaha and the experience of the Tech3 team, which will tackle next year its fifth season in the ‘premier class’ category, and all together we will have to be at the level of the confidence testified by Fortuna and the entire Altadis group”.

It is on the Sepang circuit in Malaysia, as from next 22 January, that the two Fortuna riders will carry out their first tests, on their new 2005 Yamaha YZR-M1 of the Fortuna Yamaha Tech3 team.