From a press release issued by Dorna Sports:

Tamada puts title feud in the shadow at Sepang

Makoto Tamada took provisional pole position for the Marlboro Malaysian Grand Prix at Sepang today to overshadow an intense battle for psychological supremacy between feuding title rivals Valentino Rossi and Sete Gibernau. Light rain at the start of the first official qualifying practice saw several riders run into the gravel on the first lap but provided an entertaining battle for provisional pole as their subsequently cautious approach intensified towards the end of the session and culminated in a record-breaking lap of 2’02.394 from Tamada.

“This is a really good start for us because we had some problems with Bridgestone here in winter testing but they have shown how far they have come,” commented Tamada, who has won two races already this season. “I had a difficult time in Qatar last weekend but I have set a good lap time today and I hope to be at the top for the rest of the sessions. The most important thing is the set-up and tyres for Sunday’s race so we will be working on that tomorrow.”

Whilst Michelin-shod riders Gibernau and Rossi joined Tamada on the provisional front row, the Japanese was one of several Bridgestone riders to make swift progress this afternoon. John Hopkins qualified fourth fastest on the Suzuki whilst Kawasaki pair Alex Hofmann and Shinya Nakano made up the provisional second row in fifth and sixth respectively – all three riders using the Japanese rubber.

Ducati riders Loris Capirossi and Troy Bayliss continued their steady progress with provisional third row starts, qualifying either side of Honda’s Max Biaggi in seventh and ninth.

Carlos Checa was the next Yamaha behind Rossi, over one and a half seconds slower than his colleague, whilst Nicky Hayden, who left this circuit with the fastest time in a key preseason test at the start of the year, struggled to eleventh on the Honda. Ducati’s Neil Hodgson briefly led the session before slipping to twelfth place ahead of former World Superbike rival Colin Edwards, riding the Honda.

Sebastián Porto picked up where he left off in the 250cc class, following on from a perfect weekend in Qatar where he dominated every practice session and won the race. Today Porto again proved too hot for the rest of the quarter-litre field to handle, including series leader Dani Pedrosa, who was left 0.704 seconds adrift of the Argentinean’s provisional pole time. Pedrosa gets his first chance of winning the World Championship on Sunday but must beat Porto by at least eight points in order to secure the crown.

The title-chasing pair are joined on the provisional front row by Alex de Angelis, who was impressive throughout the session and led the time sheets on several occasions, and Toni Elías, the winner and pole-setter from the race last year. Randy de Puniet, who still has a mathematical chance of winning the title, provisionally qualified on the second row in sixth place.

Andrea Dovizioso took his first step towards the podium finish he needs to be proclaimed World Champion with provisional pole position for the 125cc race The Italian youngster was in impressive form as he swept to a time of 2’13.685 in cloudy and humid conditions, holding off the challenge of Hector Barberá by 0.218 seconds. Barberá saw a potential pole lap ruined just moments from the end of the session, saving a high-side with two corners to go but wrecking his lap time. The Spaniard is joined on the provisional front row by Mika Kallio and Pablo Nieto. Jorge Lorenzo was a full second adrift of Dovizioso’s pole time as he took the front slot on the provisional second row in fifth place ahead of Roberto Locatelli, Casey Stoner and Marco Simoncelli.



More, from a press release issued by Gauloises Fortuna Yamaha:

Malaysian Grand Prix
Sepang, Malaysia
Friday 8th October 2004

ROSSI ANDS CHECA ON PROVISIONAL FIRST AND FOURTH ROWS IN SEPANG

Gauloises Fortuna Yamaha rider Valentino Rossi rode his Yamaha YZR-M1 to third place in today’s provisional qualifying order at Sepang. His best lap of 2’02.700s led the order until he was knocked off top spot in the final minutes by eventual fastest man Makoto Tamada (Honda) and second place rider Sete Gibernau (Honda). Rossi’s team-mate Carlos Checa finished tenth in the order, after a tough early sector of the afternoon session.

Just as most of the top competitors at Sepang made ready to start their first lap, a sudden burst of tropical rain made the track treacherous in places, largely dry in others. This held back the lap times until the track started to dry out, when the names at the top of the times list changed with frequency. Rossi led twice, his last flirtation with provisional pole looking like it would withstand any further attacks, until the last two minutes of the session.

Checa had the misfortune to run off and crash with few minutes of the session completed, running back to pit lane to use his spare machine. He returned to the fight to secure tenth fastest time, after struggling to find a good machine balance on his less favoured bike.

One final hour of qualifying remains, to take place on Saturday 9th October, with the chance of rain always present in Malaysia.

VALENTINO ROSSI (3rd, 2’02.700s)

“It was finally quite a good day. We had some problems this morning and I couldn’t get the best from the bike. We have changed a lot of things since we tested here in February, the set-up is quite different now. But the work we did this afternoon went well. I made a good lap. I’m third, which is quite a good position and I hope to improve even more tomorrow morning. I only managed to use one qualifying tyre, I hope to have the possibility to use more tomorrow. I feel motivated and concentrated and we will continue the set-up work tomorrow morning.”

CARLOS CHECA (10th, 2’04.245s)

“I did not see that there was a wet area on the track and that’s why I fell so early in the session. It was a slow one but I just lost the front wheel immediately. I had a dark visor on, and that did not help. There were no flags, and that was a mistake from the marshals. If some part of the track is wet, and another dry, we should have information. I went out on my second bike but I did not have the correct rhythm and timing, especially under braking and when leaned over. The balance was not right. So we have to try to do better tomorrow.”

DAVIDE BRIVIO, TEAM DIRECTOR

“This session started in a strange situation, as it had begun to rain but only in two sections of the track, the last corner and turn seven. They were fully wet. As it dried out the riders had to pay a lot of attention. Only in the last 10 minutes was it possible for the riders to try a real hot lap. Unfortunately, Carlos had a crash early in the session. Valentino is provisionally third, on the front row. The weather can be critical in the next two days, it’s very typical to have a shower in the afternoon, and that will make things complicated. So we will try to be ready for all weather conditions.”

PROVISIONAL FRONT ROW

1. Makoto Tamada (JPN) Camel Honda 2’02.394
2. Sete Gibernau (SPA) Telefonica Movistar Honda 2’02.629
3. VALENTINO ROSSI (ITA) Gauloises Fortuna Yamaha 2’02.700

PROVISIONAL SECOND ROW

4. John Hopkins (USA) Team Suzuki MotoGP 2’03.110
5. Alex Hofmann (GER) Kawasaki Racing Team 2’03.321
6. Shinya Nakano (JPN) Kawasaki Racing Team 2’03.582



More, from a press release issued by Fuchs Kawasaki:

MOTOGP WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP 2004
MARLBORO MALAYSIAN MOTORCYCLE GRAND PRIX – SEPANG
8TH OCTOBER 2004 – QUALIFYING PRACTICE 1

HOFMANN QUALIFIES FIFTH ON OPENING DAY AT SEPANG

Fuchs Kawasaki riders, Alex Hofmann and Shinya Nakano, delivered the best team qualifying performance of the season so far in today’s opening session for the Malaysian Grand Prix at Sepang.

Hofmann was first to stake his claim for a good grid position, setting the fastest time on race tyres early on in the session, in conditions made treacherous by the onset of rain shortly before qualifying got underway.

As the track dried out, the Fuchs Kawasaki rider continued to match the pace of the front runners, snatching pole again with just ten minutes of the session left to run.

A flurry of fast laps by the usual suspects eventually demoted the 24-year-old German rider from the top ten in the final minutes, only for him to bounce back to claim a second row position on the provisional grid with the fifth fastest time on his final flying lap.

Qualifying specialist Nakano was also in fine form, joining Hofmann at the top of timing screen early, before surging into the top three with 25 minutes remaining.

Having slipped to ninth place Nakano’s final fast lap secured sixth place with two minutes remaining.

Once the early rain at turn 15 cleared the track dried quickly, although conditions were cooler than the tropical heat wave that is usual at Sepang.

Both the Ninja ZX-RR machines of Hofmann and Nakano ran faultlessly throughout the day, reflecting the impressive response by the Kawasaki factory in Japan to the engine problems at last week’s Qatar Grand Prix.

Including Hofmann and Nakano, there are four Bridgestone riders in the top six times, as Kawasaki’s tyre partner continues to demonstrate its increasing competitiveness in MotoGP.

Alex Hofmann: 5th (2’03.321)
“When I was on pole late in the session I was praying for rain, and that no one could go faster. But fifth is great and I just felt comfortable with the ZX-RR set-up all day. I felt totally in control no matter what I did with the bike and the times were coming easy; it is a lot of fun riding when it’s like this. From Qatar the team have been able to improve the set-up to suit my style and this is a track that I really enjoy. I stayed on slicks throughout the session, despite the rain. I used a soft qualifier early to get a feel of the track and things just got better from there.”

Shinya Nakano: 6th (2’03.582)
“This is a good start to the weekend for the Kawasaki team, who have worked hard to fix the engine problems we had in Qatar. The rain made track conditions strange today, but I was able to do consistent times throughout the session and our race tyre choice is looking positive. I tried a different rear shock setting in the afternoon, but I’m still looking for a better set-up, as it is important to have rear-end control at this track. If it’s dry tomorrow I’m sure the other riders will be coming fast, but I’m ready.”

Harald Eckl: Team Manager
“An excellent day. Alex showed great form, he was always in the front group, and he was rewarded for his aggression and consistency; I hope he continues with this form. Again Shinya showed the high level of qualifying performance we have come to expect from him. Clearly Bridgestone have an excellent tyre for this circuit and in dry conditions it is going to be tough for the opposition tyres to beat them. And my thanks must go to the Kawasaki engineers, who have done a lot of work this week and made a quick response to the piston problems that out motors suffered in Qatar.”

QUALIFYING PRACTICE 1 – FINAL TIMES
1. Makoto Tamada (JPN) Camel Honda Team 2’02.394; 2. Sete Gibernau (SPA) Telefonica Movistar Honda +0.235; 3. Valentino Rossi (ITA) Gauloises Fortuna Yamaha +0.306; 4. John Hopkins (USA) Suzuki Grand Prix Team +0.716; 5. Alex Hofmann (GER) Kawasaki Racing Team +0.927; 6. Shinya Nakano (JPN) Kawasaki Racing Team +1.188; 7. Loris Capirossi (ITA) Ducati Marlboro Team +1.422; 8. Max Biaggi (ITA) Camel Honda Team +1.618; 9. Troy Bayliss (AUS) Ducati Marlboro Team +1.685; 10. Carlos Checa (SPA) Gauloises Fortuna Yamaha +1.851



More, from a press release issued by Camel Honda:

Malaysian GP – Round 14 – MotoGP
Sepang – Friday 8th October 2004

Provisional pole for Makoto Tamada in Sepang
Max Biaggi eighth fastest

Already quick in the morning free practice session, Makoto Tamada continued his great run of form and showed his liking for the Sepang track in the afternoon qualifying hour, setting the provisional pole position in a time of 2’02.394. Max Biaggi is provisionally on the third row, still searching for an ideal set-up on this Malaysian circuit. For the four-times World Champion, tomorrow’s practices will be crucial to get the most out of his RC211V before Sunday’s race.

Sito Pons – Camel Honda (Team Principal)
“We’ve got one bike in first place and Makoto really is going quick. He has great potential and his experience on this track is showing in his competitiveness. With Max, we still need to work more on developing the set-up of his bike so he can be just as competitive and I’m sure that we will manage to be in shape to fight for the top positions. So I’m confident that the yellow RC211V Camel Honda bikes will be ready to do battle for the front row tomorrow.”

Max Biaggi – Camel Honda (Michelin tyres) – 8th – 2’04.012
“I’m a bit disappointed, I hoped for a better result. This isn’t a new track, we’ve been racing here for five years now and between the January and February tests we did six whole days of work where I was always the quickest in the race simulations and second quickest overall (2’02.108, behind Hayden’s 2’02.041, unofficial times). Furthermore I always have a good feeling at this track, I like racing here. Instead of all this we were unable to get close to those times. The problems are the same, chattering in braking and sharp power delivery in acceleration. Nevertheless we have another day to show that this bike is better and we won’t stop trying until it is. In the tests here I enjoyed myself while riding and I want to get back to that.”

Giulio Bernardelle – Camel Honda – (Makoto Tamada’s Technical Director)
“After Qatar we worked with the Bridgestone technicians to analyse the data we collected , from which we deduced that the reduced performance last week was due to the asphalt’s characteristics; in Qatar it was very strange. Here in Sepang, in very similar weather conditions, but on a track we have now known for two seasons, we have returned to the kind of performance where Makoto is able to express himself, like we have seen in this second half of the season. Moreover, having seen the shape we are in already on the first day of practice there’s still time to get the most out of all the finer details.”

Makoto Tamada – Camel Honda (Bridgestone Tyres)- 1st – 2’02.394
“I’ve tested a lot on this track, I know it really well, and I have a lot of data, something I can’t say about a lot of the other tracks in the championship. We started with a consolidated base set-up and we only made some small changes. The settings have changed slightly since the winter tests, but thanks to this base we could immediately go quick, even in the morning free practice. The tyres have also made a remarkable leap forward since then, they have improved a lot and you can see that. The heat doesn’t bother me either, we suffer less here than in Qatar, here it’s practically chilly…”




More, from a press release issued by Proton Team KR:

PROTON KR PAIR OVERCOME PHYSICAL PROBLEMS AT SEPANG

Round 14, Malaysian GP, Sepang First Qualifying: Friday, October 8, 2004

Nobuatsu Aoki: 21st, 2:08.563
James Haydon: 22nd, 2:09.494

Proton Team KR riders Nobuatsu Aoki and James Haydon both qualified for Sunday’s Malaysian GP – home race for the team’s long-standing sponsors – in spite of each suffering from maladies that combined with the heat to make it a difficult afternoon’s work.

Aoki was struck by a fever on Wednesday, and is suffering hot and cold flushes and headaches. In addition, his machine ran into an electronic glitch on his fast lap on qualifying tyres, that meant he had to stop out on the 5.548km Sepang circuit.

Haydon is recovering from a bout of food poisoning that struck the day after last weekend’s Qatar GP, where the British Superbike rider made his MotoGP debut on the Proton KR V5, scoring points for a fighting 12th place. The British rider was substituting for injured team regular Kurtis Roberts, who had been expected to return for this weekend’s race. Haydon flew back to Britain, suffering from severe nausea, only to have to turn round and fly east once again when Roberts was not yet fit enough to race.

The American rider, second son of team principal Kenny Roberts, suffered elbow and wrist injuries at the Czech Republic GP in Qatar, requiring surgery that has delayed his return.

The aim of both riders is to continue a run of four races when the England-built V5 has scored World Championship points. Today’s qualifying positions put them in the frame, and both riders expect to improve tomorrow. Aoki has yet to set a time on qualifying tyres. Haydon is fast gaining experience on “the fastest bike I have ever ridden”, and also learning a circuit that he rode for the first time today.

Today’s first morning practice took place in sultry and humid conditions, but the timed afternoon session was hit by a tropical shower that left the final corner soaked as the hour began. More rain threatened but did not fall, and the track was fully dry by the end of the session.

Sunday’s race is the 14th of 16 World Championship rounds, and the middle of a trio of “flyaway” GPs on consecutive weekends: Qatar last Saturday, Malaysia on Sunday, and the Australian GP next Sunday. There is one more day of practice before Sunday’s race.

NOBUATSU AOKI
I’ve had a fever since Wednesday, but Dean Miller (team physiotherapist) gave me some pills that helped. This morning we were struggling to find grip, and I had no feel at all, either front or back. My mechanics did good work with the suspension, and I got the feeling back in the afternoon, though we still have a long way to go with grip. But I’m sure it will be possible to improve, by half-a-second or more. When I fitted qualifying tyres I had a problem – I think with the ignition. The bike was surging, and I didn’t finish the lap.

JAMES HAYDON
It’s my first time here, so it’s quite difficult. I’ve been going at it steadily, and also improving my feel for the bike, with some changes in the right direction. The afternoon shower was the last thing I needed, and because this track is quite worn some parts look damp even when they’re dry, which was also hard for me. The front end and I are still talking a different language, and I’m still not sure how hard I can push, and if I have a moment whether I could get away with it. My number one bike developed a problem, so I had to switch to my spare for my run on qualifying tyres. I made three mistakes and ran wide, but it was still my best lap of the day. I want to get the front feeling so I can push harder, but I think today it was the right thing to do to be careful. I hope it’s dry tomorrow, and the track all the same colour. I think I’ll be able to find quite a lot of time.



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

SETE REMAINS FIRM

MALAYSIAN GP- 1ST OFFICIAL MOTOGP QUALIFYING PRACTICE

Sete Gibernau qualified second fastest today, just two tenths off the provisional pole time set by Makoto Tamada, in the first official qualifying practice for the Malysian Grand Prix, whilst Colin Edwards hopes to close in on the top times tomorrow. The Spanish Telefónica MoviStar rider concentrated on finding the best possible set-up for his bike ahead of Sunday’s race, which promises to be just as hard as last week in Qatar, and made the most of his qualifying tyres in the final stages of the session. Colin Edwards tried different configurations as he searched for better traction, but will have to continue working to find a better compromise tomorrow.

SETE GIBERNAU (2nd, 2’02″394): “We have started the Grand Prix well. A good weekend starts with a good first day and that’s what we had today. I don’t want to get too confident but we have got off on the correct foot here. We still have a lot of work to do but we have a good base to pr! ogress from and prepare the race as best we can. Of course it will be tough, we were suffocated in Qatar and we won’t get time to catch our breath here either. In any case we will have to get used to it because it is the same for everybody.”

COLIN EDWARDS (13th, 2’05″060): “We made a few changes to the bike today and had some tyre tests to try and get some traction going. We need to work hard with the setting tomorrow”.

FAUSTO GRESINI (team manager): “At the start of the session a few raindrops fell on the circuit and Sete ran off track along with a lot of other riders, not realising that the surface was wet. After that he came into the box and worked calmly on the setting of the bike and then on getting the most out of the qualification tyres. Colin, on the other hand, didn’t manage that – in fact the morning session had gone much better. I think the times will come down further tomorrow because there will be more grip on the track.”

LAP TIMES
1. Makoto Tamada (Jap/Honda) 2’02″394
2. Sete Gibernau (Esp/Honda) + 0″235
3. Valentino Rossi (Ita/Yamaha) + 0″306
….
13. Colin Edwards (USA/Honda) + 2″666



More, from a press release issued by Ducati Corse:

Marlboro Malaysian Grand Prix, Sepang
First Qualifying
Friday October 8 2004


DUCATI MARLBORO MEN ON THIRD ROW

Ducati Marlboro Team riders Loris Capirossi and Troy Bayliss straddle the third row of the provisional grid following this afternoon’s steaming-hot opening qualifying session for Sunday’s Marlboro Malaysian Grand Prix. The pair ended up seventh and ninth quickest after both figured up front during the latter stages of the outing. A brief rain shower at the start of the session soaked Sepang’s final hairpin, so it wasn’t until after halfway through the hour that anyone was able to complete a fully dry lap of the 5.548km circuit. Conditions here are cooler than at last weekend’s Malaysian Qatar GP but with ambient temperature at 34 degrees C and humidity at a 49 per cent it’s just as tough for the riders.

“That was quite an unusual session, with the track damp at just one corner for much of the hour,” said Ducati Marlboro Team director Livio Suppo. “That made it impossible for anyone to do good lap times for much of the hour. But both guys rode well today and the bike is getting better and better, so we hope for two dry sessions tomorrow so we can continue the good work.”

CAPIROSSI FOCUSES ON FRONT END
Loris Capirossi ran as high as second quickest at one stage of the session, eventually slipping to seventh to lead the third row. The Ducati Marlboro Team man is focusing on improving front-end set-up for Sunday’s race.

“The bike has definitely improved since we came here testing before the start of the season,” said Capirossi. “But I’m not completely happy because we still need to improve the feeling I’m getting from the front end. You need a really good front end here because there are lot of long corners here. We did make the bike better following this morning’s session, but we only had 20 minutes of fully dry track time this afternoon. If we can keep improving the front end tomorrow I think we should be okay for the race.”

BAYLISS IMPROVES REAR END
Troy Bayliss rode a strong session this afternoon, putting his Ducati Marlboro Team Desmosedici on provisional pole with just over 12 minutes to go, then dropping to ninth after he was unable to get out for his final run with a second qualifying tyre. “That was a good session, except I was brought in too late for my second qualifying tyre,” explained Bayliss. “The rain at the final turn made it difficult to get a rhythm through much of the session, so the final three minutes were vital but I wasn’t out there. We made a small improvement to the rear end this morning – just a few clicks to the suspension – so I reckon I could have done a little bit better lap if I had got out again. The bike’s not bad but we still need more – hopefully it’ll be dry tomorrow.”


More, from a press release issued by d’Antin Ducati:

HODGSON AND XAUS OVERCOME FIRST DAY DIFFICULTIES

The d´Antin MotoGP riders today completed the first day of practice for the Malaysian Grand Prix, which became a difficult task once spots of rain began to fall during the first few minutes of the official qualifying session

It was a disconcerting situation because the water was only really noticeable in the final corner, one of those to encounter the problem first was Neil Hodgson, but he carried on after the incident to finish twelfth. His teammate Rubén Xaus was equally as competitive, finishing eighteenth, and both are confident that tomorrow they will both be able to improve their Ducati’s position before Sunday’s race.

NEIL HODGSON: “The bike has really changed a lot since we were here in February because for starters we were using different size rims on the front back then and the set-up we were using was also completely different. The qualifying session was a complicated affair, although obviously it was the same for everyone. The circuit was dry, but the final bend was completely soaked, so it was a tough situation and I felt we had to get as much out of the qualifying tyre as soon as possible because it looked as though the heavens would open at any moment. On one hand I’m happy with my position, it’s not too bad to start off with, but on the other hand I don’t feel comfortable on the bike although I’m constantly trying to improve and go quicker, so that’s what I will try to do tomorrow; improve.”

RUBEN XAUS: “We’ve have been testing lots of things since the morning session, but it began to rain in the afternoon and the situation got a little complicated, although it did dry gradually. It was a little tight for time when I came in to change tyres at the end of the session and I couldn’t make the most of the soft rubber then, but we shouldn’t worry too much because looking at my times I would have been in about thirteenth or fourteenth place, which isn’t a bad spot on my return to this track. It’s still Friday and there’s time left to continue working hard. If we can do that today we can certainly do it tomorrow and I’m confident I can improve my position tomorrow. The bike has changed a lot since we came here for tests in February and I have also changed my riding style, so this is an opportunity to try and improve our results here.”


More, from a press release issued by MS Aprilia:


Jeremy 15th as McCoy returns to MotoGP

MS Aprilia Racing’s Jeremy McWiliams ended first qualifying for the Malaysian GP with the 15th fastest time on a hot and humid day in the Far East.

The British rider clocked a best of 2.05.127s at the 5.548km Sepang circuit, where air temperatures nudged 35 degrees with 50 per cent, humidity. The session got underway in strange circumstances. A rain shower fell on Sepang, but only at the final corner. McWilliams was one of several riders caught out by the sudden change in conditions when he ran off the track. After claiming a spot on the provisional fifth row, McWilliams said: “We found a good set-up in Qatar that we started with here. We thought we were at the limit with that set-up, but we actually moved away from it and made the bike even better, so at least we are somewhere close on the first day. That has been when we’ve struggled in the past. We went for harder springs on the front and rear and also made the bike shorter. We tested here in the winter, but the only thing I’ve used today from then was the gearbox. Our bike has changed so much through the season in terms of getting the electronics set-up. The rain was bizarre just being at the last corner. You can’t see where it goes from wet to dry at this track, so one second I was at full throttle on a slick and the next the track is soaking wet.”

Joining McWilliams for the first time was Australian Garry McCoy, who began his three-race deal with the Noale factory by setting the 20th fastest time. McCoy set a best of 2.08.553s on a day that proved to be a steep learning curve. “The bike is quite a bit different to what I’ve been used to. There’s so much to learn and I didn’t want to push that hard and come unstuck. Today was all about getting to know the team and the bike and not doing anything stupid. The bike feels pretty rigid so you have got to be really smooth, “said McCoy, who as well as trying to get to grips with the Cube, found the learning process increased as today was his first appearance on Michelin tyres since 2001.

This afternoon he felt more comfortable on the bike after the team changed both handlebar and footpeg positions and he added: “I wasn’t too comfortable this morning but the changes made a big difference. I didn’t really make many changes while I was trying to adapt to the bike, but we’ll definitely work on refining the suspension settings for me overnight.”

McCoy’s had to contend with another strange scenario on his Aprilia debut. He was forced to ride with leathers borrowed off McWilliams after a new batch of Alpinestars got lost in transit from Italy. McCoy said: “I thought Jeremy was the same size as me with slightly bigger arms. But when I put his leathers on it was like a set of overalls! It certainly didn’t make my first day any easier, “said McCoy, a three-times premier class GP winner.


More, from a press release issued by Team Suzuki:


Hopkins just off front row in Malaysia

Sepang, Malaysia- Friday, October 8, 2004: Team Suzuki MotoGP rider John Hopkins was fourth-fastest in today’s first timed qualifying session for Sunday’s Malaysian GP, finishing less than half a second off the provisional front row of the grid after challenging strongly in both half-wet and fully dry conditions.

Temporary team-mate Yukio Kagayama, substituting again for injured 2000 World Champion Kenny Roberts Jr., placed 17th, as he gains familiarity with the latest version of the Suzuki GSV-R MotoGP machine and the Bridgestone tyres. Kagayama, a star of the British Superbike championship, rode the combination for the first time last weekend, at the Qatar GP.

Hopkins is still recovering from injuries sustained in the same crash that eliminated Roberts, at the Japanese GP at Motegi three weeks ago. The Suzuki pair were two of five innocent victims of an out-of-control Loris Capirossi in a multiple first-corner pile-up. Roberts suffered a dislocated left elbow among other injuries. Hopkins sustained broken ribs and a gashed buttock, but was able to ride last weekend and this, in spite of the obvious pain.

Today’s morning free training was run in dry and typically humid conditions at the 5.548km circuit close to the Kuala Lumpur International Airport, south of the Malaysian capital. The afternoon timed session was hit by a shower of rain that left the final hairpin bend drenched. It dried as the session wore on, and the first seven riders set times inside the circuit lap record.

The Malaysian GP is the 14th of 16 rounds, in the middle of three successive weekends of far-flung racing – Qatar, Malaysia and Australia. There is one more day of practice, including an hour of timed qualifying, before Sunday’s race. With tropical rain-storms an ever-present threat, however, it is possible that today’s qualifying times will

From a press release issued by Proforma:

MILLENNIUM TECHNOLOGIES SUZUKI HOPE TO MOVE UP IN POINTS AT VIRGINIA

The Millennium Technologies Suzuki team of Danny Eslick and Shawn Higbee will be at Virginia International Raceway this weekend, October 9-10, for the final round of the AMA Chevrolet Superbike Championship. Danny now sits 10th in the 2004 Pro Honda Oils Supersport point standings in his first full season of AMA Pro road racing, only eleven points behind fellow Suzuki rider Ben Attard and five ahead of Chris Peris. Danny also holds down 11th place in the Lockhart Phillips Formula Xtreme class after only running five events. Higbee has moved up to 12th overall in the Chevrolet Superbike point standings after not running the class at the beginning of the year.

Danny Eslick
“I’ve been hanging out in Houston with John Haner, riding bicycles, minibikes and going to the gym everyday,” said Danny. “I’d really like to move up another place in Supersport points. I’m only 11 points behind Ben (Attard), and you never know what might happen. Like him, I’m only focused on the one class, so I’m gonna give it all I’ve got at VIR.”

Shawn Higbee
Shawn finished seventh and eighth in last year’s Superbike doubleheader races at VIR, which helped him solidify sixth overall in the 2003 Superbike point standings and earn him the 2003 AMA Top Superbike Privateer award. “I qualified ninth last year and I was able to put together some good laps in the races,” said Higbee. “I’ve always gone well at VIR, I like it a lot. One long straightaway, but the rest is up to the rider.”


More, from a press release issued by Proforma:

HEATH SMALL LOOKING FOR POINTS IN VIRGINIA

Heath Small and his HAS/Shogun Racing team head to Virginia International Raceway this weekend, October 9-10, for the re-scheduled final round of the AMA Chevrolet Superbike Championship. Severe weather from Hurricane Ivan forced the postponement of the event from its original date of September 17-19. This weekend’s event will be a condensed two-day schedule, with all of Heath’s final events on Sunday afternoon.

Heath will focus on solidifying his seventh place position in Formula Xtreme season point standings, and will also compete in the Chevrolet Superbike class again on the 2004 Yamaha R1 he debuted at Road Atlanta, where an overheating problem sidelined the bike in the first race. The HAS/Shogun crew were able to diagnose the cause of the overheating, and Heath will be able to get more time on the machine at VIR.

“We got all the way to Atlanta when we found out that the race had been postponed,” said Heath. “That’s okay, it gave us more time to do some things to the Formula Xtreme bike. I’m sixteen points behind Jason Pridmore in Xtreme points. I’d like to move up to sixth, but we’ll have to see what happens. We’ll do promoter practice on Friday and work on getting a good set-up for the weekend.”

From a press release issued by VP:

New VP Racing Facility an Investment in Racing’s Future

SAN ANTONIO, TX – VP Racing Fuels, Inc., an industry leader in the production and distribution of racing fuels and other performance products, today announced the opening of a new plant in Terre Haute, Indiana. According to Jay Farnsworth, VP’s Midwest regional manager, the new $1.4 million state-of-the-art distribution center will serve VP’s Midwest region, which consists of Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, Kentucky, Tennessee, Illinois, Missouri, Iowa, Wisconsin, Minnesota and North Dakota. Located on 10 acres of land, the plant includes eight 20,000-gallon storage tanks along with 6,000 square feet of warehouse space.

VP will own the new plant, unlike its previous facility in Terre Haute, which had been leased since 1983. The capacity of the new plant will be greater, enhancing VP’s production capabilities and complementing its other facilities in San Antonio, Texas; Newark, Delaware; Wildomar, California; and Barnett, Georgia.

“We’re excited about this new facility,” Farnsworth said. “It will significantly enhance the level of service we provide our customers and better enable us to manage the significant growth we’re enjoying here in the Midwest region.” That growth is coming from all forms of racing, including oval-dirt-track racers, drag racing and motorcycles, which, according to Farnsworth, is actually the fastest growing segment.

“This investment reflects our commitment to the future of racing,” said Fred Morrison, VP’s President and CEO. “We’re confident the racing industry will continue to grow at a healthy pace, and this new plant, along with the land we acquired with it, will help accommodate that growth.”

The Midwest regional staff includes Sales Representatives Jason Rueckert and Todd James, along with office personnel Ellen Urbanski and Nick Agresta; warehouse personnel Tom Henriott and Joe Lowery; and transportation managers Ron Rowe and Duane Kelso. In addition to a new address, the phone numbers for VP’s Terre Haute operation also have changed:

VP Racing – Midwest

4100 E. Steelton Ave.

Terre Haute, IN 47805

T: 812.466.1175

F: 812.466.1675

VP Racing has been manufacturing the best fuels for motorsports since 1975, fueling champions in virtually every racing category and class — from drag racing, circle track and roadracing to motocross, off-road, off-shore and even airplane racing. “As VP approaches its 30th anniversary,” Morrison observed, “the new Terre Haute facility will help ensure VP stays at the leading edge of motorsports technology, innovation and performance.”

VP’s fuels have earned a reputation for superior power and consistency – as illustrated by the NHRA Pro Stock Champions who have made VP their fuel of choice for 29 consecutive years, a record unmatched by any major sponsor in the industry. VP Racing is the Official Racing Fuel of NHRA Championship Dragracing, as well as exclusive fuel supplier for ASA (American Speed Association); Legends Car Series; IJSBA (International Jet Sports Boating Association); SKUSA (Superkarts! USA); Star Mazda; Stars of Karting; Toyota Atlantic and Trans Am among others.

In addition to fuels, VP’s product line includes synthetic oils, additives, chemicals, 2-cycle lubricants and traction compounds – each designed to produce the most power and best performance in their respective racing applications. More information can be obtained from VP’s website – vpracingfuels.com.

From a press release issued by Foggy Petronas Racing:

Troy Corser and FPR part company

Troy Corser will not be returning to the Foggy PETRONAS Racing team for the 2005 Superbike World Championship campaign.

The Australian 33-year-old has informed team owner Carl Fogarty that he has decided to seek new opportunities after three years with the FPR project – to build and race the PETRONAS FP1, the first Malaysian superbike.

This season Troy claimed two pole positions on the PETRONAS FP1 as well as finishing second in the first race at Misano. He finished the season 9th in the rider standings with a total of 146 points and helped PETRONAS clinch third spot in the manufacturer standings, in just their second season in the Superbike World Championship.

Troy has been with the project since the launch of the team in 2002 and was instrumental in helping to develop race and road bikes that were mere concepts just three years ago. His first season of racing saw him finish 12th in the 2003 rider standings with a total of 107 points.

Troy, a former World Superbike champion in 1996, said: “My time involved with the project has been fantastic. Although it has been frustrating at times I cannot think of any other project that has achieved so much in motorcycle racing in such a short time.

“I know that the bike will still improve but I want to ride a proven bike next year, to give myself the best possible chance of another shot at a world title at this stage of my career. I have done three years with the project and I have got the bike to where I wanted it to be – it’s certainly good enough to achieve pole positions! But now I am looking for a new challenge and my next challenge will be with another team in World Superbikes.

“It has been a real team effort through some good times and some tough times and we have made a lot of friends. One of my lasting impressions will be the promotional tour we did for PETRONAS in Malaysia and seeing how much good work they do with the community and schoolchildren. I have never been involved with a big corporation that has that attitude.”

Carl Fogarty said: “Troy has done a good job for us in our two years of racing and it is a shame that we have to lose him. He probably still feels that he is as fast as anyone out there and feels that he can still win the world championship on another bike. It is now up to us to prove him wrong.”

Foggy PETRONAS Racing are currently pursuing a number of options to replace Troy. An announcement on his own future is expected in the near future.

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

The silver lining on the postponement of the AMA season finale at Virginia International Raceway (VIR) may be that several riders who would have missed the original race will be able to ride and riders who would’ve had to ride hurt will be able to ride at full strength this weekend.

Ducati Austin’s Eric Bostrom would have missed the event scheduled for September 17-19 at VIR due to shoulder and rib injuries he suffered in a crash at Road Atlanta September 4, but due to the extra three weeks of healing offered by the postponement, Bostrom will race this weekend.

“I’m definitely not 100 percent, but I’m strong and I’ll be alright,” said Bostrom, who said that the cartilage and ligaments which hold his right shoulder in its socket were damaged but not to the point enough of requiring surgery.

Damon Buckmaster hasn’t been able to ride his Graves Yamaha YZF-R1 Superstock racebike since fracturing his left scaphoid bone in May, but, “it’s getting better all the time. I just got an X-Ray last week, and there’s not much improvement but I’ll still try to ride both (Superstock and Supersport) bikes this weekend,” said Buckmaster.

Yamaha’s Jamie Hacking will also try to ride his Supersport YZF-R6 (in addition to his Superstock racebike) for the first time since he was injured in a crash during testing at Mid-Ohio, prior to the Laguna Seca round in July. “I wouldn’t have been able to ride it if we had run the race last month,” said Hacking.

From a press release issued by Fuchs Kawasaki:

MOTOGP WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP 2004
MARLBORO MALAYSIAN MOTORCYCLE GRAND PRIX – SEPANG

7TH OCTOBER 2004 – EVENT PREVIEW

RACE DAY BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS FOR SUPER SHINYA IN SEPANG

Fuchs Kawasaki’s Shinya Nakano is hoping to have more than his birthday to celebrate this Sunday at the Malaysian Grand Prix at Sepang.

Nakano turns 27 on race day, and a strong result in the 21-lap race would add the icing on the cake in what will be Super Shinya’s 60th career MotoGP start.

Nakano is still aiming to achieve a couple of end-of-season goals, to complete what has been an impressive first season aboard the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-RR.

A top ten finish is definitely on the agenda and, with three races remaining, Nakano is just 13 points away from 11th position on the championship table.

And Nakano is eager to repeat the third place podium he scored at the recent Japanese Grand Prix. The 26-year-old Fuchs Kawasaki rider was on target for the podium in last Saturday’s Qatar GP when he was cruelly forced to retire from third position with an engine problem on lap four.

And team-mate Alex Hofmann is also looking to consolidate his first full season of MotoGP racing aboard the Ninja ZX-RR, with a consistent string of top ten finishes.

Hofmann, 24, is set to make just his 22nd MotoGP start in Sepang, and is in good form following a tenth in Japan and ninth place in the heat wave of Qatar.

The 5.5km Sepang circuit, with its combination of parallel high-speed straights and wide, sweeping curves, is one Hofmann’s favourites and the German rider has his sights set on another top ten finish.

Since arriving from Qatar, Hofmann has taken time off and enjoyed a day of wake boarding at Mine City with MotoGP colleagues including John Hopkins, Jeremy McWilliams, Troy Bayliss and Colin Edwards. Not surprisingly, there was a strong element of competition, although no championship points were counted.

For once the tropical heat and humidity of Sepang seems mild following the brutal conditions of the Qatar desert race, although the Malaysian GP will again be an energy-sapping event.

The Malaysian race is the middle of three races in as many weeks, that started in Qatar last Saturday and moves to Phillip Island next week for the Australian Grand Prix.

Shinya Nakano: #56
“The conditions will again be hot, but after Qatar I am ready for this and I know the track very well because of all the testing in Sepang. I enjoy racing at this circuit, so I think that a good qualifying and race result is possible. The track is wide and there is more than one racing line, so there are many opportunities to overtake. We have seen the potential of the ZX-RR recently and now I want to keep getting good results in the races. In Kuala Lumpur I have been training a lot because I didn’t do much work in Qatar, only four laps in the race. I’ve had some bad luck this season, but I hope everything goes smoothly with the bike in the Sepang race, so that I can enjoy my birthday.”

Alex Hofmann: #66
“For once the weather in Malaysia feels relaxing after Qatar last week. Since arriving in Malaysia I have been wake boarding with some of the other riders and it was a lot of fun. I crashed a couple of times, but at least the water is soft. We didn’t keep score but it seems that, at the moment, Colin Edwards is number one in wake boarding. Coming to Sepang is always enjoyable because I really like this track, and a lot of the winter testing is done here. The two long straights require a lot of top end power output, but the rest of the track demands good corner speed and precise technique, so there are a couple of positives for the ZX-RR here.”

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

SPEED TV won’t show coverage of this coming weekend’s AMA finale at VIR until October 19-20.

Instead of showing the October 8-10 AMA races, SPEED will repeat coverage of World Superbike races on Two-Wheel Tuesday, October 12.

From a press release issued by Pro Italia:

MV Agusta F4 1000 Mamba North American Launch Open House

Glendale, CA – Pro Italia Los Angeles, the nation’s top dealer of exotic Italian motorcycles, is pleased to announce the North American unveiling of the MV F4 1000s Mamba limited edition, this Saturday, October 9th at our Los Angeles area showroom.

Saturday the 9th is planned as an Open House featuring our newest marque, the storied brand of MV Agusta. The feature of this day will be the presence of an F4 1000S Mamba, the first transformation kit intended for the new F4-1000S. This Mamba is number 11 of the 300 available worldwide and is the lowest numbered edition in the USA. Truly a rare and special item.

Pro Italia owner Bill Nation said, “At Pro Italia we are working to become the premier MV dealer. By bringing the Mamba limited edition to North America we are demonstrating our committment to the MV brand and to Italian motorcycle enthusiasts everywhere. Wherever our customers live and ride, we want them to know that Pro Italia is their shop for the legendary marquees of MV Agusta, Ducati and Aprilia.”

Pro Italia is encouraging all MV owners to stop by this Saturday and show off their bikes, with the offer of a free MV Agusta t-shirt offer to those who do so. We will also be offering special savings on selected products from Sidi and Vanson to all customers on this day.

We feel Italian motorcycles are the most stirring and exciting made today and the MV Agusta brand only confirms this. Pro Italia looks forward to seeing you at our Open House, Saturday October 9th.

Pro Italia
3319 N Verdugo Road
Glendale, CA 91208
818 249-5707
818 249-3402 FAX
[email protected]
http://proitalia.com/

From press releases issued by KYMCO:

KYMCO Credit Services Offers Customers Convenient Dealer-Based Financing

Inman, SC — KYMCO USA announces the formation of KYMCO Credit Services, a program that will enable customers to conveniently finance their purchases directly through any participating KYMCO dealer.

The KYMCO Credit Services program is underwritten by Sparta Commercial Services, the only independent, nationwide financial services company exclusively dedicated to the powersports industry. As enthusiasts themselves, the founders of Sparta believe that the industry’s dealers and their customers deserve to have a financial services company available that is fully committed to meeting their unique requirements.

Participating KYMCO USA dealers submit credit applications online, which are reviewed within minutes and, when approved, funded within 48 hours. KYMCO Credit offers a liberal credit policy that is unique in the lending industry. Unlike most other lenders, KYMCO Credit recognizes that circumstances can sometimes skew a credit review unfairly. By assigning a live credit analyst to every questionable application, KYMCO Credit tries to put every customer on the ride of his or her dreams.

KYMCO Credit will lease or finance both new and used scooters, ATVs, and Venox model motorcycles up to 3 years old. For those customers who prefer the advantages of leasing, KYMCO Credit offers a Purchase-Plus Program with lower payments early-on and a pre-set buy-out amount at the conclusion of the lease, which can be financed at that time. The Purchase-Plus Program is also be referred to as a “lease-to-own” arrangement.

For those customers who prefer installment financing for the purchase of their new or used vehicle, the KYMCO Credit Sport-Loan has competitive rates, excellent terms, and the same liberal credit policy, all designed especially to meet the needs of the powersport enthusiast.


KYMCO Scooters Go Racing, Capture Trophies

Inman, SC –The Moped Hospital in Key West, Florida, is one of the largest scooter dealers and rental outlets in the U.S. With more than 200 KYMCO scooters in its fleet, the Moped Hospital is sold on KYMCO quality and support. Their confidence is so high that they decided to make an extreme leap — take modified Super-9 models and form a racing team.

Already very popular in Europe, the sport of scooter racing is growing in the U.S. Races are usually run on go-cart tracks, with trophies and bragging rights the only rewards. One organizer, the Mid America Sport Scooter Racing Association, bills it as “the cheapest form of road racing on the planet!” Even on these short, flat tracks, scooters reach speeds of 55-60 mph.

“It’s amazing what we can get out of such a small motor,” says Moped Hospital co-owner Steve Olson, referring to the 50cc engine found in the KYMCO Super-9 models his team is racing.

For the track, stock KYMCO engines are modified using aftermarket parts that come primarily from Europe. The “European Power Pack” (available from Moped Hospital Racing) includes a 70cc performance aluminum cylinder and piston from Airsal, a new Arreche 19mm carburetor to replace the factory 14mm carb, and a Technigas performance exhaust. Moped Hospital Racing also offers a Taiwanese Power Pack that is somewhat lower in price. Aftermarket primary gear sets, belts, clutches, and variators (transmissions) are also available.

Ryan Bastianelli of Chicago is the Moped Hospital team’s top rider. “With these 50cc engines (kitted to 70cc) we are able to beat some of the 150-200cc Vespas,” says Steve Olson.

Moped Hospital and especially Olson have had a long relationship with KYMCO Motorsports and the KYMCO brand. “As one of the largest moped and scooter dealers in the country, we’ve tried other brands, but it just isn’t worth the aggravation. Key West is small, so when I make a sale I have to be able to support that customer for at least three years, or they will never come back and buy anything from me again. There’s no question that KYMCO builds in good quality, and they support us with replacement parts. As the team racing proves, these models are actually overbuilt from an engineering standpoint.”

About the Super-9

The Super-9 is the top of the line of KYMCO 50cc scooters, featuring a liquid cooled, oil injected engine with electric start. Front and rear disc brakes, under seat storage and aggressive styling place the Super-9 in a class of its own. This scooter has the edge, delivering performance and value wrapped in a striking visual package.

About KYMCO

With headquarters in Taiwan and distribution in 63 countries, KYMCO is a global leader in power-driven products, under the corporate slogan “Power Your Life.” Five manufacturing plants in Asia use the latest technology for the engineering and production of reliable engine, chassis, and other components. KYMCO is committed to maximum customer satisfaction and constant innovation, making use of the most advanced CAD/CAE tools to provide the best technical service.

KYMCO scooters, motorcycles and ATVs are imported through KYMCO Motorsports USA in Inman, South Carolina, where the warehouse, management, and marketing facilities are located. An ever-expanding dealer network currently serves over 400 U.S. locations. Dealer inquiries are invited.

More, from a press release issued by Honda Racing:

Grand Prix of Malaysia, Sepang, October 8, 9, 10, 2004

TITLE CHASE TIGHTENS IN THE TROPICS AT SEPANG

Sete Gibernau (Telefonica MoviStar Honda RC211V) is now right back in the hunt for MotoGP glory after a commanding performance in the heat of Qatar last week. His win, and his Yamaha rival Valentino Rossi’s fall, puts him a mere 14 points behind the Italian World Champion in his bid for the premier class title.

Both riders have now failed to score in two races and further DNFs for either will surely spell disaster with just three races to go. Max Biaggi (Camel Honda RC211V), despite strenuous efforts to get back on terms with the leading pair, is surely now out of the running with 168 points to Rossi’s 229 and Gibernau’s 215.

But with Honda’s MotoGP riders now finding the form that enabled five RC211V runners to finish in the top six at the Losail International Racetrack in Qatar, Rossi might well be deprived of valuable points at Sepang.

Gibernau’s team-mate Colin Edwards (Telefonica MoviStar Honda RC211V) finished second in Qatar and admitted there was nothing he could do to match Sete’s scorching pace. If Gibernau can maintain momentum and remain the main Honda man as the season concludes, the sheer weight of numbers might tell against Rossi.

Honda field six RC211Vs at Sepang, Yamaha four YZR M-1s. Only one Yamaha rider finished in the dusty cauldron of Qatar – and the heat and humidity in Malaysia may well be a telling factor this weekend too.

The pressure of back-to-back racing will be a factor too. With limited time to regroup after Qatar, the teams will be under severe pressure to remedy any faults brought to light in the gruelling heat of the middle east where track temperature was a record 58 degrees.

Track temperatures are high in Malaysia at around the 45 to 50 degree mark, with ambient temperatures nudging the high thirties. But there is 80% humidity. This can often prove more debilitating to riders than sheer heat.

Sepang has two long straights, fast open turns, one left/right flick, and a tight left turn onto the start/finish straight. Hard braking at the end of the two straights requires a stable set-up while sheer power and a high top speed are at a premium too. The wide track offers plenty of overtaking opportunities.

Sete is taking Sepang as just another event, and not as a pivotal moment in the title race. “I’m not thinking about the title, just thinking of it as another race. I left Qatar with 25 points and now I’m going somewhere I like, so we’ll see what happens in the heat here. Qatar was a good test of how strong we are in those sorts of conditions.”

For Colin Edwards this is another chance to get a late season charge together. “That was another good race and Sepang will be hot again. I know the track because I raced there last year and we tested there twice so I’m looking forward to getting a strong result there.”

Alex Barros (Repsol Honda RC211V) said, “I’m looking forward to Sepang. I’ve good memories from there in 2002 when I was on pole and on the podium in the race. The track is very technical and you have to really understand the set-up to get the best out of your machine there. This year we arrive there straight from Doha – so we’re used to the heat – but I think Sepang will be more humid. We have the capability to win here – so that’s what we’ll be trying to do.”

His team-mate Nicky Hayden (Repsol Honda RC211V) who was fourth here last year is all set to finish his second season in MotoGP strongly. “When I first went there I was lost,” he said. “The circuit is big and wide, it’s a fun track and all about getting into a good rhythm and putting the turns together. We had some good tests there before the season, but a lot has changed and we’ve had a hard year. We’ve got to regroup and really push here.”

Max is upbeat despite a run of ill fortune. “They say ‘bad luck comes in threes’, and we’ve had three really unlucky races from whichever way you look at it,” he said. “They’re done with now and I now hope to turn the page over on all that. I actually think I did that already in Qatar, when I came sixth after a particularly difficult race. Sepang is a track I like, I’ve won there twice and I was on the podium in 2003.”

Makoto Tamada (Camel Honda RC211V) riding on Bridgestone tyres, is ready for the challenge too. “It was disappointing in Qatar,” he said. “And even harder because it came after the great race in Motegi. I just didn’t feel confident in the front end of the bike, a nasty sensation for any rider. I hope this problem doesn’t repeat itself at Sepang because I want to fight for the win.”

In the 250cc class it’s Dani Pedrosa (Telefonica MoviStar Junior Team RS250RW) with 254 points who holds the advantage going into this, the 14th round of this series. The young Spaniard is 43 points ahead of his nearest rival Sebastian Porto (Aprilia) and if he wins on Sunday and Porto finishes lower than second the title will be Pedrosa’s at his first attempt.

“I’m looking forward to getting to the track because I’ve got good memories from last year,” said Dani. “I’m hopeful we can do a good job and get a good result. I have the advantage at the top of the Championship and I want to stay consistent in Malaysia. We have to keep the same mentality because things can change drastically in a day and I am not the type of person to take anything for granted. I remember the race last year as being really hot, the bike was fourth bottom in terms of top speed and I had to push really hard.”

His team-mate Hiroshi Aoyama (Telefonica MoviStar Junior Team RS250RW) said, “The objective of the last few races is to keep the concentration at the same level as in Japan. I made a big effort to do that in Qatar and I ended up back on the podium. Over the last few races I’ve taken a step forward but I want to keep improving because I would be really happy to finish the season in fourth place in the Championship. It will be really hot again in Malaysia but I hope not to suffer as much as in Qatar – I had never competed in conditions that tough.”

Tony Elias (Fortuna Honda RS250RW) who won here last year and was second in 2002 said, “I don’t like Sepang too much – it’s not my favourite track. The engine is very strong and we have the power we need but we have to work hard on the front end settings for the race. Sepang is a circuit where you need to have good feedback from the front end. If we improve on what we had at Doha we have a good chance of making a good race.”

His team-mate Roberto Rolfo (Fortuna Honda RS250RW) said, “Sepang is a circuit I don’t really like, except for the last part of the lap and I don’t think I will like it any better this year. However, we have now found a better baseline to work from after Doha so I think we will have a decent race if we make progress with the new front end setting.”

In the 125cc category Andrea Dovizioso (Team Scot Honda RS125R) has a 61 point lead over Hector Barbera (Aprilia) and only needs to finish third to clinch the Championship, even if Barbera wins the race.

“I don’t like Malaysia because I have never raced well there or had a good result,” said Dovi. “But we will go into the race intending to win, as always. The bike is working so well now and I have every confidence in the team. The race at Doha and the whole season has been very good for me, apart from the nail in the tyre in Portugal.”