From a press release issued by Gauloises Yamaha:

Valentino Rossi speaks ahead of Yamaha Factory Team test in Sepang, Malaysia

Sepang, Malaysia. January 22nd 2005

1. Are you looking forward to the first test and getting back to work after the holiday?

For sure it’s good to be back. The holiday was good, although not long enough, but it’s time to restart now. The work that we do during the winter is very important; we have a new bike and it’s important to develop it during this time, and we will start tomorrow. Once the races begin it’s more difficult and there is not time for much testing.

2. What would you like to achieve during this first test; do you have any specific goals for your team?

Nothing specific, but it’s an important test for us because it’s the first of the year and because many of the other teams are here. I’ve been off the bike for two months so we need to try to understand it again, do some race simulations and test some tyres.

3. Will you continue working with both the 2004 and 2005-spec bikes during this first test?

We have the 2004 M1 here for reference, which is useful. It worked well here last year; we won the race and always did fast lap times so it will be interesting to compare it to the new bike and it will help us to understand which parts have improved.

4. You and Colin Edwards have been a successful team in the past, are you looking forward to sharing a garage with him this season?

I’m happy to be with Colin, although I enjoyed being team-mates with Checa, too. Colin is probably my best friend amongst the riders, he’s a good guy and he’s fast. I think that we will be able to help each other to get faster. When we raced in the Suzuka Eight-Hour together, we discovered that we’re not so different and we like a similar set-up, so the engineers will have more data to share between them this year.

5. During this first test you will be testing alongside most of your MotoGP competitors, including HRC and Ducati. Are you pleased to have the chance to compare yourself to your rivals this early in the season?

In some ways it’s better to be alone, as it’s quieter and we can work better without always worrying about the lap-times of the other riders. But it’s also good to have the reference of the others’ times, right from the start of the season.

6. Do you think the extended calendar in 2005 will affect the riders and make the season much harder, and are you looking forward to racing at the new circuits in China and Laguna Seca?

In my opinion we are at the limit now, and 17 races is really too much. With all the testing that we do now, it means we’re always on the bike and it’s quite difficult. However I am looking forward to the two new Grands Prix; both Shanghai and Laguna Seca are fantastic tracks and it will be good to race at them.

From a press release issued by Roadshows, Inc.

Roadshows, Inc. To Produce 10 Motorcycle Event in 2005

Reno, NV — Roadshows, Inc., of Reno, NV, producer of some of the largest motorcycle events in the nation, has expanded the number of events it will produce in 2005 to ten.

Roadshows combines great bands, thrilling entertainment, amusing bike games, incredible tours, poker runs, fabulous shopping and the hottest bikes on the planet to ensure successful events. Roadshows motorcycle events scheduled in 2005 are:

May 16-21 Myrtle Beach Bike Week “Big Bikes, Big Beach, Big Bash” – sponsored by The Carolina Harley-Davidson Dealers Association, includes live bands and specialty entertainment and stunt shows daily. Enjoy 60 miles of highway right along the coast. Salt air, sea breeze, bikes and the beach — It simply doesn’t get better than this! Enjoy Harley-Davidson Demo Rides, a Competition Ride-In Show and Bike Games. Event is open to all motorcycles. This event is huge — so get ready to party. Bike Week will rock the Convention Center at 21st Street and North Oak where you’ll find vendors and entertainment. Visit www.road-shows.com to download registration forms for the All Harley Ride-In Shows. For more vendor, sponsor or event information, call Roadshows at 800-200-4557or e-mail [email protected].

Dates TBD Pearl River Run in Chocktaw, MS, 60 miles from the State Capital of Jackson, MS will feature stunt shows, a ride in show, a poker run, a beach party, big name entertainment in a Saturday night concert and a selection of vendors who will offer everything motorcycle enthusiasts could want. Visit www.road-shows.com to download registration forms. For more vendor, sponsor or event information, call Roadshows at 800-200-4557or e-mail [email protected] .

May 29-30 West Coast Thunder V is the sixth annual event commemorating Memorial Day. Participants assemble in the morning at Skip Fordyce Harley-Davidson, the event presenter, for a parade to the Riverside National Cemetery to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. Then it’s off to the park for lunch and entertainment following the memorial service. Download a registration form at www.road-shows.com or call Roadshows at 800-200-4557or e-mail [email protected] for more vendor, sponsor or event information.

June 24-26 Mammoth Lakes Mean Mountain Run is now in its fifth year produced by professionals for motorcycle enthusiasts. Roadshows, Inc. will work with the City of Mammoth Lakes, CA for this event at the Village Pavilion lot on Old Mammoth Road. There’ll be a poker run, ride-in shows, bike games, stunt shows and rockin’ music while vendors sell their wares. Open to all motorcycles. Download a registration form at www.road-shows.com, call Roadshows at 800-200-4557or e-mail [email protected] for more vendor, sponsor or event information.

July 8-10 Ride To the Rock, San Francisco. The City By the Bay will host this motorcycle event at Pier 31 with great food, fun and all things motorcycle. Enthusiasts can expect great music and a good time with a little salt air thrown in for good measure. Download a registration form at www.road-shows.com , call Roadshows at 800-200-4557 or e-mail [email protected] for more vendor, sponsor or event information.

Sept. 21-25 Street Vibrations Motorcycle Festival is the hottest time on two wheels! A celebration of music, metal and motorcycles Street Vibrations offers tours, entertainment, parades, ride-in shows, stunt shows, Chrome Alley retail vendors, the Harley-Davidson Factory Store, big name concerts and more. The event is so big, it rocks at several locations throughout Reno, NV. Rides to historic towns and to one of the most beautiful meetings of mountains and water on earth fabulous Lake Tahoe — provide special entertainment all their own. Flirt with Lady Luck during poker walks and runs and during special slot tournaments. It’s HOG heaven! Open to all motorcycles. Visit www.road-shows.com to download a registration form. For more vendor, sponsor or event information call 800-200-4557 or e-mail [email protected].

Oct. 7-9 American Heat Palm Springs Motorcycle & Hot Rod Weekend in the desert resort cities of the spectacular Coachella Valley. Producers have married a Motorcycle event with stunt shows, live entertainment and retail vendors galore — so there is plenty to see – and do. This event is so hot it sizzles! Palm Springs is a vacation paradise and a great place to play. It’s bounded by lush mountain ranges for the perfect ride and a tour of desert cities. Live music rocks throughout the weekend along with Motorcycle activities. Open to all motorcycles and hot rods. Visit www.road-shows.com and download a registration form. For more vendor, sponsor or event information call Roadshows Inc., at 800-200-4557or e-mail [email protected].

Oct. 14-16 Bridge City Bike Rally in Lake Havasu City, AZ is the site for this 2nd year event produced by Roadshows, Inc. The home of the London Bridge won’t be falling but it will definitely be rockin’ with live entertainment, a ride-in show, poker run, and a Masquerade Parade over the legendary London Bridge. Of course vendors selling all things motorcycle completes the package of this-not-to-be-missed first-time event. Download a registration form at www.road-shows.com. For more vendor, sponsor or event information or to have a registration form mailed to you, call 800-200-4557 or e-mail [email protected].

Oct. 28-29 Anaheim Harleyween Rally in Anaheim, CA will be part of the “Autumn in Anaheim” celebration and will feature a ride-in show, poker run, entertainment, gift buying opportunities and a special Harleyween Masquarade Parade and a reception to benefit a local charity. Open to all motorcycles. Download a registration form at www.road-shows.com. For more vendor, sponsor or event information or to have a registration form mailed to you, call 800-200-4557 or e-mail [email protected].

Copyright 2005, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Zoom Zoom Trackdays, which holds events at Thunderhill Raceway Park, Infineon Raceway, Buttonwillow Raceway and Reno-Fernley Raceway, has announced it will be supported by Wheel To Wheel Support, Inc., the new west coast Pirelli race tire distributor, in 2005.

According to a press release announcing the partnership, Zoom Zoom Trackdays’ staff will use Pirelli Diablo Corsa track day tires supplied by Wheel To Wheel Support, which will offer trackside tire services for staff and participants at Zoom Zoom Trackday events.

Zoom Zoom Trackdays also provides an AFM racer licensing course.

For additional information, go to www.zoomzoomtrackdays.com.

Copyright 2005, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Arai Helmets, which has sponsored the Daytona 200 race, known as the Daytona 200 by Arai, for the last 19 years, will not be the title sponsor of the 2005 Daytona 200.

“We’ve just kind of turned back our involvement,” Arai Helmet (Americas), Ltd. President Roger Weston told Roadracingworld.com Friday. “We are the official helmet for the event week at Daytona, so we are still involved with the people. It was just a financial matter.”

Asked if the change of the Daytona 200 from a Superbike race to a Formula Xtreme race had any influence on his company’s sponsorship decision, Weston said, “Well, it didn’t make it more attractive, but we were going this route before we even knew that.”

Weston said Arai will still have a “fairly obvious” presence in the paddock at Daytona and “will be doing the same thing we’ve done”, providing racer support and sizing and product information to consumers.

Calls to AMA Pro Racing Vice President – Director of Communications Kerry Graeber seeking comment had not been returned at post time.

Copyright 2005, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

FIRST PERSON/OPINION:

Via e-mail:

Not long ago I posted an ad on the internet to sell a Ghezzi-Brian. I recently received an e-mail from a Stuart Claire telling me he wanted the bike; the asking price was fine (19K) and that he would cover the shipping. He didn’t ask anything about the bike. The motorbike was to be shipped to the Benin Republic, which is in southwestern Africa.

I got onto the roadracingworld.com website; hit “search” and typed in “scam.” I have to say thanks for everyone who ever wrote into Roadracing World with their personal experiences on attempts to scam American motorcyclist out of their bikes or cash.

I did some additional research on the Benin Republic and e-mailed Mr. Claire saying that I would accept a bank draft only from the National Bank of West Africa, which has an office in San Francisco; that I would deposit that draft directly in that bank and only when that bank paid me in dollars US would I ship the Ghezzi-Brian. Naturally, I never heard back from the guy.

Again, thanks to your readers who think it important to look out for each other.

Regards,

Allan Engel
Long Beach, California

From a press release:

Riders Sponsored by Spyder Leatherworks for 2005

West Allis, WI—January 21, 2005

Spyder Leatherworks is sponsoring several riders from around the country for 2005. Greg “Stumpy” Steltenpohl, (CCS MW/GP Ex #1), James Tittle (CCS GP Am # 222), Rhiannon Lucente (FUSA/CCS MW Ex #66), and Kim Berg-Olsen (CCS MW Am # 507), will be the featured riders, along with associate riders: Greg Avello, Brian Hall, Paul James, Ed Key, Troy Meikle, Chuck Moses and Chris Teal.

“This is the first year doing a sponsorship program for Spyder”, said Spyder Leatherworks owner Alexa Krueger. “Team Spyder will be a strong marketing tool for our company. We also hope to promote the use of proper riding gear for the general public. Racers are role models, and I believe that they can best demonstrate how good protective gear kept in proper repair can help minimize, and in some cases, prevent injury.”

Spyder Leatherworks performs repairs and also does lettering, logos and alterations of racing or riding leathers and street apparel.

For more information: visit www.spyderleatherworks.com, e-mail [email protected], or call (414) 327-0967

From a press release issued by Phillip Island and forwarded by FG Sport Group:

ACTING VICTORIAN PREMIER THWAITES ANNOUNCES YAMAHA AS TITLE SPONSOR OF APRIL 3 AUSTRALIAN ROUND OF THE SUPERBIKE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP AT VICTORIA’S PHILLIP ISLAND

AUSTRALIANS TO DOMINATE THE WORLD SUPERBIKE AND WORLD SUPERSPORT RANKS AS EIGHT AUSSIE RIDERS PREPARE FOR 2005

THE LINFOX GROUP THROWS THEIR SUPPORT BEHIND THE WORLD SUPERBIKES AT THEIR NEWLY-ACQUIRED PHILLIP ISLAND CIRCUIT

Australia’s round two of the Superbike World Championship has never looked stronger with Yamaha Motor Australia today announced as title sponsor of the 2005 event at Phillip Island by the Acting Premier of Victoria, the Hon John Thwaites MP. The April 3 event will be called the 2005 Yamaha Phillip Island Superbike World Championship.

The Yamaha sponsorship and the support of new circuit owners, LINFOX, sets the scene for a great event. The racetrack though is where the real action will happen with eight Australian riders confirmed to race in the 12 round world superbike and world supersport championship this season – all focussed on making Phillip Island an Aussie whitewash.

Seven of the eight riders – Troy Corser, Garry McCoy, Andrew Pitt, Karl Muggeridge, Steve Martin, Broc Parkes and Kevin Curtain (Chris Vermeulen is already in Europe)- attended today’s launch of the Australian event on the tarmac of Melbourne’s Essendon airport where truckie come new race track owner Lindsay Fox arrived driving a massive LINFOX truck with the Aussie riders in tow.

Announcing Yamaha’s support, the Acting Premier reiterated the Victorian Government’s commitment to the event.

The Yamaha sponsorship adds further weight to the Japanese marque’s 2005 push to capture the world’s production bike crown. This year, at least four teams will run Yamahas, with most attention focussed on the Yamaha Italia team of Australia’s Andrew Pitt and Japan’s Noriyuki Haga set to race the very successful YZF-R1 motorcycle.

The Aussie line up – including four former Australian world champions – is Wollongong’s Troy Corser with his new Alstare Corona Suzuki Extra team; Queensland duo Chris Vermeulen and Karl Muggeridge with Ten Kate Honda; Gold Coast’s Andrew Pitt joining Yamaha Italia; and new recruits to Foggy Petronas Racing, Camden’s Garry McCoy (now based on the Sunshine Coast) and Melbourne’s Steve Martin.

The Newcastle duo of Broc Parkes and Kevin Curtain are under contract with Yamaha Motor Germany and are the Australian stars of World Supersport.

A rejuvenated and expanded world superbike grid assembles at the classically sculpted Victorian track. Six manufacturers will be represented on the grid – Yamaha, Ducati, Honda, Suzuki, Kawasaki and Petronas – and with all of them drawing from the same pool of control Pirelli tyres there will be at least ten potential winners come race day – an unparalleled characteristic in almost any other form of global motorsport.

The ultra-velocity drop down the Gardner Straight, towards the looming expanse of the onrushing ocean, provides a spine-tingling experience for spectators and riders alike. This is the 15th time Australia has hosted a world championship round and of the previous 29 individual world superbike races in Australia, 16 have been won by Australians; legendary names such as Troy Bayliss, Kevin Magee, Antony Gobert, Robbie Phillis and Peter Goddard among them.

EVENT INFORMATION AND TICKET PRICES

Island action is guaranteed with superbike speeds topping the 300kph mark around the undulating 4.445km ribbon of tarmac.

Practice and first qualifying are scheduled for Friday April 1; second qualifying and Superpole on Saturday April 2 and a packed programme of racing including two 21 lap world superbike and one 22 lap world supersport races on Sunday April 3.

In addition to the Superbike World and Supersport World championships, the event features the opening round of the Australian Superbike Championship; the Australian Supersport Championship and the Australian Superstock Series.

Tickets can be purchased from Ticketmaster 7 on 1300 136 122 or from the circuit 03 5952 2710. For campsite bookings call the Superbike Hotline on (03) 5952 2710 – or visit the website on www.phillipislandcircuit.com.au

TICKET PRICES

Race day ticket – Sunday only $65.00 (children 5-15… $30)

Three Day ticket – Friday, Saturday, Sunday $110.00

Family – Sunday$130.00

Family – three day ticket $220.00

BAR SBK (providing an undercover facility at three Superscreens $165

Camping ( four nights – Thursday to Sunday inclusive) $75 per person (children 5-15..$25)


WORLD SUPERBIKES AND SUPERSPORT….THE SEASON AHEAD…

World Superbike and Supersport action kicks off with round one at the new Losail circuit in Qotar Doha in the Middle East on February 26 with next step on the world circus, Australia and Phillip Island on April 3.

Leading the local charge in terms of experience and achievement is 1996 World Champion, Troy Corser. The 33-year-old native of Wollongong – set to marry his long time partner Sam this Sunday (January 23) – is now a leading light in the Alstare Corona Suzuki Extra team, on the all-new GSX-R1000. He is teamed up for the 2005 season with Japanese extrovert Yukio Kagayama, a multiple British Championship race winner for Suzuki in 2003 and 2004.

In his first outing for his new team, Corser was fastest at Valencia’s pre-season test in December, and was very encouraged by his bike’s performance at the island in testing this past week.

Having won 23 world superbike races outright, and taking an astonishing 30 pole positions from his 203 race starts, Corser is one of two world superbike champions on display at Phillip Island.

The other is the current champion, James Toseland, the youngest ever rider (at 23 years of age) to win the world superbike series, after a rollercoaster 2004 season on his factory Ducati. The tough Yorkshireman is once more teamed up with 2004 vice-champion, and Phillip Island race one winner in 2004, Regis Laconi. Italian star in the making, Lorenzo Lanzi, joins the superbike class on a Scuderia Caracchi Ducati 999 while 250cc GP race winner Fonsi Nieto will start in the SC Ducati squad, running his own sponsorship package from Spain.

Having dominated in numerical and championship winning terms for most of world superbike’s 17 year history, Ducati riders find themselves very much in the minority at the start of season 18, largely thanks to a change of technical regulations prior to the 2004 season, and the adoption of control Pirelli tyres.

A whole new generation of Japanese 1000cc four-cylinder machines, based closely on the very models you can see on any showroom floor in the world, have come on stream for this year’s championship and all of the ‘big four’ Japanese manufacturers have potent riding line-ups under contact to their favoured teams for 2005.

Yamaha Italia, running the awesome latest generation YZF-R1 play host to the enigmatic brilliance of prodigal son Noriyuki Haga, back in the fold after almost winning the championship in 2004 on a private Renegade Ducati. In possession of a riding style ideally suited to multi-cylinder engines, Haga has to be considered one of the strongest tips overall. Of more importance for the local Australian crowd, Supersport hero and recent MotoGP rider Andrew Pitt (Gold Coast) has his first clear opportunity to shine in world superbike, attempting to add to his 2001 world title for Kawasaki in the global 600cc class.

Other top Yamaha competitors include the Yamaha Motor France entry of multiple MotoGP race-winner Norick Abe and French ace Sebastien Gimbert. The latter was a revelation at the final round in 2004, finishing fourth on two occasions at Magny Cours.

Honda, the world’s largest manufacturer, fields an all-Aussie force in the proven Ten Kate Superbike squad, once more using the fierce CBR1000RR Fireblade. Supersport world champions Sunshine Coast’s Chris Vermeulen (2003) and Gold Coast’s Karl Muggeridge (2004) head up the Dutch-based entry, with Vermeulen already a four-time race winner after his debut world superbike season in 2004. For Muggeridge 2005 is his rookie season in world superbike, after a record-breaking career in Supersport that saw him dominate the 2004 season and take the crown.

The most experienced superbike rider in history, 40 year old Pierfrancesco Chili heads up a two man Klaffi Honda team, while American bike ace Ben Bostrom will ride in a one man Renegade Honda team.

Kawasaki’s entry is headed by four-time British Championship runner-up Chris Walker, riding for Pierfrancesco Chili’s erstwhile collaborators, the PSG-1 team. His 1000cc ZX-10 is expected to be every bit as potent as the main competition, in a year when there will be an unprecedented number of fast men and machines on display.

In the hands of Walker and Corser the championship’s most unique engineering entity, the Anglo-Malaysian Petronas FP-1 three-cylinder, secured podium finishes in 2004. It once more adds a distinctive sight and sound to the varied world superbike grid. Operated under the auspices of the most successful world superbike racer in history, four-time champion Carl Fogarty, the 900cc Petronas holds the 2005 hopes of Aussie rider Garry McCoy – who won race two at the Island in 2004 – and multiple Superpole winner Melbourne’s Steve Martin, both of whom were enticed from private Ducati teams over the winter.

The World Supersport Championship, running in parallel with all 12 world superbike rounds, features a strong field once more. The Yamaha Motor Germany squad, champions in 2000, have attracted the talents of Australians Kevin Curtain and Broc Parkes, in what is effectively Yamaha’s lone supported squad. This experienced pairing are ranged against a strong array of works supported and private teams, from Honda, Ducati, Kawasaki and Suzuki.

In addition to the Superbike World and Supersport World championships, the Phillip Island event features the opening round of the Australian Superbike Championship; the Australian Supersport Championship and the Australian Superstock Series.


KEY TIMES

Friday April 1Action starts 9am till 5.30pm… with practice and provisional qualifying in all categories – World Superbike; World Supersport; Australian Superbike Championship; Australian Supersport Championship; Australian Superstock Series

Saturday April 2 Action starts at 8.30am to 6pm. Includes qualifying and Superpole for World Superbikes; Qualifying for World Supersport; and six races for support classes

Sunday April 3Action starts at 8.30am to 5pm. Includes two 22 lap battles for World Superbike; a 21 lap race for World Supersport; and races in all support categories.

From a press release issued by Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A.:

Yamaha Motor Company Begins 50 Year Anniversary Celebration

Cypress, CA – Yamaha Motor Company is pleased to announce the commencement of our 50 year anniversary celebration with the launch of a commemorative website as produced by Yamaha Motor Company Japan. This website features data and numerous historical photos that detail the passion of Yamaha since its inception. The site will be updated continuously throughout the year as events world-wide mark this celebration.

Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. will pay tribute to this anniversary with events throughout the year ahead and plans to celebrate with 100,000 motorsports fans at the U.S. MotoGP to be held July 8-10 at Laguna Seca raceway in Monterey California.

“The MotoGP involvement is just one way Yamaha can show its appreciation to our customers,” says Bob Starr, Corporate Communications Manager of the Motorsports Group. “I think our customers will be quite pleased at some of the other surprises and activities we have planned for the year ahead.”

The direct link to the 50th Anniversary website can be found here: http://www.yamaha-motor.co.jp/global/50th/index.html

From a press release issued by FGSport Group:

2005 Superbike World Championship Entry List:

1, James Toseland, GBR, Ducati 999F05, Team Ducati XEROX
3, Norik Abe, JPN, Yamaha YZF-R1, Yamaha Motor France – IPONE
6, Mauro Sanchini, ITA, Kawasaki ZX-10R, Team PSG-1 Kawasaki Corse
7, Pierfrancesco Chili, ITA, Honda CBR1000RR, Team Klaffi Honda
8, Ivan Clementi, ITA, Kawasaki ZX-10R, Team Kawasaki Bertocchi
9, Chris Walker, GBR, Kawasaki ZX-10R, Team PSG-1 Kawasaki Corse
10, Fonsi Nieto, ESP, Ducati 999RS, Team Ducati SC – Caracchi
11, Troy Corser, AUS, Suzuki GSX-R1000, Team Alstare Suzuki Corona Extra
12, Lorenzo Alfonsi, ITA, Yamaha YZF-R1, D.F.X. Treme
17, Miguel Praia, POR, Yamaha YZF-R1 DFXtreme Sterilgarda
19, Lucio Pedercini, ITA, Ducati 999RS, Team Pedercini 1
20, Marco Borciani, ITA, Yamaha YZF-R1, DFXtreme Sterilgarda
21, Michel Nickmans, BEL, Yamaha YZF-R1, Team Zone Rouge
23, Jiri Mrkyvka, CZE, Ducati 999RS, SBK Team JM
24, Garry McCoy, AUS, PETRONAS FP1, Foggy PETRONAS Racing
25, Alessio Velini, ITA, Ducati 999RS, Team Pedercini
30, Jose Luis Cardoso, ESP, Yamaha YZF-R1 D.F. X. Treme
31, Karl Muggeridge, AUS, Honda CBR1000RR, Winston Ten Kate Honda
32, Sebastien Gimbert, FRA, Yamaha YZF-R1, Yamaha Motor France – IPONE
41, Noriyuki Haga, JPN, Yamaha YZF-R1, Yamaha Motor Italia WSB Team
45, Gianluca Vizziello, ITA, Yamaha YZF-R1, Team Lorenzini by Leoni
55, Regis Laconi, FRA, Ducati 999F05, Team Ducati XEROX
57, Lorenzo Lanzi, ITA, Ducati 999RS, Team Ducati SC – Caracchi
71, Yukio Kagayama, JPN, Suzuki GSX-R1000, Team Alstare Suzuki Corona Extra
76, Max Neukirchner, GER, Honda CBR1000RR, Team Klaffi Honda
77, Chris Vermeulen, AUS, Honda CBR1000RR, Winston Ten Kate Honda
88, Andrew Pitt, AUS, Yamaha YZF-R1, Yamaha Motor Italia WSB Team
99, Steve Martin, AUS, PETRONAS FP1, Foggy PETRONAS Racing
155, Ben Bostrom, USA, Honda CBR1000RR, Team Renagade KOJI
200, Giovanni Bussei, ITA, Kawasaki ZX-10R, Team Kawasaki Bertocchi


2005 Supersport World Championship Entry List:

3, Jurgen Van Den Goorbergh, NED, Ducati 749R, Team Ducati Selmat
11, Kevin Curtain, AUS, Yamaha YZF-R6, Yamaha Motor Germany
12, Javier Fores, ESP, Suzuki GSX-R600, Team Alstare Suzuki Corona Extra
14, Andrea Berta, ITA, Ducati 749R, Team Ducati Selmat
15, Matteo Baiocco, ITA, Kawasaki ZX-6RR, Team Lightspeed Kawasaki
16, Sebastien Charpentier, FRA, Honda CBR600RR, Winston Ten Kate Honda
21, Katsuaki Fujiwara, JPN, Honda CBR600RR, Winston Ten Kate Honda
23, Broc Parkes, AUS, Yamaha YZF-R6, Yamaha Motor Germany
24, TBA, Suzuki GSX-R600, MOTO1 – Suzuki
25, Tatu Lauslehto, FIN, Honda CBR600RR, Team Klaffi Honda
TBA, Jarno Jansen, NED, Suzuki GSX-R600, Jarno Jansen Racing
TBA, Barry Veneman, NED, Suzuki GSX-R600, Jarno Jansen Racing
30, Alessandro Antonello, ITA, Kawasaki ZX-6RR, Team Kawasaki Bertocchi
TBA, TBA, Suzuki GSX-R600, MOTO1 – Suzuki
45, Sebastien LeGrelle, BEL, Honda CBR600RR, Team le Grelle DHOLDA in Action
48, David Garcia, ESP, Kawasaki ZX-6RR, Team Lightspeed Kawasaki
TBA, Julien Enjolras, FRA, Yamaha YZF-R6, Tati Team Beaujolais Racing
58, Tomas Miksovsky, CZE, Honda CBR600RR, Intermoto Czech Republic
59, Pawel Szkopek, CZE, Honda CBR600RR, Intermoto Czech Repuplic
69, Gianluca Nannelli, ITA, Ducati 749R, Team Caracchi
72, Stefan Folkesson, SWE, Honda CBR600RR, Stiggy Motorsports
84, Michel Fabrizio, GER, Honda CBR600RR, Team Italia Megabike
95, Eli Chen, ISR, Honda CBR600RR, IRT Honda Israel
96, TBA, Honda CBR600RR, IRT Honda Israel
99, Fabien Foret, FRA, Honda CBR600RR, Team Megabike
116, Johan Stigefelt, SWE, Honda CBR600RR, Stiggy Motorsports


2005 1000cc Superstock European Championship Entry List:

5, Riccardo Chiarello, ITA, Suzuki GSX-R1000, Team Alstare Suzuki Corona Extra
9, Luca Scassa, ITA, Yamaha YZF-R1, Ormeni Racing
11, Denis Sacchetti, ITA, Kawasaki ZX-10R, Team PSG-1 Corse
12, Denny Lannoo, BEL, Yamaha YZF-R1, Team Zone Rouge
15, Pierrot Lerat Vanstaen, FRA, TBA, Association Plein Gaz
16, Enrique Rocamora, ESP, Suzuki GSX-R1000, HP Racing
21, Alex Martinez Mas, ESP, Yamaha YZF-R1, Team Agusta PMS (Garella)
22, Leroy Verboven, BEL, Suzuki GSX-R1000, Herman Verboven Racing
23, Valerio Rufoloni, ITA, Yamaha YZF-R1, Team Agusta PMS (Garella)
24, Marko Jerman, SLV, Kawasaki ZX-10R, Moto Drustvo Depala Vas
25, Olivier Deporter, BEL, Yamaha YZF-R1, Autophone Racing
27, Ron Van Steenbergen, NED, Yamaha YZF-R1, Jarno Jansen Racing
28, Sepp Vermonden, BEL, TBA, Sepp Racing- DIRK VAN MOL
31, Vittorio Iannuzzo, ITA, MV Agusta, GiMotorsport
33, Petter Solli, NOR, Yamaha YZF-R1, SolliRacing
34, Fabrizio DeMarco, ITA, MV Agusta, GiMotorsport
35, Jan Roar Ims, NOR, Yamaha YZF-R1, IMS Racing Team
37, William De Angelis, RSM, Yamaha YZF-R1, Team Trasimeno
40, Herve Gantner, SWI, Yamaha YZF-R1, Team Badan Yamaha
41, Craig Coxhell, GBR, Suzuki GSX-R1000, EMS Racing
43, Jose Manuel Hurtado, ESP, Yamaha YZF-R1, Alapont Competition
47, Richard Cooper, GBR, TBA, AKUNA Racing Team
53, Alessandro Polita, ITA, Suzuki GSX-R1000, Celani Team – Suzuki Italia
54, Kenan Sofuaglu, TUR, Yamaha YZF-R1, Yamaha Motor Germany
55, Massimo Roccoli, ITA, Yamaha YZF-R1, Team Italia Lorenzini by Leoni
57, Ilario Dionisi, ITA, Suzuki GSX-R1000, Celani Team – Suzuki Italia
68, Daniele Vaghi, ITA, MV Agusta, EVR Corse Biassono Racing Team
69, Didier Van Keyemeulen, BEL, Yamaha YZF-R1, Yamaha Motor Germany
73, Martin Choy, BUL, Suzuki GSX-R1000, Prista Oil Racing Team
75, Ghisbert van Ginhoven, NED, Ducati 999S, MCT-Sitra
77, Nicolas Saelens, BEL, Ducati 999S, MCT-Sitra
82, Yann Gyger, SWI, Honda CBR1000RR, Team Tyger
86, Ayrton Badovini, ITA, MV Agusta, EVR Corse Biassono Racing Team
88, Victor Cox, GBR, Suzuki GSX-R1000, Beowulf Motorsport.com
99, Jose Lombardo Morales, ESP, TBA, Team Electrolombar
TBA, TBA, Honda CBR1000RR, Roca & Mas Competicio`


2005 600cc Superstock European Championship Entry List:

11, Ronal Ter Brooke, NED, Honda CBR600RR, Ten Kate Kobutex Honda
12, Roy Ten Napel, NED, Honda CBR600RR, Ten Kate Kobutex Honda
14, Nicolas Pirot, BEL, Yamaha YZF-R6, Team Zone Rouge
15, David Del Moral, ESP, Yamaha YZF-R6, Team MS Yamaha
16, Agostin Perez Munoz, ESP, Honda CBR600RR, Alapont Competition
19, Simeon Xavier, BEL, Suzuki GSX-R600, Team Alstare Suzuki Corona Extra
21, Maxime Berger, FRA, Honda CBR600RR, MBE
22, Danny De Boer, NED, Honda CBR600RR, Remar Racing (Ten Kate)
23, Jorge Villar Machado, ESP, Suzuki GSX-R600, VM Racing Team
24, Giuseppe Beretta, ITA, Kawasaki ZX-6RR, DBG Racing
26, Tom Van Looy, BEL, Suzuki GSX-R600, Herman Verboven Racing
27, Barry Burrel, GBR, Honda CBR600RR, MS Akuna Racing
31, Patrick McDougall, GBR, Suzuki GSX-R600, Beowulf Motorsport.com
32, Yoann Tiberio, FRA, Honda CBR600RR, Junior Team Megabike
33, Marek Szokopek, POL, TBA, Szokopek Racing
35, Alessia Polita, ITA, Suzuki GSX-R600, Celani Team – Suzuki Italia
37, Henry Taipale, FIN, Honda CBR600RR, Ajo Promotion LTD
39, Nicky Wimbauer, USA, Suzuki GSX-R600, Moto 1
41, Davide Caldart, ITA, Honda CBR600RR, WLB Racing
45, Daniel Rivas Fernades, ESP, TBA, Team Moto Sport Racing
50, Giuseppe Barone, ITA, Honda CBR600RR, Syn Racing
55, Loic Napoleone, FRA, Kawasaki ZX-6RR, Team Lightspeed Kawasaki
58, Luca Verdini, ITA, Suzuki GSX-R600, Titano Corse
59, Nicolo Canepa, ITA, Kawasaki ZX-6RR, Team Kawasaki Bertocchi
71, Claudio Corti, ITA, Yamaha YZF-R6, Team Trasimeno
77, Marketa Janakova, CZE, Suzuki GSX-R600, Titano Corse
88, Andrea Antonelli, ITA, Kawasaki ZX-6RR, Team Lightspeed Kawasaki
96, Jonathan Gallina, ITA, Honda CBR600RR, Junior Team Italia Megabike
TBA, TBA, Honda CBR600RR, Roca & Mas Competicio
TBA, TBA, Honda CBR600RR, Ajo Promotion LTD
TBA, TBA, Honda CBR600RR, Alapont Competition’

From a press release issued by FG Sport Group:

WINTER TESTS – 2005 SUZUKIS MAKE A BIG IMPRESSION AT THE ISLAND

Phillip Island (Australia) 20 January 2005. – The Alstare Corona Extra Suzuki team, comprising of 1996 World Champion Troy Corser and Japanese star Yukio Kagayama, gave the 2005 GSX-R1000 an excellent debut during a three-day test at Phillip Island.

In the favourable weather conditions of an Australian summer Corser and Kagayama pushed to the limit at the awesome seaside circuit, Corser setting a best of 1:34.2; Kagayama 1:34.8. This combined pace, after just one test, compares favourably with the best lap time of the 2004 race weekend, set by Garry McCoy (Ducati), at 1:34.514.

Corser had a particularly eventful three days, as his GSX-R twice collided with seagulls, while Kagayama escaped a crash unscathed.

The 2005 season championship will feature high calibre World Superbike entries from six manufacturers, and even after one test Suzuki has already proved that it will play a part in what will be a particularly fascinating year of global competition.

At least ten riders will have a chance of winning in 2005, thanks to confirmed entries from closely matched teams and riders on Ducati, Honda, Kawasaki, Yamaha, Petronas and Suzuki equipment. The single make tyre rules, with all riders on equal Pirelli racing products, has already proved to be a great success in 2004 and is another factor which promises close and exciting racing.

On Sunday 23 January Noriyuki Haga will have his first ride on Yamaha’s impressive YZF-R1, alongside 2005 team-mate Andrew Pitt, allowing a fair comparison between two of the championship’s big hitters, Suzuki and Yamaha.
Yamaha Motor Germany’s Australian duo of Broc Parkes and Kevin Curtain will also have a chance to test their 2005 YZF-R6 World Supersport machines.