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Losail International Circuit In Qatar Officially Opened

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Losail International Circuit In Qatar Officially Opened

From a press release issued by Dorna Sports:

Losail International Circuit of Qatar officially opened

The Losail International Circuit of Qatar was official declared open in a special ceremony on Friday. In the presence of dignitaries including the Prime Minister of the State of Qatar H.H. Abdullah Bin Khalifah Al Thani, all the Ministers of the Qatari Government, FIM President Francesco Zerbi and Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta, and watched by over 1,500 public spectators, former Grand Prix rider Randy Mamola completed the historic first laps of the circuit aboard the Ducati Desmosedici MotoGP machine.

After Mamola’s inaugurating laps, a further sixty Qatari riders got the chance to ride around the circuit, followed by two stunt riders in a special end to the ceremony which was signalled by a spectacular firework show. The Losail International Circuit will host the thirteenth round of the 2004 MotoGP World Championship, the Marlboro Grand Prix of Qatar, on Saturday 2nd October.

Updated Post: Zemke, Duhamel, Ben Bostrom, Haskovec Qualify On AMA Formula Xtreme Front Row At Laguna Seca

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Updated Post: Zemke, Duhamel, Ben Bostrom, Haskovec Qualify On AMA Formula Xtreme Front Row At Laguna Seca

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Provisional AMA Formula Xtreme Qualifying Results:

1. Jake Zemke, Honda CBR600RR, 1:27.388
2. Miguel Duhamel, Honda CBR600RR, 1:27.795
3. Ben Bostrom, Honda CBR600RR, 1:28.529
4. Vincent Haskovec, Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:29.128
5. Alex Gobert, Honda CBR600RR, 1:29.406
6. Jason Pridmore, Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:29.582
7. Doug Chandler, Ducati 749R, 1:29.671
8. Larry Pegram, Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:30.790
9. Mike Ciccotto, Buell XB9R, 1:30.917
10. Michael Barnes, Buell XB9R, 1:31.317
11. Heath Small, Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:31.732
12. Ty Howard, Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:32.007
13. Marc Palazzo, Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:32.119
14. Tom Montano, Honda CBR600RR, 1:32.735
15. Brien Whitlock, Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:33.083
16. Danny Eslick, Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:33.419
17. Blake Young, Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:33.493
18. Nicky Moore, Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:33.797
19. Perry Melneciuc, Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:33.847
20. Nathan Hester, Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:34.183


More, from a press release issued by Team Valvoline EMGO Suzuki:

HASKOVEC ON FRONT ROW AT LAGUNA SECA

Team Valvoline EMGO Suzuki opened the Laguna Seca AMA/World Superbike race weekend in impressive style on Friday, especially when considering that the team hadn’t tested at the tricky circuit beforehand while many of their rivals had visited twice prior to this race weekend.

Vincent Haskovec piloted his Michelin slick-shod GSX-R600 to the fourth best time in the day’s Formula Xtreme qualifying session earning the final position on the front row. Haskovec posted a fastest lap of 1:29.127 around the 2.2-mile circuit and was outpaced only by a trio of full-works machines.

“I’m very pleased to have qualified on the front row,” said Haskovec. “We had some problems in the morning practice, but we came back almost a second and a half faster in the afternoon even without using a qualifying tire. I just ran a soft tire to set my fast lap, so I’m happy with how today went on the Xtreme bike.”

Haskovec and his teammate Steve Rapp had a considerably less satisfying time in the Superstock qualifying session. The two ended the session with side-by-side third row grid positions; Haskovec in eleventh at 1:29.919 and Rapp in twelfth at 1:30.098.

Both riders lost valuable track time aboard their GSX-R750s during the session with bike problems. Rapp, looking to make up for lost time, ended up crashing while attempting to put in a flyer on a qualifying tire.

Rapp did fare better on his 600 machine, however, posting the eighth best lap of the day’s single Supersport practice. The Californian clocked a 1:31.483 to rank as the second quickest man on a Suzuki on the day.

Rapp commented, “Superstock qualifying was pretty frustrating today, but we’re not doing too badly on the Supersport bike. We’re right there where we’ve been recently — just behind the top factory guys. We just need to keep improving and start getting in front of those guys more often now.”

Youngster Chris Peris was twelfth best in the Supersport session at 1:32.564. The Canadian focused on learning the nuances of the famed Northern Californian circuit in what’s only his second ever visit to the track.

“Laguna Seca isn’t a track you can just go fast at right from the start,” Peris said. “It’s very technical and it takes quite a bit of track and set-up time to get it right. I’m just going to keep my head down and get as competitive as I can before Sunday’s race.

Saturday will be a packed day for Team Valvoline EMGO Suzuki with 17-lap finals in Formula Xtreme and Superstock, along with final qualifying in Supersport.

Duhamel Fastest, Ben Bostrom On Pace In First AMA Formula Xtreme Practice

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Duhamel Fastest, Ben Bostrom On Pace In First AMA Formula Xtreme Practice

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Provisional Friday Morning AMA Formula Xtreme Practice Times:

1. Miguel Duhamel, Honda CBR600RR, 1:28.219
2. Jake Zemke, Honda CBR600RR, 1:28.828
3. Ben Bostrom, Honda CBR600RR, 1:28.848
4. Jason Pridmore, Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:29.849
5. Doug Chandler, Ducati 749R, 1:30.300
6. Alex Gobert, Honda CBR600RR, 1:30.331
7. Vincent Haskovec, Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:30.553
8. Larry Pegram, Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:32.282
9. Mike Ciccotto, Buell XB9R, 1:32.496
10. Marc Palazzo, Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:33.026
11. Michael Barnes, Buell XB9R, 1:33.044
12. Ty Howard, Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:33.717
13. Brien Whitlock, Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:34.820
14. Nicky Moore, Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:34.645
15. Thomas Montano, Honda CBR600RR, 1:34.825

Updated Post: Duhamel, Ben Bostrom, Zemke, Mladin Lead First AMA Superbike Practice At Laguna Seca

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Updated Post: Duhamel, Ben Bostrom, Zemke, Mladin Lead First AMA Superbike Practice At Laguna Seca

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Provisional Friday Afternoon AMA Superbike Practice Times:

1. Miguel Duhamel, Honda CBR1000RR, 1:26.325
2. Ben Bostrom, Honda CBR1000RR, 1:26.380
3. Jake Zemke, Honda CBR1000RR, 1:26.424
4. Mat Mladin, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:26.620
5. Josh Hayes, Kawasaki ZX-10R, 1:27.524
6. Eric Bostrom, Ducati 999F04, 1:27.707
7. Aaron Yates, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:28.073
8. Geoff May, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:28.988
9. Jake Holden, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:30.475
10. John Haner, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:30.618
11. Shawn Higbee, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:30.745
12. Larry Pegram, Yamaha YZF-R1, 1:30.908
13. Thomas Montano, Ducati 999R, 1:31.592
14. Lee Acree, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:32.011
15. Ken Hill, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:32.058
16. Marty Craggill, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:32.166
17. Mike Sullivan, Yamaha YZF-R1, 1:32.255
18. Chris “Opie” Caylor, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:32.535
19. Ricky Orlando, Kawasaki ZX-10R, 1:32.724
20. Chris Siglin, Yamaha YZF-R1, 1:32.737


More, from a press release issued by Mat Mladin Motorsports:

MLADIN FOURTH FASTEST AT LAGUNA SECA

Monterey, California, USA (Friday, July 9) – A revised schedule for this weekend’s combined World Superbike Championship and American AMA Superbike Championship rounds at Laguna Seca Raceway, left the AMA competitors with just a single 45-minute practice session for them to acclimatise themselves with the conditions of the Californian circuit.

By the completion of the session, four times and defending American Superbike champion Mat Mladin had posted the fourth fastest time, three tenths of a second off the quickest time of the session. Mladin piloted his Yoshimura Suzuki GSX-R1000 around the undulating 3.610km (2.2miles) Monterey circuit to a best time of 1-min 26.620-secs.

Fastest rider in the opening session was Miguel DuHamel who posted a 1:26.325 late in the session, bumping teammate Ben Bostrom to second (1:26.380), with Jake Zemke (1:26.424), just ahead of Mladin.

The heavy race schedule planned at Laguna Seca this weekend has meant that the AMA Superbike competitors did not get their customary first qualifying session on Friday afternoon. This weekend’s schedule has them slated for two practice sessions and a single qualifying session on Saturday afternoon that will determine grid positions for Sunday’s single 28-lap race.

“There won’t be as much time for us out on the track in practice and qualifying, but it’s the same for everybody,” said Mladin. “For us it was business as usual for the opening practice session of any race meeting. It allowed us a chance to run through a few different tyres and some basic chassis changes, but we’ll sit down tonight and work out some more changes that we’ll use in tomorrow’s sessions. Traffic was also a bit of a problem today. With so many guys out there in the session, it was very hard to get a clear run.”

Mladin arrives at Monterey holding a slender six-point advantage at the top of the championship table, heading DuHamel (358 – 352), with Zemke close on their heels with 348. The trio have dominated this year’s series to date, with Mladin scoring five race wins, closely followed by DuHamel (4) and Zemke who broke through for his debut win at the last round at Brainerd.

After competing in both AMA and the SWC races at Laguna in previous years, this weekend Mladin will be concentrating his efforts solely on the AMA Championship race.

This weekend, Mladin will be aiming to replicate his results of 2003 where he took pole position for the round (with a time of 1:25.549) and then went on to score his maiden Laguna Seca AMA Superbike race win.

DiSalvo Quickest In First AMA Supersport Practice In Monterey, California

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DiSalvo Quickest In First AMA Supersport Practice In Monterey, California

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Yamaha’s Jason DiSalvo topped the first AMA Supersport practice, held Friday afternoon at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, but not by much.

DiSalvo’s 1:29.124 put him just in front of Kawasaki’s Tommy Hayden (1:29.137) and Yamaha teammate Aaron Gobert (1:29.184), with Hayden’s teammate Roger Lee Hayden (1:29.499) not far behind.

Fifth-fastest in the session was Damon Buckmaster (1:30.360), who found riding his YZF-R6 easier on his still-healing fractured scaphoid bone than riding his YZF-R1 Superstock bike.

The fourth Yamaha rider, Jamie Hacking, who is nursing a freshly-plated 11-day-old broken collarbone, did not ride in the Supersport practice session. Hacking told Roadracingworld.com earlier in the week that Superstock would be his focus, but Yamaha Team Manager Tom Halverson said Hacking may still ride in Supersport.

“Supersport qualifying isn’t even until Sunday morning, after the Superstock race is over. So there’s no sense in risking it right now,” said Halverson.

Provisional Friday Afternoon AMA Supersport Practice Times:

1. Jason DiSalvo, Yamaha, 1:29.124
2. Tommy Hayden, Kawasaki, 1:29.137
3. Aaron Gobert, Yamaha, 1:29.184
4. Roger Lee Hayden, Kawasaki, 1:29.499
5. Damon Buckmaster, Yamaha, 1:30.360
6. Ben Spies, Suzuki, 1:30.434
7. Michael Barnes, Yamaha, 1:30.727
8. Steve Rapp, Suzuki, 1:31.483
9. Tony Meiring, Kawasaki, 1:31.626
10. Ben Attard, Suzuki, 1:32.112
11. Jeff Tigert, Honda, 1:32.487
12. Chris Peris, Suzuki, 1:32.564
13. Chris Siglin, Yamaha, 1:32.933
14. Chris Ulrich, Suzuki, 1:32.947
15. Jason Perez, Yamaha, 1:32.995
16. Andy Carman, Yamaha, 1:33.061
17. Heath Small, Yamaha, 1:33.427
18. Darren Luck, Suzuki, 1:33.621
19. Alan Schmidt, Yamaha, 1:33.696
20. Nicky Moore, Suzuki, 1:34.471

Mamola Turns First Laps On Qatar’s MotoGP Circuit

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Mamola Turns First Laps On Qatar’s MotoGP Circuit

From a press release issued by Ducati Corse:

MAMOLA INAUGURATES LOSAIL ABOARD DUCATI MARLBORO TEAM TWO-SEATER

Qatar’s brand-new Losail MotoGP circuit was inaugurated today with a ceremony that included an amazing fireworks display and a riding demo by former GP winner Randy Mamola aboard the Ducati Marlboro Team two-seater.

Later this year Losail, which has been constructed in a record time of just 12 months, will become the first Middle Eastern venue to host a motorcyling Grand Prix in the 55-year history of the sport. The Marlboro Grand Prix of Qatar – to be hosted on Saturday, October 2 – is the 13th round of the 16-race 2004 MotoGP World Championship.

Today’s ceremony at the track situated outside the capital Doha was attended by several members of the Ducati Marlboro Team who were given the warmest of welcomes, an indication of the huge enthusiasm shown for MotoGP by the Middle East.

“I’m astonished by the wonderful welcome the country has given us, it’s great to be here as a representative of our sport,” said Mamola, who became the first rider to try the track on a MotoGP bike. “There’s no doubt in my mind that our sport needs to be racing in the Middle East. To be the first rider to try the circuit on a MotoGP bike is a great honour for me and the rest of the Ducati Marlboro Team. I’m very impressed, the track is really great to ride. There are some interesting corners similar to those at various different European tracks and there are plenty of good overtaking points.”

Amongst the other special guests attending today’s event were the prime minister of Qatar Abdulah Bin Khalifa Al Thini, FIM president Francesco Zerbi and Dorna president Carmelo Ezpeleta.

The Losail circuit is 5.4km long and 14 metres wide. Its main straight is 1.068km, 20m longer than Catalunya’s, making it the second longest in MotoGP after Mugello. The track has been constructed from special asphalt designed to withstand the high temperatures experienced in the region. During the 12 months of its construction the Losail project has employed between 800 and 1000 people. Construction costs have totalled $52m US dollars.

Updated Post: Tommy Hayden Takes Pole Position, Hacking Crashes On Injured Shoulder In AMA Superstock Qualifying At Laguna Seca

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Updated Post: Tommy Hayden Takes Pole Position, Hacking Crashes On Injured Shoulder In AMA Superstock Qualifying At Laguna Seca

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Kawasaki’s Tommy Hayden earned the pole position for the AMA Superstock race during qualifying Friday at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca in Monterey, California. Riding his factory ZX-10R, Hayden used a Dunlop qualifying tire to turn a 1:26.382, which was not only two seconds under Josh Hayes’ lap record (1:28.598), but also a full second faster than the time turned by provisional World Superbike pole-sitter Steve Martin (1:27.396).

Hayden also earned a bonus Championship point for taking pole position. “For sure, every point you can get is really important. So that was good,” said Hayden, who continues to sit third in the AMA Superstock Championship standings behind Jamie Hacking and Aaron Gobert. “Jamie is not 100 percent. We’re trying to take advantage of that.”

Graves Yamaha’s Jason DiSalvo was at the top of the order when he went out on his third qualifier (which went unused by Hacking), but he was unable to improve on his second-fastest 1:26.669.

“If I had 20 qualifiers I don’t know if I could’ve got that time. My time was good, but Tommy must have nailed that lap!” said DiSalvo.

Hayden’s teammate and younger brother Roger Lee Hayden qualified third with a 1:26.685, said he felt he didn’t use his qualifiers well enough but was excited about starting the race from the front row.

Another member of the Graves Yamaha team, Aaron Gobert earned the last spot on the front row with a 1:26.766.

Jamie Hacking (who is riding with a freshly-plated, 11-day-old broken collarbone) was running well up the order during the session when he crashed in turn three. The crash was a simple lowside, according to his crew, but Hacking landed on his injured shoulder. Hacking looked to be in considerable pain after getting back to the pits.

Hacking’s qualifying time to that point (1:27.212) earned him the fifth spot on the grid.

Hooters Suzuki’s John Haner appeared to have blown an engine on the front straightaway during the qualifying session and pulled off the track near turn one.

Team Valvoline EMGO Suzuki’s Steve Rapp crashed his GSX-R750 in turn 10 late in the session. He was uninjured.

With two minutes remaining in the session, all timing and scoring monitors on pit lane and in the media center went blank. Only after the session was over did the times re-appear, with Tommy Hayden overtaking Jason DiSalvo in the qualifying order.

Provisional AMA Superstock Qualifying Results:

1. Tommy Hayden, Kawasaki ZX-10R, 1:26.382
2. Jason DiSalvo, Yamaha YZF-R1, 1:26.669
3. Roger Lee Hayden, Kawasaki ZX-10R, 1:26.685
4. Aaron Gobert, Yamaha YZF-R1, 1:26.766
5. Josh Hayes, Kawasaki ZX-10R, 1:27.212
6. Jamie Hacking, Yamaha YZF-R1, 1:27.288
7. Ben Spies, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:28.337
8. Jake Holden, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:29.298
9. Jason Pridmore, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:29.537
10. Geoff May, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:29.603
11. Vincent Haskovec, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:29.919
12. Steve Rapp, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:30.099
13. John Haner, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:30.954
14. Alex Gobert, Honda CBR1000RR, 1:31.087
15. Eric Wood, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:31.404
16. Scott Greenwood, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:31.599
17. Corey Eaton, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:31.682
18. J.J. Roetlin, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:32.409
19. David White, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:32.629
20. Jesse Janisch, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:32.834

Buckmaster, Craggill Return From Injury To Ride At Laguna Seca

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Buckmaster, Craggill Return From Injury To Ride At Laguna Seca



Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Yamaha/Graves Yamaha’s Damon Buckmaster and Corona Extra Suzuki’s Marty Craggill, both out for several weeks due to injury, will return to action this weekend during the AMA/World Superbike event at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca.

Buckmaster, who suffered a broken scaphoid bone in his left wrist/hand in a crash during practice at Barber Motorsports Park in May, will ride even though his fracture isn’t completely healed.

“I just saw (Dr. Arthur) Ting (Thursday morning). He said it hasn’t healed, but it’s healing. So it depends on how you look at it. He said, it’s up to you if you ride or not. I thought I’d give it a go, at least turn a wheel and see how bad it is, especially for Yamaha and Graves. (Ting) is going to bring a brace out, strap it on and see how we go,” said Buckmaster, adding that he will try to ride both his Supersport and Superstock Yamahas.

Out since the California Speedway round of the series in early-April, when he crashed and fractured a vertebra in his neck, Craggill is hoping for a top-10 finish in his return to the Superbike class in spite of being less than 100 percent.

“I have the flu,” said Craggill. “And from the flight, I’m jet lagged, because it was a last-minute thing. I thought I would come back at Mid-Ohio, then the doctor said it was OK to come here. I would’ve liked to have been better prepared physically. There’s nothing like riding the bike anyway.”

Craggill said his long recovery period (three months) was full of delays but was mostly because he wanted to make sure he was completely healed before coming back.

Updated Post: DiSalvo Tops AMA Superstock Practice With New Lap Record At Laguna Seca

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Updated Post: DiSalvo Tops AMA Superstock Practice With New Lap Record At Laguna Seca

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Graves Yamaha’s Jason DiSalvo led the first AMA Superstock practice of the weekend Friday morning at Laguna Seca. Not only was DiSalvo’s 1:27.288 the fastest time, it was well under Josh Hayes’ Superstock lap record of 1:28.598.

“The bike felt really comfortable,” DiSalvo told Roadracingworld.com. “It was one of the first times all year I just hopped on and everything felt good. The R1 felt like my 600 today.”

DiSalvo credited some of his success to the confidence he carried out of Brainerd, where he finished on the Superstock podium for the first time, and “breakthroughs” he and his team found while testing at Mid-Ohio last week.

The surprise of the session was Jamie Hacking, who rode with a freshly-plated, 11-day-old broken collarbone and recorded the fourth-fastest time (1:28.799).

“I’m pretty sore,” said Hacking. “It just totally screws up my riding style. In the right handers, I can’t do shit. I’m sitting up on the bike and everything, and pain shoots up my neck. I’m just trying to be careful on the exits of the corners. I can’t be losing the rear and have it all moving around on me. I’m just taking it easy.”

Another member of the Graves Yamaha team and the walking wounded at Laguna Seca is Damon Buckmaster, who turned the seventh-fastest lap time in the Superstock session but did so in considerable pain.

“I’m hurting pretty good,” said Buckmaster. Asked if he would continue riding, he added, “I’m gonna try to ride the 600 now.”

Team Valvoline EMGO Suzuki’s Steve Rapp was 19th-fastest after suffering mechanical problems early in the 40-minute practice.

Six riders were under Hayes’ Superstock lap record in the first Superstock practice session, including Hayes himself at 1:28.235.


Provisional Friday Morning AMA Superstock Practice Times:

1. Jason DiSalvo, Yamaha YZF-R1, 1:27.288
2. Aaron Gobert, Yamaha YZF-R1, 1:27.499
3. Roger Lee Hayden, Kawasaki ZX-10R, 1:27.607
4. Jamie Hacking, Yamaha YZF-R1, 1:27.799
5. Tommy Hayden, Kawasaki ZX-10R, 1:28.094
6. Josh Hayes, Kawasaki ZX-10R, 1:28.235
7. Damon Buckmaster, Yamaha YZF-R1, 1:28.706
8. Ben Spies, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:28.972
9. Jason Pridmore, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:29.316
10. Vincent Haskovec, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:29.935
11. Jake Holden, Suzuki, 1:31.221
12. John Haner, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:31.350
13. Geoff May, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:31.455
14. Alex Gobert, Honda CBR1000RR, 1:32.064
15. David White, 1:32.482
16. Scott Greenwood, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:33.167
17. Jason Curtis, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:33.642
18. Corey Eaton, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:34.147
19. Steve Rapp, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:34.220
20. Garry Combs, 1:34.477

Ducati Previews Sachsenring MotoGP

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Ducati Previews Sachsenring MotoGP

From a press release issued by Ducati Corse:

GERMAN GRAND PRIX – Ducati Marlboro Team preview
Sachsenring, July 16/17/18 2004

DUCATI MARLBORO MEN BRING MOMENTUM TO MIDWAY GP

The 2004 MotoGP World Championship reaches half-distance in Germany next weekend with the Ducati Marlboro Team gathering momentum after strong races in the Netherlands and Brazil. Riders Loris Capirossi and Troy Bayliss are therefore confident of good performances at the Sachsenring, where they ran well this time last year. The team has been rejuvenated by the arrival of Ducati’s new Twin Pulse engine, which offers riders more user-friendly horsepower to help them cut faster lap and race times. For the first time both riders will have two bikes each equipped with the new engine.

While the Rio GP winner’s race time was 14 seconds faster than last year’s, Capirossi’s was 18 seconds quicker.

“We plan to equip both riders with two Twin Pulse bikes from the Sachsenring onwards,” says Ducati Marlboro Team director Livio Suppo. “The last two races really proved the potential of the new ‘package’. If Loris hadn’t had bad starts at Assen and Rio I believe he could have fought for podium finishes, because in both races his pace was very similar to guys who finished on the rostrum. Anyway, his results at those races prove beyond doubt that we have made a major step forward with the Twin Pulse, especially considering how much the MotoGP pace has increased this season. Finally, we are definitely heading in the right direction, and the bike is still growing with this engine which makes us feel very confident for the next few races. Loris has got his confidence back and I am sure Troy will do the same in Sachsenring”.

Ducati Marlboro Team technical director Corrado Cecchinelli also feels his crew’s fortunes are improving after a difficult few races at the start of 2004. “Last year the Sachsenring was good for us and this year we hope it will be even better,” he says. “The Twin Pulse engine should improve drive out of the slow corners; it’s not a track where straight-line speed is that important. What matters at this circuit is nimble handling and easy turning, but we won’t make any big changes to our chassis set-up because both Loris and Troy feel very confident on the bike at the moment, so we don’t want to jeopardise that. Like all tracks, you need a compromise between manoeuvrability and stability, but for the Sachsenring I’d say you err on the side of manoeuvrability.”

CAPIROSSI READY TO BUILD ON TWIN PULSE RESULTS
Loris Capirossi comes to Germany fresh from strong result in Brasil, where he finished close to the podium. Assen and Rio races proved beyond doubt that the Twin Pulse engine is the way to go, so the hard-riding Ducati Marlboro Team rider can’t wait to get back on board at the Sachsenring where he finished fourth last year despite a painful crash during the warm up.

“Assen and Rio showed the potential of the Twin Pulse, it’s a much nicer engine to use, especially over race distance,” says Capirossi, currently eighth in the World Championship points standings after scoring points at all seven races, being now only 9 point to 4th position. “The Sachsenring isn’t a bad track, and yet it’s tricky because it’s easy to go backwards if you make one small mistake. Also, it’s very tight and mostly slow, so overtake isn’t at ball easy, which means doing well in very important. You don’t use full throttle a lot around the Sachsenring, maybe a bit in the second part of the lap but the first section is all half throttle. For sure it’s a good track for the people who are watching, and the Germans fans are incredibly enthusiastic.”

BAYLISS ALL SET TO GET BACK ON TRACK
Troy Bayliss may not have enjoyed the best of results recently but he is nonetheless confident that the German GP may turn the tide for him. The Ducati Marlboro Team man has suffered DNFs at the past three GPs – a broken gearbox bearing at Assen and crashes at Catalunya and Rio – but if last year’s German GP is anything to go by he is in for a better result next weekend.

“We had a good run there last year, ending up on the podium, so let’s hope we can do that again,” says Bayliss. “It’ll be nice to have both bikes with the same engine, I look forward to that. The tests we did at Rio proved again that the Twin Pulse is the way to go – it’s definitely smoother and easy to ride over race distance. The Sachsenring is quite a strange track, especially the first section. And when you get on the bike and ride around it, it’s even slower than it looks from the TV. But I don’t mind it, it’s a bit unusual, with a few blind turns and some bumps, but I enjoy riding around there. Anyway, it’s no good arriving at a track thinking you don’t like it.”

THE TRACK
The Sachsenring first appeared on the World Championship calendar way back in 1961. The high-speed street circuit quickly became one of racing’s most popular venues, regularly attracting a quarter of a million sports-starved East German fans who flocked there to see Western teams take on the Eastern Bloc factories who were using groundbreaking two-stroke technology. The lethal street circuit hosted its last GP in 1972, an all-new short circuit returning the venue to the calendar in 1998. At that time the new circuit was the slowest in GP racing, with a lap speed of just 143kmh/89mph. Revisions for 2000 upped the pace to 150kmh/93mph and the addition of an extra loop in 2001 (which omitted the only remaining part of the old street circuit) increased lap speeds to 156kmh/97mph.

Initially deemed too slow, the Sachsenring is now a popular venue with most GP riders. Nevertheless the character of the anti-clockwise circuit is still tight and twisty, putting the emphasis on delicate mid-range engine performance rather than brute top-end horsepower. Riders use full throttle for less than 20 per cent of a lap at Sachsenring, as they ease on the power through the twists and turns.

SACHSENRING
3.671km/2.281 miles
Lap record: Max Biaggi (Honda), 1m 24.630s,156.157kmh/97.031mph
Pole position 2003: Max Biaggi (Honda), 1m 23.734s

DUCATI MARLBORO TEAM DATA LOGS
LORIS CAPIROSSI
Age: 31 (April 4, 1973)
Lives: Monaco
Bike: Ducati Marlboro Team Desmosedici GP4
GP victories: 23 (1xMotoGP, 2×500, 12×250, 8×125)
First GP victory: Britain, 1990 (125)
First GP: Japan, 1990 (125)
GP starts: 207 (37xMotoGP, 59×500, 84×250, 27×125)
Pole positions: 36 (3xMotoGP, 5×500, 23×250, 5×125)
First pole: Australia, 1991 (125)
World Championships: 3 (125: 1990, 1991, 250: 1998)
Sachsenring 2003 results. Grid: 3rd. Race: 4th

TROY BAYLISS
Age: 35 (March 30, 1969)
Lives: Monaco
Bike: Ducati Marlboro Team Desmosedici GP4
First GP: Australia, 1997 (250)
GP starts: 24 (23xMotoGP, 1×250)
World Superbike victories: 22
World Championships: 1 (Superbike: 2001)
Sachsenring 2003 results. Grid: 6th. Race: 3rd

Losail International Circuit In Qatar Officially Opened

From a press release issued by Dorna Sports:

Losail International Circuit of Qatar officially opened

The Losail International Circuit of Qatar was official declared open in a special ceremony on Friday. In the presence of dignitaries including the Prime Minister of the State of Qatar H.H. Abdullah Bin Khalifah Al Thani, all the Ministers of the Qatari Government, FIM President Francesco Zerbi and Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta, and watched by over 1,500 public spectators, former Grand Prix rider Randy Mamola completed the historic first laps of the circuit aboard the Ducati Desmosedici MotoGP machine.

After Mamola’s inaugurating laps, a further sixty Qatari riders got the chance to ride around the circuit, followed by two stunt riders in a special end to the ceremony which was signalled by a spectacular firework show. The Losail International Circuit will host the thirteenth round of the 2004 MotoGP World Championship, the Marlboro Grand Prix of Qatar, on Saturday 2nd October.

Updated Post: Zemke, Duhamel, Ben Bostrom, Haskovec Qualify On AMA Formula Xtreme Front Row At Laguna Seca

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Provisional AMA Formula Xtreme Qualifying Results:

1. Jake Zemke, Honda CBR600RR, 1:27.388
2. Miguel Duhamel, Honda CBR600RR, 1:27.795
3. Ben Bostrom, Honda CBR600RR, 1:28.529
4. Vincent Haskovec, Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:29.128
5. Alex Gobert, Honda CBR600RR, 1:29.406
6. Jason Pridmore, Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:29.582
7. Doug Chandler, Ducati 749R, 1:29.671
8. Larry Pegram, Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:30.790
9. Mike Ciccotto, Buell XB9R, 1:30.917
10. Michael Barnes, Buell XB9R, 1:31.317
11. Heath Small, Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:31.732
12. Ty Howard, Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:32.007
13. Marc Palazzo, Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:32.119
14. Tom Montano, Honda CBR600RR, 1:32.735
15. Brien Whitlock, Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:33.083
16. Danny Eslick, Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:33.419
17. Blake Young, Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:33.493
18. Nicky Moore, Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:33.797
19. Perry Melneciuc, Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:33.847
20. Nathan Hester, Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:34.183


More, from a press release issued by Team Valvoline EMGO Suzuki:

HASKOVEC ON FRONT ROW AT LAGUNA SECA

Team Valvoline EMGO Suzuki opened the Laguna Seca AMA/World Superbike race weekend in impressive style on Friday, especially when considering that the team hadn’t tested at the tricky circuit beforehand while many of their rivals had visited twice prior to this race weekend.

Vincent Haskovec piloted his Michelin slick-shod GSX-R600 to the fourth best time in the day’s Formula Xtreme qualifying session earning the final position on the front row. Haskovec posted a fastest lap of 1:29.127 around the 2.2-mile circuit and was outpaced only by a trio of full-works machines.

“I’m very pleased to have qualified on the front row,” said Haskovec. “We had some problems in the morning practice, but we came back almost a second and a half faster in the afternoon even without using a qualifying tire. I just ran a soft tire to set my fast lap, so I’m happy with how today went on the Xtreme bike.”

Haskovec and his teammate Steve Rapp had a considerably less satisfying time in the Superstock qualifying session. The two ended the session with side-by-side third row grid positions; Haskovec in eleventh at 1:29.919 and Rapp in twelfth at 1:30.098.

Both riders lost valuable track time aboard their GSX-R750s during the session with bike problems. Rapp, looking to make up for lost time, ended up crashing while attempting to put in a flyer on a qualifying tire.

Rapp did fare better on his 600 machine, however, posting the eighth best lap of the day’s single Supersport practice. The Californian clocked a 1:31.483 to rank as the second quickest man on a Suzuki on the day.

Rapp commented, “Superstock qualifying was pretty frustrating today, but we’re not doing too badly on the Supersport bike. We’re right there where we’ve been recently — just behind the top factory guys. We just need to keep improving and start getting in front of those guys more often now.”

Youngster Chris Peris was twelfth best in the Supersport session at 1:32.564. The Canadian focused on learning the nuances of the famed Northern Californian circuit in what’s only his second ever visit to the track.

“Laguna Seca isn’t a track you can just go fast at right from the start,” Peris said. “It’s very technical and it takes quite a bit of track and set-up time to get it right. I’m just going to keep my head down and get as competitive as I can before Sunday’s race.

Saturday will be a packed day for Team Valvoline EMGO Suzuki with 17-lap finals in Formula Xtreme and Superstock, along with final qualifying in Supersport.

Duhamel Fastest, Ben Bostrom On Pace In First AMA Formula Xtreme Practice

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Provisional Friday Morning AMA Formula Xtreme Practice Times:

1. Miguel Duhamel, Honda CBR600RR, 1:28.219
2. Jake Zemke, Honda CBR600RR, 1:28.828
3. Ben Bostrom, Honda CBR600RR, 1:28.848
4. Jason Pridmore, Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:29.849
5. Doug Chandler, Ducati 749R, 1:30.300
6. Alex Gobert, Honda CBR600RR, 1:30.331
7. Vincent Haskovec, Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:30.553
8. Larry Pegram, Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:32.282
9. Mike Ciccotto, Buell XB9R, 1:32.496
10. Marc Palazzo, Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:33.026
11. Michael Barnes, Buell XB9R, 1:33.044
12. Ty Howard, Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:33.717
13. Brien Whitlock, Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:34.820
14. Nicky Moore, Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:34.645
15. Thomas Montano, Honda CBR600RR, 1:34.825

Updated Post: Duhamel, Ben Bostrom, Zemke, Mladin Lead First AMA Superbike Practice At Laguna Seca

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Provisional Friday Afternoon AMA Superbike Practice Times:

1. Miguel Duhamel, Honda CBR1000RR, 1:26.325
2. Ben Bostrom, Honda CBR1000RR, 1:26.380
3. Jake Zemke, Honda CBR1000RR, 1:26.424
4. Mat Mladin, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:26.620
5. Josh Hayes, Kawasaki ZX-10R, 1:27.524
6. Eric Bostrom, Ducati 999F04, 1:27.707
7. Aaron Yates, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:28.073
8. Geoff May, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:28.988
9. Jake Holden, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:30.475
10. John Haner, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:30.618
11. Shawn Higbee, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:30.745
12. Larry Pegram, Yamaha YZF-R1, 1:30.908
13. Thomas Montano, Ducati 999R, 1:31.592
14. Lee Acree, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:32.011
15. Ken Hill, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:32.058
16. Marty Craggill, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:32.166
17. Mike Sullivan, Yamaha YZF-R1, 1:32.255
18. Chris “Opie” Caylor, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:32.535
19. Ricky Orlando, Kawasaki ZX-10R, 1:32.724
20. Chris Siglin, Yamaha YZF-R1, 1:32.737


More, from a press release issued by Mat Mladin Motorsports:

MLADIN FOURTH FASTEST AT LAGUNA SECA

Monterey, California, USA (Friday, July 9) – A revised schedule for this weekend’s combined World Superbike Championship and American AMA Superbike Championship rounds at Laguna Seca Raceway, left the AMA competitors with just a single 45-minute practice session for them to acclimatise themselves with the conditions of the Californian circuit.

By the completion of the session, four times and defending American Superbike champion Mat Mladin had posted the fourth fastest time, three tenths of a second off the quickest time of the session. Mladin piloted his Yoshimura Suzuki GSX-R1000 around the undulating 3.610km (2.2miles) Monterey circuit to a best time of 1-min 26.620-secs.

Fastest rider in the opening session was Miguel DuHamel who posted a 1:26.325 late in the session, bumping teammate Ben Bostrom to second (1:26.380), with Jake Zemke (1:26.424), just ahead of Mladin.

The heavy race schedule planned at Laguna Seca this weekend has meant that the AMA Superbike competitors did not get their customary first qualifying session on Friday afternoon. This weekend’s schedule has them slated for two practice sessions and a single qualifying session on Saturday afternoon that will determine grid positions for Sunday’s single 28-lap race.

“There won’t be as much time for us out on the track in practice and qualifying, but it’s the same for everybody,” said Mladin. “For us it was business as usual for the opening practice session of any race meeting. It allowed us a chance to run through a few different tyres and some basic chassis changes, but we’ll sit down tonight and work out some more changes that we’ll use in tomorrow’s sessions. Traffic was also a bit of a problem today. With so many guys out there in the session, it was very hard to get a clear run.”

Mladin arrives at Monterey holding a slender six-point advantage at the top of the championship table, heading DuHamel (358 – 352), with Zemke close on their heels with 348. The trio have dominated this year’s series to date, with Mladin scoring five race wins, closely followed by DuHamel (4) and Zemke who broke through for his debut win at the last round at Brainerd.

After competing in both AMA and the SWC races at Laguna in previous years, this weekend Mladin will be concentrating his efforts solely on the AMA Championship race.

This weekend, Mladin will be aiming to replicate his results of 2003 where he took pole position for the round (with a time of 1:25.549) and then went on to score his maiden Laguna Seca AMA Superbike race win.

DiSalvo Quickest In First AMA Supersport Practice In Monterey, California

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Yamaha’s Jason DiSalvo topped the first AMA Supersport practice, held Friday afternoon at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, but not by much.

DiSalvo’s 1:29.124 put him just in front of Kawasaki’s Tommy Hayden (1:29.137) and Yamaha teammate Aaron Gobert (1:29.184), with Hayden’s teammate Roger Lee Hayden (1:29.499) not far behind.

Fifth-fastest in the session was Damon Buckmaster (1:30.360), who found riding his YZF-R6 easier on his still-healing fractured scaphoid bone than riding his YZF-R1 Superstock bike.

The fourth Yamaha rider, Jamie Hacking, who is nursing a freshly-plated 11-day-old broken collarbone, did not ride in the Supersport practice session. Hacking told Roadracingworld.com earlier in the week that Superstock would be his focus, but Yamaha Team Manager Tom Halverson said Hacking may still ride in Supersport.

“Supersport qualifying isn’t even until Sunday morning, after the Superstock race is over. So there’s no sense in risking it right now,” said Halverson.

Provisional Friday Afternoon AMA Supersport Practice Times:

1. Jason DiSalvo, Yamaha, 1:29.124
2. Tommy Hayden, Kawasaki, 1:29.137
3. Aaron Gobert, Yamaha, 1:29.184
4. Roger Lee Hayden, Kawasaki, 1:29.499
5. Damon Buckmaster, Yamaha, 1:30.360
6. Ben Spies, Suzuki, 1:30.434
7. Michael Barnes, Yamaha, 1:30.727
8. Steve Rapp, Suzuki, 1:31.483
9. Tony Meiring, Kawasaki, 1:31.626
10. Ben Attard, Suzuki, 1:32.112
11. Jeff Tigert, Honda, 1:32.487
12. Chris Peris, Suzuki, 1:32.564
13. Chris Siglin, Yamaha, 1:32.933
14. Chris Ulrich, Suzuki, 1:32.947
15. Jason Perez, Yamaha, 1:32.995
16. Andy Carman, Yamaha, 1:33.061
17. Heath Small, Yamaha, 1:33.427
18. Darren Luck, Suzuki, 1:33.621
19. Alan Schmidt, Yamaha, 1:33.696
20. Nicky Moore, Suzuki, 1:34.471

Mamola Turns First Laps On Qatar’s MotoGP Circuit

From a press release issued by Ducati Corse:

MAMOLA INAUGURATES LOSAIL ABOARD DUCATI MARLBORO TEAM TWO-SEATER

Qatar’s brand-new Losail MotoGP circuit was inaugurated today with a ceremony that included an amazing fireworks display and a riding demo by former GP winner Randy Mamola aboard the Ducati Marlboro Team two-seater.

Later this year Losail, which has been constructed in a record time of just 12 months, will become the first Middle Eastern venue to host a motorcyling Grand Prix in the 55-year history of the sport. The Marlboro Grand Prix of Qatar – to be hosted on Saturday, October 2 – is the 13th round of the 16-race 2004 MotoGP World Championship.

Today’s ceremony at the track situated outside the capital Doha was attended by several members of the Ducati Marlboro Team who were given the warmest of welcomes, an indication of the huge enthusiasm shown for MotoGP by the Middle East.

“I’m astonished by the wonderful welcome the country has given us, it’s great to be here as a representative of our sport,” said Mamola, who became the first rider to try the track on a MotoGP bike. “There’s no doubt in my mind that our sport needs to be racing in the Middle East. To be the first rider to try the circuit on a MotoGP bike is a great honour for me and the rest of the Ducati Marlboro Team. I’m very impressed, the track is really great to ride. There are some interesting corners similar to those at various different European tracks and there are plenty of good overtaking points.”

Amongst the other special guests attending today’s event were the prime minister of Qatar Abdulah Bin Khalifa Al Thini, FIM president Francesco Zerbi and Dorna president Carmelo Ezpeleta.

The Losail circuit is 5.4km long and 14 metres wide. Its main straight is 1.068km, 20m longer than Catalunya’s, making it the second longest in MotoGP after Mugello. The track has been constructed from special asphalt designed to withstand the high temperatures experienced in the region. During the 12 months of its construction the Losail project has employed between 800 and 1000 people. Construction costs have totalled $52m US dollars.

Updated Post: Tommy Hayden Takes Pole Position, Hacking Crashes On Injured Shoulder In AMA Superstock Qualifying At Laguna Seca

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Kawasaki’s Tommy Hayden earned the pole position for the AMA Superstock race during qualifying Friday at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca in Monterey, California. Riding his factory ZX-10R, Hayden used a Dunlop qualifying tire to turn a 1:26.382, which was not only two seconds under Josh Hayes’ lap record (1:28.598), but also a full second faster than the time turned by provisional World Superbike pole-sitter Steve Martin (1:27.396).

Hayden also earned a bonus Championship point for taking pole position. “For sure, every point you can get is really important. So that was good,” said Hayden, who continues to sit third in the AMA Superstock Championship standings behind Jamie Hacking and Aaron Gobert. “Jamie is not 100 percent. We’re trying to take advantage of that.”

Graves Yamaha’s Jason DiSalvo was at the top of the order when he went out on his third qualifier (which went unused by Hacking), but he was unable to improve on his second-fastest 1:26.669.

“If I had 20 qualifiers I don’t know if I could’ve got that time. My time was good, but Tommy must have nailed that lap!” said DiSalvo.

Hayden’s teammate and younger brother Roger Lee Hayden qualified third with a 1:26.685, said he felt he didn’t use his qualifiers well enough but was excited about starting the race from the front row.

Another member of the Graves Yamaha team, Aaron Gobert earned the last spot on the front row with a 1:26.766.

Jamie Hacking (who is riding with a freshly-plated, 11-day-old broken collarbone) was running well up the order during the session when he crashed in turn three. The crash was a simple lowside, according to his crew, but Hacking landed on his injured shoulder. Hacking looked to be in considerable pain after getting back to the pits.

Hacking’s qualifying time to that point (1:27.212) earned him the fifth spot on the grid.

Hooters Suzuki’s John Haner appeared to have blown an engine on the front straightaway during the qualifying session and pulled off the track near turn one.

Team Valvoline EMGO Suzuki’s Steve Rapp crashed his GSX-R750 in turn 10 late in the session. He was uninjured.

With two minutes remaining in the session, all timing and scoring monitors on pit lane and in the media center went blank. Only after the session was over did the times re-appear, with Tommy Hayden overtaking Jason DiSalvo in the qualifying order.

Provisional AMA Superstock Qualifying Results:

1. Tommy Hayden, Kawasaki ZX-10R, 1:26.382
2. Jason DiSalvo, Yamaha YZF-R1, 1:26.669
3. Roger Lee Hayden, Kawasaki ZX-10R, 1:26.685
4. Aaron Gobert, Yamaha YZF-R1, 1:26.766
5. Josh Hayes, Kawasaki ZX-10R, 1:27.212
6. Jamie Hacking, Yamaha YZF-R1, 1:27.288
7. Ben Spies, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:28.337
8. Jake Holden, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:29.298
9. Jason Pridmore, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:29.537
10. Geoff May, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:29.603
11. Vincent Haskovec, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:29.919
12. Steve Rapp, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:30.099
13. John Haner, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:30.954
14. Alex Gobert, Honda CBR1000RR, 1:31.087
15. Eric Wood, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:31.404
16. Scott Greenwood, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:31.599
17. Corey Eaton, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:31.682
18. J.J. Roetlin, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:32.409
19. David White, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:32.629
20. Jesse Janisch, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:32.834

Buckmaster, Craggill Return From Injury To Ride At Laguna Seca



Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Yamaha/Graves Yamaha’s Damon Buckmaster and Corona Extra Suzuki’s Marty Craggill, both out for several weeks due to injury, will return to action this weekend during the AMA/World Superbike event at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca.

Buckmaster, who suffered a broken scaphoid bone in his left wrist/hand in a crash during practice at Barber Motorsports Park in May, will ride even though his fracture isn’t completely healed.

“I just saw (Dr. Arthur) Ting (Thursday morning). He said it hasn’t healed, but it’s healing. So it depends on how you look at it. He said, it’s up to you if you ride or not. I thought I’d give it a go, at least turn a wheel and see how bad it is, especially for Yamaha and Graves. (Ting) is going to bring a brace out, strap it on and see how we go,” said Buckmaster, adding that he will try to ride both his Supersport and Superstock Yamahas.

Out since the California Speedway round of the series in early-April, when he crashed and fractured a vertebra in his neck, Craggill is hoping for a top-10 finish in his return to the Superbike class in spite of being less than 100 percent.

“I have the flu,” said Craggill. “And from the flight, I’m jet lagged, because it was a last-minute thing. I thought I would come back at Mid-Ohio, then the doctor said it was OK to come here. I would’ve liked to have been better prepared physically. There’s nothing like riding the bike anyway.”

Craggill said his long recovery period (three months) was full of delays but was mostly because he wanted to make sure he was completely healed before coming back.

Updated Post: DiSalvo Tops AMA Superstock Practice With New Lap Record At Laguna Seca

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Graves Yamaha’s Jason DiSalvo led the first AMA Superstock practice of the weekend Friday morning at Laguna Seca. Not only was DiSalvo’s 1:27.288 the fastest time, it was well under Josh Hayes’ Superstock lap record of 1:28.598.

“The bike felt really comfortable,” DiSalvo told Roadracingworld.com. “It was one of the first times all year I just hopped on and everything felt good. The R1 felt like my 600 today.”

DiSalvo credited some of his success to the confidence he carried out of Brainerd, where he finished on the Superstock podium for the first time, and “breakthroughs” he and his team found while testing at Mid-Ohio last week.

The surprise of the session was Jamie Hacking, who rode with a freshly-plated, 11-day-old broken collarbone and recorded the fourth-fastest time (1:28.799).

“I’m pretty sore,” said Hacking. “It just totally screws up my riding style. In the right handers, I can’t do shit. I’m sitting up on the bike and everything, and pain shoots up my neck. I’m just trying to be careful on the exits of the corners. I can’t be losing the rear and have it all moving around on me. I’m just taking it easy.”

Another member of the Graves Yamaha team and the walking wounded at Laguna Seca is Damon Buckmaster, who turned the seventh-fastest lap time in the Superstock session but did so in considerable pain.

“I’m hurting pretty good,” said Buckmaster. Asked if he would continue riding, he added, “I’m gonna try to ride the 600 now.”

Team Valvoline EMGO Suzuki’s Steve Rapp was 19th-fastest after suffering mechanical problems early in the 40-minute practice.

Six riders were under Hayes’ Superstock lap record in the first Superstock practice session, including Hayes himself at 1:28.235.


Provisional Friday Morning AMA Superstock Practice Times:

1. Jason DiSalvo, Yamaha YZF-R1, 1:27.288
2. Aaron Gobert, Yamaha YZF-R1, 1:27.499
3. Roger Lee Hayden, Kawasaki ZX-10R, 1:27.607
4. Jamie Hacking, Yamaha YZF-R1, 1:27.799
5. Tommy Hayden, Kawasaki ZX-10R, 1:28.094
6. Josh Hayes, Kawasaki ZX-10R, 1:28.235
7. Damon Buckmaster, Yamaha YZF-R1, 1:28.706
8. Ben Spies, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:28.972
9. Jason Pridmore, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:29.316
10. Vincent Haskovec, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:29.935
11. Jake Holden, Suzuki, 1:31.221
12. John Haner, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:31.350
13. Geoff May, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:31.455
14. Alex Gobert, Honda CBR1000RR, 1:32.064
15. David White, 1:32.482
16. Scott Greenwood, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:33.167
17. Jason Curtis, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:33.642
18. Corey Eaton, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:34.147
19. Steve Rapp, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:34.220
20. Garry Combs, 1:34.477

Ducati Previews Sachsenring MotoGP

From a press release issued by Ducati Corse:

GERMAN GRAND PRIX – Ducati Marlboro Team preview
Sachsenring, July 16/17/18 2004

DUCATI MARLBORO MEN BRING MOMENTUM TO MIDWAY GP

The 2004 MotoGP World Championship reaches half-distance in Germany next weekend with the Ducati Marlboro Team gathering momentum after strong races in the Netherlands and Brazil. Riders Loris Capirossi and Troy Bayliss are therefore confident of good performances at the Sachsenring, where they ran well this time last year. The team has been rejuvenated by the arrival of Ducati’s new Twin Pulse engine, which offers riders more user-friendly horsepower to help them cut faster lap and race times. For the first time both riders will have two bikes each equipped with the new engine.

While the Rio GP winner’s race time was 14 seconds faster than last year’s, Capirossi’s was 18 seconds quicker.

“We plan to equip both riders with two Twin Pulse bikes from the Sachsenring onwards,” says Ducati Marlboro Team director Livio Suppo. “The last two races really proved the potential of the new ‘package’. If Loris hadn’t had bad starts at Assen and Rio I believe he could have fought for podium finishes, because in both races his pace was very similar to guys who finished on the rostrum. Anyway, his results at those races prove beyond doubt that we have made a major step forward with the Twin Pulse, especially considering how much the MotoGP pace has increased this season. Finally, we are definitely heading in the right direction, and the bike is still growing with this engine which makes us feel very confident for the next few races. Loris has got his confidence back and I am sure Troy will do the same in Sachsenring”.

Ducati Marlboro Team technical director Corrado Cecchinelli also feels his crew’s fortunes are improving after a difficult few races at the start of 2004. “Last year the Sachsenring was good for us and this year we hope it will be even better,” he says. “The Twin Pulse engine should improve drive out of the slow corners; it’s not a track where straight-line speed is that important. What matters at this circuit is nimble handling and easy turning, but we won’t make any big changes to our chassis set-up because both Loris and Troy feel very confident on the bike at the moment, so we don’t want to jeopardise that. Like all tracks, you need a compromise between manoeuvrability and stability, but for the Sachsenring I’d say you err on the side of manoeuvrability.”

CAPIROSSI READY TO BUILD ON TWIN PULSE RESULTS
Loris Capirossi comes to Germany fresh from strong result in Brasil, where he finished close to the podium. Assen and Rio races proved beyond doubt that the Twin Pulse engine is the way to go, so the hard-riding Ducati Marlboro Team rider can’t wait to get back on board at the Sachsenring where he finished fourth last year despite a painful crash during the warm up.

“Assen and Rio showed the potential of the Twin Pulse, it’s a much nicer engine to use, especially over race distance,” says Capirossi, currently eighth in the World Championship points standings after scoring points at all seven races, being now only 9 point to 4th position. “The Sachsenring isn’t a bad track, and yet it’s tricky because it’s easy to go backwards if you make one small mistake. Also, it’s very tight and mostly slow, so overtake isn’t at ball easy, which means doing well in very important. You don’t use full throttle a lot around the Sachsenring, maybe a bit in the second part of the lap but the first section is all half throttle. For sure it’s a good track for the people who are watching, and the Germans fans are incredibly enthusiastic.”

BAYLISS ALL SET TO GET BACK ON TRACK
Troy Bayliss may not have enjoyed the best of results recently but he is nonetheless confident that the German GP may turn the tide for him. The Ducati Marlboro Team man has suffered DNFs at the past three GPs – a broken gearbox bearing at Assen and crashes at Catalunya and Rio – but if last year’s German GP is anything to go by he is in for a better result next weekend.

“We had a good run there last year, ending up on the podium, so let’s hope we can do that again,” says Bayliss. “It’ll be nice to have both bikes with the same engine, I look forward to that. The tests we did at Rio proved again that the Twin Pulse is the way to go – it’s definitely smoother and easy to ride over race distance. The Sachsenring is quite a strange track, especially the first section. And when you get on the bike and ride around it, it’s even slower than it looks from the TV. But I don’t mind it, it’s a bit unusual, with a few blind turns and some bumps, but I enjoy riding around there. Anyway, it’s no good arriving at a track thinking you don’t like it.”

THE TRACK
The Sachsenring first appeared on the World Championship calendar way back in 1961. The high-speed street circuit quickly became one of racing’s most popular venues, regularly attracting a quarter of a million sports-starved East German fans who flocked there to see Western teams take on the Eastern Bloc factories who were using groundbreaking two-stroke technology. The lethal street circuit hosted its last GP in 1972, an all-new short circuit returning the venue to the calendar in 1998. At that time the new circuit was the slowest in GP racing, with a lap speed of just 143kmh/89mph. Revisions for 2000 upped the pace to 150kmh/93mph and the addition of an extra loop in 2001 (which omitted the only remaining part of the old street circuit) increased lap speeds to 156kmh/97mph.

Initially deemed too slow, the Sachsenring is now a popular venue with most GP riders. Nevertheless the character of the anti-clockwise circuit is still tight and twisty, putting the emphasis on delicate mid-range engine performance rather than brute top-end horsepower. Riders use full throttle for less than 20 per cent of a lap at Sachsenring, as they ease on the power through the twists and turns.

SACHSENRING
3.671km/2.281 miles
Lap record: Max Biaggi (Honda), 1m 24.630s,156.157kmh/97.031mph
Pole position 2003: Max Biaggi (Honda), 1m 23.734s

DUCATI MARLBORO TEAM DATA LOGS
LORIS CAPIROSSI
Age: 31 (April 4, 1973)
Lives: Monaco
Bike: Ducati Marlboro Team Desmosedici GP4
GP victories: 23 (1xMotoGP, 2×500, 12×250, 8×125)
First GP victory: Britain, 1990 (125)
First GP: Japan, 1990 (125)
GP starts: 207 (37xMotoGP, 59×500, 84×250, 27×125)
Pole positions: 36 (3xMotoGP, 5×500, 23×250, 5×125)
First pole: Australia, 1991 (125)
World Championships: 3 (125: 1990, 1991, 250: 1998)
Sachsenring 2003 results. Grid: 3rd. Race: 4th

TROY BAYLISS
Age: 35 (March 30, 1969)
Lives: Monaco
Bike: Ducati Marlboro Team Desmosedici GP4
First GP: Australia, 1997 (250)
GP starts: 24 (23xMotoGP, 1×250)
World Superbike victories: 22
World Championships: 1 (Superbike: 2001)
Sachsenring 2003 results. Grid: 6th. Race: 3rd

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