From a press release issued by series organizers:

WEBSTER HEADS BRANDS PRACTICE SESSIONS

Steve Webster will start this weekend’s two Eastern Airways Sidecar Championship races from pole position after setting the fastest time in this afternoon’s two timed qualifying sessions at Brands Hatch, Kent.

The nine-time world champion lapped his Castrol Suzuki-powered outfit around the sun-drenched 4km Brands Hatch Grand Prix circuit in 1:29.719, a time set in the first of the two 30-minute sessions.

“We’re running a new engine this weekend,” said Webster, “and it was getting freed off nicely. We’re constantly looking at ways to improve the bike because it’s important to keep moving forward the whole time.”

Second fastest this afternoon was the M&M Suzuki pairing of Tim and Tristan Reeves, a little over a second off Webster’s time, with German ace, Jorg Steinhausen, third fastest, less than a tenth of a second behind the Reeves brothers.

Derek Brindley, winner of the last Eastern Airways sidecar race at Knockhill, was fourth quickest, with Greg Lambert fifth and Bryan Peddar sixth.

Friday practice times:
1 Steve Webster Suzuki 1:29.719
2 Tim Reeves Suzuki 1:30.845
3 Jorg Steinhausen Steinhausen 1:30.915
4 Derek Brindley Suzuki 1:31.679
5 Greg Lambert Suzuki 1:33.273
6 Bryan Peddar Suzuki 1:33.550
7 Bill Philp Yamaha 1:34.107
8 Andy Peach Suzuki 1:34.172
9 Steve Norbury Yamaha 1:34.956
10 Stuart Woodard Suzuki 1:35.194

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Friday’s World Supersport Qualifying Results:

1. Karl Muggeridge, Honda CBR600RR, 1:29.200
2. Fabien Foret, Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:29.554
3. Kevin Curtain, Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:29.625
4. Sebastien Charpentier, Honda CBR600RR, 1:29.654
5. Broc Parkes, Honda CBR600RR, 1:29.811
6. Katsuaki Fujiwara, Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:30.281
7. Christian Kellner, Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:30.450
8. Stephane Chambon, Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:30.454
9. Alessio Corradi, Honda CBR600RR, 1:30.627
10. Jurgen Vd Goorbergh, Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:30.810
11. Matthieu Lagrive, Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:30.814
12. Max Neukirchner, Honda CBR600RR, 1:31.122
13. Yoann Tiberio, Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:31.262
14. Luke Quigley, Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:31.488
15. Stefano Cruciani, Kawasaki ZX-6RR, 1:31.580
16. Anthony West, Honda CBR600RR, 1:31.635
17. Vittorio Iannuzzo, Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:31.675
18. Denis Sacchetti, Honda CBR600RR, 1:31.780
19. Lorenzo Lanzi, Ducati 749R, 1:31.990
20. Tom Tunstall, Honda CBR600RR, 1:31.995


More, from a press release issued by Yamaha Racing:

Yamaha Italia World Supersport Team Newsletter
Date: Friday, 30th July 2004
Circuit: Brands Hatch, m. 4.197
Friday Qualifying
Weather: dry, cloudy/sunny Temperature: air 23° track 38°
Crowd: 15.000

FABIEN ON THE PROVISIONAL FRONT ROW!
Yamaha Racing Italia rider Fabien Foret posted the second fastest lap of the day in this afternoon’s qualifying session at Brands Hatch. In perfect conditions, Fabien finished just three tenths of a second down on championship leader Karl Muggeridge (Honda) despite not being entirely happy with the set-up of his R6 Yamaha. Joining Muggeridge and Fabien on the provisional front row of the grid is Aussie Kevin Curtain (Yamaha) and frenchman Sebastien Charpentier (Honda). Fabien’s team mate Jurgen van den Goorbergh struggled a little with set-up problems today and finished tenth quickest, but he is optimistic that tomorrow will see a marked improvement.

FABIEN FORET – 2nd, 1:29.554
I’m happy enough about my lap time today, but I know that I could’ve been faster on some parts of the track if I had found a good set-up. We spent most of the time today working towards finding a good set-up, but I think part of the problem is the track itself. Many riders complained a little about the grip, so tomorrow is probably going to be better for us all. At the moment I am not so confident about the front, but I am optimistic that we can make a substantial improvement tomorrow.

JURGEN VD GOORBERGH – 10th, 1:30.810
Today my goal was to find a good set-up, but I am not yet satisfied that we found exactly what we were looking for. Tomorrow we have to make a big improvement, but I am confident that we can do it.

MAIO MEREGALLI (Team co-ordinator)
Recently we tested in Oschersleben, but that was mainly about tyres – not about preparing for Brands Hatch – and we got some good information. Today, I am happy about Fabien’s performance and am also confident that Jurgen will improve a lot tomorrow and we will end the day with both our riders on the front row.

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Kawasaki Motors Corp. U.S.A., is recalling 2004 ZX-10R models due to possible casting flaws in the front wheel.

According to Russ Brenan, Trade/Enthusiast Media Supervisor for Kawasaki, the company is “notifying dealers today and a letter will be sent out to customers on August 2nd.”

Asked what is wrong with the front wheel, Brenan told Roadracingworld.com that “Some of them may have some casting flaws that are undetectable visually so we’re being proactive and replacing the front wheels on all the units that have been retailed thus far.”

Asked if the company knows of any crashes in the U.S. caused by the problem, Brenan said, “We have not been made aware of any at this point, no.”

Brenan said that replacement wheels will be allocated to dealers starting the week of August 2nd. “Customers should contact their dealer upon receipt of their letter,” Brenan said.

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Friday Morning World Supersport Practice Times:

1. Fabien Foret, Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:30.227
2. Broc Parkes, Honda CBR600RR, 1:30.429
3. Sebastien Charpentier, Honda CBR600RR, 1:30.460
4. Karl Muggeridge, Honda CBR600RR, 1:30.551
5. Kevin Curtain, Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:30.685
6. Stephane Chambon, Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:30.959
7. Jurgen Vd Goorbergh, Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:31.049
8. Katsuaki Fujiwara, Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:31.068
9. Christian Kellner, Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:31.510
10. Yoann Tiberio, Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:31.764
11. Matthieu Lagrive, Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:31.791
12. Luke Quigley, Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:31.923
13. Stefano Cruciani, Kawasaki ZX-6RR, 1:31.930
14. Tom Tunstall, Honda CBR600RR, 1:32.226
15. Alessio Corradi, Honda CBR600RR, 1:32.273
16. Lorenzo Lanzi, Ducati 749R, 1:32.608
17. Vittorio Iannuzzo, Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:32.616
18. Walter Tortoroglio, Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:32.915
19. Denis Sacchetti, Honda CBR600RR, 1:33.233
20. Anthony West, Honda CBR600RR, 1:33.376

From a press release issued by Ducati Motor Holding:

DUCATI MOTOR HOLDING HAS PRESENTED A MASTER AGREEMENT FOR THE ACQUISITION OF THE MAJORITY STAKE OF THE APRILIA GROUP AND A PROPOSAL FOR THE CONTINUED OPERATIONS OF THE GROUP.

Bologna, July 30 2004 – Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A. (NYSE: DMH, Borsa Italiana S.p.A.: DMH), in accordance with the terms of the sale process initiated by the advisors of the Aprilia Group (Caretti & Associati and Interbanca), presented today the master agreement for the acquisition of the majority stake of the Aprilia Group and a proposal for the continued operations of the company, with a financial and management contribution for the period necessary to complete the transaction, in the interest of Aprilia and the future combined motorcycle company.

“We were able, notwithstanding the very tight time-frame established by the sale process, to complete the initial due diligence phase and to prepare a master agreement and a proposal for the continued operations of the company of which were are very satisfied,” commented Federico Minoli, President and CEO of Ducati Motor Holding. “Within the complicated and delicate negotiations, we rigorously respected the timing and confidentiality obligations necessary for a transaction of this nature, which we were able to do because of the solidity and concreteness of our business plan and the merits and value of our proposal for all stakeholders.

“Our master agreement for the restructuring and continued operations of the Aprilia Group is based on a solid business plan shared with the company and its stakeholders that contemplates a restructuring of the debt and a recapitalization of the group.

“In light of incorrect reports that appeared in some national media which created some commotion in the negotiations and put in jeopardy the reaching of an agreement, we report below the principal elements of the agreement with the specific purpose of providing correct information and reassurance regarding the transaction to all involved stakeholders:

– an agreement will be entered into to support the continued operations of Aprilia Group, with a financial and management contribution by Ducati, until the execution of the definitive agreement, expected to occur in the fall;

– Ducati contemplates a capital increase of at least euro 40 million, to be used for the recapitalization of the Aprilia Group;

– the Aprilia Group’s creditor banks will be provided with a guarantee in respect of a new finance loan extended to the Aprilia Group in May 2004, and such banks will receive some participation in the upside through the conversion of part of the debt into Ducati shares, which are listed on the NYSE and on the Italian Stock Exchange;

– the debt of the bondholders will be protected in a manner to be determined pursuant to negotiations with the bondholders’ meeting;

– the continuing operations of the Aprilia Group will be guaranteed to suppliers, thereby guaranteeing their present and future revenues;

– and current shareholders will be given a non-operative role consistent with their competencies and professional prestige in the market and representative of the history and tradition of the Aprilia Group.

“Lastly, we emphasize our intention to maintain the identity of each of the trademarks of the Aprilia Group, which are tied to their own history and geographic area, and the respect of each of the current production sites.”

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

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

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Former Bimota distributor Moto Point plans to distribute Benelli motorcycles in the U.S. beginning later this year.

More information is available from:

Bob Smith, Moto Point
www.motocorse.net
www.motopoint.com
[email protected]
724.593.6208

From a press release issued by SPEED Channel:

2 wheel tuesday host experiences “ride of his life”

Speed channel’s greg white takes flight in f-16 fighter jet

Greg White, host of SPEED Channel’s 2 Wheel Tuesday, experienced the ride of his life last week as he took flight with the 178th Fighter Wing at the Air National Guard Base in Springfield, Ohio. White was in the air for nearly two hours, taking part in six air-to-air combat training simulations.

“The coolest thing about going up in the F-16 was the fact that it was not your typical civilian ride,” White said. “We actually went up and got to dog fight with two other F-16s. We flew to the 178th Fighter Wing practice area and got to experience a total of six head-on engagements — and we were the target! The only problem was, when we started a 6-G turn, there was no warning!”

White’s experience will be shown in a multi-part feature beginning Aug. 3 at 8 pm ET on SPEED Channel’s 2 Wheel Tuesday.

“…there is a certain thrill when you go out and carve things,” said Maj. Zane Brown, an instructor pilot who goes by the call sign ‘Insane.’ “So, when you’re not doing 500 knots at 100 feet, it’s nice to do 100 knots at five feet — that way, it is some of the same thrill.”

First deployed in 1979, the F-16 reaches a speed of Mach 2, equivalent to twice the speed of sound. With a flight range of more than 2,000 nautical miles, the jet costs more than $26 million.

“The ride was one of the coolest things I have ever done in my life,” White said. “Maj. Bernie Willis, an F-16 Flight Instructor for the Ohio Air National Guard, contacted me about a year ago. When we got close to Mid-Ohio for the AMA Superbike Series we started to talk about doing this ride. It was great to see how things panned out and the fact that we (2 Wheel Tuesday) got to experience what it’s like to take a ride in one of the fastest and most agile aircraft in the world — it was unforgettable. The fact that it is all on tape and will air this week is even better.

“Since the ride, I’ve found out just how many people want to go up in a fighter jet,” White added. “I have had a ton of people tell me how jealous they are. I graduated college from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and I can tell you, the jealously stretches from the motorcycle racing world to all my college buddies who went on to become commercial pilots.”

The experience also gave White a new appreciation for the Air National Guard and a connection between the world of motorcycle racing and the world of the fighter pilot.

“In addition to the actual flight in the F-16, we got to sit down with one student pilot, three flight instructors and one ex-fighter pilot to discuss the mentality of a fighter pilot vs. a motorcycle enthusiast,” White said. “It is truly amazing how similar a fighter pilot and a professional motorcycle racer think. That is one feature on 2 Wheel Tuesday that will be both entertaining and open up some eyes into the psyche of fighter pilots. This week we are going to have a great show!”

In 2004, SPEED Channel is the exclusive U.S. cable home for many of the top motor sports series in the world. In addition, SPEED’s weekly programming schedule brings car enthusiast television to Prime Time Monday through Thursday. Now available in more than 67 million homes in North America, SPEED Channel is among the fastest growing sports cable networks in the country and the home to NASCAR TV.

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail:

WOW! What a great idea! A one bike Pro National Cup series that produces close racing and anyone has a chance of winning. Do the Italians know something that we don’t?

I have stated in the past that the AMA needs an entry level class that can allow youngsters to hone their skills, learn national tracks, and race against veterans as well as introduce them to the American racing fan. It would have been better as a 125cc Grand Prix class, but that is a moot point and sore subject with this author.

I propose that the AMA eliminate one of the four classes that currently exist and replace with a single brand style cup race with a spec tire. The three other classes should be tiered so times reflect a stepping stone up to the premier class. It still amazes that Supersport bikes go as fast as the modified bikes.

Each motorcycle and tire manufacturer would have the opportunity to bid on a three-year contract to run their cup race with the AMA Chevy Superbike Series. The winning bidder is chosen obviously by which one offers the best deal for the RIDERS!

The market value of a televised race series is worth millions to a manufacturer. So much so that a manufacturer could provide all the race bikes. This would be much like Yamaha did in England with the RZ cup where all the bikes were identically prepared. The riders each pulled a key out a hat to determine which bike they raced. The action was intense and anyone could win.

Let the bidding begin and the best manufacturer win.

The question is, which class to get rid of?

Marcello del Giudice
Las Vegas, Nevada


See related post:

7/29/2004 California Superbike School Instructor To Race In Italian CBR Cup

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Friday’s World Superbike Qualifying Results From Brands Hatch:

1. Pierfrancesco Chili, Ducati 998RS, 1:27.990
2. Gianluca Nannelli, Ducati 998RS, 1:28.246
3. Noriyuki Haga, Ducati 999RS, 1:28.425
4. Marco Borciani, Ducati 999RS, 1:28.518
5. Lucio Pedercini, Ducati 998RS, 1:28.525
6. Regis Laconi, Ducati 999F04, 1:28.726
7. Leon Haslam, Ducati 999RS, 1:28.734
8. Troy Corser, Foggy Petronas FP1, 1:28.795
9. Chris Vermeulen, Honda CBR1000RR, 1:28.869
10. Giovanni Bussei, Ducati 998RS, 1:28.978
11. Sebastien Gimbert, Yamaha YZF-R1, 1:29.132
12. Steve Martin, Ducati 999RS, 1:29.175
13. Mauro Sanchini, Kawasaki ZX-10R, 1:29.228
14. Chris Walker, Foggy Petronas FP1, 1:29.301
15. James Toseland, Ducati 999F04, 1:29.430
16. James Ellison, Yamaha YZF-R1, 1:29.704
17. Piergiorgio Bontempi, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:29.795
18. Garry McCoy, Ducati 999RS, 1:29.849
19. Ivan Clementi, Kawasaki ZX-10R, 1:29.880
20. Craig Coxhell, Honda CBR1000RR, 1:30.087


More, from a press release issued by Foggy Petronas Racing:

Satisfactory start for FPR at Brands

Foggy PETRONAS Racing riders Troy Corser and Chris Walker both expressed satisfaction with their initial progress on the opening day of the eighth round of the Superbike World Championship at Brands Hatch today.

Troy finished the day eighth fastest with a time of 1:28.795 while local hero Chris was 14th with a time of 1:29.301. While golden oldie Frankie Chili set a blistering pace of 1:27.990 under the hot Kent sunshine, both FPR men were pleased with the performance of the FP1 on Pirelli race rubber.

Troy said: “I am reasonably happy to be that close on the first day – only a few tenths off third. I feel good on the bike, which is handling well and the mapping has improved the roll-on and roll-off connection of the throttle. We are just losing little bits of time on the straights. But I still think we can pick up a tenth here and there and I am pretty confident I can get into the low 28s tomorrow. We are going in the right direction with race tyres even though it was probably the hottest track temperature we’ve had at 47 degrees. I tried a qualifier but only went a tenth quicker. The grip was better and, now that I have got the feel for it, I know I can go quicker on it tomorrow. I have also been going from one bike to the other, testing out the new clutch. But I have got used to the old clutch so, while the new one feels different, I’m not yet sure if it is better yet.”

Chris said: “All in all it was a good day. I’m `smashed’ to be down in 14th but I have been running seventh or eighth all day on race tyres and that is good news. The settings were good straight out of the box and the bike was running well and working well. There are a couple of places on the track where the bike is a little down on power so I just need to let the brakes off a bit more in a couple of the faster corners! I didn’t get a good time on my first lap on the qualifier so went for it on the second. When I went through the dip at Dingle Dell the hugger hit the exhaust, broke off and sliced the tyre, so I wasn’t able to go any quicker on that lap. We changed the fork settings in the morning and the improvement was like night and day. Apart from that we have just been working through rear tyres and tweaking the suspension here and there.”


More, from a press release issued by FGSport Group:

FRIDAY QUALIFYING

CHILI THE EARLY CONQUEROR AT BRANDS HATCH

FRANKIE GOES TO PADDOCK WOOD: Pierfrancesco Chili (PSG-1 Ducati 998) slotted his 998RS/999 hybrid machine into the provisional pole position spot with a best first day lap of the 4.197km Brands Hatch circuit. The 40-year-old Italian’s prowess was closely contested by a whole field full of competitive runners, but his experience as a former Brands Hatch winner proved to be the difference on day one as he set a best of 1:27.990.

PRIVATE PACE: Gianluca Nannelli (Pedercini Ducati) was a surprise second fastest on day one, his performance particularly impressive as he is running a 998RS Ducati, not one of the more powerful big bore Ducati machines which now pack the SBK grid. The 30-year-old Italian has had some impressive rides in his rookie season in SBK, after and up and down career in Supersport. A good day for the Pedercini team saw team principle Lucio Pedercini qualify fifth, ahead of both factory Ducati machines.

BORCIANI BOOST: With only ten minutes of qualifying left the name of Marco Borciani stood proudly at the top of the time sheets, the DFX Ducati 999RS rider proving to be a potent threat once more after only one day of track time. His fourth overall is still a more than creditable position, with his double Superpole winning team-mate Steve Martin down in 12th.

NORIYUKI NOW: Noriyuki Haga (Renegade Ducati 999RS) slipped himself into the top three places after a late charge through the order on his locally entered Ducati. His team, sporting a new pit backdrop from sponsors Koji, also had Leon Haslam in the upper echelons, seventh overall with a time of 1:18.734, 0.744 seconds from provisional pole.

DUCATIS DUKE IT OUT: Regis Laconi (Ducati Fila 999F04) was the best of the works Ducati riders, but he struggled to cope with the privateer onslaught on day one, riding his fast but fickle Ducati Fila machine into sixth place on the time sheets. James Toseland (Ducati Fila 999F04) his team-mate, suffered more set-up woes as he qualified only 15th, 1.440 seconds from Chili and in 15th place.

THREE OVER FOUR: Troy Corser (Petronas FP-1) used a revamped engine and mapping specification to take the last spot on the overnight second row, his eighth place fully six places ahead of his team-mate Chris Walker. Brands was always going to be a challenge for the riders of the 900cc Petronas triple, but Corser at least was in less trouble than double SBK race winner from the previous round, Chris Vermeulen, who spend most of his two hours of practice trying to find a workable set-up for his Ten Kate Honda CBR1000RR. Nonetheless, Vermeulen was the fastest of the four-cylinder riders, on a track that clearly favoured the booming twins in the early stages. Top Yamaha R1 rider proved to be wild card entrant Sebastien Gimbert (Yamaha France), in 11th place.

TIME WARP: Garry McCoy (Xerox Ducati 999RS) had a tough introduction to Brands Hatch, completing day one in 18th place on his Ducati 999RS, with a total of 25 riders taking part in the first day of action.

SUPERSPORT: An exciting first qualifying session, held on idyllic conditions, delivered Ten Kate Honda rider and championship leader Karl Muggeridge to the top of the provisional qualifying order. His best time of 1:29.200 was 0.354 seconds ahead of second quickest rider Fabien Foret (Yamaha Belgarda, and 0.425 better than third place man Kevin Curtain (Yamaha Motor Deutschland). The Yamaha/Honda wars in the early stages were added to by fourth and fifth place men Sebastien Charpentier (Klaffi Honda) and Muggeridge’s team-mate Broc Parkes.

Final qualifying for each class takes place on Saturday 31 July.


More, from a press release issued by Troy Corser’s publicist:

SECOND ROW FOR TROY ON OPENING DAY

Troy finished the first day of qualifying at Brands Hatch, with the eighth fastest time and a place on the second row of the provisional grid. Troy was happy enough with the work done today and is optimistic of further improvements in tomorrow’s two sessions and Superpole.

Provisional pole was set today by veteran Frankie Chili (Ducati) who posted a lap of 1:27.990, two tenths quicker then his nearest rival Gianluca Nannelli (Ducati). Third fastest today is Noriyuki Haga (Ducati), with Marco Borciani (Ducati) completing an unfamiliar-looking front row of the grid.

TROY – 8th, 1:28.795
I’m reasonably happy with today and second row is fine at this stage. Also, I’m only a few tenths off third place, so I know there’s more to come from me and the bike. The bike feels good and the engine feels nice and clean and the throttle response feels better. The mapping has been improved and really the only thing we are missing out on is that acceleration and quickness getting to top speed. Today I spent quite a bit of time trying out the new clutch. I think it is better, but I’m not sure yet. It’s probably because I’m so used to the feel of the old clutch, and this feels quite a bit different. The ‘slipper’ part feels different to what I have been used to. Really, I’m not sure yet, which I will use. The track felt a bit greasy today, but now that one day has gone, quite a bit of rubber has been put down and tomorrow should be better. I am confident that I can pick up a few tenths here and there and get into the low 1:28s tomorrow.


More, from a press release issued by Ducati Corse:

STEADY START FOR DUCATI FILA DUO IN BRANDS OPENING SESSION

Brands Hatch (UK), 30 July 2004: The Ducati Fila pairing of Regis Laconi and James Toseland got off to a steady start in the first qualifying session for round 8 of the World Superbike championship with sixth and fifteenth quickest times around the 4.197 km Brands Hatch circuit.

Despite setting only sixth quickest time, Laconi used the one-hour session to good effect and was confident with both the set-up of his 999 F04 and his choice of tyre for the race.

“I’m feeling quite confident, we were working well in qualifying and I was only using one tyre, because I was happy with that one. I did 23 laps with it and it performed well” declared Regis. “We also tried something on the rear shock and it was a bit better and I think we can improve tomorrow. The bike is handling well all the way round the circuit, but in the second split I’m losing a bit of time. I know why and I know where because I need more traction when opening the gas but I am feel sure we can find something extra for tomorrow.”

Championship leader Toseland was disappointed with his Friday qualifying performance, but is confident he and his Ducati Fila team will sort things out for tomorrow.

“Today was a bit frustrating really, we’ve just got to get the bike handling better, that’s all” commented James. “The bike doesn’t really feel comfortable, the rear is skating going in and coming into the faster corners the front is diving. We just need to find a better set-up. I don’t even feel fast, I felt like I was four seconds off the pace, instead it was just one-and-a-half!. We’ve tried some things that have given no improvement so we need to find a better solution for tomorrow.”


More, from a press release issued by Xerox Ducati Nortel Networks – Scuderia Caracchi:

Unsatisfactory the debut day for the team at Brands Hatch

Black debut day today for the team Xerox Ducati Nortel Networks in the eight round of the World Superbike championship around the 4197 meter Brands Hatch circuit, in the East surrounds of London. Garry McCoy, at his absolute debut on this track, set only 18th quickest time in the first qualifying session in the afternoon, after a day full spent to learn a totally unknown and very difficult track and used to find the best setting for his 999RS Xerox Ducati Nortel Networks.

“I didn’t know Brands Hatch at all.” – commented Garry McCoy at the end of the day. “It’s actually a very difficult and demanding track and I’m spending more as my used time to understand it. I’m not happy at all for my result today. There are several blind corner and, while in some part of the circuit I’m fast like the top, as in the second split time for example, some other part, as in the final and the first one, just behind the finish line, I’m not able to manage at the best. We’ve got a few things to try out tomorrow with the suspensions setting, so I’m sure we’ll be much further up the timesheets at the end of the qualifying, I know that this isn’t our true position se tomorrow I’ll make a big effort to improve, it has to be better.”

Worst situation for Miguel Praia, with a couple of broken engines, just returning from the technical revision, in the day and with any qualifying time from the timekeepers.

“A terrible day.” – spoke frankly Miguel at the end of the practice. “Just on this track totally unknown for me and where I have to practice for long time I broke an engine after four laps in the morning session, and during the qualifying session I broke the engine just during the first lap, so the timekeeping service didn’t record any qualifying lap time. And you have to know that they were two engines just returned from the technical revision, just the same that happened in America.”