Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Friday’s World Superbike Qualifying Results From Misano:

1. Regis Laconi, Ducati 999F04, 1:51.160
2. Chris Walker, Foggy Petronas FP1, 1:51.509
3. Troy Corser, Foggy Petronas FP1, 1:51.965
4. Chris Vermeulen, Honda CBR1000RR, 1:52.010
5. Pierfrancesco Chili, Ducati 998RS, 1:52.820
6. Steve Martin, Ducati 999RS, 1:52.981
7. Leon Haslam, Ducati 999RS, 1:53.076
8. Piergiorgio Bontempi, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:53.716
9. Marco Borciani, Ducati 999RS, 1:53.740
10. Gianluca Nannelli, Ducati 998RS, 1:54.066
11. Mauro Sanchini, Kawasaki ZX-10R, 1:54.148
12. Lucio Pedercini, Ducati 998RS, 1:54.248
13. James Toseland, Ducati 999F04, 1:54.443
14. Garry McCoy, Ducati 999RS, 1:54.532
15. Jiri Mrkyvka, Ducati 998RS, 1:54.901
16. Luca Pini, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:55.463
17. Gianmaria Liverani, Ducati 998RS, 1:55.763
18. Noriyuki Haga, Ducati 999RS, 1:56.131
19. Ivan Clementi, Kawasaki ZX-10R, 1:56.206
20. Doriano Romboni, Yamaha YZF-R1, 1:57.402

24. Warwick Nowland, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:59.402

28. Sergio Fuertes, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 2:05.344


More, from a press release issued by Ten Kate Honda:

Provisional Front Row Start For Vermeulen

Unseasonably cold and wet conditions on the Adriatic coast of Italy continued into the afternoon’s first Superbike qualifying session, as the impressive challenge of the Ten Kate Honda Superbike team took its latest steps in development. Already proven to be competitive in dry conditions, the Ten Kate Honda CBR1000RR and Chris Vermeulen combination made another strong mark in the sand with their overall fourth fastest performance, with both machines being pressed into service at some stage.

Vermeulen’s time of 1:52.010 was the best of his 19 laps, with the fastest lap of the session coming from Regis Laconi (Ducati) – a 1:51.160.

“That was all right considering the conditions,” said Vermeulen. “The Superbike is a little bit different to ride in the wet than the Supersport bike, because it spins the rear wheel even in a straight line. The best thing is that the tyres aren’t that much different from the ones I used in the wet in Supersport. If the conditions are the same tomorrow then we only need to make some small steps in set-up because we made so many bigger ones today.”

Team Manager Ronald Ten Kate stated, “We need to learn as much as possible about the bike in the rain, because this is the first time we have had to go fast in the full wet. Towards the end we had quite a good setting, with Chris feeling happy to go fast on the bike. It’s different to the Supersport machine in that it has more power and it makes for a different approach to the set-up.”

Superpole takes place on Saturday afternoon, in its traditional time-slot of 16.00hrs, after the final regulation timed qualifying session in the morning.

World Superbike Championship
Round Three – Misano Adriatico, Italy
16 – 18 April 2004
First Qualifying


1.R. Laconi, FRA, Ducati 999 F04, 1.51.160
2.C. Walker, GBR, Petronas FP1, 1.51.509
3. T. Corser, AUS, Petronas FP1, 1.51.965
4. C. Vermeulen, AUS, Ten Kate Honda CBR1000RR, 1.52.010
5. P. Chili, ITA, Ducati 998 RS, 1.52.820
6. S. Martin, AUS, Ducati 999 RS, 1.52.981
7. L. Haslam, GBR, Ducati 999 RS, 1.53.076
8. P. Bontempi, Suzuki GSX1000R, 1.53.716
9. M. Borciani, ITA, Ducati 999 RS, 1.53.740
10. G. Nannelli, ITA, Ducati 998 RS, 1.54.066


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

Provisional front row for FPR riders at wet Misano

Foggy PETRONAS Racing riders Chris Walker and Troy Corser qualified on the provisional front row of the grid after a wet first day of the third round of the Superbike World Championship at Misano, Italy.

Chris finished the afternoon session second behind championship favourite Regis Laconi while Troy, who had headed the morning’s free practice times in drier conditions, was just behind his team-mate in third.

Both riders, using Pirelli tyres in wet conditions for the first time, gradually improved their afternoon times to close the gap on Laconi to 0.449 and 0.805 seconds respectively.

With more unsettled weather forecast for Saturday qualifying and Sunday’s two races, team owner Carl Fogarty was understandably delighted with the first day performance of his two riders.

He said: “That was down to two riders riding very well. Wet weather is always a great leveller but the bike still has to be set-up well and work well. I have said before that Chris and Troy and two of the best, if not the best, riders in the championship so now it is up to us to give them a bike that matches the others in the dry. But, while the bike is not as fast as the others, long may it continue to rain!”

Chris said: “I just went through the normal process of getting a wet setting by playing with the ride heights and found a setting where I had more feel. And it didn’t feel so bad this morning when the conditions were semi-dry. I don’t enjoy riding in the wet but there is no saying that, with a colder track, conditions will be any better tomorrow, so I am very pleased to be second fastest. The area for improvement for tomorrow is to get more corner entry grip and a bit more feel on the brakes turning into corners.”

Troy said: “We softened the set-up for the rain and tried a different rear and I was able to start to get into my rhythm. Once I got my knee on the ground I got more confidence, although I am still struggling with grip on the right hand side. My target was to get into the 51s and I knew I would be up there with that. I like this track and the bike is working well and, if the setting works in the wet, it should work well in the dry as well.”

Friday qualifying times, Superbike World Championship round three, Misano, Italy: 1 Laconi 1:51.160; 2 Walker (Foggy PETRONAS Racing) 1:51.509; 3 Corser (Foggy PETRONAS Racing) 1:51.965; 4 Vermeulen 1:52.010; 5 Chili 1:52.820; 6 Martin 1:52.981; 7 Haslam 1:53.076; 8 Bontempi 1:53.716; 9 Borciani 1:53.740; 10 Nannelli 1:54.066

Free practice: 1 Corser (Foggy PETRONAS Racing) 1:41.278; 2 Sanchini (Kawasaki Bertocchi) 1:41.541; 3 Laconi (Ducati Fila) 1:41.549; 4 Chili (PSG-1) 1:41.550; 5 Borciani (DFX) 1:41.557; 6 Walker (Foggy PETRONAS Racing) 1:42.032; 7 Romboni (Giesse Racing) 1:42.183; 8 Nannelli (Team Pedercini) 1:42.480; 9 Pedercini (Team Pedercini) 1:42.579; 10 Martin (DFX) 1:42.864


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

TROY HAPPY DESPITE THE CONDITIONS

Troy finished the first day of qualifying at Misano in third place, despite the difficult conditions. Overnight rain meant that the track was damp in places in the morning and Troy only got a chance to try some slicks right at the end of the session. At the end of it, Troy topped the leaderboard and was happy with the way his Petronas FP1 performed at the 4.060 kilometre circuit. Then, the rain came down and the afternoon timed session took place with a soaking wet track. Troy took it steadily and used the time to find a good set-up for his bike, but easily finished in the top three. Frenchman Regis Laconi (Ducati) posted the fastest time of the timed qualifying; with Troy’s Petronas team Chris Walker second quickest. Completing the provisional front row of the grid is Chris Vermeulen (Honda).

TROY 3rd, 1:51.160

Well I think that today was the best the bike has felt straight out of the box. It’s funny because Misano can be quite slippery in the wet, but the bike and its power curve seemed suited to the corners here and I’m getting good drive out of them. At first, the wet grip doesn’t seem so good, but it gets better lap after lap and my confidence grew and I was able to get my knee down OK. We changed the set-up from this morning and made it softer because of the rain. The rear tyre initially didn’t have much feel, but it improved the longer I stayed out there. At the moment, I’m pretty happy because if the bike works OK in the wet, then it should work OK in the dry. At the moment, I’d still prefer a dry race – because it’s safer – but I don’t really mind if it is wet or dry.

Friday qualifying
1 Laconi (F-Ducati) 1:51.160, 2 Walker (GB-Petronas FP1) 1:51.509, 3 TROY CORSER (AUS-PETRONAS FP1) 1:51.965, 4 Vermeulen (AUS-Honda) 1:52.010, 5 Chili (I-Ducati) 1:552.820, 6 Martin (AUS-Ducati)


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

Under the flood the debut day at Misano

Cold and bad weather in the first day of the third round of Superbike World Championship on the 4060 meters of Santamonica circuit at Misano, Italy, starting wet and increasing rainfall. Not brilliant results for the riders of Scuderia Xerox Ducati Nortel Networks in this debut day: Garry McCoy recorded the 14th fastest and Miguel Praia 26th.

“We haven’t any experience with this bike and those tyres in wet conditions.” – commented Garry McCoy rejoining the pit garage – “In such wet conditions I have no feeling with the front, but the rear tyre seems to work correctly. This situation isn’t proper for my sliding style of riding and I’m not able to get the corner. So, in this way I’m not going out the Curvone corner fast and also the top speed is poor. Tomorrow morning we’ll test a softer front tyre to look for a better grip, so I hope to be able to enter the corner sliding as I’m used to.”

Difficult debut on wet Misano for Miguel Praia too, but at the end the Portuguese reached a appreciating result for that conditions.

“This morning we broke the engine.” – said Praia – “So in the afternoon session I lost a bit of time running in the new engine, but looking at a track that I’ve never seen before, and on a bike and tyres I don’t know in wet conditions I believe that my result isn’t horrible. Now I hope to do better tomorrow.”

Entered as Scuderia Caracchi’s wild card rider at Misano Giancarlo De Matteis, on the old 998RS 03 type. The Italian rider scored the 21th fastest, crashing at the end of the qualifying session.

“What a pity, I ruined all the session. I was running quite well, but suddenly my rear lost the grip outing the last corner while I was trying to improve my time; I opened too early the throttle, really a pity. I’m confident to get a better result tomorrow.”


More, from a press release issued by Ducati Corse:

LACONI (DUCATI FILA) SETS PROVISIONAL POLE IN WET MISANO SUPERBIKE SESSION

Misano Adriatico (Italy), Friday 16 April 2004: Ducati Fila’s Regis Laconi led the field in today’s opening qualifying session for the San Marino World Superbike Championship round at Misano Adriatico, which was held in dreadful conditions. Team-mate James Toseland was not so fortunate, the British rider unable to get to grips with the wet surface and having to settle for thirteenth quickest time.

The afternoon session was hit by constant rain but the 28 year-old French rider outclassed the rest of the field, setting his lap times easily and confidently in the wet on the Santamonica circuit. Laconi dominated the hour from start to finish, recording a time of 1:51.160, three tenths of a second ahead of the surprising Petronas duo of Chris Walker and Troy Corser.

“I’m very happy because I know I’m normally always very fast in the wet” declared Laconi. “Before coming here I was quite afraid if it was wet after my performance at Valencia but today I was fine in my mind and could concentrate on setting a good time. With Ernesto Marinelli and the team we found a good solution and settings, I was able to push hard and I did 17 laps before coming into the box, but most of all I enjoyed riding in the wet out there today. I didn’t want to make a mistake this time so I started slowly. I went out on my run, felt the grip was not so bad, started to know where the track was better or worse and then the feeling was good”.

Toseland (Ducati Fila) was slightly disappointed with his performance in the wet but is confident he can improve tomorrow. “It’s been a bit of a disappointing day but we had a few problems and I wasn’t getting the feel there at all at the start of the session” declared Toseland. “We’ve just been working on it, we were getting there slowly but the session finished and we didn’t get the bike really comfortable in these conditions and before you know it the day’s over.

“If it’s dry tomorrow, it’s a completely new ball game but if it rains we’ll be OK. The tyre I chose for the wet did quite a few laps and I went a second faster in the last outing so now we know which direction to go in, we’ll be OK tomorrow” he added.

TIMES: 1. Laconi (Ducati Fila) 1:51.160; 2. Walker (Petronas) 1:51.509; 3. Corser (Petronas) 1:51.965; 4. Vermeulen (Honda) 1:52.010; 5. Chili (PSG-1 Ducati) 1:52.820; 6. Martin (DFX Ducati) 1:52.981; 7. Haslam (Renegade Ducati) 1:53.076; 8. Bontempi (Suzuki) 1:53.716; . 13. Toseland (Ducati Fila) 1:54.443.


More, from a press release issued by FGSport Group:

FRIDAY QUALIFYING

Fully wet track conditions for the first of two regulation qualifying sessions at Misano Adriatico provided a level, if somewhat slippery, playing field for the 28 World Superbike riders in attendance. The culmination of their Friday rain dances saw a familiar name at the top of the time sheets, that of Regis Laconi (Ducati Fila 999 F04), a man who has almost made qualifying his own this year. His first day best of 1:51.160 was fully 0.349 seconds better than his closest challenger, and was just one of many quick laps put in by a rider clearly on a mission at his team’s first home event of the year.

The wet conditions allowed those teams without the biggest power outputs a perfect opportunity to show what a good rider and chassis combination can provide, and the Petronas pairing of Chris Walker (Foggy Petronas FP-1) and Troy Corser (Foggy Petronas FP-1) launched themselves through the spray to second and third fastest times respectively. After an impressive showing in Valencia, where Walker secured a podium finish, the Petronas team has become a force when conditions permit, with the high profile machine reaping more measurable rewards. Only in its third meeting the Honda Fireblade of Chris Vermeulen (Ten Kate Honda CBR1000RR) was an excellent fourth fastest in the wet, making it a twin, two triples and a four-cylinder in the top four positions.

Pierfrancesco Chili (PSG-1 Ducati) used his 998RS machine in the first session of the day, and eventually set the fifth fastest time, using his exact style and smoothness to make the top five in such challenging conditions. Fast in wet or dry, Steve Martin (DFX Sterilgarda Ducati 99RS) was next in the listings, with Leon Haslam (Renegade Ducati 999RS) using his considerable experience – considering his youthful age – to run out seventh, just under two seconds slower than the charging Laconi.

Piergiorgio Bontempi (Zongshen Suzuki) had his best day of the season and went a deserved eighth fastest for the SBK rookie team. Championship leader James Toseland (Ducati Fila 999F04) was disappointed to finish 13th on the first day, with Phillip Island race two winner Garry McCoy (Xerox NCR Ducati 999RS) 14th. Noriyuki Haga (Renegade Ducati 999 RS), the winner of race two at the opening round in Valencia was in even worse trouble, finishing his first day 18th.

In the World Supersport Championship, a late lap in fully soaking conditions gave Katsuaki Fujiwara (Alstare Suzuki) the provisional pole position, from the Ten Kate Honda duo of Broc Parkes and Karl Muggeridge. The conditions for the Supersport riders got progressively wetter as time went on, but in a peculiar twist of events the best of them went faster than ever before.

Phillip Island runner-up Kevin Curtain (Yamaha Motor Germany) took fourth place on the stopwatch, with 1999 Champion Stephane Chambon fifth, ahead of local Honda rider and WSS regular Alessio Corradi. Privateer Ducati rider Giovanni Bussei displaced factory pilot Lorenzo Lanzi by one position, with Bussei seventh. World Championship leader Jurgen van den Goorbergh (Yamaha Italia) was a lowly 12th, 2003 race winner Fabien Foret (Yamaha Italia) in 21st fastest.

Final qualifying continues on Saturday 17th, with the risk of more inclement weather still hanging in the air.

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Friday World Supersport Qualifying Results From Misano:

1. Katsuaki Fujiwara, Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:51.189
2. Broc Parkes, Honda CBR600RR, 1:51.253
3. Karl Muggeridge, Honda CBR600RR, 1:51.266
4. Kevin Curtain, Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:51.852
5. Stephane Chambon, Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:51.914
6. Alessio Corradi, Honda CBR600RR, 1:52.134
7. Giovanni Bussei, Ducati 749R, 1:52.386
8. Lorenzo Lanzi, Ducati 749R, 1:52.814
9. Christian Kellner, Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:52.927 10. Walter Tortoroglio, Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:53.113
11. Sebastien Charpentier, Honda CBR600RR, 1:53.142
12. Jurgen Vd Goorbergh, Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:53.200
13. steve Brogan, Honda CBR600RR, 1:53.253
14. Vittorio Iannuzzo, Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:53.262
15. Max Neukirchner, Honda CBR600RR, 1:53.327
16. Stefano Cruciani, Kawasaki ZX-6RR, 1:53.495
17. Matteo Baiocco, Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:54.111
18. Matthieu Lagrive, Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:54.472
19. Massimo Roccoli, Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:54.860
20. Eli Chen, Honda CBR600RR, 1:55.317
21. Fabien Foret, Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:55.985

23. Nicky Wimbauer, USA, Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:57.818


More, from a press release issued by Ten Kate Honda:

Parkes and Muggeridge On Provisional Front Row

A wet first qualifying session on the Adriatic circuit of Misano delivered two top flight performances from the Ten Kate Honda pairing of Broc Parkes (Ten Kate Honda CBR600RR) and Karl Muggeridge (Ten Kate Honda CBR600RR). Muggeridge was on provisional pole for the majority of the session, but a late charge from Parkes, and an eventual fastest lap from Suzuki’s Katsuaki Fujiwara, put him third fastest.

The weather was the main talking point of the first session, starting out wet and with increasing rainfall, getting theoretically more difficult as time went on. The track conditions, as the late improvements in lap time proved, maintained its grip qualities, much to the surprise of most.

Said Parkes, with a time of 1:51.253s, “We lost a bit of time in the early part of the session, as we made gradual improvements to the set-up. It got a lot better and we were able to make improvements at the end. I’m happy with that.”

For Muggeridge, the day was a success, even if he didn’t have everything his own way with his time of 1:51.266s. “Things went pretty well early in the session but I think we got a bit complacent,” he stated. “The track was fully wet everywhere but the grip was good and wanted to push harder but thought better of it. I came into the pits because my visor fogged anyway, but then Broc and Katsuaki Fujiwara went ahead on times. I’m happy anyway, the front row was always my goal and I’ve sorted out why my visor steamed up. I aim more for the front row than pole now, because if we work on the bike set-up, and make it good, then we’ll get pole anyway. But the race is the main thing.”

Another excellent first day of qualifying for the Ten Kate team was of particular satisfaction to team manager Ronald Ten Kate. “After the first two races, now we know how to share knowledge better and faster and that’s very good,” he said. “I’m happy with the start of the weekend. Karl went off really well, very fast at the start, and at the end he did eight laps at a medium pace as a wet tyre endurance test almost and we were surprised how good the track conditions were.”

World Supersport Championship
Round Three – Misano Adriatico, Italy
16 – 18 April 2004
First Qualifying

1. K. Fujiwara, JPN, Suzuki GSX 600R, 1.51.189
2. B. Parkes, AUS, Ten Kate Honda CBR600RR, 1.51.253
3. K. Muggeridge, AUS, Ten Kate Honda CBR600RR, 1.51.266
4. K. Curtain, AUS, Honda CBR600RR, 1.51.852 5. S. Chambon, FRA, Suzuki GSX 600R, 1.51.914
6. A. Corradi, ITA, Honda CBR600RR, 1.52.134
7. G. Bussei, ITA, Ducati 749 R, 1.52.386
8. L. Lanzi, ITA, Ducati 749 R, 1.52.814
9. C. Kellner, GER, Yamaha YZF R6, 1.52.927
10. W. Tortoroglio, ITA, Suzuki GSX 600R, 1.53.113


More, from a press release issued by Ducati Corse:

LANZI (DUCATI BREIL) EIGHTH IN OPENING QUALIFYING FOR MISANO SUPERSPORT

Misano Adriatico (Italy), Friday 16 April 2004: Lorenzo Lanzi (Ducati Breil) set eighth quickest time in the opening qualifying session for the San Marino World Supersport Championship round at Misano Adriatico.

In rainy conditions, the 22 year-old Ducati Breil Supersport rider was placed fourth for much of the session but then slipped down four places in the final hectic few minutes.

“Eighth place means row 2 on the grid so I’m pretty pleased with today’s performance” commented Lanzi.

“We still have to improve the set-up of my 749R, because this afternoon I didn’t exactly have the right feeling in the wet and the rear of the bike was sliding around a lot.

“Maybe conditions won’t improve much tomorrow so it was important to set a good time in this session. At least we’ll start the race on row 2 if it’s pouring down” he concluded.

TIMES: 1. Fujiwara (Suzuki) 1:51.189; 2. Parkes (Honda) 1:51.253; 3. Muggeridge (Honda) 1:51.266; 4. Curtain (Yamaha) 1:51.852; 5. Chambon (Suzuki) 1:51.914; 6. Corradi (Honda) 1:52.134; 7. Bussei (Ducati 749R) 1:52.386; 8. Lanzi (Ducati Breil 749R) 1:52.814; etc.


More, from a press release issued by Belgrada Yamaha:

Yamaha Racing
Yamaha Italia World Supersport Team Newsletter
Date: April 16th 2004
Circuit: Misano, m. 4.060
Friday Qualifying
Weather: Mostly wet
Temperature: air 13°
Crowd: 1.000

DAMP START FOR JURGEN AND FABIEN
Overnight rain made conditions at Misano very difficult in the morning session and then the afternoon timed qualifying saw a completely wet track. Yamaha Motor Italia riders Jurgen van den Goorbergh and Fabien Foret took no risks today and ended 12th and 21st respectively, but are not worried about their prospects for the rest of the weekend. Both are confident that they can improve hugely and do not mind if the conditions are wet or dry. Japanese rider Katsuaki Fujiwara (Suzuki) topped the leaderboard today, with the Hondas of Broc Parkes and Karl Muggeridge second and third. Completing the provisional front row of the grid is Kevin Curtain (Yamaha).

JURGEN VAN DEN GOORBERGH – 12th, 1:53.200
Normally the track here is quite difficult in these kind of conditions, but today the grip was actually quite good. Coming from the Netherlands I never worry about riding in the rain, but as today was the first day I decided not to take any chances or do anything silly. I need more time to get used to riding this bike in the wet and making the right adjustments. The rear end felt really good, but we need to work on the front for tomorrow. The Yamaha’s power delivery felt very good today, so I am not at all worried about my present position. That will change tomorrow!

FABIEN FORET – 21st, 1:55.985
I hate the wet and that’s reflected in my position today! I didn’t try and push very hard at all, because I didn’t want to make any mistakes, but I’ll be going a lot harder tomorrow – whatever the conditions! I’m not worried at all at the moment, but I guess I would prefer it to be dry tomorrow and for the race on Sunday.

FRIDAY QUALIFYING
1 Fujiwara (J-Suzuki) 1:51.189, 2 Parkes (AUS-Honda) 1:51.253, 3 Muggeridge (AUS-Honda) 1:51.266, 4 Curtain (AUS-Yamaha) 1:51.852, 5 Chambon (F-Suzuki) 1:51.914, 6 Corradi (I-Honda) 1:52.134, 7 Bussei (I-Ducati) 1:52.386, 8 Lanzi (I-Ducati) 1:52.814, 9 Kellner (D-Yamaha) 1:52.927, 10 Tortoroglio (I-Suzuki) 1:53.113, 12 VD GOORBERGH (NL-YAMAHA MOTOR ITALIA) 1:53.200, 21 FORET (F-YAMAHA MOTOR ITALIA) 1:55.985

EUROPEAN SUPERSTOCK CHAMPIONSHIP
Round 2, San Marino (at Misano) – Friday 16th April

Yamaha R1 rider Gianluca Vizziello mastered difficult conditions at Misano today and took provisional pole position with a time of 1:57.819. Riding his Team Lorenzini by Leoni R1, Vizziello used his head in the rain, but was still over a second clear of his nearest rival – Riccardo Chiarello (Suzuki). Vizziello won the first round at Valencia and is determined to carry on with a win at Misano, to follow his victory here on the R1 Yamaha last year.

SOCCER STAR WITH YAMAHA
Former national and international soccer star, Danielle Massaro was a guest of Yamaha Motor Italia at Misano today. The Italian won numerous championships with AC Milan in his illustrious career and is a keen motorsport fan. He has competed in a couple of car rallies and has always been interested in bikes – though has never wanted to race. After today’s qualifying he said “In the dry, they are crazy, in the wet -they are unbelievable.”

From a press release issued by the FIM:

Road Racing World Championship Grand Prix
Decision of the Grand Prix Commission

The Grand Prix Commission, composed of Messrs. Carmelo Ezpeleta (Dorna, Chairman), Claude Danis (FIM), Sito Pons (IRTA) and Takanao Tsubouchi (MSMA), with the presence of Paul Butler (Secretary), in a meeting held this morning, has unanimously decided to introduce the following modifications to the Road Racing World Championship Grand Prix Regulations, for immediate application:

2.6 Fuel Tanks

2.6.4 Except for the case that a fuel tank is fixed on the chassis with bolts, all fuel lines from the fuel tank to the engine/carburetor system should have a self sealing breakaway valve. This valve must separate at less than 50% of the load required to break any part of the fuel line or fitting or to pull it out of the fuel tank.

This rule is mandatory for the MotoGP class.

From a press release issued by Team Suzuki:

SUZUKI READY FOR WELKOM MOTOGP

South African MotoGP Preview. Round 1, Phakisa Freeway, Welkom – April 18, 2004.

The South African GP is the first of 16 rounds of the third year of the MotoGP four-stroke prototype racers – and observers are predicting a vintage, best-ever season of close competition. Team Suzuki MotoGP is hoping that the year will be their best also in the new top class of motorcycle racing.

The first two years of the class left the well-established factory racing team in an unfamiliar position … without even one race win, as they worked to perfect their new 990cc V4 racing machine using experimental cutting-edge technology.

It was a frustrating time for the multi-victorious squad, but the improvement in overall performance that the factory race engineers and England-based racing team were striving for was just around the corner. Chassis and suspension revisions tested last December were the first evidence. Since then, engine refinements have improved the package further.

At the same time, a new association with Japanese Bridgestone tyres, relative newcomers to the top class of racing, also showed strong early promise. The tyres worked well with the GSV-R from the first tests.

Progress through the test programme continued without set-backs and an ever-improving technical package. At the last test of the close season, the group IRTA tests at Jerez in Spain, Kenny Roberts Jr. set second-fastest time, less than a tenth of a second slower than defending champion Valentino Rossi.

Now Roberts, World Champion in 2000, and team-mate John Hopkins face the first real test of the year, in the unusual conditions of the Phakisa Freeway at Welkom in South Africa.

It is a unique challenge and the Suzuki men are hoping the track’s quirks will play into their hands.

One of the circuit’s peculiarities is a fiendishly bumpy surface in spite of recent resurfacing. This is a result of the frequent minor earth tremors felt in the area, which is in turn the legacy of the gold mines that honeycomb the earth beneath the flat plain. The grip levels are also unusual. The circuit sees very limited use and the grip on the racing line improves continually throughout the racing weekend as tyres clean the surface and coat it with fresh rubber.

Another characteristic is the power-sapping altitude of some 1,500 metres. The thin air robs the 230-plus horsepower MotoGP engines of as much as 15 percent of their power at sea level, making tuning and gearing more critical than ever.

All these could be plus points for Suzuki if the team’s fortunes continue to prosper as they have during testing.

“This is the best-prepared the team has been for years,” said manager Garry Taylor.

“Both riders are highly motivated and there is a general feeling of excitement throughout the team after a highly positive series of tests.

“We are under no illusions that we have fully turned the corner yet, but we’ve clipped the apex and we can see the exit line ahead of us. We know the competition is going to be even tougher this year than last, and that we have a lot more work to do before we are fully competitive.

“We’re starting the season ready to build on the progress we’ve already made,” Taylor continued.

“The bike is good, the tyres are good, and the riders are ready. Let’s go racing.”

There is a weekend break after the South African GP before business resumes in earnest at Jerez in Spain, the first race in the gruelling European season.

KENNY ROBERTS – READY TO RACE FOR IT:

“We have more unknowns than the other teams. They have improved their bikes over the winter, but they’re on the same tyres. We’ve not only made big improvements to the bike, but also we’re on Bridgestone tyres for the first time. There is still more stuff I’d like to test before the race. Sometimes you have a fast learning curve, as we’ve been doing during tests, and I hope we can get the bike feeling good out of the crate, and can keep that pace up at Welkom. We’ve also tested a lot of the new tyres at different tracks. I hope that they will work as well in South Africa as elsewhere. Last year was Bridgestone’s first at Welkom with the four-strokes, and they’ve learned a lot since then. If the tyres can do the lap times and last the distance, then I can go into the race with a very positive attitude.”

JOHN HOPKINS – EXPECTING GOOD THINGS AT WELKOM:

“After the last two tests, I feel really confident going in. The track’s a lot different from what anybody has tested on, and because it’s dirty, there’s never as much grip as you’d like until Sunday – but I like the place, and it’s gone quite well for me the last two years. The bike still has not as much horsepower as I’d like, but we are expecting more in the coming races. But the acceleration is good even as it is, the chassis holds the line well, and the bike seems easy to set up. These are the important things at Welkom. And the tyres are really good – I tried a race tyre at Jerez that was just awesome. The bike seems really good and Kenny and I are riding well. I think we can only expect good things from South Africa.”

ABOUT THIS TRACK:

Funded by the local Free State government as a boost to the economically troubled gold-mining area, the Phakisa Freeway was built on the site of the old “Goldfields” circuit. The bold new initiative combined an international-standard banked Tri-Oval NASCAR-type circuit with the road-racing course, which shares some sections as it loops back and forth, without actually using the full banking. The oval track has barely been used, but the twisting short circuit has been a regular on the GP circuit since 1999. With 14 corners ranging from medium-speed ess-bends to slower U-turns, it is a highly technical circuit. One special feature is the corner at the end of the back straight. Approached at 160mph, the bikes are still leaned over as they have to brake with increasing pressure as the corner tightens into one of the slowest bends on the track. Another challenge is the bumpy surface: not even frequent resurfacing can overcome the effect of the regular earth tremors in an area where the ground is honeycombed with mine shafts. Sited in a quiet area at the far end of the goldfields stretching southwards from Johannesburg, the 1,500m (4,500ft) altitude makes it the highest track of the year.

ABOUT THIS RACE:

The first South African GPs ran from 1983 to 1985 at the old Kyalami outside Johannesburg. A brief revival at the new Kyalami in 1992 was a one-off event, but in 1999 the race was revived at the new Phakisa (“Hurry Up”) Freeway. The track proved challenging from the start – with a slippery and unpredictable surface only making the tight, looping layout more difficult. The track also became bumpier year by year, especially where it crosses the oval track. At the same time, the thin air saps the engine power and can affect throttle response.

GP DATA – PHAKISA FREEWAY, WELKOM:

Circuit Length: 2.636 miles – 4.242 km.

Lap Record: 1:33.851 – 101.108mph/ 162.717 km/h, V Rossi (Honda) 2003

2003 Race Winner: S Gibernau (Honda).

2003 Race Average: 44:10.398 – 100.246mph / 161.331 km/h.

2003 Fastest Race Lap: see record.

2003 Pole Position: S Gibernau 1:33.174.

2003 KENNY ROBERTS (Suzuki).

Race: 15th.

Qualification: 17th – 1:34.646.

2003 JOHN HOPKINS: (Suzuki).

Race: 13th.

Qualification: 16th – 1:34.306.

From a press release issued by the Bruno Event Team on behalf of Barber Motorsports Park:

DUNLOP PRESENTING SPONSOR OF THE 2004 HONDA SUPERBIKE CLASSIC AT THE BARBER MOTORSPORTS PARK

(Birmingham, AL) – Dunlop Tires, the largest supplier of original equipment and replacement motorcycle tires in the United States, will be the presenting sponsor for the 2004 Honda Superbike Classic at the Barber Motorsports Park May 14-16.

“We are thrilled to have Dunlop continue their involvement with this facility,” said Gene Hallman, President and CEO of the Bruno Event Team. “We look forward to the second annual Honda Superbike Classic and Dunlop’s increased participation with this event.”

“Dunlop is very proud to continue our relationship with such a fine facility as the Barber Motorsports Park through our sponsorship of the Honda Superbike Classic,” said Mike Buckley, Vice President Dunlop Motorcycle Tires.

Three day tickets are $45 in advance, $55 at the gate. Single-day tickets for Saturday or Sunday are $35 in advance, $40 at the gate. Children 12 and under admitted free with paying adult. Paddock access passes are $10 for the weekend in advance, $20 at the gate. Camping and motorhome sites are available. For more information, call Southtix at 1-800-240-2300 or log on to www.barbermotorsports.com for the complete 2004 Barber Motorsports Park spectator schedule.

PIRELLI RELEASES DATES AND DETAILS OF 2004 DIABLO CORSA CHALLENGE FOR WERA NOVICE RACERS

Top Five Now Also Get 2005 Contracts from Arai Helmets and Motul, Plus Sponsorships from Pit Bull, Vesrah and Hotbodies; More Sponsors Said To Be Coming Aboard

(Rome, GA) Pirelli’s Diablo Corsa Challenge, the tire company’s innovative program developed with WERA Motorcycle Roadracing to “give novice racers the credit they deserve … and to support the process of obtaining sponsorships for the following race year” is gaining momentum and participants on the eve of its initial race outing this coming weekend (April 17-18) at Barber Motorsports Park, in Birmingham, Alabama.

Now joining the Pirelli effort in offering the top five finishers contracts and sponsorships for 2005 are Arai Helmets, Motul Oil, Pit Bull Motorcycle Stands, Vesrah brakes, and Hotbodies bodywork. More sponsors are said to be coming soon. A spokesman for one of the sponsoring companies said, “I’m sure I speak for all of us in saying we’re proud to be part of Pirelli’s unique approach to supporting and furthering the careers of our sport’s newest racers. We especially like the added touches such as the sponsors contributing to a fund to pay the finalists’ travel expenses to the GNF, and the special GNF dinner. The folks at Pirelli thought of everything on this deal.”

Any WERA Novice racer who wants to participate must register on the Pirelli contingency website (www.us.pirellimoto.com) and choose the appropriate box indicating participation in the 2004 Pirelli Diablo Corsa Challenge, and the WERA region in which they will participate. Novice riders who have already signed up for the Challenge should go back to the Pirelli site and update their profiles.

Twenty regional races on the WERA calendar will run the Diablo Corsa Challenge Qualifier races during the Novice “C” Superstock Race. Riders registered for the Diablo Challenge will be scored as a separate race. A complete list of the 20 regional Challenge race dates will be posted on both the WERA and U.S. Pirelli sites. The dates through the end of May, in addition to Barber this weekend, are: Nashville, May 1-2; Grattan, May 8-9; VIR Cycle Jam, May 20-23; Las Vegas, May 22-23; and Jennings, May 29-30.

Pirelli’s regular C Superstock contingency payouts go down to fifth place, and total $4,340 for the year in this class. Pirelli contingency will be available only for Diablo Corsa riders on the Challenge dates, meaning that standard C Superstock contingencies will not apply. During non- Diablo Corsa Challenge weekends, the standard Pirelli contingency program will be valid.

The top six point earners in each region will be invited to the final Diablo Corsa Challenge to be run at the GNF in October on a date to be specified by WERA. It will be run separately from the Novice C Superstock race at the GNF. The target grid is 42 riders.

As another added bonus in addition to the travel-money fund, all of the regional qualifiers will be invited to a special Pirelli sponsors’ dinner during the GNF weekend, where they will get to meet the companies’ offering the contracts and sponsorships, enjoy a good dinner and bench race to their hearts’ content.

From a press release issued by MS Aprilia:

Manuel Poggiali: “Ready to start!”

Welkom, 4/15/04

Reigning 250 champion Manuel Poggiali begins the defence of his world crown this weekend when the new 2004 season begins in South Africa.

The MS Aprilia Racing rider goes into Sunday’s first race in Welkom brimming with confidence after a successful winter testing schedule on the RSW250, led by his chief engineer Rassano Brazzi. Poggiali will carry his famous number 54 plate instead of the number one in 2004. Like several other riders, he turned opted to carry his own plate used over a number of seasons because he believes the number one plate will be ‘unlucky’.

Poggiali goes into the new season in peak physical condition having undergone an intensive winter testing programme to help him cope with the punishing 16-round world championship. And he’s been training and eating a diet specifically geared to help him cope with the special demands presented by racing in Welkom, with thinner air caused by the circuit’s high altitude above sea level.

Looking forward to beginning the defence of his world title, the young San Marino rider said: “The winter was very hard because the weather wasn’t perfect at some places we tested, but we were still able to do a lot of work and we have moved in the right direction.

“Working with Rossano is the best because every problem we face, it is dealt with quickly and professionally. That has been very good working towards the start of the new season and now we have a perfect bike.”

While this year’s world 250 championship looks to be tougher than ever, Poggiali is looking forward to getting stuck into the challenge.

“It is normal that all the teams do a lot of work and I’m sure this will be a very difficult season, but I’m very confident.”


More, from a press release issued by Aprilia Racing:

Alex De Angelis: “Starting a new adventure”

Welkom, 4/15/04

After an intensive winter testing schedule adapting to the new RSW250, Aprilia Racing’s Alex de Angelis can’t wait for the 2004 world championship to start on Sunday in Welkom.

Relaxing in the Phakisa Freeway paddock before this Sunday’s opening race, de Angelis is confident of making a big early impression in his first world 250 championship season.

The San Marino rider, who finished second in last year’s world 125 series, has spent the winter working closely with his chief engineer Giovanni Sada to give him the best opportunity to challenge at the front in 2004.

He said: “I have spent a lot of the winter getting used to the 250. The bike is very fast, reactive and a joy to ride. It is a lot better than riding a 125”.

In the last winter test at the Mugello circuit in Italy, de Angelis managed to produce a brilliant time of 1.55.5, and that performance has given him great confidence before he embarks on the challenge of the world 250 championship.

Alex said: “I didn’t expect that performance and that has made me very optimistic for the race in Welkom, because we did a lot of work on the set-up there just for this race. I want to get an idea of my potential for Welkom by seeing how we get on in Friday and Saturday’s qualifying session, but I think we can finish in the top six which will be a great start.”

From a press release issued by VP Racing Fuels:

AXLJAK RACING TO BE TRACKSIDE VENDOR FOR LRRS/CCS EVENTS AT NHIS

SAN ANTONIO, TX (April 15, 2004) Axljak Racing has been selected as the trackside fuel supplier for VP Racing Fuels during all LRRS/CCS (Loudon Road Racing Series/ Championship Cup Series) events scheduled at New Hampshire International Speedway in 2004. The complete line of VP motorcycle fuel products, as well as sales and technical support, will be available from Axljak on site from the start of practice through the conclusion of each event at Loudon.

“Axljak Racing welcomes the addition of VP Racing Fuels to our product line,” said Jack Aksel, owner of Axljak Racing.

“We’re looking forward to working together with NHIS and LRRS for another successful season,” said Jim Kelly, regional manager for VP Racing Fuels. Further details can be found on the LRRS web site at www.lrrsracing.com as well as www.axljak.com.

In business for 10 years, Axljak Racing manufactures aluminum parts for motorcycles and has served as trackside fuel supplier at NHIS for the last four years. Axljak is owned and operated by Jack Aksel, 22-year motorcycle road racing veteran and 3-time champion.

VP Racing is a contingency sponsor for AMA, Formula USA and LRRS/CCS. VP has been the fuel of choice among amateur and pro riders throughout North America for many years and is the Official Fuel of factory and factory supported teams including Honda, Yamaha, Graves Yamaha, Erion Honda, Attack Performance, Yoshimura Suzuki, Valvoline Emgo Suzuki and Hooters Suzuki.

Over its 27-year history, VP Racing has fueled champions in virtually every racing category and class — from road racing, drag racing and circle track to motocross, off-road, off-shore and even airplane racing. VP has earned a reputation for producing high quality racing fuels with superior power and consistency – as illustrated by the 2003 AMA Superbike, AMA Sportbike, AMA 250GP, Formula USA Superbike, AMA Supercross, NHRA Pro Stock Bike and other champions, each of whom made VP their fuel of choice. In addition to fuels, VP’s product line includes synthetic oils, 2-cycle lubricants, additives, chemicals and traction compounds – each designed to produce the most power and best performance in their respective racing applications. More information can be obtained from VP’s website – vpracingfuels.com – or the contacts below.

VP Racing Fuels
Jim Kelly, 302-368-1500 (office); [email protected] or

Axljak Racing
Jack Aksel, 978-422-8790; [email protected] or visit www.axljak.com for information requests via the

From a press release issued by California Speedway:

Stater Bros. Markets, Kingsford Charcoal and Cholula Hot Sauce join speedway family

CALIFORNIA SPEEDWAY WELCOMES THREE NEW CORPORATE PARTNERS

FONTANA, Calif. (April 15, 2004) — California Speedway today announced the addition of three new corporate sponsors, Stater Bros. Markets, Kingsford Charcoal and Cholula Hot Sauce, beginning with the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series Auto Club 500 weekend.

“We are pleased to welcome these three California-based corporations to the California Speedway team,” said speedway president Bill Miller.

As the largest privately owned supermarket chain in Southern California, Stater Bros. Markets is joining the speedway as “California Speedway’s preferred Grocery Store.” Stater Bros. Markets currently operates 158 Full Service Supermarket locations, with 47 in San Bernardino County, 42 in Riverside County, 30 in Orange County, 27 in Los Angeles County, 10 in Northern San Diego County, and 2 in Kern County. There are over 14,500 members of the Stater Bros. “Family” of Employees. Headquartered in Colton, California, Stater Bros. has been serving Southern California customers since 1936.

Continuing a relationship started last year, Kingsford Charcoal will become the “Official Charcoal of California Speedway.” The Kingsford Product Company is the leading manufacturer of charcoal in the U.S. with both its Kingsford and Match Light brands. The company makes regular and instant charcoal, wood chips and lighter fluid. The Oakland, Calif., company also is the primary sponsor for the No. 59 Kingsford Ford driven by Stacy Compton in the NASCAR Busch Series.

As the “Official Hot Sauce of the Auto Club 500 Weekend,” Cholula Hot Sauce will be located in all concession stands and hospitality areas to add their famous Flavorful Fire to any speedway meal. The authentic recipe was originally developed in Chapala, Jalisco, Mexico and blends pequin peppers, red peppers and spices in a delicate process that produces a perfect balance between flavor and heat. Cholula Hot Sauce will also host a Tortilla Toss contest in the infield and the Temecula, Calif., based company will distribute 2 oz. bottles to all infield RV guests during the Auto Club 500 weekend.

Purchase your tickets today to the Auto Club 500 weekend, April 30-May 2. Tickets start at $65 for Sunday. Joining the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series drivers on Saturday are the NASCAR Busch Series for a 300-mile event and the NASCAR Grand National Division, West Series for the King Taco 200. Tickets start at $40 for Saturday’s action, which will also include the Miller Lite Rock ‘n Racing Concert featuring “Live.” Tickets for Friday’s NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series Chevy Trucks Pole Day are $10 general admission.

For ticket and event information call 800-944-RACE (7223) or log onto www.californiaspeedway.com.

From a press release issued by Ducati Austin:

Ducati Austin-Home of E-Boz and the Ducati Austin Race Team Launches Message Board

Austin, TX — To help our Ducati clientele connect, Ducati Austin announces the launch of our www.ducatiforums.com message board. Our Forum provides Ducati Owners the opportunity to find events and rides, sell their bikes, come to a track day events or just discuss anything in the world of Ducati. We welcome participation from Ducatisti Worldwide.

Our Forum will feature regional rides for Ducati Owners to connect and ride together, announcements for our upcoming track days and events, classified ads, and especially Ducati Austin Race team press releases and info on Eric Bostrom.

We welcome suggestions from our clientele on what they want to see and how they want to connect with others so that this becomes a board that everyone can use.

Ducati Austin is a Ducati-only dealership running the factory-backed Parts Unlimited Ducati Austin 999 AMA Superbike with rider Eric Bostrom. We co-host “Texas Ducati Track Days” to provide track time and rider training for Ducati owners in Texas.

Message Board registration and use is free. If you want to connect with many Ducatisti from across the nation and around the world, visit www.ducatiforums.com to try out our board.