From a press release issued by Ducati Corse:

TOSELAND (DUCATI FILA) AIMS HIGH DOWN UNDER

Phillip Island (Australia): Ducati Fila rider James Toseland goes into this weekend’s second round of the World Superbike Championship at Phillip Island, Australia with a 12-point lead after a superb start to the season in the Valencia opener.

The 23-year-old from Sheffield, England crashed out in January’s pre-season testing on the spectacular Australian circuit, but returns to the island brimming with confidence following a win and a second place in Spain.

“I love everything about racing at Phillip Island, the circuit is picturesque, fast and exciting and it is a real riders’ track” declared James. “I especially like the fast bit through Haystacks, but after my crash in January’s test I would say the worst part is between Honda hairpin and Siberia, where they really ought to put some softer tarmac down!”

Toseland hasn’t had great results at Phillip Island in his three appearances there, his best performance being a fifth place last year. “I was battling for third in race 1 but then my fairing fell off and I was black-flagged!” he explained.

“The main thing about Phillip Island is that you need to set up the bike different to all the other tracks but you’ve really got to be smooth round here” he added. “The last two lefts are critical because you can lose so much time there”.

“I’m feeling really good this season and I’m enjoying my racing. I’m giving 110% every time I go out, and although I’m leading the championship, I’ve still got to keep it all together because anything can happen over a race weekend – just look at Regis!” he concluded.

Team-mate Regis Laconi wants nothing better than to put his nightmare start to the season behind him after scoring two DNFs in the Valencia opener. The 28-year-old Frenchman crashed out on a wet track surface in the first race and then retired with a mechanical problem early in race 2.

“I was not happy with the result at Valencia” Laconi explained, “but I feel confident about the next round. I know I am quick, I was faster than everyone else in testing, practice and qualifying so now I just want to get some racing under my belt, start off the season at Phillip Island, and take my first win of the year.

“I like the Phillip Island circuit so much, it’s a place where the rider can really make all the difference. In the fast corners you can push hard but in the two slow corners it’s easy to make a mistake and ruin your lap. Because the corners are so long and fast, the left side of the tyre needs to be fast for all the race and that makes all the difference” he added.

POINTS (after 1 of 11 rounds): Riders – 1. Toseland 45; 2. Chili 33; 3. Haga 25; 4. Walker 25; 5. Borciani 21; 6. McCoy 19; etc.

Manufacturers – 1. Ducati 50; 2. Petronas 25; 3. Honda 15; 4. Suzuki 12; 5. Yamaha 8; 6. Kawasaki 8.

CIRCUIT INFO: Name: Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit. Length: 4.445 km. Pole Position: Left. Corners Left/Right: 7/5. Finish Line Length: 835 m. Capacity: 150,000 spectators.

STATISTICS: Best lap: Corser (Ducati), 1:32.193 (1999). Lap record: Corser (Ducati), 1:33.019 (1999). Superpole: Corser (Ducati), 1:32.193 (1999).

TV COVERAGE: Eurosport (pan-European) – Sunday 28 March, 0400 Race 1 (live), 0730 Race 2 (live). La 7 (Italy), Saturday 27 March, 1100 Superpole (delayed); Sunday 28 March, 1400 Race 1 (delayed), 1725 Race 2 (delayed).

From a press release issued by New Hampshire International Speedway:

THE EIGHTY-FIRST ANNUAL LOUDON CLASSIC WEEK: THE TRADITION CONTINUES

By Ron Meade

(LOUDON, N.H. – March 24, 2004) — The Eighty-first Annual Loudon Classic Week is shaping up to be one of the most action-packed in the event’s storied history. The Classic has recaptured the excitement of past years with top level, handlebar-to-handlebar, nose-to-tail pack racing run rain or shine. A number of Canadian riders have been invited to the Classic to test our best at the nation’s oldest professional race meet in the fan favorite Diablo 125 GP Can-Am Challenge.

In addition to the Canadian riders, the Loudon Road Racing Series (LRRS) racers will again compete with the Formula USA teams adding to the excitement of this legendary event. The LRRS riders will use their Saturday and Sunday, June 12-13 race weekend as a final tune-up for the Classic.

Throughout that same weekend, the Merrimack Trail Riders will be conducting trail runs from the Speedway to benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Society.

On Monday, June 14, the great riders and bikes from the early years of the Loudon Classic will challenge the 1.6 mile road course in the U.S. Classic Racing Association (USCRA) North American Vintage Road Race Championships. Many motorcyclists will join the Gypsy Tour at Weirs Beach and head south for a scenic run that will be highlighted by two parade laps around the NHIS road course.

The Penguin Racing School is scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday, June 15-16. Present and future road racers can get the necessary training to become fully licensed to compete in the Loudon Road Racing Series events at NHIS. Bikes and leathers can be rented from the school for those who are just getting started.

A Promoter’s Practice Day on Thursday, June 17 gives the teams competing at the Loudon Classic an opportunity to practice and tune their machines for the weekend.

The Eighty-first Annual Loudon Classic officially begins on Friday, June 18 with practice and qualifying sessions for all Formula USA classes. Rally & Race visitors will also have the opportunity to make a second Gypsy Tour to the Speedway from Rally & Race Headquarters.

Friday afternoon features the grueling 100-lap Loudon Team Challenge. Sidecar and Super Motard practice sessions conclude the day’s action.

Saturday, June 19 at the Classic will showcase the talents of both the amateur and professional classes. After the morning practice sessions, the afternoon is filled with amateur races, Formula USA qualifying, and the 2nd Annual Super Motard, an event which combines pavement and dirt racing.

The Eighty-First Annual Loudon Classic concludes on Father’s Day, June 20 with a full slate of Formula USA Championship Series National Road Race Series events. The racing at the track gets underway at noon with the ThunderBikes followed by the Diablo 125 GP Can-Am Challenge, the UL Expert GP, Rising Sun 250 GP, SportBike and SuperBike events. The action will be non-stop all afternoon.

A giant Parade to the Speedway starts at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday, June 20 at the Meredith High School. Last year’s parade saw an estimated 500 bikes make the trip to NHIS. Riders enjoy this run as local residents line the route to thank our visitors for a wonderful week.

Make your plans now to attend the Classic by calling Speedway Guest Services at (603) 783-4931 for money-saving advance sale tickets or visit us online at www.nhis.com. Camping is available for all VIP Weekend ticket holders.

From a press release issued by MonsterMob Ducati:

British Superbike Championship – Round 1 – Silverstone, Northants – 27/28 March

MONSTERMOB DUCATI READY FOR ACTION

Defending double British Superbike Champions MonsterMob Ducati go into this weekend’s opening round of BSB2004 brim full of confidence as their bid for a third successive title gets underway at Silverstone on Sunday.

After the late Steve Hislop’s title success in 2002 followed by Shane ‘Shakey’ Byrne lifting the crown again last season before moving onto Moto GP, the Paul Bird Motorsport squad are pinning their hopes on the experienced Sean Emmett in the Superbike class aboard the factory supported Ducati 999 F04.

The 34 year old Londoner has endured a torrid time over the past few seasons and views his chances with Britain’s most successful team in recent years as his best bet for landing the elusive title:

“I’m very confident, especially after the test at Silverstone last week when I was fastest, but I know come race day it will be a different matter. It’s important we leave Silverstone with a good points haul as the next two tracks we go to are two of my favourites but I just can’t wait to get going. A double would be fantastic to get the season rolling but we’ll have to wait and see” declared the former 500cc GP rider.

Another new face joins Emmett in the Penrith-based team in the shape of young Ulsterman Michael Laverty who will be hoping to win back the Supersport title that the team relinquished last season.

The 22 year old County Antrim rider will have the latest works 749cc Ducati at his disposal and starts as one of the favourites going into round one:

“It’s going to be tough but I know I have the best package out there” said Laverty. “We’ve not had as much testing as I’d have liked but I feel very comfortable on the bike and I’m confident we can find a good race set up in order to be on the pace come Sunday.”

Team owner Paul Bird too is looking forward to the season ahead as he bids for an unprecedented third title. The Penrith businessman, who has spent much of the winter behind the wheel of his Ford Focus World Rally Car whereby he has rapidly climbed the UK driver’s rankings, is also quietly confident:

“We know that we are the team to beat and that everyone has upped their game this year to try to do just that but we remain confident with the package we have in place. Both riders have points to prove and with the best machinery from Ducati at our disposal, I see no reason why we can’t keep winning. My team of Phil Borley, Stuart Bland and Jonathan Clucas have been working round the clock to get everything ready and I’d like to pay tribute to them all for their efforts and hope the riders can repay them for all their hard work this weekend.”

BSB 2004 Dates

Mar 28: Silverstone, Northamptonshire.
Apr 12: Brands Hatch Indy, Kent.
Apr 25: Snetterton, Norfolk.
May 3: Oulton Park, Cheshire.
May 23: Mondello Park, Ireland.
Jun 6: Thruxton, Hampshire.
Jun 20: Brands Hatch, Kent.
Jul 4: Knockhill, Fife, Scotland.
Jul 18: Mallory Park, Leicestershire.
Aug 15: Croft, North Yorkshire
Aug 30: Cadwell Park, Lincolnshire.
Sep 12: Oulton Park, Cheshire.
Sep 19: Donington Park, Leicestershire

Editorial Note: MonsterMob Ducati also announced new sponsorship deals with “Europe’s largest retail finance partner Cetelem” and “French helmet manufacturer Shark” in separate press releases.


More, from a press release issued by Hawk Kawasaki:

HAWK KAWASAKI PREPARE FOR ZX-10Rs RACE DEBUT

Hawk Kawasaki will race its brand new ZX-10R superbikes for the first time this weekend at the opening round of the British Superbike Championship, at Silverstone, Northamptonshire.

This year’s 13-round series kicks off on the fast and flowing 2.252 mile International circuit where Hawk Kawasaki rider Glen Richards took two third places in last year’s event. Despite an encouraging first test at the track last week the Hawk team is expecting a tough weekend.

“The first thing that’s uppermost in my mind is that I’d like to see both riders finish both races in the top 10,” explains Hawk Team Principal Stuart Hicken. “I will be happy if they do that because the ZX-10 is a totally unraced motorcycle, as a superbike, and it’s only 65 per cent ready as a complete package because we don’t have the race ignition or race pistons in the bike yet, although we do have special Arrow titanium conrods that are made specifically for the ZX-10R in the motor already. We’ve done a lot of work on the bike but we’re still a long way from having a completed motorcycle, so if we finish both races with both riders we’ll have learnt a huge amount about the bike. That’s what we’re aiming to do – learn about the bike and allow the riders to learn how to ride the bike.”

Hawk Kawasaki rider Scott Smart, who has been heavily involved in the development of the team’s 10Rs, has been impressed by the bike in testing, but is aware of how crucial both practice and qualifying will be for the team: “At the moment we just need to get as many laps under our belts as possible. It’s always tough with a new bike because there’s no data to compare against, so you have to learn everything from scratch. The test we had at Silverstone went well for us and the bike felt good, but that was just testing. Racing these things is completely different. We’ve found that the bike works well on fresh tyres, but at the moment it’s not so good when the rear tyre starts to wear – that’s one area we’ve really got to work on this weekend. I’m a little nervous but I’m also excited to be racing again.”

His team mate, Richards, is also keen to get the season underway, but is aware of how critical Friday and Saturday will be for the team: “We’re lucky that the basic package feels so good so soon, but there’s a load of work for us to get stuck into as soon as we get to the track. I’m going to be working hard to get the chassis, and particularly the front end of the bike, feeling the best I can because at the moment we’re still a little down on power compared to the others. I like the track though and if I can get the bike working how I want I’ll be happy.”

Practice for the opening round starts on Friday 26, qualifying is to be run on Saturday 27 and race day is on Sunday 28.

From a press release issued by Ducati Corse:

Everybody on track! Three MotoGP test days at Barcelona

DUCATI MARLBORO TEAM READY FOR THE CHALLENGE

Bologna, March 24th, 2004 – The countdown has begun. It’s less than one month to the first MotoGP world championship race (April 18th at Welkom, in South Africa), and the season this year promises to be even more of a challenge and even more hard-fought. On Friday 26th , Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th, riders and teams will all be on the track together, for the “traditional” MotoGP tests, the first real chance to compare progress. The first part of the tests will be held at the circuit of Catalunya, and then, the circus will move to Jerez de la Frontera, where the second part of the tests will be held on Wednesday, March 31st and Thursday, April 1st.

It is an important, decisive test and the Ducati Marlboro Team is ready for the “takeoff” of its second MotoGP season. Returning to the Catalunya circuit means a lot for the Borgo Panigale “Reds”. It was on this track, exactly one year ago (March 16th, 2003), that Capirossi set his record speed of 328.2 Km/h and recorded the fastest lap time of the test. Loris’s fast lap was only the beginning of an exciting season, which immediately saw the Ducati Marlboro Team among the protagonists: the season kicked off with a podium at the very first GP (with Capirossi third and Bayliss fifth), followed by the first, historic Ducati MotoGP win, again on the Catalunya track of Montmelò (June 15th, 2003), on a triumphant day for Capirossi and the Desmosedici.

After the winter tests in Malaysia (Sepang), Australia (Phillip Island) and Spain (Valencia), the Ducati Marlboro Team continued the development and set-up of the new Desmosedici GP4: Loris Capirossi and Troy Bayliss are ready for the direct challenge with their opponents, to demonstrate all the potential of the new Ducati Desmosedici. These tests will be useful to complete the final set-up, to check the new exhaust system, new mapping (studied to further improve the bike’s rideability), and a new, exclusive Shell Advance lubricant oil, developed with the support of Shell Research and Technology Centre of Hamburg: dyno tests have already shown that it is able to further improve the Ducati four-cylinder engine performance.

“I can’t wait to test at Barcellona – said Capirossi just before leaving for the Catalunya tests – We have especially good memories of that circuit. Last year we were the fastest in the winter tests, and I returned to the highest podium step there. The new bike feels promising, the tests we’ve done so far already showed the great potential of this project, and I can’t wait to test the new parts, the fruit of all the hard work that they’re doing at Borgo Panigale.”
Team mate Troy Bayliss is also ready for the first official challenge: “There are still two days to go but my mind is already in Spain,” said the Ducati Marlboro Team rider. “The GP4 has much improved with respect to last year, but we’re planning to test new modifications at Barcelona which will hopefully help us do even better. These tests and the Jerez tests are critically important, just before the beginning of the Championship. And at last, in Barcelona, we’ll all be on the track together, just like in a race!”

The Development team will also be taking part in the tests. For the three test days, the official tester Vittoriano Guareschi will continue his delicate and essentially important work on the Ducati Desmosedici.


More, from a press release issued by Camel Honda Racing Information:

MotoGP IRTA Tests,
Catalunya, 26/27/28 March 2004

Preview

The 2004 racing season is all set to begin this weekend. With the “winter” test sessions over, the time has come to raise the curtain on the World Championship season. In just a few hours’ time, the IRTA tests will get underway at Montmelò. This is the classic start of the season – a long-awaited rendezvous where, for the first time, all the MotoGP participants come together on the track for a contest, a challenge, that in terms of intensity and significance could well be considered as the first “race” of the season. Even so, we are still going to have to wait until 18 April for the first of the 16 World Championship rounds. This will be when the green light comes on in South Africa, on the home straight of the Welkom circuit.

JT International, the title partner with the Camel brand of the yellow-blue Camel Honda team, will be the official sponsor of these IRTA tests. This will certainly be a magisterial world preview that will reveal the potential of many of those taking part. And it will also be a big media-oriented event with a huge public that has been waiting all winter long. IRTA sponsorship will also involve a special promotion for the public, for Camel has distributed 35,000 invitations for the three days of tests, letting thousands take part in a lottery that has a Honda CRB 1000 RR and five Honda 100 cc scooters as prizes. All the machines will naturally bear the yellow-blue colours of the Camel Honda team.

After the “catwalk” in Milan, the Camel Honda team was officially presented in Italy last week: the whole team, with Team Principal Sito Pons and the riders, will have another meeting with the media at Montmelò. An informal encounter slated for Friday 26 March from 1.30 p.m. to 3.30 p.m. in the paddock.
In other words, another “showcase” for the yellow-blue Honda RC211Vs, before the bikes roar into action and the timekeepers pronounce their verdict.

The first comments as this important pre-championship test session drew close came from the riders:

Max Biaggi – Camel Honda (Michelin tyres)
“I love the Barcelona circuit but I must say that, after years of Formula One, the surface has been a bit ruined, especially in the braking areas. In any case, it’s a great track to start off a series of important tests. We should be receiving some new components from Honda for the chassis, but in any case we’ll be starting off with the basic settings we used last time we were here. We’ll also naturally be taking into consideration the results of the last tests, especially for the front tyres, and I believe Michelin has brought along some new stuff. We’ve got three days – all the time we need to do a good job, and we’ll draw our conclusions at the end.”

Makoto Tamada – Camel Honda (Bridgestone tyres)
“These tests in Catalunya are really important. They’re the last chance we’ve got to get the bike’s settings right before the World Championship starts up. We’ve got to make the absolute best of this series of tests to make the best possible decisions. I’m really pleased with the bike and its amazing power, and as far as the tyres are concerned, I know that Bridgestone is going to be coming here to Montmelò with some new materials and I can’t wait to try it all out over the weekend. I particularly like this track, so I’m expecting some pretty tough work over the next three days, but also plenty of satisfaction.”

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Several Dunlop-sponsored AMA teams are completing the second day of a two-day test at Laguna Seca Raceway in Monterey, California today.

The test is open to Dunlop-sponsored teams only.

Attending the test are: Yoshimura Suzuki, American Honda, Erion Honda, Kawasaki, and Yamaha/Graves Yamaha.

The biggest news is that Anthony Gobert has resolved his visa problems and is testing alongside his teammate/brother Alex on the Erion Honda CBR1000RR Superstock bike at Laguna.

Anthony Gobert encountered visa problems after he switched immigration lawyers.

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Wednesday’s 250cc Lap Times From IRTA Test At Catalunya:

1. Randy De Puniet, Aprilia, 1:47.154
2. Sebastian Porto, Aprilia, 1:47.422
3. Toni Elias, Honda, 1:47.963
4. Daniel Pedrosa, Honda, 1:48.414
5. Alex De Angelis, Aprilia, 1:48.567
6. Fonsi Nieto, Aprilia, 1:48.821
7. Hiroshi Aoyama, Honda, 1:49.019
8. Manuel Poggiali, Aprilia, 1:49.149
9. Alex Debon, Honda, 1:49.205
10. Roberto Rolfo, Honda, 1:49.588
11. Franco Battaini, Aprilia, 1:49.654
12. Naoki Matsudo, Yamaha, 1:49.799
13. Jakub Smrz, Honda, 1:50.016
14. Sylvain Guintoli, Aprilia, 1:50.491
15. Arnaud Vincent, Aprilia, 1:50.514
16. Eric Bataille, Honda, 1:50.569
17. Anthony West, Aprilia, 1:50.899
18. Joan Olive, Aprilia, 1:50.945
19. Hugo Marchand, Aprilia, 1:51.016
20. Chaz Davies, Aprilia, 1:51.182
21. Erwan Nigon, Yamaha, 1:51.249
22. Hector Faubel, Aprilia, 1:51.721
23. Gregory Lefort, Aprilia, 1:51.774
24. Johan Stigefelt, Aprilia, 1:52.287
25. Alex Baldolini, Aprilia, 1:52.440
26. Max Sabbatani, Yamaha, 1:55.510
27. Christian Gemmel, Honda, 1:55.821
28. Dirk Heidolf, Aprilia, 1:57.591
29. Taro Sekiguchi, Yamaha, 2:03.725

From a press release issued by Dorna Sports:

2, Roberto Rolfo, ITA, Fortuna Honda, Honda

6, Alex Debon, SPA, Wurth Honda BQR, Honda

7, Randy Depuniet, FRA, Safilo Carrera – LCR, Aprilia

8, Naoki Matsudo, JPN, Yamaha Kurz, Yamaha

9, Hugo Marchand, FRA, Freesoul Abruzzo Racing Team, Aprilila

10, Fonsi Nieto, SPA, Repsol – Aspar Team, Aprilia

11, Joan Olive, SPA, Campetella Racing, Aprilia

12, Arnaud Vincent, FRA, Equipe de France – Scrab GP, Aprilia

14, Anthony West, AUS, Freesoul Abruzzo Racing Team, Aprilia

15, Christian Gemmel, GER, Kiefer Castrol – Honda Racing, Honda

16, Johan Stigefelt, SWE, Aprilia Germany, Aprilia

19, Sebastian Porto, ARG, Repsol – Aspar Team, Aprilia

21, Franco Battaini, ITA, Campetella Racing, Aprilia

24, Toni Elias, SPA, Fortuna Honda, Honda

25, Alex Baldolini, ITA, Matteoni Racing, Aprilia

26, Daniel Pedrosa, SPA, Telefonica Movistar Honda, Honda

28, Dirk Heidolf, GER, Grefusa – Aspar Team, Aprilia

33, Hector Faubel, SPA, Grefusa – Aspar Team, Aprilia

34, Eric Bataille, FRA, Wurth Honda BQR, Honda

36, Erwan Nigon, FRA, Yamaha Kurz, Yamaha

40, Max Sabbatani, ITA, NC World Trade, Yamaha

44, Taro Sekiguchi, JPN, NC World Trade, Yamaha

50, Sylvain Guintoli, FRA, Campetella Racing, Aprilia

51, Alex De Angelis, RSM, Aprilia Racing, Aprilia

54, Manuel Poggiali, RSM, MS Aprilia Team, Aprilia

57, Chaz Davies, GBR, Aprilia Germany, Aprilia

73, Hiroshi Aoyama, JPN, Telefonica Movistar Honda 250cc, Honda

77, Gregory Lefort, FRA, Equipe de France – Scrab GP, Aprilia

96, Jakub Smrz, CZE, Arie Molenaar Racing, Honda

From a press release issued by Honda Racing Information:

World Supersport Championship 2004 – Round 2
Phillip Island Race Preview
26 – 28 MARCH 2004

AUSTRALIA AWAITS HONDA’S SUPERSPORT STARS

After a gap of a month the World Supersport Championship enters its second round at the popular Australian venue of Phillip Island, with a number of Honda riders in with a chance of podium glory.

Phillip island was the venue for the first ever World Supersport race win of the latest Honda CBR600RR, in the hands of eventual 2003 champion Chris Vermeulen.

Vermeulen my not be in the 2004 WSS field but there is a strong chance of victory for a Honda rider of Australian origin in any case, with the last three WSS races down under being taken by riders with Australian passports.

After going 1-2 in qualifying in the opening round at Valencia on Feb 29, the Ten Kate Honda pairing of Karl Muggeridge and Broc Parkes will be hoping for a change in fortunes on home soil, having ended their opening race weekend 8th and with a DNF respectively.

In the Klaffi Honda team, the mix-and-match of experienced campaigner Sebastien Charpentier (Klaffi Honda CBR600RR) and his young team-mate Max Neukirchner (Klaffi Honda CBR600RR) is an exciting one. Charpentier, has already shown his sheer speed but looks to the Aussie race to translate pace into a race finish, especially after the misfortune of being black-flagged out of the Valencia race.

Neukirchner, a teenager with European Championship experience in the 250cc class, made an excellent debut in Spain, scoring points for his 14th place finish.

The promise of another pairing comprising experience and youth may come to its first fruition in Australia’s Southern coastline, with former European Champion Alessio Corradi (Team Italia Megabike Honda CBR600RR) and teenager Denis Sacchetti (Team Italia Megabike Honda CBR600RR) once more lining up for an attack in one of the most competitive and unpredictable championships in the world.

The Aussie competitiveness of the Supersport Hondas, according to the formbook at least, should be headed by the Ten Kate pairing; the fact that action is about to be conducted in one of the venues that nurtured their careers merely adds another imperative to their efforts.

For Muggeridge the opening round is now an unalterable scene from history. “The season’s not all over yet and it’s a long year with a lot of points up for grabs,” said Muggeridge. “The next race should be a lot better and it’s good to be racing at home again.”

For Parkes who was leading in Spain before lady luck deserted him, stated, “I was really disappointed how things went at Valencia but that makes me glad the next race is in Australia, in front of my home fans at Phillip Island. I’m just going to have to make sure that I do my best to make up for it throughout the rest of the season and especially at home.”

Ready to give the Ten Kate pairing and all comers a run for their prize money, Charpentier looks forward to a return to Aussie action. “Phillip Island is OK for me and the Honda, and also the Pirelli tyres because that’s what won there last year,” he declared. “I didn’t race there last season but I have experience from other races there. I like the track and for the Honda, with it being both fast and stable around the corners, it is a very good circuit.”

Young German hope Neukirchner approaches only his second Supersport race with a measured approach and keen determination. “This is my first time at Phillip Island so the first practice sessions will be vital for me,” he affirmed. “I have heard that it is one of the best tracks we go to all year. I was happy to get 14th at Valencia, and I hope to get better and better each race – so I look forward to my fist visit to another new track.”

With two top ten finishes at Phillip Island to his credit already, Corradi is primed to mix it up with his peers again. “I hope to run this race in front again,” he stated. “I know the potential me and of my bike on the track. I really hope to start on the front of the grid because Phillip Island is a technical track and the riders must have courage… I like this track so much! I think that the Australians – Muggeridge, Parkes and Kevin Curtain – will be riding at another rhythm but I will try to stay with them anyway.”

Sacchetti, Team Italia’s latest name on a frequently glorious list, is another rider approaching Australia for the first time. “I will arrive in Australia with the target to learn the track and to resolve my set-up and feeling on the bike. I want to understand the behaviour of it better and the work of the team. Now, I know the level of work done over a race weekend by the other riders of World Supersport Championship. For qualifying I’m not expecting such good results but I hope to ride well and defend my position during the race.”

The first round of the championship was won by Dutch star Jurgen van den Goorbergh (Yamaha), from his team-mate Fabien Foret and Suzuki’s Katsuaki Fujiwara. Highest placed regular Honda rider after Valencia is Muggeridge, eighth.

After Australia, the championship returns to Europe for the rest of the season, with Misano, on April 18, the next race on the calendar.

From a press release issued by FGSport Group:

New Bikes, New Riders, New Teams

The 2004 World Endurance Championship season starts in just over two weeks. The winter has seen many changes for the permanent teams who are contracted to take part in the full championship, making performance predictions very difficult.

2003 World Endurance Champions Phase One Endurance will run Yamaha R1s for the first time after three successful years with Suzuki’s GSX-R1000, while Swedish team Fagersjo-el.se have switched from Yamaha R1s to Suzuki GSX-R1000s. Diablo GB move to Kawasaki for this year; along with their partners Kawasaki Bolliger Team they will campaign the new ZX-10R for the first time.

The changes continue amongst the other marques; X-One will run factory Benelli Tornados, MV Agusta Burger King Lust are another successful squad with a new bike, Ducati Team Spring represent the Italian marque for the first time, and Honda make a welcome comeback, represented by WRT Honda Austria.

There have been a number of significant rider changes for 2004. Yamaha GMT94 have brought in Stephane Gimbert to join Checa and Costes, Yamaha Endurance Moto 38 will field Gwen Giabbani and Phillipe Dobe with Cazade, Yamaha Austria have recruited Igor Jerman and Thomas Hinterreiter to join Saiger, Stephane Mertens moves to Yamaha Phase One with Ellison and Notman, and Laurent Brian joins Kellenberger and Stamm at Kawasaki Bolliger Team. All are experienced endurance riders adding to the skills of teams already amongst the best in the world.

Finally, Suzuki Castrol Team are back in the official FIM World Endurance Championship. One of the most respected teams in the endurance paddock; they have five World Endurance Championship titles to their name, with 38 race victories during their 24 year endurance history. After a two year break following their SuperProduction class win in 2001, Dominic Meliand’s ultra-professional and well supported team are expected to make a real impact on the championship.

The first round of the seven race World Endurance Championship is the Assen 500 on the 12th of April.

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Best Overall 125cc Lap Times From IRTA Test At Catalunya:

1. Alvaro Bautista, Aprilia, 1:50.922
2. Fabrizio Lai, Gilera, 1:51.626
3. Andrea Dovizioso, Honda, 1:51.685
4. Hector Barbera, Aprilia, 1:51.698
5. Roberto Locatelli, Aprilia, 1:51.753
6. Youichi Ui, Aprilia, 1:51.884
7. Mike Di Meglio, Aprilia, 1:52.144
8. Andrea Ballerini, Aprilia, 1:52.154
9. Gino Borsoi, Aprilia, 1:52.503
10. Pablo Nieto, Aprilia, 1:52.537
11. Steve Jenkner, Aprilia, 1:52.540
12. Mattia Pasini, Aprilia, 1:52.870
13. I. Toth, Aprilia, 1:52.912
14. Mirko Giansanti, Aprilia, 1:52.967
15. Marco Simoncelli, Aprilia, 1:52.991
16. Casey Stoner, KTM, 1:53.001
17. Jorge Lorenzo, Derbi, 1:53.036
18. Thomas Luthi, Honda, 1:53.070
19. Julian Simon, Honda, 1:53.249
20. Stefano Perugini, Gilera, 1:53.528

22. Gabor Talmacsi, Malaguti, 1:53.815
23. Alex Rodriguez, Derbi, 1:53.958
24. Mika Kallio, KTM, 1:54.034

26. Simone Corsi, Honda, 1:54.443


More, from a press release issued by KTM:

IRTA Test: 2nd day free practice 125cc, Barcelona
24.03.2004

The second day of the IRTA TEST was again under the sun. The 125class closed the second day of practice in Barcelona Circuit, having the Spaniard Alvaro Bautista first. KTM took the 16th result with the Australian Casey Stoner while the Finnish Mika Kallio finished 24th.

Stoner- I’m happy with the test. This morning we tried a different direction with the chassis: we are learning all the time.

Kallio- Even if the engine was always very good we had two difficult days trying to find the right setting here in Barcelona. I hope that in Jerez next Satruday & Sunday we’ll find a better setting.

Bartol – I’m happy for the engine but not for the chassis.We’ll have to work on that.