Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

The new AMA Pro Racing rule restricting who can enter both the Superbike and the Formula Xtreme classes could have a serious effect on the tight battle for the Superstock Championship.

Superstock entrants typically use Superbike practice sessions to set up their bikes, and many Superstock racers also compete in the Superbike race to win more money.

Josh Hayes is leading the Superstock points, but because he is fourth in Formula Xtreme points, he will not be allowed to run in the Superbike class at VIR August 29-31.

Which means Hayes will not have access to 3-1/2 hours of Superbike practice and qualifying prior to the Superstock race scheduled for Saturday afternoon at VIR.

Vincent Haskovec, who is second in Superstock points and ninth in Superbike points, will not be allowed to run in the Formula Xtreme race but will be able to practice on his Superstock bike in Superbike sessions, in addition to the estimated 90 minutes of official Superstock practice and qualifying available before the start of the Superstock race.

The advantage for Haskovec will be even greater in terms of available track time prior to Superstock qualifying. He’ll have two hours of Superbike practice and qualifying to work on bike set up, compared to 30 minutes of official Superstock practice.

“It’s definitely a bummer,” said Hayes when reached for comment Wednesday morning. “We’ve been doing that, running the Formula Xtreme and Superstock bikes in Superbike practice, all along. All of the sudden Mladin and Yates start running their Superbikes in Formula Xtreme practice and other Superbike teams are getting upset.

“I’m one of the ones who gets caught in that net. But then guys who are just out of the top 10 but are competitive, they can still do it.

“I wouldn’t say that it’s fair. But I think that all around it’s a pretty good rule for next year. Just starting a new rule mid-season is wrong. In the past they’ve passed up new rules saying they didn’t want to change mid-season, but then they throw this in, effective immediately.”


See related posts:

8/12/2003 Updated Post: Haskovec Banned From Formula Xtreme By New AMA Pro Rule

8/12/2003 Pick One: AMA Pro Racing Limits Superbike/FX And Supersport/Superstock Entries

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

The new AMA Pro Racing rule restricting who can enter both Superbike and Formula Xtreme races at AMA Nationals was never discussed by the Road Racing Advisory Board.

That’s the word from several Advisory Board members contacted by Roadracingworld.com, who said that the subject was never brought up in a meeting.

The Advisory Board last met at the Brainerd AMA Superbike National.

The rule was not posted on the Riders Only section of the AMA Pro Racing website for comment, and affected riders had no chance to comment on the rule prior to its taking immediate effect.

The immediate change in rider eligibility rules with only two races left in the season is unprecedented.

See related posts:

8/13/2003 New AMA Rule Will Penalize Hayes In Superstock Championship Battle

8/12/2003 Updated Post: Haskovec Banned From Formula Xtreme By New AMA Pro Rule

8/12/2003 Pick One: AMA Pro Racing Limits Superbike/FX And Supersport/Superstock Entries





And now, a reader comments:

FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail:

I just want to say that I think it is typical of the AMA’s capricious attitude towards rule-making that they break out with this entrance requirement folly mid-season with no advance warning.

They are obviously trying to do this quietly or they would have posted something in the news on their website. I found no mention of this change when I visited it late this evening. It almost seems like they don’t want anyone to know about it….

Shameful….

Mark A. Busse
Fan and Cornerworker
Minneapolis, Minnesota

From a press release issued by the Kevin Schwantz Suzuki School:

Schwantz Wins Again in Germany

Former world Grand Prix champion Kevin Schwantz remembers his pair of GP victories at the famed Nurburgring racetrack fondly, but for the thousands of fanatical German fans who turned out to welcome Schwantz’s return to the circuit this August, it was like he won them only yesterday. Suzuki Deutschland brought Schwantz and his Kevin Schwantz Suzuki School crew across the Atlantic to teach four of their world-renowned KSSS 2-Day schools in Germany, the final school (which sold out in less then four days) taking place as part of IDM Superbike weekend (Germany’s national championship series) at the Nurburgring circuit.

“This was the first time at the Nurburgring for all my instructors,” said Schwantz, “and they were really excited as they rode a few laps around the old Nurburgring Nordschliefe (or north course, which is over 13 miles long with more than 90 corners) on their Suzuki SV650s and SV1000s. It was a fun weekend including some promotions for Suzuki signing autographs, riding a few parade laps and such.” The autograph lines stretched to over 100 people and often grew in length until after an hour of signing, Schwantz was forced to make a hasty retreat to rest his writer-cramped hand. Recalling the crowds, which brought not only photos, posters and t-shirts for the champ to sign, but several Lucky Strike-replica Suzukis as well, Schwantz shakes his head and smiles, “It is amazing to me that what I did ten years ago, on Suzuki’s Grand Prix bikes, people still remember like it was yesterday.”

Schwantz and his KSSS crew also attended the Sachsenring Grand Prix. “It is always a joy going to a Grand Prix,” said Schwantz. “Of course, I wish the Suzuki Grand Prix effort was going better but it’s great to see all the fans and sign autographs and see all the people I met throughout my racing career.” While there was a virtual sea of spectators in the stands wearing yellow Valentino Rossi shirts, there were still a surprising number of fans wearing Schwantz Lucky Strike Suzuki shirts and hats with his signature Number 34 on them – in fact, they are still being sold at the official Dorna souvenir stands alongside all the current GP stars.

“The German students were really pleasant to work with and very dedicated learners, many of whom listened through translators,” said Schwantz. “My staff did a particularly good job — especially my on-track instructors – working in a different environment, with different people and on different tracks. I think it takes extra dedication to teach people who don’t understand every word you say and they all did a swell job. Our students varied from accomplished racers to a few new riders with less than a year of riding experience — one of whom won the Michelin Most-Improved Student Award that we hand out at every school, earning the student a free set of Michelin motorcycle tires. Our curriculum is divided into Advanced and Street levels for all experience levels.”

“Mr. Poensgen and all the members of Suzuki Deutschland did an incredible job helping us make things run smoothly,” said Schwantz. “Our new friends from the Motorrad Action Team did an outstanding job for us as well, organizing the venues and providing us with three great German guest on-track instructors. After three weeks and eight school days in Germany I think our European KSSS experience was a winner and I hope we get the opportunity to go back again next year.”

For more information about Schwantz’s school schedule and future plans visit schwantzschool.com and kevin-schwantz.com.

From a press release issued by FRA:

Special Announcement!

California Speedway, Yamaha Motorcycles, and FASTRACK RIDERS Association are proud to announce “Deployed Troops Appreciation Day”!

In an effort to show our true gratitude to all the men and women who were deployed during the recent Operation Iraqi Freedom, we want to say “THANK YOU” for the sacrifices you made on our behalf.

To that end, we are offering on a first-come, first-served basis a FREE TRACK DAY to the first 75 military riders that served in Operation Iraqi Freedom. The event will be at the beautiful California Speedway on the exciting and challenging AMA Track. It is sponsored by Yamaha Motorcycles, FASTRACK RIDERS Association, and California Speedway who are all making the contributions necessary to make this event possible.

EVENT DATE IS: Friday, AUGUST 29, 2003


Rules & Requirements:

1. Rider must have been deployed for Operation Iraqi Freedom.

2. Rider must have current valid motorcycle operators license.

3. Rider must have a motorcycle (please give specifics on bike when registering).

4. All Fastrack Riders Association rules and regulations apply.

5. If a rider has never ridden on a track before, they must attend an FRA Safety School which is the same day of the event. The cost for the class is $75, and is a $125 value. We will limit the class to a maximum of 20 riders.

6. Rider must have verification they were deployed for the Operation Iraqi Freedom. (We will outline this requirement within a few days)

7. Each rider will be required to Call to Register: 877-560-2233. Faxed orders will not be accepted.

8. Rider must be an experienced rider with a minimum of one year’s riding experience, and have proper riding gear including DOT-, SNELL-approved full face helmet, proper motorcycle riding gloves, full leathers or ballistic nylon riding suits with armor that zip together (if not one piece), and proper riding boots that cover the ankles and are not slip ons.

All types of bikes are allowed, but to truly enjoy the AMA Track it is best to have a sportbike. Please verify that your bike can be ridden at California Speedway when registering.

Leathers are available for rent on a first come first served basis at the rate of $95.00. Rider must give height, weight, waist size, and sport jacket size. Fastrack Riders only has ten suits available, so be sure to reserve in advance.

Check out our web site for all the specific details for bike and rider preparation!

www.fastrackriders.com
[email protected]
Call Now to Sign Up! Toll-Free (877) 560-CAFE (-2233)

From a press release issued by Foggy Petronas Racing:

Foggy PETRONAS Racing search for new rider

Foggy PETRONAS Racing will not seek to retain the services of James Haydon when his contract expires at the end of the current 2003 season. Haydon was signed at the beginning of the 2002 season to join Troy Corser in developing the FP1 – the Malaysian superbike.

The 28-year-old was denied the chance of any track action in 2002, when the team’s debut was delayed until this year. But James has since struggled to find a balance between his riding style and the new bike at a succession of new circuits on the World Superbike calendar.

Team owner Carl Fogarty said: “I genuinely feel sorry that this has not worked out for James. I signed him because of his aggressive style and determined nature but, for whatever reason, this has not suited our bike. While Troy raves about the handling of the FP1, James has clearly struggled to find a set-up that works for him.

“Circumstances have been difficult, as he has been competing at a number of new circuits, which is never easy. And he has had bad luck at times, such as the two crashes at Laguna, neither of which were his fault. We all hope that he goes on to recreate the kind of form and results which attracted us to him in the first place.

“We will now start the search for a replacement to work alongside Troy, who has another year of his contract to run, in challenging for wins next year.”

James said: “It has been a difficult two seasons. To sit out and be a spectator to WSB in 2002 was probably the hardest job I have ever had to do. To then attempt to find a set-up on the new bike on a race by race basis rather than through testing has not been ideal, but I feel Brands helped a lot. I look forward to my last three races and finishing the season on a high.

“I know the FP1 has the potential to be a winner and I wish PETRONAS and the team all the best for the future.”

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Purse for the AMA Suzuki Lightning Nationals at Virginia International Raceway, August 29-31.

Chevy Trucks Superbike
$75,000 total purse
Half paid for each of two Superbike races
1. $8000
2. $6000
3. $4500
4. $3600
5. $3200
6. $3050
7. $2950
8. $2850
9. $2750
10. $2650
11. $2600
12. $2500
13. $2400
14. $2300
15. $2200
16. $2100
17. $2050
18. $2000
19. $1950
20. $1900
21. $1600
22. $1500
23. $1400
24. $1300
25. $1200
26. $1100
27. $950
28. $850
29. $700
30. $600
31. $550
32. $500
33. $450
34. $400
35. $350


MBNA 250 Grand Prix, Pro Honda Oils U.S. Supersport, Lockhart Phillips USA Formula Xtreme, Genuine Suzuki Accessories Superstock
$10,000 paid for each class
1. $1500
2. $1200
3. $900
4. $700
5. $650
6. $600
7. $525
8. $475
9. $425
10. $400
11. $375
12. $350
13. $325
14. $300
15. $275
16. $250
17. $225
18. $200
19. $175
20. $150

From a press release issued by RPS:

Racing Performance Services opens with over a dozen wins and podium finishes

On August 9th & 10th, Racing Performance Services provided suspension support at its first “official event” held at Pueblo, Colorado by the MRA. The result was over a dozen wins and podium finishes. Racer winners and top finishers Glenn Conser, Tyler Jones, Patrick Lansu, Bryan Hanson, and Brad Hendry lead the list of riders who utilized suspension services provided by Marcus McBain and RPS.

Racing Performance Services is a new company that is the evolution of various services provided by Marcus McBain. RPS provides suspension support, engine services, and riding school curriculum for racers who would like to improve their performances. RPS is based out of Houston, Texas and provides service in the Texas & Colorado regions. With over 16 years racing experience, RPS is a qualified solution for racers and track day riders.

Riders who were previously sponsored by Marcus McBain will now receive support under the RPS umbrella. RPS will continue support for CMRA racer Mark Delano in his efforts to capture 9 regional titles in the highly competitive CMRA SuperStock, SuperBike, and Grand Prix classes. Utilizing suspension optimized by Marcus McBain, Mark Delano has over 40 wins and has won more than 60% of the races he has entered!

Racers who would like more information about RPS may go to www.roadracinghelp.com or e-mail [email protected].

From a press release issued by Proton Team KR:

POWER, RELIABILITY AND FUTURE HOPES BOOSTED FOR BRNO

Proton Team KR have upgraded hardware for the resumption of hostilities at Brno this weekend – and a not-so-secret weapon in the back of the truck.

The two-weekend break since the last round in Germany has given the England-based team the chance it needed not only to solve teething troubles of the first version of their radical all-new V5 prototype MotoGP racer, but also to start to unleash more of the available horsepower.

According to rider Nobuatsu Aoki, “It feels as though it has about ten more horsepower. You can really notice the improvement.” Fellow Proton KR ace Jeremy McWilliams also tested the upgraded machine, and promised “at least a second faster lap times, compared with our last test at Brno.”

But the final decision on whether to race the newest version of a machine still in its infancy has yet to be taken. The team will be taking last year’s two-stroke 500cc lightweight machines along as well – after a strong double-points finish at the last round, the German GP. Brno’s fast sweeping corners are another happy hunting ground for the agile old-style two-strokes, and they will be ready to make one more racing appearance, if desired.

“The bike came to the tracks for the first time less than three months ago,” said team manager Chuck Aksland. “It’s still very new. Since its first race (the Italian GP, on June 8) we were putting out fires … trying to solve teething problems and reliability issues, and also getting the bikes ready for the next race.”

However, the new bikes were left at home for the last round at the twisty Sachsenring circuit, where McWilliams proved the trusty two-stroke’s amazing potential with a challenge for pole position, ending up a close second fastest in qualifying.

“Ever since the British GP, we’ve been focusing on the problems,” said Aksland. “The break allowed us to address a lot of the smaller issues.” These had included oil-control and seepage, as well as crankshaft weaknesses. “We have a lot of that buttoned up now,” said Aksland. “There are many things aside from overall performance that you need to give the riders more confidence.”

At the same time, the crew at Banbury – the biggest independent motorcycle race engineering facility – were working on improving performance. “The work was mainly on cylinder heads and exhausts, and has given us a little bit of performance increase from standard,” said Aksland.

The latest developments only came together on the Tuesday before the Brno race, illustrating the project’s punishing time schedule. The latest version of the bike was given shake-down tests at Bruntingthorpe airfield, with barely time for the engines to cool down before they left for the trans-Europe haul to Brno.

“The bike is still very new, and even this step since Donington Park is a small step forward. If we can keep doing that, then we will get there,” added Aksland.

The primary aim is to race the new four-stroke at Brno, but Aksland explained that they will have race-ready two-strokes on hand as well, not only as a back-up in case of unexpected problems, but also because of the chance of another strong performance from the state-of-the-art 2002 KR3 two-stroke.

“They’ll be there as an option, which we might take if it is to the benefit of the overall race result,” said Aksland. “We’re pretty sure the two-stroke can be quick at Brno, but we also know the four-stroke will be quicker than on our last visit to the track. We’ll be ready either way,” he said.

The Brno circuit is long, fast and profound, including a string of tricky high-speed downhill corners as well as a punishing climb back up the forested hillside. In spite of this power-sapping finale to the lap, the high corner speed of the three-cylinder two-stroke pays dividends over the rest of the distance, and last year McWilliams was able to climb through to a heroic seventh place from the back of the field.

Proton Team KR have another advantage with their Bridgestone tyres. Prior to their top-class debut last year, the Japanese company tested extensively at the Czech Republic circuit, and it is one place where the rubber’s already impressive performance shows to its best, especially in the likely hot conditions, as the European heat-wave continues.

The Czech Republic sits alone in the middle of the summer break this year, after two weekends off following the German GP, with two more before the Portuguese race. That is followed by the final four flyaway rounds in Brazil, Japan, Malaysia and Australia, and the last race at Valencia.

JEREMY McWILLIAMS: ANOTHER SECOND OFF THE LAP TIME
The shake-down tests went quite well, and I’m pretty pleased. There’s definitely more horsepower now, and it seems the oil problems we were having are cured. Not having to worry about whether there’s oil on your boots is probably worth another couple of tenths! I had thought we might be racing the two-stroke again at Brno, and it would be okay with me if we do end up with it. But the whole idea is to get the four-stroke racing, and the extra power should be good for about a second a lap. We’re making progress.

NOBUATSU AOKI: FEELS LIKE TEN HORSEPOWER MORE
The new machines at the tests were very interesting. One development idea I tried is not working correctly yet, but the old engine with new tuning feels like it has ten horsepower more. The team is preparing both two-stroke and four-stroke bikes. I don’t know yet which I would prefer. If the new four-stroke engine carries on working okay, then I’ll be happy with it. My basic wish is to race the four-stroke, and if everything goes well to get a good result. I have done a lot of tyre development at Brno with Bridgestone, and the tyres work very well there.


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

Preview Czech Grand Prix at Brno

15–16–17 August 2003

ROSSI HEADS HONDA CHALLENGE AT BRNO

The 16-race MotoGP season clicks over into double digits at Brno this weekend with reigning World Champion Valentino Rossi (Repsol Honda RC211V) still leading what has become a fascinating and increasingly close battle for overall championship honours between himself and two other RC211V riders.

Second place man in the series Sete Gibernau (Telefonica MoviStar Honda RC211V) scored his fourth win of the series at the Sachsenring round three weekends ago, closing to within 29 points of the otherwise irrepressible Rossi. Riding a wave of self-confidence since his return to the Honda fold this year, Gibernau has made himself the star of the current series and looks to Brno – the easternmost GP of the European season – as another opportunity to peg back some points on the leader.

Despite suffering his first no score of his 2003 season, after falling at the tight and twisty Sachsenring circuit, Max Biaggi (Camel Pramac Pons RC211V) still finds himself the third player in a trio of Honda riders clearly heading the championship table. Three times a Brno race winner in the premier class of GP racing, Biaggi is going for win number two of his 2003 season, at one of his all time favourite circuits.

Such has been the efficacy of the RC211V and the experience and hunger of this year’s top three Honda riders that they have taken eight of the possible nine wins between them. The remaining win went to fourth place man in the championship Loris Capirossi (Ducati) who secured victory at Catalunya in round six.

The Brno track is a beloved venue for many riders and the old road circuits of yesteryear still encircle the current purpose built Automotodrom Brno track. Despite it’s contemporary levels of safety and facilities Brno is still one of the longer venues on the campaign trail at 5,403m and has been a MotoGP fixture since it opened in 1987.

For Rossi, a win at Brno would extend his lead in the championship, irrespective of Gibernau’s placing. With the incentive of going for thee premier class championship wins in a row, the idol of millions worldwide is in determined mood pre race, despite some bad luck at Brno in the past. “Brno is not one of my favourite tracks and I have not such good memories about last year’s race,” said Rossi, who, like many of his rivals, has also tested at Brno recently. “The testing we did with the team a few weeks ago was successful and we hope for a good result this weekend for the championship.”

Rossi, son of Grand Prix racer Graziano, has been a fan of bike racing since birth and believes that this season is a special one for MotoGP enthusiasts. “I think the fans will be in for a great show as the season moves on,” said the 24-year-old Rossi. “There are seven GP’s remaining and the championship is very tight. Some tracks will favour me; some will favour others. This season I have been lucky and unlucky. Sometimes I was beaten by the weather sometimes by the rules and sometimes by my own mistakes.”

Rossi has been beaten on four of those occasions by Sete Gibernau, who is motivated by the results of his recent outing at the Czech track.

“The test we did at Brno before the Sachsenring was a great help to us,” affirmed Gibernau. ” We have had a good base setting for he wet from the first time we ran the bike on a wet track. Our dry track set up was not as good but at the Brno we were able to concentrate our time on general machine settings without the pressure of qualifying. I can say that we are now very close to finding the optimum base line set up for the dry. I set some good lap times at the test, not just one fast lap, so I will go into first practice at Brno with confidence.”

Max Biaggi, who can count on four 250cc GP wins at Brno as well as his three in MotoGP, underlined before the start of race action that he has long since changed his approach to the Czech circuit.

“I cannot put up with my crash at Sachsenring yet, and it’s right I feel so! I’ll forget about it only winning. It’s impossible to fight for the title with just podium finishes: that’ why at Sachsenring I was pushing so hard. Now we are going to Brno a track which has a special place in my heart. I cannot explain exactly what I feel when I enter that long last uphill straight or when I ride through the corners in the last section. It’s exciting. There you need a great engine but a clean riding style help you to learn precious tenths. It’s a track very wide where you can find your own lines, not like the Sachsenring where you have just one line to follow. To be competitive here you have to be fast in the corners, to let the bike flow through them. I look forward to race there, indeed”.

Rookie Nicky Hayden (Repsol Honda RC211V) came of age in many respects at Sachsenring, scoring a career best fifth before heading off to a fateful Suzuki 8-Hour race, where he crashed on oil. The American hero sits tenth overall in the championship, learning more with each race that passes.

“I was hoping to come to the next GP off the back of a good Suzuka 8-hour but it isn’t to be,” said Hayden. “Despite that I’m really looking forward to Brno. We tested there just before the Sachsenring and tested a lot of different stuff. Nothing radical but things worked and the bike felt real good at the German GP straight after and the results showed. I wanted to be in a position towards the middle of the season to be running with the fast guys. I feel I am now.”

Tohru Ukawa (Camel Pramac Pons RC211V) sits sixth overall, having had a mix of results this season. He is going for his first podium finish of the year, at what is a good venue for him.

“It’s my favourite track,” said Ukawa simply. “I would have preferred to take a rest for a while after Germany but there was the Suzuka 8-hour to do. I’m happy to go to Brno though. There’s good grip and it’s nice and wide. I prefer the fast, wide tracks to the smaller places.”

Makoto Tamada (Pramac Honda RC211V) has been running Bridgestone tyres this season and used his testing time at Brno to select suitable rubber for the challenge ahead.

“I’m looking forward to Brno and hope the days we spent testing the tyres will give us an objective advantage,” said the multiple SBK race winner for Honda. “Shinichi Ito was at the test and we both agreed that two tyre combinations, of the 40 or so combinations we tested, will work very well on that track at the Grand Prix.”

Another MotoGP rookie this year, Ryuichi Kiyonari (Telefonica MoviStar Honda RC211V) used his Brno testing time well, and feels that he may well have an advantage compared to most circuits on the GP trail.

“I’m really looking forward to Brno, it will be the first European track I have any experience on before racing there,” he explained. “The test we made there before Sachsenring was good for me. I made many, many laps at the track during the test and my lap times improved each time I went out. I like the circuit a lot.” Nineteenth in the standings, Kiyonari is looking for his first top ten race finish in a MotoGP race this weekend.

A closely fought win for Roberto Rolfo (Fortuna Honda RS250RW) at the Sachsenring 250ccc Grand Prix pushed the consistent Italian rider to within seven points of the championship lead in the run up to the Czech race.

Rolfo’s 100% finishing record has seen him on the podium three times, and never outside the top nine in races. His recent win makes the championship a three horse race at present, with Manuel Poggiali (Aprilia) and Fonsi Nieto (Aprilia) on 129 and 126 points respectively, while Rolfo has 122.

Understandably Rolfo approaches Brno with a keen sense of anticipation after his Sachsen success but another factor has elevated his mood still further.

“The win in Germany, and the test at Brno have boosted our confidence, particularly the Brno test,” said Rolfo. “We gathered a lot of valuable information about the Honda. It was a bonus at Sachsenring but it will be even more valuable when we go to Brno. I’m really looking forward to that race.”

Eighth overall could well be improved on by Sebastian Porto (Telefonica MoviStar Junior Team RS250RW) another rider who is a real fan of the Brno layout.

“I like Brno very much, it’s one of the best racks we race on,” he said. “It’s also a nice place to visit. I think I can make a good race of it at Brno. If we start where we left off at Sachsenring we will be OK. The chassis on our bike is very good but we need a bit more acceleration up the hill. It will be a hard and difficult race but I always like racing there.”

After taking fourth at the Sachsenring race 125cc World Championship Daniel Pedrosa (Telefonica MoviStar Junior Team RS125R) enjoys a 20 point lead – 137 to 117 – over his closest challenger Stefano Perugini (Aprilia), with third place man Lucio Cecchinello (Aprilia) slightly adrift on 105.

Perugini was the most recent 125cc race winner, and Pedrosa will have to keep the pressure on in the Czech Republic. A one position improvement on his second place at Brno last season would be the perfect solution for the young Spaniard, who has scored three race wins so far this year, at Welkom, Le Mans and Catalunya.

“I’m ready for the race. I only took a few days off but even then I worked on my physical condition because the rest of the season will be very hard physically, and mentally. The classification is quite close now. Brno is a circuit I really like, last year I finished second. The track has the type of corners I like, long fast bends, and some good slow corners. The only part of the track that I find hard is the final uphill section, my bike gives a little to the Aprilia’s there.” Commented Pedrosa.

Mika Kallio (Ajo Motorsports Honda RS125R) relishes the challenge Brno is about to offer him. “I like the Brno track, it’s a bit like Sachsenring only longer and faster,” he stated. “In fact the track is much faster but the up-and-downhill character of the track suits my style, I have a good feeling at Brno. I will aim to improve on last year when I finished 10th.

Masao Azuma (Ajo Motorsports Honda RS125R) spent some down time at home to collect his thought s for the end of season push. “I’ve had two weeks holiday, a relaxed time when I can think clearly,” he said. “I’m too nervous about the race performances. Back to Japan, I prayed a little and hope we can find the right direction again before Brno.”

Thomas Luthi (Elit Grand Prix Honda RS125R) hopes for an upturn in his fortunes at Brno. “Brno will be much better than Sachsenring for me,” he explained. “I prefer racing at the Brno circuit. The track is a little like Sachsenring in character, but much bigger and faster. I’m looking forward to it. I took my holiday after Sachsenring and tried to forget my crash, I have to be positive.”

One exception to the rule that Brno is a track riders love comes in the form of Andrea Dovizioso (Team Scot Honda RS125R). “I don’t like Brno very much, in fact Sachsenring and Brno are the two grand prix tracks I like least of all,” he stated. “Last year we had a few problems, particularly front end chatter that cost me much time. I only managed to finish 21st, I have to be a lot better this year.”

Simone Corsi (Team Scot Honda RS125R) is a novice to Brno, but his team is not. “I’ve never seen Brno, not even for a test,” said Corsi. “But the bike is working well and the team have all the data necessary to help me in first practice so I’m looking forward to the race. I hear the track is really good to race on.”

From a press release issued by Fuchs Kawasaki:

FUCHS KAWASAKI RACING TEAM BACK IN ACTION AT BRNO

Refreshed, fit and ready for the resumption of the MotoGP battle after the summer break, the Fuchs Kawasaki Racing Team return to the fray in this weekend’s Czech Republic Grand Prix at Brno.

Regular Australian team riders Garry McCoy and Andrew Pitt, plus German wild card Alex Hofmann, have all taken advantage of the three week European summer break to recharge their batteries since last month’s German Grand Prix.

For the holidays the Kawasaki riders spread across a hot, sun-baked Europe with Hofmann and Pitt heading for the beach, while McCoy retreated to his alpine apartment in the Pyrenees principality of Andorra.
Southern Italy was Hofmann’s destination while Pitt went to the French coast near Marseille to link up with reigning Supersport 600 World Champion, and Kawasaki colleague, Fabien Foret.

The Czech Republic Grand Prix will be Hofmann’s fourth wild card race of the season, although, like Pitt, he will be lining up for his first MotoGP race appearance at the challenging 5.4 km Brno circuit, which features a sequence of fast, sweeping downhill and uphill sections across forested hillsides.

However with the benefit of last month’s intensive two-day test session aboard the Ninja ZX-RR both Pitt and Hofmann are at ease with the Brno layout as they face the challenge of the tenth round of the World Championship.

Meanwhile McCoy is a Brno regular having soldiered through many on-track battles in both 125 and 500cc Czech Grand Prix. And McCoy’s fearless style has been rewarded with some brilliant Brno results in recent years.

Garry McCoy
“As a rider I certainly know what it takes to be on the front row and the podium at Brno, but unfortunately this race is still a bit early in the development of a new bike to aim for that this weekend. My main focus is to keeping working closely with bike and tyre technicians to build on the work we did at the recent Brno test; both Kawasaki and Dunlop are throwing all their available technology at the project, moving forward step-by-step. The holiday break was perfect for me; I enjoyed being at home in Andorra, going to the gym every day even though it was 35 degrees even in the alps; at least it was cool in the evenings to get some sleep.”

Andrew Pitt
“It was great spending some time with Fabien Foret and we managed to fit it quite a bit of jet skiing and wake boarding, we had to, it was bloody hot. I did quite a bit of cycle training in the hills to stay fit, but in the end the heat was a bit much; it was 39 degrees one day so I headed back to Germany and then Austria for a few days. In Austria I spent a day catching up with a fitness trainer who has worked in Formula One just discussing some new training ideas. As for Brno I really enjoyed the track when we tested there last month, it’s big, wide and fast and even though the performance of the Kawasaki is not exactly where everyone would like it to be at the moment I’m motivated to get the best result possible.”

Alex Hofmann
“I’m almost black from spending almost everyday on the beach in southern Italy. It has been really been fun and relaxing although I have been on my bicycle for two hours every evening making sure I stay fit. The Brno track is quite technical and fast and one that I really like; I’m hopeful that I will have a good chance of scoring some championship points there. At our recent test in Brno there was a good step forward with the new Dunlop tyres, especially side grip, and the data from the test should give us a good starting point for the ZX-RR set-up this weekend.”



More, from a press release issued by Team Suzuki News Service:

SUZUKI TEAM BACK TO BUSINESS AT BRNO

Team Suzuki riders Kenny Roberts Junior and John Hopkins return to the fray at Brno this weekend, for a race that bisects the 2003 summer break.

The magnificent Brno circuit – fast, technically challenging, and with superb natural grandstands for the vast crowd – acts as a pivot point of the season. Although it is the tenth of 16 rounds, in other ways the Czech Republic GP marks the start of the second half of a season of rare interest and excitement.

Until the last round in Germany, after the season-starting flyaways, the European season had been proceeding apace, with a race at least every fortnight. Then came two weekends off.

Brno is followed by another two free weekends, one more European round in Portugal, then the gruelling end-of-season final flyaways take in four countries – Brazil, Japan, Malaysia and Australia – in five weekends. Then comes the grand finale, in Valencia on November 2.

Team Suzuki’s focus for the season has been aimed at achieving the best possible results in the relentless racing programme while at the same time race-developing their ground-breaking 2003 machine. The task is to get all the radical technical solutions to work in the harmony needed to turn top-ten finishes into rostrums.

Brno is a staging post in that progress, and the second race for new race department head Toshiyuki Yamada, who took over in a recent factory reshuffle. Yamada-San, who was part of the original design team of the hugely successful Suzuki RG500 of the Seventies and Eighties, and more recently worked with the Superbike racing project, was also at the German GP. He adds years of racing experience to the team working to get the full potential out of the powerful 990cc V4 racing prototype GSV-R.

The machine was completely redesigned for this season, and so far has achieved a best of seventh place at Jerez, ridden by four-stroke rookie Hopkins. Roberts’s season was spoiled by an injury sustained at the Italian GP, and he missed the next three races before returning for the last round, at the Sachsenring in Germany.

“We’re very aware of the effort the factory is putting into this project, and we’re all still fully confident we can achieve our goal,” said team manager Garry Taylor. “We have all the ingredients – two superlative riders, a top title-winning race team, and a motorcycle that is pushing the technical boundaries.

“Brno is another chance to get them all working together to maximum effect, and you can be sure we will be making the most of it,” he said.

One challenge for the big new four-stroke GP machines and their riders will be the extreme heat that threatens the race, as a heatwave that gave warning at the early European rounds in Italy, Catalunya and the Netherlands has strengthened its grip.

In the heart of the continent, the landlocked Czech Republic has been enduring sweltering temperatures and near drought conditions. If these persist, they will add to the challenge of an already demanding circuit. It is also highly possible that overdue rains may come, repeating near flood conditions encountered at the circuit in the past.


KENNY ROBERTS – THE HEAT IS NO BIG DEAL
Everyone makes a big thing, but it hasn’t really been a holiday. It’s the same length of break as between the first and second races. I’ve been at home in a typical Californian summer, so I’m not worried about the conditions. The heat races are not a big deal for me, and I generally do okay in them. Of course it might rain at Brno. For this race, I’m waiting to see what the factory will bring in the way of parts or new solutions. I hope we can improve our situation.


JOHN HOPKINS – MAKING UP FOR LAST YEAR
This is one of my favourite tracks. It’s big enough that you can really open the bikes up, but also technical. You can really string the fast corners together, and horsepower isn’t everything. Last year I qualified on the second row of the grid on the two-stroke, and I was hoping for a good race. Instead I got a radiator leak right from the start, and I had to pull in to the pits. I hope this year I can make up for it.


ABOUT THIS RACE
There has been motorcycle racing at Brno for longer than the 53 years of the World Championship, but GP racing came here only in 1965. The country was then Czechoslovakia, behind the Iron Curtain, and the venue was an 8.6-mile (13.9km) public-roads circuit on the outskirts of the city, which is famed for its precision engineering (Brno gave its name to the famous “Bren-gun” of World War Two). That track was itself the third version of what had been an even longer road circuit, with part of that first ever track now used as an access road.

The last time the premier-class GP bikes raced there was in 1977, when they were 500cc, though the smaller classes continued until 1982 before the dangers forced the track off the GP calendar. But local enthusiasts along with a communist party anxious to build a sporting show-piece pushed ahead with a magnificent new purpose-built closed circuit, with a long lap and a challenging layout, first used in 1987, with the 500cc class back. Soon afterwards, political turmoil saw the Iron Curtain collapse and the Czechoslovakian GP last ran in 1991.

In 1993, the race resumed, with a new name to go with the new political freedoms – the Czech Republic GP, and four years ago new pit buildings and extended paddock facilities were built to keep the track’s standards up with the best.

The race attracts huge crowds, packing the vast natural grandstands. As well as the race, they enjoy the liberated atmosphere and cheap beer of the new country, making Brno a popular and important fixture on the calendar.


ABOUT THIS TRACK
A long lap of 3.357 miles (5.403 km), an average speed nudging 100mph and no really slow turns are the key to Brno – a wide circuit made up of long, sweeping corners and few straights. “Vertical corners” are an added complication, while although the average speed is high, the track rewards handling finesse and high corner speed more than brute acceleration and a high top speed. For most of the first part of the lap the track falls away steadily, making precise steering difficult as the front goes light. Then the track climbs sharply again after a long right-hander, imposing different demands on the rider and machine. “You have the bike on its side for a real long time, and one corner flows into the next. At the same time, there are places where you open the throttle wide and hold it there. It’s probably my favourite track,” said Kenny Roberts, who claimed his first front row qualifying position there in 1996, his first year riding a 500.


GP DATA

Brno

Circuit Length: 3.357 miles / 5.403 km.

Lap Record: 2:00.605 – 100.212mph / 161.276km/h. D Kato (Honda), 2002

2002 Race Winner: M Biaggi (Yamaha)

2002 Race Average: 44:36.498 – 99.344mph / 159.879km/h.

2002 Fastest Race Lap: see lap record

2002 Pole Position: Biaggi 1:59.646

2002 KENNY ROBERTS: 11th, Qualified 19th (Telefónica MoviStar Suzuki)

2002 SETE GIBERNAU: Fourth, Qualified ninth (Telefónica MoviStar Suzuki)

2002 JOHN HOPKINS: DNF – retired, Qualified seventh (Red Bull Yamaha)