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INBOX: Team Suzuki News Service (77 of 89)
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Date: Mon, 16 Jun 2003 10:07:25 +0100
From: Suzuki Racing
To: [email protected]
Subject: Team Suzuki News Service
From a press release issued by Team Suzuki News Service:

SUZUKI 1 & 3 AT BRNO 6 HOUR

The Brno 6 Hour round of the FIM World Endurance Championship has been won by the Suzuki GSX-R1000 of Zongshen Team, ridden by Warwick Nowland and Stephane Mertens. Second place went to GMT94, and third place was taken by Suzuki GB Phase One, also using a GSX-R1000.

The race was run in two three-hour sessions, with the result decide on aggregate time. Suzuki GB Phase One rider Olivier Four led for part of each session, setting fastest laps in the process, but fuelling problems caused the team to slip down to third at the end of the second session. His team mate Jason Pridmore was injured in a crash during qualifying but still managed to record consistently fast laps, backed up by a strong performance from team newcomer Jimmy Lindstrom.

Suzuki GB Phase One team manager Russell Benney: “This wasn’t one of our best races; it was a very up-and-down weekend. We saw an outstanding ride from Olivier Four, and at least we managed to end up on the rostrum. We’ve stretched ahead of third place in the championship, although we need to push hard now to catch the leaders; we’re well up for it.”

The split-race format led to intense competition between the leading teams, with the race developing into two three lap sprints. Fuel strategy played a vital part in the result, with the eventual winners making one less stop per session to save valuable time. Weather conditions were excellent for the race, with lap times quickly falling to the levels set in qualifying.

GSX-R1000s totally dominated the race, taking six out of the top ten places and fourteen out of the top twenty. Suzuki also hold the top three places in the World Championship standings, with Zongshen Team on 66 points, Phase One on 56 points and the French Police Nationale squad – who are Suzuki mounted for the first time this year – on 33 points.

The next round of the championship is at Albacete on the 28th and 29th of June. The Spanish race is a non-stop 12 hour event which runs overnight from 9:00pm on Saturday to 9:00am on Sunday.

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Via e-mail:

Just wanted to let you know I really appreciate you guys keeping everybody up to date on my progress.

Am home healing (slowly) now with high spirits and all the mailed support from friends and fans from around the world has really made a big difference in my recovery.

Looking forward to thanking everyone in person soon, maybe as soon as Laguna Seca!

Brian Livengood

From a press release issued by MRA:

Colorado’s MRA Goes “E-Commerce”

The MRA, Colorado’s Motorcycle Roadracing Association, would like to announce the availability of its brand new online pre-registration system to its members.

This online application, coined “The MRA Online,” allows MRA members to securely sign up, delete, and pay for entries for any event of the 2003 MRA road racing season. In addition to Sunday races, the new system also allows MRA members to sign up and pay for Saturday practice and Endurance racing. Upcoming features soon be added will allow for online entry into the newest MRA support class, “Super Motard” racing.

The MRA Online was created by David Gallant of Imaginary Designs ([email protected]), and is hosted on Cold Fusion web servers courtesy of Dan Sallis at SiteAnswers.com. ([email protected])

The MRA website can be found at www.mra-racing.org, and welcomes all racers and fans to check out the 2003 season schedule of events in the Rocky Mountain region.

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail

I have read with interest the comments made by Mike Ciccotto and Bill Martin on the idea of opening up the Formula Xtreme class.

As an European motorcycle dealership owner and an avid racer, I find it extremely annoying that in both the AMA and Formula USA it is very difficult to run a privateer effort. Simply, unless one has a huge budget to run Ducati or Aprilia Superbikes there are no other classes in which to enter.

Formula USA might argue that there is their Superbike class allowing Ducati 748s up to 800cc. Same as running Ducati 998s–prohibitively expensive to be competitive. Or the Thunderbike class allowing Ducati 900SS, Buells, Moto Guzzis etc.–hardly a premier class, with a very small purse.

I think opening up the FX class is a great idea and it is high time the AMA or any of the organizations consider the other marques besides the Big Four.

My rider and I have since the beginning of the year scrutinized the various rules and have failed to come up with any viable options. Unless there are changes for 2004 I will have to consider running a Japanese bike even though 99% of my business is European-bike-related.

There is of course the new Triumph Daytona to consider but there is nothing like running a big European V-Twin. As the sayin’ goes, “win on Sundays, sell on Mondays.”

Regards,
Neville Hall-Reace
AHRMA# 565
CCS# 80
Ft. Lauderdale, Florida


I agree with Buells in Formula Xtreme, RE: Ciccotto Wants Buells In 2004 Formula Xtreme.

I just finished reading his plea to have Buells added into next year’s rule change. He made some great points, the bikes would compete but not domminate the class, and it would also bring more fans/spectators to AMA events. If there is a way for you at Roadracing World to contact the AMA and present this to them, because I don’t think my e-mail would mean anything to them please do so. Thank you in advance.

Chris E Smith
CCS Novice #81
Lansing, Michigan

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

By Glenn Le Santo

Vermeulen shatters opposition at Silverstone

Chris Vermeulen continued to destroy the competition in the World Supersport championship, winning round six at Silverstone by a stunning 12-second margin.

Vermeulen quickly negated his relatively poor qualifying by storming from his sixth position on the grid to lead the race by the end of the first lap. The young Australian then set off on a charge on his Ten Kate Honda CBR600RR that simply shattered the opposition. By the end of the race Vermeulen had 14 seconds in hand, enough for him to start his celebration wheelie as he exited the new chicane.

Behind him Jurgen vd Goorbergh got the better of a long battle with Vermeulen’s team mate Karl Muggeridge to secure second. But Muggeridge was happy to finally make it onto the podium in 2003 after a season of brilliant qualifying and poor luck in the actual racing.


World Supersport Race Results:

1. Chris Vermeulen, Honda, 19 laps, 37:21.429
2. Jurgen vd Goorberh, Yamaha
3. Karl Muggeridge, Honda
4. Thierry vd Bosch, Yamaha
5. Alessio Corradi, Yamaha
6. Christophe Cogan, Honda
7. Pere Riba, Kawasaki
8. Katsuaki Fujiwara, Suzuki
9. Matthieu Lagrive, Yamaha
10. Robert Ulm, Honda
11. Christian Kellner, Yamaha
12. Takeshi Tsujimura, Honda
13. Dean Thomas, Honda
14. Gianluca Nannelli, Yamaha
15. Werner Daemen, Honda

21. Jorg Teuchert, Yamaha, -2 laps, DNF

25. Broc Parkes, Honda, -9 laps, DNF
26. Iain MacPherson, Honda, -16 laps, DNF
27. Fabien Foret, Kawasaki, -16 laps, DNF
28. Stephane Chambon, Suzuki, -16 laps, DNF
29. Simone Sanna, Yamaha, -17 laps, DNF

Fastest lap: Vermeulen, 1:56.459


World Supersport Championship Point Standings:

1. Vermeulen, 131 points
2. vd Goorbergh, 84 points
3. Fujiwara, 76 points
4. Chambon, 62 points
5. Kellner, 59 points
6. Corradi, 48 points
7. Muggeridge/Riba, TIE, 46 points
9. Cogan, 35 points
10. Teuchert/Parkes, TIE, 30 points


More, from a press release issued by Van Zon Honda TKR:

Silverstone set up problems for Van Zon Honda TKR

The Van Zon Honda TKR team struggled with the tough track conditions at Silverstone, with a combination of bumps, slow and fast turns and heat conspired to make qualifying a nightmare for the team.

It was only when the team tried a completely different tyre in the morning warm up.

“We’d struggled for grip all weekend,” explained Werner Daemen who finished a difficult race in 15th. “Then we found a tyre, one that won’t normally work here, that seemed to give us the grip we needed. Unfortunately we now had no time to tune the chassis to suit the new tyre so our race set up wasn’t right at all.

“The best I could do in the race was just try to hang onto the bike and finish the race.”

Iain MacPherson had the same problems, he’d found the grip but it had spoiled the feel of the bike and he was trying to ride around the problems when he crashed while in eight position.

“I was losing a lot of time in the new chicane,” explained the plucky Scot, “So I pushed harder around the back part of the circuit trying to make up the time. Obviously I pushed too hard!”

The team now have to pack up and drive straight to Italy for next weekend’s San Marino round at the Misano circuit.


More, from a press release issued by Chris Vermeulen’s publicist:

SOMEBODY STOP HIM

Chris Vermeulen has crushed his opposition and grabbed his third straight World Championship victory and in the process stolen a massive 47 point lead in the championship.

In the perfect prelude to his 21st birthday this week, the Honda rider started from 6th on the grid at Silverstone in England, but proved a class above the hot field, leading by part way through the 1st lap and going on to forge a 12 second lead.

“I wanted to get in front as soon as I could and get my head down for the win,” said Vermeulen after his fourth win of the year. “We’ve had a very difficult time in qualifying so it’s thanks to the team and the work they put in last night in getting the set-up right.”

Vermeulen has now won 4 of the 6 races decided, making this one of the most aggressive and dominant world championship performances ever seen in the World Supersport class.

“I couldn’t believe how far in front I was, the Honda was working so well. My fastest lap would have qualified me in 2nd spot, so that tells you how quick I was going,” Vermeulen commented.

“My full attention is now on winning the world championship and although I have a great lead there are still 5 races to go starting next week, so you can’t afford to rest.”

In front of a massive crowd of more than 80,000, the young Aussie has now moved to within 1 win of the all time season record of 5 trips to the top of the podium set in 1998.

“People are starting to say what are you doing next year. All I am worried about is this year.”

Round 7 of the World Supersport Championship takes place next weekend at Misano in San Marino


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

Vermeulen takes emphatic Silverstone win

Chris Vermeulen took yet another win in the 2003 World Supersport championship, taking an emphatic win at round six in Silverstone.

After qualifying down in sixth, Vermeulen knew he’d have to make a good start to stand any chance of a race win – fighting through from the back of the pack late in a race just isn’t an option in the hard-fought Supersport class.

“I got a great start,” smiled Vermeulen, “then I got my head down for some fast laps. They came easily because the Ten Kate Honda CBR600RR was an absolute dream today. I could have carried on reeling off the fast laps but when I looked back they’d all gone so there was no need to keep pushing so hard.”

While he claims to have cruised around in the final laps, Vermeulen kept the pressure on hard enough to win by over 12 seconds.

The day was one of double-joy for the Ten Kate Honda team after Karl Muggeridge got the result he’s been threatening to get in several races by coming home in third.

“I’m really happy to be on the podium today,” said Muggeridge. “I had a plan to get onto the outside at the first turn and just hope I could find some gaps. The first lap went exactly to plan and as soon as I got out of the first turn I slotted my way through quickly the pack. By the time I caught VD Goorbergh my tyres were pretty second hand and when I tried to battle with him things got really out of shape. I just didn’t want to risk another non-finish so was happy to take third.”

With so many victories in 2003, four from just six races, it’s getting hard for team manager Ronald ten Kate to come up with something new to say!

“It wasn’t an easy weekend but it’s ended perfectly,” he said. “Luckily, we realised last night that despite our struggles in qualifying we didn’t need to make an entire new bike to solve things. Instead we made some careful but small tweaks to the bike and it seems we got it just right. Heaps of the credit this weekend must go to Andre Stamsnijder of WP Suspension. This track has thrown so many challenges at him with its mix of very fast turns, very slow turns and big bumps. But between the team, WP Suspension and Pirelli tyres, we came up with a Honda CBR600RR race-bike that was as perfect as we could have hoped for. Now we just have to keep our heads out of the clouds and our feet on the ground because the championship isn’t over yet!”


More, from a press release issued by Team Yamaha Belgarda:

SUPER SECOND FOR JURGEN!
Team Yamaha Belgarda rider Jurgen van den Goorbergh took a superb second place in the sixth round at Silverstone today. He made a good start and was in second place at the end of the first lap behind Chris Vermeulen (Honda), but once the Aussie had made a break, he was unable to match the Honda rider’s pace. For the rest of the 19-lapper, Jurgen and Karl Muggeridge (Honda) battle for second place, but Jurgen rode harder and took runner-up spot by nearly two seconds. Jurgen’s team mate Simone Sanna also made a good start and was looking strong until a problem with his front brake caused him to pull out after just two laps. Vermeulen’s win was his fourth of the season, but Jurgen’s runner-up place today puts him second in the championship.

JURGEN VD GOORBERGH – 2ND
I’m not disappointed not to have won, because second today was, for me, a really good result. Once Vermeulen made the break and pulled away there was nothing I, or anybody else, could do about it. He was fast today and we just couldn’t match him. This was my first visit to Silverstone and I feel I’m getting to know the YZF-R6 Yamaha more and more each time out. I had a good fight with Muggeridge for most of the race, but I realised that I was quicker then him with about five laps to go. Anyway, I’m happy with my result and happy for the team. Now let’s see what we can do at Misano in the next round.

SIMONE SANNA – DNF
I’m angry and disappointed, because I really felt that this was where I was going to turn my season around. I felt strong and confident before the race, but on the warm-up lap, I felt there was a problem with the front brake. The lever wouldn’t operate smoothly and kept sticking. I tried it for a few laps, but it didn’t get any better, so I had to pull in. It was very frustrating, because I knew I could’ve managed a good result.


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

World Supersport Championship 2003 – Round Six
Silverstone, Great Britain
13-15 June 2003

Weather: Warm, sunny; Air Temperature 25°C
Track: dry, 43°C
Attendance: 83,000 claimed all weekend

VERMEULEN TAKES FOURTH WIN IN DOMINANT STYLE

For the fourth time this season Chris Vermeulen (Ten Kate Honda CBR600RR) scored not just a win but a demoralising blow to his rivals, pushing himself an unheard of 47 points clear of his nearest competitor in the championship standings. His margin of victory was a full 12.157 seconds at Silverstone, as he led every lap of the 17.

His team-mate Karl Muggeridge joined Vermeulen on the podium, finishing third behind the Yamaha of pole position starter Jurgen van den Goorbergh after a short battle at mid race distance. Christophe Cogan (BKM Honda CBR600RR) scored a fine sixth, fending off the close attentions of Kawasaki rider Pere Riba, and Robert Ulm (Klaffi Honda CBR600RR) backed up his good showings in
qualifying with a tenth place.

Takeshi Tsujimura piloted his TSR Honda CBR600RR to 12th as a wild card entry, with another wild card Dean Thomas (Vitrans Honda CBR600RR) in 13th.

Fifteenth place was an unlucky one for Werner Daemen (van Zon Honda CBR600RR), scoring just one single point after a tough weekend, and Sebastien Charpentier (Klaffi Honda CBR600RR) was 18th after two off track excursions.

For Broc Parkes (BKM Honda CBR600RR) and Ian Macpherson (van Zon Honda CBR600RR) good fortune was missing altogether, as each went out of the race – thanks to a retirement and a crash respectively.

Vermeulen’s almost immaculate season has only seen him fail to win twice in six attempts, although at Silverstone his vast margin of victory was unexpected, after experiencing some set-up issues in qualifying.

“The weekend didn’t start as we planned,” said the Australian rider. “Being on the second row was OK but I wanted to be up-front with Jurgen. We did a lot of work on the bike and Pirelli gave me a new tyre to try in warm-up, which worked well. In the race I got my head down and tried to get to the front group. Jurgen ran wide and I got the lead and then I pushed really hard and soon I was being given plus four and plus five on my pit board – it kept going up. Then from about half race distance I stayed smooth and concentrated on
getting it to the finish.”

Vermeulen’s compatriot and fellow Andorran resident Muggeridge finally received the result his talents and speed in qualifying frequently deserve, his podium finish proving to be his first of the year.

“I was really pleased with my start and didn’t expect to be so far up after one lap,” said Muggeridge. “I settled down and got past Stephane Chambon and onto the back of Jurgen. I felt comfortable but was losing out coming on to the start-finish straight. I got in front and tried to run the pace myself but was sliding around too much and Jurgen got by again. He put the hammer down and I tried really hard to stay with him but I had a bit of a moment and decided that third was a good result. It’s been a long time coming and it’s been a really tough weekend, so I’m happy.”

Cogan worked hard for his sixth place finish, but felt no love for the modified 5.036km circuit.
“We tried a lot of different set-ups in qualifying, in every single session, but we ended up back with the settings we had started with,” said the fast Frenchman. “I was having problems getting through the new chicane, and could not make a smooth line through there. It spoils the flowing circuit.”

Ulm’s weekend was another one he felt could deliver better. “I’m not really happy and I though a better result would be possible,” he
explained. “I did not have a very good feeling with the front and I’ve had a few crashes where I have lost the front so it was important for me to regain confidence to get a result in this race, but I had to go slower to avoid crashing. Now I want to complete one or two test days and then I am sure I can win.”

Daemen was out of contention at Silverstone, and scored the last point on offer.

“One point is OK but it could have been a lot more,” said a rueful van Zon Honda rider. “Just before the race we chose another race set-up and another rear tyre. The tyre is really good but the problem I had was that when the fuel tank became empty it was impossible for me to steer anymore as the bike just wanted to go straight on. After ten laps I was so tired and didn’t think I could make the end because the bike was so hard to ride, but in the end I got it to the finish.”

For Charpentier, so impressive since his induction into the Klaffi team at Sugo, the Silverstone race was a frustrating experience.
“I went straight on twice at that new chicane and after that I was out of the points,” he explained. “I tried as hard as I could but I could not get into contention.”

Parkes has suffered at the hands of misfortune this season and Silverstone carried on the trend.
“I had a problem with the front brake from the warm-up lap. It felt like the disc was warped or something and was making a hard knocking noise under braking,” said the young Aussie. “I though I could ride around and still get a decent finish, but it wasn’t possible and when I started to go backwards I pulled in.”

Riding fast and moving through the field in accomplished fashion in the early stages, Macpherson fell at his home race in the UK.
“I lost the front,” he said simply. “I was trying a bit too hard and crashed at the chicane out the back. We gambled on a set-up and it all felt OK in the race. There was a group of riders in front of me and I was trying to bridge the gap. I’ve been losing a lot of time at the ‘Mickey Mouse’ chicane so was having to try so hard everywhere else to make it up.”

Vermeulen’s impressive win puts him 47 points clear of van den Goorbergh, who is himself eight points clear of Suzuki rider Katsuaki Fujiwara. Muggeridge moves to seventh overall, with Cogan ninth.

In the World Superbike Championship Neil Hodgson (Ducati) took the win in race one, his tenth of the year, after a multi-rider battle for supremacy. Close combat at the final chicane saw Hodgson hold onto his advantage from James
Toseland (Ducati) and Ruben Xaus (Ducati). Regis Laconi was fourth, only 0.9 seconds down on the leader.

In race two an equally intense contest saw Hodgson recover from tenth on lap one to win yet another SBK race, and extend his championship lead to no fewer than 130 points. Harried by Gregorio Lavilla (Suzuki) on the final laps,
Hodgson won by the narrow margin of 0.493 seconds, with Xaus recovering from an off track excursion to finish third once more.

Hodgson now enjoys a points total of 295, from Toseland on 165, Xaus on 158 and Laconi on 145.

The next races in both Supersport and Superbike take place at Misano in Italy on June 22.

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

250cc Grand Prix Race Results:

1. Randy De Puniet, Aprilia, 23 laps, 41:59.893
2. Fonsi Nieto, Aprilia, -0.244 second
3. Anthony West, Aprilia, -2.641 seconds
4. Toni Elias, Aprilia, -4.329 seconds
5. Naoki Matsudo, Yamaha, -7.896 seconds
6. Franco Battaini, Aprilia, -11.432 seconds
7. Sebastian Porto, Honda, -11.883 seconds
8. Sylvain Guintoli, Aprilia, -15.761 seconds
9. Roberto Rolfo, Honda, -24.270 seconds
10. Joan Olive, Aprilia, -29.370 seconds
11. Alex Debon, Honda, -32.091 seconds
12. Klaus Nohles, Aprilia, -34.938 seconds
13. Johan Stigefelt, Aprilia, -44.259 seconds
14. Erwan Nigon, Aprilia, -46.384 seconds
15. Christian Gemmel, Honda, -59.767 seconds

17. Katja Poensgen, Honda, -1 lap

20. Manuel Poggiali, Aprilia, -11 laps, DNF, mechanical


250cc World Championship Point Standings:

1. Poggiali, 88 points
2. Elias/De Puniet/Nieto, TIE, 81 points
5. Rolfo, 76 points
6. Battaini, 58 points
7. West/Porto/Matsudo, TIE, 53 points
10. Guintoli, 42 points


More, from a press release issued by MS Aprilia Team Press Information:

A RACE TO FORGET

Manuel Poggiali was forced to retire due to a mechanic problem in the 13th lap while he was second behind Poggiali. Although the problem Poggiali is still leading the championship.

Manuel Poggiali: “Unfortunately we had a mechanic problem and I was forced to retire. Since the first laps I had to get some air in the engine otherwise I was not able to change the gear. Then it switched off definitively. It’s a pity as I could get a good result here. Anyway these are the races: sometime it’s rider’s fault sometime the bike does not work in the right way. I do not want to complain about it. Next time will be better”.

Rossano Brazzi: “The engine seized and we do not know why!”

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

By Glenn Le Santo

Superb racing at Silverstone World Superbike

Real World Superbike racing returned with a vengeance this afternoon for race one at the Silverstone round of the World Superbike championship. Neil Hodgson won the race, his 10th this season, but only after a race-long battle.

Yukio Kagayama, riding the Rizla Suzuki as a wildcard, took the lead from holeshotter Hodgson and led the race for several nail-biting laps. Gregorio Lavilla, riding the Alstare factory Suzuki took over on lap five. This marked the start of a titanic battle that saw two Suzukis in the front four, not a normal sight recently!

Kagayama started to fade and slipped back through the pack, leaving Lavilla to fly the Suzuki flag. But Lavilla made a mistake in the ultra-tight new chicane, losing the front end on the brakes in the middle of the flip-flop turn. This left the race clear for the Ducatis but also let James Toseland through to take up the fight with Hodgson.

The pair took it to the line, but a mistake in the final chicane ensured that Hodgson was just clear enough at the line for win number 10 in 2003. Ruben Xaus kept it the right side up for third after just avoiding Toseland in the final chicane when the Brit made his mistake. The result means Toseland retains his second position in the title race with 152 points to Xaus’ 142. Hodgson is way out in front with 270 championship points.


World Superbike Race One Results:

1. Neil Hodgson, Ducati 999F03, 20 laps, 38:24.187
2. James Toseland, Ducati 998F02, -0.540 second
3. Ruben Xaus, Ducati 999F03, -0.699 second
4. Regis Laconi, Ducati 998RS, -0.943 second
5. Yukio Kagayama, Suzuki GSX-R1000, -4.879 seconds
6. John Reynolds, Suzuki GSX-R1000, -5.085 seconds
7. Pierfrancesco Chili, Ducati 998RS, -5.942 seconds
8. Michael Rutter, Ducati 998F02, -6.371 seconds
9. Chris Walker, Ducati 998F02, -7.329 seconds
10. Marco Borciani, Ducati 998RS, -14.399 seconds
11. Lucio Pedercini, Ducati 998RS, -29.260 seconds
12. Giovanni Bussei, Yamaha YZF-R1, -33.387 seconds
13. Mauro Sanchini, Kawasaki ZX-7RR, -35.266 seconds
14. Ivan Clementi, Kawasaki ZX-7RR, -35.628 seconds
15. Nello Russo, Ducati 998RS, -36.388 seconds
16. Troy Corser, Foggy Petronas FP1, -54.366 seconds
17. Sergio Fuertes, Suzuki GSX-R1000, -57.282 seconds
18. Gregorio Lavilla, Suzuki GSX-R1000, -4 laps, DNF
19. Vittorio Iannuzzo, Suzuki GSX-R1000, -8 laps, DNF
20. Serafino Foti, Ducati 998RS, -9 laps, DNF
21. Sean Emmett, Ducati 998F02, -17 laps, DNF

23. Juan Borja, Ducati 998RS, -19 laps, DNF
24. Steve Martin, Ducati 998RS, -19 laps, DNF

Fastest lap: Lavilla 1:54.105


More, from a press release issued by HM Plant Ducati:

Toseland second in race of the year

James Toseland finished a superb second to former GSE Racing team-mate and championship leader Neil Hodgson at the end of 20 scintillating laps at Silverstone. Toseland and current HM Plant Ducati team-mate Chris Walker joined a superb battle for the lead between ten riders for the first race at the sixth round of the Superbike World Championship.

Walker made one of his customary fast starts and held station in third position at the end of the first lap. Toseland was only ninth at this stage, but he began a charge through the field and made it up to second by lap 15. The snake of Superbike riders drafted its way around the British GP circuit in spectacular style with numerous overtaking and out-braking manoeuvres making it the undisputed race of the year.

Toseland looked particularly fast through the stadium section and this is where he was planning to make his last lap move on Hodgson. “There were some places where the HM Plant Ducati was faster, but Neil had the edge in other sections of the track,” said the 22-year-old Sheffield rider after his third consecutive podium finish. “The last part of the circuit was where I thought I could do it. I tried very hard through the last chicane, but I got a knock from someone and that was it – I had to settle for second.

“I really enjoyed the race. It was so close, even though I got off to a bad start. I’m not sure what happened, but once I settled down I regained my composure and was able to assess the pace at the front. Fortunately, I was able to hold my position and make steady progress through the field. My set-up was good and the Dunlop tyres lasted the distance well. I hope to be dicing for the lead again in race two.”

Walker held station in the middle of the pack until half distance, but then began to lose ground as a result of the hot pace at the front of the field. “I managed to get a good start and that helped me to get away with the leaders,” said the Nottingham rider. “I felt really good and was enjoying every second of what turned out to be one of the most exciting races of the season. I’m still not 100 per cent fit after my injuries sustained earlier in the season and at this level it makes a big difference over race distance.”


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

Corser draws a blank in Silverstone opener

Troy Corser endured a lonely battle from the back of the field after running onto the grass in the
first race of the sixth round of the World Superbike championship at Silverstone today. The Foggy PETRONAS Racing rider finished just out of the points in 16th, in a thrilling race won by
championship leader Neil Hodgson.

Troy said: “I lost the rear end coming out of the back kink and onto the first straight and ran wide. Maybe the left hand side of the tyre was a bit cold at that point but the rear Michelin worked well for the rest of the race. From then on I had to battle with front end chatter and the engine was still running hot.”

From a press release issued by FGSPORT GROUP:

Brno 6 Hour Race – Part One Race Summary

Suzuki Zongshen No.1 Hold Overnight. Fuel Strategy Vital.

The first half of the Brno 6 Hour round of the World Endurance Championship finished with just 24 seconds separating the leading three teams after three hours of intense racing.

Hour 1

Igor Jerman on the Zongshen No.2 bike led the opening laps of the race, ahead of Gwen Giabbani on the Police Nationale Suzuki and Warwick Nowland on the Zongshen No.1 machine. Suzuki GB Phase One rider Olivier Four stalled on the line but set off in pursuit of the leaders, setting the fastest lap of the race on lap 3 and closing in to fourth place as Warwick Nowland took the lead from Jerman. A five bike pack broke away from the rest of the field, with less than a second covering Zongshen No.1, Phase One, Zongshen No.2, Police Nationale and the DRE Ducati ridden by Marc Garcia.

Phase One were the first team to make a rider change and refuelling stop, shortly followed by Zongshen 2.

Zongshen 1 stayed out on a track a full ten minutes longer than their rivals, a factor which would come in to play later in the race. After all the leading teams had made their stops, the order was Suzuki GB Phase One first, Ducati DRE second, Zongshen 2 third, Zongshen 1 fourth and Police Nationale fifth.

Hour 2

Yamaha Endurance Moto 38 had been expecting to run at the front of the race but suffered gear selector and fuel injection problems which forced them to pit for repairs. For the rest of the competitors the race continued at “200 Mile Sprint” speeds, with very few reported mechanical problems or crashes. The rain showers which had been forecast stayed away, and track and air temperatures remained warm as the evening sun began to set.

After the second round of stops, Zongshen 2 were leading, Phase One were second and Zongshen 1 were third. Police Nationale had slowed after the bike began overheating; with Paolo Blora on board the front wheel was contacting the radiator. GMT94 had moved up to fourth place, their endurance experience and slick pit stops coming into play.

Hour 3

The final hour of the race saw more drama. Both Zongshen 2 and Phase One were forced to stop for a “splash and dash” fuel stop in the closing five minutes, losing the advantage they had built up over the Zongshen No.1 bike. The two stopping teams were in neighbouring garages and tension rose as the two bikes pitted together. Zongshen 1 took the lead in the race, reaping the benefit of their delayed pit stop at the end of the first hour; the ten minutes they stayed out on track then were enough to carry them to the end of the race without a third stop.

So when the flag dropped to mark the end of the first half of the race, Zongshen 1 were in the lead, just 12.6 seconds ahead of Zongshen 2 and 24.9 seconds ahead of Phase One. The only other team on the same lap as the leaders was GMT94 – the French team’s determination making up for the speed that their Yamaha R1 lacks compared to the three Suzuki GSX-R1000s which dominated the first half of the race.

In fifth place and a lap down was the DRE Ducati, followed by Yamaha Austria in sixth place and on the same lap. Two laps down on the leaders and in seventh place was Trackdaze 11, just ahead of Bolliger Team, Castrol Yamaha and PS-Schlesinger Endurance in tenth place.

Race Part 2

The bikes are being held in a parc ferme until the race re-starts at three this afternoon. Their will be a five minute opportunity for teams to refuel and fit fresh tyres before the race begins again, but the most pressing matter for the team managers will be calculating the fuel loads and consumptions of their bikes to avoid another last minute stop in the closing laps of the race; a stop which cost Phase One and Zongshen 2 the chance to win the first half of the race.

Suzuki GB Phase One refueller Mark Philips thinks that riding slowly on the warm-up laps might make a difference. “If we can save a couple of litres that way it might make all the difference in the race.”

The race will start again with the traditional sprint across the track, and the overall result will be decided on aggregate times for the two race halves. Based on the pace set in the first half, we can expect fireworks from the leading teams as soon as the action restarts…

2003, June 15

Brno 6 Hours general classification after 3 hours

Pos’n No. Team Nat. Bike Time/Gap

1. 1 Zongshen Team, CHN, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 3:01:16.471

2. 2 Zongshen Team, CHN, Suzuki GSX-R1000, -12.646

3. 3 Suzuki GB Phase One, GBR, Suzuki GSX-R1000, -24.920

4. 94 GMT 94, FRA, Yamaha YZF-R1, -1:07.369

5. 5 Ducati D.R.E., ITA, Ducati 999R, -1 lap

6. 9 Yamaha Racing Team Austria, AUT, Yamaha YZF-R1, -1 lap

7. 11 Trackdaze 11, GBR, Suzuki GSX-R1000, -2 laps

8. 8 Bolliger Team, SUI, Kawasaki ZX9R, -2 laps

9. 75 Castrol Yamaha, POL, Yamaha, -2 laps

10. 50 PS-Schlesinger Endurance, GER, Suzuki GSX-R1000, -3 laps

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

By Glenn Le Santo

Home double for Hodgson

Neil Hodgson secured a double win at Silverstone in front of an enthusiastic 83,000 crowd. His teammate Ruben Xaus finally settled down to take a podium place with a well deserved third place despite being pushed onto the grass during the race after contact with John Reynolds.

Wildcard Yukio Kagayama took the holeshot but was quickly passed by Regis Laconi who got his head down to try and make an early break. But there was no way he could escape from the pack and Kagayama soon overhauled him again.

John Reynolds and Ruben Xaus collided, pushing Xaus onto the grass. Reynolds also slowed after the incident as he tried to push his bar and lever back into place. But Xaus got the bull by the horns and carved his way impressively back up into third, only just running out of laps as he caught up with Gregorio Lavilla in second place.

Even though the first three were very close on the last lap, time–and that pesky final chicane–ensured that the final order stayed Hodgson, Lavilla and Xaus. Hodgson’s win extended his championship lead to 130 points.


World Superbike Race Two Results:

1. Neil Hodgson, Ducati 999F03, 20 laps, 38:13.944
2. Gregorio Lavilla, Suzuki GSX-R1000, -0.493 second
3. Ruben Xaus, Ducati 999F03, -0.653 second
4. James Toseland, Ducati 998F02, -3.435 seconds
5. Yukio Kagayama, Suzuki GSX-R1000
6. Regis Laconi, Ducati 998RS
7. Pierfrancesco Chili, Ducati 998RS
8. Chris Walker, Ducati 998F02
9. Michael Rutter, Ducati 998F02
10. John Reynolds, Suzuki GSX-R1000
11. Lucio Pedercini, Ducati 998RS
12. Giovanni Bussei, Yamaha YZF-R1
13. Marco Borciani, Ducati 998RS
14. Mauro Sanchini, Kawasaki ZX-7RR
15. Vittorio Iannuzzo, Suzuki GSX-R1000
16. Ivan Clementi, Kawasaki ZX-7RR
17. Sergio Fuertes, Suzuki GSX-R1000
18. Nello Russo, Ducati 998RS
19. Serafino Foti, Ducati 998RS, -6 laps, DNF
20. Steve Martin, Ducati 998RS, -12 laps, DNF
21. Troy Corser, Foggy Petronas FP1, -14 laps, DNF
22. Juan Borja, Ducati 998RS, -14 laps, DNF
23. Sean Emmett, Ducati F02, -14 laps, DNF


More, from a press release issued by HM Plant Ducati:

Toseland maintains station

James Toseland maintained his second position in the 2003 Superbike World Championship by finishing fourth in the second race at Silverstone. Team-mate Chris Walker came home eighth in front of thousands of sun-drenched British fans who supported the British HM Plant Ducati team magnificently throughout both 20-lap races.

Toseland and Walker blasted off the middle of the second row to complete the first lap in seventh and eighth positions respectively. With championship leader Neil Hodgson trailing in their wake, the HM Plant Ducati duo was well placed in the early stages of the race. Hodgson came past and Toseland followed him up to the leading group, while Walker maintained his eighth position throughout the 12th race in this year’s ultra-competitive series.

With seven riders disputing the lead, Toseland was able to run at a consistent pace to eventually get the better of Kagayama, Laconi and Chili. “That was similar to the first race in many ways,” said Toseland who now has a seven-point advantage over Ruben Xaus in the riders’ points table. “I didn’t get the best start, but worked hard to force my way into contention with the leaders. However, the similarities with race one end there.

“By the time I had got to the front of the second pack, the leaders had a bigger gap than I had anticipated. I had to ride really hard for the rest of the race to keep the others at bay and chase those in front of me in case they made a mistake. I’ve had a fantastic day and I’m really happy with my results in two of the most competitive races of the year. So it’s a big thank you to the HM Plant Ducati team, Dunlop and all the fans for making it a weekend to remember.”

Walker also benefited from the support of the team’s huge following. “The crowd has been fantastic today and they have kept me going in the most challenging of circumstances,” admitted the gritty Nottingham rider. “I was really nervous before both races, but I soon settled down when I got it together in the early laps. The set-up on the HM Plant Ducati has enabled me to finish within sight of the leaders in each race, but the pace was too hot for me to get on to the podium. I’ll have to get as much rest as possible before the next round at Misano next weekend as I continue to get back to full fitness.”


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

POINTLESS EXERCISE FOR TROY

Troy had a frustrating weekend at Silverstone, ending with nothing to show for all his efforts. A small mistake in the first race left Troy chasing the field for the entire 20-lapper and although he made up a lot of ground, he finished just outside the points in sixteenth place. In the second race, Troy made a superb start and was thirteenth at the end of the first lap. But just five laps later his Foggy FP1 suffered an electrical system failure and he was forced to retire from the race. Troy and the team had worked hard all weekend and had made a lot of progress in many areas, but left the Northamptonshire circuit without any points. Both races were won by series leader Neil Hodgson (Ducati), but he had to work hard for them. The first race feature a nine-rider freight train, with Hodgson taking command after fifteen laps. He took the chequered flag less then half a second ahead of James Toseland (Ducati), with Ruben Xaus (third), ahead of Regis Laconi (Ducati) and ‘wild cards’ Yukkio Kagayama and John Reynolds – both Suzuki-mounted. The second race was equally frenetic in the opening stages, but after the halfway mark, Gregorio Lavilla (Suzuki) and Hodgson pulled away from the rest of the pack and fought tooth and nail for the lead. Lavilla hounded the Briton, but Hodgson was not to be denied at his home circuit and once again ran out the winner. Third place again went to Hodgson’s team mate Xaus, with James Toseland (Ducati) fourth, Kagayama fifth and Laconi sixth.

TROY

What a weekend! There’s not a lot to say really, except that, on a positive note, we learnt a lot and made progress. Of course, I would’ve liked to have scored some decent points – in what is effectively a home race for the team – but it was not to be. I made a little mistake in race one and was dead last at the end of lap one. I fought as best I could, trying to play catch-up, but just missed out on the points. I made possibly my best start of the season in race two, but was then sidelined with an electrical problem. Now, I have to look forward to Misano next week. At least it’s a track I know well, so I’m hoping for a much better weekend.


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

Frustrating British debut as Corser retires at Silverstone

Troy Corser’s retirement in the second race of round six of the World Superbike championship at Silverstone capped a frustrating debut on British soil for Foggy PETRONAS Racing.

The Australian had finished the first race in 16th position after an early mistake, which forced him wide onto the grass, left him chasing the back markers after running into the grass on the very first lap. But, despite a better start in an afternoon race when Troy moved up into 13th, he was forced to pull into the pits when his bike suffered an electrical system failure. Championship leader Neil Hodgson won both races in front of 83,000 fans.

Team manager Nigel Bosworth said: “Of course we are all very disappointed but we are also realistic. We are not going to beat Ducatis at this stage of the FP1’s development. Our season started well but that was when other teams were finding their way on new bikes and making rapid improvements.

“We are also making improvements all the time and have made progress this weekend with the cooling system, chassis development, the new exhausts and by resolving the blow-by. But these are small developments, which is only to be expected. We are also improving the power of the engine but we do need to find more torque.

“It’s a shame Troy was unable to finish race two, especially as we were in front of our British fans for the first time, who have been very supportive and understanding. But we go to Misano knowing that we have more set-up data for the bike, and Troy has had some very good results there in the past. We are also examining all options for finding a rider to replace the injured James Haydon for that event.”

Troy said: “I suppose we have just got to look upon this weekend as another chance to develop the bike further with the data we have gathered at our first meeting here. I am very frustrated, especially after what happened in the first race, but the bike was cutting out right from the start and then just wouldn’t run. It was probably my best start of the season as well!”


More, from a press release issued by Ducati Corse:

HODGSON (DUCATI FILA) CROWNS GLORIOUS DAY FOR DUCATI WITH DOUBLE WIN AT SILVERSTONE – TWO PODIUM FINISHES FOR XAUS

Neil Hodgson (Ducati Fila) crowned one of the greatest days in Ducati’s history when he notched up win #2 in the British Round of the World Superbike Championship in front of a record-breaking 83,000 spectators at Silverstone. Earlier in the afternoon Loris Capirossi had scored Ducati’s first-ever win in MotoGP with an emotional victory at Barcelona’s Circuito de Catalunya.

Neil clinched his tenth win of the year by the slimmest of margins in an astonishing race 1 battle with the two Suzukis of Lavilla and Kagayama, team-mate Ruben Xaus, Laconi (NCR Ducati) and Toseland (HM Plant Ducati). “It was an unbelievable race, Lavilla’s and Kagayama’s lines were incredible” commented Neil. “It was really tough out there because the lap times were slow, people were fighting for the next corner and just not getting on with the race. I battled and touched fairings with just about everybody!”

Race 2 saw more of the same as Neil had to work his way up from 9th on the first lap. He moved into the lead on lap 10 but then had to contend with Lavilla (Suzuki) for the remaining ten laps before taking the chequered flag for his second win of the day and his eleventh of the year. “It’s not good to be on pole here at Silverstone; I got an average start and everyone came underneath me. I tried to pick one rider off each lap and keep my eye on the leaders. Luckily JR and Ruben collided because they were going to be difficult to pass. It’s been a fantastic day for Ducati and I’d like to dedicate these wins in Britain to David Jefferies, my close friend who was tragically killed in the Isle of Man TT”.

Ruben Xaus rode a superb race 1, which saw him take the lead at one point. The Spanish rider inherited the final podium place when Lavilla crashed out ahead of him at the chicane but kept a cool head in the last few laps to finish third. “We worked hard all the weekend since Friday and during the race I just took things nice and calm” declared Ruben. “I knew the wild cards weren’t going to be able to last the race in these conditions. I was just passing and passing until I got the lead. Although I finished fourth, I’m really happy to be on the podium again”.

Ruben again stepped onto the podium in race 2 with another gritty ride to third after recovering from a clash with Reynolds (Suzuki) which sent the Spaniard careering across the gravel trap. “I moved really fast in the early laps to fourth, Reynolds was third and we touched. I went across the grass and tried to get back on the track again, I was giving it gas and the slicks were spinning so much. Then I recovered and my lap times were really good. I nearly caught Gregorio at the end, but I’m happy with third and it’s nice to have two Spanish riders on the podium, there are too many British guys up here!”


More, from a press release issued by Scuderia Caracchi NCR Nortel Networks:

Laconi great hero at Silverstone

Regis Laconi has been the great hero, on his Ducati 998RS Caracchi NCR Nortel Network, of race-2 on the fast and flat circuit of Silverstone. The French rider send his bold challenge to the Championship leader Neil Hodgson and only an unlucky happening put him out of the victory battle. Throughout 10-lap thriller Regis was involved in a close fight for the lead with Hodgson and the two powerful Suzukis of Lavilla and Kagayama; then at middle race Hodgson send his attack to Laconi for the lead and in that moment the 998RS had a rude and unattended reaction, so Regis, fearing an engine fealure, stopped his action and went out of the track; but the engine was still running well and Laconi restarted his race in ninth position, pushing hard for the final laps to the sixth final position, a result which doesn’t give the right prize at the great Laconi’s performance.

“I’m happy and disappointed in the same time.” – commented Laconi back at the garage after race-2 – “At the race-2 start I got a fantastic start and I overtook immediately Kagayama who was in front, I tried to escape, but Lavilla and Hodgson followed me. At lap number nine I took the lead once more. When I saw Hodgson’s attack I tried to resist with a late braking, but suddenly I had the feeling that the engine wasn’t running well, like it would be going to broken, so I stopped my action, I let the brake and pulled the clutch outing on the grass. But the engine was perfectly running and I rejoined the race. During the final five laps I recorded always fastest as the leaders, but it was too late and I must to content myself to finish in sixth position. What a pity, the day started well and during the morning’s warm up session I’ve been always the fastest. In race-1 we mounted a new engine, but it had a very strong torque at low revs, too much to manage correctly the throttle out of the chicane, the bike was sliding too much also if it got more power at high revs. Then in race-2 we switched to a more manageable engine, so I could turn better the chicane despite a lower power at high revs, but that unlucky happening ruined a fantastic occasion. I don’t know, maybe I found some rubber sweeping on the asphalt part that caused wheel sliding, giving me that strange feeling, there were also the red-yellow flags at the previous marshal post, actually who knows! Now I’m happy because I know I made a great performance, but the final result isn’t what we, me and all the team, merit.”

David Garcia rinounced to start, following also the Clinica Mobile doctors’ advices, ad now is waiting for Misano round.

“During the warm up I pushed hard for several laps, but I had hard pains inside, despite the iniections and I must stop. The doctors gave me the advice to renounce and not take any risk to compromise the recovery. Next week end there’s Misano, I’m confident to be better and be able to start for the race.”