From a press release issued by the FIM:

Mies, October 4 2003

Superbike & Supersport World Championships
2004 Technical Rules – Changes

The main modifications to the Superbike & Supersport Technical Regulations for the 2004 season are the following (the full text will be available next week on the FIM Internet site):

2.4, Superbike Technical Specifications


2.4.1, Displacement capacities

2 cylinder, Over 800cc up to 1000cc, 4 stroke

3 cylinder, Over 750cc up to 1000cc, 4 stroke

4 cylinder, Over 750cc up to 1000cc, 4 stroke


2.4.2, Minimum Weights

The minimum weight will be 162 kg

A 1% tolerance will be allowed after the race. (The machine’s weight after the race may not be less than 160.38 kg)



2.4.4.1, Carburation Instruments for 1000cc 3 and 4 cylinders

Carburation instruments refers to both throttle bodies and carburettors.

The original homologated carburation instruments must be used un-modified.

The uses of optional homologated carburation instruments are not allowed.

The fuel injectors may be replaced, however they must fit without modification to the homologated throttle body.

The carburation instruments intake insulators may be modified.

Bell mouths may be altered or replaced.

Variable length intake tract devices that function while the engine is operating are not allowed, unless such a system is used on the homologated machine.

Modifications to the fuel pump and the pressure regulator are allowed.

The fuel injection management computer may be changed.

The use of flash memory (flash RAM ) is allowed.

Vacuum slides may be fixed in the open position.

Secondary throttle plates and shafts may be removed or fixed in the open position and the electronics may be disconnected or removed.


2.4.6.15, Carburettors

Variable-length carburettor/fuel injection intake tract devices that function while the engine is operating are prohibited, unless such a system is use on the homologated machine.


2.4.6.16, Fuel Injection System

The fuel injectors may be replaced, however they must fit without modification to the homologated throttle body.

Vacuum slides may be fixed in the open position.
Secondary throttle plates and shaft may be removed or fixed in the open position and the electronics may be disconnected or removed.

Variable-length carburettor/fuel injection intake tract devices that function while the engine is operating are prohibited, unless such a system is used on the homologated machine.


2.4.6.18, Engine

All engines in the Superbike class must be 4 stroke type.

The following engine components may not be altered from the homologated machine except as noted.

4 cylinder engines with a bore / stroke ratio of 1.5 to 1 or greater will be subject to an RPM limit of 14,000 RPMs. This will be controlled by an electronic device issued by the FIM.


Please note rules specific for the 1000cc multi-cylinder machines (3 & 4) will be found in the article concerning the component in question. Other than noted, components may be modified or changed as allowed the following articles.

*1000cc 3 and 4 cylinders: aftermarket or modified cam drive components are allowed, however the cam drive must be in the homologated location.


2.4.6.19, Cylinder Head

1000cc 3 and 4 cylinders:

Aftermarket or modified valves, springs, retainers and other valve train components are permitted. The original number of valves must be maintained.

A. Valve diameter, including stem, must remain as homologated.

B. Valves must be made of the same basic material as the homologated valves.

C. Valves must remain in the homologated location and at the same angle as the homologated valves.


2.4.6.22, Crankshaft

1000cc 3 and 4 cylinders:

The homologated crankshaft is allowed the following modifications:

A. Bearing surfaces may be polished or a surface treatment may be applied.

B. Balancing is allowed but only by the same method as the homologated crankshaft. (for example heavy metal i.e. Mallory metal inserts are not permitted unless they are originally specified in the homologated crankshaft.)

C. Attachment of aftermarket ignition components or sensors are permitted.

D. Balance shaft may be removed.


2.4.6.30, Transmission/Gearbox

Primary gear ratios must remain as homologated for 1000cc 3 & 4 cylinder machines.


2.4.6.31, Clutch

1000cc 3 and 4 cylinders:
Aftermarket or modified clutches (wet-type cannot be changed to dry-type) with back torque limiting capabilities are permitted. (slipper type)


2.4.6.34, Exhaust System

The noise limit for Superbikes will be 107 dB/A, with a + 3dB/A tolerance after the race.




2.5, Technical Specifications for Supersport

2.5.2, Minimum Weights

600cc 4 cylinders: 162 kg
750cc 2 cylinders: 170 kg


2.5.6.2, Front Forks

The original surfaces of the front fork tubes (stanchions, fork pipes) may be changed. Additional surface treatment is allowed.


2.5.6.24, Oil Pumps, Oil Lines and Water Pumps

The internal parts of the water pump may be changed or modified. The drive ratio may be changed. The external appearance must remain as homologated.


2.5.6.32, Clutch

Aftermarket or modified, stock-type clutch with back-torque limiting capabilities (slipper type) are allowed. The use of electro-mechanical or electro-hydraulic actuating system are not allowed.


2.5.6.35, Exhaust system

The noise limit for Supersport will be 107 dB/A.


2.9.2, Minimum Production Quantities

1) Supersport

Manufacturers producing more than 75,000 motorcycles per year must produce 1’000 units for homologation.

Manufacturers producing less than 75’000 motorcycles per year must produce 500 units for homologation.

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Racer Owen Weichel will represent Arata Exhaust and OGK Helmets in the United States, as part of a joint venture with Sam Yamashita of Moto Liberty, according to Yamashita.

Yamashita, who is currently based in Japan, said he plans to open a U.S. office to support the venture.

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

CCS and WERA racer Ryan Meskimen and wife Johnna had a daughter, Aubrey Elizabeth, October 1st in Twentynine Palms, California.

CCS Southeast racer Kirk Right and his wife Jody, had a daughter, Kira Logan Kincade Right, on October 1st in Charlotte, North Carolina.

From a press release issued by Pramac Honda:

Tough sentence for Makoto Tamada’s pass on the last lap of the race: disqualification

The Japanese rider of the Pramac Honda Team finished the race on the third step of the podium today, but the race commission deemed Makoto Tamada’s overtaking of Sete Gibernau on the last lap to be too aggressive, and the punishment was disqualification. The team and its sports director Gianluca Montiron consider this penalty both unfair and harsh, and immediately made their appeal against it.

This is what happened: Makoto Tamada ended the first lap in sixth place and then, pushing his “client” Honda RC211V to a good race rhythm, made a dogged ascent up through the pack in an attempt to reach the rostrum by the end of the contest. After catching up with and overtaking Hayden, and fighting off his attacks, Makoto made his final onslaught against Gibernau in order to get a foothold on the podium. Makoto knew there were two places where he could slip past the Spaniard: the S-bend where he made his first attempt, but where Gibernau got past him again, and in deceleration before the 90-degree right-hander. And it was here that Tamada delayed braking to the absolute limit and, after seeing that he was already ahead of the Spaniard, went first into the corner and reached the finish line in third place.

This is how Makoto Tamada commented on the pass:

“In some parts of the circuit I was faster than Gibernau, and in others he was faster than me. So it looked as though I had all I needed to make a fight for the third place on the podium. The first opportunity was the S-bend: I got in first but Sete overtook me on the way out. This meant that the second and last opportunity would be in deceleration and braking into the 90-degree right-hand corner. It was like a battle of wits to see who would be the last to put on his brakes. I know what I can do when braking and I’ve got a front tyre that I can trust, so I decided to play all the cards I’d got. When I saw I was on the inside and half a length in front of him, I started taking the corner. I’m sorry that Sete took exception to what I consider to be a normal race manoeuvre, and I’m also upset about the sentence that I feel is exceptionally harsh.”

“I think the penalty inflicted on Makoto Tamada today is too harsh and rigid”, added sports director Gianluca Montiron. ” It was quite clear that Tamada had no intention of obstructing Sete Gibernau or putting him out of the race. It was a normal race manoeuvre. We’re appealing and just trust that the commission will review its ruling. I’d like to thank Honda and Bridgestone for all the great work they’ve done to make us competitive this weekend. It was one of the finest and most sporting races I’d ever watched.”


MAKOTO TAMADA (PRAMAC HONDA TEAM): disqualified



More, from another press release issued by Pramac Honda:

Motegi, 8.oo p.m.

The race direction confirmed the isqualification of Makoto Tamada in today’s Pacific Grand Prix, overruling an appeal that had been lodged by Pramac Honda team after consulting all parties and persons involved.

The rider accepted the final decision of the jury and declared that he was now looking forward to the next race in Malaysia. After the unfortunate events of today, he considers it better to set his mind on the next goals, with the 14th round of the MotoGP championship coming up in only one week’s time.

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Jeff Ward won the F-USA Superbikers (SuperMoto) race at Del Mar, California Saturday afternoon. Former Superbike World Champion Scott Russell finished fourth with Roger Lee Hayden fifth.

The race was part of a dirt track weekend promoted by Clear Channel Entertainment Motor Sports.


Superbikers Results

1. Jeff Ward, Honda

2. Grant Langston, KTM

3. Mickey Dymond, KTM

4. Scott Russell, KTM

5. Roger Lee Hayden, Honda

6. Joe Kopp, KTM

7. Kenny Coolbeth, KTM

8. Dan Stanley, Honda

9. Mike Metzger, Honda

10. Josh Chisum, Honda

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

250cc Grand Prix Results
23 laps, 110.423 km
Sunday, October 5
Twin Ring Motegi
Motegi, Japan

1. Toni ELIAS, Aprilia, 43:57.125

2. Roberto ROLFO, Honda, -1.483 seconds

3. Manuel POGGIALI, Aprilia, -2.159

4. Yuki TAKAHASHI, Honda, -6.018

5. Hiroshi AOYAMA, Honda, -6.163

6. Randy DE PUNIET, Aprilia, -20.407

7. Naoki MATSUDO, Yamaha, -25.938

8. Fonsi NIETO, Aprilia, -28.417

9. Alex DEBON, Honda, -39.804

10. Choujun KAMEYA, Honda, -39.919


250cc World Championship Points

1. POGGIALI, 206

2. ROLFO, 188

3. ELIAS, 176

4. DE PUNIET, 172

5. F. NIETO, 151



More, from a press release issued by Honda Racing:

Tony Elias (Aprilia) won the 250 race from Roberto Rolfo (Fortuna Honda RS250RW) with Manuel Poggiali third (Aprilia). Elias made his break right from the start, leading into turn one and never relinquishing his lead throughout the 23 laps of the 4.801km track.

But although Elias hauled himself into remote title contention with his win, Rolfo was the man who did the most to improve his Championship chances by taking points off Poggiali. And perhaps more crucially, Rolfo showed the San Marinese title leader that he simply will not give up his chase for 250 honours this year.

The last six races in the 250 World Championship have now been won by six different riders and Rolfo is the only rider to have scored points at all the 13 races so far this year. His consistency is as much to do with his absolute determination to take the fight to his rivals at every opportunity as it is to do with his ability to ride within the limits of himself and his machine.

Rolfo had to use all his wiles to get the better of Poggiali and the Italian made his move on the penultimate lap. But Poggiali pounced back before Rolfo finally made his pass stick and when Poggiali got his machine a bit too loose in his bid to re-pass Rolfo he lost touch and Rolfo netted second in comparative comfort.

“There’s huge satisfaction to be had from second on the podium,” said Rolfo. “We had some huge problems during practice but we knew how to rescue the situation. The result is very important for the Championship and second place was in my hands – that’s why I fought so hard.”

The World Championship points tallies show Poggiali on 206, Rolfo with 188 and Elias in the hunt with 176.

Honda Rider Quotes

250cc:

Roberto Rolfo, Fortuna Honda, 2nd: “This is a huge satisfaction to be second on the podium. We had some problems during practice but we knew how to rescue the situation in an adequate way and that made everything good with the Fortuna Honda.

“I knew that the start was going to be one of the most important moments of the race and Ii was concentrating at my maximum. At the end of the first straight I was with the leaders and only Elias was untouchable, second place on the podium was in my hands. That’s why I fought so hard so that nobody else could possibly escape. The bike worked perfectly today, both the chassis and the engine, that’s why I could fight for the podium.

“This result is very important for the team and the championship, we pulled back four precious points in respect to Poggiali. But I say sincerely I was never worried about the race. We are fighting for the championship and the best thing we can do is to continue this way with a view to the future, and with a much better evolution of the bike. If we do the results will come for me.”

Yukio Takahashi, Dy Do Miu Honda, 4th: “That was a hard race and I must say I enjoyed it but I really wanted to finish on the podium today. I studied how to race against the European riders because they go so hard right from the start – I have to learn to do the same. I had a great race with Aoyama San and I just managed to beat him.”

Hiroshi Aoyama, Harc-Pro Honda, 5th: “Ï have the same feeling about the race as Takahashi San, the Europeans go so hard right from the start. That made it difficult for me, as I was just too slow at the beginning of the race. I saw Rolfo and Poggiali and wanted to get with them and race against them but they were gone when I got into my rhythm.”

Sebastian Porto, Telefonica MoviStar Honda Jnr Team, dnf: “The crash was a bit strange when I got on the throttle it delivered a lot of power and the back end came round and I was and the back end came round. Luckily I didn’t get hurt, all I have is a swollen left ankle.”

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Jared Mees won the F-USA short track at Del Mar Saturday night. Road racers Tommy Hayden and Roger Lee Hayden finished second and seventh, respectively.

Results
30-mile F-USA Short Track National
Del Mar, California

1. Jared Mees, Honda
2. Tommy Hayden, Yamaha
3. J.R. Schnabel, Yamaha
4. Joe Kopp, KTM
5. John Hledo, Honda
6. Kenny Coolbeth, KTM
7. Roger Lee Hayden, Honda
8. Terry Poovey, Honda
9. Rod Spence, Honda
10. Brian Smith, Honda

From a press release issued by Honda Racing:

Motegi – Japan October 4, 2003.

Daijiro Kato Inducted into MotoGP Hall of Fame

At an emotional ceremony at the Twin Ring Motegi circuit today the late Daijiro Kato was inducted into the MotoGP Hall of Fame. Daijiro’s father, Takashi, attended the ceremony to receive Daijiro’s MotoGP Legends Medal from Carmelo Ezpeleta, C.E.O of Dorna, in the presence of MotoGP Legends, Angel Nieto, Michael Doohan and Kenny Roberts Senior.

The multi-talented rider from Saitama Prefecture Kato was the finest Japanese grand prix rider of his generation. The accident at Suzuka, on April 6, that eventually claimed his life, robbed the world of MotoGP racing of one of the sport’s truly individual talents. Kato, Daichan to all who knew him, was a Superstar in his own right, his astonishing achievements testimony to his brilliance. He was a man who possessed awesome skills, he was tactically astute, and was as tough as he needed to be in a given situation.

Daichan was, however, above all, a man at ease with himself, his family and his team. A man who combined his exceptional qualities as a rider with a relaxed, disarming down to earth personality. He has sadly missed by all fortunate enough to have known him. Wife Makiko, son Ikko, now almost three, and daughter Rinka, seven months old, survive him.


Daijiro Kato – Japan.
July 4, 1976 – April 20, 2003.

Team Honda Gresini
Racing number 74
Race machines NSR250 – RC211V

Date of birth : July 4, 1976.
Place of birth : Saitama Prefecture, Japan.

First race : 1992 Pocket Bike racing
Grand prix debut : 1996 Japanese Grand Prix, Suzuka – NSR250 Honda
First Grand Prix win : 1997 Japanese Grand Prix, Suzuka – NSR250 Honda

Total podium places 27
25 x 250cc, NSR250 Honda
1 x NSR500
1 x RC211V

Total grand prix wins 17
17 x 250cc, NSR250 Honda

World titles 1
1 x 250cc in 2001, NSR250 Honda


Career Highlights – Daijiro Kato

1994 : 7th 250cc All Japan Championship Honda

1995 : 5th 250cc All Japan Championship Honda

1996 : 2nd 250cc All Japan Championship Honda, 3rd 250cc Japanese Grand Prix (Wild card entry)

1997 : 250cc All Japan Champion Honda, 1st 250cc Japanese Grand Prix (Wild card entry)

1998 : 8th 250cc All Japan Championship Honda, 1st 250cc Japanese Grand Prix (Wild card entry)

1999 : 2nd 250cc All Japan Championship Honda

2000 : 3rd 250cc World Championship Honda – race wins 4, Winner Suzuka 8 Hours

2001 : 250cc World Champion Honda – race wins 11, 4th Suzuka 8 Hours

2002: 7th MotoGP World Championship, Winner Suzuka 8 Hours

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Twin Ring Motegi
Motegi, Japan
Sunday, October 5
125cc Grand Prix
21 laps, 100.821 km

1. Hector BARBERA, Aprilia, 41:54.483

2. Casey STONER, Aprilia, -0.164 seconds

3. Andrea DOVIZIOSO, Honda, -0.304

4. Stefano PERUGINI, Aprilia, -2.731

5. Steve JENKNER, Aprilia, -2.970

6. Daniel PEDROSA, Honda, -3.215

7. Mika KALLIO, KTM, – 3.264

8. Pablo NIETO, Aprilia, -9.200

9. Alex DE ANGELIS, Aprilia, -13.016

10. Thomas LUTHI, Honda, -13.195



125cc World Championship Points
1. PEDROSA, 198

2. PERUGINI, 159

3. DE ANGELIS, 147

4. DOVIZIOSO, 146

5. NIETO, 132

6. BARBERA, 130

7. JENKNER, 115

8. CECCHINELLO, 105

9. STONER, 100

10. GIANSANTI, 73



More, from a press release issued by Honda Racing:

Hector Barbera (Aprilia) started from the front row for only the third time in his career and won his second Grand Prix in a tight contest. Casey Stoner (Aprilia) was second and Andrea Dovisioso (Team Scot Honda RS125R) was third. World Championship points leader Daniel Pedrosa (Telefonica Movistar Junior Team RS125R) was sixth.

Pedrosa led from the start having started from pole for the second successive race and the third time this season and pulled out an impressive lead in the opening laps. He set one of the fastest laps of the race on lap three at 1m 58.979 seconds and looked to have the 21-lap contest well under control.

But on lap 15 his steering damper worked loose and the title leader lost two and a half seconds form his 4.112 second lead as he struggled to address the problem which hampered his braking into turns and acceleration out of them for the rest of the race.

With Pedrosa dropping back the battle raged for the lead in the final laps between Barbera, Stoner and Dovisioso. But Barbera made no mistakes and left no gaps for his close pursuers to exploit.

“I don’t know what to say,” said Pedrosa. “Six laps from the end with more than four seconds advantage the steering damper came loose. The bike was virtually unrideable and that’s a shame because I could have made a major step towards the title. We have had problems for three races now and hopefully the bad run will end in Malaysia.”

The World Championship points standings now show Pedrosa with 198, Perugini on 159, Alex de Angelis with 147 and Dovisioso with 146. The next race is at Sepang in Malaysia next weekend.




HONDA TEAM QUOTES:

125cc:

Andrea Dovizioso, Scot Honda, 3rd: “I am a little disappointed with my race, it was possible for me to win the race today the bike was really good. In the race I got bad cramp in my lower leg and had some trouble changing down through the gearbox.”

Dani Pedrosa, Telefonica MoviStar Honda Jnr Team, 6th: “This has been a difficult race for us. We had a problem in the warm up and had to use the spare bike but we didn’t know how it would be in the race. I got a really good start and opened a gap on the others but late in the race I had problems with the steering damper and lost a lot of time. It was a pity because today I could have extended my lead in the championship. I know this is part of racing and these things can happen. I don’t blame anybody.”

Thomas Luthi, Elit Honda, 10th: “The first lap of the race was not so good for me. I got a perfect start but at the first corner I was on the inside line and a lot of riders rode around the outside of me. That left me on the wrong side of the track at the second corner, I lost a lot of places but after about three laps I found my rhythm and started to move forward. I saw the big group about 500 meters ahead of me so it was go, go, go, and I slowly caught them. Only Giansanti was a problem. On the last lap he outbraked me but he left enough room for me to get passed again. ”

Masao Azuma, Ajo Motorsports Honda, 13th: “The result is not satisfactory. I was not so good in qualifying and started from the sixth row. I gave my maximum on the second lap and got up to 10th place. But I was riding too hard at many braking points and was running straight on. After that I was quiet, not too aggressive. The bike was better than qualifying but we still have some work to do before next week.”

Simone Corsi, Scot Honda, 15th: “Ï am not satisfied with my race, I was had really bad chattering on the front wheel early. This is strange because in the warm up there was no problem. The chatter also caused me a few problems with rear wheel slides. Pity because the engine was really good today.”

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Max Biaggi beat arch-rival Valentino Rossi to win the Pacific Grand Prix at Twin Ring Motegi in Motegi, Japan, Sunday. Makoto Tamada was third on Bridgestone tires; Biaggi and Rossi used Michelins.

Former AMA Superbike Champion Nicky Hayden finished fourth, his best result in his rookie MotoGP season, with Sete Gibernau fifth. The first five riders were on RC211V Hondas.

John Hopkins got into the first turn too hot and started a crash that also involved Carlos Checa, Troy Bayliss and Colin Edwards; only Edwards rejoined the race. Jeremy McWilliams later crashed and retired. All five riders were reported to be uninjured.

MotoGP Race Results
24 laps, 115.224 km
Twin Ring Motegi
Motegi, Japan
Sunday, October 5

1. Max BIAGGI, Honda, 43:57.590

2. Valentino ROSSI, Honda, -3.754 seconds

3. Makoto TAMADA, Honda, -4.864

4. Nicky HAYDEN, USA, Honda, -5.641

5. Sete GIBERNAU, Honda, -19.456

6. Marco MELANDRI, Yamaha, -19.909

7. Alex BARROS, Yamaha, -20.938

8. Tohru UKAWA, Honda, -22.307

9. Loris CAPIROSSI, Ducati, -27.887

10. Shinya NAKANO, Yamaha, -41.731

11. Akira RYO, Suzuki, -50.106

12. Ryuichi KIYONARI, Honda, -53.214

13. Noriyuki HAGA, Aprilia, -53.589

14. Olivier JACQUE, Yamaha, -65.620

15. Nobuatsu AOKI, Proton, -67.535

16. Kenny ROBERTS, USA, Suzuki, -69.055

17. Andrew PITT, Kawasaki, -71.533

18. Colin EDWARDS, USA, Aprilia, -87.583

19. Tamaki SERIZAWA, Moriwaki, -93.001

20. David DE GEA, Harris WCM, -1 lap

21. Garry McCOY, Kawasaki, DNF, -14 laps

22. Jeremy McWILLIAMS, Proton, DNF, -22 laps

23. Chris BURNS, Harris WCM, DNF, -23 laps

24. Troy BAYLISS, Ducati, DNF, -24 laps

25. John HOPKINS, USA, Suzuki, DNF, -24 laps

26. Carlos CHECA, Yamaha, DNF, -24 laps