Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Loris Capirossi put the new Ducati Desmosedici on top on the second day of IRTA team tests at Catalunya, winning a BMW car in the process.

John Hopkins was the fastest American in the times for the BMW Award.

BMW Award times follow.

IRTA Team Tests
Lap Times
BMW Award
Catalunya, Spain
March 16

1. Loris Capirossi, Italy, Ducati, 1:43.634
2. Alex Barros, Brazil, Yamaha, 1:44.154
3. Valentino Rossi, Italy, Honda, 1:44.324
4. Max Biaggi, Italy, Honda, 1:44.326
5. Tohru Ukawa, Japan, Honda, 1:44.487
6. Daijiro Kato, Japan, Honda, 1:44.496
7. Sete Gibernau, Spain, Honda, 1:44.655
8. Marco Melandri, Italy, Yamaha, 1:44.922
9. Carlos Checa, Spain, Yamaha, 1:44.992
10. Troy Bayliss, Australia, Ducati, 1:45.076
11. Shinya Nakano, Japan, Yamaha, 1:45.108
12. Olivier Jacque, France, Yamaha, 1:45.263
13. John Hopkins, USA, Suzuki, 1:45.624
14. Nicky Hayden, USA, Honda, 1:45.626
15. Jeremy McWilliams, UK, Proton, 1:45.709
16. Norick Abe, Japan, Yamaha, 1:45.887
17. Garry McCoy, Australia, Kawasaki, 1:45.961
18. Nobuatsu Aoki, Japan, Proton, 1:46.034
19. Alex Hofmann, Germany, Kawasaki, 1:46.125
20. Kenny Roberts, USA, Suzuki, 1:46.552
21. Andrew Pitt, Australia, Kawasaki, 1:46.586
22. Akira Yanagawa, Japan, Kawasaki, 1:47.498
23. Makoto Tamada, Japan, Honda, 1:47.529
24. Chris Burns, UK, Harris WCM, 1:47.928
25. Noriyuki Haga, Japan, Aprilia, 1:48.023

DNS, Colin Edwards, USA, Aprilia, crash.
DNS, Shinichi Itoh, Japan, Honda, crash.

IRTA Team Tests
Top Speeds
Catalunya, Spain
March 16

1. Capirossi, Ducati, 328.2 kph, 203.9 mph
2. Bayliss, Ducati, 322.8 kph, 200.6 mph
3. Rossi, Honda, 320.9 kph, 199.4 mph
4. Kato, Honda, 320.7 kph, 199.3 mph
5. Ukawa, Honda, 320.5 kph, 199.2 mph
6. Nakano, Yamaha, 319.8 kph, 198.7 mph
7. Hayden, Honda, 317.6 kph, 197.4 mph
8. Biaggi, Honda, 316.5 kph, 196.7 mph
9. Checa, Yamaha, 316.2 kph, 196.5 mph
10. Abe, Yamaha, 315.2 kph, 195.9 mph
11. Hopkins, Suzuki, 314.9 kph, 195.7 mph
12. Barros, Yamaha, 314.9 kph, 195.7 mph
13. Gibernau, Honda, 314.7 kph, 195.6 mph
14. Melandri, Yamaha, 314.7 kph, 195.6 mph
15. Jacque, Yamaha, 314.1 kph, 195.2 mph
16. Tamada, Honda, 312.2 kph
17. Roberts, Suzuki, 310.6 kph
18. Itoh, Honda, 309.6 kph
19. Pitt, Kawasaki, 309.0 kph
20. Haga, Aprilia, 308.6 kph
21. Yanagawa, Kawasaki, 306.6 kph
22. McCoy, Kawasaki, 306.1 kph
23. Hofmann, Kawasaki, 306.0 kph
24. Burns, Harris WCM, 295.5 kph
25. McWilliams, Proton, 289.4 kph
26. Aoki, Proton, 288.2 kph

After issuing the above times headlined “BMW Award–2033 MotoGP Best Qualifier,” MotoGP timing & scoring then released another set of times headlined “Official Combined Practice Time.” This second set of times shows Nicky Hayden as fastest American, and follows:

1. Capirossi, 1:43.634
2. Ukawa, 1:43.832
3. Barros, 1:43.878
4. Gibernau, 1:44.071
5. Rossi, 1:44.111
6. Kato, 1:44.111
7. Biaggi, 1:44.326
8. Nakano, 1:44.803
9. Bayliss, 1:44.893
10. Melandri, 1:44.922
11. Checa, 1:44.992
12. Jacque, 1:45.263
13. Hayden, 1:45.533
14. Hopkins, 1:45.624
15. McWilliams, 1:45.709
16. Haga, 1:45.755
17. Tamada, 1:45.817
18. Abe, 1:45.858
19. Roberts, 1:45.956
20. McCoy, 1:45.961
21. Aoki, 1:46.034
22. Hofmann, 1:46.125
23. Edwards, 1:46.296
24. Itoh, 1:46.401
25. Pitt, 1:46.586
26. Yanagawa, 1:46.893
27. Burns, 1:47.928

More, from a press release issued by Ducati Corse:

AWESOME CAPIROSSI TOPS CATALUNYA TESTS

Ducati Marlboro Team rider Loris Capirossi topped this afternoon’s official preseason test session at Catalunya in sensational style, outpacing his nearest rival by almost a quarter of a second aboard the Italian factory’s all-new Desmosedici. Team-mate Troy Bayliss was also in brilliant form, bettering yesterday’s times by 1.81 seconds in his first visit to this complex Spanish track.

Capirossi’s astonishing pace – 1.96 seconds inside the track record – underlined the remarkable progress made by Ducati since the start of the Desmosedici MotoGP project. The bike has yet to turn a wheel in anger but has already shown that it should be a real force once the 2003 MotoGP season starts in Japan on April 6. Today the machine also broke its own record for the fastest-ever top-speed figure in GP racing, tripping the Catalunya speed trap at 328.2kmh/203.9mph.

“We weren’t really expecting this so soon!” smiled Ducati Corse managing director Claudio Domenicali. “And while we don’t anticipate being so competitive, so soon at every circuit, this does prove that Ducati has the capability to start a new project from scratch and reach a high level very quickly – all our engineers should be very proud. Of course, Loris also made a big difference today, and we found a perfect set-up for the bike, which really suits the high-speed nature of this track.”

Capirossi – whose spectacular best lap was watched on live TV by millions of bike-race fans around the world – was ecstatic with his performance. “I’m so happy, I really wanted that, so I rode 110 per cent!” beamed the Italian who had earlier suffered a minor fall, when an oil pipe split and leaked oil onto the rear tyre. “My fastest lap was hot – I went into a few corners a bit too fast but the bike still turned, no problem.”

Generous Capirossi immediately donated his BMW sports car – the prize for today’s fastest rider – to his mechanics, who will sell the vehicle and split the proceeds amongst themselves. “My mechanics have worked so hard for this, so they deserve it,” he added. “But we have a long season ahead of us, and a lot more work to do.”

MotoGP newcomer Bayliss ended the time one-hour session tenth and satisfied with progress. “This is my first time here so I just eased myself into it, did a lot of laps and things came good, so I’m happy, and I’m happy for Loris too!” said the Aussie. “We’ve been working on the same thing as always – making the bike go faster around the racetrack! And hopefully we can keep making progress in the run-up to Suzuka.”

Despite the mood of euphoria in the Ducati Marlboro Team pit, technical director Corrado Cecchinelli was keen to focus on the task ahead. “Now we have the highest top speed and the best lap time,” he said. “But you have to remember – you only get points for races! That was an incredible lap from Loris – with the bike in race set-up with an average fuel load and the same tyres as all the other Michelin riders. We let him focus on riding today, rather than set-up, so he could get comfortable for the timed session.”

The Ducati Marlboro Team now returns to Italy to prepare for the big trip to Suzuka, where Capirossi and Bayliss will test alongside their rivals on March 30 and 31.

More, from a press release issued by Proton Team KR:

PROTON RIDERS POLISH UP THEIR SKILLS

Circuit of Catalunya, Barcelona – March 16, 2003: Proton Team KR riders Jeremy McWilliams and Nobuatsu Aoki concentrated on getting themselves back up to racing speed at this weekend’s group tests at the Catalunya GP circuit at Montmelo, riding last year’s three-cylinder 500cc lightweight – the only two-stroke left in the MotoGP field.

It was a holding operation for the pair, who are eagerly awaiting the team’s own brand new 990cc four-stroke, a V5 design that is undergoing intensive development at base at Banbury in England. Even so, they were faster than a number of four-strokes, with McWilliams placed mid-pack.

Even without the new bike, team and riders had reason to be pleased with this weekend’s tests. Both McWilliams and Aoki improved on the lap times they had set at the GP here last year in spite of cool track conditions. This reflected not only refinement to the machine during last season, but also significant improvements to the Bridgestone tyres, which Proton Team KR will use for a second season in 2003.

The first GP of the season is the Japanese round at Suzuka on April 6.

JEREMY McWILLIAMS: 15th Position – 1:45.709
It’s frustrating with all the four-strokes. Both of us have gone quicker than ever before round here – but the gap to the leaders is even bigger. It’s been hard to stay upbeat. It was easier when we couldn’t see the other bikes. The main thing is that the new bike is on the way, and it’s very exciting. I have tried it for size, and it’s really compact – about the same size as the two-stroke. This weekend was hard, but we have a lot to look forward to.

NOBUATSU AOKI: 21st Position – 1:46.034
It’s a difficult start to the year, but I think we did a good job. We improved half a second on the GP times, and that’s good enough. It’s good to be out on a race track again, and it will be even better when we can start developing the new bike.

CHUCK AKSLAND – Team Manager
Of course being the only two-stroke is frustrating, but I was pleasantly surprised to see our guys so far up. It must be even more frustrating for the four-stroke riders who were slower than us. We came because we needed to get our riders some track time, and we were also able to find some more information for Bridgestone.

The V5 four-stroke is undergoing dyno tests, and it’s very promising. All the major components are performing well, and we’re working on details. Unless there is a major hiccup, we expect to have the bike out somewhere for first rolling shakedown tests, with Jeremy riding, and probably Kenny Roberts as well, and then begin serious track tests.

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

MotoGP Practice Lap Times
IRTA Team Tests
Catalunya, Spain
March 15

1. Alex Barros, Brazil, Yamaha, 1:44.112
2. Loris Capirossi, Italy, Ducati, 1:44.370
3. Sete Gibernau, Spain, Honda, 1:44,793
4. Valentino Rossi, Italy, Honda, 1:45.167
5. Shinya Nakano, Japan, Yamaha, 1:45.328
6. Daijiro Kato, Japan, Honda, 1:45.476
7. Tohru Ukawa, Japan, Honda, 1:45.581
8. Marco Melandri, Italy, Yamaha, 1:45.684
9. Carlos Checa, Spain, Yamaha, 1:45.733
10. John Hopkins, USA, Suzuki, 1:45.826
11. Kenny Roberts, USA, Suzuki, 1:45.956
12. Makoto Tamada, Japan, Honda, 1:46.295
13. Colin Edwards, USA, Aprilia, 1:46.296
14. Max Biaggi, Italy, Honda, 1:46.382
15. Alex Hofmann, Germany, Kawasaki, 1:46.462
16. Andrew Pitt, Australia, Kawasaki, 1:46.590
17. Shinichi Itoh, Japan, Honda, 1:46.761
18. Nobuatsu Aoki, Japan, Proton, 1:46.764
19. Olivier Jacque, France, Yamaha, 1:46.783
20. Norick Abe, Japan, Yamaha, 1:46.835
21. Noriyuki Haga, Japan, Aprilia, 1:46.866
22. Troy Bayliss, Australia, Ducati, 1:46.880
23. Jeremy McWilliams, UK, Proton, 1:46.898
24. Nicky Hayden, USA, Honda, 1:46.913
25. Garry McCoy, Australia, Kawasaki, 1:47.009
26. Akira Yanagawa, Japan, Kawasaki, 1:47.444
27. Chris Burns, UK, Harris WCM, 1:48.947


Moto GP Practice Top Speeds
IRTA Team Tests
Catalunya, Spain
March 15

1. Capirossi, Ducati, 325.9 kph, 202.5 mph
2. Bayliss, Ducati, 322.4 kph, 200.3 mph
3. Ukawa, Honda, 321.6 kph, 199.8 mph
4. Rossi, Honda, 321.4 kph, 199.7 mph
5. Kato, Honda, 320.7 kph, 199.3 mph
6. Nakano, Yamaha, 320.2 kph, 199.0 mph
7. Hopkins, Suzuki, 319.6 kph, 198.6 mph
8. Pitt, Kawasaki, 319.6 kph, 198.6 mph
9. Checa, Yamaha, 319.1 kph, 198.3 mph
10. Hayden, Honda, 318.4 kph, 197.9 mph
11. Tamada, Honda, 318.1 kph
12. Abe, Yamaha, 317.9 kph
13. Itoh, Honda, 317.8 kph
14. Barros, Yamaha, 317.7 kph
15. Biaggi, Honda, 317.6 kph
16. Gibernau, Honda, 317.2 kph
17. Jacque, Yamaha, 316.3 kph
18. Melandri, Yamaha, 315.6 kph
19. Haga, Aprilia, 313.0 kph
20. Roberts, Suzuki, 312.5 kph
21. Edwards, Aprilia, 311.5 kph
22. Hofmann, Kawasaki, 311.0 kph
23. Yanagawa, Kawasaki, 309.9 kph
24. McCoy, Kawasaki, 304.5 kph
25. Burns, Harris WCM, 297.2 kph
26. Aoki, Proton, 293.6 kph
27. McWilliams, Proton, 290.0 kph



More, from a press release issued by Ducati Corse:

DUCATI V4 BECOMES FASTEST BIKE IN MOTOGP HISTORY

Ducati Marlboro Team riders Loris Capirossi and Troy Bayliss commenced this weekend’s first all-team MotoGP tests at Catalunya in fine form today, Capirossi’s Desmosedici V4 clocking the fastest top speed ever recorded by a GP bike.

The Italian rocketed through the Catalunya speed trap at a phenomenal 325.9kmh/202.5mph, proving that Ducati’s engine and aerodynamics engineers have already done some great work with the Desmosedici. The previous best was 324.5kmh/201.6mph, recorded on Mugello’s faster straight during last year’s Italian GP. And yet Ducati Marlboro Team technical director Corrado Cecchinelli was quick to play down the remarkable performance.

“We’re very pleased,” he said. “But I’d like to say that whenever you have the best top speed but not the best lap time, it means that there are other bikes going around the corners faster, which means we still have some thinking to do!

“We’ve had a good day today, Troy continuing to learn the track, because this is his first visit here, while Loris did some set-up tests and tried Michelin’s 2003 tyres.”

This week’s tests – the team’s penultimate session before the season kicks off at Suzuka on April 6 – are particularly significant because they mark the first appearance of the definitive Ducati Marlboro factory machines, as opposed to the pre-prototype bikes that have been used at all previous tests. The differences are in fact minimal – just detail changes to bodywork and a neater finish to some parts – but the bikes have performed well.

Capirossi ended the day second fastest. “I’m very happy with what we’ve achieved so far,” said the former 125 and 250 champ. “It’s great to be fastest on the straight, though top speed isn’t so important, what I’m really happy about is the overall performance of the bike – it’s very, very good – and it’s getting better every day. I’m using the new bike for the first time here, so we’re just working at fine-tuning now.”

Bayliss, who clocked an amazing 90 laps during private tests here on Thursday, is steadily getting to grips with this complex circuit. “There’s some places that are easy first time out, while other places take longer to get to grips with,” said the Australian. “We’ve been working on a lot of things here – mainly grip and handling – and I felt like I’d run into a bit of a wall this morning. We finally started to make some progress this afternoon, just as it started raining! Overall I’m pretty happy, but after going to so many new tracks, it’d just be nice to go to a track that I know, somewhere I’d know the limit.”

Rain fell at Catalunya this afternoon and the day ended with a dummy wet-weather restart – organised to allow riders to familiarise themselves with the new wet-weather restart procedure introduced for the 2003 season.

Lap times

Loris Capirossi (Ducati Marlboro Team) 1:44.370

Troy Bayliss (Ducati Marlboro Team) 1:46.880


More, from a press release issued by Fortuna Yamaha:

MotoGP pre-season IRTA Tests
Saturday 15 March 2003 (day 1 of 2)
Catalunya, Spain

SLOW START FOR FORTUNA YAMAHA RIDERS ON CHILLY FIRST DAY

Fortuna Yamaha Team duo Marco Melandri and Carlos Checa recorded the eighth and ninth fastest times respectively today at the official MotoGP group IRTA test at the Montmelo circuit in Catalunya, Spain. The test is the first on-track meeting of all of the 2003 MotoGP competitors before the World Championship commences in earnest at Suzuka, Japan on 6th April.

Dark clouds, cold conditions and patches of rain hampered testing this afternoon with the fastest times being recorded at the end of the morning. Italian Melandri was happy to be back in the action again, after a recent testing injury to his shoulder, and he already tested here with the team in a private test on Wednesday and Thursday. He recovered sufficiently to complete a total of 46 laps, and gradually improved on his time, but like the other riders was stopped by the weather.

“Unfortunately my shoulder is hurting now,” commented the 250cc World Champion. “It was not so bad when I was riding but whenever I rest it starts to hurt again. Hopefully it will feel better tomorrow. We started today with the best set-up that we found in the test here two days ago, and I’m really happy with the way the bike feels now. I’m pleased that Barros set such a good time – it shows what the bike is capable of. I’m able to slide the M1 more and more now, which I like.

“It’s not so easy to improve on your time when you are out there alone, it gives you much more motivation when other riders are in front of you. Tomorrow I will be out more with the other riders and try to go one step faster.”

Teammate Carlos Checa did not have such a positive day, as he struggled to find the times he was hoping for at his home circuit. He completed 44 laps with a fastest lap time of 1:45.733 and despite every effort with his crew, could not improve.

“I’m not really happy with my performance today,” said the Spaniard. “We’ve made quite a few changes but I still can’t get a good feeling. Anyway, I certainly don’t feel that I can go any faster at the moment. I’m having problems with edge-grip on the right-hand corners. It’s my problem and I must fix it myself, that’s it.”

Team Director Davide Brivio remained optimistic: “It’s only the first day so we have to stay positive. Marco has obviously made a very good recovery from his injury and is making good progress. It’s very good experience for him to be testing with so many other riders. Carlos is having a few problems today but I am sure he and his team will sort them out tomorrow to be able to fulfil the bike’s potential. It’s amazing that it was so cold today as conditions yesterday were so warm and sunny.”

An interesting experiment ended today’s session when all 27 riders present had to form up behind the pace car before coming into the pits. They then re-formed behind the car to practice a rolling start. The test is a result of new rules introduced for the 2003 season that aims to speed up the re-start process in case of a rain-interrupted race in the MotoGP class.


More, from a press release issued by Honda Racing:

HONDA RACING INFORMATION

IRTA MotoGP test Catalunya, March 15, 2003.

Weather, warm and sunny – rain shower mid-afternoon, temperature, 15 degrees C; track conditions, good.

Barros Tops IRTA Test on Day One – Gibernau Fastest Honda Rider

The Montmelo circuit at Catalunya hosts the two-day IRTA test for MotoGP teams, the prelude to the 2003 season, the first time all competing teams have been present at the same testing venue this winter.

State of the art three, four and five-cylinder four-strokes now rule the roost in grand prix racing and one exciting rule change will enhance the atmosphere for race fans. For the 2003 season the decibel limit has been raised to 130dB. Together on the track today 20 plus MotoGP machines produced an ear-splitting cacophony of melodious mayhem that will bring an added dimension to the colourful spectacle of modern day GP racing.

Honda teams were at full strength at Montmelo. The four squads, led by the Repsol Honda factory team of Valentino Rossi and Nicky Hayden, will race RC211V 990cc five-cylinder four-strokes in 2003. The Barcelona based Honda Pons squad race in Camel Pramac Honda colours this season, with Max Biaggi and Tohru Ukawa as team riders.

Fausto Gresini, a former double 125cc Kingpin, paraded his Telefonica MoviStar Honda team of Daijiro Kato and Sete Gibernau at Montmelo. While Pramac Honda enter their second grand prix season with, new to MotoGP, Makoto Tamada aboard their RC211V.

The RC211Vs have undergone eight months of intensive development since the grand prix at Montmelo, in June of last year. The RCVs are now producing in excess of 200PS, and running at over 320km/h in a straight line, and consequently the Honda riders spent the early part of the day finding chassis and engine settings to suit the new RCV at the 4.727km circuit.

Fastest Honda rider on the day was local man Sete Gibernau, who lives in Barcelona. Gibernau used his circuit knowledge to good advantage to end the day in third place on the time sheet. Had it not rained Gibernau would certainly have been faster today. As it was he set a time three-tenths of a second faster than reigning MotoGP World Champion Valentino Rossi in fourth place. Daijiro Kato was sixth fastest, followed by Tohru Ukawa. That was before a light rain shower and falling temperatures called a halt to serious action for the day.

The Repsol Honda team treated the first day, as they would have race practice. Rossi and Hayden chasing chassis and suspension settings and testing a variety of Michelin tyres. Hayden is paying his first visit to Montmelo and was beginning to lower his times when the rain fell. With sunshine forecast for tomorrow the young American is confident of further improvement.

Tohru Ukawa was fast to find his feet with his new team and his growing confidence was clearly visible, despite a crash at midday. Teammate Biaggi was a little slower but the Italian concentrated his day’s work on finding the optimum settings for his RCV.

Japanese rider Makoto Tamada made his European debut at Montmelo today. The Pramac Honda team run Bridgestone tyres and Tamada, together with Bridgestone test rider Shinichi Itoh spent the day finding a front and rear tyre combination to suit the track. Once he felt at home with both machine and tyres Tamada began to lower his lap times, eventually setting 12th fastest time.

Itoh meanwhile spent his time evaluating the performance of the range of tyres Bridgestone brought to Montmelo. Itoh, now 36, has lost little of his former speed, the near veteran set 17th fastest time today.

Brazilian Alex Barros (Gauloises Yamaha) set the pace from the word go and the Brazilian was still the fastest man when the rain shower arrived. Loris Capirossi (Marlboro Ducati) was second fastest man on the day.


Sete Gibernau, SPA Telefonica MoviStar Honda – 3rd 1:44.793: “In contrast to most of the teams here we have not tested at Montmelo this winter. I’m satisfied with the results of today but if we had the complete day of training in the dry I could have been faster. I still have tomorrow, I just hope it stays dry.”


Valentino Rossi, ITA Repsol Honda – 4th 1:45.167: “Today has really been for nothing! For only one hour was it possible to push but during that time the bike felt good and I was happy. It feels like last season except stronger. Sure, this time last year we were ahead of the competition and now it is very even. It will be a good close fight for the race wins. Today I wear a helmet with special paint. The ‘7′ is for Barry because I love Barry as a person and a rider and the rainbow colour with peace written on the back is because we don’t want war! Simple as that!”

Nicky Hayden, USA Repsol Honda – 24th 1:46.913: “Not such a bad day. This track is the bumpiest GP track I’ve ridden so far. But it’s not so bad; it’s more like what I’m used to. I’ve been moving along quite good and feel I’ve been making quite a bit of progress. After lunch I only got in a few laps, as the weather was not so good. I haven’t really got to ride with anyone but the experience has been really fun especially after all the tests we’ve been doing. There is a great atmosphere here; feels more like a race. I’m now just looking forward to racing and getting out there with other people.”

Daijiro Kato, JPN Telefonica MoviStar Honda – 6th 1:45.476: “The day was very short before the rain came. It’s a pity because I was just getting the feel of the bike. I hope we have a full day on the track tomorrow.”

Tohru Ukawa, JPN Camel Pramac Honda – 7th 1:45.581: “I’m happy with today, even if I did have a small crash. I just lost the front end, no damage and I’m OK. After the crash we didn’t have much dry time before it rained so I could not improve my lap time. The weather forecast for tomorrow is good so I’m sure I will improve. We have some changes to make to the front and rear suspension, I will also try another engine tomorrow.”

Max Biaggi, ITA Camel Pramac Honda – 14th 1:46.382: “This is the first time all the MotoGP teams have tested together and it was fun. I had a few problems to fix today, particularly steering into corners, so I was in and out of the pits. I was surprised how slow I was today. I hope we can fix the problem overnight.”

Makoto Tamada, JPN Pramac Honda – 12th 1:46.295: “These two days of tests are letting me get to grips with the circuit and we really put in a lot of work today. It’s a pity about the rain that broke up our rhythm in the afternoon. Unlike Itoh, who tried out some new Bridgestone material, I went out on the tyres we’d already tested last time around. The dress rehearsal for the rain procedures certainly is spectacular, and I think the spectators are going to love it, and after starting again from the pits behind the pace car, the group of riders at the first corner really was something to see.”

Shinichi Itoh, JPN Bridgestone test rider – 17th 1:46.761: “My work programme for today was to try out a number of new front tyres, and I almost managed to complete the job before taking part in the dress rehearsal for the new procedure in case of rain during the race. My first impression is that, compared with last year, the new system is great not just because it’s spectacular, but from a strategic point of view as well. If the weather doesn’t get worse, my plan is to carry on testing the new materials Bridgestone has brought here to Catalunya.”

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

This just in, in response to an earlier post, 3/12/2003 Benelli Splits With U.S. Importer, from Andrew Wright of SuperBike Inc., which bills itself as “Exclusive Official Importers For Benelli Motorcycles & Scooters:”

We just noticed that you have published a letter from Sandro Caparelli at Benelli SpA that was sent to our dealers. This was sent in response to a letter from us dated March 3, 2003 to Andrea Merloni, President of Benelli. We stated:

“It is our contention that we continue to have a valid and legally binding contract with Benelli SpA to exclusively import motorcycles, scooters and spare parts into the United States. We were not able to purchase any of these products by December 31, 2002 due to the products lacking the ability to pass the US standards set by the EPA and DOT. However, we did send $$$,$$$ (sic) to be held as a deposit for fifteen LE’s in November. As of this date, your products have still not met the federal safety standards and you have refused to work with us to provide the necessary parts and support in order for us to obtain the final testing approval.”

Our Italian attorney states that we have a valid contract that cannot be set aside without arbitration and has advised us to continue to promote Benelli in this country. We have solved the LE’s problems, with no help from the company, and are confident that it will meet all EPA certifications in the next few days. Arbitration should be set for some time in May, but we are hopeful that our issues will be resolved quickly once we have the EPA approval.

Benelli has a fantastic new product line that only needs some minor adjustments for them to meet the US standards. We expect these products to be well received once the company has addressed the EPA certification.

Please contact me directly at (229) 242-0666 for further information.

Best regards,

Andrew Wright

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Motorcycle road racing is likely to become more important in the future for Mazda Raceway at Laguna Seca, Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course and Road America.

CART insiders say that all three road courses are on a short list to be replaced in the CART car racing series, which is angling for street-course races in larger urban settings.

The replacement of the Road America CART race is underway, with litigation already filed by both sides in a dispute involving a revenue-sharing agreement related to the 2002 CART race at the Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin facility.

Racetrack officials have complained about declining income related to CART-event sponsorship deals and spectator ticket sales.

The changes could make AMA National races the largest and most important spectator events at the three targeted tracks.

From a press release:

TORONTO INTERNATIONAL SPRING MOTORCYCLE SHOW OPENS THE 2003 RIDING SEASON, APRIL 5th & 6th.

The dates for the 2003 Toronto International Spring Motorcycle Show are April 5th & 6th, at the Toronto International Centre, 6900 Airport Road. Presented by SUPERSHOW Events, this is Ontario’s Spring Motorcycle Marketplace, now in its 14th year.

The Toronto Spring Motorcycle Show is a traditional season opener for motorcyclists at the beginning of the riding season as they prepare to get their bikes on the road. Vendors will have bargains on all types of riding apparel, accessories, new parts and hard to find used parts, as well as information on safety, rider training and insurance. Stage shows featuring ‘Daytona Fashions by On The Fringe’ and entertainment run both days of the show. Over 30 Clubs, Associations and Racetracks will be on hand to meet the public and present their ‘Summer 2003′ activities. The finest vintage, touring, off-road, racing and custom Showbikes will compete for over $15,000 in Mid-USA Cash & Awards, with a top prize of $3500 for Best Bike in Show.

The Canadian International Motorcycle Heritage Museum Foundation, The Ride for Sight, and the B.A.D. Ride have been named the Official Show Charities and the Brampton Motorcycle Association is the Host Club. Show hours are Saturday;10am-9pm and Sunday;10am-6pm Admission is $12 for adults, children under 12 are admitted free. Parking is free. Admission also includes a 1/2 price discount coupon to the Collector Car Auction going on at the same time at the International Centre. For more information call (905)655-5403 or visit www.supershowevents.com

From a press release:

Not thrilled, but not unhappy. That would describe Eric Bostrom’s post-Daytona mood. The media-picked favorite to win the 2003 AMA Superbike Championship finished the first race in a lonely fifth position. “All in all I’m happy to step out, away from Daytona in one piece, with a race finish and with decent points. That’s pretty much what this race is all about. You know, I would like to win this race someday. Maybe next year when we have the new 1000, but right now, it’s just too difficult for us.”

The #32 rider rode strong for much of the race and was in touch with the leaders on his ZX-7RR, despite giving up horsepower to the 1000’s on the NASCAR track. “I’m happy with how the race started. I was up there battling with the guys. And then on the tire after the second pit stop, I don’t know, I just seemed to have trouble getting going on it. We had some troubles. I about tipped over a couple times. And then I just fell out of the draft, so I was done. At that point the race got pretty lonely and I just conserved it to the finish.”

Meanwhile, brother Ben, who many consider Eric’s biggest title challenger, just missed out winning his first Daytona 200 by finishing a very close 2nd. “I was disappointed for Ben. But he probably did me a favor, though, getting less points at the beginning of the season like that. I certainly anticipate him being tough all year long. And as much as I’d like to see him win the race, I think he did me a favor by not winning it because it’ll be a little bit easier for us to catch up with him.”

Indeed. Especially considering Daytona was only round 1 of 18. It’s certainly going to be a fun and interesting championship to watch.

From a press release:

Phillips Motorsport Group is proud to announce TeamPrivateer.com. This website is dedicated in providing online support for LPUSA Team Privateer members. This website will allow members to be informed about the program in a more up to date and convenient way than monthly letters.

The website features a forum section where racers and non racers can participate in communicating with Team Privateer Reps and other racers from around the country. Various Team Privateer racers on a monthly basis are selected based on their racing successes through the year and are spotlighted as “Team Privateer of the month”. This provides the Team Privateer racer the recognition he has earned and allows him to present his experience online for other racers.

Team Privateer vendors that support the program are a big part of making this program such a success. Every month a selected vendor highlights a racing product and offers sponsorship possibilities.

From a press release:

Snap-on named title sponsor

Short Track National at The Raceway at Powercom Park

FORT WORTH, TX. (March 14, 2003) – Clear Channel Entertainment – Motor Sports announced today that Snap-on Tools Company would be the title sponsor of the Snap-on Short Track National to be held during Harley-Davidson’s 100th Anniversary Celebration. This spectacular event will be part of the K&N Filters Pro Dirt Track Series on Saturday, August 30, 2003 at The Raceway at Powercom Park in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin.

“We are very pleased to take part in this exciting motorcycle event. This is a great opportunity to show our support for America’s purest form of motorcycle racing while helping celebrate Harley-Davidson’s 100th Anniversary,” said Carl Johanson, Snap-on manager of motorsports. “We are committed to the development of high-performance tools and equipment, and we enjoy supporting these racers, as well as delighting our customers, with the quality and value of the Snap-on brand.”

“We are thrilled to have Snap-on as the title sponsor of the Snap-on Short Track National,” said Mike Kidd, a VP of Clear Channel Motor Sports. “Snap-on, one of the best toolmakers in the world, is actively involved in supporting racing and promoting professionals in the industry, so this partnership will provide a huge boost to the event.”

Snap-on Tools Company LLC is a subsidiary of Snap-on Incorporated, a leading global innovator, manufacturer and marketer of tool, diagnostic and equipment solutions for professional tool users. Product lines include hand and power tools, diagnostics and shop equipment, tool storage, diagnostics software and other solutions for vehicle-service, industrial, government and agricultural customers, and commercial applications, including construction and electrical. Products are sold through its franchised dealer van, company-direct sales and distributor channels, as well as over the Internet. Founded in 1920, Snap-on is a $2+ billion, S&P 500 Company headquartered in Kenosha, Wisconsin, and employs approximately 13,100 people worldwide.

SNAP-ON SHORT TRACK NATIONAL
Saturday, August 30th
The Raceway at Powercom Park
Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
Gates Open 1pm
Races 8pm

From a press release issued by Ducati Corse:

CAPIROSSI (1:44.7) FLIES IN DUCATI MARLBORO TEAM
TESTING AT BARCELONA

Barcelona (Spain), 13 March 2003 – The Ducati Marlboro Team put in an extra day’s testing at Barcelona’s Circuit de Catalunya today, in view of the two-day official IRTA tests here on Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 March. The session brought an end to Ducati Corse’s development phase for the Desmosedici, four examples of which were available at the circuit for the first time, two for each rider. The tests will mark the final roll-out for the Desmosedici before the team heads to Japan for the pre-race test session and the opening round of the MotoGP championship, scheduled for April 6 at Suzuka.

Troy Bayliss, who had never seen the Spanish track before, put in as much mileage as possible, and the Australian ended the day with 95 laps to his name. His best time was 1:47.2 as he switched between his two bikes and continued with general set-up work.

“I did a lot of laps today” said Bayliss at the end of the session, “because I have to learn this circuit really quickly. It’s a great track, but is very demanding and tough to learn. It was important to test here today and now I can approach the IRTA tests in the best possible way on Saturday.”

Satisfaction was also expressed by Capirossi, who completed a total of 60 laps, constantly lapping on the pace and recording his quickest time of 1:44.7 at the end of the day. Loris also concentrated on set-up work on the two Desmosedici machines available.

“Not bad for a first day’s work” declared Loris. “Finally the weather conditions allowed us to work well and we are at a good point. The time I set gives me high hopes for the IRTA tests against all the other teams here on Saturday and Sunday.”

Both Capirossi and Bayliss used 2002 Michelin tyres, but will test with 2003 rubber at the weekend.


More, from a press release issued by Fortuna Yamaha:

HARD WORK CONTINUES FOR FORTUNA YAMAHA TEAM

The Fortuna Yamaha Team completed two days of testing in glorious sunshine at Barcelona’s Montmelo circuit today. The squad was present along with Yamaha partners the Gauloises Yamaha Team and Team D’Antin Yamaha as well as the Ducati and Suzuki MotoGP teams. The test was scheduled to replace valuable time lost to poor weather during February. It comes ahead of this weekend’s two-day official IRTA test that should see all the MotoGP contenders go head to head for the first time in 2003.

Spaniard Carlos Checa completed a total of 54 laps today on his Yamaha YZR-M1 before a fall put an end to his track-time. He was disappointed with his time of 1:44.9 despite the fact that it is almost seven-tenths of a second faster than the lap record and a third of a second quicker than his 2002 qualifying time. Checa, who finished third in last year’s Barcelona race, explained: “Yesterday we started with the same settings we had when we tested here before, but I was struggling to go as fast. We changed a few things today and the bike was feeling better but I crashed at the last corner on a hot lap. Maybe I was just pushing too hard or perhaps the tyres weren’t quite up to temperature. It’s good in a way that we can try again on Saturday with the bike rebuilt.”

Checa’s new team-mate in the Fortuna Yamaha squad, Italian 250cc World Champion Marco Melandri, was back to fitness for the test following a shoulder injury sustained in Estoril last month. He was once again working on the fuel-injection settings on his Yamaha YZR-M1 having only recently switched from the 2002-spec carburettor version of the four-stroke machine. He completed 67 laps with a best time of 1:45.7.

“The track feels quite bumpy and the grip level is not so good which adds an extra complication to set-up,” said the 20-year-old Melandri. “We have had to make quite a few changes since last time I rode here because the weather is a lot warmer. It’s good to be back on the bike and I am feeling quite comfortable. It’s good that we have another two days here and it will be interesting to see how I am doing compared to all my new rivals.”

More information will be available from both day’s of testing at this weekend’s Barcelona IRTA Test, the first test at which all 2003 MotoGP competing manufacturers will be present.

TIMES
Alex Barros, Gauloises Yamaha Team 1:44.4 (87 laps)

Carlos Checa, Fortuna Yamaha Team 1:44.9 (54 laps)

Shinya Nakano, Team D’Antin Yamaha 1:45.1 (52 laps)

Olivier Jacque, Gauloises Yamaha Team 1:45.4 (60 laps)

Marco Melandri, Fortuna Yamaha Team 1:45.7 (67 laps)