Melandri Back on Kawasaki in MotoGP

Kawasaki Racing's Marco Melandri testing in Valencia,
shortly before Kawasaki pulled the plug on their MotoGP team.

Kawasaki announces that after constructive talks between Kawasaki, Dorna and other involved parties, a new one-rider Team will participate in the 2009 MotoGP Championship season.

This decision was made after negotiations that followed Kawasaki’s January 2009 announcement to suspend its factory supported MotoGP activities due to the economic crisis. Rider for the new MotoGP team will be the Italian Marco Melandri.

The team will be equipped with Kawasaki motorcycles and supporting materials.

That Kawasaki has come to this new team approach is the result of on the one hand the need for a strong reduction of MotoGP racing investments and on the other hand the necessity to come to constructive solutions for all related parties.

The new team will disclose more details about its 2009 season’s plans on a short notice.

Courtesy of Kawasaki Racing

MotoGP Rules Cut Costs and Practices

The Grand Prix Commission has announced significant rules changes for the upcoming 2009 season. The amendments are twofold, including new bike restrictions and a reduced track schedule at each round.

First the schedule change. Friday morning practice sessions have been dropped altogether. Instead there will be one afternoon practice session, followed on Saturday by a morning practice and afternoon qualifying session. The traditional hour-long session time has also been trimmed to 45 minutes. All told, 105 minutes have been stripped out of the MotoGP program. The 20-minute Sunday warm up is unchanged.

MotoGP machines are not permitted brake disc or pads made of “ceramic composite materials.” And internal electronics have been stymied, with electronic suspension control and launch control forbidden. Other tech modifications include a new rule that only five engines may be used during the season’s final eight races (beginning with the August round at Brno).

Although it is not explicitly stated in the FIM release announcing the rule changes, the move has been made to trim competition costs.

The official FIM rule changes are listed below:

1. Standard time schedule

Friday

• 13:05-13:45 125cc Free Practice 1
• 14:05-14:50 MotoGP Free Practice 1
• 15:05-15:50 250cc Free Practice 1

Saturday

• 09:05-09:45 125cc Free Practice 2
• 10:05-10:50 MotoGP Free Practice 2
• 11:05-11:50 250cc Free Practice 2
• 13:05-13:45 125cc Qualifying Practice
• 14:05-14:50 MotoGP Qualifying Practice
• 15:05-15:50 250cc Qualifying Practice

Sunday

• 08:40-09:00 125cc Warm Up
• 09:10-09:30 250cc Warm Up
• 09:40-10:00 MotoGP Warm Up
• 11:00 125cc Race
• 12:15 250cc Race
• 14:00 MotoGP Race

2. From Czech GP, maximum 5 engines can be used in 8 races. No changing of parts will be permitted except daily maintenance.

3. Ceramic composite materials are not permitted for brakes disc or pads.

4. Launch control system is not permitted.

5. Electronic controlled suspension is not permitted.

6. Only 2 post race tests at Catalunya and Czech GP for development purposes using test riders only are permitted.

Articles by: Bart Madson
www.motorcycle-usa.com

2009 Gresini Racing - Honda RC212V

Technical Specifications

• Model: Honda RC212V
• Overall lenght: 2.050 mm
• Overall width: 645 mm
• Overall height: 1.125 mm
• Wheelbase: 1.440 mm
• Road Clearance: 125 mm
• Weight: over 148 kg
• Engine type: liquid-cooled four-stroke DOHC 4 valve V-4
• Cooling System: Liquid
• Displacement: 800 cc
• Maximum Power: NA
• Frame type: Twin Tube
• Wheels: Bridgestone
• Front (inch): 16,5
• Rear (inch): 16,5
• Suspension: Showa
• Front: Telescopic fork
• Rear: New Unit Pro Link
• Fuel tank capacity: 21 litres
• Lubricants: Castrol
• Sparks plugs: NGK
• Tyres: Bridgestone
• Chain: RK

Gibernau to miss Qatar test due to shoulder ligament problem

Guinea Ecuatorial Team rider Sete Gibernau suffered a small setback to his recovery from a recent shoulder operation during training yesterday, meaning he will miss the forthcoming MotoGP test in Qatar.

Veteran rider Sete Gibernau, who returns to MotoGP this year with new satellite Ducati outfit Guinea Ecuatorial Team, has suffered a preseason blow with the news that he has aggravated an old shoulder injury - requiring a visit to the Institut Universitari Dexeus in Barcelona on Thursday.

The accumulation of physical exertion at the recent MotoGP tests in Malaysia and his demanding training programme has caused a slight ligament tear in his left shoulder that will require a period of complete rest.

Keen to avoid any major complications before his return to premier-class racing in a little over a month’s time, Gibernau and his team have agreed to cancel their participation in the upcoming Qatar test session as he turns his focus to a swift and full recovery.

MotoGP Riders Complete First Ride In Three-day Sepang Test

A three-day test at the end of last week, held at the Malaysian circuit of Sepang, saw riders from the MotoGP field for 2009 returning to action for the first time since the 'winter' test ban.

Off-season testing has been reduced compared to previous seasons thanks to the new single tyre supplier rule, as the teams have less requirement for experimentation with their new provision of Bridgestone rubber. This development in MotoGP has helped to significantly reduce costs for the teams and allowed them to concentrate fully on their 800cc machinery itself.

Coincidentally, the man to finish the Sepang test at the head of the timesheets was the first rider to win the MotoGP title on Bridgestone tyres, Ducati's 2007 MotoGP World Champion Casey Stoner.

Australian Stoner is returning from surgery on his left wrist undertaken in November of last year, meaning that he kept his workload to a minimum over the three days, but as he gradually regains his fitness he is still capable of rapid lap times -as he demonstrated on Friday and Saturday.

The 23 year-old finished the last day just under a tenth of a second quicker than his closest rival, reigning World Champion Valentino Rossi, with a time of 2'01.043 - well inside Dani Pedrosa's 2008 pole position record time of 2'01.548.

Stoner commented: "Considering that I have recently had an operation and my wrist has still not full recovered, to be the fastest rider here is a dream to be honest. Now I have to work hard on improving my physical condition and recovering the level of movement I need to ride the bike properly without pain. The Desmosedici GP9 is a good bike and in every test we've done with it we've come out on top."

Affected more recently by a hospital visit, current MotoGP title holder Rossi was just off Stoner's pace on the final day, as he too rode through the pain barrier following a recent domestic accident.

The Italian tested in Malaysia with stitches in his left hand and foot having fallen onto a glass coffee table at his home in Italy last week. He stated on Saturday that "I am leaving Sepang feeling happy, because we've made a good start. We finished everything we wanted to do on the bike and the setting and the rhythm is quite good. My injuries are getting better each day because they're only cuts and they're healing fast. For sure we need to improve some more but since this year we have less testing, this performance has been very important."

Third fastest over the three days was Suzuki's Italian veteran Loris Capirossi who looked immediately more comfortable on his significantly remodeled 800cc prototype than with last year's machine. With Tech 3 Yamaha's Colin Edwards and San Carlo Honda Gresini's Toni Elias - on his factory spec 2009 RC212V- just behind Capirossi on the timesheets there was representation from four different manufacturers in the top five.

Capirossi's team-mate Chris Vermeulen was sixth in the combined three-day standings, whilst the early-departing Pedrosa was seventh overall courtesy of his best lap from the second day. The Repsol Honda rider left Malaysia 24 hours earlier than expected citing a lack of complete recovery from a knee injury which required surgery before Christmas.

The final Sepang top ten was completed by a trio of 250cc graduates, 2008 rookies Jorge Lorenzo (Fiat Yamaha) and Andrea Dovizioso (Repsol Honda) and 2009 newcomer Mika Kallio (Pramac Racing).

Next on the timesheet was Nicky Hayden who continued his adaptation to the Desmosedici GP9 and Bridgestone tyres, riding for the first time in full Ducati Marlboro colours.

The American still has some catching up to do with his friend and teammate Stoner, having lapped 1.454s slower, and explained on Saturday that "Obviously I'm not happy with my lap times, I was expecting more from myself, but I have to stay positive. I've improved my lap times every day and we have gathered a lot of data to work from in the next test. The fact Casey is already so fast means that the bike has the potential - it can only be a good thing that he is going so quick."

Another high profile Ducati rider, returning hero Sete Gibernau, was also lower down the timesheets than he would have hoped, on his Guinea Ecuatorial team satellite machinery. Having finished thirteenth the former World Championship runner-up will be looking for improvements at the next MotoGP test which takes place on 1st-3rd March, under the floodlights at the Losail International Circuit in Qatar.

Ducati Desmosedici GP8 Sat (Alice Ducati)

Engine: Liquid-cooled, 90 degree V4 four-stroke, desmodromic DOHC, four valves per cylinder.

Capacity: 799cc

Maximum power: more than 200hp

Maximum speed: in excess of 310 kph/192 mph

Transmission: Six-speed cassette-type gearbox, with alternative gear ratios available. Dry multiplate slipper clutch. Chain final drive.

Carburation: Indirect Magneti Marelli electronic injection, four throttle bodies with injectors above butterfly valves. Throttles operated by EVO TCF (Throttle Control & Feedback) system.

Ignition: Magneti Marelli

Frame: Magneti Marelli Tubular steel trellis-style chassis, pressed aluminium swing-arm.

Tubular: Steel trellis-style chassis, pressed aluminium swing-arm.

Suspension: Öhlins upside-down 42mm front forks and Öhlins rear shock absorber, adjustable for preload, compression and rebound damping.

Tyres: Bridgestone 16.5" front and rear.

Brakes: Brembo, two 320mm carbon front discs with four-piston callipers. Single stainless steel rear disc with two-piston caliper.

Dry weight: 148kg

Valentino Rossi turns 30

Valentino Rossi turns 30 today, 16th February 2009. The Fiat Yamaha rider has had an immensely successful career to date, winning eight world championships, 97 races and becoming the most successful premier-class rider of all time. As he enters his 14th season in the world championship, his sixth with Yamaha, he is still the dominating force in the sport, having recaptured the title in typically exciting style last season.

Below is a collection of quotes from colleagues, fellow riders, family and a few of his more famous fans. Some are recollections of favourite moments with Valentino, whilst some are simply messages for him on the day he turns 30. All are different ways of saying ‘Happy Birthday, Valentino!'
DAVIDE BRIVIO (FIAT YAMAHA TEAM MANAGER)
"I don't really have a favourite memory of Valentino, or at least it's difficult to choose the ‘absolute best!' The first one that comes to mind however is just after the Welkom race in 2004, his famous first MotoGP race with Yamaha. Before Valentino finally joined Yamaha, during one of the meetings the previous September, he said that he wanted to win his first race with Yamaha! This immediately created a lot of pressure for me and for Yamaha, but anyway I promised him that we would all try all our best. Honestly at that time I felt that it was going to be a very difficult thing to achieve! During the final few pre-season tests the chances of doing it began to look better and better, but in a race itself anything can happen. Incredibly, he won that race in Welkom and just after it, after the technical meeting had finished, we were alone in his changing room. Somebody had left a bottle of wine in the fridge and we opened it and raised a toast to that day way back in September, when he had first said that he wanted to win this race. "We did it!" I said to him. It was a very emotional moment for me because it was the moment we achieved our very first target together. Happy Birthday!"

CESARE CREMONINI (SINGER AND FRIEND)
"Vale is a fighter, but armed with a smile. I've never seen him lose his humanity, even in the most difficult moments. One time I found him making gags and jokes as if he was at home with friends, when in fact he had just a couple of minutes to go before a decisive race. While he was putting on his leathers, ready to go out and challenge the world, he transmitted a joy for life, listening to a song on his ipod. "Ciao Ragazzi! See you later!&quo t; He said. Then came a sweeping victory at the limits of possibility and a long night of partying together! Happy Birthday, Vale!"

TOM CRUISE (ACTOR AND ROSSI FAN)
"Valentino, You are a true champion. You keep raising the bar, relentlessly pursuing the next race, the next challenge, the next championship. I also know that the victories don't necessarily become easier. You have to dig deeper, work even harder, become more focused to overcome the distractions. That's what you do. And I, like countless others, know that when you're on that track anything is possible. It was my great pleasure to be there at Laguna Seca and see you take that victory. I can honestly say I've never seen anything like it! You certainly don't disappoint! Thank you for all the great races you have given us, and for all the great races yet to come. Happy Birthday."

DANIEL DAY-LEWIS (ACTOR AND ROSSI FAN)
"Every race, every win, every championship! Vale the kid in the portaloo is an old favourite, always irresistible in victory and gracious in defeat (not that he had to prove it very often!) But the all-time favourite memory for me would be him at Laguna Seca going inside Stoner through the dirt. Death or glory; the whole race an answer to those daft enough still to have a question. And to have shaken the hand of that man - that I won't forget either."

ALDO DRUDI (DESIGNER AND FRIEND)
"Cattolica, August 1996, 2pm, very hot. I'm travelling by motorbike on a deserted road towards the sea, when a small and colourful outline appears from an intersection ahead, going very fast. A young boy on a scooter ‘closes' the corner, accentuates the bend, runs around the pavement, straightens up and pulls a wheelie... he holds the wheelie on the aqua-green Zip for more than 200 metres, still on the gas. I accelerate and catc h him up. The boy lets go of the left handlebar and lifts the left hand in a sign of victory. I recognise him and follow him. Finally he lowers the wheel and with his feet on the footrests he throws embraces and salutes all around the road to his imaginary fans. He notices me, right beside him, and smiles. Happy Birthday Vale!"

COLIN EDWARDS (TEAM-MATE 2005/06/07 AND NOW TECH 3 YAMAHA RIDER)
"I have a few fond memories of Vale starting from 2000. Our 2002 victory at the Suzuka 8-Hour was something special, but I'd have to say my one memory that stands out is Laguna 2005. Basically, we were both healthy and fighting for every inch. I did have a slight advantage knowing the track since 1992. As I can recall, it was the first time we were together on track racing close; as most would confirm, he was usually ten seconds in front of me leading by this point in the race! Then he mounted a charge on the last two laps that came up just short...I was happy we didn't have one more lap! Haha!!!! It's not really a memory that I beat him, it's more of a memory of racing side by side with what I consider "The Goat", which translates as The Greatest Of All Time. Happy birthday, you old man!"

CARMELO EZPELETA (CEO, DORNA SPORTS)
"My favourite "Valentino moment" is remembering the unique human quality that he showed after his battle with Nicky Hayden for the 2006 MotoGP Championship. It is very easy to behave like a champion when you win, but Rossi's attitude after losing was admirable and impressive."

LIN JARVIS (MANAGING DIRECTOR, YAMAHA MOTOR RACING)
"It's difficult to think of a single moment but I guess one of the most memorable moments was during the 2003 season when Valentino had his first meeting with the Yamaha YZR-M1. We had started our secret discussions earlier that year for a po ssible future move to Yamaha. Vale said he wanted to have a real look at the Yamaha M1 bike so we agreed to organize a secret rendezvous in the paddock at the Donington GP. To keep it secret we arranged to meet on Saturday night in the Yamaha Factory Team pit box. After midnight Vale arrived in a dark parka jacket with the hood up. He looked like a burglar coming to steal our stuff! Once inside he greeted everybody there and introduced himself and then took his time to look at Carlos Checa's M1 from every angle before asking our permission if he could sit on the bike. We were so surprised by his humility and modesty and even more surprised when he paid a complement to us by stating that it was "not so bad" after all. His attitude on that first night time meeting said a lot about the man. Since then I have seen a hundred more examples... Happy Birthday, Vale!"

JORGE LORENZO (FIAT YAMAHATEAM-MATE, 2008/09)
"I want to say Happy Birthday to my team-mate Valentino. It is great for me to be racing with a legend like him, but maybe now he's 30 he might slow down a little bit!"

MARCO MATERAZZI (INTER MILAN FOOTBALL PLAYER AND FRIEND)
"We met thanks to Inter, but we became friends thanks to motorbikes: our two great passions! Now the stadium and the circuit are occasions to be fans for one another and to try to bring good luck; you for me and I for you. But the moment in which we feel the truest friends is when we're having dinner together at my house, sitting together at the same table. There we are just Marco and Valentino, two who for many reasons see life in the same way. Today I am just like you, when you put your number on to race it is the double of me when I put mine on to play, because I have 23! For your 30th I give you ‘double' greetings. And one more special thing to remember, to succeed in keeping our ‘secre t' promise, the one which we can only tell when we've achieved it! Happy birthday Vale!"

GUIDO MEDA (ITALIAN TV COMMENTATOR AND FRIEND)
"The end of testing, the slow-down lap. Valentino sees you from the track and goes to wave at you. It's a quick movement and it seems trivial, but it's a sign, a sign of how he focuses his attention; on the bike while he needs to, on the man when he can. He separates the moments, detaches them, changes and reasons. This is why everyone always wants him as their poster boy. The Valentino I know above all defeats what is normal while the legend grows. Now he turns 30, what can I say? As before, he still has his feet on the ground. He is ruthless and very much a perfectionist. He is easy-going and always curious with his own taste for an interesting life, but he is normal. After eight titles and 97 victories, I would like to be sure that I tell the story in the right way and, although t he legend continues to grow, I can always find simple words."

STEFANIA PALMA (MOTHER)
"I have thought about what to tell you through the media for your 30th birthday... I could have dealt with sun, stars, mountains, love and happiness... but I feel it is more right to say, simply... HAPPY BIRTHDAY!"

CARLO PERNAT (JOURNALIST AND FRIEND)
"How could I not love you, Valentino? The champions know exactly what they have to do, instinctively. I remember in 1997, when we were making your first TV advert. You had to endure a day with a fussy and long-winded director, who couldn't finish and had to adjourn until the next day. You left and, with your friend Uccio you called to warn that you were already home at your house, and where you were staying also the next day! Straugurissimi, Legend!"

WAYNE RAINEY (WORLD CHAMPION WITH YAMAHA 1990/91/92)
&quo t;Happy 30th birthday Valentino! I love to watch when the odds are against you, the battle is on. Your passion to win is visible and I respect that very much. 30 years old...life is just beginning for you!"

KENNY ROBERTS SENIOR (WORLD CHAMPION WITH YAMAHA 1978/79/80)
"Valentino, when I first saw you ride at the ranch in Barcelona... I thought Kevin Schwantz was tall and skinny! You were very impressive then as you are now! Good luck and Happy Birthday!"

GRAZIANO ROSSI (FATHER)
"Simply... I would like to wish him to get to 40 without growing up anymore and then after 40... let's see!"

RINO SALUCCI (FRIEND AND PRESIDENT OF OFFICIAL FAN CLUB)
"Am I asking too much if I ask for 30 more years of excitement? Well, I can live with half!

UCCIO SALUCCI (BEST FRIEND)
"I hope that for the next 30 years Vale will be as fast as he has been in the previous 30 and that he gives us more passes and excitement like we had at Laguna Seca 2008. 30 more Corkscrews, Vale!"

MARCO SIMONCELLI (250CC WORLD CHAMPION AND FRIEND)
"Happy Birthday, Bomber! Although you are now 30, try to give us as much excitement as you have given to us until you were 29! Auguri! Sic58"

GIGI SOLDANO (OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPHER AND FRIEND)
"I know that every time I work with him something different will happen once again. One more time his image is in front of my lens and once again I have a different feeling and taste to be working with him. His little wrinkles, his determined gaze with his piercing eyes, which look right through you if you are not quick to change the shot. We play a game and by now he knows what expression I want before I have even asked, just like a team-mate in a match. The expressions stay in my mind as memories . This is what having Vale in front of the camera means, every time. I am always happy that I have the good fortune to work with him. Today he is posing for me with a chocolate cake to celebrate his 30th birthday. I shoot it as simply as possible; It's not necessary to have anything else to make it a unique shot. A white background is enough, and once again we relax into the ‘groove'. A song comes into my head: "When you have a sunny day in December, you can say that summer is already here! Congratulations, Vale!"

JAMES TOSELAND (TECH 3 YAMAHA RIDER)
"30 is a big milestone for a racer because, even though you're not really old as a person, you're starting to be one of the older ones in professional racing and you start to feel that you can't go on forever! I don't think it's a problem for Valentino however, he seems to still feel 25 so as long as that continues he'll be just fine! Happy Birthday and have a great party!"

2009 World MotoGP Event Calendar

The provisional calendar for the 2009 MotoGP has been revealed with a few minor changes, the most significant being that China has been dropped in favour of new race in Hungary.

With this week's announcement that a proposal had been submitted for the championship to return to Eastern Europe for a round at the new Balatonring, it was expected that one round would be dropped to make way for it.

As such, the Chinese Grand Prix, held at the Shanghai International Circuit, has been removed after hosting just four races since 2005.

It means MotoGP retains an 18 race calendar, with the season kicking off at the Losail circuit in Qatar with what will be another night race after the success of this year's event. However, while this year's season started in early March, the first round will be taking place in April this time.

While most of the changes have been kept to a minimum, Japan and Portugal have nonetheless been moved on the calendar, with the Motegi round shifted from its September date this year to become the 2009 season's second round in April. The Portuguese round at Estoril goes the other way, moving from April to October.

The rest of the order retains a similar look, while the Ricardo Tormo Valencia circuit continues to host the traditional finale.

Significantly for British fans, Donington Park will continue to host the British Grand Prix in 2009. Although there little doubt that the circuit would retain its place next year at least, there were concerns it could be disrupted by the planned building work ahead of its hosting of the Formula 1 British Grand Prix in 2010. It will take place later than this year though on July 26th.

2009 Provisional MotoGP Calendar

1. April 12th - Qatar, Losail (Evening Race)
2. April 26th - Japan, Motegi
3. May 3rd - Spain, Jerez
4. May 17th - France, Le Mans
5. May 31st - Italy, Mugello
6. June 14th - Catalunya, Catalunya
7. June 27th - Netherlands, Assen (Saturday Race)
8. July 5th - United States, Laguna Seca (MotoGP Class only)
9. July 19th - Germany, Sachsenring
10. July 26th - Great Britain, Donington Park
11. August 16th - Czech Republic, Brno
12. August 30th - Indianapolis, Indianapolis
13. September 13th - San Marino, Misano
14. September 20th - Hungary, Balaton
15. October 4th - Portugal, Estoril
16. October 18th - Australia, Phillip Island
17. October 25th - Malaysia, Sepang
18. November 8th - Valencia, Ricardo Tormo Valencia

Suzuki XRG1 (Rizla Suzuki Motorsports)

Bike No. : 7, 65

Technical Specifications

• Engine Type: 4 stroke water cooled V4
• Displacement: 800cc
• Max Power: 225+ ps / 18,000rpm
• Valve Control and Type: Pneumatic (air control), DOHC four-valve
• Carburation Type: Fuel injection
• Lubrication System: Wet sump (Motul Lubricants)
• Clutch: Dry multi plates (back torque reduction type)
• Transmission: Six speed low friction constant mesh
• Final Drive: Chain
• Frame Type: Twin spar aluminum alloy frame
• Suspension:
• Front: Inverted type telescopic (Ohlins)
• Rear: Link type (Ohlins)
• Tyres: Bridgestone
• Wheels: Front and rear: 429mm (16.5 inches)
• Brake System:
• Front: Double carbon disc (Brembo)
• Rear: Single steel disc (Brembo)
• Overall Length: 2080mm
• Overall Width: 660mm
• Overall Height: 1150mm
• Wheelbase: 1450mm
• Weight: 148+kg
• Fuel Tank: 21L
• Estimated top speed: 330+km/h

YZR-M1 (Fiat Yamaha Team)

Bike No. 46 & 48

Engine

• Engine type: Liquid cooled Crossplane crankshaft inline four-cylinder, four stroke
• Maximum power: Over 200 horsepower (147 kW)
• Maximum speed: In excess of 320 km/h

Transmission

• Type: Six-speed cassette-type gearbox, with alternative gear ratios available

Chassis and running gear

• Frame type: Aluminium twin tube delta box, multi-adjustable steering geometry/wheelbase/ride height. Aluminium swingarm
• Suspension: Ohlins upside down front forks and Ohlins rear shock, all adjustable for pre-load, high and low-speed compression and rebound damping. Alternative rear suspension links available
• Front/rear wheels: Marchesini 16.5 front, 16.5 rear, available in a variety of rim widths
• Front/rear tyres: Bridgestone, 16.5 front, 16.5 rear, available as slick, intermediate, wet and hand-cut tyres
• Brakes: Brembo, two 320 mm carbon front discs, two four-piston callipers. Single 220 mm stainless steel rear disc, twin-piston calliper
• Weight: 148kg, in accordance with FIM regulations
• Fuel capacity: 21 litres, in accordance with FIM regulations

Andrea Dovizioso officially in Repsol Honda in 2009

Former 125 World Champion Andrea Dovizioso is to join the Repsol Honda Team for the 2009 MotoGP World Championship. The Italian talent will join Spaniard Dani Pedrosa in Honda’s official HRC squad, riding full-factory RC212V machinery. The announcement is a dream come true for Dovizioso, who has raced Hondas since 2002.

Masumi Hamane, HRC president: I am very pleased to announce that Andrea Dovizioso will join the Repsol Honda factory team for the 2009 MotoGP season, racing alongside Dani Pedrosa. Andrea has raced Honda machines throughout his career and with great success in all categories of grand prix racing. He has a 125cc world title to his credit and several very successful seasons in the 250cc class. We believe Andrea is now ready to accept the challenge that awaits him in 2009. His talent is unquestioned and we admire his attitude towards racing. His dedication to the task at hand has impressed everyone at HRC. Andrea came into the MotoGP championship this year with an open mind and his debut season has shown all of us that he possesses the character and qualities so necessary to succeed. The MotoGP class is the most difficult of all classes for a rider but Andrea’s skill and determination to learn has been rewarded. His current fifth place in the championship speaks for itself. HRC will provide Andrea with the best possible technical support to help him reach his full potential and we look forward to enjoying a happy and successful relationship.

Dovizioso is delighted with the news, which comes in the closing stages of his rookie MotoGP season.
Andrea Dovizioso:
I have raced Honda machines in grands prix for seven years because I have always wanted to be in the official HRC team. Now I have the opportunity to join Repsol Honda, so this is a dream come true for me, I am very happy. This year I have ridden my rookie season for the JiR Scot satellite Honda team. So far it has been a good year, I am fifth in the championship, but most importantly I have already gained a lot of experience on a MotoGP bike. I think that riding one season with a satellite team before joining the HRC team is the best way forward. Of course, I am still learning about MotoGP and I believe that you must never stop learning.

When I changed from 250, I quickly got a good feeling for MotoGP – riding the four-stroke and working with the electronics – but getting 100 per cent out of these machines is something very different. You must work very hard to take machine set-up and development in a direction which allows you to win races and championships. That is why you need to be on a factory team.

In 125s and 250s, there isn’t so much machine development, but in MotoGP there is always a lot of development. On a MotoGP bike you can change everything, so it’s a really tough job because you are always thinking very hard about what you need to go faster. It isn’t just your riding style and your racing lines, you have to think so much about all aspects of the machine, especially the electronics, which has been a new world for me this year. I am very much looking forward to starting work with HRC and the Repsol Honda Team. In the meantime, I will do my best to score some good results in the final races of 2008 to thank and reward my team who have helped me achieve so much over the years.

Dovizioso is riding a perfect curve of a race career. In 2001 he won the 125 European Championship, then moved to GPs the following year, winning the 2004 125 World Championship aboard an RS125. He graduated to 250s in 2005, twice taking runner-up spot aboard an RS250RW before joining MotoGP this year. Dovizioso has impressed throughout the 2008 season, his intelligent approach to racing paying dividends with some fine rides, including three top four finishes (at Losail, Catalunya and Laguna Seca) aboard his JiR Scot Team RC212V.

Andrea Dovizioso
Born: March 23 1986, in Forli, Italy
First GP: Italy, 2001 (125)
First GP win: South Africa, 2004 (125)
GP wins: 9 (5 x 125, 4 x 250)
First GP pole position: France, 2003 (125)
GP poles: 13 (9 x 125, 4 x 250)
World Championships: 125 (2004)

Career highlights
1994 5th Italian Minimoto Championship
1997 Italian Minimoto Champion
1998 Italian Minimoto Champion
1999 2nd Italian Minimoto Championship
2000 Italian Aprilia 125 Challenge Champion
2001 125 European champion (Aprilia)
2002 16th 125 World Championship (Honda)
2003 5th 125 World Championship (Honda)
2004 125 World Champion (Honda)
2005 3rd 250 World Championship (Honda)
2006 2nd 250 World Championship (Honda)
2007 2nd 250 World Championship (Honda)
2008 5th MotoGP World Championship (Honda), current points standings

Rossi gains Monster sponsorship for 2009

MotoGP World Champion Valentino Rossi has been announced as the latest sportsman to associate themselves with energy drink Monster, and will ride with the company’s ‘M-claw’ logo on his helmet in 2009.

Monster have pinpointed Rossi as a means of further raising the profile of the United States’ No.1 by-volume sales energy drink on a worldwide level, and the Italian was pleased to come to an agreement with them.

“I’m happy to join up with Monster Energy and to be one of the first European sportsman testimonials for this new brand,” says Rossi. “Monster is growing all over the world and I am very excited to be joining them. I think that together we can make something special and the M-claw is going to look good on my new helmet!”

Monster Energy President Mark Hall adds: “Going Big has been our motto at Monster Energy for some time and aligning ourselves with Valentino Rossi is about as big as it gets in motorsports,” said Mark Hall, President of Monster Energy. “We feel that Valentino is one of those rare athletes that not only defines his sport, he actually transcends it.”

Rossi’s helmet designs attract attention throughout the sports media, and will now incorporate the Monster logo in addition to whatever new ideas the six-time MotoGP World Champion comes up with over the course of the year.

2009 MotoGP World Championship Riders

Here is an updated list of riders who have officially signed to ride in the 2009 MotoGP World Championship:

The present team names have been used, although some title sponsors are likely to change during the winter.

Fiat Yamaha Team:

• Valentino Rossi
• Jorge Lorenzo

Rizla Suzuki MotoGP:

• Chris Vermeulen
• Loris Capirossi

Tech 3 Yamaha:

• Colin Edwards
• James Toseland

Repsol Honda Team:

• Dani Pedrosa
• Andrea Dovizioso

Ducati Marlboro Team:

• Casey Stoner
• Nicky Hayden

LCR Honda MotoGP:

• Randy de Puniet

Team Scot MotoGP:

• Yuki Takahasi

Kawasaki Racing Team:

• John Hopkins
• Marco Melandri
• TBA*

*A third Kawasaki is expected to join the 2009 grid, run by Jorge Martinez 'Aspar' and fielding a Spanish rider.

San Carlo Honda Gresini:

• Alex de Angelis
• TBA (currently Shinya Nakano)*

* Expected to be Toni Elias

Alice Team:

• TBA (currently Toni Elias)*
• TBA (currently Sylvain Guintoli)**

* Expected to be Mika Kallio
** Expected to be Niccolo Canepa

A fifth Ducati, to be run by the Nieto family, is also rumoured to be joining the MotoGP grid next year, ridden by former MotoGP World Championship runner-up Sete Gibernau.

Race 1: Losail International Circuit, Qatar

Losail International Circuit - Commercial Bank Grand Prix of Qatar

• Race Date: April 12, 2009
• Pole Position: Left
• Track Length: 5,380 m
• Track Width: 12 m
• Longest Straightaway: 1,068 m
• Left Turns: 6
• Right Turns: 10
• Year Track Opened/Upgraded: 2003
• Track Location: Doha, Qatar
• Event Promoter: EC1 Ventures Ltd.
• Event Website: www.qatar-grandprix.com
• 1st Place: Casey Stoner (Ducati)

Losail International Circuit information

This incredible facility was opened in 2004 year and staged the very first Qatar Grand Prix. Around $58 million was spent building the state of the art 5.300km circuit in the desert. The facilities were superb while the long circuit provided a variety of bends and a start and finish straight over 1000 meters long.

The heat was intense throughout the race weekend but fears that sand would blow onto the surface were largely unfounded.

The Losail circuit is situated in the desert and this means that the climatic condition is a major issue. Track temperature was more 40 degrees at Sepang and it’ll probably be around the same at Losail, up in the 50s. As in Malaysia the bikes must be specially prepared to increase the refrigeration efficiency of the engine and radiators with larger capacities than normal will be fitted again.

The track combines a long start and finish straight of 1.068m. with various type of corners but it is very symmetric and not any of them need a lot of throttle. The base setting of the bike will be similar to that used at Sepang, an adequate compromise between the brakes and suspension settings to be able to give stability under braking and also to maintain grip throughout the other parts of the circuit.

Grip at Losail is a topic matter speaking about tyres’ performances. The layout of the track isn’t particular hard on tyres. The major concern is the sand blown onto the surface which dramatically reduces the grip. Unfortunately the track doesn’t get used a great deal and the sand has not many chances to get cleared away. If it is sandy, you do everything you can to find grip, but if you use really soft tyres, the sand wears them out quickly, whereas if you use hard tyres you have no grip, which makes tyre choice a tricky task.

Travel information

The route to the circuit from the airport: drive through Al-Matar St. Take right on Toyota Tower then keep going through C-Ring Road, keep driving along Cornishe Road all the way until reaching the Sheraton Hotel, take a left towards City Centre, drive to AL-Wahda St. take a Right to Istiqlal St. Keep straight then take left going to Doha Golf Club. Take a right on the roundabout going north to Al-Khor Highway till you get to Losail International Racetrack.

Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation
PO Box 8708
Doha
Qatar
Tel + 974 437 9707
Fax + 974 437 9761
e-mail: info@qmmf.com

Race 2: Twin Ring Motegi, Japan

Twin Ring Motegi - A-Style Grand Prix of Japan

• Race Date: April 26th, 2009
• Pole Position: Left
• Track Length: 4,801 m
• Track Width: 15 m
• Longest Straightaway: 762 m
• Left Turns: 6
• Right Turns: 8
• Year Track Opened/Upgraded: 1999
• Track Location: Motegi (Tochigi Prefecture), Japan
• Event Promoter: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
• Event Website: www.twinring.jp, http://www.mobilityland.co.jp/english/

Twin Ring Motegi - track information

Honda constructed the 4.801km circuit, which also incorporates an Indy Car style oval, in 1997 in the hilly countryside 100kms north of Tokyo. It was a massive construction project and the complex also includes the famous Honda Museum and a hotel.

The track has a comparatively long back straight but a series of slow corners and also two tunnels which allows the oval to run round the outside. The circuit staged its first grand prix in 1999, the very wet Japanese Grand Prix, which was won by the Kenny Roberts riding the Suzuki. Roberts won the Pacific Grand Prix the next year at the track but after that it became the domain of the circuit owners Honda and also the Honda Pons team.

Valentino Rossi won the 500cc race at the Pacific Grand Prix in 2001 but after that Sito Pons's Honda team have won three races in a row. Alex Barros won on his first appearance on the RCV four-stroke Honda in 2002. A year later Max Biaggi brought the Camel Honda team success and in 2004 Japanese Grand Prix, Makoto Tamada totally dominated the proceedings. Not only did he win the 24 lap race, but he also started from pole position and set the fastest lap, riding the Camel Honda.

Travel information

Approaching using the JOBAN expressway: from the toll gate, head towards Kasama for 200m, then left at first signal, and right at next. This road merges into Prefecture 52. Follow Mito-Motegi road, Prefecture 51 to arrive at south gate. Approaching using the TOHOKU expressway: from the toll gate follow National route 119, merging into National route 4. Turn left towards Yanagida Bridge, taking Prefecture 69, merging into National road 123 to arrive at circuit north gate.

Twin Ring Motegi
120-1 Himaya Motegi-Machi
Haga-gun 321-3597 Tochigi
Japan
Tel: +81 2 85 64 0001
Fax +81 3 32780733

HOW TO ARRIVE:

The circuit is far off 100km from the Narita Tokyo airport. Using the fast route JOBAN: from the tollbooth , to continue forward Kasama for about 200 km, turn left at the first tollbooth and turn right at the successive one. This route joint into Prefecture 52. To follow route Mito-Motegi, Prefecture 51 for arrive to the circuit South gate.

Using the fast route TOHOKU: from the tollbooth, follow the national route 119, joining into national route 4. Turn left forward Yanagida bridge, taking the Prefecture 69; then joining into national route poi 123 that arrive to the circuit north gate.

Race 3: Circuito de Jerez, España

Circuito de Jerez - Gran Premio de España MotoGP

• Race Date: May 3, 2009
• Pole Position: Left
• Track Length: 4,423 m
• Track Width: 11 m
• Longest Straightaway: 600 m
• Left Turns: 5
• Right Turns: 8
• Year Track Opened/Upgraded: 1986
• Track Location: Jerez, Apdo de Correos, (Sevilla) España
• Event Promoter: Bwin.com
• Event Website: www.circuitodejerez.com
• 1st Place: Valentino Rossi (Yamaha)

Jerez - track information

Built in 1986, shelter the first Grand Prix one year later, becoming one of the most popular circuit in the world. Situated in South Spain, has at its disposal two race courses of different lengths. Thanks to its structure, winter testing often takes place here.

Recent modifications to the Paddock and pit box areas of the circuit have turned it into one of the best equipped circuits in the World Championship.

Regarding the track, the new asphalt laid down in 2003 has solved the problem of the famous bumps. The only bumps remaining now are on the two fastest corners of the circuit, the Alex Criville corner and the Enzo Ferrari corner. These two corners are taken in fourth gear at more than 150 Km/h and with significant lean on the bike.

Jerez is a circuit where normally relatively hard settings are used in both the front and rear suspension. The riders come into the two hairpin bends on the circuit, the Dry Sack and the final bend leading onto the start/finish straight at great speed because they are preceded by two straights so the front suspension must be fitted with hard springs to stop it bottoming out. In the rear, due to the fact that there are many rapid corners, the suspension must be fitted with hard springs to keep the suspension rigid and to avoid the bike dipping too much.

Gear ratios are usually very short and with the increased power of the four-strokes teams now experience an added problem of the bike’s front lifting under acceleration. At this track it is not uncommon to see wheelies in higher gears, even in fourth and fifth!

Tyres are not normally a critical problem unless, as has happened on previous occasions, the temperatures reach higher than normal levels as this can produce problems in tyre performance.

Travel information

From Jerez Airport take the N-1V route towards Jerez, after 2km turning to follow directions to Seville, shortly afterwards turning off, following ‘circuito’ and joining the N382. Driving from Seville, follow signs ‘circuito’ to join the N382.

Circuit Permanente de Jerez
Ctra. De Arcos, km10
Apdo de Correos 1709
España
Tel: +34 956 15 1100
Fax: +34 956 15 1105
e-mail: prensa@circuitodejerez.com

HOW TO ARRIVE:
From Jerez airport, take N-1V route, direction Jerez. After2 km turn in direction Siviglia, afterwards turn following road signs 'circuit', and get into route N382.

By car, coming from , following road signs 'circuit' and get into road.

Race 4: Le Mans 24 hours Circuit, France

Le Mans - Alice Grand Prix de France

• Race Date: May 17, 2009
• Pole Position: Left
• Track Length: 4,180 m
• Track Width: 13 m
• Longest Straightaway: 450 m
• Left Turns: 4
• Right Turns: 9
• Year Track Opened/Upgraded: 2001
• Track Location: Le Mans, France
• Event Promoter: Alice Telefon
• Event Website: www.gpfrancemoto.com
• 1st Place: Chris Vermeulen (Suzuki)

Circuit des 24 Heures du Mans - track information

The French Grand Prix has seen many venues since the first race at Albi in 1951. Road circuits such as Rouen, Reims and Clemont -Ferrand staged the early grands prix with Le Mans staging it's first race in 1969 on part of the 24 Hour car racing circuit. The delightfully located Paul Ricard in the South of France also became a regular venue with Nogaro also staging two races.

The Bugatti circuit was constructed in 1965 incorporating part of the 13.605 kms 24 Hour road circuit. It has been modified over the years to it's present day 4.180 kms configuration. The circuit uses the main straight and the awesome fast right hand bend between that towering grandstands that leads to the famous Dunlop chicane. The remainder of the circuit is very stop and start with a crucial slow right hand bend leading back into the start and finish straight. The track had a reputation for being very slippery but was resurfaced in 2004 when Spaniard Sete Gibernau achieved his second successive victory.

Le Mans is a circuit made up of a number of second gear hairpins linked together by a series of long straights,with only the occasional chicane breaking up the run to the next hairpin. A design of the past, the French circuit causes little concern for engineers regarding set-up. Turns three and five are the most likely passing points and all efforts for set-up on this track is often focused towards finding stability under brakes in these areas.

Circuit des ‘24 Heures du Mans’
F- 72019
Le Mans Cedex 2
France
Tel: +33 2 4340 2424
Fax: +33 2 4340 2425

HOW TO ARRIVE:
Arriving from Paris by car, 205 km, take the A10 and then the A11 motorway. To go out at the junction 6 and following the circumvallation south signs for Tours, Angers, Nantes on N23 route.

Race 5: Mugello Circuit, Italy

Mugello - Gran Premio d'Italia Alice

• Race Date: May 31, 2009
• Pole Position: Right
• Track Length: 5,245 m
• Track Width: 14 m
• Longest Straightaway: 1,141 m
• Left Turns: 6
• Right Turns: 9
• Year Track Opened/Upgraded: 1991
• Track Location: Mugello (Tuscany), Italy
• Event Promoter: Alice Telefon
• Event Website: www.mugellocircuit.it
• 1st Place: Valentino Rossi (Yamaha)

Autodromo Internazionale del Mugello - track information

At 5.245km the Mugello circuit is one of the longer contemporary MotoGP circuits, in no small part due to the fact that, unlike many other classically sculpted tracks, it has retained its original length and layout. Running across two sides of an impossibly scenic Tuscan valley, Mugello also differs from other super fast circuits in its frequent changes of gradient and the speed of its chicanes. There is a mix of slower and high-speed corners, although even the slowest corners are wide, allowing several ‘ideal’ lines.

Having foregone the modern tendency to reduce speeds by creating ‘bus stops’, Mugello’s four significant chicanes are taken at a relatively high pace. Balancing out the need for firmer suspension on the high-speed sections, which compress front and rear suspension due to centrifugal forces, is the requirement for enough pliability to give tyre side grip and traction around the slower off-camber corners.

The suspension set-up quest is further complicated by the fact that on one section of the track the approach to the corners is uphill, on the other half downhill, altering the parameters in the search for ideal spring and compression damping rates. Horsepower is a significant factor, with the long Mugello straight a possible passing place at top speeds of over 330kmph.

Good top speed aside, the rideability and balance of the machine have to be second-to-none at Mugello, such are its spread of corners. A magnificent but stern test of the complete machine, Mugello demands perfection lap after lap, but rewards precise and spirited riding.

Autodromo Int. del Mugello
Ferrari S.p.A
via Senni 15
50038 Scarperia
Italy
Tel: +39 055 84 99 111
Fax: +39 055 84 99 251

HOW TO ARRIVE:
Mugello, situated between Firenze and Bologna, is out of the motorway A1, on coming of Barberino di Mugello.

Coming from Bologna, to go out at Pian del Voglio and to pass Bruscoli, Passo della Futa, Panna, Galliano and Scarperia. Coming from Firenze take route 302 ‘Faentina’, to pass Fiesole, Polcanto, Borgo San Lorenzo and Scarperia. To follow circuit’s indications.

Race 6: Circuit de Catalunya, Spain

Gran Premi Cinzano de Catalunya

• Race Date: June 14, 2009
• Pole Position: Left
• Track Length: 4,727 m
• Track Width: 12 m
• Longest Straightaway: 1,047 m
• Left Turns: 5
• Right Turns: 8
• Year Track Opened/Upgraded: 1994
• Track Location: Montmeló, Catalunya (near Barcelona, Spain)
• Event Promoter: N/A
• Event Website: www.barcelona-football-tickets.com
• 1st Place: Casey Stoner (Ducati)

De Catalunya Circuit information

Catalunya circuit is made up of slow sections, with a series of corners taken at less than 85 km /h, and fast sections with coners taken at more than 140 km/h. Track also has two fast straights, where one of them is the fastest in the season. On the start/finish straight speeds of more than 320 km/h are reached whereas on the back straight the speedometer nudges 265 Km/h. Regarding the top speed reached on the main straight, there was a certain degree of controversy among teams and time-keepers during winter testing at the circuit.

The organisers registered a top speed of more than 347 km/h whereas the data from the telemetry indicated that speeds of just over 325 km/h were being set. The high speed on the straight means that, as is the case at other high speed circuits, the gear ratio must be set precisely so that the power delivery is always optimized. Unlike the Mugello circuit, where second and third gears are used predominantly, at the Catalunya Circuit all the gears are used during one lap. The first gear is used in the "Seat" corner, the second in the "Elf", "Repsol", "La Caixa" and "Banc de Sabadell" corners. Third is selected to negotiate the "Campsa" corner, the two corners leading onto the main straight and the complicated "Renault" bend. Fourth is used entering the "Repsol" and "Wurth" corners, and fifth to build up speed before the "La Caixa" corner. Sixth and top gear is engaged on the straights where the rear-wheel speed can reach 350 Km/h.

One of the peculiarites of the Catalunya circuit is the number of bumps and ripples on the track surface that have been appearing over the 13 years of its existence. Although the track was resurfaced recently, the bumps and ripples remain in some corners.

At the "Banc de Sabadell" the bupy surface is Duch that it seems to be designed on purpose to test out the suspensions. The "Renault" curve is also a tricky one to deal with since it is difficult to find the right racing line because the fastest line through the apex of the corner passes right through the bumpiest area of the track surface. Many riders choose to take a wider line which, in theory, is slower but in practice is more effective and faster since the apshalt is in a better condition on the outside of the corner. The bumpy surface at the circuit means that fairly soft suspension settings are used, even though this can have a detrimental effect on the bike's performance through faster corners.

Another thing to bear in mind when setting the suspension, particularly in the MotoGP category, is the relative lack of grip of the track. To counter the bike is set up with more weight on the rear to increase the rear-wheel traction. The lack of grip is visible on the television images as the MotoGP riders slide out of the Repsol corner where the telemetry can register a difference in speed between the front and rear wheel of up to 80 Km/h over 3 or 4 seconds. This difference is normally only visible at other circuits in wet conditions.

The lack of grip means that the tyres chosen must withstand very high temperatures since the constant sliding heats the tyres up to well over their ideal operating temperatures.

Circuit de Catalunya
"Mas La Moreneta"
Carretera Granollers - Parets, km 2
Apartat de Correus 27
08160 Montmelò (Barcelona)
Spain
Tel: +34 93 571 9709
Fax: +34 93 571 9772

HOW TO ARRIVE:
Situated at 20 km in North Barcellona and 80 km in South of Girona. Coming by car from Barcellona airport, to take the C- 246 Barcellona wards and get onto ‘ Ronda de Litoral B-20’, going out at ‘ Nus de la Trinitat. To proceed to Girona, taking the A-7 motorway as far as the way out 13VIC, then follow as far as the circuit.

Race 7: A-Style TT Assen, Holland

Assen A-Style TT Assen

• Race Date: June 27, 2009
• Pole Position: Left
• Track Length: 4,555 m
• Track Width: 14 m
• Longest Straightaway: 560 m
• Left Turns: 6
• Right Turns: 11
• Year Track Opened/Upgraded: 1954/2004
• Track Location: Assen, Holland
• Event Promoter: TT Circuit Assen
• Event Website: www.tt-assen.com
• 1st Place: Valentino Rossi (Yamaha)

Assen A-Style TT circuit info

The circuit is the most long of MotoGP championship and irecently t has been restructured. Since its birth until now, it has hosted a Grand Prix every year. Its race course, is also know as ASSEN-TT.

TT Circuit Assen
De Haar 9
9405 TE Assen
Netherlands
Tel: +31 592 380380
Fax + 31 592 356911
e-mail: info@tt-assen.com

HOW TO ARRIVE:

The circuit, situated 2 km in South – West of Assen, is near the A28 motorway . Coming by car from Amsterdam, take the a28 in direction North Groningen and go out at the 32 junction (Assen-Zuid).

Race 8: Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, USA

Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca - Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix

• Race Date: July 5, 2009
• Pole Position: Right
• Track Length: 3,610 m
• Track Width: 15 m
• Longest Straightaway: 966 m
• Left Turns: 7
• Right Turns: 4
• Year Track Opened/Upgraded: 1956/ 1995
• Track Location: Salinas, California USA
• Event Promoter: Red Bull - www.redbullusgrandprix.com
• Event Website: www.laguna-seca.com
• 1st Place: Casey Stoner (Ducati)

Laguna Seca - track information

Laguna staged the US Grand Prix for six years between 1988 - 1994 but financial and safety problems meant the last grand prix to be staged there was in 1994, won by Italian Luca Cadalora, riding the 500cc Yamaha. During the 11 year MotoGP absence, Laguna staged many successful rounds of the World Superbike Championship.

A programme of safety changes at the track, which includes the famous Corkscrew bend, have signalled the return of the World Championship in 2005 to a venue that was built in 1957. The MotoGP race is part of the race programme which will also include rounds of the AMA Championships, including the Superbike Championship.

Circuit configuration

The track configuration is somewhat peculiar with corners that are not found on any other circuits in the World Championship. The most famous part of the circuit is without doubt the “Corkscrew”, a very show chicane taken at approximately 60 Km/h and situated on a sharp down slope which can you a bout of vertigo if you go through it on foot!

Another point in the circuit worth mentioning is the start/finish straight which is very short and also made up of two slight changes in direction with the added problem that just before the second small change in direction there is a bump in the track surface where the bikes will literally take off in the air at more than 270 Km/h. This will be one of the key points to watch out for, because it is potentially a dangerous part of the track, but also one which will mark out the differences between the top riders.

Just before the “Corkscrew” corner there is another change in the track level where the bikes will almost certainly lose contact with the track, and it comes just before the sharp braking point coming into the “Corkscrew”.

The drop just after the “Corkscrew” is also very spectacular with two fast corners taken at 135 km/h leading up to the steep slope which leads to the very slow corner (60 Km/h) which comes onto the main straight. This could be considered a good overtaking point.

Travel information

The most spectacular permanent racing circuit on the West Coast of America, Laguna Seca is hidden away in a natural bowl in the hills which overlook Monterey Bay. It is two hours drive south from San Francisco but the beautiful and rugged Monterey Peninsular provides a wonderful place to spend some time in quaint Carmel, along Cannery Row or in among the cypress trees at Pebble Beach and along Seventeen Mile Drive.

Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca
1021 Monterey Salinas Hwy.
Salinas CA 93908
USA
Tel:+1 831 242 82 01
Fax: +1 831 3730533

HOW TO ARRIVE:
Laguna Seca is the most spectacular permanent circuit, located in the American West coast. Is hided in a natural valley between mountains seeing on Monterey Bay. Situated at 2 hours by car from South San Francisco, near the Monterey Peninsular, it offers wonderful where to pass free time: Quaint Carmel, long walk along Cannery Row, la naturalistic Pebble Beach or the Seventeen Mile Drive.

Race 9: Sachsenring Circuit, Deutschland

Sachsenring - Alice Motorrad Grand Prix Deutschland

• Race Date: July 19, 2009
• Pole Position: Left
• Track Length: 3,671 m
• Track Width: 10 m
• Longest Straightaway: 780 m
• Left Turns: 10
• Right Turns: 4
• Year Track Opened/Upgraded: 2003
• Track Location: Hohenstein-Ernstthal, (Saxony) Germany
• Event Promoter: Alice Motorrad
• Event Website: www.sachsenring-circuit.com
• 1st Place: Daniel Pedrosa (Honda)

Sachsenring - track information

The Sachsenring circuit is tight and twisty. It is, at 3671 metres, the shortest in the World Championship. However, surprisingly perhaps, the race distance is also the shortest of the season at 110.13 kms in MotoGP compared to the average which is around 120 kms. The explanation of the short distance is that the average lap speed is the third slowest of the championship at 157.828 Km/h, behind Cheste and Estoril, and therefore the number of laps to be completed is reduced. With only 110 km to cover, the race is run over 30 laps which makes the race seem never-ending to the riders and teams who are in the lead!

Another characteristic of this circuit is its peculiar layout: the first section is tight and twisty and it is here where the bike must be very nimble in the changes of direction. In this section, which includes the first two intermediate time checks up to the exit of the Karthallen Corner, the average speed is less than 134 km/h. However, in the next section of the track leading up to the start/finish line, the average speed is over 177 Km/h and it is here where the bike speed through the corners is crucial in setting a good lap time. This is also the section of the circuit where we find pronounced undulations. With gradients of up to 13% on the down slopes and 10 % on the inclines, the Sachsenring Circuit, although short and twisty, is nevertheless a track where the power delivery of the engine is crucial in getting a good result.

Another peculiarity about this track is the large difference between the number of left and right handed corners. Sachsenring, together with Phillip Island and Cheste, are the only three circuits in the World Championship where left handed corners outweigh right-handers. There are ten left handed corners and only four right handers. This factor has a significant influence on the compound of the tyres since they must be harder on the left side to withstand the accelerations in the Karthallen and Audi-Brucken corners, and relatively soft on the right side because there are relatively few right hand corners. Also the corner just before the downhill section leading into the Sachsenkurve is preceded by a series of seven continuous left hand corners which means that the right side of the tyre will be colder than normal and will lack grip, a situation which can cause a rider to crash out. Every year this corner is often the scene of frequent crashes where riders suffer physical injury because it's taken at speeds of more than 200 Km/h.

In the gear change set up, at a circuit where speeds are so slow and where first gear is not used, the gear change ratios must be set exactly, especially in second and fourth since these gears are used the most. It is a typical circuit where much discussion takes place about whether to use a five or six speed gear box. Normally the gears from second to sixth are used and first is only used at the start. This situation is repeated at other circuits, but at the Sachsenring second gear is very short and this makes first gear even shorter than would be normal for the race starts. Although on paper it seems that a shorter gear would permit a better start, in reality it is the other way around since the delivery of power is too sudden and causes wheelies and skidding as the bike leaves the starting grid.

Sachsenring has a top speed of 270 Km/h which means the jumps between the gears are very short. This factor, together with the undulations, means that one of the main problems facing riders is trying to avoid wheelies in the main straight and in the first twisty section. This is a typical circuit where the control of power, whether it be by the rider or through electronics, is crucial in getting the maximum performance out of the bike.

Sachsenring - travel information

Driving from Dresden airport, take the A4 towards Eisenach, leaving at Wuestenbrand turn and taking the S242 to Oberlungwitz and then B173 towards Hohenstein-Ermtthal. B180 to circuit. Driving from Leipzig airport, take the A14 towards Dresden, joining the A4 in the direction of Eisenach, and then as above.

ADAC Sachsen
Striesener Strasse 37
01307 Dresden
Germany
Tel: +49 351 4433190
Fax +49 351 4433190

HOW TO ARRIVE:
Coming by car from the Dresda airport, taking the A4 in direction Eisenach, to go out at Wuestenbrand , take the S242 as far as Oberlungwitz e then the B173 in direction Hohenstein-Ermtthal. Finally to cover the B180 until the circuit.

Coming by car from Lipsia airport take the a14 toward Dresda, and to get onto the A4 in direction Eisenach, then to continued as above indicated.

Race 10: Donington Park, United Kingdom

Donington Park - Nickel & Dime British Grand Prix

• Race Date: July 26, 2009
• Pole Position: Left
• Track Length: 4,023 m
• Track Width: 10 m
• Longest Straightaway: 564 m
• Left Turns: 4
• Right Turns: 7
• Year Track Opened/Upgraded: 1931/1984
• Track Location: North West Leicestershire, United Kingdom
• Event Promoter: N/A
• Event Website: www.donington-park.co.uk
• 1st Place: Casey Stoner (Ducati)

Donington Park circuit information

Donington Park is a track of two halves. One section is slow and less interesting for the riders and spectators alike, the other is faster and more flowing. Machine set-up is also therefore something of a compromise, with strong front fork springs and sharp steering the ideal solutions for hard braking and swift flick-in at the chicane and last two hairpins, while the rest of the undulating fast and medium corners require suppleness from the front suspension and a high degree of stability mid corner, and a firmer set-up on the rear to help with corner exit traction.

Horsepower is less of a factor at Donington than some circuits, but clean engine response and exact gearing choices are essential to handle such a variety of corners, as the track runs downhill from the start to the Old Hairpin, then back uphill to the flat section behind the pits.

Working conditions at the ageing Donington track are far from ideal but the track layout is the type that provokes either love or hate, such is its individuality. The prevalent off-camber nature of Donington is one of the main factors at play during any British GP weekend, with a large tendency for the front tyre to push, making the right, left, right flick down the Craner Curve section something of a high tension rollercoaster ride. A dramatic viewing experience, Donington sits inside an amphitheatre style setting, with the spectator bankings ringing around the outside.

Donington Park Leisure Ltd
Donington Park
Castle Donington
Derby, DE 74 2RP
England
Tel +44 1332 810048
Fax + 44 1332 850422
e-mail: reception@donington-park.co.uk

HOW TO ARRIVE:
Located in the middle of English Midlans, is in the centre of motorway networks and near the 23 M1/A42 junction and the 24A M1/A50 one. Derby, Nottingham and Leicester, are the adjoining cities, everyone in radius of 30 km. East Midlands airport is next the circuit.

Race 11: Automotodrom Brno, Czech Republic

Automotodrom Brno - Cardion AB Grand Prix Ceské Republiky

• Race Date: August 16, 2009
• Pole Position: Left
• Track Length: 5,403 m
• Track Width: 15 m
• Longest Straightaway: 636 m
• Left Turns: 6
• Right Turns: 8
• Year Track Opened/Upgraded: 1995
• Track Location: Brno, Czech Republic
• Event Promoter: N/A
• Event Website: www.automotodrombrno.cz

Circuit information

Grand Prix motorcycle racing started on the old Brno road circuit in 1965 with Mike Hailwood winning the first Czech Grand Prix on the 13.940 kms track, riding the MV Agusta. Like so may other road circuits, Brno was deemed too dangerous for grand prix racing in 1982, but already plans were being prepared to build a magnificent purpose built circuit in the hills above the city, which was famous for its beer and the manufacture of crystal glass.

The new 5.394 kms circuit was opened in 1987 with Australian Wayne Gardner winning the first 500cc grand prix, on route to his 500cc World title, riding for Honda. The circuit was slightly modified to it's present day 5.403 configuration in 1996 and most riders class the track as one their favourites, with it's undulations and mixture of corners.
Max Biaggi has the best record at the new circuit, winning four consecutive 250cc races starting in 1994 and three premier class grands prix in 1998, 2000 and 2002.

Automotodrom Brno a.s.
P.O. Box 1
64100 Brno
Czech Republic
Tel: +420 5 4612 3311
Fax: + 420 54612 3304
e-mail: info@brno-circuit.com

HOW TO ARRIVE:
Travelling by car from Praga or Vienna, take the A1 motorway. To take the way out 178 toward Ostrovacice or the 182 one toward Popuvky, then to follow the signs 'Grand Prix'.