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The old Norton machines are great. Interesting posts about racing, wino.
Cheers bud
MOTOGP »
British MotoGP: Lorenzo: One of the best races I've ever had
02 September 2013
'This was one of the best races I've ever had. I'm really happy and really pleased. It's a very important win' - Jorge Lorenzo
WSBK »
Germany WSBK: Sixth win helps Sykes nose ahead once more
01 September 2013
Kawasaki's Tom Sykes is back ahead in the overall World Superbike Championship standings after claiming a sixth win of the season in Germany.
Germany WSBK: Rea breaks femur, lack of flags ‘unbelievable’
01 September 2013
Confirmed with a broken femur following his spectacular crash at the Nurburgring, Jonathan Rea says there were no oil flags at he point where he crashed.
MOTOGP »
British MotoGP: Lorenzo: One of the best races I've ever had
02 September 2013
'This was one of the best races I've ever had. I'm really happy and really pleased. It's a very important win' - Jorge Lorenzo
British MotoGP: Lorenzo: One of the best races I've ever had
British MotoGP winner Jorge Lorenzo hailed his exceptional triumph at Silverstone as one of his 'greatest races' as the reigning world champion and Marc Marquez were involved in a modern-era classic.
Lorenzo dictated matters for much of the race until Marquez made his first move with three laps to go, but the Factory Yamaha rider was prepared for a battle and moved back to the front on lap 18.
The pair slogged it out on the final lap of the race and when Marquez made a decisive move at Brooklands it seemed for a moment that the young rookie was on course for his fifth consecutive premier class win, but the Repsol Honda rider ran slightly wide at Luffield and Lorenzo pounced to snatch an important triumph.
Lorenzo, celebrating his fourth victory of the season, said: “This was one of the best races I've ever had. I'm really happy and really pleased. It's a very important win.
“I pushed from the beginning to try and open a gap, even more than in recent races but it was impossible. Marc never gives up, even if he's a little bit injured after the warm-up.
“He overtook me three laps from the end so I studied him a little for one lap and I saw he was struggling in some braking so I overtook him on the corner where he crashed.
“I pushed in the last lap to the maximum, I opened a little gap but I made a mistake in braking and almost crashed.”
Lorenzo thought his
chance was gone when Marquez squeezed through on the last lap but the defending world champion resorted to a 'now or never' strategy to seize a dramatic victory.
“When he overtook me three corners from the end I thought it was over again and second place but then he opened a little gap in the last corner so I thought 'now or never' and I tried and got it,” he said.
“To be honest I'm not thinking about the championship, I'm thinking just to enjoy this victory which was very special to get the focus on Misano.”
Lorenzo has closed the gap to Dani Pedrosa in second position to nine points and is now 39 points behind Marquez.
WSBK »
Germany WSBK: Sixth win helps Sykes nose ahead once more
01 September 2013
Kawasaki's Tom Sykes is back ahead in the overall World Superbike Championship standings after claiming a sixth win of the season in Germany.
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Germany WSBK: Sixth win helps Sykes nose ahead once more
Tom Sykes is back on top of the World Superbike Championship standings after picking up a slightly fortuitous sixth race win of the season at the Nurburgring.
Having qualified on the front row, Sykes led for the majority of the opening race, but was coming under increasing pressure from behind when Marco Melandri made his charge for the lead at the start of lap 19.
However, when the race was red flagged shortly afterwards, the result was declared at the end of lap 18, when Sykes was still leading. As such, the Kawasaki man was awarded the win on count-back, a timely success that went a long way to bridging the gap to Sylvain Guintoli in the standings.
Though Sykes admits he was slightly lucky with the circumstances given he doesn't know whether he could have come back at Melandri, he was happy to have a fate go his way.
“It is very difficult to tell if I could have come back at Marco in the last two laps of race one but when he passed me I was preparing to push the pace a bit more. I am sure all three or four of us in the front group were able to improve our lap times right at the end but the decision to stop the race has gone in our favour for a change. I will take the result and I am very happy for the 25 points. It was the first time all weekend we have had a small issue with the bike set-up.”
Coming into race two seeking a similar result, Sykes struggled to stay with the leaders early on, but a determined push to keep Guintoli behind meant his fourth place was good enough for him to squeeze ahead by the slenderest of margins.
“I went to bed last night expecting probably a few more points in race two but it is racing and things like this happen. It seems that we had some limitations in that race, which is a shame because over race distance I was 100% confident in myself, in the Ninja ZX-10R that we could make 1'54 laps even at the end. We proved that through practice this weekend.
“I think we know where we can improve and I am very happy to have the people around me that I have. It was important to keep Sylvain Guintoli behind me in that second race as we saw how every point counts last year. It adds to the end of season points basket and after this weekend we are leading the championship again.”
Germany WSBK: Rea breaks femur, lack of flags ‘unbelievable’
01 September 2013
Confirmed with a broken femur following his spectacular crash at the Nurburgring, Jonathan Rea says there were no oil flags at he point where he crashed.
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Germany WSBK: Rea breaks femur, lack of flags ‘unbelievable’
Jonathan Rea has described the lack of oil flags at the point where he suffered a huge crash towards the end of the first World Superbike race at the Nurburgring as 'unbelievable' as he prepares to undergo surgery to correct his broken femur.
The Ulsterman, along with Leon Camier, suffered a spectacular accident on the penultimate lap of the first race whilst running in fourth position, Rea hitting oil deposited by Federico Sandi's Pedericini Kawasaki, which had expired a lap earlier.
With no apparent oil flags being waved at one of the fastest points on the circuit, Rea – who was conscious throughout the dramatic tumble – has been left with a broken femur, one that threatens to keep him on the sidelines, even if no recovery period has been speculated as yet.
“I've felt better, but I'm hoping to get the leg pinned later tonight [Sunday] so hopefully I can be home in a few days and start the recovery as soon as possible,” he said. “It's unbelievable what was happening with the flags in the race because I saw an oil flag at turn six but then nothing at turn seven or after that.
“I went down at the fast left at turn eight and, unfortunately, I stayed conscious throughout so I can remember everything. I was feeling pretty good before then and, although I didn't have the pace to pass the guys in front, it was clear I had the best package and, although it was late in the race, I still had good grip levels. Until I hit the oil.”
Really into riding bikes and following the races. The following pictures were taken by me whilst I was watching the Motogp at Donnington Park June 2008. This was my birthday treat as I always wanted to watch a live Motogp race. Even better still the Ducati team (who I follow) won with Casey Stoner taking pole. Not so into Casey as he was always a real whinger, but he seemed to be the only person that could tame the Desmosedici RR and take it to victory.
The images show James Toseland coming off on the first corner. Unlucky or what.
It was amazing to see the bike land over the top of him as he eventually slid and ended up in the gravel. He then just got up after all that and went on to ride the rest of the race on a damaged bike.
The images show James Toseland coming off on the first corner. Unlucky or what.
It was amazing to see the bike land over the top of him as he eventually slid and ended up in the gravel. He then just got up after all that and went on to ride the rest of the race on a damaged bike.
Attachments
Scrotty-mcboogerballs
Rookie
Same thing happend to edwards in 99 at the nurburgring he crashed in turn 1 with oil on the track but no one waving flags. Thats bs if they wanns be on the world championship circuit then they need to up their safety performance and quit doing a half assed job of marshaling,cause one day thatll kill a,major star of the series and thatll be the end for the german round of wsbk.
I would really like to hear about this 'whinging' Stoner did. And he didn't tame the ducati he used it. I would wager a lot of money that ducati would like to return and re-run the events during Casey's year at ducati when he was defending the championship they won. Because of the way he was treated that year he was able to race for his idols team. And didnt that turn out well ?
I would really like to hear about this 'whinging' Stoner did. And he didn't tame the ducati he used it. I would wager a lot of money that ducati would like to return and re-run the events during Casey's year at ducati when he was defending the championship they won. Because of the way he was treated that year he was able to race for his idols team. And didnt that turn out well ?
Stoner has a knack of crying when things didnt go his way on the bike and blaming everyone else. His mystery illness just seemed to follow him around and and even when he fell of the damned thing he managed to blame someone else for it. As far as Taming it goes just a play on words. Like I said no one else has come close to being able to to ride the bike to its full potential so maybe its like breaking in a wild horse whilst working with the team to acquire a winning setup. Just my view.
Hmmm the only time I have rally heard Stoner cry is when Rossi cut him up at Laguna. And he should have shut the fuck up then, he played right into Rossi's hands.
Stoner's illness is no mystery it's documented and he receives treatment for it daily.
You will need to expand on the 'blaming someone else' cause I'm at a loss to . .. . . .. . give me an example.
"breaking in a wild horse" LOL. No it was only ever a combination of the riders strengths and ability to utilize the motorcycles strengths and the same bikes weakness that gave ducati it's first championship. Have you ever seen the data from a Stoner lap laided over a Rossi lap of the same year ? It kills many a myth.
I guess the best thing for that you dont have to listen to him whinge anymore. But wouldn't you like to see him back on the Duc ? Even for a test ride at Mugello ? Just to give Dovi and Pirro some direction and hope ? But that will not happen Stoner is like Mick Doohan very strong willed and never forgets.
Just think of the money they ( ducati ) would have saved if they had of looked after Stoner. By 2015 Ducati will be dying to get out of Moto Gp the only thing that will keep them there is DORNA DOLLARS.
I feel sorry for Kal, fair enough he took the $$$$$$$$$$$ but he's wasting 2 yrs. Maybe the RCV customer bike will be a good ride next time he's out of contract, that's if he can get one cause the aussie's and the spanish will be in line first.
This is what got me on the MV stuff .. .It could be a good thing . . . for both.
WSBK »
Lowes unsure for '14 as MV Agusta rumours gather pace
03 September 2013
Sam Lowes is considering his options for the 2014 season as rumours gather pace that Yakhnich Motorsport will bring MV Agusta into the World Superbike Championship next season.
WSBK »
Lowes unsure for '14 as MV Agusta rumours gather pace
03 September 2013
Sam Lowes is considering his options for the 2014 season as rumours gather pace that Yakhnich Motorsport will bring MV Agusta into the World Superbike Championship next season.
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Lowes unsure for '14 as MV Agusta rumours gather pace
World Supersport Champion-elect Sam Lowes says he has 'some nice options' to consider for next season, but says he has made no decision as to where he will be racing in 2014.
The Englishman, who took a major stride towards his first world title this weekend with a fifth win of the season at the Nurburgring, has long been anticipated to step up to the World Superbike Championship in 2014 alongside current team Yaknich Motorsport.
However, while it is commonly known that Lowes has a contract to go to Superbikes with the Russian-backed Yakhnich team for 2014, rumours over the weekend suggest he won't be riding Yamaha machinery as originally anticipated.
Instead, it is believed MV Agusta, following a fairly successful return to international competition in the Supersport class, is plotting a return to the Superbike category in 2014 and is evaluating teams to front its charge.
Though Althea Racing was originally mooted, Yakhnich Motorsport is now believed to have stepped into the fray with a plan to head up a new factory-supported team with Lowes potentially riding the F4RR.
The man himself, however, says he doesn't know where and with whom he will be riding in 2014, claiming he has options in both Superbike and 'another paddock', whilst adding he would like to extend his relationship with Yamaha following a successful first season together.
“I'm in a great place with this team, it has been a great season,” he said. “The ultimate aim in the future – not necessarily next year – is to get to MotoGP, so at the end of the day I need to make a decision. For me, being on the best bike I possibly can in the best championship is the right thing, and I have some nice options in this paddock and some nice options in another one.
“I don't know what I want to do. I have been in a lot of contact with Yamaha, they have been really good for me this year, not just on the track but off it, so that makes a lot of difference when I decide what to do in the next few years. It's an avenue I would like to go down if at all possible.
“Next year could be difficult with the rules changing and everyone a little bit unsure. I have a contract to go to Superbike next year, but I am waiting for find out if the team will do that.”
Yamaha, which pulled its factory support from the World Superbike Championship in 2011, is tipped to be coming back to the series in 2015. MV Agusta returned to the World Supersport Championship this season and has proven competitive from the off with Roberto Rolfo scoring a podium finish at Donington Park.
WSBK »
Germany WSBK: Sykes critical of impending rule changes
31 August 2013
Tom Sykes: In my point of view it's stupid, I think they should keep it the way it is...
Germany WSBK: Sykes critical of impending rule changes
31 August 2013
Tom Sykes: In my point of view it's stupid, I think they should keep it the way it is...
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Germany WSBK: Sykes critical of impending rule changes
Tom Sykes, the only rider to be confirmed to the World Superbike Championship grid in 2014, has revealed he isn't supportive of the rules and regulations to be introduced next season, insisting the series works 'very, very well' as it is.
WSBK organisers Dorna have confirmed a handful of new measures for 2014 in an effort the reverse the trend of increased costs and dwindling grids, introducing price caps, engine limits and a new Superstock-inspired EVO class to the series.
The move has drawn a mixed opinion from current WSBK riders, with some suggesting they aren't keen to see the series adopt a more 'stock' approach to machinery since it reduces some the challenge and creates a larger gulf to the MotoGP series.
As the only rider to have a firm contract for 2014 with Kawasaki, 2012 runner-up Sykes believes Dorna's efforts to reduce costs by introducing these measures may prove something of a 'false economy', particularly the limit on engines.
“In my point of view it's stupid, I think they should keep it the way it is,” he told Crash.net. “They should bring back the two bike rule, because even the more private teams have enough space to build a second bike and I think it'd make things safer and less confusing. Obviously there are a few less bikes on the grid at the moment, so if we had two bikes and we crash in warm-up then we are definitely on the grid.
“As for the change in the rules to be more Stock, I think it is false economy. We have seen it in Supersport with a limit being put on the engine and people pushing the boundaries for the mileage. How many red flags have we seen in Supersport because of engines blowing up and the next five riders behind coming down, destroying bikes and bones being broken? It's not the way forward.
“That little extra expense of keeping the engines fresh, in my opinion, will work out cheaper than those over-stretching the mileage and breaking components.”
Insisting the championship works perfectly well as it is, Sykes is disappointed the riders' opinions weren't coveted prior to the decisions being made, but maintains he will focus on the job in hand regardless.
“I think it works very, very well now. Every manufacturer is competitive. I think it'll make it more difficult for top riders in World Superbike to get an opportunity in MotoGP as we will be riding more Stock bikes.
"This is just my opinion. Riders' opinions don't count so much, which is unfortunate, so what will be, will be. I won't lose sleep about it because I can't change it.”
Hmmm the only time I have rally heard Stoner cry is when Rossi cut him up at Laguna. And he should have shut the fuck up then, he played right into Rossi's hands.
Stoner's illness is no mystery it's documented and he receives treatment for it daily.
You will need to expand on the 'blaming someone else' cause I'm at a loss to . .. . . .. . give me an example.
"breaking in a wild horse" LOL. No it was only ever a combination of the riders strengths and ability to utilize the motorcycles strengths and the same bikes weakness that gave ducati it's first championship. Have you ever seen the data from a Stoner lap laided over a Rossi lap of the same year ? It kills many a myth.
I guess the best thing for that you dont have to listen to him whinge anymore. But wouldn't you like to see him back on the Duc ? Even for a test ride at Mugello ? Just to give Dovi and Pirro some direction and hope ? But that will not happen Stoner is like Mick Doohan very strong willed and never forgets.
Just think of the money they ( ducati ) would have saved if they had of looked after Stoner. By 2015 Ducati will be dying to get out of Moto Gp the only thing that will keep them there is DORNA DOLLARS.
I feel sorry for Kal, fair enough he took the $$$$$$$$$$$ but he's wasting 2 yrs. Maybe the RCV customer bike will be a good ride next time he's out of contract, that's if he can get one cause the aussie's and the spanish will be in line first.
Hi there. To be honest I have struggled to remember exact incidents to quote you other than the incident at Laguna Seca you have already mentioned. The BBC interview after the race where he snubs Rossi is quite amusing . I do like to work on facts and not hearsay but do remember after race interviews where he does cry about issues on the bike, aching arm due to lots of left hand bends and his mystery illness. That said he was quite often dubbed Casey Moaner by press and such like and you only had to trawl the forums and read threads about his constant complaining. And yes I agree, these are only other peoples opinions.
You obviously have a real passion for your racing and bikes. I really enjoy the feeling of being out on my two wheels and following some of the racing but don't really take anything too serious.
Anyway, as to the main point of the post. You have not told me if you liked the pictures ?
you have answered my question.
This is what I'm saving for
That's FUCKING BEAUTIFUL! I want it.
If i lived in the US i'd own one.
The fall that could’ve ruined Marquez’s weekend
Monday, 2 September 2013
Sunday morning’s Warm-Up crash for Marc Marquez brought more negative results than one may have imagined, with the championship leader having been handed two penalty points for failing to slow down under yellow flags. At the same time, the incident helped to confirm the effectiveness of his protective airbag race suit.
It was certainly a dramatic incident on race day morning, as Marquez lost control under braking for Vale corner. His Repsol Honda Team bike would collect the Monster Yamaha Tech3 machine of Cal Crutchlow, already in the gravel and the cause of the yellow flags as Silverstone marshals attended the scene. At the same time, the crash resulted in a dislocated left shoulder for 20-year-old Marquez.
After the Grand Prix on Sunday, race suit manufacturer Alpinestars released telemetry data of the crash explaining how the protective outfit responded. The trace graph accompanying this article shows the energy pattern of the data streamed by the upper body sensors in the Tech Air airbag suit. A change in the strength of the signals is noticeable at the first indication of a loss of control, when the energy trace causes the Tech Air system to deploy the airbags 0.168 seconds before the initial impact to Marquez’s left shoulder. Full inflation was recorded at 0.048 seconds after deployment, ensuring the protection was in place 0.055 seconds before impact.
The peak energy force in the accident was 22.55g and was largely concentrated on the left shoulder, which can be seen by the continuous activity in the data trace. The airbag remained fully inflated throughout the duration of the crash, ensuring that the maximum amount of energy was absorbed.
The rest of the story is already well documented: Marquez was taken to the circuit Medical Centre, where his shoulder was put back into position and any fractures were ruled out. The Honda rider was therefore able to start from pole position before finishing second in his intense battle with Yamaha Factory Racing’s Jorge Lorenzo.
The morning’s crash would come back to haunt him in the form of two penalty points, applied for not demonstrating significant deceleration while the yellow flags had been flying during the Warm-Up. Race Direction decided that the points should be placed onto Marquez’s racing licence after reviewing footage of the moment, in which circuit personnel were adjudged to have been put at greater risk than necessary.
The quick reactions of the marshals ensured that nobody received any further injuries, while – as demonstrated by the photo sequence below – the airbag suit limited Marquez’s own injures, allowing him the opportunity to go on and collect 20 more points in his championship quest.
Monday, 2 September 2013
Sunday morning’s Warm-Up crash for Marc Marquez brought more negative results than one may have imagined, with the championship leader having been handed two penalty points for failing to slow down under yellow flags. At the same time, the incident helped to confirm the effectiveness of his protective airbag race suit.
It was certainly a dramatic incident on race day morning, as Marquez lost control under braking for Vale corner. His Repsol Honda Team bike would collect the Monster Yamaha Tech3 machine of Cal Crutchlow, already in the gravel and the cause of the yellow flags as Silverstone marshals attended the scene. At the same time, the crash resulted in a dislocated left shoulder for 20-year-old Marquez.
After the Grand Prix on Sunday, race suit manufacturer Alpinestars released telemetry data of the crash explaining how the protective outfit responded. The trace graph accompanying this article shows the energy pattern of the data streamed by the upper body sensors in the Tech Air airbag suit. A change in the strength of the signals is noticeable at the first indication of a loss of control, when the energy trace causes the Tech Air system to deploy the airbags 0.168 seconds before the initial impact to Marquez’s left shoulder. Full inflation was recorded at 0.048 seconds after deployment, ensuring the protection was in place 0.055 seconds before impact.
The peak energy force in the accident was 22.55g and was largely concentrated on the left shoulder, which can be seen by the continuous activity in the data trace. The airbag remained fully inflated throughout the duration of the crash, ensuring that the maximum amount of energy was absorbed.
The rest of the story is already well documented: Marquez was taken to the circuit Medical Centre, where his shoulder was put back into position and any fractures were ruled out. The Honda rider was therefore able to start from pole position before finishing second in his intense battle with Yamaha Factory Racing’s Jorge Lorenzo.
The morning’s crash would come back to haunt him in the form of two penalty points, applied for not demonstrating significant deceleration while the yellow flags had been flying during the Warm-Up. Race Direction decided that the points should be placed onto Marquez’s racing licence after reviewing footage of the moment, in which circuit personnel were adjudged to have been put at greater risk than necessary.
The quick reactions of the marshals ensured that nobody received any further injuries, while – as demonstrated by the photo sequence below – the airbag suit limited Marquez’s own injures, allowing him the opportunity to go on and collect 20 more points in his championship quest.
-- Silverstone marked the 200th event of the modern MotoGP four-stroke era
The 2013 Hertz British Grand Prix marked a historic milestone in the history of the MotoGP™ World Championship, Sunday’s Event was the 200th Grand Prix held since the introduction of the new 4-stroke formula at Suzuka in 2002.
Since 2002, the MotoGP category has undergone several changes to consolidate its status as the premier championship of motorcycle road racing and one of the top international motorsport series.
Over the past 199 races, Honda has proven the most successful manufacturer with a total of 91 wins. “Honda managed to get very good results with different riders and this year we
started with new talent and are very happy with our involvement in the Championship,” says HRC Vice President Shuhei Nakamoto.
“Honda tries to help Dorna make MotoGP™ grow and we also enjoy being here because we can continue to develop motorcycle technology, which can be used for future production application – and MotoGP is the best platform with which to do that. Together with the other manufacturers and Dorna, we are talking about the future of MotoGP™ and are looking forward to our continued involvement in the sport.”
Yamaha has also experienced great successes in the MotoGP™ class, with multiple Constructors’ and Riders’ titles gleaned by Valentino Rossi and Jorge Lorenzo. "I was there when Dorna changed the logo and we re-introduced the new brand with the 4-stroke era,” says Lin Jarvis, Managing Director at Yamaha Motor Racing S.r.l. “Luckily, we have been very successful in that time: 201 podiums, 77 race victories and six world titles, so I think it has been a very exciting period.
“We have seen a lot of change and had highs and lows along the way. For me, one of the big differences within Yamaha since the MotoGP™ 4-stroke began is that the relevance of the racing towards our product and sales has been one of the biggest things we have experienced. MotoGP™ is now an essential part of Yamaha’s global promotion activity and we have also seen that with other manufactures. The future looks increasingly positive.”
The inception of the 4-stroke MotoGP class prompted a Ducati comeback on the Grand Prix scene in 2003, following a 30-year absence.
“Ducati decided to enter MotoGP under the new 4-stroke regulations and we have enjoyed a lot of success, getting good results from our very first campaign back in 2003,” recalls Ducati MotoGP Project Director Paolo Ciabatti. “MotoGP is where all of the manufacturers bring their top technology and top riders, so we're pleased to work alongside Dorna to make it a great Championship.”
Reflecting on the evolution of the Championship since 2002 and the growth of the MotoGP brand, Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of the MotoGP rights holders Dorna Sports, comments: “Making the decision to change to a 4-stroke formula, together with the manufacturers, was a great success and paved the way for the changes made in the lower classes, Moto2™ and Moto3™. We're pleased to have complied with the wish of the motorcycling industry, making the Championship more relevant on a technological level with the move to 4-stroke machinery, but also with the fact that the races are more spectacular. Every year we're looking at making further steps and we're expecting further success in the future, thanks to our close collaboration with the manufacturers involved.”
MotoGP Grand Prix wins by rider:
Valentino Rossi 67
Casey Stoner 38
Jorge Lorenzo 27
Dani Pedrosa 24
Sete Gibernau 8
Loris Capirossi 7
Max Biaggi 5
Marc Marquez 5
Marco Melandri 5
Alex Barros 3
Nicky Hayden 3
Makoto Tamada 2
Chris Vermeulen 1
Ben Spies 1
Toni Elias 1
Andrea Dovizioso 1
Tohru Ukawa 1
Troy Bayliss 1
Grand Prix wins by manufacturer:
Honda – 91
Yamaha - 77
Ducati – 31
Suzuki – 1
Grand Prix wins by nation: Italy – 85 Spain – 65 Australia – 40 USA – 4 Brazil – 3 Japan – 3
• 107 different riders representing 17 different nations have competed in the MotoGP class
• 25 different circuits have hosted MotoGP Events
• Italian Valentino Rossi is the rider to have competed in most MotoGP races with 195 starts to his name, followed by Americans Colin Edwards on 179 and Nicky Hayden on 178.
• 34 different riders have finished on the podium in MotoGP
The 2013 Hertz British Grand Prix marked a historic milestone in the history of the MotoGP™ World Championship, Sunday’s Event was the 200th Grand Prix held since the introduction of the new 4-stroke formula at Suzuka in 2002.
Since 2002, the MotoGP category has undergone several changes to consolidate its status as the premier championship of motorcycle road racing and one of the top international motorsport series.
Over the past 199 races, Honda has proven the most successful manufacturer with a total of 91 wins. “Honda managed to get very good results with different riders and this year we
started with new talent and are very happy with our involvement in the Championship,” says HRC Vice President Shuhei Nakamoto.
“Honda tries to help Dorna make MotoGP™ grow and we also enjoy being here because we can continue to develop motorcycle technology, which can be used for future production application – and MotoGP is the best platform with which to do that. Together with the other manufacturers and Dorna, we are talking about the future of MotoGP™ and are looking forward to our continued involvement in the sport.”
Yamaha has also experienced great successes in the MotoGP™ class, with multiple Constructors’ and Riders’ titles gleaned by Valentino Rossi and Jorge Lorenzo. "I was there when Dorna changed the logo and we re-introduced the new brand with the 4-stroke era,” says Lin Jarvis, Managing Director at Yamaha Motor Racing S.r.l. “Luckily, we have been very successful in that time: 201 podiums, 77 race victories and six world titles, so I think it has been a very exciting period.
“We have seen a lot of change and had highs and lows along the way. For me, one of the big differences within Yamaha since the MotoGP™ 4-stroke began is that the relevance of the racing towards our product and sales has been one of the biggest things we have experienced. MotoGP™ is now an essential part of Yamaha’s global promotion activity and we have also seen that with other manufactures. The future looks increasingly positive.”
The inception of the 4-stroke MotoGP class prompted a Ducati comeback on the Grand Prix scene in 2003, following a 30-year absence.
“Ducati decided to enter MotoGP under the new 4-stroke regulations and we have enjoyed a lot of success, getting good results from our very first campaign back in 2003,” recalls Ducati MotoGP Project Director Paolo Ciabatti. “MotoGP is where all of the manufacturers bring their top technology and top riders, so we're pleased to work alongside Dorna to make it a great Championship.”
Reflecting on the evolution of the Championship since 2002 and the growth of the MotoGP brand, Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of the MotoGP rights holders Dorna Sports, comments: “Making the decision to change to a 4-stroke formula, together with the manufacturers, was a great success and paved the way for the changes made in the lower classes, Moto2™ and Moto3™. We're pleased to have complied with the wish of the motorcycling industry, making the Championship more relevant on a technological level with the move to 4-stroke machinery, but also with the fact that the races are more spectacular. Every year we're looking at making further steps and we're expecting further success in the future, thanks to our close collaboration with the manufacturers involved.”
MotoGP Grand Prix wins by rider:
Valentino Rossi 67
Casey Stoner 38
Jorge Lorenzo 27
Dani Pedrosa 24
Sete Gibernau 8
Loris Capirossi 7
Max Biaggi 5
Marc Marquez 5
Marco Melandri 5
Alex Barros 3
Nicky Hayden 3
Makoto Tamada 2
Chris Vermeulen 1
Ben Spies 1
Toni Elias 1
Andrea Dovizioso 1
Tohru Ukawa 1
Troy Bayliss 1
Grand Prix wins by manufacturer:
Honda – 91
Yamaha - 77
Ducati – 31
Suzuki – 1
Grand Prix wins by nation: Italy – 85 Spain – 65 Australia – 40 USA – 4 Brazil – 3 Japan – 3
• 107 different riders representing 17 different nations have competed in the MotoGP class
• 25 different circuits have hosted MotoGP Events
• Italian Valentino Rossi is the rider to have competed in most MotoGP races with 195 starts to his name, followed by Americans Colin Edwards on 179 and Nicky Hayden on 178.
• 34 different riders have finished on the podium in MotoGP
September The Fifth: Twenty Years Later
by dean adams
Thursday, September 05, 2013
Wayne Rainey: a three time world champion, stands on the podium of the Laguna Seca USGP. Twenty years ago today was his last GP race.
image by dean adams
Even twenty years later, the fifth of September does not pass easily for anyone involved in 1990s GP racing. On September 5 1993, at Misanohe would never walk again.
A story:
Several years ago at Laguna USGP, what constitutes the editorial and photo sides of Soup were eating in Yamaha US's hospitality area, all of us sitting at a large round table. The hospitality area was packed with guests and we tried to eat quickly, say thanks and leave so others could have the table.
At one point, Wayne Rainey rolled past us on his way somewhere. As he went by we offered greetings "Hey Wayne. Hi Wayne" and he smiled in return, still rolling. But, after he passed, I saw out of the corner of my eye that he stopped, and began to roll his wheelchair backwards to our table.
"Hey, Superbikeplanet, right,?" he asked, trying to identify us.
My mouth went dry--what in the world have we screwed up this time?--and someone said, yep, that's us. Time seemed to stand still as we waited for Rainey's next words.
"You know, you guys do pretty good work," Rainey said, moving his head so he looked at each of us while he said it. "Really good work."
Someone said thanks, and Rainey rolled away.
This must be what it is like when a devout Catholic is blessed by the Pope. The circular table made it so we had no choice but to look at one another and consider what Rainey had just said. The enormity of what had just happened left us staring back at each other, and unable to eat. "Rainey .. said we do good work" someone said sounding like he was almost trying to convince himself that it had happened.
Rainey was renown for being a relentless bulldog when he raced. A perfectionist, he never gave any false praise. He was the most mentally strong rider of his generation--if not all time--and he never gave up. After everything that he accomplished and even after the tragedy that he has endured, Rainey remains a truly admirable legend. He is still the strongest man we know. Stronger than adversity. Stronger than tragedy. And at the same time a very humble man who must truly know how much power just a few words from him can possess. When MotoGP returned to Misano, Rainey decided to make a vist one year. Misano? He's coming back to Misano? To Rainey, Misano wasn't a place where hell personally opened a door for him and welcomed him in, where it all ended. No, Rainey said, it was just a track, no problem. Rainey saying Misano was "just a track, get on with it" soothed the entire paddock, made everyone feel stronger. That's what very special legends do.
After Rainey rolled away, I can't remember which of us teared up and started crying first, but soon we all were wiping our eyes, smiling, shaking our heads. Then we got up to leave, but felt like Supermen as we strode back to the media center.
"Rainey said we do good work."
by dean adams
Thursday, September 05, 2013
Wayne Rainey: a three time world champion, stands on the podium of the Laguna Seca USGP. Twenty years ago today was his last GP race.
image by dean adams
Even twenty years later, the fifth of September does not pass easily for anyone involved in 1990s GP racing. On September 5 1993, at Misanohe would never walk again.
A story:
Several years ago at Laguna USGP, what constitutes the editorial and photo sides of Soup were eating in Yamaha US's hospitality area, all of us sitting at a large round table. The hospitality area was packed with guests and we tried to eat quickly, say thanks and leave so others could have the table.
At one point, Wayne Rainey rolled past us on his way somewhere. As he went by we offered greetings "Hey Wayne. Hi Wayne" and he smiled in return, still rolling. But, after he passed, I saw out of the corner of my eye that he stopped, and began to roll his wheelchair backwards to our table.
"Hey, Superbikeplanet, right,?" he asked, trying to identify us.
My mouth went dry--what in the world have we screwed up this time?--and someone said, yep, that's us. Time seemed to stand still as we waited for Rainey's next words.
"You know, you guys do pretty good work," Rainey said, moving his head so he looked at each of us while he said it. "Really good work."
Someone said thanks, and Rainey rolled away.
This must be what it is like when a devout Catholic is blessed by the Pope. The circular table made it so we had no choice but to look at one another and consider what Rainey had just said. The enormity of what had just happened left us staring back at each other, and unable to eat. "Rainey .. said we do good work" someone said sounding like he was almost trying to convince himself that it had happened.
Rainey was renown for being a relentless bulldog when he raced. A perfectionist, he never gave any false praise. He was the most mentally strong rider of his generation--if not all time--and he never gave up. After everything that he accomplished and even after the tragedy that he has endured, Rainey remains a truly admirable legend. He is still the strongest man we know. Stronger than adversity. Stronger than tragedy. And at the same time a very humble man who must truly know how much power just a few words from him can possess. When MotoGP returned to Misano, Rainey decided to make a vist one year. Misano? He's coming back to Misano? To Rainey, Misano wasn't a place where hell personally opened a door for him and welcomed him in, where it all ended. No, Rainey said, it was just a track, no problem. Rainey saying Misano was "just a track, get on with it" soothed the entire paddock, made everyone feel stronger. That's what very special legends do.
After Rainey rolled away, I can't remember which of us teared up and started crying first, but soon we all were wiping our eyes, smiling, shaking our heads. Then we got up to leave, but felt like Supermen as we strode back to the media center.
"Rainey said we do good work."
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