FastDates.com October 2010 Superbike, MotoGP Racing & Sportbike News Official Calendar of the World Superbike Championship
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Season Finale 2010 World Superbike Race at Magney-Cours
Motogei Japanese MotoGP • Chicks That Kick Ass!: Aly Michalka
Max celebrates his 2010 World Superbike Championship win on the podium after Race Two last weekend at Imola with his Italian fans who have spilled onto the Imola track from the Aprilia grandstand across the track. Click to GO BIG.
Hannspree FIM Superbike World Championship, Magny-Cours, France, Round 13 of 13
Final Round of the 2010 World Superbike Championship
Cal Crutchlow and Max Biaggi Battle for Race Wins at Magny-Cours in France Magny-Cours, France, October 1st-3rd 2010 - Cal Crutchlow (Yamaha Sterilgarda) and Max Biaggi (Aprilia Alitalia) shared the race wins this weekend, the last one of the 2010 season. The action did not disappoint even if the championship was decided last weekend in favour of Biaggi, and throughout the field the final championship ranking places were still up for grabs.
Max helped win the Manufacturers’ Championship for Aprilia, and in winning race two took his overall win score in 2010 to an appropriate ten. Aprilia won the Manufacturers’ title by 47 points.
Race one podium man Leon Haslam (Suzuki Alstare) ended his season with 376 points to Biaggi’s 451, but Carlos Checa (Althea Racing) ended up moving into third, despite the brave efforts in race one of injured rider Jonathan Rea (Hannspree Ten Kate Honda) who had to pull out of race two. Checa now finishes with 297 points, Rea has 292 and after taking a win and a second today, Crutchlow is fifth, only eight points behind Rea. Noriyuki Haga ended his final day in his current team sixth in the standings, on 258 points.
Despite being excluded from race one for ignoring a ride-through penalty, Sylvain Guintoli (Suzuki Alstare) went fourth in race two and seventh overall. He ended his rookie WSBK season two points ahead of race two podium finisher, Michel Fabrizio (Ducati Xerox). James Toseland (Yamaha Sterilgarda) dropped to overall ninth, after two no-scores today. Tenth in the rankings was Shane Byrne (Althea Racing Ducati) after Troy Corser (BMW Motorrad Motorsport) no scored today, and finished 11th. Tom Sykes was top Kawasaki rider again, in today’s races and the championship itself, taking his official Kawasaki Racing Team machine to 14th in the rankings.
Meet the 2010 SBK World Champions! From left: 600cc Superstock, Jeremy Guarnoni, MRS Racing Yamaha; 600cc Supersport, Kenan Sofuoglu Ten Kate Honda CBR600RR: World Superbike, Max Biaggi, Alitalia Aprilia RSV4; 1000cc Superstock, Ayrton Badovini BMW S1000RR Motorrad Italy. CLICK to GO BIG.
Preview: Magny-Cours Set to End a Thrilling WSBK Season Magny-Cours, Tuesday 28 September 2010 - One week after Max Biaggi (Aprilia Alitalia) won the 2010 HANNspree FIM Superbike World Championship at his home round of Imola, he and the entire paddock will take part in the final round of the year, at Magny-Cours in central France.
The 2010 championship has provided drama and excitement all the way as usual, and there will be much to look forward to in France, as the Manufacturers’ title and the final rankings behind Biaggi are still to be decided. With the off-season looming and many riders still unsure of their 2011 plans, there will be private battles throughout each 23-lap race in France.
Despite the disappointments of losing the chance to fight for the Riders’ Championship right until the end, when his machine failed in the final race of the Imola weekend, British battler Leon Haslam (Suzuki Alstare) is ready to reload and go for more race wins, having taken three this year already. Haslam is now in a safe second place, 62 points up on third.
Behind him, Jonathan Rea is in a battle to be fit to race in France, having cracked his collarbone and left scaphoid while riding for his Hannspree Ten Kate Honda Team in Superpole at Imola. Rea is a four-time race winner this year. The star of the podium show in the previous round was convincing double winner Carlos Checa (Althea Racing Ducati) who is now in a strong position to pass Rea and take third spot in the overall rankings. He is only 14 points behind Rea, and out to improve on his current win total of three in 2010.
Cal Crutchlow (Yamaha Sterilgarda) is now locked in a personal battle with Noriyuki Haga (Ducati Xerox) to keep fifth, although both those riders are still capable of taking a top four, if Checa no scores and they make the required mix of podium results. Haga is only a single point behind Crutchlow. A disastrous double no score at Imola for 2004 and 2007 champion James Toseland (Yamaha Sterilgarda) has left him only three points ahead of Sylvain Guintoli (Suzuki Alstare) and Guintoli will be understandably fired-up for his home round in his first year of WSBK participation.
Michel Fabrizio (Ducati Xerox) is now ninth and Troy Corser (BMW Motorrad Motorsport) tenth in the rankings, after Leon Camier (Aprilia Alitalia) missed the Imola round through injury. Leon is another British rider fighting to be fit to race in France, as he recovers from surgery on his broken right scaphoid. Shane Byrne (Althea Ducati) had two good top ten finishes last time out in Italy and is now only ten points adrift of Camier. Ruben Xaus (BMW Motorrad Motorsport), Tom Sykes (Kawasaki Racing Team) and Jakub Smrz (PATA B&G Aprilia) complete the top 15 with one round and two races to go.
A quite fabulous home round for DFX Corse Ducati privateer Lorenzo Lanzi (DFX Corse Ducati) saw him finish second in race one at Imola, and he is now 16th in the rankings, only six points behind Smrz. Lanzi is a former race winner at Magny-Cours, a fact he will no doubt be reminding himself of all the way to the line for Sunday’s races. Luca Scassa (Supersonic Team) and Max Neukirchner (Hannspree Ten Kate Honda) are having their final races for their respective teams at Magny-Cours, and will want to go out with strong results.
Roger Lee Hayden and Matteo Baiocco (Pedercini Kawasaki) are looking for season best finishes this weekend, which would mean 12th place or better for the American and 13th or higher for the Italian. Fabrizio Lai is out to do what he did in race two at Imola, score points for his ECHO CRS Honda squad.
World Supersport 600
In the Supersport World Championship it would be difficult to imagine that there could be last minute drama greater than that which occurred last weekend - but it has happened in various classes at Magny-Cours in the past. Kenan Sofuoglu (Hannspree Ten Kate Honda) and Eugene Laverty (Parkalgar Honda) fell on the final chicane at Imola last weekend and restarted to score valuable points. It is very much advantage Kenan, as he is 16 points ahead. Intriguingly, because Laverty has more wins this year (seven to Sofuoglu’s three) a no-score for Sofuoglu and a third for Laverty would bring about a tie on points, with Laverty winning the title on the number of races won. But there is any number of combinations of points that would make either rider champion, and the small matter of several other riders keen to put both contenders behind them. Injured rider Joan Lascorz (Kawasaki Motocard.com) is a guaranteed third now, Chaz Davies (ParkinGO Triumph BE-1) is an unassailable fourth but he is desperate to get his first win in this class. Michele Pirro (Hannspree Ten Kate Honda) won the last round and with so much at stake for all riders, another first-time winner is certainly possible. Broc Parkes has made a huge impact in his recent return to this class, with the Provec Motocard.com Kawasaki, and he and his team-mate Katsuaki Fujiwara are proven winners from previous seasons.
Superstock 1000
The question on everyone’s lips in the run-up to Magny-Cours is can the 2010 championship combination of Ayrton Badovini and his BMW Motorrad Italia STK S1000RR make it a perfect ten wins in the Superstock Championship? The question is still very much unanswerable until Sunday because Maxime Berger (Ten Kate Racing Junior Honda) will be racing on home soil this weekend, and he is extremely keen to get a win as reward for some great rides in 2010. In a guaranteed second place in the series, he now has nothing to lose in his quest for a win. A four-way fight for third is a nerve-wracking prospect for Michele Magnoni (Bevilacqua Corse Honda), Andrea Antonelli (Lorini Honda), Davide Giugliano (Team06 Suzuki) and Sylvain Barrier (Garnier Racing Junior BMW).
Superstock 600
Jeremy Guarnoni (MRS Racing Yamaha) made himself champion last time out and Florian Marino (Ten Kate Junior Racing Honda) is a very safe second, but the following three riders only have nine points between them. Berardino Lombardi (Martini Corse Yamaha) with Federico D’Annunzio (Martini Corse Yamaha) and Davide Fanelli (Team All Service System by QDP Honda) are very much in competition this weekend. Home rider Romain Lanusse (MRS Racing Yamaha) is also capable of a final top three, in mathematical terms at least.
TRIUMPH PARKINGO SERIES: The Triumph ParkinGO European Series reaches its finale in France, pitting riders on identical Triumph Street Triple R machines against each other once again. There have been some thrills and spills this season, and more to come no doubt. Fabrizio Perotti is already the champion, with Tony Salom, Giuliano Rovelli and Samuela Di Nardi all in with a chance to get second spot.
The Magny-Cours Circuit
Magny-Cours is a 4.411km long circuit with a lot of history and a 4.271km version was first used for WSBK racing in 1991. The circuit returned to the calendar in 2003 in its 4.411km form and it has been a permanent fixture ever since. Spacious and well-appointed, Magny-Cours has been the scene of some classic moments in WSBK history, with Ducati, Honda and Yamaha riders posting wins here. No fewer than five 2010 riders have won at this track. The form man in France is Noriyuki Haga who has won on both Ducati and Yamaha machinery, most recently in 2009, and five times at Magny-Cours in total. Magny-Cours has many different faces, both slow and fast sections, and features some epic hard braking zones, particularly into the slow Adelaide corner.
Late Season Flourish continues for Lanzi in Friday Practice, Italian Bikes dominate top 5 Magny Cours, Friday Practice Oct 1st - At one of his favourite circuits Lorenzo Lanzi (DFX Corse Ducati) headed up the first qualifying session in France, with a 1’38.856 lap set in dry conditions. Lanzi is a former winner at this circuit, and was a podium man last time out in Imola.
In a session where the top 16 riders were within 0.710 seconds of each other, Michel Fabrizio (Ducati Xerox) was second quickest, new champion Max Biaggi (Aprilia Alitalia) third, and Luca Scassa (Supersonic Ducati) was another fast privateer on good form - like Lanzi - setting a 1’39 flat to go fourth on the overnight grid. The provisional front row was filled by four Italian riders on four Italian machines, in what was an intense day of practice and qualifying all round.
Behind the leading four, double Silverstone winner Cal Crutchlow (Yamaha Sterilgarda) was fast once again, multiple Magny-Cours winner Noriyuki Haga (Ducati Xerox) was sixth, with the official BMW Motorrad Motorsport machine of Troy Corser seventh. Carlos Checa (Althea Racing Ducati) was a firm eighth, looking for more wins as he attempts to take third place in the final rankings.
After two good rounds in Germany and Italy, Tom Sykes (Kawasaki Racing Team) looks set to make it three in a row, going ninth today in first qualifying, one place ahead of Leon Haslam (Suzuki Alstare).
Jakub Smrz (Pata B&G Aprilia) headed up James Toseland (Yamaha Sterilgarda). Toseland was one of four fallers in the session, alongside Crutchlow, Haga and Hayden. On Saturday one more qualifying period and then the Superpole sessions remain to determine the final grid positions at the last round of the 2010 season.
Superbike Practice Times: 1.Lanzi L. (ITA) Ducati 1098R 1'38.856; 2.Fabrizio M. (ITA) Ducati 1098R 1'38.927; 3.Biaggi M. (ITA) Aprilia RSV4 Factory 1'38.972; 4.Scassa L. (ITA) Ducati 1098R 1'39.000; 5.Crutchlow C. (GBR) Yamaha YZF R1 1'39.058; 6. Haga N. (JPN) Ducati 1098R 1'39.091; 7.Corser T. (AUS) BMW S1000 RR 1'39.119; 8.Checa C. (ESP) Ducati 1098R 1'39.138; 9.Sykes T. (GBR) Kawasaki ZX 10R 1'39.207; 10.Haslam L. (GBR) Suzuki GSX-R1000 1'39.238; 11.Smrz J. (CZE) Aprilia RSV4 Factory 1'39.260; 12.Toseland J. (GBR) Yamaha YZF R1 1'39.360; 13.Byrne S. (GBR) Ducati 1098R 1'39.370; 14.Guintoli S. (FRA) Suzuki GSX-R1000 1'39.431; 15. Rea J. (GBR) Honda CBR1000RR 1'39.454; 16.Xaus R. (ESP) BMW S1000 RR 1'39.566.
Crutchlow throws a well earned six in Superpole Superpole Saturday 2 October 2010 - Cal Crutchlow (Yamaha Sterilgarda) battled to the head of the pre-race rankings at Magny-Cours, taking a new track best of 1’37.699 in Superpole Three. Series regular Sylvain Guintoli (Suzuki Alstare) rode to second place at his home round, while Jakub Smrz (Pata B&G Aprilia) made it three different bikes in the top three grid positions. The front row for tomorrow’s races was completed by new champion, Max Biaggi (Aprilia Alitalia), despite the Roman rider suffering from a cold.
Michel Fabrizio (Ducati Xerox Team) posted fifth best time in Superpole, followed by a rider who was only passed fit to race on Friday morning, Jonathan Rea (Hannspree Ten Kate Honda). Rea rode wearing a special lightweight cast on his injured left wrist.
Carlos Checa (Althea Racing), the double winner in Imola, was a fine seventh, followed on the grid by the official machine of Noriyuki Haga (Ducati Xerox). Troy Corser (BMW Motorrad Motorsport) made the top ten after another challenging period of practice, heading the third row with ninth best time. Leon Haslam (Suzuki Alstare) was the final rider in the top ten. Ruben Xaus was 11th on his official BMW; Tom Sykes (Kawasaki Racing Team) posted 12th best time, for the last position on the third row.
There were several riders who were not quite able to replicate their pre-Superpole form in the final couple of sessions, including eventual 13th place rider, Lorenzo Lanzi (DFX Corse Ducati). Shane Byrne (Althea Racing), James Toseland (Yamaha Sterilgarda) and Luca Scassa (Supersonic Ducati) finished off the top 16 grid places.
Cal Crutchlow: “It’s nice to be going into my last World Superbike race before I head off, with a pole position. It’s a good reward for Yamaha, they have put their trust and faith in me so to give them a pole is good and I want to make it a race win tomorrow that’s for sure. We’ve struggled with a few things over the weekend, but maybe found something in the Superpole. We’ll see tomorrow, it’s going to be entertaining!”
Sylvain Guintoli: “What I wanted was the pole but unfortunately Cal just managed to get it ahead of me. Today was great, this morning when I was quickest in Q2 was good and I’m looking forward to tomorrow because I’ve been so close to the podium so many times this year. I really wish I can get my first one here in front of the French public, I’m going to push hard tomorrow, my race pace is good and I feel confident.”
Jakub Smrz: “It was a really good day for me today and I am happy because in the last five races I have been three times on the first row. Unfortunately it’s the end of the season and we started with the Aprilia late and I didn’t achieve anything really good this season but let’s hope for a good race this weekend and a better start next year!”
Max Biaggi: “I’m not feeling great but things were going OK. I’m pleased with the front row; I tried to get the pole but couldn’t do it. Tomorrow we’re going to be doing a lot of laps and that means wasting energy, which I hope to have. I hope the weather will be good and there won’t be any rain. I’ll try and get a result that will give Aprilia the Manufacturers’ title. That would be a great end to a fantastic season.”
Superpole Times: 1.Crutchlow C. (GBR) Yamaha YZF R1 1'37.699; 2.Guintoli S. (FRA) Suzuki GSX-R1000 1'37.768; 3.Smrz J. (CZE) Aprilia RSV4 Factory 1'37.784; 4.Biaggi M. (ITA) Aprilia RSV4 Factory 1'38.039; 5.Fabrizio M. (ITA) Ducati 1098R 1'38.082; 6.Rea J. (GBR) Honda CBR1000RR 1'38.155; 7.Checa C. (ESP) Ducati 1098R 1'38.252; 8.Haga N. (JPN) Ducati 1098R 1'38.421; 9.Corser T. (AUS) BMW S1000 RR 1'38.250; 10.Haslam L. (GBR) Suzuki GSX-R1000 1'38.327; 11.Xaus R. (ESP) BMW S1000 RR 1'38.364; 12.Sykes T. (GBR) Kawasaki ZX 10R 1'38.370; 13.Lanzi L. (ITA) Ducati 1098R 1'38.519; 14.Byrne S. (GBR) Ducati 1098R 1'38.538; 15.Toseland J. (GBR) Yamaha YZF R1 1'38.551; 16.Scassa L. (ITA) Ducati 1098R 1'38.585.
World Supersport Qualifying
Kenan Sofuoglu (Hannspree Ten Kate Honda) took his fifth pole of the season by posting a 1’41.372 lap in today’s second and final qualifying session. He will be followed off the grid by the only rider who can overhaul him in the season finale tomorrow, Eugene Laverty (Parkalgar Honda). Katsuaki Fujiwara (Kawasaki Motocard.com) is third, because of his fast Friday time and French WSS legend Fabien Foret (Lorenzini by Leoni Kawasaki) is the final front row qualifier. Broc Parkes (Kawasaki Motocard.com) was fifth fastest. ParkinGO BE-1 Triumph rider David Salom is the quickest three-cylinder qualifier in sixth.
Times: 1.Sofuoglu K. (TUR) Honda CBR600RR 1'41.372; 2. Laverty E. (IRL) Honda CBR600RR 1'41.813; 3.Fujiwara K. (JPN) Kawasaki ZX-6R 1'41.872; 4.Foret F. (FRA) Kawasaki ZX-6R 1'42.006; 5.Parkes B. (AUS) Kawasaki ZX-6R 1'42.086; 6.Salom D. (ESP) Triumph Daytona 675 1'42.091; 7.Pirro M. (ITA) Honda CBR600RR 1'42.163; 8.Roccoli M. (ITA) Honda CBR600RR 1'42.167;
Superstock 1000 Qualifying
Maxime Berger (Ten Kate Junior Honda) eased out his countryman Sylvain Barrier (Garnier Junior Team BMW) by a whisker to take pole at Magny-Cours. Champion Ayrton Badovini (BMW Motorrad Italia STK) fell late in today’s final qualifying session, but starts from the front row in third position in any case. David Giugliano (Team06 Suzuki) posted fourth best time for a front row start, with Loris Baz (MRS Racing Yamaha) fifth, the third French rider in the top five positions.
Times: 1.Berger M. (FRA) Honda CBR1000RR 1'41.676; 2.Barrier S. (FRA) BMW S1000 RR 1'41.697; 3.Badovini A. (ITA) BMW S1000 RR 1'41.762; 4.Giugliano D. (ITA) Suzuki GSX-R 1000 1'42.127; 5.Baz L. (FRA) Yamaha YZF R1 1'42.557; 6.Millet J. (FRA) BMW S1000 RR 1'42.600; 7.Baroni L. (ITA) Ducati 1098R 1'42.657; 8.Petrucci D. (ITA) Kawasaki ZX 10R 1'42.718;
Superstock 600 - Race
Australia’s Jed Metcher (MTM Yamaha) set a new lap record in the Superstock 600 championship race, on his way to taking a surprise first win after a collision between already crowned champion Jeremy Guarnoni (MRS Racing Yamaha) and Stephane Egea (Team ASPI Yamaha) near the end saw them crash out. Berardino Lombardi (Martini Corse Yamaha) was an unexpected second and Tony Covena (Econocom Yamaha) third. Lombardi is now finally third in the championship rankings.
Results: 1.Metcher J. (AUS) Yamaha YZF R6 17'35.250 (150,482 kph); 2.Lombardi B. (ITA) Yamaha YZF R6 5.913; 3.Covena T. (NED) Yamaha YZF R6 12.227; 4.Elliott J. (GBR) Kawasaki ZX-6R 13.236; 5.Duwelz G. (BEL) Yamaha YZF R6 14.396; 6.D'Annunzio F. (ITA) Yamaha YZF R6 15.279; 7.Vd Mark M. (NED) Honda CBR600RR 15.492; 8.Calero Perez N. (ESP) Yamaha YZF R6 22.174;
Crutchlow and Biaggi trade wins, Guintoli almost wins at home circuit
Privateer Team Carlos Checa / Althera racing move to 3rd Overal in the the Final Standings
Race Day Sunday 3 October 2010 - Cal Crutchlow (Yamaha Sterilgarda) and Max Biaggi (Aprilia Alitalia) shared the race wins this weekend, the last one of the 2010 season. The action did not disappoint even if the championship was decided last weekend in favour of Biaggi, and throughout the field the final championship ranking places were still up for grabs.
Max helped win the Manufacturers’ Championship for Aprilia, and in winning race two took his overall win score in 2010 to an appropriate ten. Aprilia won the Manufacturers’ title by 47 points.
Race one podium man Leon Haslam (Suzuki Alstare) ended his season with 376 points to Biaggi’s 451, but Carlos Checa (Althea Racing) ended up moving into third, despite the brave efforts in race one of injured rider Jonathan Rea (Hannspree Ten Kate Honda) who had to pull out of race two. Checa now finishes with 297 points, Rea has 292 and after taking a win and a second today, Crutchlow is fifth, only eight points behind Rea. Noriyuki Haga ended his final day in his current team sixth in the standings, on 258 points.
Despite being excluded from race one for ignoring a ride-through penalty, Sylvain Guintoli (Suzuki Alstare) went fourth in race two and seventh overall. He ended his rookie WSBK season two points ahead of race two podium finisher, Michel Fabrizio (Ducati Xerox). James Toseland (Yamaha Sterilgarda) dropped to overall ninth, after two no-scores today. Tenth in the rankings was Shane Byrne (Althea Racing Ducati) after Troy Corser (BMW Motorrad Motorsport) no scored today, and finished 11th. Tom Sykes was top Kawasaki rider again, in today’s races and the championship itself, taking his official Kawasaki Racing Team machine to 14th in the rankings.
Tom Sykes (66) on Kawasaki battles with a gaggle of Ducati: Luca Scassa (99), Lorenzo Lanzi (57) Shane Byrne (67).
Race 1Runaway for Crutchlow as Max fights with Haslam, Checa and Guintoli for runner-up
Crutchlow had an eventually lonely win, by 3.779 seconds, in the first race at Magny-Cours but an intense battle behind went to Haslam and Checa as they passed Biaggi for the final podium places in the final chicane. In fourth Biaggi still scored enough points to give Aprilia the Manufacturers’ Championship. Jakub Smrz (Pata B&G Aprilia) was fifth.
Cal Crutchlow: “It was a weird race for me really, leading from the front for most of the race. I didn’t think anybody would break away, Max seemed to be holding the group up so I though let’s get in front of him. I thought he or the group would come with me, but managed to pull out a gap. All credit to Sterilgarda Yamaha, we did a good job in this race.”
Leon Haslam: “We’ve not had the best of weekends, qualifying in tenth place but I got a good start and had a fantastic battle with loads of different guys. To catch Max and be in that position on the last lap I had to have a go. Imola was going through my mind, the first race when I went off, but I made it stick this time and I’m really happy for Alstare and the boys.”
Carlos Checa: “A big thanks to Leon for the third place! It was an exciting race and I thought I could get the podium, I was fighting for second and Max passed me and Leon, I got involved in that group but it was difficult. After I see the fighting between Leon and Max, I see Max open the line, touch the corner and I thought this is my opportunity, I had better drive and on the exit I got the third place. It was fantastic, a real surprise and a nice result.”
Race One Results (with Pirelli Race Tyre Selection (Front/Rear): 1.Crutchlow C. (GBR) Yamaha YZF R1 38'15.586 (159,101 kph) (C/A); 2.Haslam L. (GBR) Suzuki GSX-R1000 3.779 (B/A); 3.Checa C. (ESP) Ducati 1098R 4.261 (B/B); 4.Biaggi M. (ITA) Aprilia RSV4 Factory 4.416 (B/A); 5. Smrz J. (CZE) Aprilia RSV4 Factory 7.476 (B/A); 6.Fabrizio M. (ITA) Ducati 1098R 11.866 (A/A); 7.Haga N. (JPN) Ducati 1098R 16.390 (A/A); 8.Sykes T. (GBR) Kawasaki ZX 10R 21.669 (C/A); 9.Byrne S. (GBR) Ducati 1098R 22.065 (B/A); 10.Scassa L. (ITA) Ducati 1098R 22.281 (A/A); 11.Lanzi L. (ITA) Ducati 1098R 26.748 (B/A); 12.Rea J. (GBR) Honda CBR1000RR 35.608 (C/A); 13.Neukirchner M. (GER) Honda CBR1000RR 39.929 (C/A); 14.Lowry I. (GBR) Kawasaki ZX 10R 54.836 (A/A); 15.Baiocco M. (ITA) Kawasaki ZX 10R 1'07.191 (C/A); 16.Lai F. (ITA) Honda CBR1000RR 1'14.632 (A/A)
Guintoli (50) battled with Biaggi and Cruthlow for the lead in both races Races. He was disqualified in Race One for overshooting a chicane during the fight despite not having gained a position.
Race 2 Max holds off Crutchlow, Fabrizio and Guintoli
Biaggi underlined his championship status with a win in race two, holding off a determined Crutchlow by only 0.087 seconds after 23 laps of close action. Michel Fabrizio (Ducati Xerox Team) pushed his way past Sylvain Guintoli (Suzuki Alstare) in the final chicane entry to take third. Noriyuki Haga (Ducati Xerox) was fifth.
Max Biaggi: “My condition was bad all weekend, I had a bit of high fever. Race 1 was not so bad but I couldn’t breathe properly. Race 2 I wanted to finish on the podium, I pushed very hard, had a little moment half-way through. I tried to not make any mistakes. We wanted to make a good result for the end of the year and I’m proud of helping Aprilia to win the Manufacturers’ title.”
Cal Crutchlow: “It was a close race, enjoyable for me. I had to catch up from a bad start. All credit to Max he rode fantastic. It was an incredible race win, I couldn’t do anything about it. He won the championship so to be battling with him at the end it’s been good for me. I came into the championship with high expectations, and I’m pleased with the fifth place overall.”
Michel Fabrizio: “It was a great battle with Guintoli. I really wanted the podium both for myself and for my team, so I could finish the season off well with them. I’d like to thank Ducati for the last three years, as well as the team, it’s been great. Now I have to look to the future!”
Pirelli Race Tyre Selection (Front/Rear): All riders on same solutions with the exception of Lanzi and Lai who changed to the “C” front and Hayden who changed to the “B” front for Race 2.
World Supersport 600
Kenan Sofuoglu (Hannspree Ten Kate Honda) won his second Supersport World Championship after finishing second behind Eugene Laverty (Parkalgar Honda) today. Sofuoglu ends the season with 263 points, Laverty 252. In a thrilling race for Chaz Davies (Triumph BE-1 ParkinGO) he passed several riders on the final laps to take third in the race, and fourth in the championship, behind injured and absent Kawasaki Motocard.com rider Joan Lascorz. Michele Pirro (Hannspree Ten Kate Honda) is fifth in the points, on a total of 99. There were four race winners this year, the leading ‘big three’ and Pirro, who took his win last time out in Imola.
Supersport Results: 1.Laverty E. (IRL) Honda CBR600RR 37'46.575 (154,132 kph); 2. Sofuoglu K. (TUR).Honda CBR600RR.4.769; 3.Davies C. (GBR) Triumph Daytona 675 17.658; 4.Roccoli M. (ITA) Honda CBR600RR 20.412; 5.Harms R. (DEN) Honda CBR600RR 20.559; 6.Fujiwara K. (JPN) Kawasaki ZX-6R 21.200; 7.Salom D. (ESP) Triumph Daytona 675 25.051; 8.Pirro M. (ITA) Honda CBR600RR 25.174;
Superstock 1000
Maxime Berger (Hannspree Ten Kate Junior Honda) pushed hard from the start and took his reward with his first win of the year, the first time this season that champion Ayrton Badovini (BMW Motorrad Italy Superstock) has been beaten in a race. Badovini was second today, 4.7 seconds back, while front row starter Sylvain Barrier (Garnier Junior Team BMW) was third. In the points, Badovini fishes the season with 245, and Berger is second, on 147.
Superstock Results: 1.Berger M. (FRA) Honda CBR1000RR 23'52.988 (155,14 kph); 2.Badovini A. (ITA) BMW S1000 RR 4.722; 3.Barrier S. (FRA) BMW S1000 RR 10.258; 4.Zanetti L. (ITA) Ducati 1098R 15.130; 5.Baroni L. (ITA) Ducati 1098R 25.214; 6.Giugliano D. (ITA) Suzuki GSX-R 1000 29.120; 7.Antonelli A. (ITA) Honda CBR1000RR 29.780; 8.Petrucci D. (ITA) Kawasaki ZX 10R 29.879;
Pirelli Tire Rider Awards
Under especially splendid French weather where track temperatures reached 30°C, the conditions were adequate for Pirelli's new compound Qualifier, with which Crutchlow put his Yamaha on pole recording new Best Lap of 1'37.699 in the third session. Many SBK riders performed well in the two races with the new "A" soft rear tyre solution (SC1) and one of the three available front solutions, among which were the "B" and "C" (new SC1 and SC2) as well as the "A" reference tyre for 2010. Nearly the entire SSP grid chose the "A" front and "A" rear tyre solutions, which correspond to the new SC2 compound Diablo Supercorsa pair. Pirelli closes the 2010 WSBK racing season with excellent development results: five new Diablo Superbike solutions from SBK, three new Diablo Supercorsa solutions from SSP and one new size from Stk1000 (200/55R17) have been confirmed for Pirelli's racing range for 2011. With the recent championship title awarded to Aprilia, SBK has now seen five manufacturers earn the prestigious title of Superbike World Champion since Pirelli became sole tyre supplier in 2004, while in all the 16 years prior, only three manufactures obtained the title. Pirelli congratulates the 2010 Pirelli Best Lap award winners, Cal Crutchlow (Yamaha) and Kenan Sofuoglu (Honda) and all the riders competing in this season for their impressive efforts and valuable feedback.
Pirelli Performance Awards: SBK Race 1 - Pirelli BEST LAP
Cal Crutchlow (Yamaha World Superbike), 1'38.781 (Lap 3)
SBK Race 2 - Pirelli BEST LAP
Cal Crutchlow (Yamaha World Superbike), 1'38.878 (Lap 5)
Total BEST LAP (SBK): Crutchlow C. (Yamaha World Superbike): 8*, Checa C. (Althea Racing): 7, Rea J. (HANNspree Ten Kate Honda): 5, Biaggi M. (Aprilia Alitalia Racing): 2, Haslam L. (Suzuki Alstare): 2, Guintoli S. (Suzuki Alstare): 1, Fabrizio M. (Ducati Xerox Team): 1
WSS - Pirelli BEST LAP
Eugene Laverty (Parkalgar Honda), 1'42.295 (Lap 9)
Total BEST LAP (WSS): Sofuoglu K. (HANNspree Ten Kate Honda): 5*, Laverty E. (Parkalgar Honda): 5, Lascorz J. (Kawasaki Motocard.com): 2, Pirro M. (HANNspree Ten Kate Honda): 1
Stk1000 - Pirelli BEST JUMP FORWARD
Lorenzo Zanetti (SS Lazio Motorsport), from 9th to 4th (5 positions)
*Best Lap Winner 2010: Fastest Rider of the Year
MotoGP World Championship, Motegi, Japan, Round 14 of 18
Casey Stoner Second Consecutive GP Win at Grand Prix of Japan Casey Stoner celebrated his second victory in as many races with a dominant performance in the Grand Prix of Japan, leading from the first turn to the last to secure his place amongst the elite riders in MotoGP history. Stoner's 22nd premier-class success moves him up to joint eighth in the all-time winners list alongside the legendary Geoff Duke, John Surtees and Kenny Roberts Sr.
Rossi fastest on Friday as title contender Pedrosa breaks his collarbone Grand Prix of Japan, Day 1 Practice, Friday October 1st- - After having experienced dip in form in recent weeks following his injury-plagued season, Valentino Rossi got his Grand Prix of Japan weekend off to a promising start with the fastest lap of the first free practice session on Friday. The reigning World Champion clocked a best time of 1’48.174 with his final lap of the Twin Ring Motegi circuit and in doing so snatched top spot from fellow Italian Andrea Dovizioso, leaving him 0.213s clear at the end of the hour-long practice.
However the major talking point of the day was an extremely unfortunate stroke of bad luck for Spain’s Dani Pedrosa. Heading into the weekend Pedrosa sat 56 points behind compatriot Jorge Lorenzo and is the only rider capable of preventing the Mallorcan from winning the title, however inside the opening five minutes of the session the Repsol Honda rider crashed out, fracturing his left collarbone in three places.
The 25 year-old had completed just two laps when he came off his factory RC212V between turns eight and nine, and was stretchered to the medical centre where his injury was confirmed following X-rays. Pedrosa will miss this weekend’s race and will return to Spain where he will undergo surgery before making a decision on when he will make his racing return.
That left Dovizioso to carry the flag for the factory team and the Italian led until the final moments of the session, eventually placing second with his time of 1’48.387. Just 0.087s behind him was Lorenzo, who was exactly three-tenths of a second off his team-mate Rossi’s pace.
Casey Stoner set the fourth fastest time on his Ducati Desmosedici GP10, just seven-thousandths off Lorenzo, with Ben Spies (Monster Yamaha Tech 3) recovering from a moment midway through the session to place fifth. Hiroshi Aoyama (Interwetten Honda MotoGP) completed the top six after an impressive session ended with the Japanese rider looking in good shape for his home GP.
Colin Edwards (Monster Yamaha Tech 3), Héctor Barberá (Páginas Amarillas Aspar), Loris Capirossi (Rizla Suzuki) – on his return after a one-race absence through injury – and Marco Simoncelli (San Carlo Honda Gresini Team) were all inside the top ten.There were run-offs during the session for Randy de Puniet (LCR Honda), Marco Melandri (San Carlo Honda Gresini Team) and Aleix Espargaró (Pramac Racing), whilst Nicky Hayden (Ducati Team) had a crash inside the final five minutes, from which the American walked away uninjured.
Report Day 2 Qualifying Sees Dovizioso on Pole Motegi, Japan, Day 2 Qualifying Oct 2nd - Andrea Dovizioso’s first pole position in the MotoGP class was secured on Saturday as the Repsol Honda rider topped the qualifying session for the Grand Prix of Japan. Having taken his first-ever front-row start in the premier class at Laguna Seca earlier this season, the Italian went one better at Motegi, where he won a battle for top spot on the timesheet with a best lap of 1’47.001.In the absence of his team-mate Dani Pedrosa, who today returned to Spain to undergo surgery on the collarbone he fractured in yesterday’s free practice, Dovizioso carries the hopes of the Honda factory team into tomorrow’s race. The manufacturer has been winless at its home circuit since Tamada’s victory in 2004 and the Italian will be desperate to break the sequence and seal his first victory of the season.
A satisfied Dovizioso commented after the session, “I’m really happy to be on pole and also surprised because I didn’t expect to get so close to going under a 1m 47s lap here. This is like my second home race because it’s the home of the team, which makes it even more special to get my first pole position here. I’m also so happy about the performance of the RC212V. We’re looking good for the race because my style is usually not to go at my absolute maximum pace in practice and qualifying, so I’m hopeful for tomorrow.”
Behind, Valentino Rossi’s final lap of the session placed the Fiat Yamaha rider in second position and gave him his first front-row starting position since he took pole at Le Mans back in May before he suffered the injury that destroyed his season. The reigning World Champion, who has looked in good shape throughout the weekend, was just 0.054s off his fellow Italian.Completing the front row having battled with Dovizioso for top spot in the closing stages was Casey Stoner. The Ducati Team rider, who had a minor run-off at turn five early on, was a fraction over a tenth of a second off the pole position time.
Starting a race off the front row for the first time this season will be Championship leader Jorge Lorenzo, after the Fiat Yamaha man placed fourth in the session. Lorenzo had led during the early stages but eventually ended the hour 0.205s off Dovizioso’s pace. Colin Edwards (Monster Yamaha Tech 3) equalled his best qualification of the season so far with fifth, with team-mate Ben Spies once again proving his aptitude at learning new tracks in an impressively quick manner and taking the final spot on row two.
Two run-offs during the session failed to hold back Randy de Puniet (LCR Honda) as he placed seventh, with Marco Simoncelli (San Carlo Honda Gresini Team) and Rizla Suzuki duo Álvaro Bautista and Loris Capirossi completing the top ten. The veteran Italian had a crash early on in the session but returned to the track to set his best time, which was just over a second off pole.
Héctor Barberá (Páginas Amarillas Aspar) was the only other rider to crash, with Nicky Hayden (Ducati Team), Aleix Espargaró (Pramac Racing) and Hiroshi Aoyama (Interwetten Honda MotoGP) all running off track but able to stay on board and bring their bikes back safely.
How many technicials does it take to work a lap top? Five. How many cute wives do you need to hold your umbrella? Just one.
Stoner seals second straight win with Motegi victory Race Day Sunday Oct 3rd - In his final ride for the Ducati Corse MotoGP Team, Casey Stoner followed up his first win of the season at Aragón with a second victory at the Grand Prix of Japan today, with pole-sitter Andrea Dovizioso second and Valentino Rossi in third. It was another strong performance from the Ducati rider, who many felt would be unable to challenge at the front today. Stoner took the lead in turn two after having started the race from third on the grid and then coolly managed a half-second gap to Dovizioso throughout the majority of the 24-lap race.
Lorenzo and Rossi tangled, bounced and bashed off each other the entire race in their battle for 3rd. The Doctor eventually won.
The real excitement in the Grand Prix however was drawn from Fiat Yamaha team-mates Rossi and Jorge Lorenzo’s intense battle for the final spot on the podium, which after swapping paint as they jostled for position ended with the reigning World Champion finishing ahead of the champion-elect.
As at Aragón, Stoner got a fast start and took the lead on the opening lap and quickly settled into a rhythm much higher than he had shown in practice. He traded fast laps in the early stages with Dovizioso, who had from pole for the first time in the premier class and stuck with him for the early stages. Lorenzo hinted at what was to come as he passed Rossi to assume third, but that was just the start of the duo’s enthralling contest.Ben Spies (Monster Yamaha Tech 3) and Nicky Hayden (Ducati Team) ran off at turn five together on only the second lap as they dropped down the order, whilst rookie Marco Simoncelli (San Carlo Honda Gresini) and Colin Edwards (Monster Yamaha Tech 3) pitted their wits against one another in the push for fifth.
Stoner began to open up a slender lead over Dovizioso which eventually became a full second with just seven laps remaining, while further down the order Loris Capirossi (Rizla Suzuki) was forced to retire when his bike seemingly stalled as he ran wide alongside team-mate Álvaro Bautista in the chase for seventh place.
With Stoner assured of victory and Dovizioso returning to the podium after an eight-race stint without a top-three finish, Rossi and Lorenzo locked horns in the kind of battle that demonstrates there is little in the way of team orders at Yamaha. Repeatedly pushing one another the pair clashed bikes with two laps to go as they fought side-by-side in a rousing finale to the race.
Victory for Stoner came by a margin of 3.868s and Dovizioso’s fifth podium of the season – his first since Silverstone – was also confirmed. Rossi managed to hold his own in third place and score a seventh rostrum result of 2010, and in the process ensure that Lorenzo finished outside the top three for the second successive race. In the absence of the injured Dani Pedrosa, Lorenzo’s lead at the top of the Championship was extended to 69 points and if Pedrosa fails to make the Malaysian round, Lorenzo needs just a tenth place finish to assure himself of his maiden MotoGP crown.
Edwards won his personal scrap with Simoncelli to post a season’s best result of fifth, with the Italian sixth and Bautista seventh. Ben Spies, Randy de Puniet (LCR Honda) and Hiroshi Aoyama (Interwetten Honda MotoGP) completed the top ten.Toni Elías took another step towards sealing the 2010 Moto2 World Championship with victory in the Grand Prix of Japan on Sunday, holding off the determined challenge of Julián Simón to take his seventh win of the season.
Casey Stoner (Ducati Marlboro Team) 1st - “This win feels great. I could have never imagined when I began my first season in Grand Prix at sixteen years of age that I would reach this level and all I can say is that it is an honour to be alongside such great names. I have taken all my MotoGP wins with Ducati and it is down to their fantastic support, hard work and above all their belief in me that this has been possible.
Once again we put in maximum effort all weekend here to find some stability in the hard braking and acceleration zones at this circuit, which has been a massive challenge for us. We tried something in warm-up this morning that didn't quite work so we took a bit of a lucky dip for the race and it paid off. Once I got out in front I knew we had a chance to win but it wasn't without fighting for it because Andrea (Dovizioso) rode a great race to push me all the way to the last lap. It's a big win for me, especially because it's my first at this circuit and that means a lot.”
Andrea Dovizioso (Repsol Honda RC212V): 2nd “I pushed at 100 percent for the whole race and the lap times of Casey (Stoner) and me were pretty impressive and very consistent. At the beginning, Casey was really fast when the tyres weren’t fully up to temperature and at that moment I knew it was going to be a hard fight with him. I don’t know what Casey did to up his pace today but his speed was amazing. There were two or three places on that lap where he was faster than me every time, but I saw that he was also on the limit and so I kept pushing. It was hard to maintain the pace on the tyre in the last few laps and I nearly had a big highside three laps from the end - at that moment I knew I couldn’t win the race. It was a little bit disappointing because I wanted the win and I thought it was possible today, but I’m really happy to be back on the podium again. Following Casey I learned a lot about the strategy for tuning the electronics settings for the final part of the race when the tyre performance is dropping off, so this is really positive for the future. I want to say thank you to the team because I’m in this position thanks to their hard work. And also thanks to HRC - I’m really glad to have a good result at Honda’s home race.”
Valentino Rossi - Position: 3rdTime: +5.707 - "What a great race! Of course I would have preferred to be battling for the win but anyway it was a great feeling, a real show and I want to congratulate Jorge because he was very strong and didn't give up! Unfortunately I lost time at the start when he passed me so Stoner and Dovizioso got away, and by the time I passed him again they were too far ahead. At the end I was tired and my tyre was sliding a lot, it was a bit softer than I would have liked, so I knew I was going to be in trouble but I wanted the podium so much. Jorge came back at me and we had a great battle, proper racing - I think everyone watching enjoyed it. It's been a great weekend because we expected it to be difficult but in fact we've been strong in every session and worked very well on our bike. The shoulder is okay at the moment so let's go to Malaysia and see if we can continue like this, or better!"
Lorenzo's skid lid - a cool cat skateboarding!
Jorge Lorenzo - Position: 4thTime: +6.221 - "This was a big battle between Valentino and I, two warriors with the killer instinct. I have to say that at some points I do not think he was completely fair, we were both on the limit but some of his moves were maybe a bit too much and he touched me and pushed me wide when I don't think it was right. We are team-mates, I am fighting for the Riders' Championship but we are both fighting for the Teams' and Manufacturers' Championship as well and we have to remember this. I am disappointed to miss the podium of course because I wanted one at Yamaha's home, but this is racing. We chose to ride with the old engine to be safe and then I wasn't getting the best feeling from the front tyre, so things weren't perfect for me, but anyway we took some good points. We are very close to getting our dream and I really hope we can do it next weekend in Sepang.
Race Classification MotoGP: (24 laps = 115.224 km)
Pos / Rider / Nat / Team / Motorcycle / Time/ KM/H / Gap
1 / Casey STONER / AUS / Ducati Team / DUCATI / 43'12.266 / 160.016 /
2 / Andrea DOVIZIOSO / ITA / Repsol Honda Team / HONDA / 43'16.134 / 159.778 / 3.868
3 / Valentino ROSSI / ITA / Fiat Yamaha Team / YAMAHA / 43'17.973 / 159.665 / 5.707
4 / Jorge LORENZO / SPA / Fiat Yamaha Team / YAMAHA / 43'18.487 / 159.633 / 6.221
5 / Colin EDWARDS / USA / Monster Yamaha Tech 3 / YAMAHA / 43'39.358 / 158.361 / 27.092
6 / Marco SIMONCELLI / ITA / San Carlo Honda Gresini / HONDA / 43'42.287 / 158.184 / 30.021
7 / Alvaro BAUTISTA / SPA / Rizla Suzuki MotoGP / SUZUKI / 43'44.092 / 158.076 / 31.826
8 / Ben SPIES / USA / Monster Yamaha Tech 3 / YAMAHA / 43'47.838 / 157.85 / 35.572
9 / Randy DE PUNIET / FRA / LCR Honda MotoGP / HONDA / 43'59.830 / 157.133 / 47.564
10 / Hiroshi AOYAMA / JPN / Interwetten Honda MotoGP / HONDA / 44'01.864 / 157.012 / 49.598
11 / Marco MELANDRI / ITA / San Carlo Honda Gresini / HONDA / 44'02.265 / 156.988 / 49.999
12 / Nicky HAYDEN / USA / Ducati Team / DUCATI / 44'02.969 / 156.947 / 50.703
13 / Hector BARBERA / SPA / Paginas Amarillas Aspar / DUCATI / 44'03.688 / 156.904 / 51.422
14 / Aleix ESPARGARO / SPA / Pramac Racing Team / DUCATI / 44'05.109 / 156.82 / 52.843
15 / Mika KALLIO / FIN / Pramac Racing Team / DUCATI / 44'26.934 / 155.536 / 1'14.668
Pole Position: Andrea DOVIZIOSO 1'47.001 161.527 Km/h
Fastest Lap : Valentino ROSSI 1'47.395 160.934 Km/h Lap 7
Circuit Record Lap: Casey STONER 1'47.091 161.391 Km/h 2008
Circuit Best Lap: Jorge LORENZO 1'45.543 163.758 Km/h 2008
Moto 2
Immediately from the off pole man Simón and Elías, who started from the front row, were at the head of the race and they swapped the lead on a number of occasions in the early stages.The duel between Elías and Simón continued to rage at the front whilst Alex de Angelis (JiR Moto2), Yuki Takahashi (Tech3 Racing), Karel Abraham (Cardion AB Motoracing) and Scott Redding (Marc VDS Racing Team) all remained in the hunt for third place.
Elías managed to resist Simón’s determined push and eventually finished 0.315s ahead of his fellow Spaniard. For the Gresini Racing rider victory stretched his advantage at the top of the Championship to 81 points over Simón, who finished second for the fourth race in succession.An intense last-lap push for third place saw De Angelis and Abraham touch bikes on the final lap, with the Czech rider coming out on top for his first ever World Championship podium.
Elias stretched his championship lead over Simon to 71 points, 249 to 168, with four races to run. Andrea Iannone (Fimmco Speed Up, Speed Up) had an off day finishing 13th after running off the track. He remains third in points with 147.
There was no rest for the teams, as they had to quickly pack for next weekend’s race in Sepang, Malaysia, followed a week later by the Australian Grand Prix at Philip Island.
Race Classification Moto2 (23 laps = 110.423 km)
Pos / Rider / Nat / Team / Motorcycle / Time/ KM/H / Gap
1 / Toni ELIAS / SPA / Gresini Racing Moto2 / MORIWAKI / 43'50.930 / 151.095 /
2 / Julian SIMON / SPA / Mapfre Aspar Team / SUTER / 43'51.245 / 151.077 / 0.315
3 / Karel ABRAHAM / CZE / Cardion AB Motoracing / FTR / 44'00.769 / 150.532 / 9.839
4 / Alex DE ANGELIS / RSM / JIR Moto2 / MOTOBI / 44'01.108 / 150.513 / 10.178
5 / Scott REDDING / GBR / Marc VDS Racing Team / SUTER / 44'02.167 / 150.453 / 11.237
6 / Yuki TAKAHASHI / JPN / Tech 3 Racing / TECH 3 / 44'03.708 / 150.365 / 12.778
7 / Stefan BRADL / GER / Viessmann Kiefer Racing / SUTER / 44'08.214 / 150.109 / 17.284
8 / Thomas LUTHI / SWI / Interwetten Moriwaki Moto2 / MORIWAKI / 44'08.822 / 150.075 / 17.892
9 / Roberto ROLFO / ITA / Italtrans S.T.R. / SUTER / 44'10.165 / 149.999 / 19.235
10 / Alex DEBON / SPA / Aeroport de Castello - Ajo / FTR / 44'10.498 / 149.98 / 19.568
11 / Simone CORSI / ITA / JIR Moto2 / MOTOBI / 44'13.643 / 149.802 / 22.713
12 / Dominique AEGERTER / SWI / Technomag-CIP / SUTER / 44'14.347 / 149.762 / 23.417
13 / Andrea IANNONE / ITA / Fimmco Speed Up / SPEED UP / 44'16.777 / 149.625 / 25.847
14 / Claudio CORTI / ITA / Forward Racing / SUTER / 44'18.458 / 149.531 / 27.528
15 / Raffaele DE ROSA / ITA / Tech 3 Racing / TECH 3 / 44'19.626 / 149.465 / 28.696
Pole Position: Julian SIMON 1'53.008 152.941 Km/h
Fastest Lap (New record) : Julian SIMON 1'53.653 152.073 Km/h Lap 6
Circuit Record Lap: New category
Circuit Best Lap: Julian SIMON 1'53.008 152.941 Km/h 2010
Race Classification 125cc (20 laps = 96.02 km)
Pos / Rider / Nat / Team / Motorcycle / Time / KM/H / Gap
1 / Marc MARQUEZ / SPA / Red Bull Ajo Motorsport / DERBI / 39'46.937 / 144.818 /
2 / Nicolas TEROL / SPA / Bancaja Aspar Team / APRILIA / 39'49.549 / 144.659 / 2.612
3 / Bradley SMITH / GBR / Bancaja Aspar Team / APRILIA / 39'55.333 / 144.31 / 8.396
4 / Pol ESPARGARO / SPA / Tuenti Racing / DERBI / 40'05.810 / 143.682 / 18.873
5 / Alberto MONCAYO / SPA / Andalucia Cajasol / APRILIA / 40'18.910 / 142.904 / 31.973
6 / Esteve RABAT / SPA / Blusens-STX / APRILIA / 40'19.076 / 142.894 / 32.139
7 / Danny WEBB / GBR / Andalucia Cajasol / APRILIA / 40'33.653 / 142.038 / 46.716
8 / Luis SALOM / SPA / Stipa-Molenaar Racing GP / APRILIA / 40'36.381 / 141.879 / 49.444
9 / Adrian MARTIN / SPA / Aeroport de Castello - Ajo / APRILIA / 40'36.804 / 141.854 / 49.867
10 / Johann ZARCO / FRA / WTR San Marino Team / APRILIA / 40'42.849 / 141.503 / 55.912
11 / Randy KRUMMENACHE / SWI / Stipa-Molenaar Racing GP / APRILIA / 40'43.621 / 141.458 / 56.684
12 / Sandro CORTESE / GER / Avant Mitsubishi Ajo / DERBI / 40'43.675 / 141.455 / 56.738
13 / Simone GROTZKYJ / ITA / Fontana Racing / APRILIA / 40'52.925 / 140.922 / 1'05.988
14 / Marcel SCHROTTER / GER / Interwetten Honda 125 / HONDA / 40'57.276 / 140.672 / 1'10.339
15 / Jasper IWEMA / NED / CBC Corse / APRILIA / 40'57.455 / 140.662 / 1'10.518
Pole Position: Marc MARQUEZ 1'58.030 146.433 Km/h
Fastest Lap: Sandro CORTESE 1'58.666 145.649 Km/h Lap 4
Circuit Record Lap: Mika KALLIO 1'57.666 146.886 Km/h 2006
Circuit Best Lap: Mattia PASINI 1'56.954 147.781 Km/h 2007
Aly Michalka Kicks Ass in TV's Hellcats and on the big screen in Easy A
October 1st 2010 -
One of our favorite Chicks that Kick Ass! - Aly Michalka of the sister music duo Aly&AJ, has now hit the big time in two of this fall's hottest TV shows and movies. "Hellcats" on the CW channel on Wednesday nights is one of this season's biggest hits with Aly playing the lead role of Marti, a sexy college freshman who had to join the school's Hellcats cheerleading squads in order to earn a scholarship to help pay for school. If you like beautiful girls bouncing and cart wheeling and cat fighting in skimpy cheerleading outfits like us, then Hellcats is a must record for your TiVo. Go to the official Hellcats web page: http://www.cwtv.com/shows/hellcats
Aly & AJ Into the Rush
Enhanced CD & DVD click to order
Aly & AJ INSOMINATIC
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If you haven't heard or bought Aly&AJ's
first 2 albums, now is your chance.
Just click her to listen and buy.
Aly even got to perform a Stinger cover song on stage in the local college pub in the season's 3rd episode "Nobody Loves Me But My Mother."
And together with sister AJ Michalka (who just graduated high school this year, with Aly being 4 years older) the girls have just recorded the Hellcats new theme song which will begin airing with the season's 6th episode. The girl duo wrote and recorded two excellent record albums with their original label Hollywood Records while still in high school and we had the chance to see them perform in the LA area in two of very few live concerts they ever did.
Hollywood Records dropped the girls last year amid the dramatic change in the music industry caused by the change to online downloading and the economy. But Aly and AJ are still writing and recording songs under the new band name 78Violet and hope to finish up a new album when Aly is finished latter this year filming the first season up Hellcats. In the meantime, if you haven't heard or bought their first 2 albums, now is your chance. Just click her to listen and buy.
While AJ was finishing up high school, Aly was expanding her movie credits from an earlier Disney movie with AJ, having co-stared last year in the movie Band Slam with Vanessa Hudgins about a teen girl band. Aly shined as the best part of the film with her incredible acting, singing and guitar playing performances and beautiful looks. Now Aly is back co-starring in what has to be the best comedy movie of the year, "Easy A" with Emma Stone in theatres now. If you haven't seen it, you must. It is one of the most cleverly written and cast comedies ever. Emma Stone is incredible as the wallflower who wants to be noticed, and Aly plays the bitchy "In Crowd" school mate.
The making of the FasDates.com Calendars DVD movies are available from Amazon.com and in the FastDates.com Video Store.
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The End of a 21 Year Era
of Dominace in World Superbike
MICHEL FABRIZIO SCORES FINAL PODIUM FOR THE DUCATI XEROX TEAM AT MAGNY-COURS
Magny-Cours (France), Sunday 4th October: an emotionally charged day for the Ducati Xerox Team that, with riders Michel Fabrizio and Noriyuki Haga, ran its final due World Superbike races this afternoon at the French circuit of Magny-Cours; Fabrizio gave his all to reward the team with one final podium, scoring a third place finish in Race 2, Haga coming home in fifth.
Race 1 was challenging for both of the Ducati Xerox riders. Michel made a good start, up in third after the first corners; the first half of his race consisted of a battle for the top three places against Max Biaggi, Cal Crutchlow and Sylvain Guintoli. Fabrizio held third place until the fifteenth lap, after which Carlos Checa and Leon Haslam, lying in fourth and fifth respectively, picked up their pace, managing to get past Michel who was by that point struggling with a lack of front grip. The Italian rider continued to push until the very end but ultimately had to be satisfied with sixth position. Noriyuki on the other hand lost a couple of positions off the line and struggled to catch faster riders ahead of him. By mid-race he had regained some of the lost ground but there was already a three second gap between him and Jakub Smrz, ahead of him in seventh, and he was unable to catch the Czech rider who had a slightly faster pace. The Japanese rider closed Race 1 in seventh position.
Similar conditions in Race 2, with a track temperature of 30°C. Both Noriyuki and Michel got away well this time, lying in third and fourth place respectively by the end of the first lap. When Cal Crutchlow got past both of them, Noriyuki lost some ground while Michel was able to maintain a strong pace, fighting against Sylvain Guintoli for the third podium spot for the best part of the race. Fabrizio oscillated between third and fourth place until the last lap when a final attack on the French rider paid off; Michel crossed the line in third, a fraction of a second ahead of Guintoli. Haga held fifth position from the third lap to the finish line, running a solitary race sandwiched between the leaders and chasing group.
At the end of the 2010 World Superbike Championship, Noriyuki finishes in sixth position in the riders classification, with 258 points, while Michel Fabrizio closes in eighth, having accumulated 195 points. The team has celebrated victories at Valencia, Kyalami and Nurburgring and thanks also to these results, Ducati finishes second in the manufacturers championship, emphasizing the potential of the Ducati 1198. Today’s races were the last for the Ducati Xerox factory team; as already communicated, Ducati will support satellite teams that participate in the 2011 SBK championship rather than run a factory outfit. Over the last 22 years of competition, Ducati has amassed 16 manufacturer’s titles, 13 rider’s titles and a total of 718 podiums, 291 of which race wins.
Michel Fabrizio (Race 1 – 6th, Race 2 – 3rd)
“The first race didn’t go as planned and front tyre wear gave me a lot of problems, preventing me from catching those ahead. In Race 2 I had a great battle with Guintoli. I was braking as hard and as late as possible in order to make up what I was losing on the straights and I had to attack for third right on the last lap. Sylvain wanted the podium because it’s his home race but I wanted it for my team and to wrap up the last three years with the Ducati Xerox team in the best possible way. I thank Ducati, my entire team, the sponsors and the fans; this is our day and I’m going to enjoy it with my team.”
Noriyuki Haga (Race 1 – 7th, Race 2 – 5th)
“I was expecting a much faster second race to tell the truth. In Race 1 I was having problems with the rear tyre and so I thought that the changes we made before the second race would improve the situation. But in Race 2 it was difficult to push because I didn’t have great balance. Anyway, I want to thank my team. The guys have been absolutely fantastic, especially before yesterday’s Superpole and ahead of this morning’s warm-up when they performed miracles to prepare my bike in time. We close this chapter sadly but for the Ducati Xerox Team I have an incredible respect that I will always carry with me.”
Ernesto Marinelli
“It has been a very special weekend and race day. In Race 2 I saw in Michel a determination that made me truly proud, proud not just of him but of the entire team, a unique group of people with whom I have had the honour to work for all these years. To change a frame like they did this morning in 45 minutes or to repair a bike in under 30, is an achievement that can only be accomplished by extraordinary people, thanks to their professionalism, ability and coordination. The biggest thanks therefore goes to them, “thanks guys”. Thanks also to Daniele Casolari and Feel Racing that has helped us along this journey full of successes, to Xerox for the six wonderful years of partnership, to Valsir, Shell, TIM and all the other sponsors that have supported us.”
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Team Alstaire forced to release championship contender Leon Haslam
Team Alstare announcement – Alleur, September 27th, 2010
Team Alstare hereby informs the international press and media that Leon Haslam has been released from the two-year contract with Team Alstare.
For the past six weeks Team Alstare has been waiting for an answer from its principal partner (Suzuki of Japan) regarding the situation for the future of the Team.
Last week, after Francis Batta's visit to Japan, we were assured that an answer would be given to the Team before
the race in Imola (September 23rd). Team Alstare received no news.
Such a lack of interest and an unclear situation from our main partner forces Team Alstare to let Leon decide his own future.
Francis and Patricia Batta have been in contact with Leon Haslam's advisors for the past few weeks and were informed that Leon had received some proposals from manufacturers.
It is therefore in total agreement between the parties that Leon was authorised to deal with another manufacturer in order for him not to lose an opportunity to further his future career.
Team Alstare, Francis, Patricia and all the staff want to thank Leon and his family for the fabulous season he achieved.
We all wish Leon all the best for the season 2011. We are disappointed to lose such a talented rider in whom we had put all of our hopes. Obviously our main partner did not share our opinion.
Leon Haslam will be released from his obligations with Team Alstare on Sunday night after the last race in Magny-Cours
(October 3rd) in order for him to test with his new team. - Francis Batta, Team Alstare President
Leon Haslam:
“This year has been incredible, my best. I’m disappointed not to fulfill my World Superbike title aspirations with Team Alstare, as we planned one year ago. However, I am extremely grateful that they afforded me the opportunity in 2010 and then, graciously, have allowed me to depart in this courteous and gentlemanly manner.”
2nd Team Suzuki Alstare official announcementAlleur, 28th September 2010.
As already stated to the media last weekend in Imola, Team Alstare is happy to officially announce that, despite economic difficulties, they and Suzuki have decided to continue their co-operation and their work together.
In order to lower costs for both partners, Team Suzuki Alstare will participate in the 2011 Superbike World Championship with one bike.
At the moment, various considerations are being taken regarding the choice of rider and the final decision will be communicated at Magny-Cours on the evening of Saturday 2nd October.
Leon Haslam to join
Troy Corser at BMW
Motorsport in 2011.
Munich/Stephanskirchen, 28 September 2010. BMW Motorrad Motorsport's rider line-up
for the 2011 season in the FIM Superbike World Championship is now complete. Riding
the second BMW S 1000 RR for the Munich and Stephanskirchen-based team alongside double world champion Troy Corser (38) will be Briton Leon Haslam (27).
"We're extremely excited about working with Troy and Leon," says BMW Motorrad
Motorsport Director Berthold Hauser. "This rider pairing brings together a wealth of
expertise and youthful fighting spirit. We're very pleased to have not only a double world
champion in our team for next year, but also the runner-up in the 2010 World
Championship. It's just the right combination for our recently formed team at this stage of
the project." And Hauser adds: "We've been monitoring Leon for a long time now and
have been more than impressed by his strengths as a rider. We're extremely happy to be
able to welcome him into our team. We have a strong pair of riders in Troy and Leon and
are in no doubt that we'll be able to achieve our ambitious aims with them on board. We
would also like to thank Ruben Xaus, who over the last two years has helped to take the
team to where it is today. We wish him all the best for the future."
Leon Haslam is looking forward to racing for BMW Motorrad. I've watched the progress
of the BMW S1000RR in the past two seasons and the almost constant improvement of
the machine has been very impressive. I'm very much looking forward to riding the machine and experiencing for myself what I've been watching. The team has shown the potential to win and the team has the factory support required so I'm hopeful that I can add the extra little bit that is needed to win. I'm really grateful to BMW for showing such faith in me and patience during difficult times and we're looking forward together now for
a successful 2011."
Leon Haslam profile:
Date of birth: 31st May 1983
Place of birth: Smalley/Derbyshire (GBR)
Residence: Smalley/Derbyshire (GBR)
Marital status: Engaged
Height: 1.73 m
Weight: 67 kg
Hobbies: Golf, wakeboarding, mountain-biking
Passion: My family, motor racing
Favourite circuits: Phillip Island, Assen, Silverstone
First bike: Honda QR 50
First race: 1987, Argentina, 50cc class
Career highlights: 2006/2008: 2nd in British Superbike Championship
2010: WSBK, Kyalami (RSA), Race 2
2010: Currently 2nd in the WSBK riders' standings
WSBK history: 82 races, 19 podiums, 3 wins, 9 second places and 7 third
places, 1 pole position, 2 fastest race laps
Website: www.leonhaslam.com
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STRONG SEASON FINALE FOR SUZUKI ALSTARE
Team Suzuki Press Office - October 3.
With the title already decided, Suzuki Alstare riders Leon Haslam and Sylvain Guintoli gave everything they had at the final round of the World Superbike Championship at Magny-Cours in France today; Haslam taking second in race one and Guintoli fourth in the second race.
Suzuki's World Superbike runner-up Haslam fought his way to second spot in front of 81,500 fans after a battling up from seventh position on the first lap. Towards the end, he was locked in a dogfight with newly-crowned World Champion Max Biaggi (Aprilia) but managed to overtake him just two corners from the end of the final lap and make it stick. Cal Crutchlow (Yamaha) won the race and Carlos Checa (Ducati) also got the better of Biaggi to finish third.
Guintoli was second at the end of the opening lap and remained in the top six throughout the 23-lapper, but was disqualified for ignoring a black flag. He started race two as if he was on fire. The Frenchman led the first eight laps and it looked as if his first podium was on the cards. He dropped to fourth after 16 laps but hustled his way back into contention in the final stages only to be thwarted by Michel Fabrizio (Ducati). Biaggi won the race by the narrowest of margins with Crutchlow second and Fabrizio third.
After race 1, Haslam knew that another podium was a possibility despite his third-row grid position. His start was not particularly good, but he began attacking the leaders and he looked on course for podium number 14. But, on lap six, Toseland highsided in front of him and he had to take to the grass to avoid hitting his fellow countryman. By the time he rejoined the track, he was in 16th place, but a lap later he was already up to 13th. From then on in, Haslam was on a charge, but the leaders were too far ahead for him to better 10th.
Leon Haslam - Race 1: 2nd, Race 2: 10th:
"The first race was the kind of race I love: Full of fighting and everything on the line. I am so happy to get second and so happy to have beaten Max. On the last lap, Max defended his line going into the final two turns, but I was determined to get the better of him and dived underneath him! That surprised him and he wasn't able to recover in time. It was a pretty hard move, but racing's a hard game and sometimes you just have to be tough. I was particularly happy to get on the podium because I didn't get a very good start. I had just worked away and gradually got back into contention. Throughout the whole race I had to make some pretty odd moves, but that's what I had to do to get into the situation of challenging for the podium. The Championship might have been over, but I always want to win races and that's what I set about doing.
"So, although I was on row three of the grid, I knew that a podium was also a possibility in race two. That is until, JT's highside right in front of me! All weekend, he's been riding a bit desperate. The third row of the grid is one thing, but finding yourself in 16th, with the pack long gone is another matter because I had lost so much time going on the grass after avoiding JT. Tenth is not how I wanted to season to end, but that's racing.
"It's been a great year. I only had a couple of DNFs - one my fault and one not - and I've scored 14 podiums. I'm very happy with the season and would like to thank everybody at Alstare Suzuki for all their hard work and support. They made this all possible - the best season I've ever had!"
"To be honest, I'm absolutely gutted! I fought like an animal today and half my effort was ruined because of a black flag. That was in race 1, when I was happily fighting in the top four. I did accidentally cut part of a chicane, but made sure I didn't gain any positional advantage, but it seems that I was supposed to rejoin in some marked area. I didn't see any area, so just assumed all was OK. Later the black flag with my number came out, but by then it was too late. I got disqualified because I was adjudged to have not respected the black flag.
"Race 2 is why I race. It was brilliant! I made a great start and led the first eight laps. I was comfortable in the lead, in fact I felt more comfortable at the front than when I am in a pack of riders. I had a really good battle with Fabrizio in the closing stages. We must have overtaken each other four times on just one lap! Also, he hit me a couple of times, but it was all just a good fight. I did my best to get past him and stay there, but just couldn't manage it. I'm very disappointed not to have got on the podium.
"I've had a fantastic season. I have learnt so much from this team. They've pushed me, made me change as a rider (for the better) and helped me grow. I have felt part of the Alstare family from the beginning and I would like to thank Francis and the whole team for this wonderful experience."
Disapointing Superbike
Finale for Ten Kate Honda
Magny-Cours Oct 3rd - Jonathan Rea was forced to sit out today’s second and final World Superbike race of 2010 at Magny-Cours in France after injuries sustained in a warm-up crash exacerbated those from last weekend at Imola in Italy.
Rea had confounded many with a steely determination to contest this weekend’s final races at the 4.411km Magny-Cours circuit. A specially-constructed cast supported his fractured wrist, while twice-daily strapping by the Clinica Mobile, protected his injured shoulder.
However, an innocuous clamp on a water hose broke on his second lap of morning warm-up, spraying water on to the rear wheel of his Honda CBR1000RR which resulted in a high-speed crash. Rea sustained additional injuries to his right shoulder and gluteus-maximus.
The gutsy 23-year-old from Northern Ireland was determined to fight to hold on to his third place in the championship standings and finished in 12th place in the opening 23-lap race. But the effort exhausted Rea both physically and mentally, and a joint decision with his team saw him sitting out race two.
His Hannspree Ten Kate Honda team-mate, Max Neukirchner, brought his own Fireblade home in the points in both outings, but 13th and 12th places were not the way we had wanted to finish his season with the team.
Jonathan Rea – 12th and DNS
It’s not been a great weekend in Magny-Cours but my championship was pretty much over at Imola with the injuries I picked up there. My surgeon back in Manchester said it would be a pretty dumb idea to ride here but that it would cause no more injuries, only pain. The plastic cast they made helped to get me out there and I had quite good pace, but not for more than three or four laps. Then we had a bit of a freak accident in warm-up this morning with one of the hose clamps on the water pump coming loose and putting water all over the back tyre. It caused me to ha ve a big high-side and I landed on my ass, which really hurt. It wasn’t so bad and they patched me up pretty well but race one just drained all my energy and concentration and I was in quite a lot of pain. The difference between third and fourth was not that much and I know this is a winning team and I’m a winning rider. I learned a lot last year, which I brought to this, and a lot this year which I’ll take into next. I’m going under the knife on Tuesday to start the repairs, so I just want to thank all the team and my fans who have made me strong.
Max Neukirchner – 13th and 12th - Of course today I finished in the points twice, but like most of this season I didn’t really find a good feeling with the bike. In the beginning there were some problems with grip levels and some electronics problems in race one. Of course, it has been a difficult season for all of us and I hope next season will go b etter. I’d like to say thank you to all the guys in the team, who are great. The relationship has always been really good, but the bike and I didn’t really work together very well.
Ronald ten Kate – team manager
With the injuries he sustained at Imola, we always knew Jonathan was going to have a difficult weekend. I was all going relatively OK until warm-up this morning when he had quite a big off which was not his mistake. Unfortunately a water-hose clamp snapped and put water on the tyre and in the crash, Jonathan hurt his right side, which meant there was no side of him without pain. Even so, he was determined to try to defend third place in the championship in race one, but for race two we decided jointly to pull him out. He has gone above and beyond the call of duty this weekend and put more into it than any rider could. It’s not good to lose third in the championship but from the next race on, the a im is not third but first.
Max couldn’t end the season in the way he and the team would have hoped. We have had a tough season together but the co-operation between us has been such that it never led to any frustration. We’ve all kept our heads and kept working together and we’d like to wish him all the best for next season and beyond
BMW Result at
Magny-Cours and
the Season Ahead
In Magny-Cours (FRA), Team BMW Motorrad Motorsport experienced a tough end to what was overall a
successful second season in the 2010 FIM Superbike World Championship. Ruben Xaus (ESP) and Troy
Corser (AUS) posted a total of eight top-five-finishes, and Troy clinched the team's first pole position and
podium finishes. In the championship standings Troy finished 11th (165 points) and Ruben finished 15th (106
points). In the manufacturers' standings BMW ended the season sixth with 201 points (2009: 141 points).
In race 1, Ruben crashed on his third lap in turn 2 after hitting a bump. Troy was fighting with the top guys when
the engine of his BMW S 1000 RR lost power after eight laps. Troy parked the bike. Cal Crutchlow (GBR) won
the race. After consultation with team doctor, Dr. Vincenzo Tota, the team management and Ruben jointly
decided for the Spanish rider not to participate in race 2. The entire team wants to thank Ruben for his
commitment and focus and wish him all the best for his future. Troy started race 2 well, but had to stop early
with gearbox issues. Max Biaggi (ITA) won the final race of the 2010 season.
In the FIM Superstock 1000 Cup Team BMW Motorrad Italia STK rider Ayrton Badovini finished off a superb
season with another great result. After having won the first nine races of the season, he finished the race in
Magny-Cours second. During warm-up, the Italian was involved in a crash. His left calf was crushed, and
subsequently he was in pain. Hendrik von Kuenheim, General Director BMW Motorrad, says: "Our heartiest
congratulations to Ayrton and Team BMW Motorrad Italia STK for this unbelievable season. They were in a
class of their own, dominating the season from the very beginning. This performance proves both the
superiority of Ayrton and the BMW S 1000 RR as a production motorcycle in the FIM Superstock 1000 Cup."
Troy Corser:
Bike: BMW S 1000 RR
Result Race 1: DNF / Fastest Lap Race 1: 1:39.391 min
Result Race 2: DNF / Fastest Lap Race 2: 1:41.159 min
"It has been a really hard weekend for us. We have had some issues with the set-up which has prevented us
from taking advantage of two good starts in today's races. Sadly a technical issue brought an early end to both
races, but I know we have the package to succeed in the long term. On the whole it has been a good year for
the team, and we can now look forward to next year and developing the 2011 bike. Hopefully we can learn from
today and improve so we are ready for the start of next season. I would like to thank the entire team for all their
hard work and commitment over the season and I am really looking forward to next year."
Ruben Xaus:
Bike: BMW S 1000 RR
Result Race 1: DNF / Fastest Lap Race 1: 1:40.166 min
Result Race 2: DNS
"This is not the way I want to finish the season, and I am really sad. Nevertheless, I am not 100 per cent
physically fit, and we decided jointly it would be better for me not to start race 2. I will now recover to be ready
for the challenges ahead."
Berthold Hauser (BMW Motorrad Motorsport Director):
"Unfortunately we have suffered some bad luck over the last couple of races. Our results did not really reflect
the potential of the riders, the team and the bike. We will keep our heads up and look into the future positively. I
want to thank Ruben on behalf of the entire team for his commitment. We wish him all the best. Nevertheless,
as soon as one season is over another begins: On Tuesday we will test here in Magny-Cours - for the first time
with our new rider line-up. Not only Troy, but also Leon Haslam will ride the BMW S 1000 RR. We want to thank
Suzuki Alstare, and in particular Francis and Patricia Batta, for the early release of Leon. Their cooperation has
been extraordinary. We really appreciate their magnanimous gesture."
Ten Kate Honda in
World Supersport
A Decade of Dominance
Kenan Sofuoglu’s victory today in the 2010 World Supersport championship marks a remarkable decade of domination for the Ten Kate Honda team, supported for the last four years by electronics giant Hannspree.
After securing a maiden victory at Brands Hatch with Karl Muggeridge in 2000, the team has gone on to dominate the series like no other, securing its eighth riders’ title with Sofuoglu at Magny-Cours on 3rd October 2010.
Sofuoglu’s pole position at Magny-Cours this weekend was the team’s 63rd and his second place in the race behind fellow Honda rider, Eugene Laverty, the 120th podium finish for the Dutch-based squad.
Sofuoglu himself is the most successful rider in the history of the World Supersport championship, taking a total of 17 race wins and 39 podium finishes, both of which are a record.
With his 2010 World Supersport title, Sofuoglu joins Andrew Pitt and Sébastien Charpentier, bo th former Ten Kate Honda riders, as a double championship winner.
Ten Kate Honda – World Supersport championship, 2000-2010
Pole positions 63
Podiums 120
Race wins 61
Fastest laps 56
Championship titles (rider) 8
Championship titles (manufacturer - Honda) 8
Class Records
Most consecutive titles (2002 – 2008) 7
Most consecutive race wins (to Lausitzring 2005) 13
Most consecutive pole positions (to Misano 2005) 12
Most individual rider race wins (Kenan Sofuoglu) 17
Kenan Sofuoglu
Pole positions 12
Podiums 39 (record)
Race wins 17 (record)
Fastest laps 15 (joint record)
Championship titles 2
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Yamaha confirms Lorenzo for two more years
Motegi, Japan Oct 2nd - Yamaha Motor Co. Ltd announced that it has reached an agreement with Jorge Lorenzo whereby the Spaniard will remain with the factory for the next two years.
23-year-old Lorenzo, who joined Yamaha in 2008, has won an impressive seven races so far this season and is on target to take his first premier-class crown. He currently leads the standings by 56 points with five rounds remaining.
Managing Director of Yamaha Motor Racing Lin Jarvis said, "we are extremely happy that we have reached an agreement with Jorge to remain a Factory Yamaha rider for 2011 and 2012. Since he joined three years ago he has made great progress and has improved himself every year to go from fourth place and ‘best rookie' in 2008, to second place in 2009, to challenging for the MotoGP championship title in 2010. I am particularly pleased to finally get the agreement in place here in Japan because it will now enable Jorge to focus all of his efforts and concentration in the coming weeks to try to secure his first MotoGP class rider's title. Being only 23 years old I believe Jorge has a long career ahead of him and hopefully he can win many world titles with Yamaha.
"Jorge will be joined by Ben Spies in the Factory Team next year and with these two exceptionally talented hungry young riders we will start the 2011 season with the most exciting and competitive team in the paddock."
Lorenzo added, "my first choice was always to stay here with Yamaha and I am very glad that this will happen. I feel happy here; I have good people around me, a strong relationship with Yamaha and a great bike. I want to say thanks again to Lin Jarvis, who has always supported me. Now we are focused on winning the championship but I am already excited about next season. I know that Ben and I can do a great job for Yamaha and I want to thank them for their belief in me."
Rossi back on the podium after epic fight with team mate Lorenzo
Motegi, Oct 3rd - Valentino Rossi and Jorge Lorenzo put on a brilliant show for the Japanese fans at Motegi today, fighting it out for the final podium position in a battle that went down to the wire. Rossi just prevailed over his team-mate to take third, his sixth podium of the season, while Lorenzo's fourth place sets up his first Championship match-point at Sepang next weekend.
The excitement between the pair started at turn one, when Lorenzo pulled an audacious move on Rossi, passing him around the outside and exiting the second corner in third place, with the Italian in fourth. As the eventual-winner and runner-up Casey Stoner and Andrea Dovizioso moved clear in front, Rossi was determined not to let his team-mate escape and stuck close behind, looking for every occasion to pass him. He tried a few times before he was able to make it stick and the reigning World Champion eventually passed the current championship-leader on the sixth lap of 24, going on to set the fastest lap of the race on the next lap.
Rossi and Lorenzo then settled into a rhythm with a gap of a few tenths between them, although they were unable to make much headway on the leaders, who were nearly two seconds ahead of them by that point. As the race sped towards its climax Rossi's tyres began to slide a little and Lorenzo took the fight to him, making his first move on lap 18 but unable to stay in front. On the penultimate lap an incredible passing sequence led to the pair touching fairings on more than one occasion and the excitement did not end there, as they swapped positions several more times before Rossi just gained the advantage in the final few corners and crossed the line half a second in front.
Lorenzo is now 69 points ahead of the injured Dani Pedrosa and needs to be at least 75 ahead of his fellow Spaniard after the Sepang race to seal the win there. Rossi has slipped back to fifth in the championship but he is only three points off Dovizioso and has fourth firmly in his sights. The MotoGP paddock now packs up and moves straight to Malaysia for the next round in one week's time at Sepang.
Jim Gianatsis, Editorial Director
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