Stoner returns to Sepang in HRC test

Courtesy of Honda Racing Corporation

Two-time MotoGP World Champion, Casey Stoner, has completed a successful test in Sepang with Honda Racing Corporation. Casey began his test schedule at the 5.548km Sepang Circuit – 75km to the south of Kuala Lumpur – on Thursday mid-morning. Brief rain showers interrupted testing throughout the course of the three days, but nonetheless Casey was able to fulfil the plan set by HRC. Casey spent time on both the 2014 and 2015 RC213V machines, doing a chassis comparison and analysed new variations of the new spec brought to this test by HRC. He also tried new brakes from Brembo amongst various other testing components. The engineers also took advantage of having Casey in Sepang to run a few laps on the Suzuka 8 Hour Honda CBR1000RR in the afternoon on the final day.

Casey Stoner 27 Test Rider – MotoGP “Overall it’s been a good test, very positive and we got a lot done! On the first day we worked on the base setup and tested some small things before the rain arrived and we had to stop. Then on day two I spent a lot of time doing a back-to-back chassis comparison from last year’s bike to this year’s and I also tested different variations of the chassis. Brembo brought some new aluminium callipers for us to try and Honda had several other test items which we managed to get through before the rain came once again. On the final day we confirmed some feelings from yesterday and tried a few electronic packages as well as some different suspension. Riding the CBR was very different, I’ve never really ridden that kind of bike, the shifting, riding position, engine power, weight characteristic etc was quite difficult and took some getting used to. After a few exits I had more of an understanding and was able to give some feedback. In general it was a lot of fun and I enjoyed being able to feel the rear of the bike step out!”.

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Crutchlow looking forward to first 2015 test

Courtesy of MotoGP

One of CWM LCR Honda’s two new riders for 2015, Cal Crutchlow has been training in the U.S. over the winter break to prepare for the forthcoming season.

The Englishman gave motogp.com an update on what he has been up to over the last three months, commenting, “I went immediately after the last test in November to have an operation to take my collarbone plate out. I had some shoulder problems last year with arthritis, so I had to have the arthritis cleared out. It is still really painful but in the long run it will definitely be better. So I’m just trying to get some strength into that shoulder now in preparation for the season.”

He continued, “As always Lucy and I went to America for the winter and spent our time there. I mainly just cycle in the winter as I like to have some time off the motorbike. Sure that’s normally why when I come to the first Sepang test I’m not the fastest or up to speed because I have so long off the bike. I did a little bit on the motocross bike, not too much at all, but up to now I’ve probably done 4,500km on the bicycle, so it’s just like I always do! It seems to be the best training for me and the way my body works, I can lose some weight doing it and there is no impact on my knees from running. I have had a bit of tendonitis in my knee but now I’ve come back to the Isle of Man and it has cleared up quite well. That won’t affect me on the bike at all, it has just affected my cycling a bit.”

Looking ahead to the first test of the year in Sepang, which starts on 4^th February, Crutchlow stated, “I always take the first test as a familiarisation exercise. Sure, once you are up to speed you can start to give good information to the team but I like to build it up over the three days and get my speed more than anything. You have to get your head around going 200mph again!”

On the challenge of riding with a new team this year and on adapting to the Honda RC213V Crutchlow is motivated by the hard work which lies ahead. Asked about how closely he expects his technical package to match that of the Repsol Honda factory riders over the course of the season the former Yamaha and Ducati rider stated, “My priority is to make sure I’m competitive and as close to the front as possible, then we’ll see after that.”

“Sure the bike is going to be a factory spec machine. You are never going to get exactly what Dani and Marc have got, because they are the factory riders, but you get close and you get enough, it was very similar when I was at Tech 3. You are always one step behind. But I’m excited to see what Honda bring out and they always bring out a fantastic motorcycle which is competitive.”

Regarding the arrival of Jack Miller in the premier class in 2015, Crutchlow believes it will be an interesting experience to share a garage with the young Australian – even if one or two practical jokes might be expected between the pair.

“Jack is going to be a force to be reckoned with in the next couple of years in MotoGP but it is a big step for him and I look forward to seeing how he gets on,” Crutchlow said. “I won’t be giving him too many tips because I think he can work it out for himself and he has already had more time on a Honda MotoGP bike than me. We know what he is capable of and I’m sure there is going to be a good atmosphere in our garage, with having Jack there and having me. I’ll think of a few practical jokes for him, but the first thing we need to do is shave his mullet off!”

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Bradl ready for Sepang and aiming for top ten

Courtesy of MotoGP

After three years in MotoGP™ Stefan Bradl starts a new adventure with the NGM Forward Racing team in the 2015 premier class season.

After three years on Honda RC213V prototype machines he switches to Yamaha and at Forward the German rider replaces the top ‘Open’ rider of last season. Aleix Espargaro won the Open class battle in 2014 for Forward Racing with an advantage of 45 points over rookie Scott Redding, collected a second place finish on the podium at Aragon and took seventh in the overall classification – two spots ahead of Bradl.

Those are big steps to follow for the 2011 Moto2™ World Champion with Forward Racing, but he is ready for the challenge as he told motogp.com.

How did you spend the winter and how are your preparations for the new season going?
“I spent most of the winter at home with my friends and family. Every year that’s the only period to spent two months of time at home together with them. I worked on my condition to be prepared for the new season and I worked on my general fitness all winter long. I am ready for the test sessions and I am looking forward to jump on my new bike again.

What kind of bike will you use at Sepang 1? Do you know what new parts or items will be listed on your test schedule?
“I don’t know that exactly, I’ll only see that at Sepang but Yamaha promised me very good material and I am confident we will be provided for perfectly. For me, I need to find a good base setting with the Yamaha and to alter my riding style to that bike. Only then can we look and evaluate new parts and things. I think we will be riding with the 2014 Chassis and also the 2014 engines.”

At the first test sessions at the end of last year you experimented with different suspension solutions. Is a decision still in the making or did you make one already?
“Yeah, that decision was an easy one and we will stick to Öhlins suspension as I simply had a better feeling on it. This was also confirmed at the Jerez test at the end of November once more.”

What do you think will be possible on the NGM Forward Racing Yamaha and who will be your toughest opponents in the upcoming season?
“That’s hard to say before the first tests as there will be a lot of movement in this class, also due to new manufacturers and riders. Essentially I aim for the top ten and further. I think with my team we have the potential to bother the factory riders a bit and that I can interfere a bit there. For sure that wont be easy as the competition is high and it will be a hard fight between places five to 12.”

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Joint statement from Dorna and South Moravian Region

Courtesy of MotoGP

Dorna Sports S.L. and the South Moravian Region have declared common interest in the future of the Grand Prix of the Czech Republic (MotoGP™), with the participation of Automotodrom Brno, a.s.

Dorna Sports S.L. appreciates the help of the South Moravian Region and the Government of the Czech Republic with the payment of the 2014 event fee.

This week’s working meeting is the beginning of negotiations on safeguarding the MotoGP event in Brno over the coming years. Both parties consider as the most suitable next step holding a meeting in Brno with the participation of Dorna Sports S.L., the South Moravian Region and the circuit operator, Automotodrom Brno, a.s.

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Rossi on battle at the top: ‘It’s going to be a good fight’

Courtesy of MotoGP

At Movistar Yamaha MotoGP’s 2015 team launch in Madrid the nine-time World Champion Valentino Rossi looked forward to season ahead in a typically positive frame of mind.

Rossi on battle at the top

So Valentino what are your expectations for 2015?

“The 2014 season was very important to understand my level of competitiveness after so many years in the MotoGP World Championship. We did good races and eventually I ended up right behind Marquez in the overall standing, so I have every reason to be happy about my performances last year. That is past, anyway, and now I want more. I am fully focused on a good start of the new season and I want to be immediately competitive. My team worked extremely hard last year and there was a great atmosphere in the garage. Silvano is now in his second year with me and now he has all the information he needs to allow me to go even faster at every track. I too am feeling well so there are all conditions for an exciting season. I guess we will see the same four riders fighting for the championship. It’s going to be a good fight”.

Considering your results last year, is the tenth title your target this season?

“I will just be focused on delivering my best, on winning as many races as I can. So… yes, I am also thinking to my tenth title. My first thought, however, goes to my M1. I want to ride it again as soon as possible!”

Are you happy with Yamaha’s work throughout the winter?

“I will ride the new bike for the first time in Sepang, so I can’t say at this moment. I know everyone working on Yamaha’s MotoGP project has worked very hard especially to make the bike better and faster. The test in Valencia last year gave us a lot of interesting information and I look forward to seeing if the direction we decided to take at that time will pay us back. I think in Sepang we’ll have many things to test. I am really excited to ride the new bike! I can’t wait for it!”

Do you think that you and Jorge, when you are each in your best shape, can beat Marquez?

“Last year Marquez started the season in a perfect way. On the contrary, both Jorge and I were not at our 100%. Silvano had just joined my team as Crew Chief and I had to understand a few things. Jorge too was not in a perfect shape. Both of us, however, ended the season on a high and I am sure both of us will start the new season with a great desire to win. We will have to do a good job during the tests.”

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Lorenzo on 2015 title: ‘Marquez should be the favourite’

Courtesy of MotoGP

As the Movistar Yamaha MotoGP team launch for 2015 took place, Jorge Lorenzo insisted that World Champion Marc Marquez is again the man to beat this year in MotoGP™.

Lorenzo on 2015 title

In a Q&A session ahead of the forthcoming season Lorenzo previewed this year’s campaign and the preseason tests which commence next week…

Last year began with so many difficulties, how are you this year?

“I think I’m in much better shape. Physically I’m stronger from training because we have been focusing on the best workout sessions and I have not had to undergo surgery as occurred in 2014. Until I get on the bike and see how it’s going I prefer to be cautious and see what happens.”

What has changed in preparing this year compared to 2014?

“Well, last year I decided to change trainers because at the end things were not going as I wanted. Now I’ve found my balance with my new coach from Argentina and have been working conscientiously for this season, so I hope to get better and not make the mistakes of the past year.”

Every year is a new challenge, each year a new dream is coming up. What do you expect this season?

“Well, as I always say I can’t guess the future, the future is uncertain for everyone and especially in sport and in motorcycling where you never know what can happen. Obviously you can prepare well and have more options to get a better result than if you do not but ultimately many factors affect whether you are the best and battling for the title. Last year the bike got better and better and in the second half I was able to take podiums. If we continue improving and other factories do not give many steps forward I think we can start strongly. You never know if winning is enough but at least staying constantly on the podium will mean finishing high up in the World Championship.”

What guarantees has Yamaha given you regarding a more competitive bike?

“We don’t know until we start the first practice of the year. We don’t know at what level the M1 will be at Sepang but I am sure our engineers have worked hard to make it very fast! I know already I should not expect improvements of a second per lap, but I am very positive and optimistic.”

The second half of 2014 season saw you regularly on the podium. Do you feel a strong title contender again this year?

“Last year I certainly was not, because I was never there in the first races because of the mistakes. I prefer not to assume the favourite role because I’m not this time. I think the final result of the championship was in line with how the season went. I think Marquez should be the favourite, and then Valentino. Dani and I are behind until the opposite is proven.”

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Movistar Yamaha MotoGP host 2015 team launch in Madrid

Courtesy of MotoGP

The long winter wait endured by racing fans the world over is coming to an end after the Movistar Yamaha MotoGP team gathered in Madrid to officially launch their 2015 campaign in the quest for title victory.

Movistar Yamaha MotoGP unveil 2015 bikes

A winter of development by Yamaha engineers and exhaustive training by the riders sees a formidable team gathered and ready to prove themselves against the best in the world.

The 2015 season will be the second year of partnership between the Yamaha Factory Team and Spanish company Telefónica. The five-year collaboration started in 2014 looks set to grow from strength to strength, making Telefónica’s headquarters in Madrid the perfect venue to unveil the 2015 livery.

The formidable duo of Italian Valentino Rossi and Spaniard Jorge Lorenzo remain unchanged as the rider line up for the team. Nine-time world champion Rossi delighted the racing world in 2014 with an impressive season, returning to form as a key protagonist. ‘The Doctor’ increased the pressure round after round to finish the season in a well deserved second position.

Four-time world champion Lorenzo had a tougher start to the season but went on to find his rhythm, keeping his teammate firmly in his sights in the podium battles that marked the climax to the year and earning him third in the final standings. 2015 sees them both heading to Sepang for the first test of the year in top form, both physically and mentally, and as very real title contenders.

Presenting the team were Rossi and Lorenzo, alongside the president of Telefónica España, Luis Miguel Gilpérez. They were joined by the General Manager of Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd’s Motorsport Division, Kouichi Tsuji, the Managing Director of Yamaha Motor Racing Srl, Lin Jarvis, and Movistar Yamaha MotoGP’s Team Director, Massimo Meregalli.

The team now travels to Malaysia where the preseason will officially kick off with the first test at Sepang on 4th, 5th and 6th February. This will be the first opportunity for the riders to shake-down the 2015 YZR-M1 before the beginning of the 2015 MotoGP™ World Championship in Qatar on 29th March.

Managing Director of Yamaha Motor Racing Lin Jarvis stated, “Last year we were honored to announce our new partnership with Movistar, a brand that has a rich and strong heritage in the MotoGP championship.”

“We enjoyed a really important and very positive first year together in 2014 to begin our collaboration. This year we have decided to present the new bike at the home of Movistar, at the Districto Telefónica in Madrid. From here the new season begins, and a new adventure for all of us. The “M” for Movistar on the fairings of our M1 is even bigger this year representing even greater union between us. We are once again fortunate to have two great champions in the team and two of the best riders in the world: Valentino Rossi and Jorge Lorenzo. Both want to achieve their goal, to win races and to win the title and I am sure they will be committed to work together as Movistar Yamaha MotoGP team Factory riders to make their bikes faster and more competitive to challenge our competitors.”

“From our side I can assure our riders that Yamaha Motor and everybody in the Movistar Yamaha MotoGP team is committed and focused to provide them all the support they will need to achieve their and our mutual goals. I am as excited to start the new season and together we are ready to challenge for victory 2015.”

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Superprestigio highlights now available for viewing on FansChoice.tv

Courtesy of AMA PRO Racing

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla.  (Jan. 30, 2015) – Fans can now relive the thrilling Superprestigio flat track exhibition race that took place in Barcelona, Spain in December by viewing the highlights of the event’s Superfinal at FansChoice.tv.   The race was originally streamed live thanks to a partnership with Cycle World magazine and RPM Racing, the promoters of the Superprestigio.   In the spectacular international event, AMA Pro Flat Track Grand National Champion Jared Mees went wheel-to-wheel with road racing superstar Marc Marquez to decide the night’s overall winner. Highlights from that finale can be seen by clicking the link below.   The race featured top motorcycle racing stars from around the world and various disciplines. The field boasted three AMA Pro Flat Track representatives, although defending champion of the event, Brad Baker, was unable to race due to an injury suffered in practice.   Highlights from 2014 Superprestigio II Flat Track Exhibition From Barcelona, Spain   Every round of the upcoming 2015 AMA Pro Flat Track season will be available live, in high definition and free of charge for fans to watch online at www.FansChoice.tv.

AMA Pro Racing is the premier professional motorcycle racing organization in North America, operating a full schedule of events and championships for a variety of motorcycle disciplines.  Learn more about AMA Pro Racing at www.amaproracing.com.

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