WIDE OPEN RACING

Archive for the ‘MOTOGP’ Category

Repsol Honda rider Dani Pedrosa, absurdly happy after winning the MotoGP race at Estoril Circuit, Portugal, on Sunday (1/5/11). Of course, success on the podium number one be fun, after successfully defeating kompatriotnya from Spain, Jorge Lorenzo, in the race for 28 laps it. But more exciting again, the condition of his arm, which became the main issue for two series inaugural 2011 season, there have been no problem anymore.

Pedrosa had just had surgery in early April, after appearing in the Spanish GP. The action (surgery) done as a solution to eliminate interference with the arm, following the iron plate on the collarbone. Iron plate was installed after crashing his car during free practice at Motegi last season, which makes injury a broken collarbone. However, the iron plate that was the attacker because his shoulder was numb.

Yesterday, Pedrosa was worried about his condition post-surgery, it is still in the healing process. He hesitated with his fitness, if he can survive as long as race is 28 laps. In fact, Pedrosa appeared very fantastic because it continues to apply pressure to Lorenzo, and managed to crucify the Yamaha rider was on lap 24, to continue to lead the way race and finally a winner.

“Of course winning the race is a great thing, but I can tell you when I’m with Jorge fighting during the race. I just smiled during the race, because I am very pleased with the condition of my arm,” said Pedrosa.

“Okay, I feel sore muscles, but no numbness and no problems. I thought ‘if I finished second in this race, then I am more than happy because it seems the problem is gone’.

“So I’m super-happy. Racing is amazing.

“Jorge makes this race very hard and he made it more interesting.”

Pedrosa admitted that he owed the victory to the medical team who are working hard to heal before the race.

“Thanks to all doctors and all the physio who helped me to be here in a fit condition, although still with the pain. Thanks to them all,” said Pedrosa, who won the first victory in this 2011 season.

Repsol Honda rider Dani Pedrosa, appear fantastic to end the domination of the Yamaha rider, Jorge Lorenzo, on the Estoril circuit, Portugal. In a thrilling race for 28 laps on Sunday (1/5/11), kompatriotnya beat Spaniard Pedrosa, to become champion, as well as grabbed victory in the MotoGP 2011 season premiere this.

Behind the Spanish duo was teammate Pedrosa, Casey Stoner, who closed to within 7.658 seconds. Meanwhile, Valentino Rossi had to accept bitter towards the finish, because prior to crossing the line (the finish), crucified by the other Repsol Honda rider Andrea Dovizioso, who continue to stick it during the race.

Bad outcome must be accepted Gresini Honda rider, Marco Simoncelli, who failed to finish the race. Start from the position of the two and become one of the favorites to win, this spiky-haired rider just had an accident on the first lap in fifth bend, so pupuslah his ambition to win.

With the results of this third series, then Lorenzo stay on top of the standings with 65 points total, the results of one win and two runner-ups, followed by Pedrosa by 61 points. Stoner occupied the top three, which is the winner of the series premiered in Qatar, with a collection of 41 points.

The road race

When the red light signal race starts, Lorenzo immediately skyrocketed. This world champion, who occupy pole at Estoril at the same time establishing their dominance by winning four poles in the last four seasons, followed by Repsol Honda duo Dani Pedrosa and Casey Stoner. Rossi did a great start, because he immediately leapt to fourth after starting ninth drai.

But bad luck struck Simoncelli, because he fell before the fight took place tight. Being in the top three and is trying menggeber bike, this spiky-haired rider bounce off and fall on the fifth corner, now will turn to the left, so he failed to continue the race. Apparently, the Estoril circuit into an arena that brings bad luck for the Italian rider, because since free practice, qualifying, and race, he always had an accident.

Entering the fourth lap, has begun a gap between the two leading rider, that Lorenzo-Pedrosa, with Rossi-Stoner and Dovizioso. Lorenzo and Pedrosa, who competing gaining pole position, winning more than two seconds over Stoner, who “not disturbed” in the top three. While Rossi is more than four seconds adrift of pole position.

Seventh lap, Lorenzo and Pedrosa getting away from the pursuit of his opponents. Spanish duo seems to fight alone to be the best because they only differ less than 0.1 seconds. While Stoner, who is behind them, left more than two seconds. While the fight in the third group of four positions, there was tight battle between Rossi, Dovizioso and Tech 3 Yamaha rider Colin Edwards.

Entering the 12th lap, Rossi was getting farther behind than three competitors in front of him. “The Doctor” for more than eight seconds adrift with Lorenzo, who continued to receive strong pressure from Pedrosa, who until lap this makes three times the fastest lap. Overall, there was no change in composition because all the riders who are still appearing, can maintain its position.

It’s just that, competition becomes increasingly monotonous because it only involves Lorenzo and Pedrosa. Even during the race six laps remaining, they increasingly far left Stoner adrift for more than five seconds, let alone with Rossi, who increasingly left with a gap of more than 13 seconds.

Pedrosa hard struggle to pursue a fruitful Lorenzo on lap 24. After the maximum menggeber bike on the track straight and hard braking, he managed to take from the inside when cornering to the right, so it can take over the course of the race. One lap later, Pedrosa, the total conducted six fastest laps, getting away with more than 0.4 second difference on Lorenzo, who in the past three seasons always dominated the Grand Prix of Portugal (both qualifying and race).

This success also shows that the interference experienced by Pedrosa’s shoulder is recovering. In fact, he was in the process of post-operative healing early April, to remove the metal plate in his collarbone, which is suspected to be causing him numb during the race (in Qatar and Jerez).

Results must be experienced bitter Rossi, who again have to finish in fifth position. It is in a good position to improve the outcome along with Ducati this season, he actually “slip” when it will touch the finish line due to cross Dovizioso. As a result, Rossi returned to repeat the result at the Spanish Grand Prix early April when the finish in the top five, and seven times MotoGP world champion would have to wait longer to realize the dream on the podium.

After the Portuguese Grand Prix, the driver again preparing for the French GP at Le Mans Circuit, on May 15. Last season, Lorenzo became champion in this circuit, followed by Rossi and Dovizioso.

- The Portuguese Grand Prix on Sunday (1/5/11)

1.  Dani Pedrosa          ESP       Repsol Honda Team          45m 51.483s
2. Jorge Lorenzo          ESP      Yamaha Factory Racing      45m 54.534s
3. Casey Stoner           AUS      Repsol Honda Team           45m 59.141s
4. Andrea Dovizioso   ITA       Repsol Honda Team           46m 8.013s
5. Valentino Rossi       ITA       Ducati Marlboro Team       46m 8.038s
6. Colin Edwards        USA      Monster Yamaha Tech 3     46m 24.058s
7. Hiroshi Aoyama      JPN       San Carlo Honda Gresini    46m 30.232s
8. Cal Crutchlow         GBR     Monster Yamaha Tech 3      46m 32.395s
9. Nicky Hayden          USA     Ducati Marlboro Team        46m 46.370s
10. Randy de Puniet     FRA     Pramac Racing Team           46m 51.180s
11. Toni Elias              ESP      LCR Honda MotoGP           46m 51.857s
12. Loris Capirossi      ITA      Pramac Racing Team           46m 53.276s
13. Alvaro Bautista      ESP     Rizla Suzuki MotoGP           47m 15.853s

DNF:
Ben Spies                    USA     Yamaha Factory Racing
Karel Abraham            CZE     Cardion AB Motoracing
Hector Barbera           ESP      Mapfre Aspar Team
Marco Simoncelli       ITA      San Carlo Honda Gresini

- Classification

1. Jorge Lorenzo              Yamaha Factory Racing         65
2. Dani Pedrosa               Repsol Honda Team               61
3. Casey Stoner                Repsol Honda Team               41
4. Valentino Rossi           Ducati Marlboro Team            31
5. Nicky Hayden              Ducati Marlboro Team            30
= Andrea Dovizioso        Repsol Honda Team                30
7. Hiroshi Aoyama          San Carlo Honda Gresini         28
8. Cal Crutchlow             Monster Yamaha Tech 3          21
9. Colin Edwards            Monster Yamaha Tech 3          18
10. Hector Barbera          Mapfre Aspar Team                14
11. Karel Abraham          Cardion AB Motoracing          12
= Toni Elías                    LCR Honda MotoGP                12
13. Marco Simoncelli     San Carlo Honda Gresini          11
14. Ben Spies                 Yamaha Factory Racing             10
15. Loris Capirossi         Pramac Racing Team                 9
16. John Hopkins            Rizla Suzuki MotoGP                 6
= Randy de Puniet           Pramac Racing Team                 6
18. Alvaro Bautista        Rizla Suzuki MotoGP                  3

Jorge Lorenzo take my hat off to fellow Spaniard, Dani Pedrosa, who won the MotoGP race at Estoril Circuit, Portugal, on Sunday (1/5/11). 2010 world champion admitted, Pedrosa on the podium deserved number one, and he would not hesitate to greet the Repsol Honda rider.

Indeed, in the race for 28 laps, Lorenzo could dominate. Start from pole position and had a fantastic record because it is always a winner (and also winning the pole) during the last three seasons at Estoril, the former double world champion 250cc class has continued to be in front until lap 24. But Pedrosa could beat him during the race four laps left, ending ambition to record quatrick Lorenzo in the GP of Portugal.

“As always I try to be the best. I encourage the maximum,” said Lorenzo, after the race.

“I try to create a gap, but when I pass through the straight path, Dani has always been behind me.

“Maybe I pushed too much, make my physical condition slightly worse than Dani.”

In this race, Pedrosa appear very consistent. Whereas in the two previous series, he always difficulties after entering the mid-race, because his physical condition declined rapidly. The existence of an iron plate on the collarbone, is suspected as the cause of Pedrosa numbness in his arm.

After finding the sat problem, then surgery becomes a way to solve the problem. As a result, after it (surgery) done in early April and continued success, Pedrosa’s condition began to improve. This is what makes Lorenzo was also surprised, because Pedrosa very aggressive.

“He deserved to win this race because he’s 100 percent faster at the end of the race and normally it is the opposite,” said Lorenzo. “Let us see what happens in the race, the next race.”

Federation of International Motorsport, FIM, reveal that there are 16 new teams that expressed interest to take part in the MotoGP Competition 2012. That is, the enthusiasm of the newcomers are very high in welcoming the new season, which will use 1,000 cc engine.

“IRTA (The International Road Racing Teams Association) is accepting applications from 16 teams that are not currently participating in the MotoGP class,” the statement FIM.

“After reviewing initial applications with Dorna, it was decided to provide further information to 14 (of 16) which contains the 21 rider team. The teams will be given a prospectus that contains complete details about terms and conditions of participation.

“The teams that want the application processed must wait until Saturday, May 14, to submit comprehensive details of their plans to participate. This application will be reviewed at Le Mans and the team will be notified of acceptance, rejection or pending status.

Yamaha boss, Masao Furusawa, disclose the reasons why he took the decision to retire. People who have enormous influence in the success of Yamaha in the MotoGP arena, said the departure of Valentino Rossi to join Ducati in the 2011 season a major factor in his deciding to quit.

It is undeniable, Furusawa is the “brains” of the success of MotoGP Yamaha to rule in the last seven seasons. He started an era of success when the hook Rossi of Yamaha Honda team at the end of 2003, and since then Yamaha transformed into the most respected teams.

The proof, they successfully brought Rossi won four world titles, and last season’s turn Jorge Lorenzo who continued triumph of “The Doctor”. In fact, Lorenzo appear very dominant and record history by creating the highest point in the history of MotoGP.

Furusawa, however last month announced that his retirement. The news was not too surprising, because it has had time to calm the issue. It also (news Furusawa retirement) which triggers Rossi to lift the foot of the Japanese team, and off to Ducati.

However, the MCN Furusawa revealed the reason he chose to retire. Men born in Kyushu, Japan, February 17, 1951, said that Rossi’s departure a major factor in him deciding to quit, despite Yamaha’s senior management had tried to convince him to survive.

“I actually really wanted to ask Valentino to retire with us and become ambassadors Yamaha for the future. But he changed his mind. MotoGP is very pleasant for him but I’ve decided to quit.

“If Valentino decided to stay with Yamaha, I would probably stay for two more years. But once he decided to go to the Ducati, I immediately decided to quit.

“I received several requests from the President of Yamaha to continue to survive, but I need time to enjoy my life. I still would have a position at Yamaha for another year as an adviser.”

Valentino Rossi is hoping once during the race at Estoril Circuit, Portugal, Sunday (05/01/2011), not accompanied by rain. Although in Jerez (Spain), Ducati rider mainstay of this show and competition increased in the wet track, “The Doctor” still prefer if the weather is hot and dry track.

From the weather forecast, 60 percent chance of rain during three days of staging the third series. Hope Rossi will not only dry the track at Estoril, but in the whole series.

“Postponement of the Japanese MotoGP, empty three weeks time I use to test the Ducati Desmosedici GP12 and my physical recovery,” commented the man born in Urbino, Italy, this. Rossi admitted that he really liked the Estoril circuit. “There (Estoril), we will continue to work to set GP 11.”

Rossi explained that the conditions at Estoril were often unexpectedly due to windy and close to the sea, making the weather variables, especially in the spring. “Although we looked at Jerez is so competitive on the track wet, I still wish there was sun in Portugal,” he begged again.

The development of Rossi at Jerez and then create the spirit of Ducati squad so so excited. No less a spirit also Vittoriano Guareschi, Ducati team manager. “Vale (Rossi) with a fast and very competitive in Spain, especially’ve never gush GP 11 on wet tracks. Now, so our target to raise Rossi on the track dry,” said Vittoriano.

Valentino Rossi disappointed with the result that he won the Portuguese Grand Prix qualifying on Saturday (30/04/2011). Hoping at least able to match what was achieved in the free practice session, “The Doctor” instead slumped to ninth position and should start from the third row in Sunday’s race (01/05/2011).

In fact, during the three free practice, Rossi always in the order of five. Even in the last two exercises, seven times MotoGP world champion was always in the fourth. But during qualifying, the front of the motor problems become obstacles so that he failed to realize the expectations and Ducati.

“We are very angry with the performance this afternoon, especially regarding the position, because our target is to fight to occupy the second row, about the fifth or sixth place, and we have the potential yesterday,” said Rossi.

“But today I could not race with a better way. I have a problem with the front. When I tried to push over again, I’m too much on the boundary with the front of the motor. So more or less remained the same problem and unfortunately, I could not make it better. So, tomorrow’s races will be difficult because the start of the third line, “he said.

Rossi admitted he had made some progress towards the end of the qualifying session. However, it still required some breakthrough if Ducati wants to have the opportunity for competitive.

“In the end we made modifications to set and I can fix the feelings and also records lap times, but not enough,” said Rossi. “We need to make another step like this to try to achieve a good result.”

Meanwhile, Rossi’s teammate, Nicky Hayden, who finished 13th in qualifying, said that the bike is too sensitive with the cooler weather conditions today. In fact, they also have experienced difficulties with performance tires.

Jorge Lorenzo continues to fulfill his ambition to dominate the Grand Prix of Portugal. At least, the Spanish rider proved to regain pole position at Estoril Circuit, after noting the best time in qualifying session on Saturday (30/4/11). It also became the first pole for Lorenzo in the 2011 season.

Yamaha rider recorded a best time of 1 minute 37.161 seconds, beating the Honda Gresini rider, Marco Simoncelli, who closed to within 0.133 seconds. Lorenzo took pole position when qualifying session there were only about five minutes. He managed to end the domination Simoncelli, who seems to be reckoned as the toughest rival, because it always be the fastest in free practice 1 and 2 on Friday (29/4/11).

For Lorenzo, his success make it occupy the pole this continues to be number one in the last four seasons. If during the race tomorrow he comes back to win, the more complete because of his performance in Portugal GP in the previous three seasons, he’s always start from pole position and podium finish by occupying the number one.

Actually, Simoncelli always control the course of 1 hour qualifying session, before defeated by Lorenzo. This spiky-haired rider also has the opportunity to come back to beat Lorenzo, in the remaining time of qualification. Unfortunately, his effort was fruitless because she actually falls in the curve 7, and unable to complete the series qualifying session, which left about three minutes.

On the back of Lorenzo and Repsol Honda duo Simoncelli there, Dani Pedrosa and Casey Stoner. Next, a row is occupied by teammate Lorenzo, Ben Spies, Andrea Dovizioso (Repsol Honda), Tech 3 Yamaha duo Colin Edwards and Cal Crutchlow, Valentino Rossi (Ducati) and Hector Barbera (Mapfre Aspar), which complements the composition of the top 10 .

For Rossi, the qualification is of course very disappointing. How not, during the three free practice since yesterday until Saturday afternoon, “The Doctor” is always in the top five positions (even in free practice 2 and 3, Rossi always in the order of four). But in qualifying, he actually scattered into the order of nine.

- Portugal Grand Prix qualifying results

Pos  Rider                       Team/Bike               Time            Gap

1. Jorge Lorenzo         Yamaha               1m37.161s
2. Marco Simoncelli   Gresini Honda    1m37.294s  + 0.133s
3. Dani Pedrosa          Honda                 1m37.324s  + 0.163s
4. Casey Stoner           Honda                 1m37.384s  + 0.223s
5. Ben Spies               Yamaha               1m37.866s  + 0.705s
6. Andrea Dovizioso  Honda                 1m38.073s  + 0.912s
7. Colin Edwards       Tech 3 Yamaha   1m38.080s  + 0.919s
8. Cal Crutchlow        Tech 3 Yamaha   1m38.189s  + 1.028s
9. Valentino Rossi      Ducati                 1m38.271s  + 1.110s
10. Hector Barbera     Aspar Ducati        1m38.363s  + 1.202s
11. Hiroshi Aoyama    Gresini Honda     1m38.497s  + 1.336s
12. Karel Abraham     Cardion Ducati     1m38.786s  + 1.625s
13. Nicky Hayden       Ducati                   1m38.922s  + 1.761s
14. Loris Capirossi     Pramac Ducati      1m38.934s  + 1.773s
15. Alvaro Bautista     Suzuki                   1m39.172s  + 2.011s
16. Randy de Puniet    Pramac Ducati      1m39.378s  + 2.217s
17. Toni Elias             LCR Honda           1m39.894s  + 2.733s

Pramac Ducati rider, Loris Capirossi, made ​​a surprise third at the GP practice of Portugal, on Saturday (30/4/11). At the last practice at the Estoril circuit, Capirossi be the fastest, beating world champion Jorge Lorenzo (Yamaha) and Ducati rider Nicky Hayden, who in a row behind it.

In a session where the track was never fully dry because color was light rain, Capirossi recorded the best time, 1 minute 44.515 seconds. He was half a second ahead of Lorenzo.

In this last exercise, Ducati showed a promising performance. This is evident from the results indicated two riders from the team of the manufacturer, Hayden and Valentino Rossi, who are in positions three and four. They beat a trio of Repsol Honda’s Casey Stoner, Andrea Dovizioso, and Dani Pedrosa.

Disappointing results achieved by the Honda Gresini rider, Marco Simoncelli, who mastered the two free practice yesterday. This spiky-haired rider slipped into the order of nine, behind the LCR Honda rider, Toni Elias Moto2 world-champion last season.

The only rider who decided not to take part in free practice that the conditions are not too good this is Alvaro Bautista. The Rizla Suzuki rider, who has appeared again after the injury a broken left thigh bone in the series debut in Qatar, did not want to take risks.

Jorge Lorenzo and Marco Simoncelli involved in the dispute. This happens due to criticism leveled Lorenzo earlier this week stating that Simoncelli overly aggressive driving style.

Lorenzo to give evidence when they fought last year at tight last series in Valencia. According to the Yamaha rider, what was mentioned (the aggressive driving style) also complained of by a rider in MotoGP.

However, what is said Lorenzo was not accepted by Simoncelli. Italian rider was also given “a counter-attack” during a press conference after the Portuguese Grand Prix qualifying on Saturday (04/30/2011), of Lorenzo, who beat her in the race for pole position for Sunday’s race (05/01/2011) at the Estoril Circuit.

“I read something he said about my driving style. But for me, he had said something wrong because he said that last year in Valencia I was nudged and she nearly fell. That is not true because I was in front. He tried to passed me and he made a mistake. For me, it is an example of inappropriate, “said Simoncelli.

However, Lorenzo immediately reply with a firm, saying he was aware of what it expresses and the way the race is too aggressive Simoncelli also complained of by a number of other riders.

“I think, yesterday I revealed the true words. For me, it’s not a problem. If nothing happens in the future, it does not matter. We’ll see what happens in the future,” said Lorenzo, pointing Simoncelli.

“I think you have been touched by many racers. How many races that I did not fall or touched?”

“It’s your opinion, but I think many people here, in the paddock, and most riders have the same opinion as me. Just ask (Andrea) Dovizioso, for example. Or to (Hiroshi) Aoyama.”

“If in the future nothing happens, it’s not a problem. But if something happens to you in the future, it will be a problem.”

The spat was caused laughter, especially among the media. However, Lorenzo to take it seriously, so he did not want to fight it is considered trivial.

“Everyone laughed, but it’s not funny because we played with our lives,” said Lorenzo. “We drove with a speed of 300 kilometers per hour with a motor that is very heavy and very powerful. This is not a mini bike. This sport is dangerous and you should think about what you do.”

When asked if he would feel comfortable because there is potential for tight battle with Marco Simoncelli on the race later, Lorenzo said he was excited and ready to face such fierce duel-Simoncelli will start from second position.

“It’s okay, I’m ready for a fight with another rider,” he said.

“I do not like fighting with no net. I was involved in an accident with (Alex) de Angelis in Japan and he fell because of my mistake. But from this time onwards, I’ve tried to race clean.”

“I can make mistakes because I am human. But when I race, I think twice. I do not follow your heart because it is something that relates to your health and also with other health rider-rider.”