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2005 NEWS: WORLD MOTO RACING

PRESS RELEASE

• Alex Barros - the most experienced MotoGP rider in history will move down to World Superbikes in 2006. He lost his ride with MotoGP Pons Honda team despite winning 1 race in 2005. After 15 years in premier class he will ride against other ex-MotoGP riders such as Bayliss, Xaus, Haga and Abe.

Aspiring South African motocross talent, Sacha Naude (DEC 13, 2005)

• Aspiring South African motocross talent, Sacha Naude, signs with Yamaha Van Beers Racing Team. Sixteen-year-old, Sacha Naude, has recently inked a deal with the Dutch based Yamaha Van Beers Racing Team to race the MX2 Dutch and European championships in 2006. Naude is one of South Africa’s hottest up-and-coming talents and heads to Europe in one month’s time to follow in the footsteps of fellow South African international MX stars such as Albertyn, Langston, Rattray and Swanepoel.
• Naude started MX at the tender age of four and has dominated the junior ranks in his home country, racking up numerous titles along the way. The South African is no stranger to international competition and has already ventured to U.S. shores on several occasions as he competed against the controversial Alessi Brothers and other top American riders at the World Mini Grand Prix’s in Las Vegas, where he finished on the podium.
• In his debut GP on home soil at the magnificent Sun City resort earlier this year, Naude scored 2 valuable championship points making him one of the youngest riders ever to qualify and score points in a World championship at the age of fifteen.

David Frétigné wins Shamrock (NOV 7, 2005)

• David Frétigné (Yamaha WR450F - Yamaha Moto France Ipone) confirmed his ambitions for the legendary Dakar rally raid by claiming his fourth consecutive win in the Shamrock rally, that took place in the Marroccan Sahara from the 28th of October to the 6th of November. After his season competing in national and international enduro races, 'the Shamrock' marked Frétigné's traditional switch to rally-raid. The likeable Frenchman quickly adapted to the terrain and his bike. Frétigné, 35, took five day wins at the eighth edition of the Shamrock and added his fourth overall victory to his already impressive tally. David showed great speed in both fast and technical stages, making the best of his past experience in Marocco. However the main goal of the race was to let Frétigné and his team get used to his new WR450F and prepare for the Dakar.
• The 28th edition of the Dakar rally will take place from the 31st of December to the 15th of January 2006. After the rally had already started in France and Spain, it will this time take off from Lisbon, Portugal to end nearly 10,000 kilometres later at the coast of Dakar, Sénegal. In only his second Dakar participation this year David Frétigné finished fifth overall. He was the only rider to have won three specials in 2005 and he repeated his 450 class win of last year.
• David Frétigné (Yamaha WR450F - Yamaha Moto France Ipone) - overall winner
  "Above all I have used the Shamrock to prepare for Dakar. It's nice that I have won with an advance of more than 2 hours over the second, but for more it's even more important to know that we have done our homework for the Dakar. I have concentrated on getting the right setting for my suspension over the past week and everything turned out great. Apart from that we did the usual stuff with a new bike: adjusting pedals and handlebars, learning to work with the new GPS and so on. We have not touched the engine, but even under demanding situations the WR450F engine behaved brilliantly. In general the bike gave me even more confidence than before, and we will keep the bike as it is for the Dakar. The next step in my preparation is to rest and perfect my physical shape till the end of November, after that I will start studying the maps to get my mind set for the 2006 Dakar. I will also have the bike with me to continue to ride and practice my navigation."
• FINAL STANDINGS SHAMROCK RALLY 2005
  1. David Frétigné (Yamaha), 2. Thierry Bethys (Honda), 3. Christophe Meillat (Honda), 4. Olivier Cubaynes (Yamaha), 5. Patrick Moreno (Suzuki), 6. André Lenoble (Suzuki), 7. Christophe Rougeot (Yamaha), 8. Philippe Pennarun (Yamaha), 9. Jean-Michel Redal (Polaris), 10. Eric Beaudoin (Kawasaki)

WSBK: TROY BAYLISS REJOINS WORLD SUPERBIKE DUCATI TEAM FOR 2006 (OCT 15, 2005)

• Troy Bayliss will go back to World Superbike championship after 3 years in MotoGP. He'll rejoin the factory Ducati team with whom he won the title back in 2001. He and Lorenzo Lanzi will replace the current rider line up of James Toseland and Regis Laconi.
• BAYLISS: "The biggest thing is that it feels like I'm coming home ... I'm really looking forward to hopping back on a Ducati Superbike. Even though the bike has changed quite a lot, the engine is still very similar and has been much improved since I've been away so it's a built-in package already waiting there for me. I have a lot of good memories from the past and I aim to continue having more of them ... I've been there and done it before, it's still all in the memory bank so hopefully I can come back and have a good season next year. It's going to be awesome and I just can't wait to start. The championship is looking strong now, all the manufacturers are back and it's going to be great to be there with Ducati and challenge all the other guys for the title".
• LANZI: "I am really happy to join the factory Ducati Xerox Team in the World Superbike Championship, because it was an aim I had fixed for myself in 2003 when I was racing in Superstock. Now that it's happened I am so happy because it is the dream of so many Italian riders to race for the Ducati factory team. I have arrived in the team at the right time. I know everyone in the squad and have already won two of the last races of the season so my motivation is high. In addition I will have a true maestro at my side like Troy Bayliss, who will help me for sure. Now I just can't wait to start the new season with my new Ducati Xerox Team!"
• DUCATI (Paolo Ciabatti) "Next year we will be taking part in the World Superbike Championship with an exciting new rider line-up and the F06 version of the Ducati 999. We warmly welcome Troy and Lorenzo into the team and believe that this combination of experience and youth will help us to continue our winning tradition in World Superbike. Rider changes are always a hard choice to make and it was particularly difficult on this occasion, because James Toseland and Regis Laconi have both made a fantastic contribution to Ducati's success in the last two years, James winning the 2004 title and Regis scoring ten wins with us. I would like to thank them for everything that they have done for Ducati in this period and wish them all the best for the future"

SIDECARS: WEBSTER ANNOUNCE RETIREMENT (SEP 7, 2005)

• 10 times world sidecar champion Steve Webster will retire from racing after 25 years. He won the world titles in 2004, 2003, 2000, 1999, 1998, 1997, 1991, 1989, 1988, 1987.
• WEBSTER: "I've had a fantastic career, I've enjoyed every minute but it just feels right to stop now. No-one can go on forever. I had a couple of months off due to illness which I'm now over, and I found out I didn't miss it anymore. Everyone has to stop sometime, and that time for me, at 45, is now. I don't feel sad about it. It's been my decision to go now, I haven't been forced into it - so I'm going with a happy heart and a smile, and taking with me so many good memories. It was something I started doing as a hobby, and I've managed to make it a profession - what more could I have wanted?"

MX1: Yamaha confirms Everts for 2006 (AUG 5, 2005)

• Yamaha is pleased to announce that eight-time Motocross World Champion Stefan Everts will remain with their factory team for the 2006 season. The Belgian star will contest the MX1 Motocross World Championship aboard the YZ450FM with the official factory Yamaha team, run by Michele and Carlo Rinaldi.
• Stefan, 32, is on track for a record ninth world title this season. He currently leads the MX1 standings with 38 points over second-placed Joshua Coppins. Everts has already won five GPs this year.
• Everts joined Yamaha in 2001 and has delivered a world title in each of his four years on the all-conquering blue bikes. He won back-to-back world titles in the 500 class in 2001 and 2002, the following year he added the MXGP world title and the 125 vice-world title to his already impressive tally. Last year Stefan won the MX1 world title. Everts also won two MX of Nations titles (2003 and 2004) and one ISDE title (2003) with Yamaha.
• "My partnership with Yamaha and the Rinaldis has been very successful. There has been no reason for me to change," said Everts. "The experience of the team and their understanding is very valuable to me and they know exactly how I work and what I need. This will be a strong benefit for me next season. Committing to Yamaha for another year came very natural and I'm really looking forward to help developing the new aluminium frame and engine of the 2006 YZ450FM."
• Laurens Klein Koerkamp of Yamaha Motor Europe's Racing Division, added: "Working with Stefan has always been a true pleasure and we are delighted to continue our relationship with the greatest motocross rider ever. To have Stefan with us next year means that again we will have a very powerful package of bike, rider and team in place. Everts has been an amazing ambassador for Yamaha and for the sport. I'm confident that we can go on to achieve more success in the remaining part of this season and next year."
• Michele Rinaldi, Team manager of the Yamaha L&M Motocross Team stated: "As always we want to achieve the best possible result next season and Stefan still proves that he is the very best. It is that simple. We are very happy to work with him and I think the secret of our success lies in the strong mutual respect that exists between the team, Yamaha and Stefan. The experience of Everts will also."

MOTOGP: Rossi to stay with Yamaha (AUG 2, 2005)

Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. and Valentino Rossi are delighted to announce that Valentino will stay with Yamaha for a further year. Rossi will continue to race in Yamaha's MotoGP line-up riding the Yamaha YZR-M1 in the 2006 MotoGP World Championship.

Rossi won the 2004 MotoGP World Championship with Yamaha and is currently competing in his second season with the Japanese manufacturer's factory team. The 26-year old Italian leads the 2005 MotoGP World Championship by 120 points, following his 8th victory at last weekend's German Grand Prix.

Managing Director of Yamaha Motor Racing, Lin Jarvis, stated, "Since we announced the signing of Valentino Rossi at the end of 2003 we had an astonishing first year with him, and are now enjoying great success again in 2005. This year is the 50th anniversary for Yamaha and is therefore a very special year for us.
We hope our MotoGP efforts will culminate in a second world title for Valentino with Yamaha. We are obviously very happy to have Valentino with us for another year and to keep him with MotoGP in 2006. The partnership with Valentino is the key point that will now allow us to proceed with our total MotoGP strategy for 2006."

"I am so happy to be able to announce the continuation of my relationship with Yamaha" commented Rossi. "Last year was magic, to win my first race with Yamaha, and then to win the championship. I have a fantastic relationship with this factory and my team crew, who have worked so hard to make the M1 as competitive as it is now, and it just made sense to stay with Yamaha for another year."

SUZUKA 8 HRS: The Road to Suzuka (JULY 7, 2005)

Suzuki, Yamaha, Kawasaki and Aprilia Teams Head for Japan.

Aprilia’s De Nardi First Women Competitor at Suzuka 8H

The Suzuka 8 Hour round of the FIM World Endurance Championship takes place at the end of this month, and for the permanent world championship teams making the long trip out to Japan preparations are already well under way. Eight teams will be travelling out from Europe to join the 72 Japanese entries in what is widely regarded as the most prestigious motorcycle race in the world.

Suzuki Castrol’s Vincent Phillipe and Keiichi Kitagawa have already taken part in last month’s Suzuka 300km warm-up race. This is the 20th anniversary year for the GSX-R model range and the Suzuki factory is putting all its resources behind securing a Suzuka 8
Hour victory and the World Endurance Championship title in 2005. Yamaha Phase One have recruited Suzuka veteran Paul Young to ride alongside Warwick Nowland and Damien Cudlin, while Yamaha Austria will take their regular team of Igor Jerman, Gwen Giabbani and Horst Saiger to Japan. Both teams have taken part in additional testing sessions ahead of the eight hour race. The full Yamaha Shell Endurance Academy line up of Marko Rohtlaan, Ben Wylie and Calvin Hogan are also entered this year, after Rohtlaan’s success in 2004.

Five permanent teams will be making their first trip to Japan this year. The Aprilia Motociclismo Test Team riders will be Federico Alverti, Daniele Veghini and Samuela de Nardi, the first European women to compete at Suzuka. Kawasaki Bolliger Team are
currently holding second place in the championship standings, and will run David Morillon, Roman Stamm and Fred Moreira. Their sister team Kawasaki Diablo’s James Hutchins and Steve Mizera will be joined by BSB rider Gary Mason, and Suzuki No Limits & RT have entered Roberto Ruozi, Andrea Giachino and Moreno Codeluppi. Factory supported entries from all of the major Japanese manufacturers and tuning companies will be the main challenge to the European competitors, but weird and wonderful wildcard entries are always a feature of Suzuka. Twin cylinder bikes from Ducati, BMW and Over will line up alongside the factory HRC Hondas, Yoshimura Suzukis and endurance specialist permanent teams, in front of the biggest World Endurance Championship crowd of the year.

The Suzuka 8 Hour race takes place on the 31st of July.

AMA SPORTS ANNOUNCES 2005 ISDE TEAM USA (JULY 6, 2005)

PICKERINGTON, Ohio -- AMA Sports, the amateur and pro-am competition division of the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA), has announced that 34 talented U.S. enduro riders will compete in the 80th International Six Days Enduro (ISDE), scheduled for September 6 - 19, 2005 in Povazska-Bystrica, Slovak Republic.

The six riders on Team USA's "Trophy Team" are Kurt Caselli, Jimmy Jarrett, Aaron Kopp, Fred Hoess, John Barber and Jason Dahners. The four riders on Team USA's "Junior Trophy Team" are Cody Mastin, Russell Bobbitt, Ryan Powell and Wally Palmer.

The 24 riders on Team USA's "Club Teams" are Richard Jung, J.D. Hammock, Steve Morefield, Jay Hall, David Kamo, Teddy Hahn, Donald Murray, Dan Melvin, Luke McNeil, Brian Barnes, Rick Thomas, Derek Steahly, Brandon Johnson, Eric Ducray, Paul Neff, Lars Valin, Wes McKnight, Quinn Cody, Scott Bright, Rich Libengood, John Yates, Dylan Debel, Dan Janus and Jeff Fredette.

To earn a spot on ISDE Team USA, these riders competed in qualifier events held in Idaho City, Idaho and Athens, Ohio. Notably, club team rider Jeff Fredette will be competing in his 25th ISDE. "It's an off-road rider's highest honor to represent the United States in the ISDE," said Douglas Neubauer, Director of AMA Sports. "The AMA congratulates every rider who earned a place on Team USA, and we wish Team USA well as it competes against the world's best."

The ISDE, often called "The Olympics of Motorcycling," gathers the world's best off-road riders to challenge some of the world's most difficult terrain. It's considered the ultimate test of a rider's endurance, speed, mechanical ability and tactics, and for the motorcycle it's the ultimate test of performance and reliability. With more than 4,000 events each year in 30 types of motorcycle racing, AMA Sports is the world's largest motorsports-sanctioning body. For more information about AMA Sports, visit www.ama-cycle.org/amrace/amasports.asp.

David Checa to make MotoGP debut (JUN 1, 2005)

Reigning World Endurance Champion David Checa will compete in the Italian Grand Prix next weekend with the Fortuna Yamaha Team. The Spanish rider will replace Toni Elías, who is still recovering from an injury sustained during a day of tests following the French Grand Prix at Le Mans. Elías underwent an operation in Barcelona after fracturing the radius and scaphoid of his left wrist and rupturing the ligaments that link the triquetral bone and the radius. The rider also fractured the outside of his left fibula and his leg was put in a cast. According to Doctor Xavier Mir from the Instituto Dexeus in Barcelona, who has been responsible for the treatment issued to Elías, the Fortuna Yamaha rider requires a five-week recovery period from the time of the crash, assuming the injuries recover in a favorable manner.

Elias' misfortune gives Checa the opportunity to make his debut in MotoGP, the world's premier motorcycle racing series, with a factory he already knows well. This season Checa and Yamaha already enjoyed a spectacular victory at the 24 Hours race at Le Mans. Checa, 25, competed in the 250cc World Championship from 2000 until 2002, firstly with Honda and then later with Aprilia, taking a best ever finish of sixth place in his final appearance at the 2002 Valencian Grand Prix. The rider from Sant Fruitós de Bages (Barcelona, Spain) has been racing since 1996 and regularly competes in four-stroke categories such as the World Endurance, Supersport and Superbike championships.

David will travel to Mugello, Italy on Tuesday and will link up with the rest of the team directed by Hervé Poncharal. Antonio Jiménez, Chief Mechanic to Elías and previously to David's elder brother Carlos Checa, will be using all his MotoGP experience as he presides over David Checa's debut. Checa will also meet up with his new team-mate Ruben Xaus, who has only recently completed the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage. The pair are already great friends and often train together riding Supermoto. This year, as well as his participation and victory in the Le Mans 24 hours, Checa was planning to compete in the Bol d'Or, which will take place at the Magny Cours circuit in France.

David Checa, born 20-04-1980:
2005: Pirelli test rider for World Superbike - 1st at Le Mans 24 Hours
2004: World Endurance Champion with GMT-94 Yamaha, with Christophe Guyot, William Costes & Sebastien Gimbert
2003: Debut en in World Endurance Championship - 1st in Oschersleben 24 Hours
2002: 13th in 250cc World Championship
2001: 17th in 250cc World Championship
2000: 19th in 250cc World Championship
1999: Test rider for Ducati and Pirelli in World Supersport
1998: 4th in Supersport European Championship - 1st in Catalunya 24 Hours
1997: Supersport Spanish and Catalonian Championships
1996: 125cc Spanish Championship

Toni Elias to miss the Mugello GP (MAY 18, 2005)

A press conference took place this afternoon, May 18, at the 'Institut Universitari Dexeus de Barcelona', where Fortuna Yamaha rider Toni Elías underwent an operation yesterday to repair damage to his left wrist and left leg. The Spanish rider crashed just five minutes from the close of testing at Le Mans on Monday. Elias, who had been on top form over the three days of the French Grand Prix last weekend, crashed at the chicane of the legendary circuit during the test. Elías fractured the radius and scaphoid of his left wrist and ruptured the ligaments that link the triquetral bone and the radius. The young Spaniard also fractured the outside of his left fibula. Doctor Xavier Mir informed the media representatives present of the extent of the injury.

Xavier Mir, Doctor (Insitut Universitari Dexeus de Barcelona) "Toni's operation was a case of fitting a titanium plate to his radius with a screw in his scaphoid, and the stitching of the ligaments that join the triquetral bone and the radius. The recuperation period for a normal person is around eight weeks, although taking into account Toni's incredible capacity for recovery, I wouldn't rule out his return at the Grand Prix of Catalunya."

Toni Elías (Fortuna Yamaha Team) "We stayed on for an extra day of tests at Le Mans. Up to then things had been going really well - I was lapping in the 1'34s, about a second faster than I had done in the race and only three-hundredths off Valentino's time. It was a shame but that's racing. In any case I'm in good spirits and I'm already looking forward to getting back on the bike. I would like to thank my whole team in general for their constant support, my sponsors and particularly Doctor Xavier Mir."

Hervé Poncharal, Fortuna Yamaha Team Director "I'm really sad about Toni Elías' injury. Toni is demonstrating the massive potential he has and he had shown that once again on Sunday in the race. On Monday he was having a magnificent session when, unfortunately, he crashed. I wish him a speedy recovery and I hope that he can be back with us again soon. I would like to give my own special thanks to Dr. Mir and all his team for everything they have done." (YAMAHA)

SUPERCROSS: 2004-2005 Champions Crowned at Banquet (MAY 13, 2005)

Clear Channel Entertainment's Motor Sports division announced today the award winners from the 2004-2005 THQ World Supercross GP/THQ AMA Supercross Series banquet held inside the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Sunday, May 8.

• THQ World Supercross GP Champion: Ricky Carmichael
• THQ AMA Supercross Series Champion: Ricky Carmichael
• 125cc Western Regional THQ AMA Supercross Series Champion: Ivan Tedesco
• 125cc Eastern Regional THQ AMA Supercross Series Champion: Grant Langston
• Dave Coombs Sr. 125cc East/West Shootout Champion: Davi Millsaps
• 100% Award: Heath Voss
• U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Pro Privateer Challenge and CE Altman Top Privateer: Tyler Evans
• Team of the Year: American Suzuki
• Mechanic of the Year: Mike Gosselaar
• Transport Driver of the Year: Brian Barnhart
• AMA Special Recognition: Steve Whitelock
• FIM Special Recognition: John Gallagher
• Walker Garrison Lifetime Achievement Award: Chuck Miller
• Road to Recovery Humanitarian of the Year: Steve Augustine
• Team Manager of the Year: Mitch Payton
• KTM Jr. Supercross Challenge Special Recognition: Selvaraj Narayana

ENDURO: Disastrous Italian GP for Merriman (MAY 9, 2005)

UFO Corse Yamaha rider Stefan Merriman saw his hopes of claiming the Enduro 2 world championship title realistically ended at the GP of Italy when the reigning E1 world champion crashed early on day one and was admitted to hospital. Having placed third on the event's opening special test, the Australian crashed on the first timed motocross special test, injuring his stomach in the process. Despite the crash being a relatively slow speed incident Stefan required three hours of surgery to remove a ruptured Spleen. Suffering no other injuries it is not yet known how long Stefan will be sidelined from competition or whether he will be able to compete at round four of the WEC in Spain in early June.

Claiming victory on both days in Italy French KTM rider Fabien Planet continued his run of good form to move to within seven points of E2 championship leader Samuli Aro. Behind Planet Finn Aro finished as runner-up on both days with Swede Anders Eriksson claiming third on day one and Italian Alessandro Botturi the final rostrum position on day two. (YAMAHA)

MOTOGP: JACQUE TO FILL IN FOR INJURED HOFMANN (APR 20, 2005)

The severity of Hofmann's injuries mean that the 24-year-old German rider will definitely miss the next two Grand Prix events in China and France, but is aiming to return to the MotoGP grid for the Italian Grand Prix at Mugello on 5th June. The decision to run a replacement rider was taken jointly by Kawasaki Racing Team Manager, Harald Eckl, and senior Kawasaki staff in Japan as soon as the extent of Hofmann's injuries became apparent.

Jacque received the call up late on Sunday evening and immediately jumped on a plane for Portugal, taking advantage of a planned test at the 4.1km Estoril circuit on Monday to familiarise himself with the Ninja ZX-RR ahead of the Chinese Grand Prix. Despite the fact that his MotoGP experience over the past 12 months has been limited to infrequent wild card appearances for Moriwaki, and a brief outing on the 2004 version of Kawasaki's Ninja ZX-RR for a magazine test, Jacque proved at Estoril that he's lost none of the skills that took him to a World Championship title in 2000. Although the test was brief, it allowed Jacque the opportunity to reacquaint himself with the sheer speed of a MotoGP bike, always a problem when a rider returns to racing after a long absence.

Jacque was reunited during the Estoril test with two people who played a very big part in his World Championship winning season back in 2000. Regular Kawasaki rider, Shinya Nakano, was the teammate that the Frenchman beat to the title by the narrowest of margins, while Kawasaki's current MotoGP Technical Director, Ichiro Yoda, was the man responsible for designing the 250cc machine that both riders campaigned that year. Jacque will sport his trademark number 19 on his Kawasaki Ninja ZX-RR when he takes to the track for the Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai in just over a week's time.

Olivier Jacque: #19: 'I am really pleased to be back racing again, and this is a fantastic opportunity for me. It's good to be riding again in the same team as Shinya, who is a friend as well as being a great competitor, and I'm happy to be working again with Yoda-san, for whom I have a great deal of respect.' (KAWASAKI)

AMA REGRETS TRAGIC DEATH OF MOTORCYCLE ACTIVIST AND HUMANITARIAN (MAR 9, 2005)

The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) has learned of the tragic death of Simon Milward, a leading motorcycle rights advocate who traveled the world to raise funds for charity. Milward, a native of the United Kingdom, died as a result of a motorcycle crash in the west African country of Mali on March 4. A former secretary general of the Federation of European Motorcyclists' Association (FEMA), Milward helped organize European motorcyclists in the 1990s.

"Simon was one of the men most responsible for taking the motorcycle rights movement international," said AMA President Robert Rasor. "He brought motorcyclist rights organizations from various countries together and improved their lot in the European Union." But Milward's advocacy work was just a prelude to a bigger adventure. On January 1, 2000, he set off on a homemade motorcycle for an around-the-world trip. He initially raised donations for Riders For Health, a charity that uses motorcycles to bring health care to residents of remote regions, and Doctors Without Borders.

In the United States, Milward joined with Rasor and other concerned motorcyclists to form Motorcycle Outreach, which funneled donations to motorcycle-related charities in other countries. Through Milward's influence, organizations aimed at using motorcycles to provide health care to poor populations in remote areas have been formed in countries ranging from Indonesia to South Africa to Argentina. "Simon had an enormous impact on the motorcycling community," said Rasor. "He will be missed by motorcyclists everywhere." On behalf of the AMA and American motorcyclists, Rasor offered condolences to Milward's family and the many friends he made around the world. For more information, visit Simon Milward's website, www.millennium-ride.com. (AMA)

Yamaha unveils Rossi and Edwards' new YZR-M1s in Japan (MAR 7, 2005)

The 2005-specification Gauloises Yamaha Team YZR-M1s made its public debut in its new livery today, during a press conference attended by team riders Valentino Rossi, Colin Edwards and team director Davide Brivio. The reigning World Champion and his new team-mate were the guests of honour at Yamaha's '2005 Motor Sports Press Conference', which took place in Tokyo. Brivio and Senior Management representatives from Yamaha Motor Company joined the two riders on stage to talk about Yamaha's plans for MotoGP in 2005 and beyond.

Rossi, now in his second season with Yamaha, talked about his year so far and his goals for the forthcoming season. "We have done a lot of test runs during the off-season. Things aren't quite 100% yet, but the machine and the engine are already much better than last year. It's nice to see the M1 in its final 2005 livery. I hope I can win the title again this year on this new bike, but winning is never easy! I was very happy to win nine races in last year's Championship and I think that is a good target for this year too. I hope everyone will be cheering for me!" Rossi's new team-mate Edwards, who recently turned 31, spoke about his return to Yamaha after a seven-year absence. "I was last with Yamaha in the 1998 season in the World Superbike Championship and I am very happy to be back. I saw how good the MotoGP team and machines were last year, so I was excited when I got the offer to come back to the Yamaha side. I am also glad that there will be a US round at Laguna Seca this year for the first time in a while. I hope to have a bit of an advantage there, but I will be giving my best shot in all the races."

Brivio, who enters his fourth season as the Yamaha Factory Team Director, commented on the new bike and the task facing the riders. "We're very pleased with the look and design of the new bike, as well as with its performance so far during testing. This is going to be a very exciting season and a big challenge for both riders. After this we are flying directly to Phillip Island for our fourth test of the year and we hope to continue the good work we've been doing so far."

Senior Managing Director of Yamaha Motor Company Tsuneji Togami, Senior General Manager of Motorcycle Engineering Operations Masao Furusawa and Shigeto Kitagawa, head of the engineering department in charge of developing the 2005 YZR-M1, were three of the Yamaha Motor Company representatives present at today's Japanese event. Mr. Togami launched the press conference by stressing the importance of Yamaha's race activities for fulfilling Yamaha's corporate mission of "We create Kando - Touching your heart", saying, "Through our motorcycle racing activities we want to stimulate the motorcycle racing scene, to bring motor sports closer to people and to help raise the next generation of people who will lead these sports into the future."

Mr. Kitagawa then highlighted the four key goals of the YZR-M1 development project in 2005 as improving the balance of the machine's handling stability, boosting acceleration performance and top speed, balancing high power with fuel economy, and making the machine more robust in terms of its adaptability to different track conditions. He also explained the 2005 M1 boasted a more compact engine design to further concentrate the weight around the centre of gravity before describing the progress made with the Delatbox frame, which has been redesigned for improved torsional balance, laterally and longitudinally. The redesigned air intake layout was also introduced as offering improved aerodynamic attributes. "Besides winning a second consecutive rider title," he commented, "We also intend to go for the 2005 manufacturer's title with the new YZR-M1." Valentino Rossi and Colin Edwards now fly directly to Phillip Island, Australia for three days of testing from 9th-11th March, before returning to Europe next week for the first of the two official IRTA tests in Barcelona. (YAMAHA RACING)

First victory of the season for Coppins (FEB 28, 2005)

Josh Coppins has won the international MX in Pernes les Fontaine aboard his factory CAS Honda. The Kiwi dominated the entire weekend as well as out-qualifying his Honda compatriot Michael Pichon on French soil. Coppins found it difficult to find a rythym in the first race but was content to settle for third behind Joël Smets and Pichon. Two convincingly strong victories in race two and three confirmed the overall victory for Coppins and the CAS Honda team. “It’s been a good weekend” smiled Coppins “I was a bit nervous in the first race and was riding a bit stiff. With it being my first race of the season I tightened up and had to let Joël and Michael go – I knew I had the speed just by looking at Saturday’s qualifying times and I’ve been quickest in all practice sessions. The second and third races were really good so that was cool. I managed to work my way up pretty easy and did well. The bike is really working great and having more staff and mechanics on the team focussing on me is much better now.” (J COPPINS)
OVERALL RESULT: 1.Coppins 2.Smets 3.Bill 4.Alessi 5.Méo 6.Leok

WSBK: Superbike World Championship preview, round one, Qatar (FEB 24, 2005)

New championship, new challenge. Next weekend marks a new beginning for both Yamaha and the Superbike World Championship, as the 2005 season opens up with the opening race held at the Losail International Racetrack in Qatar on Saturday (26 February). It will be the first time the series has travelled to the Middle East and represents Yamaha's return to the series after a four season absence. The Yamaha Motor Europe-backed Yamaha Motor Italia squad, featuring riders Noriyuki Haga and Andrew Pitt, are looking forward to the challenge of moving up to the 1000cc class after concentrating their efforts on the supersport series for the past few seasons. Despite the early start to the season, the team had already completed many kilometres of testing with their YZF-R1s: twice at Valencia in Spain, Phillip Island in Australia and Monza in Italy, before joining rivals at the official pre-season tests in Qatar last weekend.

And while the race R1 is still undergoing development work, the team remains cautiously optimistic about the year ahead - setting a target of solid points scoring performances in the opening two 'fly-away' rounds before returning to Europe where the next stage of development work can be implemented. As Pitt comments: "I have absolutely no doubt that we have everything in place to turn the R1 into a race winning package. Perhaps it is too early to expect this in the opening races but we'll go to Qatar trying to get the best possible results. Many of our rivals are also in the same situation, though I am very happy that I have been able to have such an extensive testing programme. This has given us a good knowledge of the new bike and should help us to produce consistent early results." Haga too is upbeat about the season, despite having completed less testing than his team-mate after joining the team in January: "It has been hard work for the team to get everything ready so early in the year, but I think there is big potential for the R1. The engine is already very powerful and with some more time I think we can have the chassis exactly how I like it too."

Testing times: All the superbike and supersport teams have arrived early in the Qatar circuit for a two-day test last weekend with the Yamaha riders all showing early season potential. Significantly the top 12 superbike riders were covered by just over a second around the long Losail circuit, giving promise of close racing in the year ahead. Of those top 12 riders, seven were mounted on R1s. The test also provided an opportunity for the teams to find a good base set-up for their machines at the circuit. Yamaha's official riders spent most of their time chasing good race settings rather than going for ultimate laptimes, which they hope will benefit them this weekend. Certainly the circuit demands a set-up that offers easy changes in direction; supported by a high level of feel from both the front and rear, making tyre choice a critical factor this weekend.

Losail International Racetrack: Costing $US58 million and taking less than one year to build, the 5.4km track displays Qatar's quest to make motorsport a major industry on the Persian Gulf. The circuit hosted its first, and so far only, world championship event with a MotoGP round last October. Riders generally approved of the circuit layout, although all noted a lack of grip due to the 'greenness' of the circuit and its location in the middle of the desert. And while two days of testing last weekend has 'cleaned' the track, the superbike and superbike riders are also likely to find grip levels at a premium during this weekend's race meeting, especially off the racing line. Despite this the teams and spectators should enjoy some competitive racing while enjoying the world class facilities at the new venue.

R1 proves popular: The Yamaha YZF-R1 is proving to be the machine of choice for riders in this year's championship, confirming both the machine's out of the crate performance and the ready availability of official Yamaha racing kit parts. Of the 31 riders listed in the provisional entry list for Qatar, 11 are entered on R1s. In addition to the officially-supported Yamaha Motor Italia team, other high profile entries come from Yamaha Motor France, who will enter former Grand Prix rider Norick Abe and 2004 endurance world champion Sébastien Gimbert; Lorenzini by Leoni's Gianluca Vizziello and the privately entered DFXTreme squad, who field Spanish Formula Xtreme champ Jose Luis Cardoso, who set the third fastest time at last weekend's pre-season tests.

Supersport World Championship: Qatar also marks the start of the 2005 Supersport World Championship, with Yamaha's official entry coming from the Yamaha Motor Germany squad and their Australian riders Kevin Curtain and Broc Parkes. Both riders will be armed with the latest Yamaha YZF-R6 which has numerous improvements over its predecessor, especially in the suspension and braking departments. The Yamaha Motor Germany squad joined their Italian counterparts at last month's three-day test in Phillip Island and joined the rest of the supersport riders in Qatar last weekend: Curtain setting the third fastest time with Parkes eighth despite a hand injury sustained in a training accident. (YAMAHA)

WSBK: Yamaha Motor Italia complete Monza test (FEB 12, 2005)

After opting to miss the tests in Valencia earlier this week, the Yamaha Motor Italia squad made the short trip from their Gerno di Lesmo workshops to the Monza circuit for their final shakedown tests before travelling to Qatar for the opening round of the 2005 Superbike World Championship. Having carried out a comprehensive testing programme at Phillip Island last month, the team spent today (Saturday) and yesterday focusing mainly on chassis settings. Based on feedback from those earlier tests, Haga's bike featured a modified riding position with slightly revised seating position and a lowered rear ride height. For team-mate Andrew Pitt, the test was another opportunity to rack up some kilometres on the YZF-R1. Having completed three tests on the bike to Haga's one, the Australian is naturally feeling more at home with his machine.

The Yamaha Motor Italia squad will freight its equipment to Qatar on Monday. An official test takes place at the Losail circuit next weekend (19-20 February) with qualifying for the opening round of the championship starting on 24 February ahead of the Saturday race.
Noriyuki Haga (Yamaha Motor Italia): "At Phillip Island I learned much about the R1 but some things I could not change because we did not have the parts in Australia. Everything I have asked the team to do, they have done. We were not going for fast lap times but this is not a problem because I already know the engine is very fast. We have a few small changes to try in Qatar but it is normal and I am looking forward now to the race."
Andrew Pitt (Yamaha Motor Italia): "It has been good to get some more time in on the bike. We've made a lot of progress with the bike since the first tests in Valencia. Of course, there is still some work to do but we will not be the only team to be in that situation and at least we have the advantage of having done a lot of testing. I'm going into the first race with a positive attitude. We know that if we're not able to be right up the front in the first couple of races we'll make sure we keep adding up the points until we get completely sorted and ready to fight for the wins."
Massimo Meregalli (Team Coordinator Yamaha Motor Italia): "Today was important especially to give Nori a chance to try the changes he asked us to make to the bike. We had planned to go to Valencia on Monday and Tuesday but we changed our plans when the weather was predicted to be so bad. The two days spent here were a chance to fix a few more small problems as we want to make sure we lose as little time as possible in Qatar. We will be very busy over the next few days as we prepare for the trip, but everyone in the team is very excited about Qatar and our first race in what is a new championship for us." (YAMAHA RACING)

WSBK: Abe tests R1 in Valencia (FEB 8, 2005)

New Yamaha Motor France rider Norick Abe may have hoped for better weather for his two-day test on his Yamaha YZF-R1 but the Circuit Ricardo Tormo track surface remained wet for both days of his acclimatisation test, hampering his preparations for his rookie season in the Superbike World Championship. A veteran of the MotoGP field, and a three-time MotoGP race winner for Yamaha, rode the 2005 R1 at Valencia, in what proved to be treacherous conditions. Despite the inclement weather on day one Abe completed 41 laps, setting a best time of 1'46.15 as he got to ride on a track, if not a machine, he knows well. The torrential rain which heralded the second morning of testing looked as if it might wipe out the entire day but Abe carried on to set 29 laps, although conditions did not enable him to improve on his first day time.

The Yamaha Motor France team could not complete all the tests they had planned; such was the condition of the circuit throughout. One more two-day test at the Losail circuit in Qatar, the venue for the first of 12 world superbike rounds in 2005, separates the entire paddock from the first race. With Abe having raced there in MotoGP last season, he is well acquainted with the circuit's nuances; an advantage he will draw on as testing begins on February 19. Abe's track knowledge will also be of great assistance to his team-mate Sebastien Gimbert, who had already planned to sit out the Valencia test. The two-leg race itself breaks world superbike's tradition of Sunday racing by being held on a Saturday, February 26. The Yamaha Motor Italia squad elected to miss the test due to the inclement weather.

Norick Abe (Yamaha Motor France)
"Today was the same as yesterday. Both days were not like a real test because we could not make the performance better, just because of the weather. Maybe in Qatar, in the two-day test, we can try many different settings on the bike, which even in this bad weather feels strong. I was not sure how the R1 racebike would be. I thought that it would maybe have a softer chassis than I'm used to, and much less power, but I was surprised. Even though we were limited by a wet track, the bike felt stiff and the power was not so bad. Still less than a MotoGP bike, but not by as much as I expected. The whole bike feels good; it feels like a racebike. I think it will be the first time in Qatar for most of the other riders, but it will be the first time racing the R1 for me. So it will be a bit of a balancing act."
Martial Garcia (Team Co-ordinator Yamaha Motor France)
"We did not get to test everything because of the weather but at least Norick got some kilometres in on the bike; that was the most important thing. We only used wet tyres on day two because testing intermediates was not important. We prefer to test only fully wet or slick tyres. Of course communication is different between the Japanese and the Europeans but Norick is obviously very professional and we had a good first contact. Sebastien Gimbert did not come to the test because he has already made tests in November, December and January on the bike, and all our equipment has to be in the crate in two days from now, and on their way to Qatar. We are nearly happy but we are very close the first race. I hope we can have a small advantage over the others due to Norick's track knowledge, because as a beginner in this category you need every advantage you can get." (YAMAHA RACING)

MOTOGP: Gauloises Yamaha takes to the snow in Bormio (FEB 2, 2005)

WSBK: New era for Ten Kate, Honda and Winston in SBK World Championship (FEB 1, 2005)

With the first round of the 2005 World Superbike and Supersport championships just over three weeks away, the Dutch Ten Kate team continues pre-season testing today (1 February) at Almeria, Spain with new colours on its Honda-powered machines.

The team has been joined by Winston as title partner for the 2005 season, during which it will contest both world championships with a talented four-rider team.

Fellow Australians Chris Vermeulen and Karl Muggeridge will ride the blue Winston Ten Kate Honda CBR1000RR in the 12-round World Superbike championship. Vermeulen scored four wins on the new Honda during his debut 2004 season, taking him to fourth place in the championship.

For the World Supersport championship, the Winston Ten Kate Honda team is joined by Japanese rider Katsuaki Fujiwara and Frenchman Sebastien Charpentier. The pair will compete on Honda CBR600RRs with which Karl Muggeridge secured the 2004 World Supersport title, the Ten Kate team's third successive championship victory.

Roberto Zanni - JT International - Worldwide marketing and sales, Senior Vice-President

"JT International is preparing for its third consecutive year in world championship motorcycle racing. Following in our MotoGP tradition, we are entering the World Superbike and World Supersport championships with our global brand Winston. Through these projects with the Ten Kate team, we look forward to strengthening our partnership with Honda. With the talent and determination of our four riders - who are still on their way up, even though they have already won two world titles - we anticipate some great successes. I am certain that the motivation that has led to the creation of the Winston Ten Kate Honda project will lead our team to victory, and I take this opportunity to wish the best to our riders."

Carlo Fiorani - Honda Europe - Motorcycle racing activities Manager

"Superbike and Supersport represent the ideal formula to enhance the driving capacities of riders and to demonstrate the quality of the project of a super sport motorcycle. For these reasons Honda Europe has been supporting for years the Ten Kate team and the results have always proven us right. We think that this year the Winston Ten Kate Honda team, which has a new important sponsor, four great riders and a high quality technical support, will surely be one of the leading teams of the two championships. Good luck to Chris, Karl, Katsuaki and Sebastian and a special thank you to JT International and all of the partners which believed in the project.

Gerrit ten Kate - Winston Ten Kate Honda team owner

"Since we contested our first world championship season in 1997, Ten Kate Racing has come a very long way. With the support of Honda Europe, we have won three consecutive World Supersport championships and our first season of World Superbike in 2004 gave us four race wins and fourth place in the series. We have been working hard over the winter months to improve even further the remarkable CBR1000RR and new CBR600RR, both of which are already as close to race-ready production motorcycles as you can buy. We are absolutely delighted to welcome Winston as title partner to the team for 2005. I am convinced that this additional support will allow us to reach even higher standards of performance and professionalism in both world championships".

The three-day test at Almeria (1-3 February) will be followed by two days at the Ricardo Tormo circuit in Valencia (7-8 February), after which the team will prepare for the international launch of Winston Ten Kate Honda in the city of Milan on 15 February.
(TEN KATE HONDA)