Bridgestone Valencia test day 2 report
During the two-day official MotoGP test at the Valencia circuit, Bridgestone debuted the final specification 2012 tyres, providing them to all teams for the duration of the test.
The test was conducted mostly with the new-era 1000cc machines including five Claiming Rule Team (CRT) bikes from BQR Inmotec, BQR FTR, TeamLaglisse and the Grellini Team. Every rider’s tyre allocation comprised only the 2012 tyres, marking the first full usage of the 2012 tyres that Bridgestone have been developing for one year.
The new family of tyres has been developed with the objectives of achieving easier riding characteristics by improving warm-up performance and with a wider temperature operating range, and rider feedback is positive.
This is an important test not only from a tyre perspective but because it is the first time that next year’s rider changes take effect and the 1000cc bikes have been on track at the same time.
Tohru Ubukata – General Manager, Bridgestone Motorsport Tyre Development Department
“This test was the first opportunity for us to give all the riders our finalised 2012 specification tyres so it was very important for us. Every rider used our 2012 spec tyres for both days of testing on the new era of 1000cc machines, including five of the new CRT bikes.
“The tyres we supplied are those that will be used for next season, but this test was the first official one for the 1000c bikes so this is the first stage in learning these new machines so we are not resting on our laurels. We will keep learning their characteristics with each test and continue our tyre development into and through next season.
“We started developing this new family of tyres from the post-Valencia test at this time last year and used every test opportunity during this season to continue with our development programme, and I am confident what we have will be a marked step forward in addressing the specific concerns from this year.
“Specifically, our objectives from these new tyres are to make their grip characteristics easier to manage, to improve warm-up performance and to increase their temperature operating range. From the data we have collected from the last two days, I am satisfied that we have met these objectives and rider feedback has been positive so I am confident for tyre performance next year. I’m also happy with the positive feedback even from CRT teams about our new tyre and its warm-up performance.
“I’d like to thank all the teams and riders for their support these last two days and for the significant role they have all played in developing these tyres this year, for the time they dedicated on track and for their feedback and comments.”
Pramac Racing Valencia test day 2 report
With The Second And Last Day Of Testing In Valencia The Season Motogp 2011 Ends.
Last day on track for MotoGP in Valencia today. The Pramac Racing Team had a chance to meet his new rider, Spaniard Hector Barbera, who will be riding its Desmosedici GP12 SAT next season. The technical changes were many, with the new bike available thanks to the work of Ducati. The day saw the Valencian rider record interesting lap times and this give good hopes for next season which will begin with the winter testing at Sepang in February. The Pramac Racing Team would like to thank all its partners and its fans for the season lived together with the wish of a successful 2012.
Hector Barbera - Pramac Racing Team
"These have been two days of work where we didn’t look for the fastest lap time, but we were looking to learn about the many innovations that Ducati has brought us on track. Sincere compliments to them as they did a great job. The bike is very powerful although there is still something to fix. We encountered a few problems but otherwise the bike is really competitive. The engine is fun, very different from the 800cc used until Sunday, and this I think may be a point in my favor as my style of riding. A pity that the last two hours available today we could not get on track because of a problem with the engine that I have felt on the track. Engineers are analyzing what has happened. We also had the opportunity to compare the new tires and also here, with some positive aspects, I think there's still a little work to do. The new one make the most in the first lap. The shoulder I have injured at the end of the season gives me a little pain, but does not affect my results on the track. I think this break will do me good to recover and be at the top for the next season!"
Álvaro Bautista parts ways with Rizla Suzuki
Rizla Suzuki and Bautista part for 2012.
Rizla Suzuki regretfully announces the departure from the team of current rider Álvaro Bautista
Bautista joined Suzuki for the start of the 2010 season, making his racing debut at Qatar. He has been a popular rider with the team as well as establishing himself as a firm favourite with the fans due to his racing spirit and infectious smile. During his two seasons with Suzuki he has recorded top five finishes and put his Rizla Suzuki GSV-R on the front row of the grid. Bautista has been the solo rider in the team in 2011 and has been an asset in the improvements to the bike and the huge potential it is now showing.
Suzuki Motor Corporation, all members of the MotoGP team, title sponsor Rizla and the team’s other sponsors and partners would like to wish Bautista well in his future career and every success and happiness in his personal life, and everyone in the Rizla Suzuki squad would like to thank him for the two years of hard work, loyalty and commitment that he has given the team.
Álvaro Bautista:
“I am very sad to be leaving Suzuki after the two great years that I have had here. It has been a great team to work in and I have learnt a lot of things from everyone in the team. It was a fantastic experience working with an English/Japanese team and we have become like a big family, except we have never had any arguments and no-one falls out with each other! I want to thank everybody personally for the last two years, sometimes it has been difficult, but nobody ever gave up and I felt like I always had their full support and commitment. I don’t feel like I am leaving a team, but a group of friends that I hope I will know for a long time. I want to say a special thank-you to Tom, Paul, Ken san and Sahara san, and wish them and the rest of the team all the best for the future.”
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