MotoGP bosses increase minimum weights for 2012 and 2013
Rossi's GP12 will now have to be 157 kilos...
MotoGP bosses have rubber-stamped new rules concerning testing for 2012 and have increased the minimum weight limit for 1000cc bikes from 153kg to 157kg in 2012 which will then increase by another three kilogrammes in 2013 to 160.
A series of changes to the 2012 rules have also been approved including that contracted riders in the MotoGP class may also test machines using the allocation of 240 tyres available to each manufacturer's team. Previously such testing was restricted to test riders only. It was also agreed that other MotoGP class riders could exclusively test their team machines with a limit of 120 tyres per rider.
It was agreed that riders who did not qualify for the race based on their time in the qualifying practice can qualify if they achieve a time at least equal to 107% of the fastest rider in the warm up. This is an addition to the previous regulation which only considered free practice sessions.
Under the regulation concerning MotoGP class riders starting the race from pit lane due to an engine durability sanction, it was agreed that in future they will start ten seconds after the green light is shown at the pit lane exit.
Riders in all classes may now use a starter engine on the grid. For all classes tyre warmers may now remain in place until the display of the one minute board. Generators must still be removed at the three minute board. With effect from 2012, for all classes, it will be compulsory to display a red rear light in rain conditions.
MotoGP bosses have rubber-stamped new rules concerning testing for 2012 and have increased the minimum weight limit for 1000cc bikes from 153kg to 157kg in 2012 which will then increase by another three kilogrammes in 2013 to 160.
A series of changes to the 2012 rules have also been approved including that contracted riders in the MotoGP class may also test machines using the allocation of 240 tyres available to each manufacturer's team. Previously such testing was restricted to test riders only. It was also agreed that other MotoGP class riders could exclusively test their team machines with a limit of 120 tyres per rider.
It was agreed that riders who did not qualify for the race based on their time in the qualifying practice can qualify if they achieve a time at least equal to 107% of the fastest rider in the warm up. This is an addition to the previous regulation which only considered free practice sessions.
Under the regulation concerning MotoGP class riders starting the race from pit lane due to an engine durability sanction, it was agreed that in future they will start ten seconds after the green light is shown at the pit lane exit.
Riders in all classes may now use a starter engine on the grid. For all classes tyre warmers may now remain in place until the display of the one minute board. Generators must still be removed at the three minute board. With effect from 2012, for all classes, it will be compulsory to display a red rear light in rain conditions.
Nine entries received for MotoGP's CRT class so far
Colin Edwards on his NGM Forward CRT bike at Jerez
MotoGP bosses have revealed that nine entries, plus one reserve, have been received for the new CRT class next season all of which have been approved by the Grand Prix Commission.
The list has not been made available by the sport's governing body, the FIM, but it is not expected to contain any surprises. What we think the list will comprise is below:
NGM Forward BMW Colin Edwards
PBM Aprilia James Ellison
Mapfre Aprilia Randy De Puniet, Aleix Espargaro
Speedmaster Anthony West
BQR Kawasaki Yonny Hernandez
IODA Racing Danilo Petrucci
Gresini Honda Michele Pirro
Laglisse BMW Carmelo Morales
MotoGP bosses have revealed that nine entries, plus one reserve, have been received for the new CRT class next season all of which have been approved by the Grand Prix Commission.
The list has not been made available by the sport's governing body, the FIM, but it is not expected to contain any surprises. What we think the list will comprise is below:
NGM Forward BMW Colin Edwards
PBM Aprilia James Ellison
Mapfre Aprilia Randy De Puniet, Aleix Espargaro
Speedmaster Anthony West
BQR Kawasaki Yonny Hernandez
IODA Racing Danilo Petrucci
Gresini Honda Michele Pirro
Laglisse BMW Carmelo Morales
Bautista undergoes successful leg operation
Bautista is on a Honda next year
Gresini Honda's Alvaro Bautista has undergone a succesful operation to remove the pins from the leg he broke in the opening round of the 2011 MotoGP season at Qatar.
The 27-year-old, who has switched from Suzuki to Honda for 2012, has struggled with the leg after the emergency operation in Doha but he is now free of the metalwork.
"Thanks to the all the staff at the USP San José hospital and Dr. Angel Villamor’s terrific team, who have always treated me well. Now I’ll rest and tomorrow morning I’ll get discharged to rest at home,” he said.
Gresini Honda's Alvaro Bautista has undergone a succesful operation to remove the pins from the leg he broke in the opening round of the 2011 MotoGP season at Qatar.
The 27-year-old, who has switched from Suzuki to Honda for 2012, has struggled with the leg after the emergency operation in Doha but he is now free of the metalwork.
"Thanks to the all the staff at the USP San José hospital and Dr. Angel Villamor’s terrific team, who have always treated me well. Now I’ll rest and tomorrow morning I’ll get discharged to rest at home,” he said.
Jerez MotoGP round to go ahead despite cash woes
Jerez will still hold a round in 2012 despite its financial troubles
Jerez will stage a round of MotoGP in 2012 even though it faces around €45 million in debts which stem back more than ten years after construction work finished in 2001 hasn't been paid for and the circuit also reportedly owes Dorna a substantial amount.
The mayor of Jerez, Maria Jose Garcia-Pelayo, has been in touch with Dorna ringmaster Carmelo Ezpeleta and the race, slated for the end of April, is set to go ahead even though contracts are yet to be signed and the debt has no chance of being paid off.
According to our mates at Motomatters.com, who understand Spanish and everything, the amount of money the event brings into the local area is far too big to be sacrificed even though Spain is facing the same financial abyss as neighbour Portugal and the rest of Europe (except Germany, for some reason).
The Spanish government has already been forced to make massive cuts in order to try and stabilise an out-of-control economy, and there is no chance of central government throwing the Andalucian area a lifeline to set the debut right.
Jerez will stage a round of MotoGP in 2012 even though it faces around €45 million in debts which stem back more than ten years after construction work finished in 2001 hasn't been paid for and the circuit also reportedly owes Dorna a substantial amount.
The mayor of Jerez, Maria Jose Garcia-Pelayo, has been in touch with Dorna ringmaster Carmelo Ezpeleta and the race, slated for the end of April, is set to go ahead even though contracts are yet to be signed and the debt has no chance of being paid off.
According to our mates at Motomatters.com, who understand Spanish and everything, the amount of money the event brings into the local area is far too big to be sacrificed even though Spain is facing the same financial abyss as neighbour Portugal and the rest of Europe (except Germany, for some reason).
The Spanish government has already been forced to make massive cuts in order to try and stabilise an out-of-control economy, and there is no chance of central government throwing the Andalucian area a lifeline to set the debut right.
Valencia facing re-surface or total re-design in 2012
If the track is re-designed, this will go. Boo.
Valencia's MotoGP circuit will either be re-designed or re-surfaced following complaints by riders at the final race of 2011 but the former option may see the loss of the spectacular turn 13 - scene of sideways action on even the laptop-steered 800s.
According to our friends at motomatters.com, the track's management team are seeking permission to change the circuit (see below) from turn four right to the end of the lap which gets rid of the penultimate corner - a turn that sees riders crest a hill with some oppo applied, rear spinning before getting on the brakes for the final hairpin. Or in a big heap if you're called Leon Camier aboard a World Superbike.
The plans are thought to cost around €5m and will include some alerations to pitlane which is a thinly-veiled attempt to lure F1 away from their current location of racing around fish packing crates in the town's docks. The other option is to spend around €1m having the circuit re-surfaced, which is what the riders wanted after they found the ageing asphalt fairly slippery when some rain is applied. The latter will also include some improvements to run-off in three areas.
Valencia's MotoGP circuit will either be re-designed or re-surfaced following complaints by riders at the final race of 2011 but the former option may see the loss of the spectacular turn 13 - scene of sideways action on even the laptop-steered 800s.
According to our friends at motomatters.com, the track's management team are seeking permission to change the circuit (see below) from turn four right to the end of the lap which gets rid of the penultimate corner - a turn that sees riders crest a hill with some oppo applied, rear spinning before getting on the brakes for the final hairpin. Or in a big heap if you're called Leon Camier aboard a World Superbike.
The plans are thought to cost around €5m and will include some alerations to pitlane which is a thinly-veiled attempt to lure F1 away from their current location of racing around fish packing crates in the town's docks. The other option is to spend around €1m having the circuit re-surfaced, which is what the riders wanted after they found the ageing asphalt fairly slippery when some rain is applied. The latter will also include some improvements to run-off in three areas.
Gresini confirms Michele Pirro for MotoGP CRT team
Pirro gets a seat in the big class for 2012
Gresini Racing have this morning confirmed that World Supersport and Moto2 regular Michele Pirro will ride their Honda-powered CRT MotoGP bike for the 2012 season.
Pirro had been looking at a further season in the Moto2 class after taking an emotional win at Valencia but Gresini, who ran him in the series this year, persuaded him to run in the blue riband class. He will partner Alvaro Bautista who rides the factory RC213V.
"I am pleased to have made ??this choice and proud to participate with Team San Carlo Honda Gresini this interesting adventure. It was not easy to make the decision because initially I would have preferred to try to confirm and improve the results in Moto2 2011, but the growing confidence shown by Fausto Gresini in the season finale left me no doubt about the choice I should have done," said the Italian.
"I am honoured to continue to be part of this fantastic group and together with them to develop this ambitious representing the future of MotoGP and I hope to repay their confidence expressed in me with the results and the technical development of this exciting company."
Gresini Racing have this morning confirmed that World Supersport and Moto2 regular Michele Pirro will ride their Honda-powered CRT MotoGP bike for the 2012 season.
Pirro had been looking at a further season in the Moto2 class after taking an emotional win at Valencia but Gresini, who ran him in the series this year, persuaded him to run in the blue riband class. He will partner Alvaro Bautista who rides the factory RC213V.
"I am pleased to have made ??this choice and proud to participate with Team San Carlo Honda Gresini this interesting adventure. It was not easy to make the decision because initially I would have preferred to try to confirm and improve the results in Moto2 2011, but the growing confidence shown by Fausto Gresini in the season finale left me no doubt about the choice I should have done," said the Italian.
"I am honoured to continue to be part of this fantastic group and together with them to develop this ambitious representing the future of MotoGP and I hope to repay their confidence expressed in me with the results and the technical development of this exciting company."
Valentino Rossi takes on Loeb in Monza Rally final
Rossi in action in his Ford WRC car
Nine time MotoGP World Champion Valentino Rossi faced off against eight-time World Rally Champion Sebastien Loeb at the final of the Monza Rally after going past WRC regular Dani Sordo in the semis. Here's how it panned out.
Nine time MotoGP World Champion Valentino Rossi faced off against eight-time World Rally Champion Sebastien Loeb at the final of the Monza Rally after going past WRC regular Dani Sordo in the semis. Here's how it panned out.
De Puniet signs for Aspar as second MotoGP CRT rider
De Puniet will be in the CRT group next year
After a lengthy test session at Jerez, former Pramac Ducati MotoGP rider Randy De Puniet has signed to ride in Jorge Martinez's Aprilia-powered CRT MotoGP team for 2012.
The Frenchman, who was let go by Pramac, has spent the last three days circulating on an Aprilia RSV4-powered hybrid with carbon brakes and Bridgestone tyres. His best laptime that is known is a 1'41.5 which would have been good enough for fourth on the grid the last time 990s raced at the track. His Aspar team-mate will be Aleix Espargaro.
"I am very happy to return to the Aspar Team, having already raced with them in 2005 during my 250cc career. I have very fond memories of that time and now we are taking on a new challenge together in the shape of CRT. I know that this is a very competitive team and they will be fighting to have the best material available. We have already tested and gathered a lot of good feedback. CRT is the future of MotoGP and even though we have a lot of work ahead of us it will be enjoyable," said De Puniet.
"The objective for next season will be to adapt as soon as possible to this new prototype and gradually close the gap to the factory bikes. Testing at Jerez was very productive, we had good weather and managed to gather a lot of good data. The lap times were interesting even though we are obviously a long way off the motorcycle we will start the season with so I am very pleased with how everything is coming together."
After a lengthy test session at Jerez, former Pramac Ducati MotoGP rider Randy De Puniet has signed to ride in Jorge Martinez's Aprilia-powered CRT MotoGP team for 2012.
The Frenchman, who was let go by Pramac, has spent the last three days circulating on an Aprilia RSV4-powered hybrid with carbon brakes and Bridgestone tyres. His best laptime that is known is a 1'41.5 which would have been good enough for fourth on the grid the last time 990s raced at the track. His Aspar team-mate will be Aleix Espargaro.
"I am very happy to return to the Aspar Team, having already raced with them in 2005 during my 250cc career. I have very fond memories of that time and now we are taking on a new challenge together in the shape of CRT. I know that this is a very competitive team and they will be fighting to have the best material available. We have already tested and gathered a lot of good feedback. CRT is the future of MotoGP and even though we have a lot of work ahead of us it will be enjoyable," said De Puniet.
"The objective for next season will be to adapt as soon as possible to this new prototype and gradually close the gap to the factory bikes. Testing at Jerez was very productive, we had good weather and managed to gather a lot of good data. The lap times were interesting even though we are obviously a long way off the motorcycle we will start the season with so I am very pleased with how everything is coming together."
Spy pics: De Puniet's Aprilia CRT and its frame
Gaffa tape - used by the best factories. The team swapped to steel discs today
There has been much speculation over the exact specification of the bike on which Randy De Puniet is currently circulating at Jerez. On the surface, it looks a lot like a World Superbike save for the carbon brakes and Bridgestone tyres.
On first inspection, however, the taped-up areas are more than likely hiding some welds in place which means it is no longer a production frame. But the clever stuff on chassis now is hidden on the inside or the side that you cannot see. We will study it some more and then probably ask someone clever.
There has been much speculation over the exact specification of the bike on which Randy De Puniet is currently circulating at Jerez. On the surface, it looks a lot like a World Superbike save for the carbon brakes and Bridgestone tyres.
On first inspection, however, the taped-up areas are more than likely hiding some welds in place which means it is no longer a production frame. But the clever stuff on chassis now is hidden on the inside or the side that you cannot see. We will study it some more and then probably ask someone clever.
