The 2009 Season

Yamaha - Fiat partnership to continue 04/11

Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd and Fiat Automobiles Spa have concluded an agreement to continue their partnership for a further two years.

The agreement will see Fiat continue as the title sponsor of Yamaha’s Factory MotoGP Team, which will continue to be known as the Fiat Yamaha Team, for 2009 and 2010.

Fiat joined Yamaha at the start of 2007 and their partnership has been a successful one with 14 grand prix wins to date, culminating in the capture of the 2008 Rider, Team and Manufacturer titles. 2009 will see the same team with Valentino Rossi and Jorge Lorenzo contesting the championship for the Fiat Yamaha Team.

“I heartily welcome the extension of the agreement with Fiat as title sponsor of our MotoGP Factory Team for another two years” said Masao Furusawa, Executive Officer Engineering Operations of Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. “We will be working to continue the great partnership that resulted in the Fiat Yamaha Team winning the triple crown in 2008”.

Lin Jarvis, Managing Director of Yamaha Motor Racing Srl, commented, “We are delighted to be continuing our partnership with Fiat for a further two years. It remains a very interesting mix for an Italian car manufacturer to be partner of a Japanese motorcycle manufacturer in the world’s premier motorcycle racing series.

"After a tough first season in 2007 we were really happy to win the triple crown titles this year for Yamaha and for Fiat.

"Fiat’s decision to continue for a further two years is a sign of confidence in our activities and a strong confirmation of the value of being involved in the MotoGP championship. Our target for the future is clear: we want to continue with our winning ways and provide even more excitement for the fans of the Fiat Yamaha Team”.

Yes thought they would, would be crazy to end the sponsorship now.

Im glad that Fiat are sticking with them, I think they make a really good team and this year just proved that.

why ruin a good thing?

2009 MotoGP Calendar announced
By Michael Guy

MotoGP

25 July 2008 13:12


The 2009 provisional MotoGP calendar has been announced today. The 18 round series includes two USA rounds along with new addition Lake Balaton in Hungary.





DATE
GRAND PRIX
CIRCUIT

April 12
Qatar
Losail

April 26
Japan
Motegi

May 3
Spain
Jerez

May 17
France
Le Mans

May 31
Italy
Mugello

June 14
Catalunya
Catalunya

June 27
Netherlands
Assen

July 5
United States
Laguna Seca

July 19
Germany
Sachsenring

July 26
Great Britain
Donington Park

August 16
Czech Republic
Brno

August 30
Indianopolis
Indianopolis

September 13
San Marino
Misano

September 20
Hungary
Lake Balaton

October 4
Portugal
Estoril

October 18
Australia
Phillip Island

October 25
Malaysia
Sepang

November 8
Valencia
Valencia

Work starts on new Hungary circuit
By Matthew Birt

MotoGP

07 November 2008 09:15


Work has commenced on the new Balatonring circuit in Hungary, which is due to stage a round of the MotoGP world champion in just 10 months time.

2009 MotoGP calendar
The first stone was laid yesterday (Thursday) in preparation for the new circuit, which is due to host the Hungarian GP on September 20.

Local dignitaries and home hero Gabor Talmacsi, who won the 2007 world 125cc championship, attended the ceremony.

Jorge Martinez Aspar, who has been one of the major driving forces behind the project, was also present, as was Dorna chief Carmelo Ezpeleta.

“I think that it will be exciting to race here because, if you remember Brno, there were 30 to 40,000 people there with my national flag.” I’d like to try the track as soon as possible to gain an advantage, “said Talmacsi, who has quit 125 to move to the 250GP class in 2009.

Talking about the race that will replace the China clash in Shanghai, Ezpeleta said: “ “Since we first spoke with the Hungarian government and all the representatives of the project, we have realised that this is a very important for both them and ourselves. I’m sure that if the weather is OK the track can be finished on time and we can have a Hungarian Grand Prix on September 20th.”

MotoGP » Brno extends MotoGP contract.
Friday, 7th November 2008

Brno extends MotoGP contract until 2013.
MotoGP will return to Brno in the Czech Republic until at least 2013, following an extension of the current agreement between the circuit's owners and world championship commercial rights-holders Dorna Sports.

It is a two-year extension on a contract which already covered the period up to 2011, meaning that MotoGP visits to Brno are assured for at least the next five years.

The Brno date is highly popular with the riders and supporters alike, and this year in August the Czech event was attended by massive crowds of nearly 240,000 over the course of the weekend.

The first ever grand prix held at Brno was in 1965 on the original 13.94 km long road circuit, with the current circuit introduced in 1987 and used every year since then with the exception of 1992.

In 2009 the Czech Republic Grand Prix will be held from August 14-16 and the event will be the 22nd time that the current circuit has hosted a grand prix.

MotoGP » Talmacsi present as Balatonring begins.
Thursday, 6th November 2008

Construction of new Balatonring motorcycle grand prix circuit starts in Hungary.

The first stone of the new Balatonring circuit, which will host next year's Hungarian Grand Prix, was laid on the construction site near Savoly in Western Hungary on Thursday.

Among those attending the event was local star and 2007 125cc world champion Gabor Talmacsi, together with his team manager - and fellow former world champion - Jorge Martinez 'Aspar', who has been one of the driving forces behind the project.

"I think that it will be exciting to race here because, if you remember Brno, there were 30-40,000 people there with my national flag [pictured]," said Talmacsi. "I'd like to try the track as soon as possible, to gain an advantage!"

The proceedings consisted of laying the first stone and burying a 'time capsule' containing mementos of the day and the Hungarian and Spanish flags.

"Since we first spoke with the Hungarian government and all the representatives of the project, we have realized that this is a very important for both them and ourselves," said Dorna Sports CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta. "I'm sure that if the weather is OK the track can be finished on time and we can have a Hungarian Grand Prix on September 20th."

Yamaha MotoGP boss plays down Ben Spies swoop
By Matthew Birt

MotoGP

20 November 2008 15:52


Senior Yamaha race boss Lin Jarvis has insisted that the Japanese factory has no deal already in place to bring triple American superbike champion Ben Spies to MotoGP in 2010.

Spies has made it clear that he wants to be in MotoGP in 2010 after moving to Yamaha’s factory World Superbike squad for next season.

Yamaha has big interest in the former Suzuki rider, and should he impress in next year’s WSB series, speculation is mounting that he will move to the Tech 3 Yamaha squad.

But Jarvis has told MCN that there is no pre-contractual agreement in place with Spies, who raced in three MotoGP races for Suzuki in 2008, claiming a best of sixth in Indianapolis.

“There is no deal done", Jarvis told MCN. “Coming into our World Superbike team will put him closer on the radar because we will watch him closely, understand him and see his potential.

"It is no secret that his intention is to come to MotoGP and he sees this as the next step in his career to achieving his goal. We are fully aware of this and I know his target. But there is no clause or no guarantee, though we will be monitoring his progress closely.”

Spies impressed recently on his R1 debut at the Portimao circuit in Portugal.

MotoGP: The end for traction control?
By Visordown News
MotoGP boss says it's time to review electronic aids

MOTOGP BOSS Carmelo Ezpeleta has said there may be a reduction of electronic riding aids in next year's MOtoGP series.
Many riders have called for a ban on the electtronic aids, as they believe it's dumbing down competition within the sport. In an interview with Motosprint, Ezpeleta said:

"We need to get down to discuss it, as it's been done in every motor racing series. I've asked the manufacturers to look for a solution, to start talking, but we won't see anything in 2009. We'll need more time. However, regulating electronics will be the next step."

But even though the topic of electronic aids is high on Ezpeleta's list, the Dorna big-wig was firm that the championship was still a tough competiton to win:

"It must not be thought that Valentino won easily, he made incredible efforts and he won thanks to his genius. And he has shown his genius to the entire world, so this is a spectacle of the highest level. You only need to remember the Laguna Seca race...

"This was a season where Valentino's strategy counted a lot, and he won because he put Stoner under pressure. And if we add to this Pedrosa, who until mid-season was ahead, the level this year was extremely high. So the title for us has extraordinary value."

Toyota unveil Ducati Desmosedici RR transporter
Tuesday, 18 November 2008

Japanese and Italian technology combine for new track day transporter.




A unique collaboration between Toyota and Ducati has produced one of the custom accessories of the year, unveiled at the recent SEMA custom car and truck show in California. The 2009 Tundra Ducati Desmosedici transporter –an accompaniment for the Italian factory´s Desmosedici RR- turned plenty of heads at the exhibition.

Toyota built the transporter from their regular Tundra CrewMax, with the frame stretched to accommodate the MotoGP replica. A hydraulic ramp, popup solar panels for extra power and flip up bedsides feature on the limited edition accessory, all with the Ducati red and white paintwork.

Ducati lent Toyota one of the special Desmosedici RR machines –a street bike based on the company´s MotoGP models- in addition to tools and leathers to test storage for the project.

`Toyota approached us for this project based on Ducati´s world-championship racing record and our reputation for the best in technology and performance,´ says Michael Lock, Ducati North America CEO. `It is a partnership that gives Ducati some visibility to an enthusiast crowd that we otherwise don't normally reach.´

The most famous owner of the RR since its unveiling at Mugello in 2006 is Hollywood star Tom Cruise, present in the MotoGP paddock at Laguna Seca earlier this year.

Brivio: Fiat Yamaha wall stays, but the competitiveness is normal
Thursday, 27 November 2008

Rossi crew chief explains decision to keep garage partition in place in 2009.



The introduction of a single-tyre rule for 2009 will not bring about the demolition of the Fiat Yamaha garage-separating wall, with Valentino Rossi and Jorge Lorenzo both remaining with their own distinct crews for their respective title challenges. The head of Rossi´s side, Davide Brivio, explained the decision to keep with a winning formula on Wednesday at the Official Test in Jerez.

`It was something that we brought in for 2008 (when the duo ran tyres from two different brands) and it worked well, so we will maintain it,´ says Brivio. `It is not an odd thing that with two riders like Valentino Rossi and Jorge Lorenzo there would be some competitiveness there.

`We found that this situation allows everybody to work in a more focused and concentrated way, and with the two different crews that we have within the team the rider can feel that he has a group working exclusively for his needs.´

The current visit to Jerez sees Rossi using both the 2008 and 2009 versions of the Yamaha M1, and Brivio indicates that it is a final chance for preparation before a concentrated program with the latest prototype.

`We´re looking to find the final specification for the 2009 bike at these tests. The target here is to check a few things to work on over the winter and look at the adjustments again in Sepang. In January we normally assemble the final specs, so this will be the last test for the latest information,´ explains the Italian.

Suzuki deny considering Michelin switch
By Matthew Birt

MotoGP

01 October 2008 10:40


Suzuki has denied wanting to be part of a mass exodus from Bridgestone as Japanese factory bosses shunned any possibility of switching to Michelin to avoid a one-make tyre rule being introduced next season.

With Ducati and Kawasaki locked in discussions about a shock switch to Michelin at last weekend’s Japanese GP, it was also rumoured that Suzuki management eyed a similar move away from Bridgestone.

But factory team boss Paul Denning told MCN said: “We didn’t considered this. Suzuki’s overall relationship with Bridgestone is so strong that it would not make a lot of sense for us to change.

"And also we do feel that we are looked after very well by Bridgestone on a technical basis at the track. Irrespective of the results we don’t feel we are looked after any worse than any other rider or team.”

Kawasaki refute tyre claims
By Matthew Birt

MotoGP

01 October 2008 10:32


Kawasaki management have expressed surprise at the Japanese factory being made a scapegoat in some quarters for the failure of last-minute talks to avert a one-make tyre rule being introduced in 2009.

With Ducati offering to run all five of its GP9 machines on Michelin tyres in 2009 at last weekend’s Japanese GP, the French tyre company only needed to secure deals for another three riders to retain competition with rivals Bridgestone. Rules state one competing tyre manufacturer must supply no less than 40 per cent of the grid, meaning Michelin needed eight bikes to avoid the one-make tyre rule.

Michelin targeted Kawasaki but whirlwind negotiations saw senior Japanese management refuse to quit Bridgestone. Many then blamed Kawasaki’s reluctance to switch on the failure of tyre competition remaining in MotoGP.

Factory team boss Michael Bartholemy said: “After discussions between the team and the factory it was decided that for us it was better option to stick with Bridgestone. We looked at the possibility of switching but to make that decision in just one day was too short.

"We have been with Bridgestone since 2004, so it didn’t seem right that we might have to move to another tyre brand just because some other teams wanted Bridgestone. I think people have to question HRC or Fiat Yamaha because these are the teams that went to Bridgestone and this is what has caused some problems with the system.

"I don’t understand why people think it was us that caused some issues. In any case, Michelin and Ducati didn’t find an agreement and I think they were further away from a final decision than us.”

Poncharal: `Team changes a good move´
Monday, 01 December 2008

Tech 3 Yamaha boss plays down importance of Edwards-Toseland crew chief switch.


With the MotoGP lineups in place and on-track activity prohibited until late-January, the pages of the European motorcycle press have been entertaining themselves with comments coming out of the Tech 3 Yamaha camp. An exchange of crew chiefs between James Toseland and Colin Edwards, and a few choice words from Edwards on the matter, have made for tasty reading for those interested in inter-team rivalry.

Tech 3 Yamaha Principal Herve Poncharal is not one of those fanning the flames, and said as much at last week´s Official MotoGP Test in Jerez. The Frenchman instead believes that the decision has mutual benefits for both of his riders, and could bring the best out of them in 2009.

`I think that it was a good move; James likes to be near his crew chief in order to discuss things between races and tests, and Gary (Reynders) lives in England at the moment,´ says Poncharal of the Toseland-instigated switch. `Colin is confident of the whole team´s potential, and knows that Guy is a very experienced and valuable crew chief.´

Edwards had previously given Toseland a few pointers at his opening MotoGP test in Sepang, but in the first test of the 2009 preseason the atmosphere inside the garage was a little less friendly. Competitive rivalry has spurred on many a MotoGP racewinner, and Poncharal sees nothing wrong with a bit of `edge´ in the quest to put the satellite bike on the top step of the podium.

`James got what he wanted, and I think that it will help him to be more confident. Colin has the extra motivation to show that his results last year were because of him and nothing else. Everyone knows that the first guy a rider wants to beat is his teammate, and this is a situation that we will have next year, ´ he says.

Both riders will be back in action at the first test of the year in Sepang, where they will be testing Bridgestone tyres on the 2009 satellite version of the Yamaha M1 for the first time.