Rossi to compare GP11 and GP11.1 in USA

Rossi has made public is frustration with the revised machine and has suggested he would benefit from returning to the original GP11.

Valentino Rossi's wish to return to the Ducati GP11 could be granted as early as this weekend's United States Grand Prix after the team announced it would be taking both it and the revised GP11.1 to Laguna Seca.

The Italian declared his dissatisfaction with the GP11.1, introduced from the Dutch TT as an attempt to advance the original GP11 package with features that will be used on next year's 1000cc GP12, after qualifying a lowly 16th for the German Grand Prix.

Suggesting he was ready to return to the GP11 in an effort to improve an average run of form, the former champion will possibly have the chance to ride the two machines back-to-back during free practice for this weekend's United States Grand Prix.

Though Ducati has not made a final decision on this matter, Rossi feels it will be a benefit in the longer term, even if it will likely affect his race performance come Sunday.

“I think that we'll try to use both versions of the Desmosedici on Friday so that we can compare them and do some work for both the near term and the future, because we want to learn as much as possible. We're aware that it could be difficult because we'll also have to be preparing for the race, but we think that in order to improve our bike, it's important to try everything possible. 

A legendary circuit for Rossi, not least as regard to his epic tussle with Casey Stoner in 2008, he will also have the benefit of Jerry Burgess's presence following an absence of two races.

“For me, Laguna represents a great corner, the Corkscrew, and many nice memories, including one of the best races of my career, in 2008. In any case, it's always a pleasure to race in the United States because the motorcycle world here is really nice. Of course I'm even happier that Jerry has returned and I look forward to seeing him in the garage again with all the guys.”

Rossi remains fourth in the overall standings, despite finishing down in ninth at the Sachsenring, while he has also failed to qualify inside the top ten over the last four rounds.

source: crash

Rizla Suzuki heads stateside looking for further improvements

Rizla Suzuki has made a transatlantic dash to ‘The Golden State’ of California in The United States of America for the 10th round of the 2011 MotoGP World Championship.

Álvaro Bautista is in a confident mood following his impressive seventh place last time out at the Sachsenring. He is planning to continue with the same vein of work that the team produced in Germany and move closer to the top-six. Bautista will certainly be looking for better luck on his second visit to the American circuit - his first race at Laguna ended unceremoniously last year when he was knocked off by another rider on only the third lap. The Spaniard will be determined this time to make up for that as he continues to build on his form from recent races.

The Laguna Seca circuit is situated about 160kms south of San Francisco near the towns of Monterey and Seaside. The area was originally a field artillery target range and manoeuvre site belonging to the US Army and the circuit is actually built on a dried-up lake. The 3,610m layout features 11 corners – four right and seven left – and includes probably one of the most incredible turns on any racetrack in the world: the famous ‘Corkscrew’ is a left and right hand combination with a huge drop in elevation that gives a feeling of falling off the edge of a cliff as the riders approach it at high-speeds.

Rizla Suzuki has three 45-minute practice sessions on Friday and Saturday morning, followed by an hour of qualifying on Saturday afternoon. Sunday’s race is round 10 on the MotoGP calendar and the excitement will get underway for the 32-lap race at 14.00hrs local time (21.00hrs GMT) with Bautista hoping to follow in the footsteps of early pioneers and find gold in the Californian hills!

Álvaro Bautista:

“I have a good memory of Laguna from last year – except for the race! It is a nice track and very difficult. I am really looking forward to it after Sachsenring because I am very confident we can continue what we are doing and make further steps. The whole team is in a good mood and we believe we can make a good result in America.

“Before we arrive at Laguna, I will travel with Paul to visit our friends at Troy Lee Designs – I think they have a big surprise waiting for me, I know they are working on a special paint design for my Shoei helmet! Then we go to Suzuki America to visit the staff and meet the riders from the American road-racing and motocross teams. It should be a fun week!”

“King” Kenny Roberts to ride all three days at Red Bull U.S. GP

Roberts plans to take to the track all three days beginning with the previously announced fan lap on Friday, July 22nd, and then on Saturday, the King will ride a specially prepared factory YZR-M1 distinguished in 50th Anniversary livery for several laps during the lunch break. On Sunday, just prior to the start of the MotoGP finale, Kenny will ride his 1980 World Championship winning YZR500!

“I’m really looking forward to it,” said Kenny from his home in northern California, “as this will be the very first time I’ve ridden at the USGP and my 31 year old championship-winning YZR is ready to go!”

Two years ago Kenny took a few laps around the famed Indy Mile to recall his incredible win there in 1975. To see a video, click here.

“These very special on track activities are part of our plans to celebrate Yamaha’s prestigious 50th Anniversary of World Grand Prix racing “said Bob Starr, General Manager of Communications for Yamaha, “We are truly honored to have Kenny in our family and he continues to give back to his fans as he has done for so long!"

source: MotoGP Official Website