'Recharged' Rossi ready for Brno

Valentino Rossi has modest expectations heading into this weekend's Czech Republic MotoGP - a special event for the Italian.

It was at Brno that Rossi took his first ever grand prix win, from his first pole, in the 125cc class in 1996 - then wrapped up the first of his nine world titles at the same circuit the following year.

A five-time Brno winner in the premier-class, Rossi heads for the 2011 event with the simple aim of getting his Ducati closer to the front of the field.

The Doctor finished 30 seconds from victory at the previous US GP.

“After Laguna I took a few days of vacation, at the beach close to home. It was a short break but enough to recharge the batteries following an intense period," said Rossi, whose fifth place in the standings is starting to come under pressure from Yamaha replacement Ben Spies. 

"Now we'll spend a nice mid-August at Brno - classic! Seriously, I'm always happy to go there. I like the track not only because it's very nice, wide and fast, and I've always gone well there, but also because it's a special place for me since it's where I earned my first pole, my first win and my first world championship. 

"During both the race weekend and the Monday test, we'll continue concentrating on the bike's setup, with the goal of reducing the gap to the lead group," concluded the #46, who has taken one podium from his first ten races for Ducati.

Team-mate Nicky Hayden spent part of his summer break at Indy, splitting his time between promotional activities for the upcoming Grand Prix and trying out the new track surface aboard a Ducati 1198 SP.

“It's been a bit of a break, but fortunately not all of it was away from bikes!" said Hayden, who also has one podium so far this year. "On August 5 I had an opportunity to ride a Ducati 1198 SP at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, where the entire infield section has been resurfaced, from Turn 5 to 16, in order to eliminate the bumps that used to limit our line options. 

"Indy was already a great track, but now it's safer and even more fun. A big thanks to Ducati North America and IMS for all the hard work to make the test possible. 

"I'm ready to get to Brno now. It's a very different circuit to what we've been to for the last two races at the Sachsenring and Laguna Seca. Those are tight with short lap times, and Brno is definitely a big, open track. We know it won't be easy, but we've just got to keep chipping away. 

"It's clear that everybody at Ducati is doing the maximum, so we'll go there and try to get a good result. Obviously the test on Monday will be really important for us. I'll probably just ride the GP11 on the race weekend and then test the new bike on Monday.”

source: crash.net

Hayden: Big honour if I can beat

Nicky Hayden, who ended a five-year run of successive MotoGP titles for Valentino Rossi in 2006, admits it would be a big honour to beat the Italian as a team-mate this season.

Ducati's 2011 struggles are well publicised, with only one podium for each rider, although in terms of points the situation is more comparable with last year, when Casey Stoner was riding alongside Hayden.

Rossi is presently fifth in the world championship on 108 points, with Hayden seventh on 94 points. At the same time last year, Stoner (third) had scored 119 points and Hayden (sixth) 99 points.

The only time a team-mate has finished higher than Rossi in the championship was last year, when Jorge Lorenzo won the championship for Yamaha and Rossi was sidelined for four races with a broken leg.

"We're the only team with two (MotoGP) world champions in it at the moment, so that's pretty unique in its own way and we still get along good," said Hayden.

"Me and him, obviously we want to beat each other, he's 14 points in front of me and it would be a big honour for me if I could beat him. He's won nine titles and has pretty much set the standard for the last decade.

"I've learned a lot from him, and also that goes both ways. This bike has been new to him and he's not above asking questions and wanting to know why, and I think right now the results haven't shown, but I think next year it's going to pay off when we come with the new rules and they go back to the 1000ccs. 

"I think having two strong team-mates who are pushing in the same direction is going to be better instead of two guys wanting to go in different ways."

Round eleven of the 2011 MotoGP World Championship takes place at Brno this weekend, which could see Hayden's first race on the GP11.1 motorcycle.

Rossi has had the modified bike since round seven at Assen, while Hayden completed his first laps on the GP11.1 during practice for his home US round, before electing to race the normal GP11.

source: crash.net

Valentino Rossi didn’t underestimate Ducati challenge

Valentino Rossi didn't underestimate the size of the challenge to win MotoGP races at Ducati.

But Ducati did underestimate the extent to which rivals Honda would improve in 2011, according to Rossi’s Aussie crew chief Jerry Burgess.

Rossi has struggled to make a major impact at Ducati since he quit Yamaha at the end of 2010 and has managed just one podium finish in the opening 10 races.

Honda meanwhile is enjoying its best season in the 800cc era and it has already won more races in 2011 after 10 rounds than it did in any other season since 2007.

Speaking to MCN, Burgess said: "I think we underestimated what sort of improvement the others could make. Casey has lifted the potential of all the riders on the Honda. Casey has clearly stood up as the fastest and the top rider out there. Barring misfortune he’s going to be very unlucky not to win the championship."

Burgess said Ducati's main difficulty surrounded understanding its innovative carbon fibre chassis concept.

Loris Capirossi told MCN recently that Ducati was already working on a radical future revamp, and he said requests had been submitted for the Desmosedici to feature a conventional aluminium frame.

Burgess added: "You never expect it to be easy and Ducati has gone out on a limb and built a bike that is quite different to everybody else’s in terms of the chassis. There is not a lot of experience and information out there and how it should it work, so we’re getting our head around a lot of that now and without anything from Ducati to compare it with, we’re sort of an in a neutral position. In the past they’ve gone down an avenue that has delivered inconsistent results but it has perhaps not been the ideal way of where it should be.

"I think if you looked at Ducati’s results in its earlier years in MotoGP, there were two guys in Loris and Troy (Bayliss) who were both capable of finishing in the top four. The bike was perhaps closer to the mark then that it is now in terms of relevance to the competition of the day. That was a bike to me that was more rideable. As time went on, somehow we’ve drifted away from the way how I like to go racing and make it so everybody can ride the bike and it is not rider specific."

source: MCN

Valentino Rossi has asked for a Gresini Honda says Marco Melandri

The rumors that the once considered fairy tale marriage between Valentino Rossi and Ducati is heading towards an annulment are growing stronger; especially considering all his struggles in trying to tame the GP11 and 11.1 and despite the Italian saying “Will I stay with Ducati in 2012? I said I think so, meaning that I reckon that staying here is the logical choice.”

The latest gossip was that Rossi was thinking returning to the Honda fold or run his own MotoGP team with the Japanese manufacturer’s bike, but that was more or less pooh-poohed away, but now the soon-to-be-out of a job Marco Melandri has just lent some credibility to that rumor.

“I know that Valentino Rossi has contacted Gresini for a Honda in 2012: all this confirms what I’ve been saying for some time, that the marriage between the” Doctor “and Ducati have the months counted, said Melandri, who had his own personal stormy relationship with Ducati, that included sessions on a psychologist’s couch.

Whether this is just some summer gossip to fill websites remains to be seen, but that second year option in Rossi’s contract may allow him bow out and count his blessings, and try to forget a nightmare season where for the first time since 1996, he hasn’t had a win to add to his legendary statistics.

source : theracingtribune.it

Valentino Rossi started his own?

With the climate of these days all you can talk about except to Summer. And then instead of a "dream market Midsummer" we speak of a " winter dream ", if only in the previous dream came true almost everything: Ducati Rossi, Ben Spies alongside Jorge Lorenzo, Casey Stoner at the HRC Pedrosa's side. The theme is once again Valentino Rossi. Of the situation "tense" Rossi-Ducati we have talked extensively yesterday.

Valentine called for a frame , called a motorcycle with the frame similar to those of Japanese, and has recently rejected the project GP12 : "With the 1000 we are slower than 800". On the Internet, on TV, in newspapers do not talk that much of this frame, or less if it is right that the House of Ducati satisfied the nine-time world champion distorting his philosophy . Of course, time to change the current bike there, if Ducati decide to change following the directions of Rossi, the bike will only do so for 2012. For the current season, Ducati is working mainly on electronics.

And now we come to the "winter dream", born of some rumors summer, which, I want to clarify, I do not think at all. Valentino Rossi , seen the bad results of 2010, would be leaving Ducati metido to their fate (and his own philosophy ) and would be looking to " go it alone . " The idea of the Doctor would be to establish a team of his own followed by his faithful, Burgess & Co. A project result in an embryonic stage of the bitter pills that Valentino is forced to swallow every race.

But that bike is that? Some speculate a Honda "private", while others suggest a Honda engine with custom frame. A very risky project, impossible, but at the same time very ambitious, in line perhaps, I might add, with the philosophy of Red Bull. For Red Bull , already sponsors a number of private pilots, would be an opportunity to enter definitively into the premier class. A project called just unreal Team RedBull VR46 

source: motoblog.it

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

Rossi staying with Ducati for 2012

All we need now is some time, to develop a Ducati the way I want it.

DESPITE difficulties with his transfer to Ducati, Valentino Rossi has committed to the Italian manufacturer for 2012.

Speaking after an off-par qualifying and race finish at Sachsenring, when asked whether he will continue with Ducati in 2012 Rossi said: “Will I stay with Ducati in 2012? I said ‘I think so’, meaning that I reckon that staying here is the logical choice.”

The reasoning behind the question was in regards to the two-year contract between the nine-time champion and the Bologna manufacturer, the second year being an option for Rossi to continue giving him room for movement if the partnership did not go to plan.

The issue should he leave would be, where would Rossi and his entourage go? He won't return to Yamaha to ride alongside Jorge Lorenzo again and he burnt the bridge with Honda at the end of 2003 - however, HRC did extend the olive branch saying they would take Rossi back.

At Sachsenring the 31-year-old Italian found himself embroiled in a battle with teammate Nicky Hayden and Alvaro Bautista after working his way into the top ten from a poor qualifying position. Ultimately Rossi would finish the second best of the Ducatista in ninth, and both would lose out to the sterling work of Bautista in an inspiring ride on the lone Suzuki GSV-R.

Finding improvements with the bike from languishing down at the back of the grid, Rossi discussed the race: "After the opening laps, I realized that my pace was the same as that of Nicky and Bautista’s group, maybe even a little faster, but I had small glitches with the gearbox in the second half of the race.

"It was mainly hurting me in the last corner, when I changed to third, because the bike wheelied and it took me half the straightaway before I could put it back down. 

"At the end of the race, I wanted to pass Nicky on the brakes into the first corner, where I was pretty strong, but instead even Bautista passed me on the straight. Anyway, that’s not where we want to be. 

"We definitely improved today compared to Saturday, but we’re still too far back." he finished, revealing that the improvements were a in part from adjusting the weight balancing of the Desmosedici GP11.1.

Moving to Ducati, Rossi found the Desmosedici unlike anything he was accustomed to, "Our performances are disappointing, because I don’t seem to be able to make the difference on this motorbike. We must figure out how to solve the problems, we must be focussed and carry on working hard, with optimism.

Rossi

“This motorbike requires slightly different adjustments and a different riding style. We must understand which lead we should follow. Such a situation is a bit risky, because we might end up getting confused,” continued Valentino, “This motorbike was ready, it had been developed previously. All we need now is some time, to develop a Ducati the way I want it. Let’s hope for the best.

“I want to race, otherwise I’d stay home. Last year, here at the Sachsenring, I was walking on crutches and my shoulder was falling to pieces, but I lapped in 1’22”, the lap time of today’s winner. I don’t think I’ve suddenly become an idiot.”

Rossi will now decide whether to continue with the GP11.1, which can be developed further, or step back to the Desmosedici GP11.

Rossi suffers 'hole' in arm, shoulder pain

Valentino Rossi endured a painful start to his 250th grand prix weekend with a big crash in morning practice for the German MotoGP at Sachsenring - then stopped out on track in the afternoon.

The seven-time MotoGP champion, who has just one podium to his credit from eight races for Ducati, was one of four riders caught out by the ultra-fast Turn 11 this morning.

"This morning's crash caused a hole in my right arm that looks like a little anatomy lesson because you can see 'inside' as far as the muscle, but I also took a hit on my shoulder- the right one, which was operated on, and which now hurts a little," said Rossi.

"It's nothing too bad, and I wasn't really affected much today. Let's hope that's also true for tomorrow, especially the shoulder."

Rossi finished FP1 in 14th place and was only 12th at the end of FP2, having lost track time once again when he was forced to abandon his number one bike.

"We did lose some time for working on the bike's setup, also because I got stranded in the second session," he confirmed. "It wasn't due to technical troubles but rather to a small bit of debris that was stuck, causing a precautionary engine shutdown.

"I think that tomorrow we'll be able to improve because we're working on a setting that's halfway between the Mugello one and the standard one, and we think it will be good for this track.

"At the moment we're losing a lot of time in some sections because although the rear of the GP11.1 is much more stable under acceleration, which is important, we still haven't found a good balance with the front. If we manage to find a compromise, I'll be able to do much better.”

While Rossi languished outside the top ten, team-mate Nicky Hayden led the Ducati challenge, finishing 4th and then 6th on the timesheets on an anti-clockwise track that suits his dirt-track background.

"We had good, stable weather all day for the first time in a long time, which makes testing things quite a bit easier," said the American. "This morning we had a really good session. I came out of the gate strong like you're supposed to and stayed in the top five for most of the time.

"It wasn't a bad day overall. In both sessions, we went faster with every little change, using the same set of tyres through the whole session. We improved the lap time this afternoon, but it seemed like the improvements were a little bit harder to make.

"We tried a couple things at the end that felt good but maybe need a little more time and adjustments. We'll see what we can do overnight and where we are tomorrow."

source: Crash.net

Burgess to miss Sachsenring

Valentino Rossi will again be without crew chief Jerry Burgess at this weekend's German MotoGP.

Burgess - the most successful crew chief in motorcycle grand prix history and at Rossi's side since his 2000 MotoGP debut - missed the recent Italian Grand Prix after returning to Australia to support his sick wife.

Burgess, who has won world titles with Rossi (7), Mick Doohan (5) and Wayne Gardner (1), was expected to return for this weekend's Sachsenring event. However, that will not be possible.

"JB will watch this race on TV. The road 2 recovery 4 his wife has got a bit longer, but still positive. He hopes 2 be in Laguna Seca," Rossi's mechanic, Alex Briggs, wrote on his Twitter page (@Alex__Briggs).

At Mugello, the role of Rossi's crew chief was filled by Max Bartolini, who normally works as the Ducati team's Technical Manager. 

Rossi finished sixth in front of his home fans and, although fourth in the world championship after eight rounds, he has only taken one podium finish.

Rossi to make 250th grand prix start

This Sunday's German Grand Prix will see Valentino Rossi make his 250th grand prix start, across all classes. 

Up to crashing and breaking his leg in practice for last year's Italian Grand Prix, Rossi had made 230 successive starts; an all-time record.

Rossi will become just the sixth rider in the history of motorcycle grand prix racing to reach the 250-starts milestone, as shown in the following table.

The nine-time world champion is currently enduring his longest losing streak in grand prix racing, having gone eleven consecutive races without a victory. 

Rossi's first ever grand prix, at the 1996 125cc Brno race, came in his eleventh start.

Loris Capirossi, who holds the all-time record for GP starts, is due to return from injury this weekend. 

Rossi, Capirossi and Randy de Puniet are the only riders in the top 15 start list to still be competing in grand prix. 

Carlos Checa, Max Biaggi and Marco Melandri are also still racing at world championship level and now battling for the World Superbike title.

1. Loris Capirossi 321 GP starts

2. Alex Barros 276

3. Jack Findlay 275

4. Bruno Kneubühler 263

5. Angel Nieto 263

6. Valentino Rossi 249

7. Chas Mortimer 233

8. Giacomo Agostini 231

9. Roberto Locatelli 224

10. Stefan Dorflinger 223

11. Carlos Checa 222

12. Max Biaggi 214

13. Phil Read 212

14. Randy de Puniet 208

15. Marco Melandri 207

Valentino Rossi Ducati 1198 Silverstone

Valentino Rossi joined other great motorsports champions from the past and present in an inauguration ceremony for a new, ultramodern paddock structure at England’s Silverstone Circuit. The Silverstone Wing, as the British venue’s enormous new facility is called, comprises spacious garages, a media center, offices, and an auditorium, and it will host the seventh round of the MotoGP world championship on June 12.

Rossi, who missed the track’s 2010 round due to injury, used the occasion to turn some introductory laps with a World Superbike 1198 and, while that bike was in the garage for a check of its electronics, with a standard 1198 street bike, complete with license plate and mirrors. The Italian greatly enjoyed his track time—about thirty laps in all—as a way to get to know the circuit.

“I really had fun,” said Valentino Rossi before leaving for Italy. “After a few laps with the 1198 Superbike, we had a problem with the electronics and decided to use the 1198 street bike that Ducati’s UK affiliate rushed to us. I really liked riding that bike here. The track is nice—difficult and very technical. It makes you work hard because there are very fast sections where having the right trajectory is important, and others that are very narrow where you have to have good grip under acceleration. The first turn is completely blind, and you must hold a very precise line, and in general the entire first section is really great, definitely the part I like most. In short, I enjoyed it, especially because there were many drivers and riders who have great histories in motorsports, like John Surtees, who told me that he raced here in the ’50s. I wasn’t following racing then,” joked the Italian, “but he was great.”

source: MotoGP Official Website