grand prix motorcycle racing

MotoGP world champion Valentino Rossi was relishing the prospect of competing in his first endurance car race after Friday's practice with the Kessel team in a Ferrari 430 GT3. "In the first session I focused on getting to grips with the commands of the car, which is really quick," Rossi told the website of the Vallelunga track near Rome, where he will take part in a six-hour race on Sunday. "In the second I started to step on it and I really enjoyed myself trying to get the set-up right." "We haven

In the first session I focused on getting to grips with the commands of the car, which is really quick   -Valentino Rossi

 

From a press release issued by Sheffield Hallam University: James Toseland is no stranger to the podium, but it was cheering graduates rather than cheering motorcycle fans who greeted him as he collected an honorary doctorate from Sheffield Hallam University today. But true to form, friends of the motorcycle ace had made sure there was a bottle of champagne waiting for him in the robing room before he made the short circuit to the stage at Sheffield City Hall. James, who learnt to ride on the coal sp  

From a press release issued by Infront Motor Sports: Infront Motor Sports is delighted to announce that the winner of the 2009 World Superbike Organiser Award is the circuit of Magny-Cours, France. The circuit, from a promotional, logistical and sporting point of view, has guaranteed the required standards that helped everyone in the Superbike paddock to work in the best possible way.  

Record-chasing Michael Rutter is well versed in what it takes to win in Macau, but he revealed he was clueless as he bids to beat hot favourite Stuart Easton and become the most successful rider in the history of the Motorcycle Grand Prix. "I haven't got a clue where I should make a move [against Easton]," said six-time champion Rutter when asked what his strategy would be for today's 43rd edition of the two-wheeled showpiece. Scotland's Easton, the defending champion, is the favourite to win again thi

It is never easy, especially with so many young lads like Easton around   -Michael Rutter

 

Nine-time World MotoGP Champion Valentino Rossi has organized the Motocross dei Campioni event at Cavallara in Italy and participated at the charity run in order to raise funds and help treat children suffering of leukaemia at a hospital in Pesaro, Italy. The event gathered more than 10.000 people, among which Andrea Dovizioso, Julian Simon, Marco Simoncelli, Loris Capriossi and Marco Melandri were the other names associated with motorcycle racing. Looks like The Doctor is no stranger to dirt riding e  

The news that 1000cc production-based engines will be allowed to race in MotoGP alongside the prototypes appears to be having some unexpected consequences. After at first announcing their intention to offer cut-price Aprilia RSA 250s to run in Moto2, and then dropping that idea to concentrate on building a chassis for the Moto2 class to wrap around the spec Honda engine due to be used, the Spanish website Motoworld.es is reporting that Aprilia may decide to switch tack altogether. According to the repor  

In the first qualifying session yesterday, Hutchinson put himself in contention for a podium berth as he finished in third place. It will be the 30-year-old's fifth visit to the circuit, but he's only managed one top-three finish on the track so far - in 2006. However, the trip does hold some eastern promise for the Yorkshireman, as he already has four race wins under his belt this year.  

Suzuki boss Paul Denning has praised new signing Alvaro Bautista's progress after the 250cc graduate matched the 2009 Suzuki riders' pace in Estoril testing. Bautista has taken Chris Vermeulen's place alongside Loris Capirossi in the factory Suzuki line-up for 2010. He completed three days of private testing at Estoril this week, and his best time of 1m38.5s was in line with what Capirossi and Vermeulen had managed during the race weekend in October.

Alvaro has been very impressive over the three days and has completed 212 laps with absolutely no errors   -Paul Denning

 

ULSTER'S Jonathan Rea succeeded in achieving his goals in his rookie year in the World Superbike Championship, but the gritty Ulsterman feels he faces an even tougher challenge in the series in 2010. Rea will remain with the Dutch-based Hannspree Ten Kate Honda team following a sensational debut season in the series during which the 22-year-old notched two victories and finished on the podium eight times in total to secure fifth position overall in the points table behind Max Biaggi. He will be partne

Reflecting on 2009 I have reached my target, which was originally to win a race and finish in the top six in the championship   -Jonathan Rea