MotoGP 2011: The Ducati/Dr Era Begins

[Sianellen]

can't stop myself

[Ste]

A really great tribute to Simo.

[epiclyaddicted]

Great tributes at the start of BBC's coverage as well, don't think it has quite sunk in for me yet.

[Sianellen]

So wonderful to see all these tributes. It is great that they are all celebrating him, instead of mourning him.

[Aussie]

What a awesome race stoner what a champ bring on next year

[Sianellen]

Suzuki withdraws from MotoGP but leaves door open for 2014 return

Friday, November 18th 2011, 09:17 GMT

Suzuki has confirmed that it is pulling out of MotoGP - but suggested its absence will be temporary and that a 2014 return is on the cards.

The future of Suzuki's MotoGP programme had been in doubt for months, with the reduction to a single works bike this season widely regarded as a precursor to a full withdrawal.

It did not join fellow works teams Honda, Ducati and Yamaha in publically testing a 1000cc bike for the 2012 rules, although there were suggestions that such a bike was under development and that the factory team would start the season with its old 800cc machine before switching to the new bike later in the year.

But today the company issued a statement blaming global economic circumstances for the decision to suspend its MotoGP programme for at least two seasons.

"Suzuki Motor Corporation has decided to suspend temporarily its participation in FIM Road Racing Grand Prix MotoGP from 2012," said the statement.

"This suspension is to cope with tough circumstances mainly caused by the prolonged recession in developed countries, a historical appreciation of Japanese Yen and repeated natural disasters.

"Having an eye to returning to MotoGP in 2014, Suzuki will now focus on developing a competitive new racing machine for that class.

"Suzuki will continue motocross racing activity and support of road racing activities using mass-produced motorcycles, by obtaining FIM homologation and co-operation with the supplier of its development racing kit parts."

Suzuki's 2011 rider Alvaro Bautista has already signed for Gresini Honda for next year. The team had tested ex-Pramac Ducati rider Randy de Puniet at Valencia last week.

The most recent Suzuki win in MotoGP was Chris Vermeulen's triumph in the wet 2007 French Grand Prix, with Kenny Roberts Jr the last man to achieve championship success on a Suzuki in 2000.

[Tobes]

Not started any better this year has it...?

[Ste]

Nope. :(

I can see him retiring at the end of this season to be honest. He seems so downbeat and off with it all. It must be horrible for someone like him, someone who is always expected to deliver, to be so far off the pace.

There's no way Ducati are going to change that bike to a point where he is comfortable. Its very unlikely he'll end up at another team. It's a shame to see this partnership fail so badly. Unfortunately I can see this amazing guy's career gradually coming to an end in an embarrassing way. He's lost complete confidence in the bike that only a totally different ride will fix.

Spies needs replacing, get him back at Yamaha. (that'll never happen!).

[Rob]

It is really sad to see this happening.Thought this pairing too was going to bring many good times, but atmo

[Aussie]

Rossi who?

[Tobes]

So VAG have bought Ducati, would imagine they will make a very competitive (if not world beating) MotoGP bike...

Hopefully this will be the start of the VAG/Ducati/Dr era...

[Tifoso]

Who is VAG?

[Suzie]

The Volkswagen Group, which Audi are part of - and Audi have bought Ducati.

[Greig]

might get a VAG cap

[Suzie]

One with flaps at the side?

*runs away*

[Tifoso]

The Volkswagen Group, which Audi are part of - and Audi have bought Ducati.

Thanks for the clarification. That's that, then.

[Tobes]

Who is VAG?

VAG is (as has been said) Volkswagen Audi Group, who own Skoda, Seat, Volkswagen, Audi, Lambo, Bentley, Bugatti and some i've probably forgotten, and now Ducati...

Apparently the bosses at Audi have told Ducati to get Vale to 'sign on the dotted line', Audi don't fail at anything they set out to do, am thinking Ducati will have a bike that can challenge for the title in a couple of yrs...

[Tifoso]

VAG is (as has been said) Volkswagen Audi Group, who own Skoda, Seat, Volkswagen, Audi, Lambo, Bentley, Bugatti and some i've probably forgotten, and now Ducati...

Apparently the bosses at Audi have told Ducati to get Vale to 'sign on the dotted line', Audi don't fail at anything they set out to do, am thinking Ducati will have a bike that can challenge for the title in a couple of yrs...

[sav_pap]

VAG is (as has been said) Volkswagen Audi Group, who own Skoda, Seat, Volkswagen, Audi, Lambo, Bentley, Bugatti and some i've probably forgotten, and now Ducati...

Apparently the bosses at Audi have told Ducati to get Vale to 'sign on the dotted line', Audi don't fail at anything they set out to do, am thinking Ducati will have a bike that can challenge for the title in a couple of yrs...

Imo from next year ducati will be in position to claim the title. Recently the results have become very promising.
Only concern is Vale. Will he be in position to fight for it, as years pass rapidly when a rider is over 30? (Gallina Vecchia). Also Nicky has shown that he starts to find bike's feeling.

[Tifoso]

Imo from next year ducati will be in position to claim the title. Recently the results have become very promising.
Only concern is Vale. Will he be in position to fight for it, as years pass rapidly when a rider is over 30? (Gallina Vecchia). Also Nicky has shown that he starts to find bike's feeling.

LOL

[Tobes]

Imo from next year ducati will be in position to claim the title. Recently the results have become very promising.
Only concern is Vale. Will he be in position to fight for it, as years pass rapidly when a rider is over 30? (Gallina Vecchia). Also Nicky has shown that he starts to find bike's feeling.

Thinking to expect instant results would be a tad hopeful, but I hope you're right...

Also, word is that Cal has dibs on Nicky's seat next year, don't know how true that is, Marquez already has got Casey's bike for next year...

[Rob]

Marlboro could lead to Rossi at Yamaha

ALBERTO GOMEZ. MADRID 17/07/12 - 18:05.

Valentino Rossi is a King Midas though it does not have a kingdom in motorcycling. His reputation pervivirá even when he is gone from the paddock. And his charisma, spite of them to many other drivers, is still the engine that encourages a majority of fans worldwide. only need to see the dedication that dispenses a newcomer to the World as Audi , the new owner of Ducati, resting at his figure and tries to give all that ask. Not the sweet candy that years ago everyone wanted to try but still retains some charm and is appealing for any sponsor.

It is true that Honda and Yamaha are not interested in hiring. But this weekend in Mugello broke new rumors and evidence that something big is brewing around him . It seems so clear you can stay at Ducati. Their lack of confidence that the revolution can transform the décor Audi have it uneasy. And he moves other threads. Just in case.

Phillip Morris pulls hard to see your darling on a bike again winning
"I am excited about the project from Audi, but I have confidence that this can change any time soon. with Ducati we have tried everything for a year and a half and has not been possible, "confessed the other day . His skepticism contrasts with the ambition of the brand of the rings, so powerful in the automotive Borgo Panigale now wants to revive after its appropriation by EUR 900 million and aims to learn in the manufacture of motorcycle engines, small, like an introduction in its hybrid vehicles.

The doubts of Valentino
Rossi but it does not have them all. And several bands playing. A second current that began to be sick at Mugello. Phillip Morris, the owner of Marlboro snuff, always in love with Rossi, pushing hard to find a new way of commercial exploitation, media and always planned in parallel with the interests of Rossi.

Marlboro, in this sense can be the nexus where before there was rupture. And the perfect vehicle for It can return to a factory Yamaha. In fact, the Swiss company tries to bring Rossi to Yamaha and to sponsor a team for years and had red and white, along with Rainey, with Czech or Biaggi.

Yamaha is an ideal container for tobacco. First, because the Italian driver take back a move to Yamaha would be perfect for the protagonist, mounted on a very competitive M1 with a view also to a very juicy historical retirement for the Japanese. Then, because the factory does not have a sponsor Iwata to give color to their bikes, so there is no competition . And finally because if Lorenzo achieved the championship, second in MotoGP, would also have the number 1 and the curiosity to see him again confronted with the same weapons to Valentino .

The transfer to occur, could pose leave Ducati MotoGP
Rossi is a sea of doubts and between these two waters discussed in recent days. And although Yamaha is not a priority in repescarlo no problem, more under the arm bringing economic potential unparalleled in the paddock , no one puts as much money as Phillip Morris at the World- . Lin Jarvis, the athletic director, extends his hand, leaving behind misunderstandings when Rossi came to Yamaha. And, as confirmed in Onda Cero former manager of Lawrence, Mark Hirsch, Jorge's new contract clause was not established any anti Rossi.

What if no sponsor Ducati to stay? Audi would be embarrassed just landed in the championship, but perhaps rethink its MotoGP project. Who knows if the Germans, if they could not have Valentino, prayer candles and would leave the World Cup. Or the other way could pass for hire two new young drivers and start again. But the solution of the equation is an enigma. Until Rossi not clear

http://www.marca.com/2012/07/17/moto...342541130.html

[Rob]

Filippo Preziosi, General & Technical Director of Ducati Corse, spoke with motogp.com after the official MotoGP™ test at Mugello on Monday, after which the team would be staying for a further three days at the Tuscan circuit with its test team. The work to be carried out across the four days is extensive. Preziosi commented: "Now we are working on both the chassis and engine driveability. The problem is really huge. Last weekend was a step, but we know we have to work very hard to improve."

As announced earlier in the season, the race in Laguna Seca will see Ducati start using its number four engine, which is to be sealed before the race. This gives the Italian outfit the chance to use some of the tested items for the race. Preziosi outlined the plan: "In Laguna we will seal engine number four as planned. Engine number four is ready to use some additional parts we are developing. Some parts could be delivered directly to Laguna, and some other parts will be delivered in the following races. This depends on the final result, and only when we are sure that these parts give us an improvement in terms of performance."

The test did not start particularly well on Monday, with rider Valentino Rossi suffering an ECU failure, yet Nicky Hayden was able to put in some good laps and gave some good feedback. Preziosi was however pleased with both the riders’ and the team’s showing: "Monday was a half test with Valentino because unfortunately we had a hardware problem. So for safety reasons we stopped his test. So we got only half the information we need. It was a good test for Nicky, because we tested a lot of interesting things. At the end he was quite happy. To be honest, Nicky was good all weekend. Valentino did a wonderful race, starting unfortunately far back, but the pace was really good. Overall it was a nice weekend."

Apart from the items that could be introduced at the Laguna Seca round, Ducati is also working on further development in the four-day test, which Preziosi says will be made available for the next available testing slot. He did however remain tight-lipped on what the possible upgrades were: "Now we have to finish the test and try some new things. We will offer them to our riders in the next test they will do in August…but it’s a secret."

[Suzie]

Interesting read here about the (alleged) pending announcement that Vale's heading back to Yamaha:

http://motomatters.com/analysis/2012...MotoMatters%29

It is a bit of a risk, announcing that Valentino Rossi will be switching to Yamaha just a couple of days after getting caught out by a hacked Twitter and email account. This time, though, confirmation is coming from multiple sources, including our own. Rossi will be leaving Ducati for Yamaha at the end of this season, with an official press release expected from Yamaha on the morning of August 15th, the Italian national holiday of Ferragosto, and the day before the paddock assembles at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for the Red Bull Indianapolis GP.

According to the Italian media, the decision was taken a few days after the US GP at Laguna Seca, a race which was typical of Rossi's experience with the Ducati: slow during practice, unable to make progress during qualifying leaving him to start from 10th, and topped off with a crash at the top of the Corkscrew. Rossi crashed on lap 30, losing the front while braking and still almost upright. Unable to get any heat into the tire, the front tire looked almost new, despite having nearly the full race distance on it. Ducati CEO Gabriele Del Torchio had flown especially to the US to present an offer to Rossi and convince him of the sweeping changes that Audi will help to bring about to the racing program, and at the Sachsenring and Mugello, Rossi had spoken to senior Audi executives about their plans for MotoGP. Ducati had even gone so far as to try to persuade Masao Furusawa, the former leader of Yamaha's M1 MotoGP project, to come to Ducati to help fix the bike.

Furusawa declined, as respected Japanese journalist Akira Nishimura reported on his Twitter page this morning after interviewing the former Yamaha man. Furusawa's reasons were deeply rooted in Japanese culture, and the strong bond between company and employee, even after the employment contract is terminated: it would not be right for a former employee to betray the company he worked for, and that was a step too far for Furusawa. The Japanese engineer revealed just how far Ducati were prepared to go to get help, telling Nishimura that Preziosi had said "I just want to make our bike better. It doesn't matter if I lose my position."

The Furusawa gambit was probably Ducati's last chance at getting Rossi to stay, and when it failed, Rossi made uip his mind. The only thing that Rossi wanted was a competitive bike for the beginning of the 2013 season. When Preziosi acknowledged he could not provide that, Rossi's decision was clear. At the age of 33, Rossi understands that he does not have many more seasons left in MotoGP. He cannot afford to wait for Ducati to build a competitive bike. If he wants to start challenging for podiums and wins again - and more importantly, start enjoying racing again, finding the pleasure in racing that gives him the energy to make it through the long slog of testing and training - then he needs to be on competitive machinery. The Yamaha is competitive now; the Ducati is clearly no such thing.

Rossi's departure from Ducati is a defeat for both parties, as a curious retraction from the Italian magazine Motociclismo's website makes plain. Motociclismo published quotes from Ducati PR manager Francesco Rapisarda, acknowledging that Rossi would leave Ducati. The story with quotes was then removed from the website - though picked up by the eagle-eyed GPOne.com, who also saved a copy of the quotes as a screenshot - and Rapisarda denied to GPOne that he had made those statements, while editorial staff at Motociclismo told GPOne that it was 'a misunderstanding'. Whether a Ducati spokesperson said those words or not, the underlying truth remains. Rossi left Honda for Yamaha to demonstrate that the rider was more important than the bike. His return to Yamaha from Ducati demonstrates that this is only true up to a point. There is a basic level of performance that is needed from the bike for a rider such as Rossi to be able to perform.

But the move - indeed, the threat of a Rossi departure - has already had a massive effect on Ducati. The Corse department are scheduled to hold a major meeting this week, to discuss their R&D strategy and plan for the rest of the season. Rossi's leaving will have a major impact on the testing schedule, and cause Ducati to rethink their R&D efforts. Though help from Audi will not be direct, they may be able to help in speeding up redesign and production of new parts, with new parts feeding into the process more quickly. Ducati may find themselves in a quandary: having a man widely acknowledged as one of the best and most sensitive development riders under contract, but unwilling to give away too much of their future development direction.

There is still one fly in the ointment for the Rossi-to-Yamaha story: Though Rossi will be taking a massive pay cut to return to Yamaha, and leaving most of his entourage behind (only his 'Australian' crew are expected to follow him, the group consisting of Jeremy Burgess, Alex Briggs, Bernard Ansiau, Brent Stephens and Matteo Flamigni) the factory is still without a title sponsor for the second year running. Rossi is expected to bring a sponsor with him, and though the appeal of the Italian is undiminished - his name is far, far bigger than the sport, a risk to the future of the series itself once he retires - the pen has not yet been put to paper. Once that hurdle has been cleared, then the deal can be announced officially.

We realize that after being tricked by a hacked Twitter and email account, our credibility has suffered when it comes to Rossi's move to Yamaha. The Twitter and email messages about Rossi visiting Yamaha's HQ in Amsterdam may have been faked. But as many people pointed out, Rossi does not need to fly to Amsterdam to sign a contract with Yamaha. Just because he wasn't at Schiphol-Rijk, it doesn't mean that Rossi hasn't signed for Yamaha.

[Rob]

Rossi's Yamaha Piano
with MotoGP and Superbike

Milan, August 2, 2012

Two years with Lorenzo, then the transition to the derivatives to become the first champion in all categories
At decisive for the future of Valentino Rossi, Yamaha supply interesting details emerge. That not only affects the next two seasons in MotoGP, but also the opportunity to debut the new Superbike at the end of 2014. The Iwata brand is planning to return in the series derived from a year ago and left to rely on Rossi's lead and technical lead driver in the mouth-watering to promoter Flammini and Mediaset, which from 2013 will send the Superbike.

Valentino Rossi of Yamaha at the time. LaPresse
CHOICE - The Ducati has requested a response by Saturday, Smith said that it will clarify the future before the GP of Indianapolis, scheduled for Aug. 19. The ability to close his career in the World has relaunched Max Biaggi and Marco Melandri is an integral part of the proposal that Rossi is considering. In the immediate, in-house team would have a place alongside Jorge Lorenzo and the certainties techniques to fight for the victory. In the long term could become the reference for the development of the flagship sports to replace the existing YZF-R1.

PRIMACY - Rossi has spoken several times of the prospects for concluding a career in Superbike. With the Yamaha could get there in 2015 to try to become the only rider ever to win a World Cup in all categories in which he raced: 125, 250, 500 and MotoGP are already on board, would complete a Superbike trophy unattainable.

PREVIOUS - Rossi would be putting in the new venture at age 36, the same as when Biaggi won his debut in Qatar with the Suzuki. The title came three years later with the Aprilia, the only one in Italian Superbike. Melandri instead he took the plunge in 2011, at age 28, just with Yamaha at the end of the season closed the internal team to focus technical and financial resources on MotoGP.

Rossi led a Yamaha Superbike in 2010

LEVIED - The Superbike has important commercial implications and leaving the spotlight to the competitors weigh. So Japan has already started a comeback: the design of the new maxi is the longest and most delicate, because BMW, Kawasaki and Ducati have upped the ante, proposing the motion of series of 190 horses at reasonable prices. To return to roar on the market serves a motion powerful, attractive, innovative and low cost. But that version of tenders, technical solutions better than the competition. The prototype will be ready to start the Superbike 2014 and Rossi could deal directly with the last stage of development.

TEST - Valentino has already led the Yamaha Factory Superbike summer of 2010 to pick up the pace after a serious fracture in his right leg in Mugello. He walked half a day in Brno, now equaling the record of the track and solving the problems of development cited by the owner Cal Crutchlow. That in the next race, at Silverstone, taking advantage of the structure of Rossi, his first center (double) victory.

SUZUKA - Rossi's Superbike has raced and competed in two 8 Hours of Suzuka with a Honda-VTR1000 SPW, excavated in the 2001 paired with Colin Edwards. The Yamaha has won 74 races in the Superbike, the first in 1988 in Sugo (Japan) with Michael Doohan. The only World Cup is in 2009 with Ben Spies. Last year, Marco Melandri won three times, finishing 2 nd behind the Ducati's Carlos Checa.

http://www.gazzetta.it/Motomondiale/...79412165.shtml