de Villiers: I kept thinking of Stephane...

Giniel de Villiers admits he couldn't shake the fate of Stephane Peterhansel as he secured victory on the Dakar Rally.

Giniel de Villiers has expressed his relief of winning the 2009 Dakar Rally after finding himself in the right place at the right time during the latter stages of the event.

The South African driver clinched the win for Volkswagen, their first in the modern era of rally raid, after capitalising on Carlos Sainz's retirement in the latter stages of the event.

Embarking on a scrap for the win with team-mate Mark Miller, de Villiers eventually prevailed over the American to come home as one of the few drivers to experience only relatively minor problems throughout.

Even so, de Villiers admits he was nervous about entering the 13th and final stage, pointing out the heartbreaking retirement of Stephane Peterhansel in 2003 so close to the end.

"I'm so happy about having clinched this exploit for Volkswagen," he said. "This victory is worth more than any of the titles I won in touring car racing. The twelfth leg was the crucial day. Just before it I'd thought we'd be finishing in third place.

"I kept thinking about how our rival Stephane Peterhansel lost the rally with a huge lead one day before the finish in 2003. And so we again led the rally after the twelfth leg as well. The Race Touareg was running absolutely like a charm, and at such a tough edition of the Dakar Rally at that. That was the key to success.

"I want to thank everyone at Volkswagen for this. Even though I've now ended up winning precisely the 'Dakar' that was not staged in Africa, which is home to me: It was definitely a genuine Dakar Rally, and the toughest edition I've ever contested."

Source:
http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com

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Ezpeleta believes Kawasaki will race

Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta warns that Kawasaki must race in MotoGP in 2009; says Team Green is currently testing in Australia.

Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta has warned Kawasaki that its ZX-RRs must race in MotoGP this season - something that is looking more likely after a subsequent revelation that factory test rider Olivier Jacque is currently on track in Australia.

Kawasaki, which officially announced that it was suspending its factory MotoGP activities on January 9, has a contract with Dorna to race in MotoGP until 2011. Ezpeleta told La Gazetta dello Sport that he was willing to release Kawasaki from the final two years of that agreement, providing its bike are on the 2009 grid.

"It is an agreement until 2011, which Dorna has with all the factories," Ezpeleta told the sportspaper. "It cannot just be discarded.

"I have told Kawasaki that I would not accept this contract being broken and, since they have said that the costs for this season are budgeted, I have proposed that they race in 2009. In exchange I will release them from 2010 and 2011.

"The problem with this is that Kawasaki says it only has engines built for 25% of the championship and that they don't want to develop the rest. Therefore I am searching for a structure, in France, to do this for them. The final obstacle will be to get the Japanese to meet these people and agree to this scenario."

When asked how optimistic he was of success, Ezpeleta declared "I think that it will all be resolved" then revealed that Kawasaki are testing today (Wednesday) and that he expects the current team structure to remain.

"Today Olivier Jacque is testing at Eastern Creek, in Australia. The team will continue to be managed by Michael Bartholemy and it is important to safeguard the futures of John Hopkins and Marco Melandri."

Despite such optimism, Ezpeleta once again warned Kawasaki that it cannot simply walk away: "If Kawasaki will not race, I will take them to court."

Ezpeleta then added that he wants a series of cost cutting measures - such as a reduction in testing, and engines that last for two or three grand prix weekends - agreed before the start of this season and is aiming to boost grid numbers to 20 riders for 2010.

Kawasaki's apparent withdraw had reduced the 2009 MotoGP field to just 17 riders.

Source:
http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com

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Melandri considering sabbatical

Marco Melandri may take a year off MotoGP if Kawasaki cannot find a buyer for its team, the Italian said.

The Japanese firm said earlier this month it was pulling out of the sport and would try to sell to an independent team.

"It wouldn't be great but ... to stop for a year would not be a huge problem," he said.

Melandri, who joined Kawasaki at the end of this season following a disappointing year with Ducati, said he hoped for a decision on a possible sale on Wednesday.

"I'm waiting. I hope the date is not put back because it is better to know for sure that you won't be racing, rather than carrying on with uncertainty," he added.

American John Hopkins was due to be his partner at Kawasaki next season.

Reuters

Source:
http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com

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Atkinson behind the wheel of a Citroen

“The C4 really is a fantastic car to drive and I’m thankful to the team we were able to get a full day’s testing in ahead of Ireland,” said Atkinson after the test on Monday (12 January 2009). “This was our first time back in a rally car since the big accident in Wales but it all went very well and we got progressively faster as the day went on which was encouraging.”

Atkinson is driving the same car that took reigning World Rally Champion and the most successful rally driver of all time, Sébastien Loeb, to his fifth world title last year and which gave Citroen its fourth manufacturers’ title. “The C4 is a car you can really get a lot more out of the harder you drive it,” explained Atkinson, who finished second in two world events in 2008.

“It’s amazing how aggressively you can attack corners, yet it all stays very balanced and straight. I was able to work with team to find a suitable setup for Ireland so now the focus is on training and preparing for the event to put ourselves in the best possible position to perform.” The 29-year-old completed 180 kilometres in daylight and darkness where road conditions were both wet and dry as temperatures floated from a chilly -10 centigrade, in the early morning, to positive figures as the day progressed.

The test took place on a stage representative of the roads Atkinson is likely to experience on Rally Ireland in two weeks time where he will launch the Citroen C4 WRC into competition for the first time in his career. Throughout the test the Australian was able to work with the Citroën Sport Technologies team to find an ideal setup for Ireland while at the same time familiarise himself with the car.

With two stages set to run in darkness in Ireland the Queenslander was also able to complete four night runs over the 2.1 kilometre test road where he put in his fastest time of the session, suggesting the youngster progressed well in adapting to the new machinery.

Atkinson will contest the opening round of the 2009 WRC season in Ireland (30 Jan – 1 Feb) sporting the number 7 as a part of the newly formed Citroën Junior Team.

Source:
http://www.rallye-info.com

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Stobart looking forward to 2009

Kicking off its season at Rally Ireland over January 30-February 1, the Cumbria-based squad will field three cars in the globe’s premier rally series, with the team’s Ford Focus WRCs prepared at M-Sport in Cumbria.

Drivers Matthew Wilson and Henning Solberg will once again return to the team to contest all 12 rounds of the FIA World Rally Championship calendar. Estonian pilot Urmo Aava and co-driver Kuldar Sikk have been added to the roster, with the duo scheduled to compete in eight rounds of the championship. The nominated points scorers for the squad will be selected on a round-by-round basis.

The team will continue to receive backing from major sponsor Stobart Group, the UK’s leading multimodal logistics solutions provider. The Cumbrian company’s unstinting support for its rally program was recently rewarded at the prestigious Motorsport Industry Association Awards when Stobart Motorsport claimed Rally Business of the Year. It received the award in recognition of successfully maximising its investment in the FIA World Rally Championship. Despite having a budget which is a fraction of the manufacturer-backed teams, it has successfully established itself as an outstanding performer both on and off the stages and has become a huge fan favourite across the world.

In 2008 the Stobart squad finished fourth in the Manufacturer Championship, and with four of its star drivers inside the top 10 in the Drivers’ Championship standings. The team finished the season on a high at Wales Rally GB when it was joined by global motorcycling superstar Valentino Rossi to celebrate its 50th outing in the World Championship.

The team’s iconic livery was also on display at the Race of Champions when two of its Stobart Ford Focus RS world rally cars were driven by the best-of-the-best at Wembley Stadium in England.

Stobart Group CEO Andrew Tinkler said:
“We are delighted to be involved in the World Rally Championship once again and are very excited about the team’s prospects in 2009. Stobart Group remains committed to its motorsport programme due to the fantastic return it receives in terms of global media exposure and business-to-business opportunities. We hope to see the Stobart drivers challenging for honours throughout the championship’s 12 rounds and continuing to fly the flag for the team at the premier level of rallying.”

Stobart VK M-Sport Ford Team Principal Malcolm Wilson said:
“It is shaping up to be a very exciting season for the team. The driver line-up of Matthew, Henning and now Urmo Aava has the potential to deliver very good results, and the Ford Focus WRC will once again be an extremely competitive package. The main aim for the season will be to build on last year’s results and regularly score podium finishes. With a number of new events on the calendar - particularly in the first half of the season - and some significant rule changes, the Stobart team is looking forward to the challenge the FIA World Rally Championship will offer in 2009.”

Source:
http://www.rallye-info.com

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Ducati Monster 696

Specifications

Chassis
Frame	Tubular steel trellis frame
Wheelbase	1450 mm / 57.1 in
Rake	24°
Front suspension	Showa 43mm upside-down forks
Front wheel travel	120mm / 4.7in
Front brake	2 x 320mm discs, 4-piston radial caliper
Front wheel	3-spoke light alloy 3.50 x 17
Front tyre	160/60 ZR 17
Rear suspension	Progressive linkage with preload and rebound Sachs adjustable monoshock
Rear wheel travel	148 mm / 5.8 in
Rear brake	245mm disc, 2-piston caliper
Rear wheel	3-spoke light alloy 4.50 x 17
Rear tyre	160/60 ZR 17
Fuel tank capacity	15 L (of which 3,5 L reserve) / 3.8 US gal (of which 0.9 US gal reserve)
Weight *	161Kg / 355lbs
Seat height	770 mm / 30.3 in
Instruments	Digital unit displaying: Speedometer, rev counter, clock, scheduled maintenance warning, oil temperature, trip fuel, air temperature, lap time, warning light for low oil pressure, fuel level, fuel reserve, neutral, turn signals, overrev, immobilizer. Ready for DDA system.
Warranty	2 years unlimited mileage
Body colours (frame/wheels)	Red (red/black); Matte Black (matte black/black); White (matte black/black)
Versions	Dual seat
* = The weight excludes battery, lubricants and, where applicable, cooling liquid.
Engine
Type	L-twin cylinder, 2 valves per cylinder Desmodromic; air cooled
Displacement	696 cc
Bore x Stroke	88 x 57.2 mm
Compression Ratio	10.7:1
Power*	58.8 kW - 80 CV @ 9000 giri/min
Torque*	7.0kgm - 50.6lb-ft @ 7750 rpm
Fuel injection	Siemens electronic fuel injection, 45mm throttle body
Exhaust	2 aluminium mufflers
Emissions	Euro3
Transmission
Gearbox	6 speed
Ratios	1st 32/13, 2nd 30/18, 3rd 28/21, 4th 26/23, 5th 22/22, 6th 24/26
Primary drive	Straight cut gears; Ratio 1.85:1
Final drive	Chain; Front sprocket 15; Rear sprocket 45
Clutch	APTC wet multiplate with hydraulic control
* = Data calculated using an inertia dynamometer

Source:
http://www.ducati.com

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Kronos ready for legendary Monte Carlo

The first Monte Carlo Rally was held in 1911. In two years, the event will celebrate it's centenary. Its 77th edition takes place next week, from Wednesday 21 to Saturday 24 January. A survey recently showed that the "Monte", as experts say, is that the rally, by far, "speaks more to the general public." For the first time in 2009, Peugeot Belgium-Luxembourg tackles this "monument" of road races with a clear objective: to join the fight for victory!

"Winning in Monte Carlo is the dream of all the professionals of rally, but it will not be easy. Remember that we are a private opposed to three teams of factory Peugeot Sport, Abarth and Skoda, said Marc Van Dalen, team manager. We will try out hardest, but our resources are limited. On the other hand, our motivation has no limits. The Monte Carlo Rally is a unique challenge because of its length, its geographical spread, mountainous regions it passes through and the period of the year in which it takes place, which maximizes the uncertainty of road conditions. This year, organisers of the Automobile Club de Monaco revived the tradition with the return of the famous "Night of Turini" which uses a shortened version. With more than 362 timed kilometres, the Monte Carlo Rally is the longest IRC round ever in Europe. With a start and a finish in Monaco, but two nights of rest in Valence, just 100km south of Lyon, the total length of the event exceeds 1400km, which is also unusual. "It will be one of our strengths," continues Van Dalen.

Throughout our victorious campaign in 2008, the Peugeot 207 S2000 has shown a perfect reliability. The engineers and mechanics Peugeot Belgium-Luxembourg are fluent in the operation, and the two 207s prepared for "Nico" and Freddy are totally new. "The Special 77th Rallye Monte-Carlo are outlined in the Alps, Vercors, Ardèche , Haute-Loire and the hinterland of Nice. This means if the tests facing the 65 teams entered are varied, especially in the midst of a winter that seems to superbly ignore the "global warming". As is always the case in Monaco, the choice of tires will be important. "The range available to us by our partner BFGoodrich, is perfect", continues the sporting director of Team Peugeot Belgium-Luxembourg. "In Monaco, the tire is never ideal. It is necessarily a compromise between the various road conditions encountered between returns to the service park. This is where the intelligence of the race driver takes on particular importance. Last season proved that, with Freddy Loix and Nicolas Vouilloz, the Peugeot Belgium-Luxembourg is particularly well equipped in this respect."

Source:
http://www.rallye-info.com

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