Yamaha reveals extent of 800cc MotoGP progress

Yamaha's annual MotoGP technical presentation, at Valencia on Friday evening, was especially significant since 2011 is the final year of the 800cc formula.

Yamaha revealed that during the five-years of 800cc racing, the M1's engine power has increased by 16%, torque by 12% and top speed (at Qatar) by 20km/h.

This is despite the introduction of engine change limits, which resulted in engine durability increasing from 600km in 2007 to 2400km for the 2010/11 seasons.

Yamaha stated that the increased durability has cut development costs by a quarter.

Fuel consumption has also been improved by 8% relative to the start of the 800cc era.

Among the conclusions at the end of the technical presentation were that:

"The lap time of the 800cc has finally reached the 990cc bike because of:
* An increase in engine power year by year.
* Progress of the engine control system.
* Tyre development.

"The regulations governing engine limitations has had a great effect in reducing development cost. This has allowed the provision of bikes to the satellite [Tech 3] team at reasonable cost."

Yamaha won three of the five 800cc world championships - two with Valentino Rossi and one with Jorge Lorenzo - and has claimed 39 victories in 88 races.

MotoGP will change to 1000cc engines, with new bore/stroke limits, for 2012. 

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Ten Kate to tune Gresini MotoGP engine?

Gresini Racing's CRT MotoGP bike could be powered by a Ten Kate-tuned Honda engine.

Gresini has already confirmed that it will run a CBR1000RR-powered FTR chassis for Michele Pirro under the new CRT MotoGP regulations, alongside a Honda RC213V for Alvaro Bautista.

But while FTR will be looking after the chassis development, Gresini needs a technical partner to supply, tune and maintain the engine.

Although Gresini has long links with Honda, direct manufacturer support is frowned upon for CRT, ruling out a HRC engine supply.

However an excellent alternative looks to have been found with Racesport.nl reporting that a contract has been signed for Ten Kate Racing Products to supply the engine and electronics for the Gresini CRT project.

Ten Kate has long been Honda's leading team in the World Superbike Championship, taking the CBR1000RR to title glory with James Toseland in 2007. Ten Kate's Castrol Honda rider Jonathan Rea took two WSBK race wins this year, despite injury.

At present, Gresini is the only confirmed CRT entry to use a Honda engine.

Prior to Moto2, Gresini rider Pirro won a race for Ten Kate in the World Supersport Championship. 

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MotoGP And F1 Say A Fond Farewell To Charlie Moody

MotoGP and F1 team members joined family and friends at a service of thanksgiving this week for the life of Rizla Suzuki’s Operations Manager Charlie Moody, who sadly passed away last month.

Nearly the complete 2011 Rizla Suzuki team was present at the service, held close to Moody’s home in Gloucestershire, England. The church was overflowing with members of the MotoGP and F1 paddocks, in addition to his family and numerous friends. Moody had succumbed to Motor Neurone Disease following a short spell in hospital after contracting pneumonia; he was 55 years old and leaves his wife Arlene and sons Wil and Nic.

Charlie Moody was a native of Chesterfield, in Derbyshire and after leaving Sheffield University joined Walter Wolf in Formula One as a mechanic. He worked with Jody Scheckter, James Hunt and Keke Rosberg during this time and stayed with Rosberg as the Finnish driver moved to Williams and won the F1 World Championship in 1982. Moody’s next progression was to run the Benetton test team and he then moved to Leyton House in the same role, before becoming its Race Team Manager. Moody then moved to Simtek Grand Prix as Team Manager before heading to the British Touring Car Championship to run the Janspeed team, afterwards returning to Formula One to run the Williams BMW F1 test programme. Amongst his many achievements, Moody was also the very first person to strap Ayrton Senna into a Formula One car in the Brazilian’s inaugural Grand Prix test at Donington Park in 1983.

Moody then turned his attention to two-wheels, joining Kenny Roberts’ MotoGP organisation and he became an important and integral part of the company, before moving to Rizla Suzuki in 2009. He was an instantly recognisable figure in the MotoGP paddock with his long hair and trademark jacket, worn in even the hottest of conditions! He had an infectious and warm personality as well a thoroughly determined streak to get the job done. His many achievements and fun-loving character were summed up in readings at his memorial service. Charlie will be sadly missed by all who knew and worked with him.

Charlie Moody will be remembered as being a true gentleman, as well as a gentle man.

‘Charlie’ – Charles William Moody 1-7-56 – 22-11-11 R.I.P.

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The Countdown To World Ducati Week 2012 Starts Now

Announced during Ducati’s recent model year 2012 Press Conference and Milan International Motorcycle Show, the long-awaited dates and location for the World Ducati Week 2012 event are now confirmed for passionate Ducati fans all over the world as 21-24 June, 2012 at the circuit of Misano in Italy.

First organised in 1998, WDW successfully brought together ‘Ducatisti’ from all over the world to celebrate their shared passion for the legendary Italian-made motorcycles. The event has since attracted an ever-increasing attendance of people who enjoy the high-powered fun and community spirit of the iconic brand, with a record-breaking attendance of 60,000 fans from 5 continents and 28 countries recorded at the last event in 2010.

WDW2012 is sure to follow the tried and tested formula of race track events, shows, top riders, competitions and great music all combined with the incredible atmosphere created by thousands of motorcycles arriving from all around the globe.

As the event’s massive attendance is sure to invade the entire Riviera Romagnola, Ducati’s WDW2012 organisation has enjoyed the close cooperation and special partnership of authorities such as the Province of Rimini, Municipality of Misano, Municipality of Cattolica, Municipality of Riccione and the Republic of San Marino. Continued cooperation with the Leardini Group has also underlined the region’s Misano circuit venue as the ‘theatre’ for WDW, an event further supported by APT Emilia Romagna, promoting a region of Italy famously known as ‘Motor Valley’.

Ducati offer further information at www.ducati.com.

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1199 Panigale & Troy Bayliss In Ducati Riding Experience 2012

Ducati now opens subscription for the 2012 Ducati Riding Experience (DRE) events, the excellent riding courses suitable for all levels, from absolute beginner to race track specialist

Held at some of Italy’s most famous circuits and offering the expertise of highly qualified professional instructors, the courses provide a complete fleet of Ducatis on which to perfect riding skills or simply take the very first steps into motorcycling in complete safety.

2011 saw the introduction of the Troy Bayliss Academy and, by overwhelming demand, the 3-times World Champion and global racing icon returns for 2012 for his advanced track courses aboard the brand new 1199 Panigale S. Ducati’s incredible new Superbike, which scooped the “Most Beautiful Bike of Show” award when it was unveiled at the Milan show in November, is now awaited around the world and its use in both the DRE Master Racing course and the Troy Bayliss Academy means that DRE is sure to be sold out fast.

The DRE “Basic” course, held in the wide-open space of the circuit paddocks, uses the rider-friendly Monster 796 and is intended for those new to motorcycling, while DRE “Intermediate” courses are designed to improve existing road riding skills and enhance rider safety aboard the Hypermotard 796, Monster 1100 ABS and the Multistrada 1200.

Courses intended for more expert riders and designed to enhance track riding skills are offered in “Racing 1“ and “Racing 2” aboard the Superbike 848EVO, while the “Troy Bayliss Academy” and “Master Racing” course, instructed by riders such as 500cc World Champion, Marco Lucchinelli, use the new 1199 Panigale Superbike.

Marco Lucchinelli and Troy Bayliss are supported by an incredibly experienced team of instructors working with technical supervisor, Dario Marchetti, while a full support staff ensure seamless and efficient organisation. DRE’s close collaboration with Federazione Motociclistica Italiana will also continue in 2012, ensuring constant upgrading and improvement of instruction protocols and maintaining Ducati’s high event standards.

Ducati Riding Experience courses

Basic course (Monster 796)
Intermediate course (Hypermotard 796, Monster1100 ABS, Multistrada 1200)
Racing 1 track course Level 1 (848EVO)
Racing 2 track riding course Level 2 (848EVO)
Master Racing course (1199 Panigale S)
Troy Bayliss Academy (1199 Panigale S)

Participants are provided with motorcycle, fuel, tyre change when required, instructor, lunch and a welcome kit. More information at dre.ducati.com and contact at dre2012@ducati.com
Subscription opens on 15 December 2011.

Ducati Riding Experience calendar (*)

18-19-20 April – Adria Circuit
29- 30 May – Mugello International Circuit
18-19 July – Imola Circuit
4-5 September – Misano World Circuit
18-19 September – Monza Circuit

(*) dates and venues subject to alteration.

Visit www.ducatiuk.com/ducati rider experience for further information

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Another young Fijian player makes it big in New Zealand

Another Fijian has made it into the Bay of Plenty sevens team to boost their campaign at the upcoming Provincial tournament.

Marist St Michael youngster Ilaitia Lomani, will join up with former New Zealand sevens representatives Zar Lawrence, Lance MacDonald and Nathaniel Walker at the Bay of Plenty Rugby Union Bay Engineers Supplies Provincial Rugby Sevens tournament.

Lomani and Lawrence will be out to help their side defend their title for the third season.

The cream of the North Island Sevens sides will compete in the tournament to be held at Blake Park tomorrow.

While there is always a multitude of holiday makers from throughout the country on hand, the local Bay of Plenty supporters come out in force, to support the team in the Blue and Gold uniform.

New Bay Coach Charles Baxter says with at least half the side making their tournament debut, the emphasis is on development of the team and the continuation of the form that the side has shown at the last two tournaments.

Baxter said Lomani had his own class.

"He (Lomani) has burst his way into the side and shows real class and will make a valuable contribution with his ability to slot into any position in the team," Charles told sunlive news.

The side is well served with the experience of MacDonald, Lawrence and Walker booking berths in the tournament team.

The trio have played in New Zealand Sevens teams in recent years and have come under the influence of New Zealand Sevens maestro coach Gordon Tietjens.

"All three have leadership qualities and know what is needed at the top level of the game," said Charles.

BOP defeated Counties Manukau 38-26 to clinch the title last year. (Emoni Narawa)

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Essien ready to return for Chelsea

London - Ghanaian international midfielder Michael Essien should be in line for a first team start in mid-January after recovering from a serious knee injury said Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas on Friday.

Essien, 29, has not played this season after suffering the injury before the first match of the campaign but Villas-Boas said he was nearing the stage where he could compete for a starting place.

"He (Essien) will return to the squad in mid-January and will be available for matches," said Villas-Boas.

"I think that in three weeks, he will be in a position to compete for a starting place."

Essien ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament at the start of pre-season training, just the latest in a series of injuries that have disrupted his career.

He has been plagued by knee injuries during his time at Stamford Bridge; he sustained another cruciate problem in September 2008 that ruled him out until the following March and also missed last year's World Cup after tearing medial knee ligaments during training for the Africa Cup of Nations in January 2010.

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