Jorge in Sepang - Photo: Yamaha Racing Team 2012

Off we go!

Hello my friends! I am writing from Malaysia where I am riding for the first official tests for the 2012 season and to tell you that I have reached a sponsorship agreement with the newspaper “20 minutos”. Now, you will see the logo on my leathers and at the front of my helmet.

It is an agreement that makes me extremely happy because you will be able to follow my sports news as well as read about my feelings in this blog I will be writing from now on.

I am proud to represent one of the most widely-read newspapers at national and international level and it is a way to be even more in touch with all my fans.

Because of the time difference, I am writing this blog in the early morning so I hope you forgive me since tomorrow, I have to go on track and give gas! Good night and see you soon!

It hurts up to my eyebrows

Hello friends! I have just come back to the hotel after one very hard and intense day.
More than 40 laps and many times spent coming in and leaving the box.

This morning, I woke up with a terrible stiffness in almost every muscle in my body due to having spent over 4 months without riding the Yamaha.

It always happens to me! I can cycle, run, do push-ups, lift weights, do pilates or whatever I want but when I go back on the motorbike after a long break, it hurts me up to the eyebrows!

We have tested many parts and settings on the M1 and although we haven’t found any great improvement so far, in the end, small details that can make a big difference have been improved.

Tomorrow, we will try a different engine that could possibly make things better.

Stoner was so fast, as always, but we were only 2 tenths behind his time without pushing too hard, so the results are very encouraging.

Really, I have to thank all the engineers at Yamaha and my team for all the work they have done this winter.

 Yet, we must be cautious and keep working because in MotoGP, things can change overnight.

Last day of testing tomorrow and then back home. Traveling around the world is great but there is no place like home!

Greetings to all.

Max Biaggi returns for one last year.

Laverty on last year

Checa was unbeatable in 2011

Davide Giugliano on his 2011 Superstock Ducati

Guintoli on the Effenbert Ducati again

Smrz always qualifies well

Runner-up Melandri

Haslam needs better results in 2012

Hiroshi Aoyama in MotoGP, 2011

More wins for Rea in 2012? Likely.

Is Fabrizio happy cashing paycheques instead of racing?

Badovini tames the BMW for another year

Lorenzo Zanetti, Superstock 2011

Juan Lascorz on the 2011 ZX-10R

Sykes goes green

Salom in the paddock

Spectacular and fast. Hopkins is a welcome addition.

Camier needs the switch to Suzuki to pay off.

"Atcho" as he's known - farewell, green thing

Berger switches to Effenbert for 2012

Davies on his Supersport title winning Yamaha last year

Words and Pictures, Jared Earle/MotoRaceReports

During the off season we had the pleasure to meet former Aprilia Alitalia and a mechanic on Max Biaggi’s crew, Tiziano Verniani.

He has been in the paddocks since the late 1990s and was part of some of the most interesting stories in motorsports, such as the debut of the Aprilia RS Cube in MotoGP as well as winning the World Superbike crown in 2010 with the Aprlia RSV4. His experience includes two strokes engines with Honda, Aprlia and KTM in the 250cc series, and the four stroke engines of World Superbike and MotoGP.

Some very interesting things came out from our chat; below are some of the highlights:

Tell us a bit more about yourself: name, job role and major interests.

TV: My name is Tiziano Verniani, I am a general mechanic and my interests are mountain biking and playing percussion.

You won the WSBK title with Max Biaggi in 2010, tell us about that.

TV: It was a really great accomplishment, it was like a dream come true for everyone involved. After some hard work, we have done it and it was a real pleasure. We made it also because there was always a great feeling inside the team, everyone felt it that way. In the end it was such a strong result for Aprilia as well, a new winning project  from the very beginning.

You have a lot of experience with motorcycle racing, included being part of the Aprilia RS Cube project in MotoGP. In your opinion what was the best bike to work on?

TV: During my career I worked on both the two stroke engines and the four strokes, so it is very difficult to say which one was the best. For example, the RS Cube was very complex machinery with a lot of effort behind it. Maybe the best was the new RSV4, with which we won the title in WSBK. With the two strokes I made some seasons in the 250 series with Honda, Aprilia and KTM. In this case probably the best one was the Austrian bike, a good compromise between the friendly Honda and the brutal Aprilia.

After strong results in the WSBK series you are now switching to MotoGP with a CRT team: IODA Racing. Tell us more about this very important choice you made for your career.

TV:We are in a very particular time for the MotoGP, as a lot people said this is a transitional time for the series. This will have some advantages in the future, when the new CRT (Editor’s note: Claiming Rule Team) category will be the main one. From the other side, talking about World Superbike, I think the series will use more production material similar to the actual Stock 1000. But if this will be the case, then the mechanic’s role will be less crucial, so this is the reason why I decided to move on and get another challenge.

What will be the base for IODA Racing machinery?

TV:We opted for the Aprilia engine, one that I am familiar with. Aprilia also supplied the chassis project, but not the production itself, to three teams and then each team can give it to a supplier for the delivery. We do not have a direct relationship with Aprilia though, so we decided to make our own strategy and we will manage the chassis project by ourselves and then we will have a team of suppliers to produce it.

Tips and Tricks: What is your opinion on tuning road bikes for track days purposes?

TV:I think the very first thing is the settings. This is very true to make a safer bike to ride with, since nowadays motorbikes are already very fast and with lots of power. So, since the base is already very good you can work on the suspension; this will increase the ride a lot. Then, if someone has the possibility to spend some extra budget they can concentrate on the engine or the brakes as well.

What motorbikes do you own right now?

TV: Now I have two racing bikes, a Honda 125 GP and an Aprilia 125 GP. Both are two strokes, since I am still very fond of this kind of engine. Before, I also had a Ducati 748 and a Yamaha R1 but for now I am still having fun with the little ones.

Tiziano, thanks a lot for your availability and all the best for your next season in MotoGP. Your turn now if you want to thank someone.

TV: Thank you, it was my pleasure. I really want to thank my family that supports me with this demanding job, especially to my wife and my parents.

FIM Road Racing World Championship Grand Prix
Provisional 2012 Entry list

Moto3

N° – RIDER – NATIONALITY – TEAM – MACHINE
3 – LUIGI MORCIANO – ITALIAN – IODA RACING PROJECT – IODA
5 – ROMANO FENATI – ITALIAN – TEAM ITALIA FMI -IODA
7 – EFREN VAZQUEZ – SPANISH – TEAM LAGLISSE – HONDA
8 – JACK MILLER – AUSTRALIAN – TECHNO RACING – HONDA
9 – TONI FINSTERBUSCH – GERMAN – RACING TEAM GERMANY – HONDA
10 – ALEXIS MASBOU – FRENCH – TECHNO RACING – HONDA
11 – SANDRO CORTESE – GERMAN – RED BULL KTM AJO – KTM
14 – BRAD BINDER – SOUTH AFRICAN – RW RACING GP – KALEX KTM
19 – ALESSANDRO TONUCCI – ITALIAN – TEAM ITALIA FMI – IODA
23 – ALBERTO MONCAYO – SPANISH – ASPAR TEAM MOTO3 – KALEX KTM
25 – MAVERICK VIÑALES – SPANISH – BQR – FTR HONDA
26 – ADRIAN MARTIN – SPANISH – TEAM LAGLISSE – HONDA
27 – NICCOLO ANTONELLI – ITALIAN – GRESINI RACING – HONDA
30 – GIULIAN PEDONE – SWISS – PHONICA RACING – ORAL
31 – NIKLAS AJO – FINNISH – TT MOTION EVENTS RACING – KTM
32 – ISAAC VIÑALES – SPANISH – ONGETTA-CENTRO SETA – HONDA
39 – LUIS SALOM – SPANISH – RW RACING GP – KALEX KTM
42 – ALEX RINS – SPANISH – MONLAU COMPETICION – HONDA
44 – MIGUEL OLIVEIRA – PORTUGUESE – MONLAU COMPETICION – HONDA
51 – KENTA FUJII -JAPANESE – TECHNO MAG-CIP – HONDA
52 – DANNY KENT – BRITISH – RED BULL KTM AJO – KTM
53 – JASPER IWEMA – DUTCH – MOTO FGR – FGR HONDA
55 – HECTOR FAUBEL – SPANISH – ASPAR TEAM MOTO3 – KALEX KTM
61 – ARTHUR SISSIS – AUSTRALIAN – RED BULL KTM AJO – KTM
63 – ZULFAHMI KHAIRUDDIN – MALAYSIAN – AIRASIA – SIC – AJO
KTM
77 – MARCEL SCHROTTER – GERMAN – MAHINDRA RACING – MAHINDRA
84 – JAKUB KORNFEIL – CZECH – REDOX-ONGETTA-CENTRO SETA
– HONDA
89 – ALAN TECHER – FRENCH – TECHNOMAG-CIP – HONDA
94 – JONAS FOLGER – GERMAN – MZ RACING TEAM – MZ
95 – MIROSLAV POPOV – CZECH – PHONICA RACING – ORAL
96 – LOUIS ROSSI – FRENCH – RACING TEAM GERMANY – HONDA
99 – DANNY WEBB – BRITISH – MAHINDRA RACING – MAHINDRA

Moto2

N° – RIDER – NATIONALITY – TEAM – MACHINE
3 – SIMONE CORSI – ITALIAN – IODA RACING PROJECT – IODA
4 – RANDY KRUMMENACHER – SWISS – GP TEAM SWITZERLAND – SUTER
5 – JOHANN ZARCO – FRENCH – JIR Moto2 – MOTOBI
7 – ALEXANDER LUNDH – SWEDISH – MZ RACING TEAM – MZ-RE HONDA
8 – GINO REA – BRITISH – GRESINI RACING Moto2 – MORIWAKI
9 – KENNY NOYES – USA – ARGUIÑANO RACING TEAM – TBA
12 – THOMAS LUTHI – SWISS – INTERWETTEN-PADDOCK Moto2 – SUTER
14 – RATTHAPARK WILAIROT – THAI – GRESINI RACING Moto2 – MORIWAKI
15 – ALEX DE ANGELIS – ITALIAN – FORWARD RACING – SUTER
18 – NICOLAS TEROL – SPANISH – ASPAR TEAM Moto2 – SUTER
19 – XAVIER SIMEON – BELGIAN – TECH 3 RACING – TECH 3
24 – TONI ELIAS – SPANISH – ASPAR TEAM Moto2 – SUTER
29 – ANDREA IANNONE – ITALIAN – SPEED MASTER – FTR
30 – TAKAAKI NAKAGAMI – JAPANESE – ITALTRANS RACING TEAM – KALEX
36 – MIKA KALLIO – FINNISH – MARC VDS RACING TEAM – KALEX
38 – BRADLEY SMITH – BRITISH – TECH 3 RACING – TECH 3
40 – POL ESPARGARO – SPANISH – PONS RACING – PONS KALEX
44 – ROBERTO ROLFO – ITALIAN – TECHNOMAG-CIP – SUTER
45 – SCOTT REDDING – BRITISH – MARC VDS RACING TEAM – KALEX
47 – ANGEL RODRIGUEZ – SPANISH – SAG TEAM – FTR
49 – AXEL PONS – SPANISH- PONS RACING -PONS KALEX
57 – ERIC GRANADO – BRAZILIAN – JIR Moto2 – MOTOBI
60 – JULIAN SIMON – SPANISH – BQR – FTR
63 – MIKE DI MEGLIO – FRENCH – SPEED UP – FTR
71 – CLAUDIO CORTI – ITALIAN – ITALTRANS RACING TEAM- KALEX
72 – YUKI TAKAHASHI – JAPANESE – FORWARD RACING – SUTER
76 – MAX NEUKIRCHNER – GERMAN – KIEFER RACING – KALEX
77 – DOMINIQUE AEGERTER – SWISS – TECHNOMAG-CIP – SUTER
80 – ESTEVE RABAT – SPANISH – PONS RACING – PONS KALEX
82 – ELENA ROSELL – SPANISH – QMMF RACING TEAM – MORIWAKI
88 – RICKY CARDUS – SPANISH – QMMF RACING TEAM – MORIWAKI
93 – MARC MARQUEZ – SPANISH – MONLAU COMPETICION – SUTER
TO BE ADVISED – SAG TEAM – FTR

MotoGP

N° – RIDER – NATIONALITY – TEAM – MACHINE
1 – CASEY STONER – AUSTRALIAN – HONDA TEAM – HONDA
4 – ANDREA DOVIZIOSO – ITALIAN – YAMAHA TECH 3 – YAMAHA
5 – COLIN EDWARDS – USA – FORWARD RACING – SUTER*
6 – STEFAN BRADL – GERMAN – LCR HONDA MotoGP – HONDA
8 – HECTOR BARBERA – SPANISH – PRAMAC RACING TEAM – DUCATI
9 – DANILO PETRUCCI – ITALIAN – IODA RACING PROJECT – IODA*
11 – BEN SPIES – USA – YAMAHA FACTORY RACING – YAMAHA
13 – ANTHONY WEST – AUSTRALIAN – SPEED MASTER – ART*
14 – RANDY DE PUNIET – FRENCH – ASPAR TEAM MotoGP – ART*
17 – KAREL ABRAHAM – CZECH – CARDION AB MOTORACING – DUCATI
19 – ALVARO BAUTISTA – SPANISH – HONDA GRESINI – HONDA
20 – ALEIX ESPARGARO – SPANISH – ASPAR TEAM MotoGP – ART*
22 – IVAN SILVA – SPANISH – BQR – BQR-FTR*
26 – DANI PEDROSA – SPANISH – HONDA TEAM – HONDA
35 – CAL CRUTCHLOW – BRITISH – YAMAHA TECH 3 – YAMAHA
46 – VALENTINO ROSSI – ITALIAN – DUCATI TEAM – DUCATI
51 – MICHELE PIRRO – ITALIAN – HONDA GRESINI – FTR*
68 – YONNY HERNANDEZ – COLOMBIAN – BQR – BQR-FTR*
69 – NICKY HAYDEN – USA – DUCATI TEAM – DUCATI
77 – JAMES ELLISON – BRITISH – PAUL BIRD RACING – ART*
99 – JORGE LORENZO – SPANISH – YAMAHA FACTORY RACING – YAMAHA

* = CRT Entry

Luca Scassa - Photo: MotoRaceReports

After a very good start of the World Supersport season, Luca Scassa from the ParkinGO team did not end where he wished to be at the beginning of this new adventure in the spectacular 600 series.  The middle part of the season was crucial for his final standings, and during the last races gained his confidence back and the Italian rider was able to end with some good results.  His Supersport team, Yamaha ParkinGO – well managed by former racer Giuliano Rovelli, had a blast of a season, getting both the World Championship with Chaz Davies and the Manufacturers title.  Here is what Luca had to share with us:

You finished the season in a good way; after all you had three victories and took the fifth place overall. What are your thoughts on this first World Supersport year?

LS: I had a very good start, maybe because I started very confident while the other riders needed some time to warm up and be fit to battle on each race. Then, by the mid season I had some bad luck and made some mistakes, mostly because I was in a hurry after the Misano disqualification. That was probably the biggest mistake I made during the season, the mentality I had after the Misano race. The good thing is that I learned a lot from this and probably I will not repeat those actions.

It was very nice to see how you celebrated the championship of your teammate Chaz Davies. I think it was a feast for everyone on the team, since ParkinGO really dominated  the entire season with a total of nine victories on twelve races.

LS: Yes exactly, it was like that because we all did a great job in the end. Chaz made a great season but also the team was excellent in every single race. I really learned a lot during this first WSS season and I also think Chaz learned something from me, so it was a very profitable exchange.

ParkinGO will be in World Superbike series next year, switching to a new factory with Chaz Davies. How do you see this new adventure?

LS: I am really happy for them; Chaz did exactly what needed to be done staying with them, even though he had some other options with BMW Italia and Suzuki Alstare. It would’ve been my very first choice as well, but for now there is no chance to have two bikes in that team. For now I am still organizing my next season that could be both in WSS or WSBK.

Last thoughts are for Marco Simoncelli, a real talented rider that will be sorely missed after a tragic loss we all witnessed at the Sepang circuit recently.

LS: Yes, it was a real tragic event. Marco was a great rider and a great person.  I was not at the funeral but I went the previous day to Coriano on my bike to make my personal farewell. Some people just realized that this is a dangerous sport but we are neither crazy nor immortal because it is just what we love to do. After each single start the thought of not coming back to the pits comes to your mind, and this stays with you also in the very first corner. But is something we need to live with, it is part of our sport.

Here are some photos.

Loris shows his special leathers and helmet - Photo: Gaelle for MotoRaceReports

Loris Capirossi - Photo: Gaelle for MotoRaceReports

Back of Capirossi's special leathers - Photo: Gaelle for MotoRaceReports

Grazie Loris - Photo: Gaelle for MotoRaceReports

Amazing helmet for Loris's last race - Photo: Gaelle for MotoRaceReports

Loris proudly shows his helmet - Photo: Gaelle for MotoRaceReports

Loris has fantastic new boots too - Photo: Gaelle for MotoRaceReports

Dani Pedrosa at press conference - Photo: Gaelle for MotoRaceReports

Moto2 rider Takahashi stays dry - Photo: Gaelle for MotoRaceReports

46 reflection - Photo: Gaelle for MotoRaceReports

Shoya and Marco tribute at the circuit - Photo: Gaelle for MotoRaceReports

Message I left on Marco's tribute wall - Photo: Gaelle for MotoRaceReports

Part of the tribute wall for Marco - Photo: Gaelle for MotoRaceReports

Kinder Egg fans - Photo: Gaelle for MotoRaceReports

Pasini's bike - Photo: Gaelle for MotoRaceReports

Moncayo's gang - Photo: Gaelle for MotoRaceReports

Hayden goes out for Free Practice 3 - Photo: Gaelle for MotoRaceReports

Capirossi leaves for Free Practice 3 - Photo: Gaelle for MotoRaceReports

This is how fast the bikes are going... - Photo: Gaelle for MotoRaceReports

Jorge in a sombre mood this morning - Photo: Gaelle for MotoRaceReports

Trophy part ready to go up for Casey - Photo: Gaelle for MotoRaceReports

The MotoGP trophy - Photo: Gaelle for MotoRaceReports

Jorge at press conference this morning - Photo: Gaelle for MotoRaceReports

Mr Mahindra came from India to unveil the Mahindra Racing Moto3 bike - Photo: Gaelle for MotoRaceReports

Riders Webb and Schrotter with the Mahindra Racing Moto3 bike - Photo: Gaelle for MotoRaceReports

Mahindra Racing Moto3 bike - Photo: Gaelle for MotoRaceReports

Mahindra Racing Moto3 bike from the back - Photo: Gaelle for MotoRaceReports

Mahindra Racing Moto3 bike - Closer look - Photo: Gaelle for MotoRaceReports

Valentino with tribute helmet for Marco during Qualifying - Photo: Gaelle for MotoRaceReports

A quick photo with the lovely future Mrs De Puniet - Photo: Gaelle for MotoRaceReports

Here are some photos from the event and more shots from Thursday evening and Friday.

Hector Barbera on stage - Photo: Gaelle for MotoRaceReports

Julian Simon auctions his boots - Photo: Gaelle for MotoRaceReports

Aleix and Pol Espargaro on stage to auction some items - Photo: Gaelle for MotoRaceReports

The Espargaro brothers were full of jokes - Photo: Gaelle for MotoRaceReports

Pol strips to auction his shirt for Riders For Health - Photo: Gaelle for MotoRaceReports

Aleix gives a quick flash - Photo: Gaelle for MotoRaceReports

Danny John Jules who has just done the Viva Valencia ride and Alvaro Bautista - Photo: Gaelle for MotoRaceReports

Danny helping Alvaro sell his items - Photo: Gaelle for MotoRaceReports

Riders For Health stage with a tribute photo for Marco - Photo: Gaelle for MotoRaceReports

Mr and Mrs Capirossi

Marquez' bike hanging out in the paddock... - Photo: Gaelle for MotoRaceReports

Maverick Vinales - Photo: Gaelle for MotoRaceReports

Casey doing an interview with Matt Roberts from the BBC - Photo: Gaelle for MotoRaceReports

World Supersport rider James Ellison - Photo: Gaelle for MotoRaceReports

Marco tribute banner above the Media Centre - Photo: Gaelle for MotoRaceReports

Ben Spies - Photo: Gaelle for MotoRaceReports

Capirossi's bike with Marco's number - Photo: Gaelle for MotoRaceReports

Taylor Mackenzie, Danny Webb and 2011 World Supersport Champion Chaz Davies - Photo: Gaelle for MotoRaceReports

Alvaro Bautista - Photo: Gaelle for MotoRaceReports

Mr and Mrs Stoner zooming out on the scooter - Photo: Gaelle for MotoRaceReports

Toni Elias, always smiling no matter what - Photo: Gaelle for MotoRaceReports

Dani Pedrosa - Photo: Gaelle for MotoRaceReports

Dani going in his truck after Free Practice 2 - Photo: Gaelle for MotoRaceReports

The Paddock Girls are starting to appear - Photo: Gaelle for MotoRaceReports

Ciao, Marco! We miss you already.

Our thoughts are with Marco’s relatives, friends, the MotoGP family and all the fans out there x

We were able catch up with MotoGP rider, Karel Abraham at the Iveco Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix.
Abraham who rides for the Cardion AB Motoracing Ducati squad, made his debut in the top class in 2011.
Many thought he would fail to make an impression after spending over 100 races in the junior classes for one win and another podium.
He has, however, proved his doubters wrong with solid performances and two seventh places in 2011.
After Phillip Island, he lies 14th in the Championship.

Karel on track this year - Photo: Ben Henderson / MotoRaceReports

Your first season in MotoGP is almost done – how do you think you have gone, and what have some of your highlights been?

Well the beginning of the season was better than now. The last few races have not been so good and we have had some bad luck.
There have been some crashes and some other bad stuff happened. But I think we should be happy with the season.
As I said we had a good start to the year.

I hope we can come back to the pace of the beginning of the season and get some good results for the end of the season.

How have you felt getting to grips with the Ducati?
We have seen all the riders this year (factory and private riders) struggle at times with the bike – how have you found it?

I think everyone have had problems.
We had problems at places where it was quite warm.
We have been talking about it a lot and have been doing a lot to improve it.

My opinion is that we should not work or concentrate too much on this season but look forward to next season.

We won’t have a perfect bike for this year but we should working on getting a 100% perfect bike for next year.
It is better than working now and then coming to next season and having the same problem.
I think that our team is doing a very good job as we have found many things that have really helped us.

You have ridden in 125cc. 250cc, Moto2 and MotoGP – do you think that the road to MotoGP is an ideal one for young riders?

Sure it is good for young riders.
Next year when Moto3 comes in for the 125cc, there will be a much bigger field which is a good thing.

The 125cc bikes were more aggressive – you could see more of the bike.
At every second race we had the engine opened, at every race we could check parts – it was very interesting.
Not only for me it was more interesting but also for the mechanics.
It was also much easier to crash in 250cc than in Moto2.
The bike was very sensitive on the gas.
It was a real racing bike.
If you want to race any of the ‘moto’ bikes – MotoGP, Moto2 and Moto3.
250cc I wouldn’t let you ride but if you had a little experience, you could ride Moto2 easily.

With MotoGP moving to the new rules next year – how do you feel about them?

I am not sure at the moment. There are a lot of new rules and I don’t know all of them. They are developing new bikes. We will see – hopefully it will be more fun.

Will you receive a new Ducati for the 2012 season?

It looks like we will be testing after Valencia, most likely it will be like last year.
In December, my mechanics will do a tour of the factory, the bikes and we will get it for the first test in Malaysia.

The new bikes will have a bigger engine capacity – do you think that will suit you?

Usually when I had a more powerful bike I went better. In theory it should be better for me. We will see. I only have seen the bike for a short period but never have ridden it, so we will have to wait and see.

What is your favourite bike?

It is definitelty this bike. Definitely the Ducati MotoGP bike. MotoGP is a dream bike. For everyone that likes motorbikes it is MotoGP – so long as you aren’t a motocross type! I like motocross too and this Ducati is the best bike I have ever ridden!

Favourite track?

I don’t think it is good to say but it is here at Phillip Island! It is my favourite track and the surroundings are very beautiful too. That and Laguna Seca.

Favourite motorsport memory?

It is definitely winning in Valencia last year. That and the podium in Motegi.

Thanks Karel and best of luck for the rest of the season.

Thanks.