Photo: Ben Henderson/MotoRaceReports

Photo: Ben Henderson/MotoRaceReports

Photo: Sports-Photography.org

Photo: Sports-Photography.org

Photo: Ducati MotoGP Team

Photo Credit: Jared Earle/MotoRaceReports

Photo Credit: Jared Earle/MotoRaceReports

Marco Melandri (Photo Credit: Jared Earle/MotoRaceReports)

Photo Credit: Jared Earle/MotoRaceReports

Photo: Jared Earle/MotoRaceReports

World Superbike - Donington 2011

Photo Credit: Alex Briggs: Ducati MotoGP Team

Click on image to download in high resolution

]]> http://www.motoracereports.com/3435/photo-of-the-day.html/feed 0 http://www.motoracereports.com/9911/interview-kyle-ryde-story-of-a-talented-young-rider.html http://www.motoracereports.com/9911/interview-kyle-ryde-story-of-a-talented-young-rider.html#comments Mon, 08 Aug 2011 19:59:23 +0000 Gaelle http://www.motoracereports.com/?p=9911 Kyle Ryde and his dad invited me for a chat under the camping awning / makeshift garage where it was clear the youngster is getting a lot of support from his whole family, from his little sister to his mum.

Sean Ryde (Kyle’s Dad) also explained how the whole community near their Nottinghamshire town rallies around Kyle and participates in regular events to keep raising money for his racing career to continue.

In 2010, Kyle Ryde started racing in the 125cc British Superbike Championship.

At Knockhill earlier this year, he joined the likes of Casey Stoner, Leon Haslam and Chaz Davies, becoming the youngest rider ever to win a British 125cc Championship road race.

Kyle Ryde is also competing all around the world this year in the MotoGP Red Bull Rookies Championship.

Being in 2 different championships means that Kyle often races in the Redbull Rookies on the Saturday then flies back to the UK to join a British 125GP round, without a chance to participe in the Qualifying session and having to start at the back of the grid. It is a demanding schedule for a teenager!

I interviewed Kyle at Brands Hatch before he got another brilliant victory, placing him just 11 points behind the current British 125GP championship leader.

Kyle Ryde is a British talent to watch out!

Photos: Ben Henderson for MotoRaceReports. Click on each picture for bigger size.

Kyle on track at Brands Hatch

Hello Kyle! First, please introduce yourself and tell us how long have you been racing?

I just turned 14 two weeks ago. I’ve been racing since I was 5 so for 9 years now.

So you are competing in the British 125GP Championship as well as the Redbull Rookies Cup. You must have a very busy time schedule!

Yes. It’s not very often we have a weekend off. Most weekends it’s all about flying, qualifying, racing.

I still go to school. If I miss a couple of days, I have to catch up by going after school.
It was hard at the start. I didn’t like it. But it gets easier.
I’m used to it now and it is a lot better.

Kyle while his bike is getting prepped

And what are your plans for next year?

Next year, I hope to be riding Ryan’s bike again because you have to be a certain age to ride a bigger bike and the 125 is only the one I can ride next year. So hopefully I can ride Ryan’s bike again because I really like it.

It’s very hard for riders to make it as it is an expensive sport. I see your whole family is here with you.
How do you all manage?

We have a lot of small sponsors who help.
My Mum created Team 77 for people who would like to help me a little bit.
You donate £77 for the year. We’ve got it on the back of our van and on my website too.
We have some very good people supporting us.
We’ve raised about £1000 this year so far.

To help Kyle and read about the Team 77, please visit: http://www.kyleryderacing.co.uk/team-77

Sean Ryde, Kyle's dad and mentor

Who is your favourite rider?

My favourite rider at top level is Dani Pedrosa.
His style is very good and the way he rides that bike, considering how small he is…
I think he is better than all the rest of them!

And have you met Dani?

Yes, I have because he is sponsored by Redbull, just like me.
So we’ve been out for dinner a couple of times with the team which is nice.

Kyle before the race

Do you have any tips for young people of your age who would like to get into motorcycle racing?

When I started, all I used to do was take my mini-moto out in fields, just to get used to it.
Then attend small club meetings on very small tracks. Just ride and get a good feel for it.

But if you are my age, around 14, and you’ve never been on a bike, the main option is probably to go on an Aprilia 125 and go from there. It is harder when you start later.

You can read more about Kyle Ryde at: http://www.kyleryderacing.co.uk/

Kyle and his dad off to join the grid

Kyle with his trophy, winner at Brands Hatch

Thank you especially to The Motorpoint Yamaha Team for inviting me in their garage to share the experience.

Ben Henderson was trackside too.

This is our first gallery. More photos to be posted later!

Kyle Ryde - British 125GP winner - Photo: Ben Henderson

Winning Ryde! - Photo: Ben Henderson

Michael Laverty in the paddock - Photo: Gaelle

Hopkins' tyre after Warm up crash - Photo: Gaelle

Work at the back of Walker's garage - Photo: Gaelle

Alex Lowes in the paddock - Photo: Gaelle

Kawasaki repair - Photo: Gaelle

Kawasaki stripped - Photo: Gaelle

Michael Rutter in the paddock - Photo: Gaelle

James Westmoreland signing photos during pitwalk - Photo: Gaelle

Motorpoint Yamaha prep before BSB Race1 - Photo: Gaelle

Pitwalk time - view from the back of Motorpoint Yamaha garage - Photo: Gaelle

Motorpoint Yamaha group shot - Photo: Gaelle

Back of Patric Muff's leathers - Photo: Gaelle

Motorpoint Yamaha lady at work - Photo: Gaelle

Westy waiting to rejoin Race 1 after coming in to change tyres - Photo: Gaelle

Westy rejoins Race 1 with a determined look - Photo: Gaelle

Sam Lowes keeps an eye on brother Alex during BSB Race 1 - Photo: Gaelle

WSBK rider Leon Haslam visits Brands Hatch - Photo: Gaelle

“I Superbiker” documents the highs and lows of riders and their families throughout the 2010 MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship.

It was also inspired by and dedicated to the “Silver Dream Racer” film starring David Essex in the 80s.

The original “Silver Dream” race bike was re-assembled in 6 weeks in Germany and brought in for the film premiere in London.

David Essex with the Silver Dream bike

The big event was attended by David Essex himself and all the main riders featured in “I Superbiker”: Tommy Hill, Josh Brookes, Gary Mason and James Ellison.

Tommy Hill and James Ellison

The riders and David Essex

Reigning British Superbike champion Ryuichi Kiyonari also made an appearance, having just flown back from testing in Spain.

“I Superbiker” was produced on a tight budget by Mark Sloper who should really take credit for trying to promote the British Superbike championship.
He has done a great job at showing the rollercoaster ride of emotions everyone involved goes through during the season.

The tone is set from the start, with Tommy Hill talking about Josh Brookes, declaring: “We do not want an Australian winning the British title.”
Ironically enough, a Japanese rider ended up winning the championship… Nobody raised that issue…
The old British/Australian rivalry lives on!

I managed to catch up with Josh Brookes at the after party and for the record, he is a nice guy. Don’t let it fool you!
The man is a racer. He wants to win races. That’s what professional racers do.

Josh explained Europe was the only place for him to come to in order to race with the best and further his career.
The British Superbike championship is the first logical step to working his way towards World Superbike and maybe, one day, MotoGP.

Josh Brookes

The 2010 season was full of twists and turns: injuries, crashes, mechanical issues… “I Superbiker” is a great reminder of how exciting and nailbiting the whole thing was, right until the last race.

“I Superbiker” shares the passion as well as the emotional, physical and financial struggles the riders and their relatives go through all year around. Because of this, I personally think anyone would identify with the story told.

You can go and see “I Superbiker” on Monday 14th March only, at the following locations: LINK

If you have never followed the British Superbike championship before, the season starts in April. Give it a try! You can find more information on the official website HERE

Visit the “I Superbiker official site HERE

David Essex signs the bike for the proud owner

Introduction by James Whitham with everyone on stage

Reigning BSB champion, Ryuichi Kiyonari

Big Ed at the after party

Report and photos by Gaelle Henderson (Moto Race Reports)

Rossi at Laguna Seca - Photo credit: Fiat Yamaha Team 2010

The Fiat Yamaha Team has uploaded many close-up photos for you to find your face!
Rossi’s bike HERE
Lorenzo’s bike HERE

As you probably know by now, we had a good team on track at Laguna last week so make sure you check our photos too! We also had team members at Silverstone for the World Superbike weekend. Expect more goodies from our crew!

If you are actively following all the silly season talks, I recommend you read Dennis Noyes‘ article about it HERE

Did you know that Rizla Suzuki has invited Elena Myers (AMA Pro Racing SuperSport rider) to have a go on their bike after the last GP of the season? Could it be the first time we see a woman on a MotoGP bike?!
Full article HERE

World Superbike rider James Toseland has a “mini-me” introducing his site. Is it the weirdest thing ever?! Take a look HERE

My find of the week is for British Superbike fans. You can watch some behind the scenes videos for each round HERE – Each video includes a good historical background about each track.

Next British Superbike racing action: next weekend from Brands Hatch (8th of August)
MotoGP: Brno (15th August)
Workd Superbike: Nurburgring (5th September)

It’s been a while since my last “Weekly News Update” article.
The second weekend of April was a real personal marathon as I did our Twitter Live feed for @Motoracefeed .
I covered World Supersport, World Superbike, 125cc, Moto 2 and MotoGP throughout the weekend. I ended up with sore typing fingers but really exhilarated by the fans ‘ response and the great racing!

Lorenzo in Qatar - Photo: Fiat Yamaha Team (2010)

The weekend after, I was one of the many people stranded somewhere because of the Icelandish Volcano. I was only in Dublin but didn’t have the means to report on Round 2 of British Superbike…
Apologies to those of you who were counting on me.
I eventually found a pub willing to put BSB on for me on TV (yes, I am that dedicated!) so I did see the action with a pint or 2 of Guinness!
Well done to Tommy Hill and Josh Brookes!
Related article about Hill
Related article about Brookes

The Japanese MotoGP was another casualty of THAT volcano!
And all of a sudden, TwitGP was created, described as the world’s first ever ‘Virtual Sporting Event.’

Twit GP MCN cover courtesy of @guyprocter

TwitGP was led by Suzi Perry and her colleagues.
Many fans were left wondering “what was the point?”.
However, a big majority actually got into the idea of Virtual Fun.
I personally thought it was really good.
It gave fans the opportunity to share their creativity and really participate in every aspect.
Please check the blog for all the TwitGP action!
Do read the qualifying and race reports as well as the press releases.
Pure comedy!
Well done to all involved!

Whatever you do, make sure you watch the WSBK races!
That’s all I need to say…

I will leave you with an actual quote from @lorenzo99 before the TwitGP practice: “I just saw my Twitbike in my box, It looks so strange. So many electronics.. the engine is electric!! Forcada needs to work on it”

And practice your French with this hilarious cartoon of Dani Pedrosa ( courtesy of www.motofinish.com )

Dani and his Honda

Last BSB note: Michael Laverty has just launched his new website HERE . Check it out!

April’s Fool jokes did hit the Motorcycle racing world this week.
Italian mag “Motosprint” ran a story about Casey Stoner being out of Qatar due to his lactose intolerance. Fake story here
After everything Casey went through last season, not many people actually found the prank funny…

The one that fooled me came from WSS rider Chaz Davies via Twitter:“Now that was a long day… been in a Swiss hospital since 11am. BIG crash on the snowboard and blown out my right knee. Ligaments done for.”
He confessed after a couple of hours: “Happy April fools peeps. The knee is fine. But thanks all for the concern! We were actually snowboarding today but no injuries. Plenty of fun though!”

Nicky Hayden thought about it: “Wanted 2 hit yall with a Aprils fools joke and say i was get n married but wasnt sure if thats only a usa joke or if the whole world has it?”

Who said riders were dull?!

WSB Jonathan Rea shares his pizza via Twitter

In Moto2 , Hector Faubel has just been announced as Scott Redding’s new team mate, replacing Vincent Lonbois in the Marc VDS Racing team. Full Moto2 List and story via MotoMatters HERE

In MotoGP, BBC’s own Matt Roberts has written a good pre-season article HERE

Commentating legend Toby Moody had a chat with Colin Edwards and Ben Spies . He wrote the following quote from Edwards on Twitter (via @tobymoody):“If I win a race or Ben wins a race, we’ll have a beer together that night.” – All is well in team Texas then!

Fans out there can also read about the new MCN Sport Magazine HERE and try to win some goodies.
It looks like a tasty mag and feedback from fans on Twitter has been positive.

I cannot contain my excitement for the start of the MotoGP season!
1 week to go!!!!

Jorge shows He is ready via Facebook!

Please note that Leon Haslam has a new website HERE but do not go there if you don’t want to know about this weekend yet!

In BSB, Swan Honda’s Stuart Easton had to undergo surgery following a crash during testing.
Fortunately, he will be fit to ride in the season’s first event next weekend at Brands Hatch.
You can read the full story on the Swan Honda website HERE

In an interview for the official British Superbike website, last year’s champion (now WSB rider) Leon Camier has tipped off Josh Brookes as his successsor for 2010. Full article HERE

Photo copyright 2010: MotoGP.com

The 125cc and Moto2 boys were out testing in Jerez.
For the 125 class, Marc Marquez proved to be top of the pile today. Full results HERE

For the Moto2 class, today belonged to Tech3 rider Takahashi . Full results HERE

The ever excellent Dave at MotoMatters managed to interview FIM President Vito Ippolito
Read the in-depth interview HERE

In MotoGP , I have found a big spanish article for Jorge Lorenzo ’s fans HERE

Jorge Lorenzo

Translation of the first half of “The Perfect Rider according to Jorge Lorenzo” (El piloto perfecto según Jorge Lorenzo)
The one that has better starts? Pedrosa
The best are breaking? Rossi
The best at passing in a corner? Lorenzo
The best at advancing / catching up? Lorenzo because I don’t start so well.

Interestingly,the perfect rider according to Lorenzo would have mixed skills taken from himself, Rossi, Stoner and Pedrosa.
In his opinion, Rossi would contribute the most (Jorge mentions him 7 times) against 4 for himself and 2 for both Stoner and Pedrosa.

Thank you to everyone who enjoyed my live commentaries on Twitter via @Motoracefeed and left me messages.

So much more to come!

On day 2, the session was stopped in the morning due to heavy rain but resumed in the afternoon.

The MotoGP pack will be back testing in Sepang on 25-26 February.
There will then be a final pre-season test in Qatar starting on 18 March.

If you like number crunching, here are the results for the 2 days:

Day 1
1. Valentino Rossi (ITA) Fiat Yamaha Team 2′01.411
2. Casey Stoner (AUS) Ducati Marlboro Team 2′01.902
3. Colin Edwards (USA) Monster Yamaha Tech 3 2′01.932
4. Loris Capirossi (ITA) Rizla Suzuki MotoGP 2′02.102
5. Jorge Lorenzo (SPA) Fiat Yamaha Team 2′02.165
6. Andrea Dovizioso (ITA) Repsol Honda Team 2′02.630
7. Nicky Hayden (USA) Ducati Marlboro Team 2′02.792
8. Dani Pedrosa (SPA) Repsol Honda Team 2′02.866
9. Mika Kallio (FIN) Pramac Green Team 2′02.987
10. Hector Barbera (SPA) Aspar Team 2′03.030
11. Aleix Espargaro (SPA) Pramac Green Team 2′03.133
12. Ben Spies (USA) Monster Yamaha Tech 3 2′03.142
13. Randy de Puniet (FRA) LCR Honda MotoGP 2′03.456
14. Alvaro Bautista (SPA) Rizla Suzuki MotoGP 2′03.558
15. Marco Simoncelli (ITA) San Carlo Honda Gresini 2′03.609
16. Marco Melandri (ITA) San Carlo Honda Gresini 2′03.609
17. Hiroshi Aoyama (JAP) Interwetten-Honda MotoGP 2′03.651

Day 2
1. Valentino Rossi (ITA) Fiat Yamaha Team 2′00.925
2. Casey Stoner (AUS) Ducati Marlboro Team 2′01.320
3. Jorge Lorenzo (SPA) Fiat Yamaha Team 2′01.680
4. Dani Pedrosa (SPA) Repsol Honda Team 2′01.822
5. Ben Spies (USA) Monster Yamaha Tech 3 2′02.266
6. Andrea Dovizioso (ITA) Repsol Honda Team 2′02.272
7. Colin Edwards (USA) Monster Yamaha Tech 3 2′02.479
8. Nicky Hayden (USA) Ducati Marlboro Team 2′02.493
9. Aleix Espargaro (SPA) Pramac Green Team 2′02.647
10. Loris Capirossi (ITA) Rizla Suzuki MotoGP 2′02.763
11. Marco Melandri (ITA) San Carlo Honda Gresini 2′02.810
12. Hector Barbera (SPA) Aspar Team 2′03.032
13. Randy de Puniet (FRA) LCR Honda MotoGP 2′03.043
14. Hiroshi Aoyama (JAP) Interwetten-Honda MotoGP 2′03.195
15. Marco Simoncelli (ITA) San Carlo Honda Gresini 2′03.245
16. Alvaro Bautista (SPA) Rizla Suzuki MotoGP 2′03.274
17. Mika Kallio (FIN) Pramac Green Team 2′03.359

Colin Edwards in Sepang - Copyright: Monster Yamaha Tech 3

Some riders comments at the end of Day 2:
“This has been a great test and I’m really happy. The big bonus of the test has been the performance of the engine. Putting it simply it seems they have made the engine with more power and more reliable.” (Colin Edwards, Monster Yamaha Tech 3)

“Yesterday we have tried to find a constant pace while today we focused looking for the fast lap. It wasn’t so bad; on the contrary, I am really pleased on how things have gone. This is only my first winter test in MotoGP and I can only improve in the future.” (Aleix Espargarò, Pramac Racing)

“Considering that we are using a different engine to the one we’ve had for the last three years and some other new parts that we still need to get the best out of we certainly can’t be unhappy with where we’re at. There is work to do but we have two more test sessions before the season starts for real. In general I am really pleased with how it’s gone.” (Casey Stoner, Marlboro Ducati)

Best Bits from the Fiat Yamaha Press Conference (4th February 2010)

Question: I think that the information that’s going to be shared between Valentino and Jorge is going to be tightened up a little bit this year…is that true?

Answer from Masahiko Nakajima (MotoGP Group Leader and Fiat Yamaha Team Director): Yes…so each team will have their own data, and they won’t see the other team’s data. Only the Yamaha engineers will be able to look at all the data and take it back to both riders.

Question to both riders: Last year we had a lot of complaints from both of you about data sharing. Now Mr Nakajima has confirmed to us that this year there won’t be any. I’d like to know who asked for this from Yamaha first?

Answer from Valentino Rossi: Speaking with Yamaha I think Jorge, especially last year and already in 2008, demonstrate great speed and
A good attitude to fix and set the bike. Now he is already two years in the team so everyone agrees that it’s possible for everyone to make their own way. Also Jorge wants to work more on the development, so I think it’s right that everyone does his job alone. But at the end it doesn’t change a lot because all the comments between me and Jorge
are quite similar, so it’s not a big change.

Answer from Jorge Lorenzo: I don’t have anything to comment about this.

Fiat Yamaha Team 2010 Unveiling ©Yamaha Motor Racing

In other MotoGP news, Australian rider Garry McCoy is making a come back with the FB Corse team. Article

BSB
Just in: James Ellison has been confirmed as Swan Honda’s 2nd rider. Article

This week, a new rule was announced, promising “a crescendo of competition towards the end of the championship to minimise the chances of anyone securing the title before the final event of the year.” You can read the full details on the official British Superbike website HERE

This week, I will finish with the weird and wonderful world of Twitter.
Oddly enough, my time spent on there hasn’t been wasted after all.
Thank you to @fiatontheweb and @lorenzo99 for making me, @djmissfrenchie , feel rather special
Check this video out:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=py3X5X6YT6U

Article edited by Gaelle H. (@djmissfrenchie)

Welcome to a new MotoGP baby in the Edwards household! See a photo of the proud father Colin and his baby girl HERE

Road Racer X magazine has named “MotoGP, Faster” Best film of the past ten years. See a clip HERE

This week, we received a press release from Fiat Yamaha regarding Jorge Lorenzo’s new team manager: “Yamaha Motor Racing Srl is pleased to announce the appointment of Wilco Zeelenberg as Team Manager for Jorge Lorenzo in the Fiat Yamaha Team.”
“After nine years working for Yamaha I am very proud to be joining the official Yamaha MotoGP team,” said Zeelenberg. “It’s a big reward and I am very excited about this new challenge. Jorge is a fantastic rider and I cannot wait to start working with him and the crew. The team is already a well-oiled machine and I am thrilled to be fitting into it. It’s clear that there are four main contenders for the title and Jorge is one of those four. I am a very competitive person, I will do everything I can in the team to create the right atmosphere and fight for the championship title.”

Ducati unveiled its Desmosedici GP10 MotoGP race bike at in Italy, cue Casey, Nicky and lots of red balloons! See video HERE
Nicky Hayden admitted he made a mistake when he published a photo of the bike before the official launch.ARTICLE

Nicky's naughty pic

After a stint in hospital regarding an inflamed appendix, Valentino Rossi has been trying out the Ferrari F1 simulator. SOURCE
Earlier this week, he did however rule out a career in F1 explaining he would be too old for it by the time he’s done with MotoGP. ARTICLE

Valentino Rossi

Another great article in MotoMatters, with the leaked Provisional Entry List for WSS ans WSBK . ARTICLE

To finish, let’s congratulate Michael Laverty who has signed a deal to ride for Relentless Suzuki in BSB for 2010.

Have a great week all.
Testing times are coming!!!

Edited by Gaelle H (@djmissfrenchie )

American rider John Hopkins is set to return to MotoGP with the new FB Corse team.
Article

Dani Pedrosa has had surgery to remove a screw from his left hand. He should have fully recovered within 2 weeks. Article

Nicky Hayden accidentally published photos of his 2010 bike? Funnily enough, the photo seems to have been removed from www.nickyhayden.com . You can read Dave’s article at MotoMatters

Ducati 2010 MotoGP bike?

Valentino Rossi declined Jean Alesi’s offer to participate in Le Mans 24 hours.
He said he was flattered by the offer but June is a busy period in the MotoGP calendar.
Valentino also decided not to take part in the WRC rally in Mexico next March. Article

Ryuichi Kiyonari is back with HM Plant Honda for the 2010 BSB season.
Article

Jorge Lorenzo told Italian magazine Motosprint about almost quitting in 2008. Autosport article
If you don’t follow Jorge on Twitter yet, check out @lorenzo99
He always posts photos and replies to as many fans as possible.
By the way, here is his Xmas greetings card!

Jorge Lorenzo Xmas greetings (via Facebook)

Enjoy the rest of the festive season!
See you all in 2010!

Edited by Gaelle H (@djmissfrenchie)