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More Problems for MotoGP as Suzuki Halts Development on the GSVR

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suzuki-gsvr

Early indications are pointing that Suzuki has halted any further development of its 2009 MotoGP race bike. While Suzuki is not pulling out of the series like some other manufacturers, this is another sign that companies are finding motorsports as an expense they can do without in the tough economic climate. The 2008 season saw the signature Rizla blue riders on the podium several times, but with the freeze on development we can only imagine that the boys in powder blue will have an even harder times of things.

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Racing

MotoGP Winter Testing Ban Comes Into Affect

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The MotoGP World Championship begins its customary winter testing ban period today. From now until January 21, 2009 there will be a complete embargo of on-track testing. During this period time period, team riders are not permitted to ride their respective bikes in preparation for the upcoming season.

During the seven-week break constructors will continue developmental work, whilst riders will use the free time for training, recuperation, surgical procedures, and stealing each other’s crew chiefs. The first test for MotoGP after the ban is lifted is set for February 5th through 7th, at the MotoGP Official Test in Sepang.

Source: MotoGP

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Racing

Phillip Island: John Hopkins Goes to Surgery Immediately After Testing Finishes

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Kawasaki concluded their testing at Phillip Island before the winter break today, after which John Hopkins headed almost immediately to the hospital to have surgery performed on his leg.

Hopper had been experiencing pain ever since the surgery performed after his crash in Assen early in the 2008 season. Toughing it out, Hopkins showed determination to get this last week’s worth of testing in:

“Today was more positive for me. The injuries weren’t such a big problem, although I had to adapt because I still can’t put any pressure on the left footpeg…we found a pretty good setup on the bike, and my lap times were pretty consistent over the long runs we did for Bridgestone, and it’s this consistency that’s important to our development program right now.”

Hopper clocked in 1’32.1 lap today, about a second off his qualifying time at Phillip Island earlier this year.

Even though MotoGP is such a high profile sport, it is understated how often MotoGP riders become injured during the racing season (Casey Stoner and Jorge Lorenzo also had notable injuries during 2008), and how often  they ride on Sunday’s races with aliments and pains that would leave most of us weekend racers sitting on the couch with a cold one in hand, watching the races instead.

Hopkins plans to take it easy after the surgery, make a full-recovery, and then “train [his] butt off ready for the new season”.

Source: MotoGP; Photo: MARK RALSTON/AFP/Getty Images

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News

MotoGP May Limit Electronics on Bikes, Takes A Page From Formula1

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Carmelo Ezpeleta (Owner of Dorna Sports, which owns and runs MotoGP), has announced that the premiere motorcycle class of racing will take a cue from the Formula1 racebook, and limit the electronics that can be used while racing a GP motorcycle. This decision comes on the heels of the single tire move made by Dorna in an effort to make GP racing more exciting and evenly matched. 

Traction control for example has been of great concern, and to see why it only takes a brief glance at the latest reviews of the Ducati 1198S Superbike. Critiques of MotoGP have said that allowing such devices let’s less qualified racers into the premiere sport, and that the use of technology can make up where there would otherwise be a gap in rider skill.

Not surprisingly, some of the biggest names ever in the sport have shown signs of support for the rule change. It is unclear what exactly will happen in the future, but Ezpeleta has said that there must be further discussion of the topic, and that no change will occur for the 2009 season, yet looking at where other premiere class sports of gone, the road ahead looks more or less certain.

Source: moto.caradisiac

SkyNet may kill all of mankind, but it won’t take away our GP racing.

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Products

2009 Marchesini Wheels

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Marchesini has released spec on its 2009 product catalog. Already known for having some of the most stiff and rigid rims in the industry, and for developing wheels made from molten magnesium and carbon fiber, Marchesini raises the bar now with their offering of forged magnesium wheels.

Their new production process uses Finite Element Method (FEM), which is a multidirectional way of forging magnesium, developed in the aeronautical industry. 

Refined by use in MotoGP, Marchesini is offering two lines for 2009: 

Komp:
A forged aluminum wheels designed for road use and available in various colors.

Komp R:
A dedicated to racing wheel that offers a weight saving of 25% – 35%. The Komp R wheel sell in both the standard 17″ wheel size, as well as that slightly more race friendly 16.5″ variety.

Espada:
A forged aluminum wheel that is built specifically for 125cc bikes.

Komp Motard:
Also a forged aluminum, this one as you probably guessed already, is designed to replace the standard spoked motard wheel. The goal of this wheel was to reduce the moment of intertia, and so far has had excellent results in the AMA Supermoto Championship.

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Source: Motoblog.it

Racing pink is still not a color option.

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