INSPIRE August 2012

INTERNATIONAL EDITION

BY

AUGUST 2012

LIFe IS A RACe “Never give up!”

Alessandro Zanardi

tHe FACe oF PASSIon “Portraits of fans, riders and insiders of the MotoGP”

BIKeS & PeoPLe KeIRA KnIGHtLey

BIKeS & MoVIeS GHoSt RIDeR Nicolas Cage The skull-head motorcyclist

LCR RACE HIGHLIGHTS – LIFE STORIES - BEAUTIES - LIFESTYLE & EVENTS VINTAGE EMOTIONS - CULTURE & PASSION - ART - TRAVELS www.inspire-lcr.com

“A pencil and a dream can take you anywhere.”

Joyce A. Myers

e D I to R I A L Rodolfo Viola is a master, one of those artists that can really make you stop and stare when you admire his paintings. Dreams on canvas. In the portrait of New York City on the front cover, the Twin Towers are still clearly visible and this is how we love to remember the city that never sleeps. No bombs can erase our memories.

Stefan Bradl almost gained his first podium in Mugello, the battle with andrea Dovizioso was memorable.

Enrico Barbieri Editor In Chief

Travelling at the speed of light to reach Laguna Seca and Indianapolis, amazing places where we could live and breath the American Dream.

Our friends Gigi soldano and Davide Esposito were there and came back with some amazing images.

Next to me, Mick Jagger riding on a Honda CB350. We thought it was a good way to celebrate the Rolling Stones 50th anniversary.

Heroes, bikes, speed and technology dressed with a bit of recklessness and adrenaline.

Every face and every place got a story to tell. This is MotoGP.

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K e y n ot e A Grand Prix is never the same. No space for boredom here.

It’s like a post card of time that you don’t send at the end of the trip, not anymore. Sharing images in real time has a total different taste.

This is what I mean: INSPIRE. Messages and images are travelling around, not the people. My goal is to document and maybe also to wonder, to make somebody dream so that the journey never ends.

Gigi Soldano Photographer, Photo Reporter and Cameraman

As a photographer, you might find yourself surrounded by things that never change. Same persons, same places. A scenery that you’ve seen a dozen times and might become boring.

You keep watching the same stage, waiting for a show that is way too familiar for you and you hope that the key players will bring in something new. You hope the actors to be different, maybe masked?

Light comes into help, you want to use your lense in a different way so that you can give a new look to the same old reality.

It’s like a subtle game that both enthralls and persuades.

America , with its unpredictable faces, places and situations, could amaze and thrill me once again. An enthusiastic masquerade. With no secretcs.

I love being on Inspire. For real.

PHOTOGRAPHER

Sebastian Estrada

Martin Koren performs during the Red Bull X-Fighters Jams in Bogota, Colombia on August 11th, 2012

WATCH AND GET INSPIRED Courtesy by Red Bull Content Pool www.inspire-lcr.com/redbullx2012

INSPIRE

ContRIBUtoRS Davide Esposito glamour photographer and videomaker.

There’s only one thing in life that I love more than bikes and that’s women.

Give me a racing track, a girl, a camera and I’ll feell like bein in heaven.

Sayaka Miyazaki LCR VIP guests coordinator, Japanese Media reporter.

I love travelling and learning European languages.

Massimo Visconti Photographer, videomaker, sound designer and most of all: bike lover.

A true born gipsy, always willing to jump on a plane and land somewhere sunny, exotic and unknown.

Nelly Pluto-Prondzyńska Editor in chief of MotoGP section at www.motosports.pl I’m very young but I have a huge passion for MotoGP and I love to do interviews with the riders and to write articles about the races.

Emanuele Vallorani Graphic Designer by profession and Photographer for the love of it! I like to discover new people and new places, I love everything that’s unusual!

Elisa Pavan LCR Team Press Officer and Logistics Coordinator aka La Pina , the Queen of organization. I love to chill and party with my colleagues from all the MotoGP teams.

James Pipino Fashion/Celebrity Photographer based in Australia I shoot campaigns all over the world. I love creating images with a story and with a passion for all things motorsport I’ve been lucky enough to be involved with LCR.

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S U M M A Ry 16 30

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I LOVE VESPA LCR Fashion photoshoot

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GHOST RIDER Bikes and Movies

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GRAND PRIX OF ITALY Race Highlights - Round 09

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TUSCAN NIGHT BREEZE Exclusive Playboy Party

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MASTER PIECE The Honda NR Story

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THE BIRTH OF THE OVAL PISTON Motorsport Technology

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KEIRA KNIGHTLEY Bikes and People

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56 72

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S U M M A Ry 102

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GRAND PRIX OF UNITED STATES Race Highlights - Round 10

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THE FACE OF PASSION People of the MotoGP World

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ALEX ZANARDI Great Life Stories

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LIGHT SKYLINES Rodolfo Viola and his Paintings

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4 WHEELS, 2 WHEELS, 2 LEGS… LET’S WORK ON THE SET-UP! Green Light, Drive Responsibly

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MARCO GUIDETTI The Racing Spirit in One Shot

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GRAND PRIX OF INDIANAPOLIS Race Highlights - Round 11

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AMERICAN DREAM Indianapolis: The Racing Capital of the World

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CZECH REPUBLIC, SAN MARINO, ARAGON Travels

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it’s a GIVI monokey ® not just a top case

SPECIFIC REMOTE CONTROL (OPTIONAL)

CAPACITY 47 Lt INTERNAL SOFT BAG (OPTIONAL)

it can hold two modular helmets

| V47 | MONOKEY SYSTEM | ALUMINIUM COVER | NEW PUSH-DOWN CLOSING SYSTEM FOR THE LID | SECURITY LOCK KEY | ®

Since its birth, The Vespa has become a social phenomenon, the symbol of a nation trying ro rebuild itself after Second World War. Like the Mini Cooper, the Vespa has influenced cultures and travelled countries showing the whole world that being small doesn’t mean to be weak

V

text: Massimo Visconti - photo: Davide Esposito

espa is a famous Italian brand of scooter manufactured by Piaggio. The name means wasp in Italian. Post-World War II Italy, in light of its agreement to cessation of war activities with the Allies, had its aircraft industry severely restricted in both capability and capacity.

Piaggio emerged from the conflict with its Pontedera fighter plane plant demolished by bombing.

Italy’s crippled economy and the disastrous state of the roads did not assist in the re-development of the automotive markets. Enrico Piaggio, the son of Piaggio’s founder Rinaldo, decided to leave the aeronautical field in order to address Italy’s urgent need for a modern and affordable mode of transportation for the masses.

The inspiration for the design of the Vespa da-

tes back to Pre-World War II Cushman scooters made in Nebraska, USA. These olive-green scooters were in Italy in large numbers, ordered originally by Washington as field transport for the paratroopers and marines. The US military used them to get around Nazi defense tactics of destroying roads and bridges in the Dolomites and the Austrian border areas.

On 23 April 1946, at 12 o’clock in the central office for inventions, models and makes of the Ministry of Industry and Commerce in Florence, Piaggio e C. S.p.A. took out a patent for a “motorcycle of a rational complexity of organs and elements combined with a frame with mudguards and a casing covering the whole mechanical part”.

The basic patented design allowed a series of fe-

atures to be deployed on the spar-frame which would later allow quick development of new models. The original Vespa featured a rear pillion seat for a passenger, or optionally a storage compartment. The original front protection “shield” was a flat piece of aero metal; later this developed in to a twin skin to allow additional storage behind the front shield, similar to the glove compartment in a car. The fuel cap was located underneath the (hinged) seat, which saved the cost of an additional lock on the fuel cap or need for additional metal work on the smooth skin.

The scooter had rigid rear suspension and small eight-inch wheels that allowed a compact design and plenty of room for the rider’s legs. The twistgrip-controlled gear change involved a system of rods. The early engine had no cooling, but fan blades were soon attached to the flywheel to push air over the cylinder’s cooling fins. The modern Vespa engine is still cooled this way. The mixture of two-stroke oil in the fuel produced high amounts of smoke, and the engine made a high buzzing sound like a wasp.

In recent years, many urban commuters have purchased new or restored Vespas. A shortage of parking for cars in large urban areas and the Vespa’s low running-costs are two reasons for the increase in Vespa popularity. The cultural use of the scooter as a recreational vehicle with a subcultural following in the USA/Canada and parts of Europe & Japan has also contributed to the rise in Vespa ownership. In contrast, the Vespa is considered a utilitarian vehicle for hauling products and sometimes up to five family members in much of Asia and Mexico This resurgence in interest in vintage scooters has also spawned a scooter restoration industry, with many restored Vespas being exported from Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia to the rest of the world. There is a Piaggio Museum & Gift Shop adjacent to the plant in central Pontedera, near Pisa, Tuscany. The permanent exhibition includes those items which toured venues such as the Guggenheim in New York and the Centre Pompidou in Paris. Also on display is a model personally customised by Salvador Dalí in 1962.

In 2011 two Piaggio Vespa PXs led by Andrea Revel Nutini and Marcello Dabrogni raced the Pharaons Rally. Against all odds the team was even able to finish the race, demonstrating that a Vespa is tougher than the desert itself !

BIKES AND MOVIE

Nicolas Cage portrayed during a scene of the movie.

G

host Rider is a 2007 American superhero horror film written and directed by Mark Steven Johnson, the director of Daredevil, based on the character of the same name which appeared in Marvel Comics. The movie stars Nicolas Cage as Johnny Blaze, a stunt motorcyclist who sells his soul to the Devil and transforms into the vigilante Ghost Rider. The sequel, Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance was released on February 17, 2012. Nicolas Cage reprised his role as Johnny Blaze.

Ghost Rider is the name of several fictional supernatural antiheroes appearing in comic books published by Marvel Comics.

The story and characters are credited as being created by Gary Friedrich, aided and abetted by writer-editor Roy Thomas, with artist Mike Ploog.

Roy Thomas, Marvel’s editor-in-chief at the time, described the character’s genesis: I had made up a character as a villain in Daredevil — a very lacklustre character — called Stunt-Master... a motorcyclist. Anyway, when Gary Friedrich started writing Daredevil, he said, “Instead of Stunt-Master, I’d like to make the villain a really weird motorcycle-riding character called Ghost Rider.” He didn’t describe him. I said, “Yeah, Gary, there’s only one thing wrong with it,”...” That’s too good an idea to be just a villain in Daredevil. He should start out right away in his own book.” I had this idea for

the skull-head, something like Elvis’ 1968 Special jumpsuit, Mike Ploog put the fire on the head, just because he thought it looked nice. Gary liked it, so they went off and did it.

Johnny Blaze, a motorcycle stunt performer in a traveling circus, sold his soul to one whom he believes to be Satan, in order to save his stepfather, “Crash” Simpson, from cancer. Blaze then finds himself transforming into a demonic entity at nightfall, during which times he wields strange powers. He is called the Ghost Rider for his strange appearance. As time goes on, he is able to call on his demonic abilities whenever he wishes.

In May 2000 Marvel Comics announced an agreement to film Ghost Rider with actor Jon Voight attached as a producer. Production was scheduled to start in early 2001 with actor Johnny Depp expressing interest in the lead role.

In June 2001, actor Nicolas Cage entered talks to be cast into the lead role for Ghost Rider and by July, had closed a deal with the studio. According to producer Steven Paul, Cage had found out about Depp being a possibility for the role and contacted the director to express his own interest, being an avid Ghost Rider fan.

The lack of a workable script continued to delay production until the first episode was finally released in theatres on February 16, 2007.

The two episodes together until now have generated an income of more than 360 million dollars.

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ItALy

RACe HIGHLIGHtS

tHe MAMBA

StRIKeS text: Elisa Pavan - photo: Milagro

LORENZO BITES BACK WITH VICTORY AMIDST STRUGGLES FOR STONER. BRADL POWERS TO HIS BEST MOTOGP RESULT TO DATE

BRADL SeeKS IMPRoVeMentS

on DAy one At MUGeLLo SURFACe

M

ugello, 13th July: under sunny yet windy conditions the MotoGP contingent hit the famous Mugello circuit today for the first day of practices. The circuit that twists through the Tuscan hills north of Florence is one of Stefan Bradl’s favourites who set the 10th fastest lap time of the day.

Bradl’s goal is to continue making the progress he has shown in recent weeks, which culminated with a fifth place last Sunday, and capitalise on the confidence he has found with the Honda RC213V.

Stefan :

“Actually it has not been the perfect day for us because I can not get the bike breaking in the proper way so we need to fix this. We made some adjustments getting some improvements but it’s still not good enough. Basically we are struggling too much with edge grip and we are losing consistence in every section but we are not completely lost. We will work hard to reduce the gap because I love this circuit and I aim to stay up in the pack”.

BRADL PROVES HIS SKILLS

AT MUGELLO GP QUALIFYING M

ugello, 14th July: in a thrilling and hot 60-minute qualifying session at Mugello circuit, LCR rider Stefan Bradl was able to improve on his weekend’s form by finishing in eighth (1’47.857) ahead tomorrow’s 23-lap race.

After yesterday’s first run out the German rookie tried a few changes in this morning free session to try to maximize the potential of his RC213V around this high-speed track, and in this afternoon Bradl was clearly comfortable lapping consistently fast.

Stefan: “We definitely improved the overall package compared to yesterday and both session were pretty good for us especially the qualifying. Yesterday we struggled too much and I was looking for more front confidence on this track which I like very much. This morning we took the first step forward and for the qualifying I felt much more comfortable going faster with less physical efforts. Actually we are strong on soft tyres and on race tyres too and I am really confident for tomorrow because we did a good job today”.

InCReDIBLe 4th FoR BRADL At HARD-FoUGHt MUGeLLo GP

Mugello, 15th July: Stefan Bradl and his Team enjoyed a special weekend at Mugello circuit thanks to the excellent 23-lap race conducted by the German rookie on his RC213V who put in an impressive performance today nearly climbing up the Italian podium.

Bradl had shown his superb speed and progression earlier in the season when he powered his Honda machine into the fifth place at Le Mans and Sachsenring rounds.

Coming to the Italian race track Bradl was confident of a good race as he is a big fan of the 5.245Km circuit and having increased his confidence in the front end in yesterday’s qualifying the German could fight for third place till 3 laps to go when Dovizioso passed him to get the podium on his home track.

Stefan - 4th: “It’s a fantastic feeling for me and the whole Team. Doubtless a podium

finish would have been simply perfect but I am extremely happy about this great result on this track. I think that our asset was perfect since the beginning of the race because in the last couple of races we struggled a bit too much with full fuel tank and could not feel the front tyre properly but here we made a different set up. It worked perfectly on this special layout but at the end of the race I missed a bit of front end feeling on braking. So I preferred to stay calm and Dovi passed me but after that I was trying to follow him and it was pretty easy for me. Then Hayden put in a brave move on me but he had not the best exit on the right corner and I could passed him again. Probably my manoeuvre looked a bit aggressive on TV but I think it was normal for a last lap. Being so close to the podium is fantastic and I feel happy for the team: they support me in the best way every weekend and especially Lucio. He is a hard worker and with this great result I want to give him something back�.

BeHInD tHe SCeneS

HRC Executive-Vice President Shuhei Nakamoto presented Simoncelli’s father Paolo with a “Super SIC” inspired Honda CBR1000RR; the money raised from the motorbike will benefit the charities supported by The Marco Simoncelli Foundation. photo: Milagro 39 AUGUST 2012

Valentino Rossi once again unveiled a special design helmet for his home race: “Restiamo Uniti” (let’s stick together), is a “motto” that was made famous by Italian singer Gianni Morandi, when directing his staff on the stage at the famous Sanremo Festival.

photo: Milagro

41 AUGUST 2012

It looks like Dovizioso booked the third step of the podium: after Catalunya, Germany and Netherdlands rounds the local hero presented his fans with another brilliant third place. Rossi can not spray champagne from the Tuscan podium this year but he is keen to say “grazie� to his devoted fans. photo: Milagro 43 AUGUST 2012

TRACK KEY NOTE

TRACK KEY NOTE

MUGeLLo

CIRCUIt InFo LENGTH: 5.245 M. / 3,259 MILES WIDTH: 14M LEFT CORNERS: 6 RIGHT CORNERS: 9 LONGEST STRAIGHT: 1.141 M. / 0,709 MILES CONSTRUCTED: 1974

MICK DooHAn text: Nelly Pluto-Prondzynska

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Located 30km north-east of Florence in the beautiful countryside of Tuscany, Mugello is a modern circuit with excellent facilities. Bought

by Ferrari back in 1988, the 5.245km track has been renovated to a high standard and has a growing reputation as one of the world’s most upto-date, scenic and safest race circuits.

A blend of slow and fast turns with sweeping curves, long straights and off-camber corners make Mugello one of the most challenging circuits for the riders and engineers.

Having hosted its first MotoGP event back in 1976 the venue became a permanent fixture in 1991 after extensive refurbishment. Set within a beautiful tree lined Tuscan valley, Mugello also offers ample viewing areas for a particularly boisterous and partisan Italian crowd.

Mick Doohan comes from Brisbane (Australia), where he was born on June the 4th 1965. He is known as a five-time world champion; a person, who never gives up and a rider, who spent his entire career with Honda. Mick was born into a motorcycle mad family. Soon he found himself on two wheels and at age eight. After few years in dirt-track, he debuted in road racing – first in Australian, then in World Superbikes.

In 1989 he began his career in Grand Prix and scoring first podium during round in West Germany. In the same year he had competed in Suzuka 8 Hours, where he crashed during the race and after that his left little finger was off, and then re-attached. Even that, he hadn’t give up and was back at the last round of the season in Brasil.

In following years Doohan had been stronger and stronger, but crash from qualifying in Assen in 1992 almost ruined his career. Thanks to Dr. Costa (who sewn his legs together) he not only didn’t get his leg amputated, but also was back to racing for final two rounds of that season! Mick’s leg would never be the same again after his Assen crash, and – being his right – he’d now lost use of the rear brake. But anyway he has proved again his big love to motorcycle, when he came back to racing on high level. Even crash from Laguna Seca and broken collarbone didn’t “broke” Doohan! In 1994 era of Mick has begun… He won five titles in a row! But then, at the beginning of 1999 he had crashed in Jerez and broke his wrist, collarbone, foot, hand, leg and ribs. There, even with his big talent and love to racing, would be no coming back from this one. Just how much punishment could one body take…?

Mick has finished his career with 54 wins, 95 podiums and, what is the most important, 5 world titles.

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“Another one bites my dust” www.arrow.it

LIFESTYLE & EVENTS

Tuscan Night Breeze

text: Massimo Visconti - photo: Damiano Alessandri, Davide Esposito

HONDA LCR TEAM HAS A WORLD-FAMOUS TRADITION FOR HOLDING THE BEST PARTIES AROUND. WHEN WE PARTNER WITH PORSCHE, CHOPARD, RED BULL AND PLAYBOY YOU KNOW THERE’S NO OTHER PLACE YOU NEED TO BE

“When I had journeyed half of our life’s way, I found myself within...” a castle in Barberino Del Mugello.

Tuscany is known for its landscapes, traditions, history, artistic legacy and its constant influence on worldwide culture. It is regarded as the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance and has been home to many influential figures in the history of art and science. All that comes amidst vineyardcovered hills, olive groves, fields of dazzling sunflowers, ancient stone villages and cities of remarkable beauty.

Tuscany is famous for its wines, including the well-known Chianti, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, Morellino di Scansano and Brunello di Montalcino.

Six Tuscan localities have been designated World Heritage Sites: the historic centre of Florence, Siena, San Gimignano and Pienza; the square of the Cathedral of Pisa and the Val d’Orcia.

The artistic and cultural heritage Tuscany has is simply immense and it is expressed in its churches, palaces, art

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galleries, museums, villages and squares.

The fathers of Italian painting Cimabue and Giotto, the forefathers of the Renaissance like Brunelleschi, Donatello and Masaccio were all from Tuscany, together with Botticelli, Paolo Uccello, Michelangelo and the universal genius of Leonardo da Vinci.

Dante Alighieri wrote the Divine Comedy amongst the Tuscan hills. Giacomo Puccini, and Pietro Mascagni both composed their masterpieces in this region of Italy. In the

modern era, Tuscany gave birth to world famous brands like Salvatore Ferragamo, Enrico Coveri, Patrizia Pepe, Roberto Cavalli and the glorious house of Gucci.

No artistic field has been left untouched, the Tuscans explored them all.

From art, literature and fashion right through to motorcycles. MotoGP enthusiasts of all ages know this part of Italy very well as it houses the highly celebrated circuit of Mugello and every year fans, friends and insiders don’t

want to miss Honda LCR’s unmissable party. The breeze flows in gently while the party begins at Villa Le Maschere in Barberino del Mugello, one of the most beautiful late Renaissance country homes in Tuscany, near the Bilancino Lake. Italians know how to please their guests and for sure this was one of those occasion in which everybody felt at ease and had fun. What could we ask for more than a beautiful location, some delicious food, superb Tuscan wine and the most gorgeous girl right from the paddock

and from Playboy’s Italian quarter. Porsche let us ride in style as we reached the place on a 911 GT2 with an unbelievable 620 horsepower. You know that you’re not going to be late if you have a Chopard L.U.C. right on your wrist and for certain you’re going to get ladies’ attention with a watch like that. Red Bull was in charge of managing the mayhem, so they did. The breakers went on stage, the DJ cranked up the music loud and we danced the night away under a starry Italian sky.

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The Mugello LCR Party took place at the amazing location of the Villanova Castle where riders, journalists, reporters, fans and supporters joined the Team in one of the most charm event of the season. Angel Nieto and Franco Uncini (former riders) were among the special guests. Red Bull Street Dancers performed some very attractive and acrobatic shows during the night impressing the guests.

53 AUGUST 2012

text: Sayaka Miyazaki - photo: Davide Esposito

IT TOOK YEARS OF DEVELOPMENT AND ONLY FEW MODELS WERE RELEASED. THE NR IS A CLEAR EXAMPLE OF THE PASSION AND THE EFFORTS THAT HONDA PUTS IN EVERY SINGLE PROJECT THEY EMBRACE

T

he Honda NR (New Racing) was a V-four motorcycle engine series started by Honda in 1979 with the 500cc NR500 Grand Prix racer that used oval pistons. This was followed during the 1980s by a 750cc endurance racer version known as the NR750. In 1992 Honda produced around 300 street versions of a 750cc model, the NR. The road going NR750 used an elliptical piston with curved long sides.

The bike became the most expensive production bike at the time, selling for $50,000.

The origins of the ‘NR’ series of motorcycles lie in Honda’s return to Grand Prix motorcycle racing in the late 1970s following an absence since their highly successful participation in the 1960s. During the absence of Honda, Grand Prix racing had come to be dominated by two-stroke machines that could easily attain a higher specific output than a four-stroke equivalent. Honda had long preferred to concentrate on four-stroke development and therefore decided to produce such a machine to challenge their Japanese rivals.

“When I look back at it, I’m not sure if we were experimenting with cutting-edge technologies or obsessed with foolish ideas,” recalled Toshimitsu Yoshimura, an engineer involved in the development of the NR500’s oval piston engine.

To achieve this aim Honda could have looked to follow their 1960’s practice of increasing the number of cylinders to produce more power. However, Grand Prix rules at the time required a configuration with maximum of four combustion chambers. Honda engineers therefore came up with the highly innovative solution of constructing a ‘V8’ engine in the form of a four-cylinder. This was achieved by designing an oval piston that allowed a total of 8 valves per cylinder, and connecting two con-rods to each piston. Such a configuration led to almost unprecedented complexity in terms of engine design, with 32 valves and eight con-rods incorporated into the dimensions of a regular four-cylinder motorcycle engine.

Development and testing of the new engine proved fraught with difficulty (prompting some motorcycle journalists of the time to comment that NR meant “Never Ready”) but Honda eventually succeeded in meeting the original performance criteria for the engine.

Several problems needed to be solved, but no one was more aware of that than the development staff. “We didn’t think much about whether the engine would actually turn over,” Yoshimura recalls, “or even whether it would be practical at all. We weren’t worried about those things, since we just wanted to make it work.”

However, through persistent effort the team identified solutions to these problems, one by one. The comple-

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tion of the piston ring, in particular, was a considerable boost to the feasibility of the overall design. With that, the test target moved from the single-cylinder design to four cylinders.

Key problems in the team’s engine design included the gear train and valve system. Additional areas of concern were the over-effectiveness of engine braking and a sudden burst of power when the throttle was opened: the so-called “Bang”. The problem of engine braking was quickly resolved through the use of a device called a “back-torque limiter.”

Weight was a major handicap. Since the four-stroke engine required a larger cylinder head, its weight was greater by around 20 kg. The added mass surrounding the head also affected the machine’s centre of gravity and overall balance. Measures were taken in order to reduce weight, including the replacement of iron with titanium and aluminium-already a light materialwith magnesium. However, the precious improvement gained was quickly lost, as Honda’s rivals began using the same approach.

The NR500 concept was succeeded by the NR750, a commercial bike released in 1992. In fact, the backtorque limiter and other technologies evolving from the NR500 development saw their way into many mass-production Honda machines. The most precious outcome of the experience, though, was the spirit of challenge that was kindled by the original development staff and passed on to a new generation.

One of the most expensive road motorcycles yet offered for sale, a limited number of the NR models was sold in 1992 with a 750cc version of the engine capable of developing approximately 125 bhp at 14,000 rpm in standard form. Although a heavy machine by modern standards, it incorporated a range of technologies and design features that have now appeared on more regular models.

“I remember staying at a hotel in Nasu in the dead of winter, where we wrapped ourselves in blankets as we drew layouts because the heater wasn’t working.” Yoshimura recalls “I remember our excitement at finally having completed the drawings.”

From its comeback in World Grand Prix with fourstroke engines to the creation of oval piston engines, Honda continued setting high goals and fostering the spirit of challenge in every aspect of development. The wealth of new technologies now possessed by the company is in no small part a result of these efforts.

“To create anything, you must put your heart and soul to it,” said Yoshimura. “The development of oval piston engines impressed that upon me, as well as on the other young engineers.”

Motorsport Technology the birth of the oVal piSton

text: Sayaka Miyazaki - photo: Noemie Hutteau

phantom oVal piSton makoto hirano, former honda r&d engineer, eXplainS the engineering behind the oVal piStonS In 1992, Honda R&D released the NR750, equipped with an oval piston engine.

After many twists and turns, the project finally saw the light of day. Mr.Makoto Hirano, who was in charge of the engineering and production, tells us the story behind the glorious NR750.

“The oval piston’s development started from the racing scene. At that time, during the 70’s, across the world people were starting to be aware of the problems related to pollution. Therefore Honda wanted to try to reduce engine emissions by building a four-stroke racing bike. In those days, the other manufacturers were only building two-stroke engine bikes.

The project of the NR500 GP bike started in the late 1970s, and the development of the oval piston engine around 1980. Despite all the efforts and hard work, the design had to confront many difficulties and it could only come to the world after more than a decade.” recalled Mr.Hirano.

The oval piston engine is a reciprocating engine, which has pistons in oval shape instead of round.

There are four inlet valves and four exhaust valves per cylinder, with two spark plugs, and two connecting rods which make this engine into a V4 connected with eight oval cylinders and two round

cylinders. The cylinder sleeves are processed by specialized machines because there is a margin of error caused by friction while an interior finishing process for the whole engine block is machined by the cylinder hole process.

“The idea of the oval piston came from the need to reduce piston friction in the four-cylinder engine against the two-cylinder on the race field. With that we had to make more cylinders in the fourstroke cycle engine and an extremely short piston stroke. So we built a ‘one-cylinder’ which is equal to two-cylinders. Which means, to build an eightcylinder in order to fit the four-cylinder rules limit on the race.”

“There were no suppliers who could collaborate with us to make oval piston rings. In general, the round piston rings were a turned process but oval piston rings could not undergo the same manufacturing process. They said: “The oval piston rings wouldn’t go mainstream. Furthermore we have no special equipment…” But we strongly requested them many times.”

“Incidentally, the VTEC was invented during that period.”

(VTEC, stands for Variable valve Timing and lift Electronic Control system.)

65 AUGUST 2012

“During development of the oval piston, we tried to halve the eight valves to four valves. We studied about losing the engine’s ‘startability’, to improve the combustion and to increase the horsepower in the middle to low RPM area. A test engineer found this by coincidence and this innovation led to the idea of the engine of the CBR400 (the technology development in the high rpm area of four valves, and the middle to low rpm area of two valves made the switch to cars.)

If Honda had given up the oval-piston development, there wouldn’t have been any Honda VTEC.” So did Honda discontinue the oval piston?

“Honda’s oval piston had extremely high performance alongside that of the round piston engine.

Therefore the race regulations at that time prohibited using the oval piston, first in Formula 1 and then also in MotoGP. So Honda could not use this technology and could not feedback to the production.” Mr.Hirano recalled.

Well, what did the oval piston bring to Honda?

“The oval piston was an epoch-making technology and an advantage at that time. The NR made endurance races such as Suzuka 8-Hours and we decided the 750cc engine for same reason. To meet homologation requirements, manufacturers had to sell 1,000 units. However, the NR750 only sold 500 units because of its expensive price of $50.000. On the track, the oval piston was effectively prohibited due to the regulations, and so the oval piston engine passed away…

But what I can say for sure is that only Honda could develop this technology. The oval piston proved Honda’s highly advanced technology to the world.”

69 AUGUST 2012

WATCH AND GET INSPIRED www.inspire-lcr.com/cocomademoiselle

KEIRA BIKES AND PEOPLE

KNIGHTLEY

OUT WITH THE OLD text: Stephen Milton

PRESS DARLING AND HOLLYWOOD SUPERSTAR, KEIRA KNIGHTLEY HAS, IN THE PAST, FAVOURED A PERIOD DRAMA OR TWO. NOW, SHE TELLS STEPHEN MILTON, IT’S TIME FOR SOMETHING COMPLETELY DIFFERENT…

Keira Knightley portrayed during a scene of the new Chanel commercial.

The trajectory of Keira Knightley’s career has somewhat altered of late. Synonymous with the period drama, her ethereal, floating beauty forged her A-list status with starmaking performances in Pride & Prejudice, Atonement and the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise. And with her alabaster skin, lithe figure and effervescent smile, it’s like Knightley was somehow born to the wrong era, a glitch in the space-time continuum.

Understandably she’s been hankering for something a little more contemporary, a little less bodice and arsenic. Earlier this summer, she made a rather brave move into comedy, alongside celebrated funnyman Steve Carell in the apocalyptic Seeking a Friend for the End of the World and, currently, she’s mid shoot of Can A Song Save Your Life, the anticipated follow-up feature from Once director, John Carney.

Both set in present day, both requiring minimal pomp and pageantry. An exuberant Knightley is vividly relieved.

“Over and over and over, it’s like I’ve been in a time warp,” she laughs, speaking exclusively to Inspire. “I’ve played roles in some truly sumptuous, visually breath-taking films, but sometimes you just want to roll on set in a pair of jeans and sandals and be ready to go.”

Can A Song…, originally earmarked for Carney admirer Scarlett Johansson, sees London-raised Knightley play an aspiring songstress, patiently yearning for that big break, which comes courtesy of The Avenger’s Hulk, Mark Ruffalo. Paparazzi shots on the actress filming all over Manhattan have documented Knightley deftly strumming a guitar, busking on the sidewalk. The star fears for the ears around her. “I can hold a note but I really wonder why I took this movie on sometimes, when I’m truly not that talented. It’s a fabulous story but this could possibly have been an impetuous move on my part.”

Perhaps it’s an opportunity to identify, and impress her new fiancé James Righton, singer and keyboardist with ‘new rave’ rockers The Klaxons. Knightley’s pouts her ample lips, posture assuming muted defence. “Eh, yes,” she manages, “it’s lovely having this experience. I’ve been very lucky.” Completely eschewing the enquiry, we welcome the bizarrely guarded side to the former Oscar nominee.

Knightley clams up in a professional, yet armoured manner, at the mere mention of her beau.

In promotional mode today for her latest costumed drama Anna Karenina, it’s clear while she’s eager to take a risk, Knightley understands the importance of her bread and butter. She glides into the room, seemed to only be held back by her rather restricting designer outfit or, in other words, a snug plaid top and form fitting skirt, unusually puffy at the hips, that was a real challenge for her when attempting to sit down.

“It’s becoming increasingly difficult to welcome everyone who comes in,” she jokes, flashing an enviable set of ivory whites. “I fear doing myself an injury.”

The latest collaboration with director Joe Wright, after working together on Pride & Prejudice and Atonement, Knightley assumed the role of the titular Tolstoy heroine, Princess Anna Karenina, tormented by her loveless marriage and shunned for her infidelities. The film stars Jude Law and Aaron Johnson as opposing sides of the love triangle, but Knightley admits she found the process of embodying such a classically intense character a draining experience.

“I found it quite exhausting!

It’s Anna Karenina for god’s sake, not a teatime sitcom.

I’ve always found that some characters stay with you, and I think if it’s something like Anna Karenina, the way that we shot it and the way that we made it and everything, it was very difficult to shake her off at the end of the day.

“Which is why it probably seems like I’m going in a slightly different direction with my choices,” she muses. “I definitely didn’t want to have to go into another period piece straight away, where I couldn’t shake Anna off. I thought, ‘That is the path to madness’. And doing something nice and positive will be very nice.”

A festooned tabloid darling, Knightley, a product of a theatrical household, has lived by a double-edge sword since her breakthrough in Parminder Nagra’s Bend it Like Beckham. An immense talent with, let’s say, sporadic, pockets of incredible range, it’s her traffic-stopping looks that have paved the way, and held her back in equilibrium. It’s a balancing struggle she’s only too aware of.

“It’s not the worst thing that can happen to you,” she says, picking at a crumbling shortbread biscuit, “but you want people to look beyond surfaces and see that there’s more to you than that. Certainly this is a business where your appearance is important, but if too much is made of it then it

“I’d have to practise my road skills, even though I’m actually a good driver to be honest. I was really impressed by the Ducati.”

75 AUGUST 2012

can become a hindrance. So you have to be able to change perceptions and place the focus on your work and let that be the defining point.”

So why grace the covers of countless magazines and take on a vaulted fragrance campaign with Chanel? Surely this exacerbates the balance? “Most is part of the job. And I’m not going to sit here and say I don’t enjoy getting glammed up sometimes; who doesn’t? It can be a lovely perk.”

A further perk of her contract as the face of Chanel’s Coco Mademoiselle perfume, is when Knightley got the opportunity to ride a rather oddly painted ‘beige’ Ducati 750 round the streets of Paris for their latest commercial. Unfortunately insurers forbade the million pound star from actually operating the vehicle herself. “I was on stabilisers, for god’s sake,” she howls loudly. “It was so unfair. I really thought I was going to be able to burn rubber round Paris. But instead, I’m being dragged around on an elevated trailer, looking fiercely determined about getting to my final destination. I don’t think I even got to turn the ignition on.

“It’s a fabulous bike though.

I wasn’t too into bikes before then but they’re incredible machines. They’re so powerful and purposeful.”

And the next question is answered before it even needs to be asked...

“Could I see myself purchasing one in the future? I’d have to practise my road skills, even though I’m actually a good driver to be honest. But maybe so – I was really impressed by the Ducati.”

Not so aptly showcased while filming Seeking a Friend for the End of the World, however, when she nearly left actor Steve Carell with a rather intimate injury. “I nearly killed Steve,” Knightley cries. “I’ve never had to act and drive at the same time. See, I don’t drive that much. But I was meant to be a bad driver in those scenes!

“I’m actually a good driver but I don’t have a car in London. And I’ve never had to act and drive at the same time before. But I just slammed on the brakes, and sent Steve flying into the cameraman’s crotch! It’s a miracle if he can still have children! I’m so sorry!

“But luckily, I can say what a lovely man Steve is. And the cameraman! They were the nicest people in the world about it. They were like, ‘Don’t worry, we understand.’

“And I’m saying, ‘But I nearly killed you, and you’re being nice to me’. So believe me, acting and driving is tricky.

But I’m working on it, and the Ducati might be the way to start!”

One trait you start to notice over and over when speaking with the gorgeous actress, she’s the rather self-effacing sort.

Every response is siphoned with a put down, every answer diffident. Is that the kind of person she is?

“I guess, it’s taken me time to overcome my own doubts and insecurities. It’s been my nature not to want to believe in my own success and that I didn’t deserve my success.

That’s something I’ve fought to overcome and it’s only after films like Atonement and The Edge of Love where I feel I’m performing up to my own expectations.

“I’m not someone who likes to brags or toot the horn, it’s just not in my nature.”

Not even on the Ducati, we assume! An enigmatic presence she is, without question, so what is Knightley’s next step, professionally and personally?

And in the course of time, will there be things she would never do for a move role?

“Are there things I wouldn’t do? You know, that’s a funny one. If the role isn’t good enough, I’m not going to take it, you know? But, as I’m getting older, I’ve been offered some things recently and I suddenly contemplate if I would feel really ashamed of myself if, in future, a daughter of mine watched me doing that.

“And I mean more in a kind of feminist way, actually, of going, is that part good enough? Or is this a character that just turns up and takes her clothes off.

“I’m not willing to, that’s not something that’s going to happen. And even if I kind of go, ‘Ooh, that could be a cool movie. Or it’s a cool director’.

“I think from that point of view of going, I don’t want that to be what women do in films. You know, I want it to be more than that. So I suppose that’s what I wouldn’t do.”

She pauses, taking a ponderous moment. “I feel like that was a rather rambling response.”

And what of personal? She mentioned children there, are they a prospect down the line?

The response is expectantly, far more clipped. “I’m not thinking about having kids right now.”

And neither is Steve Carell.

// FROM NOW ON THE JOY OF RIDING WILL

NOT ONLY BE LIMITED TO THE RacE TRack.

With the CBR600F LCR-Edition bikes, you can bring the racing feeling to your home.

The limited edition bike is riding in the look of Stefan Bradl´s championship bike. Besides the colors of the LCR-Team, the bike is offering Progrip handlebar grips, an Arrow titan exhaust, a pillion seat cover and a back tire cover in pearl nightstar black. Thanks to these features a sporty run-out is guaranteed.

More under www.honda.de

Honda CBR600F LCR Edition.

RACe HIGHLIGHtS

AMeRICAn ADVentURe text: Elisa Pavan - photo: Milagro

POSITIVE DEBUT FOR BRADL IN CALIFORNIA AS STONER SQUEEZES PAST LORENZO FOR SECOND YEAR IN A ROW.

UnIteD StAteS

BRADL MAKES HIS FIRST APPEARANCE

ON THE RCV AT LAGUNA RACE TRACK M

onterey, 28th July: under sunny skies the first day of practices got underway at Laguna Seca race track which hosts the tenth round of the calendar before the summer break. LCR Honda rookie Stefan Bradl placed his Honda RCV in 8th place (1’22.568) at his first outing at the “roller coaster” Californian track.

In order to become familiar with the track, Bradl and his crew chief flew to Monterey following the early June Catalunya Grand Prix to ride on an open track day. The German rode a Honda Fireblade learning the quirks of the track which he only knew from video games.

Stefan: “Considering that it was my first outing here and we had no data to fine tune the bike

I am pretty satisfied about day one at Laguna. Other riders have more experience and they know the track whilst for me it’s totally new. We are 1.4s to the fastest rider in the classification and not far from P4 and this is quite positive. Basically we can improve practice by practice and lap by lap but I am a bit worried about the front feeling. It’s unusual for us because in the past we always had a strong front end feeling so we must fix it because it’s really important here especially in the banked corners”.

BRADL nIntH FASteSt At CHALLenGInG LAGUnA SeCA GP QUALIFyInG

M

onterey, 29th July: misty conditions known as “marine cloud” welcomed the MotoGP contingent this morning at Laguna Seca race track for the final free practice.

Luckily the afternoon qualifying session matched yesterday’s sunny skies and ninth spot on the grid

went to LCR Honda racer Stefan Bradl (1’21.753).

Completing the third row ahead tomorrow’s 32lap race, Bradl fully utilized the afternoon session to fine tune his RCV chasing important front end feeling improvements to better cope with the bumpy Californian track.

Stefan: “Not great and not so bad... in between! It’s more difficult for me compared with

the past races because yesterday I had to find my pace and orient myself on this new track: then this morning we lost the session due to the bad weather so we started working on the bike package this afternoon. I am not really happy about the front end feeling because we are losing too much time in braking and in corners entries so actually I miss the perfect confidence to go faster. We need to analyze the data and make a change for tomorrow because the surface is pretty bumpy. Starting from the third row is not so bad but I am aware it will be a long race and I will try to follow the guys in the front”.

83 AUGUST 2012

BRADL TAKES 7th PLACE

AT HIS DEBUT RACE IN LAGUNA SECA

M

onterey, 30th July: Stefan Bradl powered his Honda RC213V to the 7th place in today’s 32-lap race at Laguna Seca race track showing his strong attitude to quickly adapt to his machine even on an unknown circuit.

The premier class rookie is now holding the 6th position in the world classification with 84 points.

This was Bradl’s first trip to Laguna Seca on a MotoGP machine and the 22-year-old finished

with the ninth fastest time in yesterday’s qualifying session at the track in the hills east of Monterey. Despite the lack of experience needed to get the most out of his LCR RCV, Bradl was capable to fight for the 6th place till 6 laps to go when local hero Hayden passed him. LCR Team and his racer will be back on track for the second American round at Indianapolis Speedway on the 17th of August.

Stefan– 7th : “Actually it was a positive debut for us in Laguna. I am quite happy about

this 7th final place. In general it was a pretty difficult weekend for us because we mainly started to work on the bike Saturday afternoon as on Friday I had to learn the track. Basically in the beginning of the race I was quite comfortable on the bike because we had full fuel on board but after ten laps I started to lose confidence compared to Dovi and Crutchlow due to the front end issues that we already had yesterday. From that moment it was too dangerous for me entering the corners with the same speed. Then I tried to keep Nicky behind him but I could see he was faster than me so I preferred to maintain my position scoring further points in the classification. I think we have done our best and we keep this experience for next season”.

BeHInD tHe SCeneS

Nice hat Cal! Ready for the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace? - We like Spies NERD version but that smoke does not look very promising - Wondering which is Lorenzo’s new salary as Honorary CEO‌ Lucky guy! photo: Milagro 87 AUGUST 2012

Rossi and Lorenzo will share the Yamaha Team garage next year: NO WALL this time! – It’s not bad being a janitor if you can enjoy the “support” of a such beautiful girl… right Dovi?? – Nice kick Nicky but the fans like more the bikini cat walk…

photo: Milagro

89 AUGUST 2012

TRACK KEY NOTE

TRACK KEY NOTE

LAGUnA SeCA WAyne RAIney text: Nelly Pluto-Prondzynska

Wayne Rainey was born in Downey (CA, United States) on October 23th 1960. Spending his entire career with Yamaha, he was characterized by his calculating, and smooth, riding style. He is known as a triple world champion, whose success came when he was riding an often underpowered Yamaha and at a time when 500cc contained such legends as Doohan, Schwantz, Gardner, Lawson and Mamola.

He began his career in American series, but in 1984 he debuted in Grand Prix in 250cc class. Anyway a less than successful season saw him returning home in 1985.He never gives up, so after winning some more trophies in America, in 1988 he “began” his career again in GP.

He made an immediate impression with his dedication, careful study and tidy riding style, so in the same year he won his first ever GP in 500cc, in Donington Park. In 1988 he had been 3rd in general classification and then one later he improved to 2nd. 1990 was a year of Rainey; he scored wins in 7 races, in 14 was on the podium and won his first world title… which he defended in 1991 and 1992. Unfortunately in 1993 at Misano circuit, an uncharacteristic crash while leading the race had sent the reigning number one tumbling into the gravel and causing the breakage of his sixth thoracic vertebrae. It was the end of his career, but even that he finished the year on 2nd place in championship. 18 years after the crash, in 2011, he came back for the first time at Misano circuit… However, his love of speed never left him and he was given a specially designed go-kart so that he could still enjoy the thrill of speed. It was a present from long time friend Eddie Lawson. Rainey overall scored 24 wins and 64 podiums in GP. Wayne was inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 1999. The FIM named him a Grand Prix “Legend” in 2000.

91 AUGUST 2012

CIRCUIt InFo LENGTH: 3.610 M. / 2,243 MILES WIDTH: 15M LEFT CORNERS: 7 RIGHT CORNERS: 4 LONGEST STRAIGHT: 453 M. / 0,281 MILES CONSTRUCTED: 1957 MODIFIED: 1996

MotoGP returned to the US for the first time in 10 years for the Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix at Laguna Seca in July 2005, with a fairy-tale first GP win for American Nicky Hayden.

The Californian track played host to Grand Prix events from 1988 to 1994 but advancements in MotoGP racing machines required the event to be moved elsewhere while the track was modified and adapted to meet present day safety requirements.

Since December 2004 the circuit has undergone major changes, primarily to increase track safety.

The first phase of modernisation included an expanded exit lane, replacement of the kerbs and widening of the main straight, whilst more recent changes involved moving back walls to create bigger run-off areas.

The circuit’s principal features, however, remain the same, with 3,58 km of track and 11 curves.

The Face of passion text: Eveline Besters and James Pipino - photo: James Pipino

DUTCH TOP MODEL EVELINE BESTERS, SPENT THE DAY WITH A HANDFUL OF PEOPLE RANDOMLY SELECTED AT LAGUNA SECA. SHE COLLECTED THEIR WORDS, DREAMS AND THOUGHTS ABOUT THE MOTOGP WORLD

Arthur Garza

volunteer.

Arthur, who lives close to the Laguna Seca track, has been coming to the MotoGP in Laguna Seca for over 20 years. Over the last three years, he volunteered as a ticket controller to get closer to the event.

Bill Patterson

artist.

Bill has been painting for 25 years and saw his first MotoGP-race in 2005.

It all started in Mexico City, where he saw a man selling prints out of his backpack. Bill was inspired and is now the official life entertainment artist at Laguna Seca circuit. He loves to paint speed.

John Garcia

fan.

John’s first MotoGP experience was when his mom took him to his first race in 1994. He thinks it’s “the greatest sport on earth.” Professionally, John customises vintage race bikes. As a huge MotoGP fan, he drove more than 20 hours to get to Laguna Seca, and has a tattoo on his arm dedicated to the MotoGP.

Jim Race

journalist.

In 1987, Jim saw his first MotoGP-race in Laguna Seca. Ever since, he has been a big fan and started Road Racing and TT-racing himself. In 2005, he began doing interviews at the MotoGP and Superbike events. Jim’s interviews are very honest, because as an experienced racer he knows exactly what the riders are talking about.

Danielle Diaz

racer.

Danielle was raised in the countryside and was nine years old when she got on a bike for the first time. Within two months, she began racing. 2012 is her first year in the AMA. Natural beauty ‘Dani’ is nineteen years old and is one of the very few female riders within the road-racing world.

Grant Matsushima

mechanic.

Grant built his first cylinder head when he was eight years old. He studied at the Motorcycle Mechanic Institute in Arizona. Grant’s reputation within the AMA is extremely high: he was the mechanic for Ben Spies and Nicky Hayden. In 2005 he started his own motorcycle performance shop and officially retired as a mechanic.

However his passion for racing was too strong to quell and has recently started again in the AMA.

Stefan Bradl

rider.

When Stefan was a child the “roar” of his dad’s motorbike scared him a lot but his destiny was already marked. Son of a famous German rider (Helmut Bradl) the passion for racing competitions already ran through his veins. Stefan won his first World Title at the age of 22 and he is currently competing at the highest level in the MotoGP class Championship. And his dad is always beside him.

Honda Fireblade.

LCR Honda MotoGP rider Stefan Bradl riding the Honda Fireblade at Laguna Seca circuit during a training session (May 2012)

GREAT LIFE STORIES

LIFE IS A RACE LET’S GET INSPIRED BY text: Nelly Pluto-Prondzynska

“I don’t give up!” - This could be the life motto of Alessandro Zanardi, who was born on October 23, 1966. If we take a look at his life, we can see straight away that he has been through many “ups and downs” but thanks to his perseverance, passion and help from his real friends, he has been unbelievably successful, not only in motorsport.

Alex was born in Bologna, but when he was 4, he moved with his family to the village of Castel Maggiore. His first passion was karting. He took part in his first local races at only 13 years old. Right from the beginning he was very fast, scoring many wins in several championships in Italy. In 1987 he won the Italian Championship again, but... was disqualified because of hindering one of his rivals!

After unlucky starts in Italian Formula3 one year

later, he decided to go back to karts.

In 1989 he finally returned to F3 gaining much better results and soon becoming a championship contender. In 1991 he moved to Formula 3000 with ‘Il Barone Rampante’ team. Both Alex and the team were newcomers in that series, but... Zanardi won in his debut race! As a reward for his good start in F3000 (2nd place in the championship in his debut year), he took part in the three last races of the season in Formula 1.

In 1992 he entered F1 as a replacement driver for Christian Fittipaldi in the Minardi team. One year later, this time in a different team, during the Brazilian Grand Prix Zanardi scored his first points in Formula 1. His season unfortunately ended prematurely after a terrible crash during a practice ses-

sion for the Belgian Grand Prix. But it could have been worse, because as Alex said some time after the crash: “I was almost killed because of the breakdown of the active suspension when I was passing through the Eau Rouge.”

After unlucky starts in F1 in 1993 and 1994, he decided to start a career in the United States in the Champ Car series. But even with his experience from Formula 1, finding a place in this series wasn’t an easy task. Finally, in 1996 he had a fulltime drive in the series, where in the same year he took his first win at the final round of the season at Laguna Seca circuit. Everything thanks to a brave move (now known as ‘The Pass’) in the famous “Corkscrew”.

Thanks to his brave riding style in the CART series,

he became a very popular driver with all the fans despite his foreign passport. They loved him because of his overtaking, and his impossible victories after remarkable recoveries.

In 1999 he was racing again in F1 with the Williams team, but sadly he didn’t produce anything truly special. One year later he was unable to find a place to race, so he spent the season testing for the Mo Nunn Racing team. With this team he signed up to start in 2001 back in the Champ Car series, but had several unlucky races.

On the fateful day of September 15th 2001 he almost lost his life in a terrible crash at Lauzitzring, whilst he was leading the race with 13 laps to go. He lost both his legs (one at and one above the knee) in the accident and nearly three-quarters of his blood

volume, though rapid medical intervention saved his life.

But he once again proved his big love of life, because even whilst suffering a lot of pain, he was already organizing some new legs. As he said: “My legs don’t have blood, and they hurt a lot; they’re cold like metal and they make me sweat as if I am always climbing, they allow me to move forward but they also make me fall.” After lots of tears and strife, he had his life back again; he started travelling again, and was able to do the everyday things…

One and a half years after the crash, he finished THAT race at Lauzitzring. “I am back at the Lauzitzring, in the same car, to complete those thirteen laps I missed in 2001,” said Alex. But it wasn’t a slow race…

Also in 2003, he took part in a race at Monza finishing in 7th place. In a specially-prepared car suitable for his particular needs, Zanardi took part in several Touring Car Championship events, and in 2005 (now the series rebranded WTCC) won his first race since the accident at Lauzitzring. Scoring a few more wins, at the end of 2009 he decided to say “goodbye” to WTCC. Then Alessandro decided to concentrate on something slightly different, hand-cycle racing. Winning some marathons, he won a place in the Italian team for the 2012 Paralympic Games. He went to London and promptly won two gold medals in the H4 category!

When we look at Alex’s life, we quickly can see that he has never given up and is a true champion. Even with a huge setback, you should always have a goal in your life. Alex always gives his best, whatever is he doing.

Zanardi’s next target is to take part in the 2013 Indianapolis 500.

BRAKING INSTINCT

SPEED UNDER PERFECT CONTROL

www.nissinkogyo.co.jp

text:Massimo text: assimo Visconti

We are all part of creation, all kings, all poets, all musicians; we have only to open up, only to discover what is already there.�

(Henry Miller)

Manhattan 2007

Alba a New York 2005

F

rom the manifesto of the Universalism movement, a manifesto of knowledge to bring mankind closer to the language of the arts: “Everyone should seek the values of being through the content of all art forms, spontaneously and far from all corrupting criticism.”

Rodolfo Viola was born in Milan, Italy on August 8th, back in 1937.

He is a self-taught painter, a brilliant Italian mind, a true born artist.

We came across his work by chance and we were struck by the beauty and the light of his paintings. Viola is one of those painters who makes us perceive the majesty of nature, space and the cosmos through his works.

The phone was ringing in his art gallery, Galleria Strasburgo, near the church of San Babila in the center of Milan, Italy. A gentle voice greeted me kindly as I spoke my first words: Good evening, Maestro.

“I started painting when I was twelve years old,” Viola recalls ”with the typical spontaneity of somebody who has something to tell and to propose. I never looked at any other painter. My masters have always been the sea, the wind and the sky. It’s always been pure instinct for me. I grabbed my first brush when I was a kid and never stopped putting my emotions on canvas since then.”

His manifesto of Universalism adds: “It wants painting, sculpture, literature, music and all other artistic expression to always be present, in order to bestow upon man that balanced ego which is his right by virtue of his superior intellect” Universalism invites: “The collaboration of all the masters of art and nature to produce a message which is as near as possible to a universal outlook that goes beyond philosophical differences.” The Manifesto message, of which Viola is the first compiler, is nothing but the union of the highest and most genuine human expression, without any selfish aim.Rodolfo Viola sets himself apart from other artists even if we take a look at the business side of his life. He never had a gallery manager or an art dealer selling his paintings, he opened his own gallery 46 years ago and still manages it.

“I never portrait people in my paintings,” he continues, “I tend to observe the world from a distant viewpoint like a

special window in the sky. I gather all the energy that I can feel. Earth inspires me, the whole universe gives me an enormous amount of inspiration and I visually translate it with my art.” He adds, “I discovered the sea at 17 years old and I felt it would have always accompanied my creativity” So it was. Since 1984 the America’s Cup became a huge inspiration for the master who eventually became the “official painter” of the competition.

“The sea has always been in my instinct.” and continues “huge masses of water develop an infinite variety of colours that change constantly” His consecration as The Sea Painter arrived in 1994. One of his paintings is permanently exhibited on the Italian training ship Amerigo Vespucci. (The Amerigo Vespucci is a tall ship of the Marina Militare and is in use as a school ship.) Rodolfo Viola is among those painters who have a sense of limitless cosmic space and who make us perceive it in the works they place before our eyes, before our intellect and even before that, intuition.

Andre’ Verdet wrote about his close friend Rodolfo: “he actually presents space as it is, as he lays down his abstract architecture and décor of lines, forms and colours with wide, rhythmic, nervous strokes charged with energy. The painting of this artist conveys his resolute desire to attempt to assert a primordial presence and a universal dimension on an infinite scale, which engulf the very origin of life.”

Silvio Ceccato (Italian philosopher) wrote about the artist: “...he seems to work in two stages. A first brutal, violent and linear imposition: and this can be dramatic, tragic but also poetic or lyrical; and a subsequent detachment, as though he was afraid of becoming too involved. Perhaps this is Viola’s most original feature, the one that must have suggested Universalism to him. And the onlooker has three alternatives. Participate in the first stage; and Viola is just another painter. Participate in the third; and Viola can feel cold in the hottest mountain. Participate in the first and second stage: and then we really are immersed in things that are greater than us.” Colour turns into light, flexure and collision. The discovery of Rodolfo Viola’s art means getting to know the joy of approaching the secret message of the unconscious through purity of the soul.

111 AUGUST 2012

Il viaggio nell’inconscio 1987

Arrivo felice a New York 1995

DRIVE RESPONSIBLY

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lucio cecchinello Former Rider - MotoGP Team Manager

4 WHEELS, 2 WHEELS, 2 LEGS… LET’S WORK ON THE SET-UP!

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U

ndoubtedly the capacity for evolution in man is borne out of his innate ability to move about on two legs and to adapt to any kind of land.

With the advent of 2 and 4 wheels, people have been able to cover great distances in much shorter time and that has been behind the massive progress made from the industrial era to now.

However if you stop using your ‘natural’ transport of two legs, then not only is your general well-being affected, but you are on dangerous slippery slope for your health: physical inactivity and an unhealthy diet are amplifying the health problems of mankind… that’s why I always support those who go hard on the racetrack and I form part of those who prefer to travel by foot in the city whenever possible!

As advised by Dr. Corbascio (a member of the Clini-

FEATURING

ca Mobile for over 30 years), walking is great for your health: “Going on foot has an enormous benefit for all the joints. First and foremost the risk of arthritis is reduced, and as we know, that is a disease which limits movement in our old age and creates considerable discomfort in one’s social life and in society in general.

Walking also slows down the threat of osteoporosis, because it prevents the narrowing of the micro-vascular circuit and keeps blood flow to the bones and also the levels of calcium in them. Also, regular exercise through walking not only strengthens the cardiovascular system, but it produces endorphins (the hormone that stimulates feelings of happiness and promotes sound sleep) and in this era of economic hardship, it also reduces the risk of developing depression.”

So clearly walking is essential for our health, as it reduces the inconveniences that we may sooner or later cause to society at large, it helps us save money, pollute less (which is no small matter!) and, as well as all this, just like the riders when they walk the track to inspect it, it extends our capacity for observation of things which can be especially useful and at the same time can be fun. From recent research by the LINEAR Observatory emerges a new piece of data which I think is quite interesting: the habits of Italians are changing! It must be the need to reduce the cost of petrol and the car itself, as well as the gradual limitations on traffic in city centres as well as a renewed respect for the environment and

DRIVE RESPONSIBLY

one’s own health, a fact which has seen pedestrian numbers in Italy (and as such I assume the rest of Europe) increasing constantly (from 35.5% in 2010 to 42.4% in 2012)! On this basis, the LINEAR Observatory questioned pedestrians and drivers on what behaviour they dislike in each other and what their expectations were for an improvement in their mutual coexistence.

Well, on reading the answers, to use racing terminology, I would say that everyone needs to promise to find a new ‘set-up’!

Pedestrians are fairly angry with drivers and motorcyclists… in turn the latter have a serious problem with pedestrians! For example, according to 60% of Ita-

lian pedestrians the number one danger are the people who slalom their scooters between those walking on the pavement, whilst 56% of those interviewed criticised those drivers who don’t stop at crossings (apparently 55% actually accelerate) jeopardising the safety of pedestrians, and the 38% who don’t respect the speed limits.

And the requests from pedestrians to make their cities more suitable? 32% would like more green areas, 28% would be happy if the number of pedestrian and cycle paths were increased; there aren’t enough, finally 21% would like more police on the streets. It is true that if there was more respect for traffic rules then much of the danger on our roads would diminish.

It seems for their part, however, pedestrians still have much to learn. If drivers and riders are undisciplined, according to the interviewees pedestrians also don’t respect all the rules. For example 59% of drivers accuse those on their feet of crossing the road when the lights are on red, 53% believe it to be irresponsible and dangerous to cross the road outside of the marked crossings as well as walking in the road itself instead of on the pavement. A further 30% point their fingers at the slow speed at which some pedestrians cross the road, which is increasingly because of smartphones being used to pick up emails, surf on social networks, or choosing a new music track to play, in doing so they put themselves directly in danger.

Guys, we need to look closely at this “telemetry data” published by the LINEAR Observatory?

I invite you all to be a bit more like the engineers and riders do their debriefs: we should use the data to improve our set-up and our riding style… whether on the track, in the car, on the bike or simply strolling on two feet, we all have room for improvement… so let’s try it!

Before I say goodbye… I also invite you all to take a closer look at the video featured in the previous page, the first of the Italian videoclips from Green Light by LINEAR, with hints and tips to learn more about your car. Don’t miss it!

117 AUGUST 2012

Lucio Cecchinello

Photographer Marco Guidetti

THE RACING SPIRIT IN ONE SHOT

marco guidetti was capable to put together his greatest passions (motorbikes and photography) creating a proper job! “I saw my first GP race in 1976 when I was still a schoolboy and in 1985 I started my freelance activity working for several magazines and important Teams in the paddock. Later on I started my cooperation with Dorna (MotoGP rights holder) becoming their chief photographer for 11 years.

During my career I saw many riders coming and growing on track and I shared my emotions with them through my shoots. The friendship I created with them earned me a wonderful collection of 100 racing helmets signed for me exclusively�.

InDIAnAPoLIS

RACe HIGHLIGHtS

HIttInG tHe BRICKS text: Elisa Pavan - photo: Milagro

REAL DRAMA AT INDY AS PEDROSA STORMS TO VICTORY FROM LORENZO, WITH TEAM-MATE STONER IN A REMARKABLE FOURTH DESPITE SUFFERING AFTER HORROR CRASH

BRADL AIMS FOR BETTER PACE AFTER FIRST OUTING AT INDINIAPOLIS SURFACE

I

ndianapolis, 17th August: the second half of the 2012 MotoGP World Championship kicks off today at the famed Indianapolis Motor Speedway with the MotoGP contingent back in action for the first day of practices which saw Stefan Bradl setting the 8th fastest lap time (1’41.255).

The majority of riders initially headed out on track slightly gingerly as a few damp patches from earlier rain were still visible in this morning first session but the track conditions improved for the 60-minute afternoon session with German rookie taking to the Indianapolis track for the first time on his Red Bull branded RCV no.6. Bradl.

Stefan: “We all knew that it would have not been so easy today because the infield was very

dirty and the tarmac did not provide very good grip condition. So at this point it was not easy to work on the bike finding the proper set up especially when you have to struggle with the tyres.

This situation made my first outing here even more difficult but in general we are not far from the top group and from our standard pace. Actually we must improve the rear feeling entering the corners and I think we will be capable to improve our pace for tomorrow’s qualifying�.

BRADL PLACeS HIS RCV on tHe FIFtH SPot

AHeAD tHe InDIAnAPoLIS GP

I

ndianapolis, 18 August: in a thrilling Red Bull Grand Prix qualifying session marked with several heavy crashes, LCR Honda MotoGP’s Stefan Bradl was again a strong performer on soft rubber managing to put his bike fifth on the grid at the iconic Indianapolis circuit. After yesterday’s first outing the German was looking for improvements

ahead today’s qualifying and he took full advantage of the improved track conditions this morning (4th overall), after grip levels had improved dramatically.

Bradl did incredibly well pushing hard in the 60-minute qualifying session setting a fastest lap time of 1’39.437 which secured him a second row start ahead tomorrow’s 28-lap race.

Stefan: “I am very pleased with the adjustments we made on the bike and P5 is a good place for us. Basically we are quite fast on both tyres: we had a good pace on hard tyre and I was expecting a bit more from the soft one but it’s okay anyway. I think we have a good race pace and a good overall package because today I felt very comfortable on the bike. The qualifying session was a bit weird with a lot of crashes: I found it a bit dangerous because out of the ideal line the surface was very slippery. The grip surely improved from yesterday but the track condition is not perfect”.

125 AUGUST 2012

SIXtH PLACe

FoR MotoGP RooKIe BRADL At InDIAnAPoLIS GP

I

ndianapolis, 19th August: the eleventh round of the season at the legendary Indianapolis Motor Speedway was an eventful race with Stefan Bradl ending the 28-lap American round in 6th position after a entertaining battle at the front in the early stages.

Stefan Bradl had his second best qualifying performance of the season yesterday on his first visit to the Brickyard on a MotoGP machine heading into today’s race with hopes but the German could not match his yesterday’s impressive pace.

Stefan– 6th : “Honestly it was not one of our best races so far and I am a

bit disappointed because we looked stronger than this. Sixth position is not a disaster but I was expecting a bit more considering the pace of our qualification yesterday. Unfortunately I was not able to push in the first gear corners and I was losing quite a lot in the acceleration areas. I tried to pull it back in section 2 and section 3 which was possible in the begging but not over the all race distance. At the end I had to accept that today we were not so strong but we are doing well and we still hold the sixth position in the world standing�.

BeHInD tHe SCeneS

Do not think it’s a good idea to beat the “Big Boss” on the golf court… Watch out Dovi! – Please Hector do not imitate the guy wheeling on his bike… it’s too early for you – Some MotoGP riders visited the baseball field of the Indians Team: not easy to grab the ball, right Stefan? photo: Milagro 129 AUGUST 2012

There’s two ways of using champagne on the podium: you can either drink it or make a shampoo – A traffic light might be useful during the rush-hour in the first corner! – Casey Stoner conquered an admirable fourth place despite his bad ankle fracture… another proof of his incredible talent but the world title is out of reach.

photo: Milagro

131 AUGUST 2012

TRACK KEY NOTE

TRACK KEY NOTE

InDIAnAPoLIS MotoR SPeeDWAy text: Nelly Pluto-Prondzynska

Indianapolis Motor Speedway is a race circuit located in Speedway, Indiana (an enclave suburb of Indianapolis) in the United States. Carl G. Fisher, co-founder of track, first envisioned building the Speedway in 1905 after assisting friends racing in France and seeing that Europe held the upper hand in automobile design and craftsmanship.

The first plan was to built 3 mile track (5 km), but it ended on 2.5 mile. Construction of the track started in March 1909 and the first event ever held at the speedway was a helium gas-filled balloon competition on Saturday, June 5th 1909, more than two months

before the oval was completed.

The first motorsport race which took place at Indy was a motorcycle one on August 14th 1909.

In 1998, Tony George arranged for Formula One to return to the US for the first time since 1991. Two years of renovation and new construction for an Indy-based road course led to the first United States Grand Prix there in 2000. F1 was competing at Indy till 2007.

MotoGP series debuted on “Brickyard” (because at the beginning the track was built of brick) in 2008. Valentino Rossi (Yamaha) won there the first race in premier class, but then fatal conditions (the event was heavily affected by the arrival of the remnants of Hurricane Ike) ultimately led to the cancellation of the 250cc race.

With a permanent seating capacity for an estimated 257,325 people (overall 400,000 with the “inside” seats around the MotoGP’s track), it is the highest-capacity stadium-type facility in the world.

133 AUGUST 2012

CIRCUIt InFo LENGTH: 4.216 M. / 2,620 MILES WIDTH: 16M LEFT CORNERS: 10 RIGHT CORNERS: 6 LONGEST STRAIGHT: 872 M. / 0,542 MILES CONSTRUCTED: 1909 MODIFIED: 2007 11

12

9

5

4

3

10

7

8

6

2

13 1

The first motorsport race which took place at Indy was a motorcycle one on August 14th 1909, on the 2.5 mile oval circuit, and despite its 100-year history it was not until 2008 that MotoGP arrived at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

To celebrate the event an intense modification of the layout was undertaken, but without affecting the legendary oval. The layout of the track, which is 4.168km in length and has 16 turns, incorporates the main straight of the famous oval circuit including the Brickyard and an area between turns 1 and 2 of the oval, before meandering through the vast interior of the IMS.

text: Massimo Visconti - photo: Gigi Soldano, Davide Esposito

“LIFE SHOULD BE BETTER AND RICHER AND FULLER FOR EVERYONE, WITH OPPORTUNITY FOR EACH ACCORDING TO ABILITY OR ACHIEVEMENT” REGARDLESS OF SOCIAL CLASS OR CIRCUMSTANCES OF BIRTH.” (JAMES TRUSLOW ADAMS)

T

he Indianapolis Motor Speedway, located in the suburb of Speedway, Indiana, is the site of the Indy 500, the largest single–day sporting event in the world, hosting fans in more than 257,000 permanent seats and yet more grassed banks. The track is often referred to as the Brickyard, because it was paved with 3.2 million bricks shortly after its construction in 1909. Today the track is paved in asphalt, although a one–yard strip of bricks remains at the start/finish line. The Red Bull Indianapolis GP has taken place annually since 2008 on the glorious 16-turn, 2.621-mile Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Until now only Italian, Spanish and Australian riders have won the race.

To celebrate the true spirit of riding during the same weekend of the Grand Prix, Monument Circle and South Meridian Street in downtown Indianapolis became a flurry of engine roars and leather. Motorcyclists gathered to share interests and liven up the city streets.

The inaugural Motorcycles on Meridian also took place in 2008. Annually since then, the streets of Indy become an ocean of bikes and people, moving in waves throughout this free event.

Walking around town we could but marvel at the impressive choppers and sport bikes. On these two nights in August, the motorcycle culture of Indianapolis is on show for everyone to enjoy.

Something like twenty thousands bikes were there lining the roadways: Crotch Rockets, Harleys, Cruisers, vintage and home-built bikes could be seen in all their glory. The Red Bull Indianapolis GP weekend was jam-packed with activities.

Motorcycle riders and hardcore MotoGP fans enjoyed the highest level of motorcycle racing at the track and checked out the many cool scenes and events around town. Newspapers called this weekend the biggest weekend since the NFL SuperBowl and sure it was.

The United States of America has always been a synonym for freedom, and motorcycle riding has always been seen as the perfect way to achieve the natural state of freedom. There’s something that goes beyond gas and engine when pulling a throttle. Slip it into gear and feel the wind on your face while you cruise the ocean of asphalt in front of you. We’re sailors on two wheels and Red Bull gave all of us a great chance to sail on our roaring ships.

Welcome to Indianapolis, The Racing Capital of the World.

TRAVELS

cZech republic - 24th/26th auguSt getting ready to the neXt grand priX text: Sayaka Miyazaki

E

ven if you don’t know where the Moldau is, you definitely know “the Moldau’” of Smetana.

Prague has been the capital city of the historic Bohemian region for centuries and largest city of the Czech Republic. The magical city of bridges, cathedrals, gold - tipped towers and chrch domes was built mostly in the 14th century, the Holy Roman Emperor, has been mirrored in the surface the swan - filled the Moldau River. After goin around this beautiful city, let’s enjoy a nice cold Czech beer at the birthplace of many beer kinds!

The third-oldest astronomical clock in the world.

The No.1 beer drinking nation on the planet!

Franz Kafka Museum, the greates writers of the 20C.

TRAVELS

San marino - 14th/16th September getting ready to the neXt grand priX text: Sayaka Miyazaki

T

he Republic of San Marino is the oldest surviving sovereign state and constitutional republic in the world, furthermore it’s Europe’s third small state. It’s situated 657 meters above sea level with spectacular views of the surrounding countryside and the Adriatic coast. RSM, the veneration of the Saint who, according to legend, founded the Republic, is extremely deep-rooted and widespread. Since 2008, Monte Titano was allocated as an UNESCO World Heritage Site, in tandem with historic center of San Marino. San Marino has the nice bech of Rimini! Do not forget to bring your swimsuits to your kuggage!

Basilica di San Marino

Beautiful beach of Rimini 143 AUGUST 2012

The Urbino area, UNESCO world heritage.

TRAVELS

aragon - 28th/30th September getting ready to the neXt grand priX text: Sayaka Miyazaki

Z

aragoza is the capital of the Region of Aragon. You can enter the city which can look back on 2,000 years of history from Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia or Toulouse. You will find a stunning collection of monuments in the streets of the city, you can find traces vestiges of the Roman, Moorish, Jewish and Christian communities who gave their “touch” to the place.The Basilica of “Our Lady of the Pilar” is known worldwide as a destination for Christian pilgrims of all denominations. Let’s visit to the Aljafería Palace which is an UNESCO World Heritage, and the Roman Theater.

The Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar

Aljafería Palace, UNESCO world heritage

The Roman Theater in Zaragoza

Team LCR is extremely grateful to all the friends and brands involved in our projects.

With your hard work, support and passion, you keep on making us bigger as a MotoGP team. Your efforts also helped us in giving birth to an amazing magazine, we’ll be forever thankful.

Life is a race, let’s get inspired.

We keep on running!

INSPIRE

CReDItS

Editor In Chief enrico barbieri enrico.barbieri@lcr.mc

LCR Honda Team Principal lucio cecchinello cecchinello@lcr.mc

Art Director Emanuele Vallorani graphic@lcr.mc

Production Coordinator Errico Gasperoni graphic@lcr.mc

Contributors Massimo Visconti, Nelly Pluto-Prondzynska, Elisa Pavan, Gavin Emmet, Sayaka Miyazaki Special Contributors Makoto Hirano, Eveline Besters, Stephen Milton Photography Sebastian Estrada, Milagro, Gigi Soldano, Marco Guidetti, Davide Esposito, Damiano Alessandri, James Pipino, NoĂŠmie Hutteau, Getty Images Publisher Steve Burgess

steve.burgess@clearsightpartners.com

www.lcrhonda.com

Published by Clearsightpartners Ltd 121 Longmead Drive Sidcup - Kent DA14 4NY Š 2012 Clearsightpartners Ltd and LCR - x racing s.a.m.

All rights reserved

Nothing else comes close

Bridgestone’s all-new Battlax S20 hypersport tyre has thoroughly impressed one of the most demanding testers - the Motorrad TestCenter of Stuttgart. In a recent dry-handling test with three other manufacturers’ offerings, the S20 emphatically outscored the competition.

If your demands are anything like as stringent as the Motorrad TestCenter, there really is only one choice of hypersport tyre for you - the new Bridgestone Battlax S20.

1st - Bridgestone S20 2nd - Dunlop Sportmax Sportsmart 3rd - Pirelli Diablo Rosso II

4th - Bridgestone Battlax BT-016 PRO 5th - Michelin Pilot Power 2CT 6th - Michelin Power Pure

Test date: November 2011, Test bike: BMW S1000RR, Test tyres: 120/70ZR17, 190/55ZR17, Test facility - Bridgestone Europe Proving Ground, Italy, Testing organisation: Motorrad TestCenter, Stuttgart, Germany

Bridgestone Corporation

For your nearest Bridgestone Authorised Dealer, visit our web site

www.bridgestone.eu/S20-test

www.inspire-lcr.com