SHOCKING SHOTS
Valentino Rossi, THE MOTOGP KING
It’s been 10 years ago since the first MotoGP race was held in Suzuka. Valentino began his second year in the greatest class, winning the first race of the MotoGP era. Since then, the Italian has been, without any doubt, the best rider of the championship, achieving six titles, two second positions, a third and a seventh, the last and the worst year of his career. Now, the “MotoGP King” starts his second chance to win with a Ducati a title which is the greatest Italian dream.
SHOCKING SHOTS
Valentino Rossi, THE MOTOGP KING
It’s been 10 years ago since the first MotoGP race was held in Suzuka. Valentino began his second year in the greatest class, winning the first race of the MotoGP era. Since then, the Italian has been, without any doubt, the best rider of the championship, achieving six titles, two second positions, a third and a seventh, the last and the worst year of his career. Now, the “MotoGP King” starts his second chance to win with a Ducati a title which is the greatest Italian dream.
SHOCKING SHOTS
I’ve only just recently heard about RIDE THROUGH MAGAZINE because it’s so new, but it’s definitely taken off in a big way!! Digital magazines are great for travelling people like me who can’t lug around a bunch of magazines everywhere we go.
SHOCKING SHOTS
I’ve only just recently heard about RIDE THROUGH MAGAZINE because it’s so new, but it’s definitely taken off in a big way!! Digital magazines are great for travelling people like me who can’t lug around a bunch of magazines everywhere we go.
SHOCKING SHOTS
Honda RCV 213 Honda has made an invincible machine. At least this is what it seems after the first test of the season. Last year Casey and Honda were the couple to beat and both achieved the title. Could anyone in the paddock beat the new RCV 213? We hope so, and to see very hard battles!
SHOCKING SHOTS
Honda RCV 213 Honda has made an invincible machine. At least this is what it seems after the first test of the season. Last year Casey and Honda were the couple to beat and both achieved the title. Could anyone in the paddock beat the new RCV 213? We hope so, and to see very hard battles!
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Shocking Shots 3 Valentino Rossi, Honda and Lauren Vickers MotoGP 7 On the hunt of Casey Stoner MotoGP 16 Lorenzo: “I’d like to sponsor an Indonesian rider” CRT 21 The future of MotoGP knocs on the door CRT 25 Interview with Ivan Silva, CRT rider Moto2 31 Moriwaki MD 600 2012 Moto3 35 A Thrilling new era Moto3 39 Miguel Oliveira, the very first Moto3 winner ARRC 45 A step behind MotoGP Paddock Girl 52 Interview with Lauren Vickers Ride Through Test 57 Yamaha YZF-R1 Staff 62 Come Ride Through with us
Navigation
Contents
Share Buttons
Go to Cover Page
Go to Contents Page
Shocking Shots 3 Valentino Rossi, Honda and Lauren Vickers MotoGP 7 On the hunt of Casey Stoner MotoGP 16 Lorenzo: “I’d like to sponsor an Indonesian rider” CRT 21 The future of MotoGP knocs on the door CRT 25 Interview with Ivan Silva, CRT rider Moto2 31 Moriwaki MD 600 2012 Moto3 35 A Thrilling new era Moto3 39 Miguel Oliveira, the very first Moto3 winner ARRC 45 A step behind MotoGP Paddock Girl 52 Interview with Lauren Vickers Ride Through Test 57 Yamaha YZF-R1 Staff 62 Come Ride Through with us
MOTOGP 2012
Text by Ride Through Media Photos: Team Media Services
MOTOGP 2012
Text by Ride Through Media Photos: Team Media Services
MOTOGP 2012
1
st
Casey Stoner SEPANG TEST TIMES: 2012, 1’59.607 – 2011, 2:00.811 – IMPROVEMENT: -1.204 “It’s been a good test in general, we only managed two out of the three days unfortunately but the weather has been really good to us and we’ve been able to do what we planned. The day I missed hasn’t affected us too much and we’ve managed to complete our testing programme, to be honest I think track conditions on the first day weren’t that great anyway as the lap times were not so fast. I’m still not feeling great with my back but the bike is ok, so we’ve made progress in reducing the chatter a little more and trying a few different things, some small settings on the shock that we haven’t tried before amongst other points. So far it’s been pretty positive, we’ll just have to wait and see what we have for the next test and hopefully improve a little more. Now I’m looking forward to getting home to Switzerland to see Adriana and await the arrival of our baby!”.
MOTOGP 2012
1
st
Casey Stoner SEPANG TEST TIMES: 2012, 1’59.607 – 2011, 2:00.811 – IMPROVEMENT: -1.204 “It’s been a good test in general, we only managed two out of the three days unfortunately but the weather has been really good to us and we’ve been able to do what we planned. The day I missed hasn’t affected us too much and we’ve managed to complete our testing programme, to be honest I think track conditions on the first day weren’t that great anyway as the lap times were not so fast. I’m still not feeling great with my back but the bike is ok, so we’ve made progress in reducing the chatter a little more and trying a few different things, some small settings on the shock that we haven’t tried before amongst other points. So far it’s been pretty positive, we’ll just have to wait and see what we have for the next test and hopefully improve a little more. Now I’m looking forward to getting home to Switzerland to see Adriana and await the arrival of our baby!”.
MOTOGP 2012
2
nd
Jorge Lorenzo
(+0.591) SEPANG TEST TIMES: 2012, 2’00.198 – 2011, 2:00.845 – IMPROVEMENT: -0.647 “I’m really, really satisfied, I have improved on my best record here in Sepang. We tried a lot of things; some have been a lot better, especially one major improvement. We also know where we have to improve in the future. The electronics are not perfect yet, we still need to make it smoother but the bike has so much potential we are very optimistic. The Yamaha engineers have worked really hard so they have done a good job. I made my best time today at midday which is the hardest time with the conditions so it was pretty good. Let’s see what we can do when we come back”.
MOTOGP 2012
2
nd
Jorge Lorenzo
(+0.591) SEPANG TEST TIMES: 2012, 2’00.198 – 2011, 2:00.845 – IMPROVEMENT: -0.647 “I’m really, really satisfied, I have improved on my best record here in Sepang. We tried a lot of things; some have been a lot better, especially one major improvement. We also know where we have to improve in the future. The electronics are not perfect yet, we still need to make it smoother but the bike has so much potential we are very optimistic. The Yamaha engineers have worked really hard so they have done a good job. I made my best time today at midday which is the hardest time with the conditions so it was pretty good. Let’s see what we can do when we come back”.
3
rd Dani Pedrosa
MOTOGP 2012
(+0.649)
SEPANG TEST TIMES: 2012, 2’00.256 – 2011, 2:01.241 – IMPROVEMENT: -0.985
“Three days testing here in Malaysia is very tiring. This morning when I woke up I was pretty sore and stiff, but once I got running I was a little bit better. Anyway, it’s been worth it to do a general test of the engine, chassis and tyres and overall it is the biggest test we have done on this bike and we have good data to analyse and can start to build up points we need for the second test. As I said yesterday, the biggest point to improve is on braking, and we are also working on the electronics to improve the management of the power and the grip level. The chatter is still there, I know it’s something very difficult to fix, but I’m sure Honda is working hard on it. In general, it’s been a positive test for us and we will come back here in three weeks with new ideas. This bike is physically more demanding, you feel the power in the acceleration, the speed under hard braking and also the extra weight, but it’s alright. I will keep working hard physically to prepare for the second test”.
3
rd Dani Pedrosa
MOTOGP 2012
(+0.649)
SEPANG TEST TIMES: 2012, 2’00.256 – 2011, 2:01.241 – IMPROVEMENT: -0.985
“Three days testing here in Malaysia is very tiring. This morning when I woke up I was pretty sore and stiff, but once I got running I was a little bit better. Anyway, it’s been worth it to do a general test of the engine, chassis and tyres and overall it is the biggest test we have done on this bike and we have good data to analyse and can start to build up points we need for the second test. As I said yesterday, the biggest point to improve is on braking, and we are also working on the electronics to improve the management of the power and the grip level. The chatter is still there, I know it’s something very difficult to fix, but I’m sure Honda is working hard on it. In general, it’s been a positive test for us and we will come back here in three weeks with new ideas. This bike is physically more demanding, you feel the power in the acceleration, the speed under hard braking and also the extra weight, but it’s alright. I will keep working hard physically to prepare for the second test”.
MOTOGP 2012
4
th
Ben Spies
(+0.888)
SEPANG TEST TIMES: 2012, 2’00.495 – 2011, 2:01.002 – IMPROVEMENT: -0.507 “It’s been a good test, we’ve got a lot of things accomplished, we’re definitely moving in the right direction with my bike. I tried the Yamaha test rider’s bike today which had a slightly different set up to make a fair comparison with mine. I made a small mistake, losing the front but that’s testing; it can happen when you’re working out the good and bad! All in all it’s been great and I’m really happy and looking forward to coming back and seeing what’s new”.
MOTOGP 2012
4
th
Ben Spies
(+0.888)
SEPANG TEST TIMES: 2012, 2’00.495 – 2011, 2:01.002 – IMPROVEMENT: -0.507 “It’s been a good test, we’ve got a lot of things accomplished, we’re definitely moving in the right direction with my bike. I tried the Yamaha test rider’s bike today which had a slightly different set up to make a fair comparison with mine. I made a small mistake, losing the front but that’s testing; it can happen when you’re working out the good and bad! All in all it’s been great and I’m really happy and looking forward to coming back and seeing what’s new”.
MOTOGP 2012
5
th
Valentino Rossi
SEPANG TEST TIMES: 2012, 2’00.824 – 2011, 2:01.842 – IMPROVEMENT: -1.018 “We on the team are all happy with how this test has gone, especially today. With a 2:00.8, we’re starting to get to a decent time. The two Hondas and the two Yamahas are still ahead of us, but we consider this test to be a starting point. The most positive things we’ve achieved are that the front now lets me ride a little more as I’m able, that the bike reacts well to changes and that we have very clear ideas on what’s still missing. In particular, if we manage to improve the bike’s behaviour on acceleration, we’ll be able to take a consistent step forward. I know that the work has never stopped at Ducati, and now with the information we’ve gathered, they’ll keep working on the areas that we’ve identified. That might take a while, but there’s still some time before the first race. We have to keep improving, so we’re not getting too excited, but I’m pleased with how things have gone so far”
(+1.217)
MOTOGP 2012
5
th
Valentino Rossi
SEPANG TEST TIMES: 2012, 2’00.824 – 2011, 2:01.842 – IMPROVEMENT: -1.018 “We on the team are all happy with how this test has gone, especially today. With a 2:00.8, we’re starting to get to a decent time. The two Hondas and the two Yamahas are still ahead of us, but we consider this test to be a starting point. The most positive things we’ve achieved are that the front now lets me ride a little more as I’m able, that the bike reacts well to changes and that we have very clear ideas on what’s still missing. In particular, if we manage to improve the bike’s behaviour on acceleration, we’ll be able to take a consistent step forward. I know that the work has never stopped at Ducati, and now with the information we’ve gathered, they’ll keep working on the areas that we’ve identified. That might take a while, but there’s still some time before the first race. We have to keep improving, so we’re not getting too excited, but I’m pleased with how things have gone so far”
(+1.217)
MOTOGP 2012
MotoGP 2012 The 2012 season officially started on January 31st in Sepang with the first tests of MotoGP. We could see most of the 2012 riders in action and there are some issues clear. Stoner is still the rider to beat, Yamaha has done a great step ahead and it seems as they can now face up to Honda. Pedrosa will have to try his best if he wants to fight for the title and Ducati, that are still a step behind the Japanese, seems to has done a huge improvement during the winter. At least, the excitement of the crew seems to say so.
Pedrosa, who got the best time in the last tests of 2011, has been the third faster rider this time. It seems that the Honda fits better to his team mate and Dani will have to make an effort if he wants to be the first champion with these new bikes.
This season, the MotoGP World Championship is going to be very different; not only because MotoGP bikes grow up to 1000cc displacement, but also because there will be new bikes on the grid, the already famous CRT bikes, which will arouse much interest during 2012.
Rossi and his team were pleased with a fifth positon, which a couple of years ago would have been a tragedy for him. But Valentino already said before the start of the tests that finishing one second behind the best rider would be a hit.
But, there are lots of technical changes though, the season has started much like last year. Casey Stoner has reached to be the fastest in the first tests of the season, but also he did it breaking all the records and setting such fast times that no other rider could approach him. Lorenzo is more than a second behind Stoner and, although the difference is big, Jorge and his team are so happy because the Yamaha is highly competitive and now they hope to improve to reduce the gap between the Australian.
Spies seems to have improved as much as his bike. He started the season getting very fast lap times and the American seems ready for anything this year. Ben’s goal is to be World Champion, but he will have to fight with very hard opponents.
Hector Barbera managed to be the fastest rider with a non official bike. Moreover, the second of the three days of tests, Hector set the fastest lap time of the Ducati riders over Valentino Rossi, something that in the box of the Italian rider didn’t like too much. About the CRT bikes we will talk longer some pages ahead. Colin Edwards, the fastest guy with this type of bikes, was three seconds slower than his own best time in the same test of the 2011 with a MotoGP. This time, his best lap was five seconds slower than the Stoner’s, a good reference of what is coming with these new bikes. A hard work ahead.
MOTOGP 2012
MotoGP 2012 The 2012 season officially started on January 31st in Sepang with the first tests of MotoGP. We could see most of the 2012 riders in action and there are some issues clear. Stoner is still the rider to beat, Yamaha has done a great step ahead and it seems as they can now face up to Honda. Pedrosa will have to try his best if he wants to fight for the title and Ducati, that are still a step behind the Japanese, seems to has done a huge improvement during the winter. At least, the excitement of the crew seems to say so.
Pedrosa, who got the best time in the last tests of 2011, has been the third faster rider this time. It seems that the Honda fits better to his team mate and Dani will have to make an effort if he wants to be the first champion with these new bikes.
This season, the MotoGP World Championship is going to be very different; not only because MotoGP bikes grow up to 1000cc displacement, but also because there will be new bikes on the grid, the already famous CRT bikes, which will arouse much interest during 2012.
Rossi and his team were pleased with a fifth positon, which a couple of years ago would have been a tragedy for him. But Valentino already said before the start of the tests that finishing one second behind the best rider would be a hit.
But, there are lots of technical changes though, the season has started much like last year. Casey Stoner has reached to be the fastest in the first tests of the season, but also he did it breaking all the records and setting such fast times that no other rider could approach him. Lorenzo is more than a second behind Stoner and, although the difference is big, Jorge and his team are so happy because the Yamaha is highly competitive and now they hope to improve to reduce the gap between the Australian.
Spies seems to have improved as much as his bike. He started the season getting very fast lap times and the American seems ready for anything this year. Ben’s goal is to be World Champion, but he will have to fight with very hard opponents.
Hector Barbera managed to be the fastest rider with a non official bike. Moreover, the second of the three days of tests, Hector set the fastest lap time of the Ducati riders over Valentino Rossi, something that in the box of the Italian rider didn’t like too much. About the CRT bikes we will talk longer some pages ahead. Colin Edwards, the fastest guy with this type of bikes, was three seconds slower than his own best time in the same test of the 2011 with a MotoGP. This time, his best lap was five seconds slower than the Stoner’s, a good reference of what is coming with these new bikes. A hard work ahead.
MOTOGP 2012
Pos. Rider Team 1. Casey Stoner (AUS) Repsol Honda Team 2. Jorge Lorenzo (SPA) Yamaha Factory Racing 3. Dani Pedrosa (SPA) Repsol Honda Team 4. Ben Spies (USA) Yamaha Factory Racing 5. Valentino Rossi (ITA) Ducati Team 6. Hector Barbera (SPA) Pramac Racing Team 7. Cal Crutchlow (GBR) Yamaha Tech3 8. Andrea Dovizioso (ITA) Yamaha Tech3 9. Alvaro Bautista (SPA) Honda Gresini 10. Nicky Hayden (USA) Ducati Team 11. Stefan Bradl (GER) LCR Honda 12. Karel Abraham (CZE) Cardion AB Motoracing 13. Katsuyuki Nakasuga (JPN) Yamaha Factory Racing 14. Franco Battaini (ITA) Ducati Team 15. Colin Edwards (USA) NGM Mobile Forward Racing * 16. Ivan Silva (SPA) Avintia Racing * 17. Robertino Pietri (VEN) Avintia Racing * 18. Jordi Torres (SPA) Avintia Racing *
Fast lap 2012 Fast lap 2011 Improvement ‘12-’11 1’59.607 2:00.811 -1.204 +0.591 2:00.845 -0.647 +0.649 2:01.241 -0.985 +0.888 2:01.002 -0.507 +1.217 2:01.842 -1.018 +1.322 2:02.030 -1.101 +1.501 2:02.717 -1.609 +1.650 2:00.945 +0.312 +1.777 +2.122 2:01.534 +0.195 +2.287 +2.611 2:02.645 -0.427 +2.727 +3.426 +5.115 2:01.651 +3.071 +8.618 +10.033 +10.577 -
Sepang Test Times Sepang Record Lap**: Stoner (Ducati) 2007, 2’02.108 Sepang Best Lap***: Rossi (Yamaha) 2009, 2’00.518 *CRT bikes **Record lap: The record lap is always set in an official race. Neither race tests nor free test. ***Best lap: The best lap done in the circuit. Either race, race tests, free tests are valid. You can find an interesting lap time analysis here >>
MOTOGP 2012
Pos. Rider Team 1. Casey Stoner (AUS) Repsol Honda Team 2. Jorge Lorenzo (SPA) Yamaha Factory Racing 3. Dani Pedrosa (SPA) Repsol Honda Team 4. Ben Spies (USA) Yamaha Factory Racing 5. Valentino Rossi (ITA) Ducati Team 6. Hector Barbera (SPA) Pramac Racing Team 7. Cal Crutchlow (GBR) Yamaha Tech3 8. Andrea Dovizioso (ITA) Yamaha Tech3 9. Alvaro Bautista (SPA) Honda Gresini 10. Nicky Hayden (USA) Ducati Team 11. Stefan Bradl (GER) LCR Honda 12. Karel Abraham (CZE) Cardion AB Motoracing 13. Katsuyuki Nakasuga (JPN) Yamaha Factory Racing 14. Franco Battaini (ITA) Ducati Team 15. Colin Edwards (USA) NGM Mobile Forward Racing * 16. Ivan Silva (SPA) Avintia Racing * 17. Robertino Pietri (VEN) Avintia Racing * 18. Jordi Torres (SPA) Avintia Racing *
Fast lap 2012 Fast lap 2011 Improvement ‘12-’11 1’59.607 2:00.811 -1.204 +0.591 2:00.845 -0.647 +0.649 2:01.241 -0.985 +0.888 2:01.002 -0.507 +1.217 2:01.842 -1.018 +1.322 2:02.030 -1.101 +1.501 2:02.717 -1.609 +1.650 2:00.945 +0.312 +1.777 +2.122 2:01.534 +0.195 +2.287 +2.611 2:02.645 -0.427 +2.727 +3.426 +5.115 2:01.651 +3.071 +8.618 +10.033 +10.577 -
Sepang Test Times Sepang Record Lap**: Stoner (Ducati) 2007, 2’02.108 Sepang Best Lap***: Rossi (Yamaha) 2009, 2’00.518 *CRT bikes **Record lap: The record lap is always set in an official race. Neither race tests nor free test. ***Best lap: The best lap done in the circuit. Either race, race tests, free tests are valid. You can find an interesting lap time analysis here >>
MOTOGP 2012
Essential Links Back to the 1000cc
Honda Racing Info >>
The CRT will not be the only change in the MotoGP class in 2012. Next season the rules will allow up to three different types of motorcycles, MotoGP 800cc, 1000cc MotoGP and CRT. Although there won’t be any 800cc in the 2012 season, these bikes are admitted. Both the 800 and the 1000cc MotoGP bikes will have fuel and engine restrictions. Just 22 liters in each race and no more than six engines per season.
Yamaha Racing >>
Ducati >>
For its part, the CRT will have 24 liter capacity tanks and the engine restrictions will increase up to 12 engines per season. The return to 1000cc MotoGP is due to the consequences of the 2007 displacement reduction. The result was a huge increase in the electronics use and costs rose disproportionately. There was only one team, Suzuki, that seemed to be willing to continue with a 800cc bike. But the Japanese brand announced his retirement and 2012 season there will only be 1000cc MotoGP and CRTs.
MotoGP.com >>
MOTOGP 2012
Essential Links Back to the 1000cc
Honda Racing Info >>
The CRT will not be the only change in the MotoGP class in 2012. Next season the rules will allow up to three different types of motorcycles, MotoGP 800cc, 1000cc MotoGP and CRT. Although there won’t be any 800cc in the 2012 season, these bikes are admitted. Both the 800 and the 1000cc MotoGP bikes will have fuel and engine restrictions. Just 22 liters in each race and no more than six engines per season.
Yamaha Racing >>
Ducati >>
For its part, the CRT will have 24 liter capacity tanks and the engine restrictions will increase up to 12 engines per season. The return to 1000cc MotoGP is due to the consequences of the 2007 displacement reduction. The result was a huge increase in the electronics use and costs rose disproportionately. There was only one team, Suzuki, that seemed to be willing to continue with a 800cc bike. But the Japanese brand announced his retirement and 2012 season there will only be 1000cc MotoGP and CRTs.
MotoGP.com >>
MOTOGP 2012
MOTOGP 2012
MOTOGP 2012
JORGE LORENZO
knows Ride Through Magazine since its beginning. He was the first rider who brought us his support posing in a photo with a RTM poster. Some days ago we saw Jorge and chatted with him about the beginning of the new season and how he sees it. Also, he told us interesting things as he would love to sponsor an Indonesian rider one day. Seeing the last season, which was the main key for the Stoner’s success? Without doubt, Stoner and Honda have set an incredible couple. For both reasons, Stoner’s riding skills and the quality of the bike, they were a winning team. YWhich are the Stoner’s weaknesses and which are your strong points compared to Casey? Casey has an innate talent that makes him very strong in any situation; it is very difficult to find his weaknesses. In any case, I think that we have to focus on maintain our strengths and improve our weaknesses in order to be better and faster. This is the way to fight for a MotoGP title. The 2012 season will be very different because of the increase in the displacement of the MotoGP engines (from 800cc to 1000cc). How do you see it? It will be better or could be worse? I think the MotoGP bikes could be more equals and maybe the races will be more spectacular. The negative part is the speed the bikes will reach. I think it’s not necessary for a good show; the beautiful thing in the races is the overtaking and the fight for the victory, independently of the speed of the bikes. How do you see your bike compared to the others? Do you think it could be the next world champion MotoGP bike? We tried a lot of things in Sepang and reached major improvements, but we know where we have to improve in the future. The electronics are not perfect yet, we still need to make it smoother but the bike has so much potential, we
MOTOGP 2012
JORGE LORENZO
knows Ride Through Magazine since its beginning. He was the first rider who brought us his support posing in a photo with a RTM poster. Some days ago we saw Jorge and chatted with him about the beginning of the new season and how he sees it. Also, he told us interesting things as he would love to sponsor an Indonesian rider one day. Seeing the last season, which was the main key for the Stoner’s success? Without doubt, Stoner and Honda have set an incredible couple. For both reasons, Stoner’s riding skills and the quality of the bike, they were a winning team. YWhich are the Stoner’s weaknesses and which are your strong points compared to Casey? Casey has an innate talent that makes him very strong in any situation; it is very difficult to find his weaknesses. In any case, I think that we have to focus on maintain our strengths and improve our weaknesses in order to be better and faster. This is the way to fight for a MotoGP title. The 2012 season will be very different because of the increase in the displacement of the MotoGP engines (from 800cc to 1000cc). How do you see it? It will be better or could be worse? I think the MotoGP bikes could be more equals and maybe the races will be more spectacular. The negative part is the speed the bikes will reach. I think it’s not necessary for a good show; the beautiful thing in the races is the overtaking and the fight for the victory, independently of the speed of the bikes. How do you see your bike compared to the others? Do you think it could be the next world champion MotoGP bike? We tried a lot of things in Sepang and reached major improvements, but we know where we have to improve in the future. The electronics are not perfect yet, we still need to make it smoother but the bike has so much potential, we
MOTOGP 2012
are very optimistic. The Yamaha engineers have worked really hard so they have done a good job. Both Stoner and Spies said publicly that they don’t like the new CRT bikes and that they would be willing to retire if these are the only type of bikes in the World Championship. What do you think about it? I think that the decision to include or use these bikes comes from the global economic situation. In this way, the grid will grow up and who knows if in the future could be more spectacular races like there are today in the Moto2 class. Last season Ivan Silva, in the sixth race of the Spanish Championship, stopped the chrono in an incredibly fast lap of 1’34.726 for a series bike. With this lap time, he could be 14th in the MotoGP grid. Don’t you think that it is a very small gap for the incredibly high contrast in the price of these bikes? (30.000€ vs. 3.000.000€) I don’t know, it is not easy to compare this kind of things. In the present season we will see how the CRT bikes improve and it will be a good way to compare. There’s a lot of new things and lots of doubts, we will see. Do you think that, for reasons like the lap times of Ivan Silva in the CEV, the intention to switch the MotoGP grid to just CRT bikes is justified? How would you see a just CRT bikes grid? I think that the main reason is just the cost of the bikes. This season we will see how the CRT bikes are compared with the MotoGP bikes of the satellite teams. If a CRT bike can fight face to face to a non official MotoGP, the satellite teams will change. Here is the matter. Our Magazine has lots of readers from Indonesia, a country in which you have lots of fans, and we know that you often go there. Tell us why you like so much Indonesia? Indonesians are extremely nice people and there is a huge amount of MotoGP fans, so I’m like at home there. Also, the weather is great and there are a lot of places in the country which are real paradises!
MOTOGP 2012
are very optimistic. The Yamaha engineers have worked really hard so they have done a good job. Both Stoner and Spies said publicly that they don’t like the new CRT bikes and that they would be willing to retire if these are the only type of bikes in the World Championship. What do you think about it? I think that the decision to include or use these bikes comes from the global economic situation. In this way, the grid will grow up and who knows if in the future could be more spectacular races like there are today in the Moto2 class. Last season Ivan Silva, in the sixth race of the Spanish Championship, stopped the chrono in an incredibly fast lap of 1’34.726 for a series bike. With this lap time, he could be 14th in the MotoGP grid. Don’t you think that it is a very small gap for the incredibly high contrast in the price of these bikes? (30.000€ vs. 3.000.000€) I don’t know, it is not easy to compare this kind of things. In the present season we will see how the CRT bikes improve and it will be a good way to compare. There’s a lot of new things and lots of doubts, we will see. Do you think that, for reasons like the lap times of Ivan Silva in the CEV, the intention to switch the MotoGP grid to just CRT bikes is justified? How would you see a just CRT bikes grid? I think that the main reason is just the cost of the bikes. This season we will see how the CRT bikes are compared with the MotoGP bikes of the satellite teams. If a CRT bike can fight face to face to a non official MotoGP, the satellite teams will change. Here is the matter. Our Magazine has lots of readers from Indonesia, a country in which you have lots of fans, and we know that you often go there. Tell us why you like so much Indonesia? Indonesians are extremely nice people and there is a huge amount of MotoGP fans, so I’m like at home there. Also, the weather is great and there are a lot of places in the country which are real paradises!
MOTOGP 2012
As you said, in Indonesia there is a great love for motorbikes and also for racing. Do you think that we will see one day an Indonesian rider racing in the World Championship? Indonesia is a country without a long tradition in the motorbike racing. At least, not like the tradition that you can find in Spain or Italy. Because of that, there isn’t right now Indonesian riders in the World Championship, but I’m sure they will arrive soon, and I think that it would be great. I love Indonesia, so one day I’d like to sponsor an Indonesian rider. Just one more question. Tell us your bet of the Top 3 riders for the 2012 season. In MotoGP I think that the fight for the title will be between Stoner, Pedrosa and me. But I’m sure that Spies, Rossi, Dovizioso and Bautista will do a great season. In Moto2, Marquez, Elias and Terol. Although I hope that my friend Ricky Cardus could give a surprise. In the new Moto3, I think that the fight for the title will be a fight between Viñales, Oliveira and Faubel.
Essential Links Lorenzo’s Website >>
Lorenzo’s Facebook Page >>
Fanclub’s website >>
Facebook Official Fan Page >>
Lorenzo’s Twitter >>
Official YouTube Channel >>
MOTOGP 2012
As you said, in Indonesia there is a great love for motorbikes and also for racing. Do you think that we will see one day an Indonesian rider racing in the World Championship? Indonesia is a country without a long tradition in the motorbike racing. At least, not like the tradition that you can find in Spain or Italy. Because of that, there isn’t right now Indonesian riders in the World Championship, but I’m sure they will arrive soon, and I think that it would be great. I love Indonesia, so one day I’d like to sponsor an Indonesian rider. Just one more question. Tell us your bet of the Top 3 riders for the 2012 season. In MotoGP I think that the fight for the title will be between Stoner, Pedrosa and me. But I’m sure that Spies, Rossi, Dovizioso and Bautista will do a great season. In Moto2, Marquez, Elias and Terol. Although I hope that my friend Ricky Cardus could give a surprise. In the new Moto3, I think that the fight for the title will be a fight between Viñales, Oliveira and Faubel.
Essential Links Lorenzo’s Website >>
Lorenzo’s Facebook Page >>
Fanclub’s website >>
Facebook Official Fan Page >>
Lorenzo’s Twitter >>
Official YouTube Channel >>
CRT
CRT
CRT The global economic situation and the high costs of “800 era” have taken away the MotoGP class as we knew it. From next season there will be on the track two types of motorcycles: the expensive and unsustainable prototypes and the much more affordable CRT.
What is a CRT?
CRT, Claiming Rule Team, a new regulation that allows engines derived from series placed in a prototype chassis. The promoter of MotoGP, Dorna, seeks with this initiative to not depend directly from the manufacturers of motorcycles, which led the championship having just 16 participants due to high economic costs of racing in MotoGP. In fact it is the philosophy that Moto2 made to get more riders on the grid. So far, the initiatives outside from the big motorcycle factories had failed for the lack of resources, as happened to Kenny Roberts team, WCM or Ilmor. But what really alarmed Dorna, was the Kawasaki’s factory team retirement in 2009 and the recent Suzuki Team retirement from the World Championship, which left the MotoGP’s fate in the hands of Honda, Yamaha and Ducati.
CRT The global economic situation and the high costs of “800 era” have taken away the MotoGP class as we knew it. From next season there will be on the track two types of motorcycles: the expensive and unsustainable prototypes and the much more affordable CRT.
What is a CRT?
CRT, Claiming Rule Team, a new regulation that allows engines derived from series placed in a prototype chassis. The promoter of MotoGP, Dorna, seeks with this initiative to not depend directly from the manufacturers of motorcycles, which led the championship having just 16 participants due to high economic costs of racing in MotoGP. In fact it is the philosophy that Moto2 made to get more riders on the grid. So far, the initiatives outside from the big motorcycle factories had failed for the lack of resources, as happened to Kenny Roberts team, WCM or Ilmor. But what really alarmed Dorna, was the Kawasaki’s factory team retirement in 2009 and the recent Suzuki Team retirement from the World Championship, which left the MotoGP’s fate in the hands of Honda, Yamaha and Ducati.
CRT The regulations looks to make allowable the most 1000cc sports street bike engines. The technical rule limits the maximum diameter of the pistons and the number of cylinders (four). This fits most of the “superbikes� of the market, which opens the door of MotoGP to companies like BMW, Kawasaki and Aprilia, that were interested in the championship but couldn’t afford the expensive costs of it. For the moment there have been on track BMW engines placed in a Suter chassis and Kawasaki engines in FTR chassis. The truth is that there is still a long way to go and today is not yet a competitive option. The main problem to solve is that the CRT are heavier and bulkier than the MotoGP, which are so much faster than the new series-derived new class bikes. Even so, there are 21 riders in the MotoGP entry list and nine of them will race with CRT bikes. Major teams such Team Aspar or Honda Gresini joined the new class, but there will be also five new teams in the MotoGP class. Carmelo Ezpeleta, Dorna CEO said in an interview that he would like to see in 2013 a MotoGP grid just formed with CRT bikes, and he would be willing to do everything he could to get it. This could be a drastic change in the class, something that has not liked riders like Ben Spies or Casey Stoner, who has said he would be willing to leave MotoGP if the new CRT are imposed as only option. Some engineers have also shown their discomfort, like Filippo Preziosi, Ducati Desmosedici creator, who has said he is a disgrace to compete against bikes like the CRT
CRT The regulations looks to make allowable the most 1000cc sports street bike engines. The technical rule limits the maximum diameter of the pistons and the number of cylinders (four). This fits most of the “superbikes� of the market, which opens the door of MotoGP to companies like BMW, Kawasaki and Aprilia, that were interested in the championship but couldn’t afford the expensive costs of it. For the moment there have been on track BMW engines placed in a Suter chassis and Kawasaki engines in FTR chassis. The truth is that there is still a long way to go and today is not yet a competitive option. The main problem to solve is that the CRT are heavier and bulkier than the MotoGP, which are so much faster than the new series-derived new class bikes. Even so, there are 21 riders in the MotoGP entry list and nine of them will race with CRT bikes. Major teams such Team Aspar or Honda Gresini joined the new class, but there will be also five new teams in the MotoGP class. Carmelo Ezpeleta, Dorna CEO said in an interview that he would like to see in 2013 a MotoGP grid just formed with CRT bikes, and he would be willing to do everything he could to get it. This could be a drastic change in the class, something that has not liked riders like Ben Spies or Casey Stoner, who has said he would be willing to leave MotoGP if the new CRT are imposed as only option. Some engineers have also shown their discomfort, like Filippo Preziosi, Ducati Desmosedici creator, who has said he is a disgrace to compete against bikes like the CRT
CRT
Motogp 2012 Prototype chassis Prototipe engine Over 250 cv 21 l tank 6 engines per season Minimum weight 137 3.500.000 Euros
Crt 2012 CRT Riders and Bikes RIDER RANDY DE PUNIET ALEIX ESPARGARO IVAN SILVA TBA COLIN EDWARDS MICHELE PIRRO DANILO PETRUCCI JAMES ELLISON MATTIA PASINI
NAT FRA SPA SPA TBA USA ITA ITA GBR ITA
TEAM CHASSIS ENGINE ASPAR TEAM ART Aprilia ASPAR TEAM ART Aprilia BQR-FTR FTR Kawasaki BQR-FTR FTR Kawasaki FORWARD RACING SUTER BMW HONDA GRESINI FRT Honda IODA RACING PROJECT SUTER BMW PAUL BIRD RACING FRT Aprilia SPEED MASTER ART Aprilia
Prototype chassis Production derived engines Over 220 cv 24 l tank 12 engines per season Minimum weight 134 300.000 Euros
CRT
Motogp 2012 Prototype chassis Prototipe engine Over 250 cv 21 l tank 6 engines per season Minimum weight 137 3.500.000 Euros
Crt 2012 CRT Riders and Bikes RIDER RANDY DE PUNIET ALEIX ESPARGARO IVAN SILVA TBA COLIN EDWARDS MICHELE PIRRO DANILO PETRUCCI JAMES ELLISON MATTIA PASINI
NAT FRA SPA SPA TBA USA ITA ITA GBR ITA
TEAM CHASSIS ENGINE ASPAR TEAM ART Aprilia ASPAR TEAM ART Aprilia BQR-FTR FTR Kawasaki BQR-FTR FTR Kawasaki FORWARD RACING SUTER BMW HONDA GRESINI FRT Honda IODA RACING PROJECT SUTER BMW PAUL BIRD RACING FRT Aprilia SPEED MASTER ART Aprilia
Prototype chassis Production derived engines Over 220 cv 24 l tank 12 engines per season Minimum weight 134 300.000 Euros
CRT
CRT
CRT
reaches MotoGP World Champion at 29 years old after being the Spanish and European Stock Extreme champion in 2011. Over him is the development of the CRT bike with Kawasaki engine and FTR frame of the Avintia Racing Team. A complex task, but not unknown for a rider who has competed in many categories, from the MotoGP to the World Superbike championship, through the WSSP, World Endurance Championship or the disappeared 250 cc class. A great motorbike worker who talks to us about the new era that begins in MotoGP. How do you see the new MotoGP class with prototypes and CRT bikes joined? Today, the mechanical difference is big, but until the preseason is done and we have the bikes with which we finally will race, we can’t know how the difference exactly is. If there is too much difference, it could be dangerous. But I’m sure that the CRT bikes will improve very quickly and could be just two seconds slower than the MotoGP bikes. In this point, there won’t be problems. What do you think of the CRT concept? It’s a really good idea, because it helps to reduce costs and, with the global economic situation, is the only solution MotoGP has in the short-term. The main class could not have just 13 motorcycles. Where is the difference in the costs? The biggest cost savings is the engines work. Coming from the series, although there will be a huge engine performance, the costs are always cheaper than the MotoGP ones. Also, the electronics won’t be as advanced as the prototypes, something which takes lots of time and money. What is for you the main virtue of the CRT? Apart from the cost issue and clearly speaking, the CRT bikes are less sophisticated machines and in this way it’s going to
CRT
reaches MotoGP World Champion at 29 years old after being the Spanish and European Stock Extreme champion in 2011. Over him is the development of the CRT bike with Kawasaki engine and FTR frame of the Avintia Racing Team. A complex task, but not unknown for a rider who has competed in many categories, from the MotoGP to the World Superbike championship, through the WSSP, World Endurance Championship or the disappeared 250 cc class. A great motorbike worker who talks to us about the new era that begins in MotoGP. How do you see the new MotoGP class with prototypes and CRT bikes joined? Today, the mechanical difference is big, but until the preseason is done and we have the bikes with which we finally will race, we can’t know how the difference exactly is. If there is too much difference, it could be dangerous. But I’m sure that the CRT bikes will improve very quickly and could be just two seconds slower than the MotoGP bikes. In this point, there won’t be problems. What do you think of the CRT concept? It’s a really good idea, because it helps to reduce costs and, with the global economic situation, is the only solution MotoGP has in the short-term. The main class could not have just 13 motorcycles. Where is the difference in the costs? The biggest cost savings is the engines work. Coming from the series, although there will be a huge engine performance, the costs are always cheaper than the MotoGP ones. Also, the electronics won’t be as advanced as the prototypes, something which takes lots of time and money. What is for you the main virtue of the CRT? Apart from the cost issue and clearly speaking, the CRT bikes are less sophisticated machines and in this way it’s going to
CRT be very hard. In the fast tracks there will be big differences against us because of the engine. In the slow tracks it will be difficult too because of the chassis and the electronics. We will have to wait until the development of the CRT bikes and look for an opportunity in wet races. And what about the main weakness of the CRT’s? Basically we run against the clock, because they are bikes that are being developing on the fly, youth projects with long way to go and too much to improve. Probably the most important weakness is the difference in the electronic engine management. Bridgestone tires are designed with the MotoGP bikes in mind. How do the tires work on a CRT bike? It can be a weakness, because having a very specific range of work there could be problems of chattering and grip, especially in the first laps. It’s not easy, because the CRT frames are also prototypes with racing geometries and therefore shouldn’t be major problems. But undoubtedly we will need to work
hard at this point because the MotoGP teams have a big experience with these tires and we have to be updated as soon as possible. As a rider, you’ve had the opportunity to race in MotoGP with the Ducati Desmosedici and have also been a test rider of the Inmotec project. Both are 100% motorcycle prototypes. What is the difference between them and the machine you are going to ride in 2012? Especially in the stability, size and handling. Keep in mind that what we are going to use is the Kawasaki’s ZX10R engine, an inline 4-cylinder which makes the bike wider, heavier and not so agile. In a prototype bike everything is designed for racing, but our bike use an engine that anyone can buy in a motorbike shop. We speak about an engine derived from series and a prototype frame, which combines the philosophy of MotoGP and Superbike. As you are an experienced rider who competed in both categories, what kind of bike is more like a CRT? I think it is more like a Superbike,
CRT be very hard. In the fast tracks there will be big differences against us because of the engine. In the slow tracks it will be difficult too because of the chassis and the electronics. We will have to wait until the development of the CRT bikes and look for an opportunity in wet races. And what about the main weakness of the CRT’s? Basically we run against the clock, because they are bikes that are being developing on the fly, youth projects with long way to go and too much to improve. Probably the most important weakness is the difference in the electronic engine management. Bridgestone tires are designed with the MotoGP bikes in mind. How do the tires work on a CRT bike? It can be a weakness, because having a very specific range of work there could be problems of chattering and grip, especially in the first laps. It’s not easy, because the CRT frames are also prototypes with racing geometries and therefore shouldn’t be major problems. But undoubtedly we will need to work
hard at this point because the MotoGP teams have a big experience with these tires and we have to be updated as soon as possible. As a rider, you’ve had the opportunity to race in MotoGP with the Ducati Desmosedici and have also been a test rider of the Inmotec project. Both are 100% motorcycle prototypes. What is the difference between them and the machine you are going to ride in 2012? Especially in the stability, size and handling. Keep in mind that what we are going to use is the Kawasaki’s ZX10R engine, an inline 4-cylinder which makes the bike wider, heavier and not so agile. In a prototype bike everything is designed for racing, but our bike use an engine that anyone can buy in a motorbike shop. We speak about an engine derived from series and a prototype frame, which combines the philosophy of MotoGP and Superbike. As you are an experienced rider who competed in both categories, what kind of bike is more like a CRT? I think it is more like a Superbike,
CRT
because although SBK bikes look like a street bike, actually have a lot of work on the chassis in order to do it more rigid. Obviously we have advantages over the SBK, because we can place the engine wherever we want, but looking at the lap times and the feelings we get from the bike, we are closer to a SBK than a MotoGP. Talking about you, how do you expect the next season? I want to start the season calmly. To be obsessed to be the fastest of the CRT riders would be wrong. We will have to see how the other teams can do in the first few races, but I think we will be very close. The championship is very long and in the first half we have to finish races, do as much kilometers as we can and develop the bike. After the summer we should be able to be closer to the MotoGP and who knows if even be faster at some point. CRTs really have the potential to be faster than MotoGP? I think so. In Valencia, Jerez and Montmelo, with the Kawasaki ZX10R, we have been about 2 or 2.5 seconds behind the fastest MotoGP and that was with a SuperStock bike. These bikes are technically much more developed, with more powerful engines, improved chassis and improved electronics. If we take advantage of the Bridgestone we can do it.
CRT
because although SBK bikes look like a street bike, actually have a lot of work on the chassis in order to do it more rigid. Obviously we have advantages over the SBK, because we can place the engine wherever we want, but looking at the lap times and the feelings we get from the bike, we are closer to a SBK than a MotoGP. Talking about you, how do you expect the next season? I want to start the season calmly. To be obsessed to be the fastest of the CRT riders would be wrong. We will have to see how the other teams can do in the first few races, but I think we will be very close. The championship is very long and in the first half we have to finish races, do as much kilometers as we can and develop the bike. After the summer we should be able to be closer to the MotoGP and who knows if even be faster at some point. CRTs really have the potential to be faster than MotoGP? I think so. In Valencia, Jerez and Montmelo, with the Kawasaki ZX10R, we have been about 2 or 2.5 seconds behind the fastest MotoGP and that was with a SuperStock bike. These bikes are technically much more developed, with more powerful engines, improved chassis and improved electronics. If we take advantage of the Bridgestone we can do it.
CRT
Essential Links Iván Silva’s webpage >>
Facebook page >>
Twitter page >>
“This man, George Vukmanovich, is the one who makes me a winner. What a shame not to have met him before!”
CRT
Essential Links Iván Silva’s webpage >>
Facebook page >>
Twitter page >>
“This man, George Vukmanovich, is the one who makes me a winner. What a shame not to have met him before!”
MOTO2
Text by #RTM Photos: Ride Through Media
MOTO2
Text by #RTM Photos: Ride Through Media
MOTO2
Moriwaki MD600 2012 Moriwaki has improved the bike that was the winner of the first Moto2 World Championship with Toni Elías as their best rider. Last year Moriwaki was in the carts a step behind Kalex and Suter. What you can see in these pictures is the Japanese reply. The most evidence thing is that the fairings are brand new with a front air intake very different from the one we were used to see in the precedent two models. It is the result of experience given to Moriwaki from teams like the QMMF or the Gresini Moto2 team, the only two official Moriwaki teams of 2012. The
side of the fairings has also modifications, two small air outlets which will be used in the hottest days of the season. There aren’t too many changes more or, at least, you can’t see too many different things from the exterior. It seems that the Japanese factory has focused the improvements in the chassis and swing arm which are supposed to be stiffer. Anyway, the bike is directly derived from the one which won the last race of the 2011 season so its quality is proved. Let’s see what this Moriwaki MD 600 2012 is able to do
MOTO2
Moriwaki MD600 2012 Moriwaki has improved the bike that was the winner of the first Moto2 World Championship with Toni Elías as their best rider. Last year Moriwaki was in the carts a step behind Kalex and Suter. What you can see in these pictures is the Japanese reply. The most evidence thing is that the fairings are brand new with a front air intake very different from the one we were used to see in the precedent two models. It is the result of experience given to Moriwaki from teams like the QMMF or the Gresini Moto2 team, the only two official Moriwaki teams of 2012. The
side of the fairings has also modifications, two small air outlets which will be used in the hottest days of the season. There aren’t too many changes more or, at least, you can’t see too many different things from the exterior. It seems that the Japanese factory has focused the improvements in the chassis and swing arm which are supposed to be stiffer. Anyway, the bike is directly derived from the one which won the last race of the 2011 season so its quality is proved. Let’s see what this Moriwaki MD 600 2012 is able to do
MOTO2
Moriwaki Dream Moriwaki is a Japanese company strongly linked to motorbike racing. Mamoru Moriwaki, who was a Yoshimura rider long time ago (and is married to one of Mr Yoshimura’s daughters), set up his own company in 1973. In the beginnings, Moriwaki was focused in the development of engine parts, mainly camshafts for Kawasaki Z1, but now the company is famous for its expertise with motorcycle chassis, engine tuning, exhaust systems, and various racingspec components. When Moto2 class was announced, Moriwaki was convinced that they had to do their own Moto2 bike and it was named MD, Moriwaki Dream. With such experience developing racing motorbikes, the opportunity to ride with a Moriwaki was like a dream for all teams and riders in the World Championship, giving more sense to its name. Gresini Team Toni ElĂas and Moriwaki were the fastest in the first Moto2 season and the World Championship title is now part of the history of them. Now, in 2012 season, Moriwaki is trying to attempt the Moto2 title again and there were just four riders with a MD 600: Gino Rea and Ratthapark Wilairot, both from Gresini Team, and the QMMF Racing Team riders, the Australian Damian Cudlin and the very first woman to race in Moto2, Elena Rosell.
MOTO2
Moriwaki Dream Moriwaki is a Japanese company strongly linked to motorbike racing. Mamoru Moriwaki, who was a Yoshimura rider long time ago (and is married to one of Mr Yoshimura’s daughters), set up his own company in 1973. In the beginnings, Moriwaki was focused in the development of engine parts, mainly camshafts for Kawasaki Z1, but now the company is famous for its expertise with motorcycle chassis, engine tuning, exhaust systems, and various racingspec components. When Moto2 class was announced, Moriwaki was convinced that they had to do their own Moto2 bike and it was named MD, Moriwaki Dream. With such experience developing racing motorbikes, the opportunity to ride with a Moriwaki was like a dream for all teams and riders in the World Championship, giving more sense to its name. Gresini Team Toni ElĂas and Moriwaki were the fastest in the first Moto2 season and the World Championship title is now part of the history of them. Now, in 2012 season, Moriwaki is trying to attempt the Moto2 title again and there were just four riders with a MD 600: Gino Rea and Ratthapark Wilairot, both from Gresini Team, and the QMMF Racing Team riders, the Australian Damian Cudlin and the very first woman to race in Moto2, Elena Rosell.
125 & MOTO3
Moto3 bikes are already here. These bikes have replaced the old 125cc and start a new time in the racing history. Moto3 bikes are very different but have already proven to be as competitive as the two stroke ones. The future is here and it promises to be very fun. Text by Ride Through Media 路 Photos: Team Media Services
125 & MOTO3
Moto3 bikes are already here. These bikes have replaced the old 125cc and start a new time in the racing history. Moto3 bikes are very different but have already proven to be as competitive as the two stroke ones. The future is here and it promises to be very fun. Text by Ride Through Media 路 Photos: Team Media Services
125 & MOTO3
From 125 cc to Moto3 The Moto3 are already here. They will replace the 125cc bikes with 2 stroke engines which stopped sounding at the last Grand Prix of 2011. With no doubts, they will be missed. 2012 opens a new stage in the MotoGP World Championship in which the fans will have guaranteed the show. This is a change like the one that already took place in the middle class when it went from 250 cc bikes into Moto2. The small 125 bikes and their brave riders did a great job and the new Moto3 have a difficult challenge ahead: matching the performance of the 125cc bikes with heavier and less powerful engines. The new Moto3 have the following specifications: single-cylinder engine, four stroke, maximum diameter of the piston of 81 mm (which the sound of these bikes will be identify with the MotoGP) and a maximum displacement of
250 cc, which, with the diameter set by the regulations, will have a stroke of about 48.5 mm. These are, broadly speaking, the main features of the new bikes in the Motorcycle World Championship, but we will know more when the 2012 season starts in the Grand Prix of Qatar on April 8th. We still have to wait long to find out if Moto3 are as fast as the 125cc are, but we could see a rider with a Moto3 bike facing the long-standing 125cc. Miguel Oliveira competed the last two rounds of the 125cc Spanish Championship with a Honda Moto3. Took the pole and won both of the races, which shows the level that already have these bikes. We talked to him in the interview that you can find with this article. Interesting words of Miguel!!
125 & MOTO3
From 125 cc to Moto3 The Moto3 are already here. They will replace the 125cc bikes with 2 stroke engines which stopped sounding at the last Grand Prix of 2011. With no doubts, they will be missed. 2012 opens a new stage in the MotoGP World Championship in which the fans will have guaranteed the show. This is a change like the one that already took place in the middle class when it went from 250 cc bikes into Moto2. The small 125 bikes and their brave riders did a great job and the new Moto3 have a difficult challenge ahead: matching the performance of the 125cc bikes with heavier and less powerful engines. The new Moto3 have the following specifications: single-cylinder engine, four stroke, maximum diameter of the piston of 81 mm (which the sound of these bikes will be identify with the MotoGP) and a maximum displacement of
250 cc, which, with the diameter set by the regulations, will have a stroke of about 48.5 mm. These are, broadly speaking, the main features of the new bikes in the Motorcycle World Championship, but we will know more when the 2012 season starts in the Grand Prix of Qatar on April 8th. We still have to wait long to find out if Moto3 are as fast as the 125cc are, but we could see a rider with a Moto3 bike facing the long-standing 125cc. Miguel Oliveira competed the last two rounds of the 125cc Spanish Championship with a Honda Moto3. Took the pole and won both of the races, which shows the level that already have these bikes. We talked to him in the interview that you can find with this article. Interesting words of Miguel!!
125 & MOTO3
Winds of change No more smell of burned oil in the pit lane while the 125 cc motorcycle warms up their engines. 125cc engines need more than just a technician. The people who set up these mechanics were real artists. They had to know the engines, understand and almost worship them. In the development of these engines some things affect, as humidity, air pressure and how the rider use it. Yes, the engines are very sensitive to changes, but if you get the perfect set up, you get an excellent performance almost unbeatable. Four-stroke engines are different, more impersonal. The tuning of this type of engine is simpler and not so sensitive to external changes. The sensors adapt the engine performance at every circumstance and no longer need a “magician� to achieve good performance. The 4-stroke engines have more elements than the 2-stroke. They are more complex in its interior, but its functioning is more linear and the work of set-up is much easier than a 125cc engine. 2-stroke engines have personality and charm. 125cc engines are those that have survived to the end and mark the end of an exciting era. But now the turn of the 4-stroke engines comes. Engines that may not be as pretty and interesting, but represents the future and have a long way to go. 2012 will be the first season without 2-stroke engines for many years, but the show is guaranteed and we will see soon how the change made will be a success.
125 & MOTO3
Winds of change No more smell of burned oil in the pit lane while the 125 cc motorcycle warms up their engines. 125cc engines need more than just a technician. The people who set up these mechanics were real artists. They had to know the engines, understand and almost worship them. In the development of these engines some things affect, as humidity, air pressure and how the rider use it. Yes, the engines are very sensitive to changes, but if you get the perfect set up, you get an excellent performance almost unbeatable. Four-stroke engines are different, more impersonal. The tuning of this type of engine is simpler and not so sensitive to external changes. The sensors adapt the engine performance at every circumstance and no longer need a “magician� to achieve good performance. The 4-stroke engines have more elements than the 2-stroke. They are more complex in its interior, but its functioning is more linear and the work of set-up is much easier than a 125cc engine. 2-stroke engines have personality and charm. 125cc engines are those that have survived to the end and mark the end of an exciting era. But now the turn of the 4-stroke engines comes. Engines that may not be as pretty and interesting, but represents the future and have a long way to go. 2012 will be the first season without 2-stroke engines for many years, but the show is guaranteed and we will see soon how the change made will be a success.
125 & MOTO3
Essential Links
The last 2-Stroke World Champion Bikes The two-stroke bikes have been an important part of the World Championship history, these are the last three champions of their classes.
Moto3 Technical Regulations >>
Honda NSR500 Valentino Rossi 500cc - 2001 Champion Honda RSW 250 Hiroshi Ahoyama 250cc - 2008 Champion
Moto3 News Facebook Page >>
Aprilia RSA Nico Terol 125cc - 2011 Champion
Mahindra Racing website >>
How Engines Works The way that two-stroke engines works is very different than the four-stroke ones. Do you want to know how it works? With these two videos, you will understand it easily. << 2-Stroke Engine | 4-Stroke Engine >>
125 & MOTO3
Essential Links
The last 2-Stroke World Champion Bikes The two-stroke bikes have been an important part of the World Championship history, these are the last three champions of their classes.
Moto3 Technical Regulations >>
Honda NSR500 Valentino Rossi 500cc - 2001 Champion Honda RSW 250 Hiroshi Ahoyama 250cc - 2008 Champion
Moto3 News Facebook Page >>
Aprilia RSA Nico Terol 125cc - 2011 Champion
Mahindra Racing website >>
How Engines Works The way that two-stroke engines works is very different than the four-stroke ones. Do you want to know how it works? With these two videos, you will understand it easily. << 2-Stroke Engine | 4-Stroke Engine >>
MOTO3
Miguel Oliveira is not the very first man to win riding a Moto3 bike, actually is the second. Kenta Fuji reached the first victory for a Moto3 bike in the Japanese championship with a Honda NSF 250. But Miguel got a couple of victories in the last two races of the Spanish championship and everybody knows that the CEV is one of the most difficult national championships and the one where most of riders of the world championship come from. Text by Ride Through Media 路 Photos: David Clares
MOTO3
Miguel Oliveira is not the very first man to win riding a Moto3 bike, actually is the second. Kenta Fuji reached the first victory for a Moto3 bike in the Japanese championship with a Honda NSF 250. But Miguel got a couple of victories in the last two races of the Spanish championship and everybody knows that the CEV is one of the most difficult national championships and the one where most of riders of the world championship come from. Text by Ride Through Media 路 Photos: David Clares
MOTO3
Oliveira scored the best times in all the sessions, took the pole position and won the races. It was during a couple of weekends when there was all kinds of weather conditions; rain, sun, wind, wet and dry tarmac. No one of the riders could beat Miguel in any single session. Just after he went down from the podium of his victory at Jerez circuit, we had the opportunity to chat with Miguel and we talked about some interesting things. Do not miss what he said! Miguel, which are the main differences between 125cc and Moto3 bikes? Mainly the engine is difference, it switches from a two-stroke type to a four-stroke one. The sound of the engine and the behavior are different. The Honda in which I competed the last two races of the CEV wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t as fast as a 125cc and with a little less acceleration, but this bike was a prototype which already has an incredible performance. The NSF lets you ride with a great corner speed, the power is mainly in the high revolutions range, but is an easiest bike to ride in the mid range. It is a really good bike to ride in wet tarmac or in the sharper curves. Also, it lets you brake closer to the curve, because the enginebrake helps a lot with this, something you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have with a two-stroke bike. Is the Honda heavier than a 125cc? Yes, it is six kilos heavier than a 125cc And this is not a problem in the corner speed? No, although the bike is heavier and this should be affect negatively, the weigh distribution is really good and the result
MOTO3
Oliveira scored the best times in all the sessions, took the pole position and won the races. It was during a couple of weekends when there was all kinds of weather conditions; rain, sun, wind, wet and dry tarmac. No one of the riders could beat Miguel in any single session. Just after he went down from the podium of his victory at Jerez circuit, we had the opportunity to chat with Miguel and we talked about some interesting things. Do not miss what he said! Miguel, which are the main differences between 125cc and Moto3 bikes? Mainly the engine is difference, it switches from a two-stroke type to a four-stroke one. The sound of the engine and the behavior are different. The Honda in which I competed the last two races of the CEV wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t as fast as a 125cc and with a little less acceleration, but this bike was a prototype which already has an incredible performance. The NSF lets you ride with a great corner speed, the power is mainly in the high revolutions range, but is an easiest bike to ride in the mid range. It is a really good bike to ride in wet tarmac or in the sharper curves. Also, it lets you brake closer to the curve, because the enginebrake helps a lot with this, something you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have with a two-stroke bike. Is the Honda heavier than a 125cc? Yes, it is six kilos heavier than a 125cc And this is not a problem in the corner speed? No, although the bike is heavier and this should be affect negatively, the weigh distribution is really good and the result
MOTO3
is a very handy bike. In this bike, the weigh affects the speed and acceleration, but not in the corner speed. But it seems that is a faster bike when the traffic lights switch off... Well, in the last two races I did with the Honda, I used the standard clutch. Its behavior is different than the 125â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s one. You have to wait until the engine is over 10.000 rpm because under this range the bike has a very slow acceleration. Once the engine is in a good range, its push a lot and it could be stronger than a twostroke. Are the Honda NSF gearbox relations different than a bike like the Aprilia RSA? No, in Valencia and Jerez we used the same gearbox relations than in the 125 bike. Maybe in other tracks this could be different, but the main difference is that the Moto3 engine lets you take advantage of the power you can use in the low and mid range.
So the 4-stroke engines have a better range of useful revolutions? Exactly! The engine push from lower revolutions and it lets you use more the gearbox. Sometimes you could ride in a higher gear and be as fast as before. With these new bikes, there will be big differences in the next season races? In 2012 there wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be the big differences between the faster and the slower riders you saw until now. The Moto3 bikes are easier to ride than the two-stroke machines; to be fast is not necessary to be as technical rider as a 125 requires. I guess there will be riders which were in the mid positions last season which could fight now for the top positions. I suppose it will be like in the Moto2 class where you can see a rider fighting for the victory in one race and struggling for the top 15 in the next one.
MOTO3
is a very handy bike. In this bike, the weigh affects the speed and acceleration, but not in the corner speed. But it seems that is a faster bike when the traffic lights switch off... Well, in the last two races I did with the Honda, I used the standard clutch. Its behavior is different than the 125â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s one. You have to wait until the engine is over 10.000 rpm because under this range the bike has a very slow acceleration. Once the engine is in a good range, its push a lot and it could be stronger than a twostroke. Are the Honda NSF gearbox relations different than a bike like the Aprilia RSA? No, in Valencia and Jerez we used the same gearbox relations than in the 125 bike. Maybe in other tracks this could be different, but the main difference is that the Moto3 engine lets you take advantage of the power you can use in the low and mid range.
So the 4-stroke engines have a better range of useful revolutions? Exactly! The engine push from lower revolutions and it lets you use more the gearbox. Sometimes you could ride in a higher gear and be as fast as before. With these new bikes, there will be big differences in the next season races? In 2012 there wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be the big differences between the faster and the slower riders you saw until now. The Moto3 bikes are easier to ride than the two-stroke machines; to be fast is not necessary to be as technical rider as a 125 requires. I guess there will be riders which were in the mid positions last season which could fight now for the top positions. I suppose it will be like in the Moto2 class where you can see a rider fighting for the victory in one race and struggling for the top 15 in the next one.
MOTO3
What do you really think about this engine switch? There will be more equality in the races so it will be better for the show. In Ride Through Magazine we think that, after your two victories in the CEV, Honda should do a monument in your honor... (Laughs) Well, although is obvious that the bikes don’t run alone, I just did my job. Honda knows very well to make bikes and they developed a very good bike fast enough to fight in front a 125cc. This is just the beginning, so I’m sure that the Honda NSF 250 will be an excellent bike in the 2012 season. And how about your relationship with Honda, very good, isn’t it? Yes, they are very happy with the results in the Spanish Championship races and they said me that. In any case, Honda bet for the Monlau team which were the ones who gave me the opportunity to do these races. I’m very proud to be one of the 2012 Monlau riders and I’d like to thanks them for this.
MOTO3
What do you really think about this engine switch? There will be more equality in the races so it will be better for the show. In Ride Through Magazine we think that, after your two victories in the CEV, Honda should do a monument in your honor... (Laughs) Well, although is obvious that the bikes don’t run alone, I just did my job. Honda knows very well to make bikes and they developed a very good bike fast enough to fight in front a 125cc. This is just the beginning, so I’m sure that the Honda NSF 250 will be an excellent bike in the 2012 season. And how about your relationship with Honda, very good, isn’t it? Yes, they are very happy with the results in the Spanish Championship races and they said me that. In any case, Honda bet for the Monlau team which were the ones who gave me the opportunity to do these races. I’m very proud to be one of the 2012 Monlau riders and I’d like to thanks them for this.
MOTO3
Essential Links
Monlau Competici贸n webpage >>
Personal webpage >>
Facebook page >>
Twitter page >>
MOTO3
Essential Links
Monlau Competici贸n webpage >>
Personal webpage >>
Facebook page >>
Twitter page >>
ASIA ROAD RACING CHAMPIONSHIP
There’s nothing like the ARRC. The Asian Road Racing Championship visits six different countries through the season and that’s something doesn’t make any other championship in the world but MotoGP, SBK or the World Endurance Championship. Text by Eduardo Cos · Photos: www.arrc.com.my
ASIA ROAD RACING CHAMPIONSHIP
There’s nothing like the ARRC. The Asian Road Racing Championship visits six different countries through the season and that’s something doesn’t make any other championship in the world but MotoGP, SBK or the World Endurance Championship. Text by Eduardo Cos · Photos: www.arrc.com.my
ASIA ROAD RACING CHAMPIONSHIP
With riders and teams from 8 different countries and races in 6 countries, the ARRC is consolidated in its 15th edition as one of the great continental motorcycle championships in the world. A roster of young promises with great projection, a number of powerful sponsors and the support of the major motorcycle brands are the values that the ARRC faces a bright future with. The 2011 edition of the ARRC has been clearly dominated by two riders in both categories, Underbone 115 and Supersport 600. With 9 and 8 partial victories (of 12 possible) both, Japanese Katsuaki Fujiwara and Indonesian Rafid Topan, won the championship with a good income of points. Therefore the riders and teams are already looking forward to start the 2012 season.
Supersport 600cc “The year of the Ninja” The 2011 season began with the incorporation of the four major Japanese brands and new world-class riders such the Japanese Katsuaki Fujiwara on the grid of the premier class. Fujiwara came as a favorite after a successful career in the World Supersport and aboard the new ZX-6 of the Team Manual Tech BEET Kawasaki
Racing Tech Manual, he won four impressive wins in the opening two events of the championship. For its part the almighty PETRONAS Yamaha Thailand Team, called to battle the Japanese, began the season with very bad luck. Polamai got a second place in the first race of the year at the Sepang circuit, but he fell after a brutal high-side in the second, breaking both arms and loosing the next two rounds. Meanwhile his teammate and 2010 champion, Kraisat, went with his Yamaha into second place in the second race but doesn’t participate in the next two rounds due to injuries from a race at the All Japan Championship. Besides the injuries, his team could not attend the last round of the championship because of the floods that hit Thailand in October. Fujiwara was scoring points in the overall standings, despite suffering a small fall in both races contested in India and the first in Japan, in which a recovered Kraisat achieved the victory. Meanwhile, the Honda rider Azlan Shah Kamaruzaman, showing great regularity (up to the podium 5 times and never left the top 5 in 11 of the 12 races) got a deserved second place. Thanks to this result Honda got a place
ASIA ROAD RACING CHAMPIONSHIP
With riders and teams from 8 different countries and races in 6 countries, the ARRC is consolidated in its 15th edition as one of the great continental motorcycle championships in the world. A roster of young promises with great projection, a number of powerful sponsors and the support of the major motorcycle brands are the values that the ARRC faces a bright future with. The 2011 edition of the ARRC has been clearly dominated by two riders in both categories, Underbone 115 and Supersport 600. With 9 and 8 partial victories (of 12 possible) both, Japanese Katsuaki Fujiwara and Indonesian Rafid Topan, won the championship with a good income of points. Therefore the riders and teams are already looking forward to start the 2012 season.
Supersport 600cc “The year of the Ninja” The 2011 season began with the incorporation of the four major Japanese brands and new world-class riders such the Japanese Katsuaki Fujiwara on the grid of the premier class. Fujiwara came as a favorite after a successful career in the World Supersport and aboard the new ZX-6 of the Team Manual Tech BEET Kawasaki
Racing Tech Manual, he won four impressive wins in the opening two events of the championship. For its part the almighty PETRONAS Yamaha Thailand Team, called to battle the Japanese, began the season with very bad luck. Polamai got a second place in the first race of the year at the Sepang circuit, but he fell after a brutal high-side in the second, breaking both arms and loosing the next two rounds. Meanwhile his teammate and 2010 champion, Kraisat, went with his Yamaha into second place in the second race but doesn’t participate in the next two rounds due to injuries from a race at the All Japan Championship. Besides the injuries, his team could not attend the last round of the championship because of the floods that hit Thailand in October. Fujiwara was scoring points in the overall standings, despite suffering a small fall in both races contested in India and the first in Japan, in which a recovered Kraisat achieved the victory. Meanwhile, the Honda rider Azlan Shah Kamaruzaman, showing great regularity (up to the podium 5 times and never left the top 5 in 11 of the 12 races) got a deserved second place. Thanks to this result Honda got a place
ASIA ROAD RACING CHAMPIONSHIP of honor in the Asian championship and joins Kawasaki and Yamaha on a podium with three different brands. Something that had not been seen much (due to the domination of Yamaha and R6 in recent years), which is very positive for both, the public and the championship. In the fight for the third place in the championship came the 17 years old Hafizh Syahrin Abdullah. In his second season the Malaysian rider was very fast up to the third step of the podium in both races contested in Japan, and winning his first race of 600 in the last race of the season at the Losail circuit in Qatar. Despite this great season finale, the veteran rider of the Malaysia Yamaha Team, Md Zamri Baba, snatched the third place displaying a more regular basis. Fujiwara and his Kawasaki ZX-6R sealed off the season with another 4 consecutive wins and getting a final income of 100 points over the second rider, but as we said in the introduction it has not done more than encourage teams and drivers that are already preparing their revenge for the season 2012
Wild Cards Sepang The participation of Malaysians Mohd Zamri Baba riders and Hafizh Syahrin Abdullah as wild-cards in the Moto2 Grand Prix Sepang, resulted in position 18 and 20 respectively. The brave riders of the Petronas Malaysia team got the best result achieved by a wild card rider in the extremely complicated Moto2 category, finishing 56 seconds and 1:06 behind of the winner Thomas Luthi. In the words of the project manager â&#x20AC;&#x153;the achievements Hafizh and Zamri is very positive and shows that motorcycling in our country is going in the right direction and we still have much room for improvementâ&#x20AC;?.
ASIA ROAD RACING CHAMPIONSHIP of honor in the Asian championship and joins Kawasaki and Yamaha on a podium with three different brands. Something that had not been seen much (due to the domination of Yamaha and R6 in recent years), which is very positive for both, the public and the championship. In the fight for the third place in the championship came the 17 years old Hafizh Syahrin Abdullah. In his second season the Malaysian rider was very fast up to the third step of the podium in both races contested in Japan, and winning his first race of 600 in the last race of the season at the Losail circuit in Qatar. Despite this great season finale, the veteran rider of the Malaysia Yamaha Team, Md Zamri Baba, snatched the third place displaying a more regular basis. Fujiwara and his Kawasaki ZX-6R sealed off the season with another 4 consecutive wins and getting a final income of 100 points over the second rider, but as we said in the introduction it has not done more than encourage teams and drivers that are already preparing their revenge for the season 2012
Wild Cards Sepang The participation of Malaysians Mohd Zamri Baba riders and Hafizh Syahrin Abdullah as wild-cards in the Moto2 Grand Prix Sepang, resulted in position 18 and 20 respectively. The brave riders of the Petronas Malaysia team got the best result achieved by a wild card rider in the extremely complicated Moto2 category, finishing 56 seconds and 1:06 behind of the winner Thomas Luthi. In the words of the project manager â&#x20AC;&#x153;the achievements Hafizh and Zamri is very positive and shows that motorcycling in our country is going in the right direction and we still have much room for improvementâ&#x20AC;?.
ASIA ROAD RACING CHAMPIONSHIP
Asian Dream Cup
Underbones 115 As we mentioned in the introduction, Rafid Topan’s season and his team TJM CKJ Racing Yamaha team has been almost perfect. The brave Indonesian rider began the season with a victory in Sepang in the first round and an engine failure in the second. That race was the last time that Rapid and his Yamaha doesn’t went up to the podium, winning eight of the 10 races that remained until the end of the season.
Behind the two Indonesians, there was an intense battle for the third place between three Malaysian riders that it would end with a difference of only 12 points. Md Affendi Rosli with the Honda of the team Harian Metro Y-TEQ SCK, won the third place over Zaidy Md Zaifaiz, thanks to a season in which he scored in almost every race and a great action in the last race at Qatar, with a second and a fourth.
Despite this impressive season there were very hard opponents who didn’t let Rafid wining easily, at least until after the middle of the season. Kawasaki Rextor NHK Tech Team Manual rider, Hadi Wijaya, remained in Rafid estella even snatching both victories in the races held at Autopolis (Japan). Unfortunately since the successful race in Japan, Hadi suffered a drop in their results, that with the winning streak of his arch-rival, he ran out of options to victory.
Closing the top five, we find the revelation of the season, the only 15 years old rookie Ahmad Afif Amra . Sharing the box of the winning team (Yamaha CKJ TJM Racing) and with Rafid Topan so close, he took advantage of this excellent opportunity, improved a lot in the first races and could be consistently among the top five in the second part of the season. Even more, he finished the season reaching a podium and setting himself up as one of the contenders for the next season title.
The 2012 season will mark the beginning of a new category in the ARRC. In order to fill the gap between the Underbone 115 and Supersport 600 classes, the Asian Dream Cup has been created to be run with the Honda CBR 250 R. With the support of Honda Motor Company Ltd, a unique opportunity will be given to 16 riders from Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Japan, China, India, Philippines, Australia and New Zealand and another 5 from other Asian countries, to compete with a production model that has certain similarities with the Moto3 class of the World Championship. The Dream Cup will became a great school for future riders. At the end of the season, the champion and two other riders will have the opportunity to test the Honda Moto3 bike and an opportunity to obtain a place as a wild-card in a Grand Prix in the 2013 season. Asia Dream Cup Announcement >>
ASIA ROAD RACING CHAMPIONSHIP
Asian Dream Cup
Underbones 115 As we mentioned in the introduction, Rafid Topan’s season and his team TJM CKJ Racing Yamaha team has been almost perfect. The brave Indonesian rider began the season with a victory in Sepang in the first round and an engine failure in the second. That race was the last time that Rapid and his Yamaha doesn’t went up to the podium, winning eight of the 10 races that remained until the end of the season.
Behind the two Indonesians, there was an intense battle for the third place between three Malaysian riders that it would end with a difference of only 12 points. Md Affendi Rosli with the Honda of the team Harian Metro Y-TEQ SCK, won the third place over Zaidy Md Zaifaiz, thanks to a season in which he scored in almost every race and a great action in the last race at Qatar, with a second and a fourth.
Despite this impressive season there were very hard opponents who didn’t let Rafid wining easily, at least until after the middle of the season. Kawasaki Rextor NHK Tech Team Manual rider, Hadi Wijaya, remained in Rafid estella even snatching both victories in the races held at Autopolis (Japan). Unfortunately since the successful race in Japan, Hadi suffered a drop in their results, that with the winning streak of his arch-rival, he ran out of options to victory.
Closing the top five, we find the revelation of the season, the only 15 years old rookie Ahmad Afif Amra . Sharing the box of the winning team (Yamaha CKJ TJM Racing) and with Rafid Topan so close, he took advantage of this excellent opportunity, improved a lot in the first races and could be consistently among the top five in the second part of the season. Even more, he finished the season reaching a podium and setting himself up as one of the contenders for the next season title.
The 2012 season will mark the beginning of a new category in the ARRC. In order to fill the gap between the Underbone 115 and Supersport 600 classes, the Asian Dream Cup has been created to be run with the Honda CBR 250 R. With the support of Honda Motor Company Ltd, a unique opportunity will be given to 16 riders from Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Japan, China, India, Philippines, Australia and New Zealand and another 5 from other Asian countries, to compete with a production model that has certain similarities with the Moto3 class of the World Championship. The Dream Cup will became a great school for future riders. At the end of the season, the champion and two other riders will have the opportunity to test the Honda Moto3 bike and an opportunity to obtain a place as a wild-card in a Grand Prix in the 2013 season. Asia Dream Cup Announcement >>
ASIA ROAD RACING CHAMPIONSHIP
Rafid Topan Interview In the class Underbones there is a big technical equality and the races are done in groups usually. What were your keys to beat your Opponents? I have a motivation and spirit to be a champion, confident, believe in my abilities and potential, and so my own self. We know your engineer Hawadis that is very well known. Was him to ARRC a key of your title? Yes of course, mechanical services and teamwork, including the key to success. The jump from 600cc to Underbones seems to be very big. How do you see it? Do you think you could win in 600cc too? I see it as a big enough challenge for a 600cc championship. I tried to get through the challenge to become champions, I believe that with the effort, support and prayers I am sure I could be champion of 600cc. What are your plans for the next season? My next step is to prove better performance and I hope to get support for world championship. Who is the rider youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like to ARRC beat? All riders on the circuit. Are you planning to race in the World Championship in the future? Sure, it is my purpose to race in the world championship. What is your professional dream? I would like to become the world champion. Who is your favorite MotoGP rider? Valentino Rossi is my favorite MotoGP rider and my favorite manufacturer is Yamaha MotoGP team.
ASIA ROAD RACING CHAMPIONSHIP
Rafid Topan Interview In the class Underbones there is a big technical equality and the races are done in groups usually. What were your keys to beat your Opponents? I have a motivation and spirit to be a champion, confident, believe in my abilities and potential, and so my own self. We know your engineer Hawadis that is very well known. Was him to ARRC a key of your title? Yes of course, mechanical services and teamwork, including the key to success. The jump from 600cc to Underbones seems to be very big. How do you see it? Do you think you could win in 600cc too? I see it as a big enough challenge for a 600cc championship. I tried to get through the challenge to become champions, I believe that with the effort, support and prayers I am sure I could be champion of 600cc. What are your plans for the next season? My next step is to prove better performance and I hope to get support for world championship. Who is the rider youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like to ARRC beat? All riders on the circuit. Are you planning to race in the World Championship in the future? Sure, it is my purpose to race in the world championship. What is your professional dream? I would like to become the world champion. Who is your favorite MotoGP rider? Valentino Rossi is my favorite MotoGP rider and my favorite manufacturer is Yamaha MotoGP team.
ASIA ROAD RACING CHAMPIONSHIP
Essential Links ARRC Youtube Channel >>
ARRC Official Website >>
ARRC Facebook page >>
ARRC Twitter page >>
Rafid’s Facebook page >>
Fujiwara’s website >>
ASIA ROAD RACING CHAMPIONSHIP
Essential Links ARRC Youtube Channel >>
ARRC Official Website >>
ARRC Facebook page >>
ARRC Twitter page >>
Rafid’s Facebook page >>
Fujiwara’s website >>
PADDOCK Lauren Vickers is the most famous grid girl of the Grand Circus. She is an Australian girl who has captured the world and, by the way, the heart of thousands of people all around the globe. She reached the honor to be the 2010 Playmate of Italian Playboy or the 2009 Best Model of Australia, but she isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t just a pretty face, there is too much to discover about Lauren Vickers. We chatted with her and this is what we got. Text by Ride Through Media Photos: Alex Chailan / David PiolĂŠ
PADDOCK Lauren Vickers is the most famous grid girl of the Grand Circus. She is an Australian girl who has captured the world and, by the way, the heart of thousands of people all around the globe. She reached the honor to be the 2010 Playmate of Italian Playboy or the 2009 Best Model of Australia, but she isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t just a pretty face, there is too much to discover about Lauren Vickers. We chatted with her and this is what we got. Text by Ride Through Media Photos: Alex Chailan / David PiolĂŠ
PADDOCK As long as we know you are a motorsports lover since you are very young, is that true? When did you start loving cars and motorbikes? AI always loved cars and motorbikes when I was younger, but no one else in my family had the same passion. I used to watch Top Gear when I was still in school and dreamed of racing super cars around circuits for fun. I started working in motorsport at about 18 and bought my first motorbike the same year, and it developed into an obsession after that, hehe. But you aren’t just a motorbike lover, you have had a few road bikes, isn’t it? Which ones? In Australia you need to start small when you’re learning, so my first bike was a Honda CBR250RR, after that I was still restricted, but I upgraded to an RVF400 and started doing track days, and then when I got my full license I had a beautiful Yamaha R6. Moreover, you have ridden on track with your bikes, is that’s true? In which circuits?? I’ve ridden on Eastern Creek and Phillip Island a few times, I would love to buy another one overseas and ride some of the beautiful circuits that we get to visit throughout the season. Which bike do you dream to ride? I have been lusting after a Ducati 848 for years, but I think I would prefer to get a Yamaha R1 for track days. Being the girlfriend of a MotoGP rider, you have a great teacher to improve your laps... I’m actually a little bit nervous for him to come to the track with me, he’d probably get so bored watching me because I’m so much slower than what he’s used to. Can you imagine doing your driving test with Lewis Hamilton? Let’s talk about your work. When did you arrive to the Grand Circus? I first worked at Phillip Island in 2008, as a grid girl for the JiR Scot Team, when Dovioso was the rider. I made some contacts in the paddock as I was about to go travelling around the world and then worked about 4 races the following year for the Hayate and LCR Teams. Then I was lucky enough to convince Lucio Cechinello to give me a one year contract to help promote them and change the way a grid girl represents the team.
PADDOCK As long as we know you are a motorsports lover since you are very young, is that true? When did you start loving cars and motorbikes? AI always loved cars and motorbikes when I was younger, but no one else in my family had the same passion. I used to watch Top Gear when I was still in school and dreamed of racing super cars around circuits for fun. I started working in motorsport at about 18 and bought my first motorbike the same year, and it developed into an obsession after that, hehe. But you aren’t just a motorbike lover, you have had a few road bikes, isn’t it? Which ones? In Australia you need to start small when you’re learning, so my first bike was a Honda CBR250RR, after that I was still restricted, but I upgraded to an RVF400 and started doing track days, and then when I got my full license I had a beautiful Yamaha R6. Moreover, you have ridden on track with your bikes, is that’s true? In which circuits?? I’ve ridden on Eastern Creek and Phillip Island a few times, I would love to buy another one overseas and ride some of the beautiful circuits that we get to visit throughout the season. Which bike do you dream to ride? I have been lusting after a Ducati 848 for years, but I think I would prefer to get a Yamaha R1 for track days. Being the girlfriend of a MotoGP rider, you have a great teacher to improve your laps... I’m actually a little bit nervous for him to come to the track with me, he’d probably get so bored watching me because I’m so much slower than what he’s used to. Can you imagine doing your driving test with Lewis Hamilton? Let’s talk about your work. When did you arrive to the Grand Circus? I first worked at Phillip Island in 2008, as a grid girl for the JiR Scot Team, when Dovioso was the rider. I made some contacts in the paddock as I was about to go travelling around the world and then worked about 4 races the following year for the Hayate and LCR Teams. Then I was lucky enough to convince Lucio Cechinello to give me a one year contract to help promote them and change the way a grid girl represents the team.
PADDOCK Everyone knows that you work as grid girl and paddock girl but, do you do any other work not so visual in MotoGP? Most of my career has been modeling, I started 14 years ago when I was 11! But I have also managed bars and nightclubs and was a legal secretary. I usually write my own contracts but I have a lot of experience with Media and PR. I think that will eventually be my focus when I retire from modeling. For now, I love planning the creatives behind marketing campaigns and photoshoots. You can check out some of my ideas right now on the Best of Grid Girls Feature on MotoGP.com that I developed with the guys from Dorna. In 2012 Randy will be racing at Mapfre Aspar Team. Will you work together? Are you going to be a Mapfre girl in 2012? Any other work to do in the team? I haven’t discussed it with them yet, but for sure I would love to be Randy’s umbrella girl on the grid. I’m not sure I will work in the paddock all weekend this year though, I will be working a little more in perhaps Milan or Barcelona this year with modeling and I need to dedicate my full week to that. Do you expect to be in MotoGP for a long time? What do you want to do in the future? Maybe to create your own team or sponsor one like Paris Hilton did last season? ;) It would be fantastic to do that, but I don’t have the same profile as her. I will be there as long as Randy is, I hope that’s for quite a few more years! I think it would be nice to organize a way to sponsor young and talented riders who don’t have the money to buy their place in a team. I think we’re missing out on some great potential talent with the rise in the cost of motorsport. Hopefully the new changes in all the classes will bring it back down to a realistic level. We have lots of readers from Indonesia. There are lots of MotoGP lovers in Indonesia and you are very famous in there. Have you ever been in Indonesia? The fans in Indonesia are extremely passionate about MotoGP! A big part of the traffic to my website and my Twitter and Facebook followers are from Indonesia – and they are always so sweet and courteous. I have never been but I would absolutely love to go!! Not just to Bali, but to go to less touristic places too.
PADDOCK Everyone knows that you work as grid girl and paddock girl but, do you do any other work not so visual in MotoGP? Most of my career has been modeling, I started 14 years ago when I was 11! But I have also managed bars and nightclubs and was a legal secretary. I usually write my own contracts but I have a lot of experience with Media and PR. I think that will eventually be my focus when I retire from modeling. For now, I love planning the creatives behind marketing campaigns and photoshoots. You can check out some of my ideas right now on the Best of Grid Girls Feature on MotoGP.com that I developed with the guys from Dorna. In 2012 Randy will be racing at Mapfre Aspar Team. Will you work together? Are you going to be a Mapfre girl in 2012? Any other work to do in the team? I haven’t discussed it with them yet, but for sure I would love to be Randy’s umbrella girl on the grid. I’m not sure I will work in the paddock all weekend this year though, I will be working a little more in perhaps Milan or Barcelona this year with modeling and I need to dedicate my full week to that. Do you expect to be in MotoGP for a long time? What do you want to do in the future? Maybe to create your own team or sponsor one like Paris Hilton did last season? ;) It would be fantastic to do that, but I don’t have the same profile as her. I will be there as long as Randy is, I hope that’s for quite a few more years! I think it would be nice to organize a way to sponsor young and talented riders who don’t have the money to buy their place in a team. I think we’re missing out on some great potential talent with the rise in the cost of motorsport. Hopefully the new changes in all the classes will bring it back down to a realistic level. We have lots of readers from Indonesia. There are lots of MotoGP lovers in Indonesia and you are very famous in there. Have you ever been in Indonesia? The fans in Indonesia are extremely passionate about MotoGP! A big part of the traffic to my website and my Twitter and Facebook followers are from Indonesia – and they are always so sweet and courteous. I have never been but I would absolutely love to go!! Not just to Bali, but to go to less touristic places too.
PADDOCK
Essential Links
Lauren Vickers website >> Facebook page >> Facebook personal profile >> Twitter page >>
Profile Name: Lauren Vickers Born in: Brisbane, (Australia) Working in MotoGP since: 2008 Bike of your dreams: Ducati 848 Favourite MotoGP Rider: Randy de Puniet Favourite Moto2 Rider: Sandro Cortese Favourite Moto3 Rider: Arthur Sissis Favourite MotoGP Track: Catalunya Favourite MotoGP Team: Too many favourites! Famous quote or tip: I have two “Follow Your Heart But Take Your Brain With You” and “To Be Old and Wise, First One Must Be Young and Stupid”.
PADDOCK
Essential Links
Lauren Vickers website >> Facebook page >> Facebook personal profile >> Twitter page >>
Profile Name: Lauren Vickers Born in: Brisbane, (Australia) Working in MotoGP since: 2008 Bike of your dreams: Ducati 848 Favourite MotoGP Rider: Randy de Puniet Favourite Moto2 Rider: Sandro Cortese Favourite Moto3 Rider: Arthur Sissis Favourite MotoGP Track: Catalunya Favourite MotoGP Team: Too many favourites! Famous quote or tip: I have two “Follow Your Heart But Take Your Brain With You” and “To Be Old and Wise, First One Must Be Young and Stupid”.
RIDE THROUGH TEST
RIDE THROUGH TEST
RIDE THROUGH TEST
2012 YZF-R1: Ultimate Control For the 2012 season Yamaha introduced an updated YZF-R1, featuring a range of important MotoGP inspired engine and chassis changes which are designed to elevate the performance and enjoyment of this unique race-proven motorcycle to another level. Powered by a 998cc in-line 4-cylinder engine equipped with an innovative crossplane crankshaft, the latest-generation R1 delivers a truly special blend of linear power combined with superior traction and outstanding cornering performance. The R1 rewards the rider like no other largecapacity superbike machine, and for even
more highly purified excitement the 2012 R1 is equipped with an advanced Traction Control System (TCS) for wider ranging controllability in a variety of conditions. By monitoring and controlling rear wheel spin, the new TCS creates a special bond between the rider and machine, enabling the owner to exploit the enormous potential of this outstanding motorcycle. In addition to the new TCS, the latest R1 benefits from an optimised engine control unit for improved corner exits and stronger low to midrange performance.
RIDE THROUGH TEST
2012 YZF-R1: Ultimate Control For the 2012 season Yamaha introduced an updated YZF-R1, featuring a range of important MotoGP inspired engine and chassis changes which are designed to elevate the performance and enjoyment of this unique race-proven motorcycle to another level. Powered by a 998cc in-line 4-cylinder engine equipped with an innovative crossplane crankshaft, the latest-generation R1 delivers a truly special blend of linear power combined with superior traction and outstanding cornering performance. The R1 rewards the rider like no other largecapacity superbike machine, and for even
more highly purified excitement the 2012 R1 is equipped with an advanced Traction Control System (TCS) for wider ranging controllability in a variety of conditions. By monitoring and controlling rear wheel spin, the new TCS creates a special bond between the rider and machine, enabling the owner to exploit the enormous potential of this outstanding motorcycle. In addition to the new TCS, the latest R1 benefits from an optimised engine control unit for improved corner exits and stronger low to midrange performance.
RIDE THROUGH TEST
Yamaha WGP th 50 Anniversary Fifty years after Yamaha sent its first ever GP riders to compete in the World Championships, our newest factory rider Ben Spies helped to commemorate the occasion with his maiden MotoGP win at Assen in June 2011. Riding a YZR-M1 in Yamaha’s specially-designed red and white WGP 50th Anniversary livery, Spies was continuing the strong tradition of winning that has enabled Yamaha to become one of the industry’s most innovative and creative manufacturers. Ever since it made its first motorcycle, Yamaha has believed that racing improves the breed. From winning our first ever Grand Prix points at the Isle of Man TT in June 1961 through to this year’s MotoGP victories by Jorge Lorenzo and Ben Spies, every single success on the track allows our engineers and designers to develop and refine tomorrow’s cutting-edge street-bikes. Over the past fifty years Yamaha’s racing programme has led to the development of some of the most innovative engine and chassis technologies –as well as the creation of the most ground-breaking race-developed models like the YZF-R1, whose crossplane crankshaft is a direct spinoff from the factory YZR-M1 racer.
RIDE THROUGH TEST
Yamaha WGP th 50 Anniversary Fifty years after Yamaha sent its first ever GP riders to compete in the World Championships, our newest factory rider Ben Spies helped to commemorate the occasion with his maiden MotoGP win at Assen in June 2011. Riding a YZR-M1 in Yamaha’s specially-designed red and white WGP 50th Anniversary livery, Spies was continuing the strong tradition of winning that has enabled Yamaha to become one of the industry’s most innovative and creative manufacturers. Ever since it made its first motorcycle, Yamaha has believed that racing improves the breed. From winning our first ever Grand Prix points at the Isle of Man TT in June 1961 through to this year’s MotoGP victories by Jorge Lorenzo and Ben Spies, every single success on the track allows our engineers and designers to develop and refine tomorrow’s cutting-edge street-bikes. Over the past fifty years Yamaha’s racing programme has led to the development of some of the most innovative engine and chassis technologies –as well as the creation of the most ground-breaking race-developed models like the YZF-R1, whose crossplane crankshaft is a direct spinoff from the factory YZR-M1 racer.
RIDE THROUGH TEST
Agostini This incredibly nice Giacomo Agostiniedition Yamaha YZF-R1 is a unique bike design for an auction to be done by the Papageno Foundation between February 12th and 24th. The Italian legend signed himself the bike which is accompany with an Agostini-edition AGV helmet. The R1 shows the same paint colour scheme as the Giacomo’s 1975 Yamaha YZR500 OW23, Yamaha’s first machine
created specifically for 500cc racing and the same which Yamaha won their first 500cc constructor’s championship with. The Papageno Foundation was set up about 14 years ago, with the aim of helping autistic children. “The Papageno Foundation does a fantastic job for autistic children. We are happy to help because Giacomo Agostini himself is enthusiastic about the
project. A living legend, his 15 world titles are unmatched. He is also an ideal figurehead for this action”, says Arno Sunnotel, President - Yamaha Motor Netherlands.
http://www.r1-agostini.nl/ >>
RIDE THROUGH TEST
Agostini This incredibly nice Giacomo Agostiniedition Yamaha YZF-R1 is a unique bike design for an auction to be done by the Papageno Foundation between February 12th and 24th. The Italian legend signed himself the bike which is accompany with an Agostini-edition AGV helmet. The R1 shows the same paint colour scheme as the Giacomo’s 1975 Yamaha YZR500 OW23, Yamaha’s first machine
created specifically for 500cc racing and the same which Yamaha won their first 500cc constructor’s championship with. The Papageno Foundation was set up about 14 years ago, with the aim of helping autistic children. “The Papageno Foundation does a fantastic job for autistic children. We are happy to help because Giacomo Agostini himself is enthusiastic about the
project. A living legend, his 15 world titles are unmatched. He is also an ideal figurehead for this action”, says Arno Sunnotel, President - Yamaha Motor Netherlands.
http://www.r1-agostini.nl/ >>
RIDE THROUGH TEST
Technical Highlights • MotoGP-developed 998cc liquid-cooled inline 4-cylinder 4-valve DOHC • Crossplane crankshaft with uneven 270º-180º-90º180º firing interval • Linear torque output for high levels of traction • New 6-mode MotoGP-developed Traction Control System (TCS) • New ECU with revised mapping • YCC-I (Yamaha Chip Controlled Intake)
• YCC-T (Yamaha Chip Controlled Throttle) • 3-position D-mode Map • Short-wheelbase aluminium Deltabox frame • Idealised balance of rigidity • Restyled low-drag front cowl • LED position lamps with linear illumination • New M1-style handlebar crown • Redesigned footrests • Hexagonal silencer tail caps
RIDE THROUGH TEST
Technical Highlights • MotoGP-developed 998cc liquid-cooled inline 4-cylinder 4-valve DOHC • Crossplane crankshaft with uneven 270º-180º-90º180º firing interval • Linear torque output for high levels of traction • New 6-mode MotoGP-developed Traction Control System (TCS) • New ECU with revised mapping • YCC-I (Yamaha Chip Controlled Intake)
• YCC-T (Yamaha Chip Controlled Throttle) • 3-position D-mode Map • Short-wheelbase aluminium Deltabox frame • Idealised balance of rigidity • Restyled low-drag front cowl • LED position lamps with linear illumination • New M1-style handlebar crown • Redesigned footrests • Hexagonal silencer tail caps
RIDE THROUGH TEST
Essential Links
Yamaha R1 webpage >>
Yamaha Racingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s facebook >>
RIDE THROUGH TEST
Essential Links
Yamaha R1 webpage >>
Yamaha Racingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s facebook >>
Staff
Editorial
Editor: David Clares Pozo info@ridethrough.com
The MotoGP World Championship has already turned 10 years. Since 2002 we have experienced an incredible time that has had the undisputed star of the King of MotoGP, Valentino Rossi.
MotoGP Editor: Ivan Moreno Contents Editor: David Robledo Social Media: Miguel A. Moreno Photography: davidclares.com Design: design@ridethrough.com
Now, with the championship plenty of changes, begins the 11th year of the top class and Ride Through –another great new thing of the 2012 season– starts walking beside MotoGP with a third issue full of interesting content.
Contributors Roberto Ruíz Eduardo Cos Rich Lee Ivan Robledo
Interviews with Jorge Lorenzo, Ivan Silva –CRT–, Miguel Oliveira –Moto3–, Rafid Topan –ARRC Underbone 115cc champion– and Lauren Vickers –MotoGP Paddock girl–.
Iván Moreno, Moto3 rider
Indonesia officer Yuni Prabawa
Moreover, you can find exclusive photos of new Moriwaki MD 600 2012, an analysis about the switch from 125cc to the new Moto3 class and an article about the ARRC, the exciting Asian Road Racing Championship.
Ivan Moreno, the brains behind the sports content of Ride Through Magazine, is a very fast motorcycle rider who is going to fulfill a dream this season. Ivan is already one of the 32 riders who will fight in the new class of Moto3. For us it is a great honor to have among us a World Championship rider, something few publications in the world can say.
Advertising Marketin Manager: Inmaculada Martinez Hervas marketing@ridethrough.com
Ride Through Media All materials published in RIDE THROUGH MAGAZINE is copyrighted and cannot be used for commercial purpose, just personal viewing.
We are fully confident that this new e-mag has a long and successful way to travel and we invite you to join us and enjoy reading our magazine as much as we do creating it.
Ivan is not only going to compete in the World Championship , but also he will continue working on Ride Through Magazine. He will also attend your e-mails, so if you want to write to him, you can do it at ivan@ridethrough.com.
Staff
Editorial
Editor: David Clares Pozo info@ridethrough.com
The MotoGP World Championship has already turned 10 years. Since 2002 we have experienced an incredible time that has had the undisputed star of the King of MotoGP, Valentino Rossi.
MotoGP Editor: Ivan Moreno Contents Editor: David Robledo Social Media: Miguel A. Moreno Photography: davidclares.com Design: design@ridethrough.com
Now, with the championship plenty of changes, begins the 11th year of the top class and Ride Through –another great new thing of the 2012 season– starts walking beside MotoGP with a third issue full of interesting content.
Contributors Roberto Ruíz Eduardo Cos Rich Lee Ivan Robledo
Interviews with Jorge Lorenzo, Ivan Silva –CRT–, Miguel Oliveira –Moto3–, Rafid Topan –ARRC Underbone 115cc champion– and Lauren Vickers –MotoGP Paddock girl–.
Iván Moreno, Moto3 rider
Indonesia officer Yuni Prabawa
Moreover, you can find exclusive photos of new Moriwaki MD 600 2012, an analysis about the switch from 125cc to the new Moto3 class and an article about the ARRC, the exciting Asian Road Racing Championship.
Ivan Moreno, the brains behind the sports content of Ride Through Magazine, is a very fast motorcycle rider who is going to fulfill a dream this season. Ivan is already one of the 32 riders who will fight in the new class of Moto3. For us it is a great honor to have among us a World Championship rider, something few publications in the world can say.
Advertising Marketin Manager: Inmaculada Martinez Hervas marketing@ridethrough.com
Ride Through Media All materials published in RIDE THROUGH MAGAZINE is copyrighted and cannot be used for commercial purpose, just personal viewing.
We are fully confident that this new e-mag has a long and successful way to travel and we invite you to join us and enjoy reading our magazine as much as we do creating it.
Ivan is not only going to compete in the World Championship , but also he will continue working on Ride Through Magazine. He will also attend your e-mails, so if you want to write to him, you can do it at ivan@ridethrough.com.