mika
Still Wondering
Today’s Birthdays / Calendar
Some positive motorcycle news for India
vicky.in
Is the worst over? [A long depressed market showing increases]
motorcyclistonline.com
Motorcyclists reminded that April is check your helmet month
motorcycle-usa.com
2008 Superbike Smackdown
motorcyclenews.com
Free Ferrari for BMW R1200GS Adventure riders
wheel24.co.za
Hydrogen=powered bike on the cards
amadirectlink.com
Used-bike buying checklist
bikepoint.com.au
REVIEW: BMW Xcountry & Xmoto
bikepoint.com.au
Benelli releases rally pair
I guess I’ll find out if amile reads the Morning Reads :Brad
wormenridersnow.com
Women only bike show being held
bimotausa.com
Bimota Racing History
britbikeblog.com
Idaho Vintage MC Show gallery
bikenut.com.au
Wear leather jackets and pants EVERYTIME!
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londaonbikes.com
MotoGP’s latest rivalry
bbc.co.uk
Spain’s MotoGP fit for a King
worldsbk.com: Official Web Site – News, features and more
motogp.com: Official Web Site – News, features and more
BMW Sauber F1
BMW Motorsport
Interview with BMW Motorsport Director Mario Theissen.
03-31-2008 Press Release
“Taking a bold concept leap has paid off”
How do you review the situation after the first two races of the season?
BMW Motorsport Director Mario Theissen: “Naturally we’re extremely pleased with the way the season has started off for us. Two second places by Nick and Robert in Melbourne and Sepang, Robert on the front row of the grid in Australia, Nick claiming the fastest race lap in Malaysia, plus 11 points in one race and 19 in the championship – that’s an outstanding achievement and a strong basis for the coming races. It demonstrates we have been making steady progress since the roll-out in mid-January. I wasn’t just gratified by our good results, but above all by the performance and pace we managed in both races.”
The BMW Sauber F1.08 didn’t come up to expectations in the first tests. How did the engineers deal with that?
Theissen: “It was the first real acid test for our young team. Since the first outing in Valencia the day after the launch, we refused to be diverted at any stage and systematically continued along our planned path. Measured data and driver feedback were compared, causes analysed and a whole package of measures adopted – with success. In the weeks following the launch of the F1.08, we not only brought the car up to speed but also learnt a great deal in the process. In retrospect these were extremely productive and motivating weeks. Willy Rampf and the entire team deserve a huge compliment for never once losing sight of the goal even under extreme pressure.”
You mentioned a package of measures. What precise modifications have been made to the car?
Theissen: “During the first tests we very quickly established that the F1.08 is a far more complex car than its predecessor. It wasn’t a case of an individual component in the car not working. The key factor was that, in the first tests, individual elements weren’t interacting with each other perfectly. We rectified that step by step. It was a matter of fine-tuning the overall package, which we managed to improve through dozens of minor alterations. On the aero front we optimised the interplay of the front wing, deflectors and underbody, and in terms of mechanics, for example, we modified the front suspension slightly. These are all changes you can’t see but which all add up to a significant improvement in performance. And, of course, with each test we were able to gather new data that now enables us to find the right set-up for varying conditions.”
So will you be pitching your season target higher now?
Theissen: “There’s no call for that really. Our goal is to close the gap to the leaders and win our first race. That’s a fairly ambitious goal and we’re sticking to it. In the first two races we managed to open up the two-way battle. We were faster than one of the two top teams on each occasion. But one shouldn’t draw any premature conclusions. We’re still not on a par with Ferrari and McLaren-Mercedes. However, the latest results are certainly a great incentive for everyone. The clear message to the workforce is: we can make it.”
How much potential remains inside the BMW Sauber F1.08?
Theissen: “We’ve still got several arrows in our quiver and certainly haven’t exhausted our entire potential yet. The next major step is planned for the European curtain-raiser in Barcelona. For us one thing is clear: risking a major concept leap in the winter has paid off. Now it’s up to us to systematically continue along the path we’ve embarked on.”
How do you rate the performance of your two drivers?
Theissen: “Both of them have delivered what we expect of them. Not just in the two races, but prior to that during the important testing work over the winter. Both of them have prepared single-mindedly for the new season. And both of them have got what it takes to claim the first win for our team. They also know that it takes more than just a few fast laps. The drivers are leaders within the team and have a huge impact on the team spirit and the ongoing development of the car. Both of them are bringing this awareness into play, and I am very happy with the results so far.”
How did you fare with the standard electronics in the first two races of the season?
Theissen: “There was the occasional hiccup, but that was down to the fact that the application had not yet been perfected and was unrelated to the basic software. There were no malfunctions that might have threatened to end the race or compromise driver safety.”
BMW continues 2008 WTCC campaign on difficult territory.
03-31-2008 Press Release
Munich, 31st March 2008. This weekend the BMW national teams will contest rounds three and four of the FIA World Touring Car Championship in Puebla (MX). At the season opener in Brazil four weeks ago, the quintet of drivers amassed a total of 36 points with their BMW 320si WTCC cars. The goal of the drivers is to increase their tallies at the “Aut??dromo Miguel E. Abed”. However, it’s not an easy mission that will greet them in Mexico.
On the one hand, Puebla is located about 2,200 metres above sea level. This causes a loss of engine power which must not be underestimated. This loss, however, is considerably less for competitors running diesel engines due to the different configuration of the engine. On the other hand, four of the five BMW national drivers will carry “success weight” for the first time this year. Andy Priaulx (GB) of BMW Team UK, who is ranked third in the Drivers’ Championship, carries 33 kilograms of ballast, while BMW Team Germany’s J?Ârg M??ller (DE) will have an additional load of 26 kilograms on his car. F?®lix Porteiro (ES) of BMW Team Italy-Spain and M??ller’s team-mate, Augusto Farfus (BR), will carry an additional 14 and three kilos respectively. Alessandro Zanardi (IT) is the sole BMW national team representative who will tackle the Puebla challenge without additional weight.
Andy Priaulx (BMW Team UK):
“I wish I could say that I was looking forward to the Puebla race as my last visit there in 2006 was slightly coloured by the track itself, but we all had to cope with difficult conditions due to it breaking up. However, I did prove you must never give up as I battled through to seventh position in race two from 18th on the grid, despite being hampered by a full 80 kilos of ballast. The fun of being in a world championship is the different places we visit. I am confident the organizers will have done their best to improve all the facilities.”
J?Ârg M??ller (BMW Team Germany):
“To date, the Puebla races haven’t gone too well for me. I haven’t scored a single point there so far. Following a heavy accident in practice, I even couldn’t even race in the 2005 event. Therefore, it’s quite obvious there are many tracks that I prefer compared to Puebla. However, hopefully I will manage to pick up some points this time.”
Augusto Farfus (BMW Team Germany):
“Puebla is in many respects a very challenging race track. In the past we had problems with the quality of the track surface. I really hope that the circuit is in a good condition this year. Should that be the case, then the fans can look forward to a thrilling weekend. It is a very tight course, which suits the WTCC cars very well. The banked corner is a particular highlight.”
F?®lix Porteiro (BMW Team Italy-Spain):
“In Puebla I’d like to carry on where I left off in Curitiba. I was very happy with sixth and third on the first weekend of the season. I have never been to Puebla, and it has not necessarily been a successful circuit for BMW in the past. However, let’s wait and see how the new track surface will affect the balance of power. I am looking forward to it and will do my best.”
Alessandro Zanardi (BMW Team Italy-Spain):
“After some bad experiences in Mexico, the odds should be in my favour. The short history of our championship shows that Puebla is not suitable ground for our rear-wheel drive BMWs. However, a recent good test in Vallelunga, in which I think we made some progress, makes me feel quite confident. I’m not aiming for a win, but to leave the track on Sunday night with some championship points would definitely please me.”
History and Background:
Augusto Farfus is the only current BMW driver who has tasted victory in Puebla. As an Alfa Romeo driver he was second in race one and won race two back in 2006. To date, Andy Priaulx has scored three points in Mexico. For F?®lix Porteiro it will be his maiden visit to the 3.240-kilometre track.
Puebla, the capital city of the state with the same name, has a population of approximately 1.5 million. The defining event in the town's history was the "Battle of Puebla“, during which a French expedition corps attempted to invade the town on 5th May 1862. After local farmers were able to drive back the French army, 5th May became a Mexican national holiday. Because of its impressive colonial architecture, Puebla was named an official UNESCO World Heritage site in 1987.
From the city of Puebla it is possible to see the two Central American twin volcanoes, Popocat?®petl and Iztacc?¡huatl. With a height of 5,462 meters, Popocat?®petl, which is also called "El Popo“, towers over its majestic neighbour by 176 metres. Located 15 kilometres outside Puebla are the city of Cholula and the Tepanapa pyramid. Based on its volume, it is the largest building of its kind in the world.
As part of its international cultural commitment, BMW is again supporting the “Festival de M?®xico”, which will be staged from 10th to 24th April in the country’s capital, Mexico City. This important cultural event, which was first held in 1985, annually attracts over one million visitors, while 1,300 artists from around the globe take part. BMW has partnered the festival since 1996. Musicians, dancers and actors turn the capital city into a gigantic stage.
Both WTCC races will be run over 16 laps, which is an overall distance of 51.84 kilometres. The first race will begin on Sunday at 12:20hrs local time (19:20hrs BST), race two starts at 15:20hrs (22:20hrs BST). The drivers will have the opportunity to become acquainted with the track during a 30-minute Friday test session. Both races will be broadcast live on Eurosport International and on the official BMW Motorsport website at www.bmw-motorsport.com.
The Scandal
sports.aol.com
Formula One Boss Caught in Nazi Orgy?
The response by ‘the company’
topspeed.com
FIA has no comment on Mosley “Sex Scandal”
The obligatory follow up question
windingroad.com
Question of the day: Should Max Mosley steop down?
Continued Page 2
Some positive motorcycle news for India
vicky.in
Is the worst over? [A long depressed market showing increases]
motorcyclistonline.com
Motorcyclists reminded that April is check your helmet month
motorcycle-usa.com
2008 Superbike Smackdown
motorcyclenews.com
Free Ferrari for BMW R1200GS Adventure riders
wheel24.co.za
Hydrogen=powered bike on the cards
amadirectlink.com
Used-bike buying checklist
bikepoint.com.au
REVIEW: BMW Xcountry & Xmoto
bikepoint.com.au
Benelli releases rally pair
I guess I’ll find out if amile reads the Morning Reads :Brad
wormenridersnow.com
Women only bike show being held
bimotausa.com
Bimota Racing History
britbikeblog.com
Idaho Vintage MC Show gallery
bikenut.com.au
Wear leather jackets and pants EVERYTIME!
<object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/dodlKPBb-oA"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/dodlKPBb-oA" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object>
londaonbikes.com
MotoGP’s latest rivalry
bbc.co.uk
Spain’s MotoGP fit for a King
worldsbk.com: Official Web Site – News, features and more
motogp.com: Official Web Site – News, features and more
BMW Sauber F1
BMW Motorsport
Interview with BMW Motorsport Director Mario Theissen.
03-31-2008 Press Release
“Taking a bold concept leap has paid off”
How do you review the situation after the first two races of the season?
BMW Motorsport Director Mario Theissen: “Naturally we’re extremely pleased with the way the season has started off for us. Two second places by Nick and Robert in Melbourne and Sepang, Robert on the front row of the grid in Australia, Nick claiming the fastest race lap in Malaysia, plus 11 points in one race and 19 in the championship – that’s an outstanding achievement and a strong basis for the coming races. It demonstrates we have been making steady progress since the roll-out in mid-January. I wasn’t just gratified by our good results, but above all by the performance and pace we managed in both races.”
The BMW Sauber F1.08 didn’t come up to expectations in the first tests. How did the engineers deal with that?
Theissen: “It was the first real acid test for our young team. Since the first outing in Valencia the day after the launch, we refused to be diverted at any stage and systematically continued along our planned path. Measured data and driver feedback were compared, causes analysed and a whole package of measures adopted – with success. In the weeks following the launch of the F1.08, we not only brought the car up to speed but also learnt a great deal in the process. In retrospect these were extremely productive and motivating weeks. Willy Rampf and the entire team deserve a huge compliment for never once losing sight of the goal even under extreme pressure.”
You mentioned a package of measures. What precise modifications have been made to the car?
Theissen: “During the first tests we very quickly established that the F1.08 is a far more complex car than its predecessor. It wasn’t a case of an individual component in the car not working. The key factor was that, in the first tests, individual elements weren’t interacting with each other perfectly. We rectified that step by step. It was a matter of fine-tuning the overall package, which we managed to improve through dozens of minor alterations. On the aero front we optimised the interplay of the front wing, deflectors and underbody, and in terms of mechanics, for example, we modified the front suspension slightly. These are all changes you can’t see but which all add up to a significant improvement in performance. And, of course, with each test we were able to gather new data that now enables us to find the right set-up for varying conditions.”
So will you be pitching your season target higher now?
Theissen: “There’s no call for that really. Our goal is to close the gap to the leaders and win our first race. That’s a fairly ambitious goal and we’re sticking to it. In the first two races we managed to open up the two-way battle. We were faster than one of the two top teams on each occasion. But one shouldn’t draw any premature conclusions. We’re still not on a par with Ferrari and McLaren-Mercedes. However, the latest results are certainly a great incentive for everyone. The clear message to the workforce is: we can make it.”
How much potential remains inside the BMW Sauber F1.08?
Theissen: “We’ve still got several arrows in our quiver and certainly haven’t exhausted our entire potential yet. The next major step is planned for the European curtain-raiser in Barcelona. For us one thing is clear: risking a major concept leap in the winter has paid off. Now it’s up to us to systematically continue along the path we’ve embarked on.”
How do you rate the performance of your two drivers?
Theissen: “Both of them have delivered what we expect of them. Not just in the two races, but prior to that during the important testing work over the winter. Both of them have prepared single-mindedly for the new season. And both of them have got what it takes to claim the first win for our team. They also know that it takes more than just a few fast laps. The drivers are leaders within the team and have a huge impact on the team spirit and the ongoing development of the car. Both of them are bringing this awareness into play, and I am very happy with the results so far.”
How did you fare with the standard electronics in the first two races of the season?
Theissen: “There was the occasional hiccup, but that was down to the fact that the application had not yet been perfected and was unrelated to the basic software. There were no malfunctions that might have threatened to end the race or compromise driver safety.”
BMW continues 2008 WTCC campaign on difficult territory.
03-31-2008 Press Release
Munich, 31st March 2008. This weekend the BMW national teams will contest rounds three and four of the FIA World Touring Car Championship in Puebla (MX). At the season opener in Brazil four weeks ago, the quintet of drivers amassed a total of 36 points with their BMW 320si WTCC cars. The goal of the drivers is to increase their tallies at the “Aut??dromo Miguel E. Abed”. However, it’s not an easy mission that will greet them in Mexico.
On the one hand, Puebla is located about 2,200 metres above sea level. This causes a loss of engine power which must not be underestimated. This loss, however, is considerably less for competitors running diesel engines due to the different configuration of the engine. On the other hand, four of the five BMW national drivers will carry “success weight” for the first time this year. Andy Priaulx (GB) of BMW Team UK, who is ranked third in the Drivers’ Championship, carries 33 kilograms of ballast, while BMW Team Germany’s J?Ârg M??ller (DE) will have an additional load of 26 kilograms on his car. F?®lix Porteiro (ES) of BMW Team Italy-Spain and M??ller’s team-mate, Augusto Farfus (BR), will carry an additional 14 and three kilos respectively. Alessandro Zanardi (IT) is the sole BMW national team representative who will tackle the Puebla challenge without additional weight.
Andy Priaulx (BMW Team UK):
“I wish I could say that I was looking forward to the Puebla race as my last visit there in 2006 was slightly coloured by the track itself, but we all had to cope with difficult conditions due to it breaking up. However, I did prove you must never give up as I battled through to seventh position in race two from 18th on the grid, despite being hampered by a full 80 kilos of ballast. The fun of being in a world championship is the different places we visit. I am confident the organizers will have done their best to improve all the facilities.”
J?Ârg M??ller (BMW Team Germany):
“To date, the Puebla races haven’t gone too well for me. I haven’t scored a single point there so far. Following a heavy accident in practice, I even couldn’t even race in the 2005 event. Therefore, it’s quite obvious there are many tracks that I prefer compared to Puebla. However, hopefully I will manage to pick up some points this time.”
Augusto Farfus (BMW Team Germany):
“Puebla is in many respects a very challenging race track. In the past we had problems with the quality of the track surface. I really hope that the circuit is in a good condition this year. Should that be the case, then the fans can look forward to a thrilling weekend. It is a very tight course, which suits the WTCC cars very well. The banked corner is a particular highlight.”
F?®lix Porteiro (BMW Team Italy-Spain):
“In Puebla I’d like to carry on where I left off in Curitiba. I was very happy with sixth and third on the first weekend of the season. I have never been to Puebla, and it has not necessarily been a successful circuit for BMW in the past. However, let’s wait and see how the new track surface will affect the balance of power. I am looking forward to it and will do my best.”
Alessandro Zanardi (BMW Team Italy-Spain):
“After some bad experiences in Mexico, the odds should be in my favour. The short history of our championship shows that Puebla is not suitable ground for our rear-wheel drive BMWs. However, a recent good test in Vallelunga, in which I think we made some progress, makes me feel quite confident. I’m not aiming for a win, but to leave the track on Sunday night with some championship points would definitely please me.”
History and Background:
Augusto Farfus is the only current BMW driver who has tasted victory in Puebla. As an Alfa Romeo driver he was second in race one and won race two back in 2006. To date, Andy Priaulx has scored three points in Mexico. For F?®lix Porteiro it will be his maiden visit to the 3.240-kilometre track.
Puebla, the capital city of the state with the same name, has a population of approximately 1.5 million. The defining event in the town's history was the "Battle of Puebla“, during which a French expedition corps attempted to invade the town on 5th May 1862. After local farmers were able to drive back the French army, 5th May became a Mexican national holiday. Because of its impressive colonial architecture, Puebla was named an official UNESCO World Heritage site in 1987.
From the city of Puebla it is possible to see the two Central American twin volcanoes, Popocat?®petl and Iztacc?¡huatl. With a height of 5,462 meters, Popocat?®petl, which is also called "El Popo“, towers over its majestic neighbour by 176 metres. Located 15 kilometres outside Puebla are the city of Cholula and the Tepanapa pyramid. Based on its volume, it is the largest building of its kind in the world.
As part of its international cultural commitment, BMW is again supporting the “Festival de M?®xico”, which will be staged from 10th to 24th April in the country’s capital, Mexico City. This important cultural event, which was first held in 1985, annually attracts over one million visitors, while 1,300 artists from around the globe take part. BMW has partnered the festival since 1996. Musicians, dancers and actors turn the capital city into a gigantic stage.
Both WTCC races will be run over 16 laps, which is an overall distance of 51.84 kilometres. The first race will begin on Sunday at 12:20hrs local time (19:20hrs BST), race two starts at 15:20hrs (22:20hrs BST). The drivers will have the opportunity to become acquainted with the track during a 30-minute Friday test session. Both races will be broadcast live on Eurosport International and on the official BMW Motorsport website at www.bmw-motorsport.com.
The Scandal
sports.aol.com
Formula One Boss Caught in Nazi Orgy?
The response by ‘the company’
topspeed.com
FIA has no comment on Mosley “Sex Scandal”
The obligatory follow up question
windingroad.com
Question of the day: Should Max Mosley steop down?
Continued Page 2
