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Bench Racing & The Morning Reads

Friday, 08 October

motrcycoecannonball.com: RSS feed link for updates and standings

Formula 1 and …

fia.com: Japan GP - Conference 2
08/10/2010
TEAM REPRESENTATIVES: Norbert HAUG (Mercedes), Robert FERNLEY (Force India), Adam PARR (Williams), Franz TOST (Toro Rosso), Hiroshi YASUKAWA (Bridgestone)


The Mothership

BMW Group: Strong sales growth of 16.8% in September
• 08.10.2010
• Press Release
• BMW brand volumes up more than 20%
• MINI reports best September sales ever
• Over 100,000 BMW X6 delivered since market launch

Munich. The BMW Group continued its successful course worldwide in September. With 142,950 (prev. yr. 122,360) BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce brand automobiles delivered to customers, sales were 16.8% higher than in the same month last year. In the period up to and including September, i.e. to the end of the third quarter, a total of 1,062,216 vehicles were supplied to customers. This represents an increase of 13.1% from the same period last year (939,554).

Ian Robertson, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, responsible for Sales and Marketing: “Growth was encouragingly strong in September, with gains on most of our markets. We have exceptional new products and intend to maintain this upward trend throughout the fourth quarter. Here, we expect to see robust growth in the double-digit percentage range.” Robertson added: “BMW Group retail has exceeded our expectations so far this year. We are confident to deliver more than 1.4 million vehicles over the course of 2010 and to remain the clear number 1 among premium manufacturers once again this year.”

The BMW brand reported 117,467 sales in the month under review – exceeding last September’s figure (97,550) by 20.4%. The main growth drivers were once again the large model series in particular. The strongest gains were made in September by the BMW 5 Series Sedan with an increase in volumes of 63.1% to 19,184 units (prev. yr. 11,761). The new BMW 5 Series Touring launched just a few days ago, and orders for the new model already look very promising. A total of 2,872 customers received their BMW 5 Series GT in September; while 5,491 (prev. yr. 4,336 / +26.6%) buyers purchased a BMW 7 Series. The BMW X models also remain on course for success: Last month, 10,049 BMW X1 vehicles were delivered to customers. Sales of the BMW X5 were at a similar level – climbing 48.0% to 10,807 (prev. yr. 7,304) units. The BMW X6 has also been very successful: A total of 4,491 BMW X6 models were delivered to customers in September (prev. yr. 3,849 / +16.7%); over 100,000 of these SAC (Sports Activity Coup?®) vehicles have been sold since their April 2008 market launch. Robertson: “A further highlight this autumn will be the new BMW X3, which will be coming onto the market in Europe in late November. With more space and comfort, and less weight, the second generation will also set new standards. The first BMW X3 created a new segment in 2004 and rapidly became a bestseller. I am confident that the new model will continue this success story.” No fewer than 600,000 BMW X3 vehicles have been delivered to customers since 2004.

The MINI brand also increased its sales volume in September (+1.9%). With 25,222 (prev. yr. 24,760) deliveries, the brand reported its best September result ever. A major contributor was the new MINI Countryman which launched mid-month. The brand’s first crossover model has already been received by 1,760 customers. In the period up to and including September, 167,751 (prev. yr. 161,638 / +3.8%) MINI cars were delivered to customers all around the world.

In the month under review, the BMW Group increased retail volumes in its three largest markets of Germany, the U.S. and China, among others. In Germany’s still declining overall market (-17.8%), the company reported 16.6% (21,452 / prev. yr. 18,402) more new vehicle registrations and was able to expand both its BMW and MINI brands’ market share. A total of 194,708 (prev. yr. 196,311 / -0.8%) vehicles have been sold since January. Furthermore, BMW was the only premium brand among its competitors with a higher level of new vehicle registrations (171,206 / +0.6%) in Germany in the year to the end of September. Strong growth was also reported in the U.S., where the company sold 20.5% more vehicles than in September 2009 at 23,112 deliveries. A total of 192,052 (prev. yr. 179.219 / +7.2%) BMW and MINI vehicles were delivered to customers in the United States in the year to the end of September. With an 89.1% increase in volumes, China’s growth rate also remained high in the month under review – 15,379 (prev. yr. 8.131) vehicles were sold in what is now the BMW Group’s third-largest market. Compared with the same period last year, sales virtually doubled, thanks to growth of 95.3% (121,826 / prev. yr. 62,394).

Rolls-Royce sales are also maintaining momentum. Deliveries of the Phantom and Ghost models leaped 422.0% to 261 (prev. yr. 50) units in September. Between January and September a total of 1,728 (prev. yr. 461 / +274.8%) vehicles were delivered to their new owners.

BMW Motorrad reported its best September results ever with a total of 8,066 deliveries to customers. With an increase of 4.5 %, its strong results will once again exceed last year's September results. A total of 81,508 motorcycles were delivered to customers worldwide in the year to the end of September – 11,793 (+16.9%) more vehicles than in the same period of 2009. BMW Motorrad is therefore continuing on a stable growth course despite difficult market conditions.



Woot of the Day
 
It's why I read this thread first... Keep this stuff comin'... :lurk

Thank you.

personally, it's the good vibes i get from the "alga rhythms" :ha

Thank you for the questions. I enjoy them. So many times I feel like I am doing a monologue in a sound proof booth.


Left my dictionary at my daughters home. : ha The wonderful thing about spell check for survivors of WisconsinÔÇÖs 1950/60s vintage phonix program (big on vocabulary development not so on spelling, at least for me) is it gives you properly spelled homophones to throw your dart at and use.
:laugh
 
Saturday, 09 October

Formula 1 and 

Rains delay F1 Qualifying to Sunday

The same conditions prevailed in 2004 causing qualifying and the race to happen on the same day. Racing rules for all races prohibit teams from working on their cars between qualifying and the race, with the exception of repairing or replacing broken parts. Therefore, the cars that make it through qualifying at any stage should have no problems making the grid. Teams that suffer big failures or crashes will have to work quickly in order to start if that should happen.

The human element may be another thing.

The already busy Sunday of pit crews will be even more so. This will put a great deal of pressure on their stamina. Physically they will not doubt be up to it but will they be able to manage the added mental drain that practice/qualifying/full race in one day will put on them? The problem is perhaps greatest for the new teams.

In 2004 Michael Schumacher took the pole and the race in same day qualifying. He is incredibly fit (here it comes) for his age. He and his car have not had the legs to do a repeat this season of that kind of performance, but does he have the legs to hold his qualifying position or improve it in the race? The field is full of ÔÇÿseasonedÔÇÖ drivers like Barrichello Heidfeld and a few more hitting their mid thirties. Will age catch up with them on this race day with its extra demands? Youth may have its physical virtues but raises the question of mental fitness and discipline to deal with the day.

All that said the people with the biggest problems on Sunday may well be the SpeedTV commentators. There will be limited time for them to prepare their prattle for the race, but will race fans really notice?

What you will notice for now is that this is where this post ends. I just received a call from work. Back tongiht...
 
Saturday Leftovers

WSBK et al.

Get out the calendar and mark down these dates.

February 27 Australia Phillip Island
March 27 Europe t.b.a
April 17 The Netherlands Assen
May 8 Italy Monza
May 30 (Monday) United States Miller Motorsport Park
June 12 San Marino Misano
June 19 Spain Motorland Aragon
July 10 Czech Republic Brno
July 31 Great Britain Silverstone
September 4 Germany Nurburgring
September 25 Italy t.b.a
October 2 France Magny Cours
October 16 Portugal Portimao

This is the 2011 WSBK calendar. The US ÔÇô Miller Motorspart Park round will be held over Memorial weekend once again. The locations of the second round in March and the September Italian round have yet to be announced. We will hear about contracts needing to be finalized and signed but my guess the announcement delay has more to do with World Touring Car and Formula 2 needing to finalize their schedules than legalize of contracts. Stay tuned.

MotoGP

Lorenzo Take Sepang Pole

Pos. Num. Rider Nation Team Bike Km/h Time Gap 1st/Prev.
1 99 Jorge LORENZO
SPA Fiat Yamaha Team Yamaha 309.2 2'01.537
2 69 Nicky HAYDEN
USA Ducati Team Ducati 306.6 2'01.637 0.100 / 0.100
3 4 Andrea DOVIZIOSO
ITA Repsol Honda Team Honda 310.3 2'01.829 0.292 / 0.192
4 11 Ben SPIES
USA Monster Yamaha Tech 3 Yamaha 304.5 2'01.993 0.456 / 0.164
5 27 Casey STONER
AUS Ducati Team Ducati 309.1 2'02.023 0.486 / 0.030
6 46 Valentino ROSSI
ITA Fiat Yamaha Team Yamaha 306.6 2'02.030 0.493 / 0.007
7 5 Colin EDWARDS
USA Monster Yamaha Tech 3 Yamaha 308.8 2'02.097 0.560 / 0.067
8 19 Alvaro BAUTISTA
SPA Rizla Suzuki MotoGP Suzuki 308.1 2'02.394 0.857 / 0.297
9 65 Loris CAPIROSSI
ITA Rizla Suzuki MotoGP Suzuki 310.1 2'02.522 0.985 / 0.128
10 33 Marco MELANDRI
ITA San Carlo Honda Gresini Honda 309.6 2'02.624 1.087 / 0.102
11 58 Marco SIMONCELLI
ITA San Carlo Honda Gresini Honda 304.7 2'02.690 1.153 / 0.066
12 41 Aleix ESPARGARO
SPA Pramac Racing Team Ducati 306.6 2'02.723 1.186 / 0.033
13 14 Randy DE PUNIET
FRA LCR Honda MotoGP Honda 305.4 2'02.775 1.238 / 0.052
14 7 Hiroshi AOYAMA
JPN Interwetten Honda MotoGP Honda 308.8 2'02.778 1.241 / 0.003
15 40 Hector BARBERA
SPA Paginas Amarillas Aspar Ducati 311.1 2'02.928 1.391 / 0.150
16 36 Mika KALLIO
FIN Pramac Racing Team Ducati 308.0 2'04.167 2.630 / 1.239


MotoGP.com: Sepang qualifying view from Gavin Emmet


bbc.co.uk: Valentino Rossi angered by Malaysian MotoGP start delay

Motorcycle racing is clearly the little brother to auto racing as MotoGP delays its start time so it does not class with the F1 Japanese GP race. However, this is not the cause of RossiÔÇÖs latest bout of anger.

Rossi, the weatherman, points out that "At 1400 there's a 90% chance it won't rain - at 1600 it's the same percentage that it will rain. It's really stupid." Even if he is wrong as a weather man he is right about the delay being stupid.

Formula 1 and 

Saturday Leftovers

Lewis Hamilton will drop five grid spots before having a chance to qualify. McLaren detected gearbox problems after the rain soaked practice session. The problem was thought to have been fixed during the day but when the car was fired up in the afternoon things looked worse. The team described the problem as high pressure in the gear box. Their inability to solve the problem lead them to replace the gear box resulting in the penalty.

Hamilton has had a tough race weekend already. Friday he crashed out of the first practice session at Suzuka. Perhaps he is setting himself up to win the title on the last lap of the last race once again.

formula1.com: Selected driver quotes


Formula 1 heads to Korea for the next race in two weeks. Final inspection and approval of the track for racing will take place sometime next week. Bernie Ecclestone has said the track will have no problems passing those inspections. Take a look at it in this promotional video.
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Qualifying Japanese GP - Formula 1

Vettle takes the pole and Red Bull takes row one.

These results do not show Hamiltons 5 spot penalty.

Oct 10 (Reuters) - Qualifying results for the Japanese
Grand Prix at Suzuka on Sunday:
1. Sebastian Vettel (Germany) RedBull - Renault
1:30.785
2. Mark Webber (Australia) RedBull - Renault
1:30.853
3. Lewis Hamilton (Britain) McLaren
1:31.169
4. Robert Kubica (Poland) Renault
1:31.231
5. Fernando Alonso (Spain) Ferrari
1:31.352
6. Jenson Button (Britain) McLaren
1:31.378
7. Nico Rosberg (Germany) Mercedes
1:31.494
8. Rubens Barrichello (Brazil) Williams - Cosworth
1:31.535
9. Nico Hulkenberg (Germany) Williams - Cosworth
1:31.559
10. Michael Schumacher (Germany) Mercedes
1:31.846
- - - -
11. Nick Heidfeld (Germany) BMW Sauber - Ferrari
1:32.187
12. Felipe Massa (Brazil) Ferrari
1:32.321
13. Vitaly Petrov (Russia) Renault
1:32.422
14. Kamui Kobayashi (Japan) BMW Sauber - Ferrari
1:32.427
15. Adrian Sutil (Germany) Force India - Mercedes
1:32.659
16. Jaime Alguersuari (Spain) Toro Rosso - Ferrari
1:33.071
17. Vitantonio Liuzzi (Italy) Force India - Mercedes
1:33.154 - - - -
18. Sebastien Buemi (Switzerland) Toro Rosso - Ferrari
1:33.568
19. Jarno Trulli (Italy) Lotus - Cosworth
1:35.346
20. Heikki Kovalainen (Finland) Lotus - Cosworth
1:35.464
21. Lucas Di Grassi (Brazil) Virgin - Cosworth
1:36.265
22. Timo Glock (Germany) Virgin - Cosworth
1:36.332
23. Bruno Senna (Brazil) HRT - Cosworth
1:37.270
24. Sakon Yamamoto (Japan) HRT - Cosworth
1:37.365

Q1 eliminated the usual drivers and teams.

Q2 - Ferrari is off pace and Massa does not advance. BMW Sauber is out in this round too, but Quick Nick was fater than Massa.

Q3 - Red Bull has been strong all weekedn once again. Vettle pips Webber for the pole. The top 10 will not change but the order will with Hamilton's penalty.

The battle to watch may well be for P3. Team orders if they exist :ha will dictate which Red Bull driver takes the win; assuming they don't take each other out.
- Alonso will not make the cut
- nor will Rosberg

The fight for P3 will be between Hamilton Button and Kubica. Kubica can hold off Button but I am not certain he can hold off Hamilton.

These are my guesses for now. We will know in just a few hours (if I can stay awake that is).

Coffee!!! I wonder if the official fly-over-land pit stop delivers. Had a couple glasses of wine and I should not drive...or type.
 
Japanese GP - Fi - Race notes

Japanese GP - Race notes

The formation lap is done and the cars are back on the grid.

Lights are red ÔÇô the bloody red lights turn green.

1/53
Vettel leads into turn one followed by Kubica and Webber

Petrov leads into the wall followed by Massa who beaches his car with suspension damage and others. The Safety Car Deploys (SCD)

On the first lap five cars are taken out.

Replays show Petrov vering across the track clipping HulkenbergÔÇÖs Williams spinning him into the barries. In turn one Massa and Luzi collide. Di Grassi is also out in the process.

While the SCD is out Rosberg, Trulli, Clock and Senna pit. A change of tires and they are out. This means they have made their mandatory pit stop and could go all the way. Strategy will play out from here for them.

3/53
Kubica is out!!! His right rear wheel is missing. So much for my predictions. Three laps in and both Renaults are out. 18 cars remain in the race. Replays show his wheel just coming away from the car.

Vettel Webber Alonso Button Hamilton Barrichello Schumacher Heidfeld Sutil and Alguersuari are in the points positions at this time.

5/53
10.1 seconds separate P1 and P10. Button and Hamilton are showing the biggest gap as the field follows the safety car.

7/53
The Saftey Car is in and Vettel leads the restart.

8/53
Rosberg passes Buemi for P12 but runs wide and looses it back

Schumacher passesBarrichello for P6 and falls in 2.0 seconds behind Hamilton in P5.

Less than 10 seconds covers P1-10

9/53
Red Bull is gapping the field as Alonso is falling back in P3 almost 4 seconds behind the leader Vettel. The field remains tight but can not push at Red Bull pace.

10-12/53
Vettel and Webber take turns setting incrementally better fast laps.

13/53
Alonso has fallen 5.8 seconds behind Vettel and 3.7 second behind Webber. He is not getting real pressure from Button. Button on the other hand has Hamilton full in his rear mirrors. Teammates donÔÇÖt get aggressive with each other early but Hamilton has to be sizing him up. Schumacher is in P6. The Mercedes is not showing the pace it has had in practice session where it showed strongly. He is now 15 seconds off the lead pace.

16/53
Back markers have been trading paint in the last laps.

Kobayashi in his Sauber passes Alguersauri in the Toro Rosso with minor contact in the process.

Trulli passes Yamamoto for P15 after the HRT driver makes a mistake.

18/53
Heidfeld and Sutil into the pits for tires and Mika for a fresh pressed cup of coffee. Kobayashi takes P8 in the process. He continues to show that this years BMW Sauber has top 10 pace capabilities.

20 of 53
Barrichello pits from P7

The top 10 are Vettel Webber Alonso Button Hamilton Schumacher Barrichello Kobayashi Alguersauri and Buemi

21/53
More pit stops will juggle the field.

22/53
Hamilton pits from P5. He rejoins in P7.

23/53
Ferrari is getting ready for Alonso

Hamilton passes Kobayashi for P6 then loses it back.
Schumacher pits.
Alonso has stayed out. Red Bull seems to have settled

24/53
Vettel pits from P1 and Alonso dives into the pits behind him. Both are in and out cleanly and rejoin the field in P3 and P4 respectively.

Hamilton passes Kobayashi for P5 and makes it stick. He has Alonso in his sights.

24/53
Hamilton goes purple setting a new fast lap and Webber pits. He rejoins in third. Button is shown in the lead but he has yet to pit.

26/53
Hamilton is doing his best to fight forward to set up Button for a pit pass. If he can get the gap down he will pass his teammate when he makes his pit stop.

Mercedes GP teammates are dueling. Rosberg his just holding on to a 0.1 second lead over Schumacher and the old veteran is pushing him. The fight is for P8.

27/53
Hamilton goes purple again.

28/53
AlonsoÔÇÖs turn to finally go purple.

29/53
Button is just pulling gap on Vettel who now is in P2. But the important gap is back to Hamilton who is 16.8 seconds behind the leader and looking like he will pull of a pit pass when Button finally pits.

30/53
Alonso purple once more.
HamiltonÔÇÖs gap is down to 16.3 behind his teammate

The points field is Button Vettel Webber Alonso Hamilton Kobayashi Rosberg Schumacher Heidfeld and Barrichello.

In this group Button and Kobayashi have yet to make their mandatory pit stop.

42.8 seconds now separate P1 and P10.

33/53
Vettel has been motoring behind Button as if on a tow bar holding a consistent 1.7 second gap.

34/53
Nice guy Sebastian, make me a liar and take the gap down to 1.5 seconds. He has been able to open a small gap on Webber Alonso and Hamilton in the process.

35/53
Hamilton goes purple. His gap to P1 is now at 10.9 seconds and Alonso is now only 2.9 seconds in front of him.

When will Button pit? The sense I get is Vettel Webber Alonso and Hamilton will jet past him when he pits. He could settle back in the race behind Hamilton. The question then is does he have time to run down his teammate and who is using his tires up a bit more quickly than everyone else.

37/53
Kobayashi in P6 is 29.9 seconds behind Button and needs to pit. Rosberg in P7 is 38.1 behind the leader. Button would cycle in behind his teammate.

He pits! This should rev up the field and does.

38/53 Vettel goes purple in S1 S2 and green in S3 setting a new fast lap.

39/53
Button returns in P5 behind Vettel in P1 followed by Webber Alonso and Hamilton. 18.8 seconds covers P1-5 then there is a gap to Rosberg in P6 of 23 seconds.

40/53
Button goes purple.

Hamilton has told his team that he has lost third gear! That sucks.

41/53
Hamilton has fallen 7.4 seconds behind Alonso in P3 and is slowly being wound in by Button.

42/53
Schumacher has to be going nuts.

Rosberg remains 0.5 seconds ahead of him in P6. Rosberg is 44.1 seconds adrift of the leader. Behind him P7-13 are bunch up with less than 10 seconds covering the spread.

Again a pair of wide bodied jets that can not maintain leader pace pass or be passed. Not what Mercedes had in mind for the ubber German team they purchased and built.

44/53
Hamilton intentionally eases wide allowing Button to take P4

45/53
Button quickly opens almost a 4 second gap on his teammate.

46/53
Button goes purple but is still shown 12 seconds behind Alonso in P3. There may not be enough time is my math is correct.

47/53
I am afraid to mention the leaders name for fear of jinxing him. He should win easily with Webber coming home in P2. The race is for p3

48/53
Button goes purple again but the gap to Alonso is still 10.5 seconds. Even if he were to catch him he would still have to pass him. 5 laps left not enough time.

49/53
Rosberg has a failure of some sort in the left rear and is off into a tire barrier.

Kobayashi and Heidfeld are going at it with the former taking Quick Nick for position. A fight for position on and off the track between new teammates.

51/53
Vettel goes purple

With Rosberg out of his way Schumacher is closing his gap to the next position. To little way to late but proving the point that Rosberg was holding up traffic with his wide bodied Mercedes.

53/53
Vettel Wins
P2 Webber who pips his teammate for fast lap on the final lap
P3 Alonso
P4 Button 10.8 seconds adrift of him
P 5 Hamilton ÔÇô a disappointing finish but hard fought
P 6 Schumacher  if he had been able to pass Rosberg sooner Hamiltonbut he did not.
P7 Kobayashi
P8 Heidfeld P7/8 for the Hinwil team.
P.9 Barrichello
P10 Buemi

I donÔÇÖt think I can stay up for the MotoGP race. Rossi has to be fuming even more. With the exception of early lap carnage this was a typical F1 race with passing that can not hold a candle to motorcycle racing. I hope Rossi is a poor weather man. Right now the weather channel show Sepang as 90F and mostly cloudy.
 
Sunday, 10 October

Rossi takes the win at the Malaysian GP and teammate Lorenzo takes the Riders Championship.

Sixteen riders took the grid to start the delayed race. As the lights went green the field scrambled and positions were won and lost. As the second lap began only fifteen bikes were listed on the live timing sheet.

The temperature at race time was 90 degrees but Casey Stoner would blame cold tires for his first lap crash that left him listed as not starting. The team had not properly wormed up his tires, a key task required to make the big slicks sticky enough at the start inorder to give the grip until racing brings and maintains them at a proper temperature. Stoners rear tire broke loose and he went down and out the race.

Lorenzo was firmly in the lead at the end of the first lap and Rossi was shown all the way down the grid in P9. The remaining laps were a treat of overtaking and yield positions that make motorcycle racing such a treat; particularly when compared to the F1 race that is stepped aside for two hours so not to infringe. Lornenzo would not yield the lead until loosing it during lap 9 to HondaÔÇÖs Davisiozo. The Italian would only hold the lead for two more laps before Rossi would take the lead.

Ben Spies had a good race. He took the green flag in P4 and held the same position when the checkered flag fell. Between the two flags he did his fair share of dueling. This was a good finish. Tech 3 is not slouch team but I am anxious to see what he will do with the A team Yamaha equipment.

When Lorenzo crossed the finish line he became champion and was greeted by Mario and Luigi, to guys in costume; shortly he hoisted the Spanish flag and then tangled it in the chain of the bike bringing it to a halt. I am certain he will have it untangled for the Phillips Island MotoGP round next weekend.

Pos. Points Num. Rider Nation Team Bike Km/h Time/Gap
1 25 46 Valentino ROSSI
ITA Fiat Yamaha Team Yamaha 162.2 41'03.448
2 20 4 Andrea DOVIZIOSO
ITA Repsol Honda Team Honda 162.1 +0.224
3 16 99 Jorge LORENZO
SPA Fiat Yamaha Team Yamaha 161.8 +6.035
4 13 11 Ben SPIES
USA Monster Yamaha Tech 3 Yamaha 161.3 +13.676
5 11 19 Alvaro BAUTISTA
SPA Rizla Suzuki MotoGP Suzuki 161.1 +15.402
6 10 69 Nicky HAYDEN
USA Ducati Team Ducati 160.9 +18.826
7 9 7 Hiroshi AOYAMA
JPN Interwetten Honda MotoGP Honda 160.8 +20.218
8 8 58 Marco SIMONCELLI
ITA San Carlo Honda Gresini Honda 160.6 +23.574
9 7 33 Marco MELANDRI
ITA San Carlo Honda Gresini Honda 160.6 +23.964
10 6 14 Randy DE PUNIET
FRA LCR Honda MotoGP Honda 160.1 +31.850
11 5 40 Hector BARBERA
SPA Paginas Amarillas Aspar Ducati 159.7 +38.579
12 4 36 Mika KALLIO
FIN Pramac Racing Team Ducati 159.6 +38.849
5 Colin EDWARDS
USA Monster Yamaha Tech 3 Yamaha 111.0 6 Laps
Not Classified
41 Aleix ESPARGARO
SPA Pramac Racing Team Ducati 158.3 14 Laps
65 Loris CAPIROSSI
ITA Rizla Suzuki MotoGP Suzuki 158.0 16 Laps
Not Starting
27 Casey STONER
AUS Ducati Team Ducati 0 Lap
 
Monday, 11 October

WSBK et al.

CorserÔÇÖs blog on last weekÔÇÖs testing of the 2010 and 2011 S1000RR

The push pull continues between mechanical and electronic development. Read between the lines and try not to be a homer and you will still be up beat when you are done reading this bit of pr fluff from BMWÔÇÖs number one rider. So he didnÔÇÖt get to golf and has a full schedule until well into December; February is not that far away.

Troycorser.com: TROY TRIES THE 2011 BMW.

After the superb weather during last weekendÔÇÖs final round of this yearÔÇÖs Superbike World Championship, it was back to work in different conditions for the two-day tests on Tuesday and Wednesday this week in Magny-Cours. The rain that first appeared on Monday continued on Tuesday morning and although the track was in better condition by the end of the day, there were still damp patches round the 4.11 kilometre circuit. During the day, not that many laps were completed, but Wednesday was a different matter and everybody got down to business as normal. Troy spent all his time on the 2011 S 1000 RR and was able to give his engineers plenty of info on the new bike by the end of the day.

Troy
I shouldÔÇÖve played golf on Monday, but the bad weather ruled that out and Tuesday was no better really. It absolutely bucketed down during the night and so the track was pretty wet in the morning. The rain did stop for a while and we all thought itÔÇÖd be OK later on, but, in the end, it wasnÔÇÖt. I did actually manage to get on to slicks at the end of the day, but there so many damp patches around that it wouldÔÇÖve been very easy to crash, so I took it pretty steadily.

Fortunately Wednesday was dry and pretty sunny for most of the the time, so we were able to get a lot of work done. Our original plan was for me to ride both the 2010 and 2011 bikes, but the loss of time on Tuesday meant that I concentrated on riding the 2011 bike and giving us much info as possible to the engineers.
The 2011 bike feels different for sure. The engine feels better and the balance of the bike is a bit different. The difference in balance is to try and give us more mechanical grip, but one thing that seems pretty similar is that once the track temperature goes up, we struggle because we lose grip. Mind you, everybody struggled a bit with grip in the afternoon. The 2011 bike runs different software, so we have to learn what to change and how to change it.

I spoke to Leon a bit about the 2010 bike and itÔÇÖs interesting because he made the same comments about it that Ruben and I did. ThatÔÇÖs good for me and Ruben, because Leon was riding the bike for the first time and his comments were completely fresh. I honestly didnÔÇÖt think that Leon wouldÔÇÖve had a different opinion about the bike than me, but it was good that we share the same feelings.

Any chances of a quiet post season have gone, because IÔÇÖm pretty busy now up to the end of November. I go home today and then fly to Cologne on Saturday morning and do two days at the Intermot Bike Show. WeÔÇÖve got testing at the new Spanish track (Aragon) towards the end of October, but before that Leon and I are doing a fitness camp, like the one I did last year, though this time at the teamÔÇÖs base. Then, in November, thereÔÇÖs testing in Jerez and Portimao, so thatÔÇÖs me pretty well taken care of until December. I think IÔÇÖll deserve a rest by then!

See ya,
Troy

MotoGP

motogp.com: Spies satisfied with another ÔÇÿReally Strong ResultÔÇØ

Formula 1 and 

FIA Japanese GP Race Day Press Conferences

Qualifying
Japan GP - Conference 3
10/10/2010
DRIVERS:
1. Sebastian VETTEL (Red Bull), 1m30.785s
2. Mark WEBBER (Red Bull), 1m30.853s
3. Lewis HAMILTON (McLaren), 1m31.169s


Race
Japan GP - Conference 4
10/10/2010
1. Sebastian VETTEL (Red Bull), 1h30m27.323s
2. Mark WEBBER (Red Bull), 1h30m28.228s
3. Fernando ALONSO (Ferrari), 1h30m30.044s

formula1.com: Analysis of the Japanese GP and standings

autosport.com: Q&A ÔÇô Sauber key on Japan success

formula1.comm: Petrov will be dropped five grid slots as result of the open crash at Suzuka

Other Racing

11 October 2010 07:21
Kirssi is European Champion again

Simo Kirssi ended his BMW supremacy with one more title after winning the European Cross Country Championship at Rudolstadt, Germany. The Finn, riding for Team BMW Husqvarna Motorsport, defended his crown with a dominant race win - his last ever aboard the BMW 450 X.

Kirssi altogether won 16 of those 24 cross country races he officially entered since 2008. The 31-year old took two German and three European titles during that period, presenting an unrivalled success story to the Bavarian brand. No wonder emotions were flying high as Kirssi crossed the finish line. Fans and friends knew they were just becoming part of something special.

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The Rudolstadt track as a newcomer to the series proved to be the perfect choice for a grand finale. The layout had everything a rider could wish for: Motocross elements, up and down tree sections littered with roots, full throttle stages, tricky corners. Just the right combination to entertain the 2,500 fans and to keep the riders on their toes.

The pro race turned out to be a classic Kirssi performance. The reigning champ kept a low profile during the early going of the two-hour moto, before putting the hammer down around the midway point. Kirssi??s fitness has never been a questionmark, and he used the second half of the race to show once again that he??s not only the fittest, but also the fastest. In the end he won by a huge margin.

Simo Kirssi: "As usual, the bike worked perfectly. I didn??t want to take any risk and played it safe in the beginning. I upped my speed just before coming in for fuel, and managed to run away with the win afterwards.
This is a superb location here. There were many fans as well.
I??d like to thank BMW Motorrad for their outstanding support, I was part of a great team. Winning all these titles together has been a result of teamwork. A big thanks goes to my brother and mechanic Juho, to our team manager Wolfgang Fischer and to BMW Motorrad??s Motorsport Director Berti Hauser. It??s a bit sad having to return my BMW. But at the same time I??m looking forward to the challenges ahead."

Cross-Country European Championship 2010
1. Simo Kirssi (FIN), BMW Husqvarna Motorsport, 66,51 Punkte
2. Chris Wei?ƒ (GER), TM, 47,49
3. Andrea Tronconi (ITA), Honda, 44,85
4. Steffen Albrecht (GER), Yamaha, 44,25
5. Chris Gundermann (GER), Yamaha, 42,38
6. Massimo Ballati (ITA), Yamaha, 40,35
7. Andreas Schulz (GER), KTM, 39,12
8. Matteo Zecchin (ITA), KTM, 22,50
9. Mario Hirschmuggl (AUT), KTM, 19,35
10. Samuli Aro (FIN), KTM, 17,37



On the Street

nytimes.com: ChiPs actors journey in the land of penny stocks
ÔÇÿSay it ainÔÇÖt so JohnÔÇÖ

Woot of the Day


Bike Candy


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11 October 2010 07:21
Kirssi is European Champion again

Simo Kirssi ended his BMW supremacy with one more title after winning the European Cross Country Championship at Rudolstadt, Germany. The Finn, riding for Team BMW Husqvarna Motorsport, defended his crown with a dominant race win - his last ever aboard the BMW 450 X.

so John, what's the rest of the story here? i have not been following euro cross country... is Kirssi going to a different marque? is bmw not racing their 450 any more?

imwtk. :)

ian
 
so John, what's the rest of the story here? i have not been following euro cross country... is Kirssi going to a different marque? is bmw not racing their 450 any more?

imwtk. :)

ian

You have a couple of very good questions that I donÔÇÖt have a clear answer to, but will tell you what my understanding is at this time.


IIRC in 2009 BMW announced a long range racing plan that would have BMW flagged bikes focus on road racing while dirt focused racing would be the bailiwick of Husqvarna. In the short term (2010 - ?) the G450 has been campaigned under a joint BMW-Husqvarna Team banner. This allowed the mixing of riders under contract to either home team to ride for the combined team during the transition.

Husqvarna will have a TC 450 in its line up of bikes. This bike is based on many of the G450 features but appears to be taking it to the next level in terms of development.
- Retains the constant tension swingarm pivot and counter shaft connect are retained.
- Uses what appears to be a G450 engine but with some possible changes on the top end.
I am not a dirt bike follower so frankly when I saw pictures I could not tell the difference between it and G450; however, reading copy associated with it there are many. The TC450 is listed as a MX machine in the Husky lineup. It could easily be changed over for super moto applications and others. It has also been described as an ÔÇ£open classÔÇØ bike. In Husky parlance I understand that to mean there could be bigger versions (500-650cc possibilities).

2011
What I donÔÇÖt know is if the BMW-Husqvarna team will continue, become the Husqvarna-BMW team or just run under the Husqvarna banner. I believe Kirssi has one year or more left on his contract so I would expect him to ride a 450 made by a BMW company and on a team owned by the BMW Group what ever the banner.

The G450:
BMW has committed to race the G450 under a BMW banner in the up coming Dakar. That is all I know about that right now. Rally racing of this type has limited capacity for motorcycles to a maximum of 450cc. BMWÔÇÖs past history with Dakar racing and bikes along with national teams such as Spain, which fielded a bike in the 2009 Africa race and won, lead me to believe you will see the Roundel in this type of racing. BMW will race in the dirt just not in ECC and the like.

Anticipating a follow up question about the G450 in the BMW lineup my answer is I expect it to be there but with more of a dual sport emphasis than it currently has. Keep in mind I donÔÇÖt follow this segment closely so I can very easily be wrong on all of this.

Bench Racing and Morning Reads:
One of my off racing season goals is to get registered with Husqvarna and start bringing more of their story here than I have been.
 
Follow up post and MANAGEMENT CHANGES AT BMW MOTORSPORT

Follow up on VisianÔÇÖs question: Here is a press release from BMW Motorrad Motorsport I based and expanded on in my response. From May of this year -

BMW Husqvarna Motorsport enters prototype motorcycle in the EWC.
ÔÇó 20.05.2010
ÔÇó Press Release
BMW Husqvarna Motorsport enters prototype motorcycle in the EWC.
Evolutionary concept set to make its debut in Lovere (ITA) at the weekend.



Munich/Cassinetta. BMW Husqvarna Motorsport is preparing to send a prototype bike into action for the first time in the upcoming round of the FIM Enduro World Championship (EWC) in Lovere, Italy on 22nd/23rd May. The bike, which will compete in the E2 class at the event, is built around the Husqvarna chassis concept and powered by the innovative and highly capable 450 cc four-stroke engine developed by BMW Motorrad.

Rainer Thoma, President and CEO of Husqvarna Motorcycles, explains the decision: ÔÇ£Back in February we signed up to race in the E2 class of the Enduro World Championship under the new name BMW Husqvarna Motorsport. This collaboration of BMW Motorrad and Husqvarna Motorcycles aims to pool the two brandsÔÇÖ expertise in off-road competition for 450 cc four-stroke machines. The forthcoming debut appearance of the prototype bike is the logical next step following a very promising phase of testing. Although our leading rider Juha Salminen will have to sit out this coming weekend through injury, weÔÇÖre approaching the event in optimistic mood with our prototype bike, our other regular rider Marko Tarkkala and stand-in man Andreas Lettenbichler.ÔÇØ

Over the past few months, the people at the Husqvarna Motorcycles development department have been working closely with specialists at BMW Motorrad and Speedbrain to develop a bike combining the Husqvarna chassis concept with the innovative and accomplished 450 cc four-stroke engine developed by BMW Motorrad. The testing phase, which got underway at the start of the year, is now completed, and the bike will be entered in competition from this weekend.

ÔÇ£Our aim for the 2010 season was to be fighting for the title in the E2 class of the Enduro World Championship with the BMW Husqvarna Motorsport team,ÔÇØ adds BMW Motorrad Motorsport Director Berthold Hauser. ÔÇ£With JuhaÔÇÖs injury and his absence from the next race as a result, thatÔÇÖs going to be tough. In order to be successful despite this setback, itÔÇÖs imperative that we make best possible use of the available synergies. With the testing phase completed the aim now is to use this genuine Husqvarna with BMW G 450 X drive concept to be up there fighting for success and victories in the sporting arena.ÔÇØ

BMW Motorrad Motorsport will remain actively involved in off-road competition with the BMW G 450 X. The team is planning to continue racing the bike in the European and the German Cross Country Championship and a range of Extreme Enduro events. Meanwhile, the Husqvarna CH Racing team will continue to compete in the E1 and E3 classes of the FIM Enduro World Championship. The Supermoto and Motocross segments will also remain under the Husqvarna banner.

More Changes at BMW Motorrad Motorsport

Berthold Hauser is out and Bernhard Gobmeir is in as head of BMW Motorrad Motorsport as the management changes continue.

Prior to the last race of the World Superbike season Team Manager David Tardozzi was released. In addition to the WSBK team he had oversight of the Italian Motorrad effort that resulted in Aryton Badovini and his S1000RR taking an incredible string of firsts to win both the rider and constructorÔÇÖs championships. Tardozzi was released for differences in the direction the team would take. My assumption, and that of others, was that this difference began at the relationship between Tardozzi and Hauser. Even allowing for differences in their vision it appears both were at odds with BMW Management.

Hauser has been involved with this incarnation of BMW racing since it was announced. He was part of the original team to launch teams, build the BMW Motorrad Motorsport inner sanctum outside of Munich. In addition to his road racing duties he oversaw the G450 off road effort.

The press release for all its length is summed up with new guy in old guy out. Now we will have to wait for new guy to translate all the verbiage into something like mere mortals like you and I, well me anyway, can understand.
BMW Motorrad Motorsport - Management
ÔÇó 12.10.2010
ÔÇó Press Release
Changes at the top at BMW Motorrad Motorsport.
BMW Motorrad sets its course for the future in the FIM Superbike World Championship.


Munich/Stephanskirchen, 12th October 2010. BMW Motorrad Motorsport is heading into the future with a new management structure. Bernhard Gobmeier will replace Berthold Hauser as BMW Motorrad Motorsport Director with immediate effect. The move comes two weeks after BMW Motorrad and Team Manager Davide Tardozzi agreed to part company by mutual consent. Gobmeier will be responsible for all BMW Motorrad Motorsport activities, including the companyÔÇÖs factory involvement in the Superbike World Championship.

ÔÇ£IÔÇÖm pleased to announce this fundamental realignment,ÔÇØ says Hendrik von Kuenheim, General Director of BMW Motorrad. ÔÇ£The new structure puts BMW Motorrad Motorsport in extremely good shape to meet the challenges of the future. Bernhard Gobmeier has filled a variety of roles within the BMW Group over the years and brings his experience in motor sport to the job. IÔÇÖm in no doubt that he will continue to take BMW Motorrad Motorsport forwards with his analytical and structured approach. He will bring himself up to speed with the current situation as quickly as possible and put the necessary measures in place.ÔÇØ

And von Kuenheim continues: ÔÇ£I would like to thank Berthold Hauser for all his good work over recent years. He can look back on some impressive successes in his career as BMW Motorrad Motorsport Director. Under his leadership Richard Sainct won the Paris-Dakar Rally in 1999 and 2000 as BMW Motorrad made its return to the event. And Berthold Hauser was also responsible for the teamÔÇÖs successful start to life in the Superbike World Championship and its first podium finishes. He will continue to perform a managerial role for BMW Motorrad.ÔÇØ

New BMW Motorrad Motorsport Director Gobmeier, adds: ÔÇ£IÔÇÖm looking forward to taking on this new challenge in a top-class race series with a professional racing team and two strong riders. Our aim is clear: to build consistently on the positive foundations which Berthold Hauser and his team have put in place over recent years, so that we can be in a position to win races on merit as soon as possible.ÔÇØ

Gobmeier, a qualified engineer, has worked for BMW AG for more than 16 years, during which time he has performed a variety of roles. In 1994 and 1995 he was responsible for overhauling the companyÔÇÖs sales activities for BMW M vehicles in North America and restructuring its racing activities in the American Le Mans Series (ALMS) with the BMW M3 GT. The native Bavarian then filled various management positions within BMW M GmbH between 1996 and 2008, before taking over as head of chassis development at BMW Motorrad in 2008.
 
Thursday, 14 October

WSBK et al.

Race 1
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Race 2
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WSBK Magazine Magny-Cours
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Motorcyclenews.com : WSBK testing at Magny-Cours
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MotoGP

gpone.com: Sueter MotoGP set to being testing

fim-live.com: Dani Pedros returns to action at Phillips Island

Formula 1

No surprise in Reuters reporting that KAVO received FIA/F1 sanction and the circus will perform in Korea as scheduled.
The major concern going into race weekend will be how the track will hold up not the facilities track design or pit amenities. The final layer of the track surface was laid within the last two weeks. This raises concern about curing. The Kim Chi served at the track will have cured just fine, thank you very much, but will the track have done the same; or will it chunk under the pressure of the mechanical grip of F1 tires?

autosport.com: New sponsor and driver for 2011 at Sauber

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Other Racing

bmw-motorrad.co.za: Evolutionary road to racing success

Gert Hildebrand discusses the MINI Countryman Rallye WRC at Paris Motor Show
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ultimatemotorcycling.com: Agentina Chile Dakar: 2011 Mapped

On the Street

HFLM: Triumph Tiger 800 ÔÇô Finally, the real deal

ducati.com: The name is Diavel and it will be unveiled at the EICMA

HFLM: Details ÔÇô Erik Buell Racing 1190RR

The Milwaukee contagion has taken hold with deadly force along the St. Croix River.
dealernews.com: Wisconsin communities brace for the loss of motorcycle related jobs but this time it is Polaris

bikeadvice.in: First look KTM 125 Duke

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Cafe Racer TV Promo: Airing on Discovery HD Theater
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Woot of the Day

FWIW

BMW put a similar to this press release before the INTERMOT show in Cologne.

BMW Motorrad and Husqvarna Motorcycles press conference at the EICMA 2010.
ÔÇó 13.10.2010
ÔÇó Press Release
Munich. At this yearÔÇÖs EICMA in Milan a number of BMW and Husqvarna motorcycles will have their world premiere. We cordially invite all press representatives who come to the EICMA press day to take part at the BMW Motorrad and Husqvarna Motorcycles press conference at this yearÔÇÖs EICMA

on Tuesday, November 2nd, 2010
at 2.00 pm
at the BMW Motorrad stand in hall 14.

Cologne was on BMWÔÇÖs home turf and was the stage for the official introduction of the anticipated and leaked K1600 bikes. BMW appears to be promising more to come at MilanÔÇÖs EICMA.

Husqvarna, BMW MotorradÔÇÖs sister brand, is based in Italy so the EICMA is a natural setting for it to unveil new bikes and push its lineup. I expect we will get more complete information on all they have to offer, a glimpse into their racing plans and a bit more.

Yet the release promises more from BMW.
- The BMW six was introduced in the form of the Concept 6 last year at EICMA; will there be another concept bike hinting at new directions for the model line up? Will there be an addition to the sport bike line to expand on the base set by the RR? Will BMW ÔÇÿunveilÔÇÖ its version of the Husqvarna TC450 and maybe a bigger version of the bike aimed at the GS riding crowd? The touring segment of the line is taken care of.
- Italy is a major European scooter market. Will BMW introduce their super scooter rumored in a previous post to be a late addition to the 2011 product line?
- This will be a major stage to introduce Bernhard Gobmeier the new manager for the BMW Motorrad Motorsport.
A. Will he use this stage to explain the new direction for the team?
B. We anyone explain or report dig and find out what happened with Berthold Hauser? Davide Tardozzi was something of a hired gun; therefore his departure made news but should not have been all that surprising. It is the nature of hired guns to come and go. Hauser is a company man who stepped up and took on an very tough tour of duty as director of Motorrad Motorsports bringing it to life and its current stage. The gracious announcement of his replacement was full of corporate speak that makes me wonder i) was he given an office secretary and a certain amount of time to seek other employment ii) given a slap on the wrist for fighting with upper management and now they are looking for a new portfolio for him to manage iii) or does he already have a new portfolio and it is just not the right time to announce what it is.

Of course the EICMA may yield nothing new from BMW beyond more information on the K1600 and hints at pricing for the new monster bike.

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Bike Candy

From: MotoAus.com ÔÇô The Renard Grand Tourer

Renard is a custom builder based in Estonia that is reviving an old motorcycle name with a very interesting bike. A Moto Guzzi 1200 engine and driveline are housed in an 11kg carbon fiber monocoque frame. In the rear there is a massive rear swing arm in the rear to put its power to the ground. Up front another version of the girder front suspension will be used by the rider on the solo saddle to guide the bike where they want to go.

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Friday, 15 October

WSBK

2010 Aprilia RSV4 Supebike World Champions with Max Biaggi ÔÇô Aprilia USA video
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Other Racing

bmw-motorrad.co.zu: Organizing a GS Trophy to remember

On the Street

ultimatemotorcycling.com: Motorcycle Market Trends in Japan

I featured the ducati Elenore V8 in Bike Candy recently. {url=http://thekneeslider.com/archives/2010/10/14/ducati-elenore-v8-update/]The KneeSlider[/url] has some more information for us about this fascinating engine project.

motorcyclistonline. Com: From street to strip ÔÇô BMW Performance Center S1000RR to debut at Biketoberfest

motorcycle-usa: Suzuki offers GZ250 for $1000 less.
So it is a cruiser. It is an entry level bike at an incredibly low price. Suzuki is HURTING for sales in any class of their bikes. Will this get people into the showroom? More importantly to the industry will it get new riders in?

HFLM: Knox Kinesis body armour deflects impact energy

allaboutbikes.com: City motorcycle security 101 ÔÇô advice from a NY cop

asphaltandrubber.com: Honda VFR Adventure concept ÔÇô a naked VFR1200F?
A different take on this story
HFLM: Shamu 2, the revenge of the whale
But
motorcyclenews.com: New Honda VFR adventure bike breaks cover
The article claims the concept bike will be wrapped around a V41200 bike but the production bike aimed at the BMW GS line will have a smaller engine.

motoaus.com: Motorcycle sales Australia 3rd quarter 2010
BMW bucks an overall downward trend but as you will see is a very small player in this market.

fB: A flying visit for the K1300GT

2011 Triumph touring models and Sprint GT official video
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2011 Kawasaki Z1000 Ninjz USA static official video
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The Mothership

BMW Motorrad Secruitry Evo G3 racing boots for road and race track

BMW TV: BMW facility and tool making
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Woot of the Day


Bike Candy


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Sunday, 17 October

WSBK et al.

worlsbk.com: Top SBK teams firm up testing plans
BMW have two more European outings scheduled, at Jerez between 24 and 26 November and Portimao on 29 and 30 November.

MotoGP

Casey Stoner was happy to have met expectations with win, his fourth in a row at Phillips Island. Saturday Stoner began his weekend dominance taking the pole position for Sunday’s race. Everyone headed back to the pits to tweak their bikes for the race but Sunday morning Stoner once again lead the warm up session.

Ben Spies enjoy a productive qualifying starting the race on the front row but was nosed out by Rossi and Hayden who fought over third place until the last lap. Spies finished fifth racking up another top five finish and taking Rookie of the Year honors in the process.

Jorge Lorenzo, the new MotoGP Champion, motored around in second unable to catch up with Stoner but able to distance himself this race from Rossi who was dueling with Hayden.

Phillip Island, Sunday, October 17, 2010
Pos. Points Num. Rider Nation Team Bike Km/h Time/Gap
1 25 27 Casey STONER
AUS Ducati Team Ducati 175.1 41'09.128
2 20 99 Jorge LORENZO
SPA Fiat Yamaha Team Yamaha 174.5 +8.598
3 16 46 Valentino ROSSI
ITA Fiat Yamaha Team Yamaha 173.8 +17.997
4 13 69 Nicky HAYDEN
USA Ducati Team Ducati 173.8 +18.035
5 11 11 Ben SPIES
USA Monster Yamaha Tech 3 Yamaha 173.5 +22.211
6 10 58 Marco SIMONCELLI
ITA San Carlo Honda Gresini Honda 173.3 +25.017
7 9 5 Colin EDWARDS
USA Monster Yamaha Tech 3 Yamaha 172.6 +35.168
8 8 41 Aleix ESPARGARO
SPA Pramac Racing Team Ducati 171.9 +46.194
9 7 33 Marco MELANDRI
ITA San Carlo Honda Gresini Honda 171.9 +46.294
10 6 14 Randy DE PUNIET
FRA LCR Honda MotoGP Honda 171.0 +59.635
11 5 36 Mika KALLIO
FIN Pramac Racing Team Ducati 171.0 +59.664
12 4 19 Alvaro BAUTISTA
SPA Rizla Suzuki MotoGP Suzuki 171.0 +59.732
13 3 7 Hiroshi AOYAMA
JPN Interwetten Honda MotoGP Honda 170.6 +1'05.029
14 2 40 Hector BARBERA
SPA Paginas Amarillas Aspar Ducati 170.6 +1'05.053
Not Classified
4 Andrea DOVIZIOSO
ITA Repsol Honda Team Honda 165.8 24 Laps


gpone.com: Pedrosa decides not to race

asphaltandrubber.com: Honda NRS250 teased – The Moto3 cometh

ducatinewstoday.com: Carlos Checa treturns to MotoGP

Formula 1

Russia will joint the F1 calendar in 2014. espn.f1.com: Ross Brawn says new races are ‘important for the sport”. But James Allen F1 pundit speculates on how big the F1 calendar can get. I can’t help but wonder if Bernie is trying to one up NASCAR by expanding to the point F1 bores the whole world the way NASCAR did the nation.

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Other Racing

BMW to return to DTM in 2012.
• 15.10.2010
• Press Release
Munich, 15th October 2010. The return of BMW to the DTM from 2012 is reality: This was confirmed by the company during the DTM race weekend at the Hockenheimring. In April this year BMW had announced its intention to race in the DTM in principle from 2012, the first time since its departure from the series in 1994. The Board of Management of BMW AG considers conditions tied to a positive decision to return to the popular touring car series have now been met.
In recent months BMW has been working with the DTM umbrella organisation ITR e.V. and the other manufacturers represented in the DTM on issues relating to the future technical regulations, and the long-term internationalisation of the championship. The positive nature of these discussions means BMW Motorsport can now begin planning its DTM comeback in greater detail.

Dr Klaus Draeger, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG with responsibility for development, says: “The return of BMW to the DTM is a fundamental part of the restructuring of our motorsport activities. With its increased commitment to production car racing, BMW is returning to its roots. The race track is the perfect place to demonstrate the impressive sporting characteristics of our vehicles against our core competitors in a high-powered environment. The DTM is the ideal stage on which to do this.”

BMW Motorsport Director Mario Theissen comments: “The entire team at BMW Motorsport is approaching this exciting project with absolute commitment. We began making technical preparations following our declaration of intent in April, and established parameters for a high-performance vehicle concept for deployment in the DTM. The positive decision of the BMW Board of Management means we can now shift up a gear and give the green light for development.”

Hans Werner Aufrecht, 1st Chairman of the Board of ITR e.V. (DTM commercial rights holder and promoter): “We welcome the decision by BMW to enter the DTM from 2012. This is a further milestone for the future of our popular racing series, and proves that our efforts over the past few years have paid off. We laid the foundation for this in conjunction with the DMSB and the existing DTM manufacturers, namely Audi and Mercedes-Benz. Thus I would like to heartily thank all parties. I am personally looking forward to again seeing the three premium brands of Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz competing against each other on the race track. Our fans have waited a long time for this.”

The intention is to use the BMW M3 as the basic DTM vehicle, a car that has enjoyed unique successes in the field of touring and sports car racing in the past. Eric van de Poele (BE) and Roberto Ravaglia (IT) celebrated two DTM titles with the racing version of BMW’s most sporty representative back in 1987 and 1989, while before that Volker Strycek (DE) won the DTM premiere in 1984 in the BMW 635 CSi. This season the current BMW M3 GT2 caused a sensation in the world of international endurance racing, taking victory in the 24-hour race at the N??rburgring (DE).

bmw-motorsport.com: Reactions to the return of BMW to the DTM


On the Street

Sorry the audio is not in English but there are subtitles - 2011 NEW CR&S DUU 1916 cc Genesis official video
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The Mothership

bmw-motorrad.co.z: A pair of sixes take center stage at INTERMOT

Woot of the Day

Bike Candy

Rolandsanddesign.com by way of thekneeslider.com: Roland Sans Design Mission 200

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Designer Roland Sands has interested me for a long time. He comes at custom bike building with a twist. Most of his work is in the feet forward genre of bikes that is easy to dismiss on this forum. Yet even in this form his work seems to embrace to elements that set him apart from the others in this class of builders; practical applications of innovations and riding.

Many of his projects include an innovative element that is borrowed from some other source. This is meant as a compliment not a criticism of him as a copy cat designer. In these cases Sands has seen value in some innovation presented in an extreme build, has thought it through turning it into a ‘practical’ (a very relative term) application of the technology. This brings me to the real reason I find him interesting, his bikes are ridden.

So many custom bike designers and competitions give us prom queen bikes that too often can’t dance at all let alone dance for the length of the big event. Sands gives us bikes that can be ridden. In this case he started with a Victory engine instead of the H-D norm and dressed it out in a good looking purpose built chassis. When the band began to play this prom queen candidate headed out to the salt dance floor and notched 147 mph. Now it’s time to kick of the fashion high heals and put on some real dancing shoes and go after the 200mph mark.
 
Monday, 18 October

Monday...nough said...off to work to play - err - interact with customers and come alive.
:wave

MotoGP

roadracerx.com: Team speak ÔÇô Phillip Island MotoGP race day

motogp.com: Rossi to test with Ducati at Valencia


Other Racing

motorsportretro.com: Goodwood revival 2010 monster photo gallery from Graham Dalley
The RAC TT at the 2010 Goodwood Revival
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On the Street

cyrilhuzeblog.com: Jesse James has closed West coast Choppers


Woot of the Day

FWIW

Take a KTM 530 to Roland Sands and say caf?® and this is what he starts building for you.
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I am not fixating on him but his work is poping out at me right now.

Bike Candy

Some BMW pictures I collected over the weekend.

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Tuesday, 19 October

WSBK et al.

Rumored that he would retire worlsbk.com lets us know that the victorious Biaggi-Aprilia pairing confirmed for next two years.

Catching up on so old feeds I came across this in an article on superbike.com.
“Erstwhile team manager Davide Tardozzi was nowhere to be seen, having been 'fired' by BMW prior to the Magny-Cours race weekend for some kind of shenanigans with the new BMW Italia satellite team. Apparently”

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MotoGP

ducatinewstoday.com: Ducati preparing a screamer for Rossi

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Formula 1

fia.com: Korean GP Preview

On the Street

German paper FAZ reviews the K1600: Technical progress plus magic is their headline.

allaboutbikes.com: The basics of helmet care and maintenance

HFLM: The motorcycle helmet of the future

More Honda V4 adventure teases from motoblog..it

motorcyclesitonline.com: Doin’ Time – Honda NT700V-ABS
The Honda Dullville started a great discussion on the forum. Motorcyclist took it on for a long term test.

2011 Kawasaki ZX-10R traction control system video
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20011 Suzuki GSX-R First look video
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allaboutbikes.com: Is the EPA trying to poison our motorcycles?

cyrilhuzeblog.com: Harley-Davidson third quarter results. Some progress.

harley-davidson.com: Third Quarter 2010 Results
- Operating income from the motorcycles and related products segment was $101.5 million, compared to $130.7 million in the year-ago period.
- Third-quarter retail sales of new Harley-Davidson?« motorcycles decreased 7.7 percent worldwide, 9.4 percent in the U.S. and 3.6 percent in international markets compared to the year-ago period.
- Industry-wide U.S. heavyweight motorcycle (651cc-plus) retail unit sales decreased 14.4 percent in the third quarter compared to the year-ago period.

thedesignblog.org: Gravity Car Telson could turn a few heads with its lethal silhouette.

This looks like a fun toy.


The Mothership

bmw-motorrad.co.za: Italian GS Trophy team selected

The man for the special moments – video
Simon Puschmann is a passionate photographer. For many years the man from Hamburg has been charged by BMW with capturing the allure of motorsport in awe-inspiring images. At this year's photo shoot in Monza, Puschmann focused on the BMW M3 GT2. Our "making of" video allows you to take a look behind the scenes...


Black to the power of three. BMW Motorrad introduces the special model BMW R 1200 GS Triple Black.

• 18.10.2010
• Informa?º?úo ?á Imprensa

Munich . Triple Black – the name of this new special model of the BMW R 1200 GS says it all. By offering the world’s bestselling motorcycle in a new, virtually pure black colour scheme BMW Motorrad will be making the wishes of many customers come true.

The tank and front wheel covers in sapphire black and the fork and engine in plain black serve to emphasise the masculine touch of this large touring enduro. Also the engineering is underscored by the metallic asphalt grey of the swinging arm, rear frame, and cylinder head covers.

The special model features the cross spoke wheels with glossy black rim base familiar as optional equipment for the R 1200 GS and standard equipment of the R 1200 GS Adventure.

The offer is completed with a new black seat with conspicuous GS moulding on the sides.

The special model R 1200 GS Triple Black is orderable with BMW Motorrad dealers with immediate effect. The price in Germany is 13,460.- Euros incl. 19 % VAT.
The new BMW R 1200 GS and its sister model, the R 1200 GS Adventure, have been on the market since the spring of 2010. The obvious hallmark on the revised models of these popular touring enduros is the new DOHC boxer engine familiar from the BMW HP2 Sport. For its new home in the R 1200 GS and the R 1200 GS
Adventure it was specially revised and optimised.

Delivering 110 hp at 7750 rpm and a max torque of 120 Nm at 6000 rpm, the new GS models provide spontaneous dynamic response, powerful spurting ability, and high torque over the whole range of engine speeds, and again prove to be the touring enduro pioneers of riding dynamics.

Like their predecessors, the new R 1200 GS and R 1200 GS Adventure present a virtually perfect synthesis of offroad and onroad properties. In the established manner, outstanding and reliable performance is safeguarded by a torsionally rigid suspension, the front wheel cover with the unique BMW telelever, and the rear suspension with the BMW paralever.

The maximum possible safety is ensured even in critical situations by the extremely powerful brakes operating in conjunction with the optional BMW Motorrad integral ABS.

Designed for the specific needs of a touring enduro, the enduro ESA is also available as optional equipment ex works for the latest edition of the R 1200 GS and R 1200 GS Adventure. At the simple touch of a button, enduro ESA adjusts the suspension to the most varied riding and load conditions.

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BMW Unscripted
BMW unscripted is a series about people, talking about their life, passion and joy with the brand BMW. No script, just real people [Picked by BMW to talk about BMW but I digress]

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Woot of the Day


Bike Candy

Via Petit Motorcycle Creation

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Following the idea "less is often more" special model "Piranha" of Wunderlich looks like a fast bike, biting and aggressive, and sets new benchmarks in terms of weight, maneuverability and performance.

The conversion kit of Nicolas Petit, designer home Wunderlich, is dominated by an aggressive trim carbon fiber and finds its conclusion in the lateral dynamic elements. The innovative headlight XENON, requiring only a single bulb, automatically switches to low beam headlight extended range due to a screen electromagnetically controlled.

The element of race is another lightweight feel of this model. The support plate is equipped with adjustable flashing LED with built-in brake light / tail light (with certificate E). An LED bar provides a very flat lighting of the correct license plate.
This model is equipped with a saddle SportErgo who triumphs in all disciplines. It is also available in versions for higher and significantly improves the workability of 1000. Development of regular and dynamic power, which is suitable for all driving conditions, that specialists Sinzig make possible the system of "PerformanceBox" to the easy, but with an air filter Sport Pipercross. This symphony is complemented by the pleasant sound of the exhaust system SBK. The fork highly resistant to transformation handlebars provide greater steering precision. These measures, along with the chassis' ?ûhlins, which was set by the racing driver Wunderlich, Frank "Fritz" Spenner, provide extremely high driving stability. The system footrest has a setting suitable for all sizes and allows adjustment to suit any driver.

Appraisal: Wunderlich has created with the "Piranha" a RR considerably more active driving. This machine does not weigh only 8 kg less than the bike home, but we also offer feature amazing cornering. Wunderlich is the transformation to be performed entirely or in individual steps. Experts suggest that in any case to perform priority processing handlebars to enjoy the unique sensation of driving.
Overview of the main components installed:
• Pack Modified NakedBike "Piranha"
• Transformation handlebars Power-Sportego "
• System footstool "RR-Vario"
• Lever Handle "VarioLever" remote and variable length
• Element Running Light
• Support plate Wunderlich aluminum flashing and with built-in brake light / taillight. Also usable with taillight and turn signals of origin
• High-performance wheels lighter 6-spoke PVM
• Processing before flashing "Race"
• SBK Exhaust System
• Sport collector system
• System of "Performance-Controller"
• Brake discs Motomaster
• Kit with quick ball and notched a field setting extreme
• Chassis "?ûhlins" and steering dampers
 
Wednesday, 20 October

WSBK et al.

Haslam is into twitter.
realleonhaslam: @romulosonic BMW felt good just one day but off testing next wk bike has loads of potential just need some time
Sounds encouraging.

roadracerx.com: Tuesday conversation ÔÇô Eugene Laverty

MotoGP

motomatters.com: KTM to build Moto3 engine.
This is encouraging news for the Moto series. Moto2 is a chassis series with chassis design open using a spec engine. Moto3 changes from two stroke 125s to four stroke 250s next season. With interest from manufacturers in building engines the chassis guys from Moto2 have a new market for their wares.


Formula 1

reuters.com: Vettel carries momentum into the unknown

Ferrari.com: Discovering a new track. An interview with Chris Dyer

Other Racing

motorcyclistonline.com: Michael CzyszÔÇÖs mind blowing superbike ÔÇô dreaming in digital
ÔÇ£Others get it too, especially the investors and large manufacturers he tried-and mostly failed-to attract with his C1 project. Conventional racing is about extracting maximum power, no matter what the cost. Electric performance, on the other hand, is a quest for efficiency, making it the perfect pursuit for this post-millennial, conservation-obsessed era.ÔÇØ


On the Street

RECALL:

Report Date : October 20, 2010 at 07:11 AM
NHTSA Campaign ID number : 10V496000


Vehicle Make / Model: Model Year(s):
BMW / F 650 GS 2007-2010
Manufacturer: BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC Mfr's Report Date: OCT 14, 2010
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 10V496000 NHTSA Action Number: N/A


Component: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC
Potential Number of Units Affected: 1835

Summary:
BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN 2007 THROUGH 2010 F 650 GS MOTORCYCLES MANUFACTURED FROM NOVEMBER 2006 THROUGH JANUARY 2010. A WASHER MAY INTERFERE WITH THE FRONT DISC BRAKE FASTENERS' TORQUE. AS A RESULT, OVER TIME, A FASTENER OR MUTIPLE FASTENERS COULD BECOME LOOSE, ALLOWING THE BRAKE DISC TO BECOME LOOSE.

Consequence:
A LOOSE BRAKE DISC MAY INTERFERE WITH PROPER BRAKING PERFORMANCE AND MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy:
THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT YET PROVIDED A REMEDY OR A NOTIFICATION SCHEDULE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-525-7417.

Notes:
OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV .



RECALL;
Report Date : October 20, 2010 at 07:13 AM
NHTSA Campaign ID number : 10V488000


Vehicle Make / Model: Model Year(s):
BMW / K1200 GT 2004-2010
BMW / K1200 R 2004-2010
BMW / K1200 S 2004-2010
BMW / K1300 GT 2004-2010
BMW / K1300 R 2004-2010
BMW / K1300 S 2004-2010
Manufacturer: BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC Mfr's Report Date: OCT 08, 2010
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 10V488000 NHTSA Action Number: N/A


Component: SUSPENSION:FRONT:WHEEL BEARING
Potential Number of Units Affected:

Summary:
BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004-2010 MOTORCYCLES. THE BEARINGS COULD BE SUBJECT TO CORROSION. THIS COULD LEAD TO REDUCED MOVEMENT OF THE LINK LEVER.

Consequence:
THIS COULD AFFECT THE HANDLING OF THE MOTORCYCLE INCREASING THE RISK A DRIVER MAY LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE RESULTING IN A CRASH.

Remedy:
THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT YET PROVIDED A REMEDY OR AN OWNER NOTIFICATION SCHEDULE FOR THIS CAMPAIGN. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-525-7417.

Notes:
OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV .


dealernews.com: Victory lives up to its name for Polaris

utltimatemotorcycling.com: 2011 Honda CB1000F preview for UK market


motorcycle.com: 2-11 Brammo Enertia Plus preview
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motorcycle-usa.com: Kawasaki Motors Manufacturing plant tour

MCN: Quantya Evo1 electric bike test
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www.xe.com:
10,000.00 GBP = 15,716.05 USD


visordown.com: Fit for purpose: Police BMW K1200RS
The average road bike does a bit of everything. But there are machines in the biking world designed to do one job only. Pure specialists if you will. These are the bikes...

Alva Concept Biker Easy Stand
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Woot of the Day
 
Thursday 21 October

MotoGP

twowheelsblog.com: Casey Stoner left Ducati due to frustration says Wayne Gardner
ÔÇ£Want to know the real reason Casey decided to leave Ducati for Honda? Frustration. I had a long chat with him down at the island and he told me that while everyone thinks the factory undertakes constant modifications throughout the year, nothing could be further from the truth. He said that during the past two-years theyÔÇÖve never had any serious development once the seasonÔÇÖs started. Basically, what they start with is what they finish with - just unbelievable. He added that Ducati simply doesnÔÇÖt have the budget or manpower to respond to problems that arose during the season.ÔÇØ

Formula 1

formula1.com: Korea Preview ÔÇô Critical voyage of discovery

attwilliams.com: The Yeongam Track Walk
After taking a talk walk with Nico Hulkenberg you like him but still have to wonder if he will keep his seat at Williams. On many teams that means coming up with Ôé¼5 million of your own money or sponsorship money. He has made it clear he will not pay for his ride.

Speaking of money, McLaren has secured Vodafone as a sponsor to the end of the 2013 season.

Circa 1937? Get past the propaganda poor video quality the fake motor and tire sounds and enjoy some vintage footage of Auto Union and Mercedes battling on the track.
Via: Motorhome

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thechicangeblog.com: Track Maps of the Future ÔÇô USGP at Austin

Other Racing

Timely updates to trackedia.comÔÇÖs tutorial on track surfaces

On the Street

Motorcycle-USA looks at three sports tourers
Triumph
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Kawasaki
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Honda
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The Mothership

Cage: 25 Years BMW allwheel drive experience

Woot of the Day

Posting this from a rest stop in I-Fly-Drive-Over so no time for bike candy my battery is running low.
:wave
 
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