Bench Racing: 2009 World Superbike

[mika]

Fabrizio snatches the Superpole from Spies on his last flying lap and after the chequered flag had fallen.

From: WorldSBK

Superpole 1
Rae, Spies, Haslam and Haga would make up the front row. Haslam took P3 from Haga as the flag dropped on the session.

Corser advances to Superpole 2 in P11 while teammate Xaus in P19 does not and will start the race in the fifth row. Corser must improve three grid spots if he is going to advance out of the second round.

Superpole 2
Rae, Spies, Smrz and Biaggi would make up the front row after round 2 of Superpole. Biaggi and new Aprilia teammate Simoncelli made last second moves past Corser on the grid leaving him in P9. He will start in the third row of SundayÔÇÖs race.

Spies and Rae will be the only riders on non-Italian machines for this very Italian Superpole finale.

Superpole 3
Rae was out early and pushing the field taking the early lead for pole position. Haga snatched it from him on his third lap. Spies was out late and took the pole with his third lap and pitted. He held on until the chequered flag fell and Fabrizio was able to jump to the pole position.

Smrz was shown as crashing on his final flying lap after the flag fell. No news on how serious this is.

Very impressive first outing for Simoncelli!

CorserÔÇÖs recent ability to pull off great race starts of late will be put to the test as he starts on the third row for SundayÔÇÖs race. Xaus may be disappointed with failing to advance deeper into the Superpole sessions but I am amazed that he is racing at all. I will post a wrap up late this evening.

Pos # Rider Nat Bike
1 84 Fabrizio M ITA Ducati 1098R
2 19 Spies B USA Yamaha YZF R1
3 65 Rea J GBR Honda CBR1000RR
4 41 Haga N JPN Ducati 1098R
5 96 Smrz J CZE Ducati 1098R
6 3 Biaggi M ITA Aprilia RSV4 Factory
7 67 Byrne S GBR Ducati 1098R
8 58 Simoncelli M ITA Aprilia RSV4 Factory
9 11 Corser T AUS BMW S1000 RR
10 91 Haslam L GBR Honda CBR1000RR
11 57 Lanzi L ITA Ducati 1098R
12 10 Nieto F ESP Ducati 1098R
13 7 Checa C ESP Honda CBR1000RR
14 9 Kiyonari R JPN Honda CBR1000RR
15 14 Lagrive M FRA Honda CBR1000RR
16 66 Sykes T GBR Yamaha YZF R1
17 71 Kagayama Y JPN Suzuki GSX-R 1000 K9
18 23 Parkes B AUS Kawasaki ZX 10R
19 111 Xaus R ESP BMW S1000 RR
20 31 Muggeridge K AUS Suzuki GSX-R 1000 K9


weather.com: Imola Italy

 

[mika]

From: WorldSBK

Fabrizio grabs first ever superbike Superpole

WSBK rd. 12, Imola, ITA, final qualifying
Today, September 26, 2009, 9 hours ago
2009 Superbike World Championship
Round 12, Imola, Italy
Circuit: 4.936 kms Conditions: Dry, sunny/cloudy 25-27 C
Final qualifying, Saturday 26th September

TROY MISSES SUPERPOLE 3 BY A WHISKER!

Troy missed out on getting into Superpole 3 by the narrowest of margins at Imola today. Less than three hundredths of a second separated Troy and a place in Superpole 3, and so he will now start from the third row of the grid tomorrow. Ruben achieved his first goal of qualifying for Superpole 1, but his lack of track time with the new spec engine in his S 1000 RR prevented him from pushing harder and getting into Superpole 2. Nevertheless he was enjoying his riding again and, like Troy, is looking forward to tomorrowÔÇÖs two 21-lap races.
Michel Fabrizio (Ducati) stole the Superpole 3 victory right at the death. Ben Spies (Yamaha) had laid down what looked like an unbeatable time of 1:47.778, but in the closing minutes Fabrizio put in a stormer of a lap and just managed to beat Spies. Third went to Jonathan Rea (Honda), with Noriyuki Haga (Ducati) fourth.

Troy - 9th, 1:48.971
Of course, it is disappointing to miss out on Superpole 3 by such a small margin, but that shows just how competitive the championship is and the difference between the second row of the grid and the third. But generally, things have gone pretty well this weekend, despite losing an hour yesterday, and we know which front tyre weÔÇÖll use in the race tomorrow. The rear is a choice of two, so hopefully weÔÇÖll sort that one out in the warm-up tomorrow morning.
This circuit has three chicanes and these first gear corners do not suit our bike at present. ItÔÇÖs an area that the team know about, are working on and this problem will be fixed in the next engine spec.
I feel that maybe our bike is the fastest out of the turns, but I canÔÇÖt use the full power on the exit because it wants to wheelie. This is another area that will be sorted out soon, but at least the bike is easier to ride than it was earlier in the year and that means that I am enjoying myself again.

Ruben - 19th , 1:50.152
My first goal was to qualify for Superpole 1 and I did that, so that made me happy. But having done that, I wanted more and that was not possible today because I am not quite up to speed yet after nearly eight weeks off the bike. But the good news is that I feel good physically and I have no pain from my injuries. Even my arms were better today and now I just need time on the bike and work on understanding the improvements the team have made since I last rode it. For sure, the throttle connection is much better and the bike is easier to ride, but I am having some small problems braking and I have to work on that.
I had a little tip-off this morning, but picked the bike up straightaway and rode back. No problem for me or the bike. Starting from so far back down the grid is going to be hard, but at least I should be able to avoid any trouble at the front if there is some. I want to have two good races, enjoy myself and be ready for the rest of the season.

Berti Hauser (Team BMW Motorrad Motorsport Director)
Firstly, I am happy that Ruben qualified for Superpole. This series is so hard and competitive and to qualify for Superpole is difficult enough, so he has done very well, considering his condition and circumstances. He has returned strong mentally and thatÔÇÖs what we were hoping for. ItÔÇÖs a big pity that Troy just couldnÔÇÖt get into Superpole 3, but the times were very close and it shows how small the margins are. The track doesnÔÇÖt suit our bike, because there are so many chicanes, but the next step of the bike should solve this problem. WeÔÇÖve seen Troy make good starts before, so we will just have to wait and see what happens in the races. For Ruben, I would like him to survive the weekend in a good condition and continue his superb physical improvement before Magny-Cours next weekend.

Final Qualifying
1 Fabrizio (ITA-Ducati) 1:47.735; 2 Spies (USA-Yamaha) 1:47.778; 3 Rea (GBR-Honda) 1:47.834; 4 Haga N. (JPN-Ducati) 1:47.885; 5 Smrz (CZE-Ducati) 1:48.156; 9 Corser (AUS-BMW S1000 RR) 1:48.971; 19 Xaus (ESP-BMW S1000 RR) 1:50.152;


Imola, Italy - Final qualifying: SO CLOSE FOR TROY
Yesterday, September 25, 2009, 7:00:00 PM
Just three hundredths of a second separated Troy from getting into Superpole 3 at Imola today, so it will be row three instead for tomorrowÔÇÖs pair of 21-lappers at the Italian circuit. Conditions were better today, then yesterday, but some areas of the track were still a bit greasy and ready to catch out the unwary. Troy and the team continued to improve the bike and get it competitive with the top runners. Today, Troy had some problems with the bike wanting to wheelie, but the team will make some adjustments for the morning warm-up tomorrow and hopefully the problem will be solved. Michel Fabrizio (Ducati) took Superpole 3 victory right at the end of the session. Ben Spies (Yamaha) had put down what looked like an unbeatable time of 1:47.778, but in the closing minutes Fabrizio just managed to beat him, by four hundredths of a second. Third went to Jonathan Rea (Honda), with Noriyuki Haga (Ducati) fourth. Troy - 9th, 1:48.971 Getting into Superpole 3 and a place on the front or second row of the grid wouldÔÇÖve been good, but we lost that, by the smallest of margins and that proves how tough this race series is. But IÔÇÖm pretty happy how things have gone, despite the loss of track time yesterday, and looking forward to two long, hard races. The three chicanes here do our bike no favours and all of them are first gear turns. At the moment, this doesnÔÇÖt suit our bike, but the engineers are working on it and IÔÇÖm sure thereÔÇÖll be another step forward and improvement coming up soon. The good news is that we know which front tyre weÔÇÖll use tomorrow and the rear is a choice of two. WeÔÇÖll try some small stuff out tomorrow morning and hopefully weÔÇÖll be all set for the races. My bike is wheelieing a bit too much at the moment, but thatÔÇÖs another thing for the guys to sort out. ItÔÇÖll be sorted for sure and then I will be able to enjoy myself even more on the bike and really challenge the top guys. WeÔÇÖre already not far away and we just need a tiny bit more, thatÔÇÖs all.
See ya, Troy


weather.com: Imola Italy

 

[mika]

Haga takes Race 1 at Imola

1. Noriyuki Haga JPN Ducati Xerox 1198R 21 laps
2. Max Biaggi ITA Aprilia Racing RSV-4 +2.074s
3. Michel Fabrizio ITA Ducati Xerox 1198R +2.190s
4. Ben Spies USA Yamaha WSB YZF R1 +5.438s
5. Ryuichi Kiyonari JPN Ten Kate Honda CBR1000RR +14.470s
6. Leon Haslam GBR Stiggy Motorsport Honda CBR1000RR +14.685s
7. Jonathan Rea GBR HANNspree Ten Kate Honda CBR1000 +28.822s
8. Jakub Smrz CZE Guandalini Racing Ducati 1098R +32.694s
9. Tom Sykes GBR Yamaha WSB YZF R1 +33.817s
10. Broc Parkes AUS Kawasaki SRT ZX-0R +34.801s
11. Troy Corser AUS BMW Motorrad S1000RR +35.296s
12. Ruben Xaus ESP BMW Motorrad S1000RR +36.442s
13. Karl Muggeridge AUS Alstare Suzuki GSX-R 1000K9 +38.698
14. Matteo Baiocco ITA Guandalini Racing Ducati 1098R +42.147s
15. Yukio Kagayama JPN Alstare Suzuki GSX-R 1000K9 +45.510s

16. Luca Scassa ITA Team Pedercini Kawasaki ZX-10R +46.628s
17. David Checa ESP Yamaha France GMT 94 YZF R1 +1min 16.121s
18. David Salom ESP Team Pedercini Kawasaki ZX-10R +1min 16.398s

Not Classified

19. Vittorio Iannuzzo ITA SCI Honda CBR1000RR 13 laps completed
20. Marco Simoncelli ITA Aprilia Racing RSV-4 9 laps completed
21. Shane Byrne GBR Sterilgarda Ducati 1098R 8 laps completed
22. Carlos Checa ESP HANNspree Ten Kate Honda CBR1000RR 7 laps completed
23. Fonsi Nieto ESP DFX Corse Ducati 1098R 7 laps completed
24. Makoto Tamada JPN Kawasaki SRT ZX-10R 5 laps completed
25. Luca Conforti ITA Barni Corse Ducati 1098R 5 laps completed
26. Matthieu Lagrive FRA Althea Honda CBR1000RR 3 laps completed
27. Lorenzo Lanzi ITA DFX Corse Ducati 1098R 2 laps completed

 

[mika]

From: WorldSBK

Race 2
Imola 25-26-27 September 2009 Superbike Race 2
Pos # Rider Nat Bike Laps
1 84 Fabrizio M ITA Ducati 1098R
2 41 Haga N JPN Ducati 1098R
3 58 Simoncelli M ITA Aprilia RSV4 Factory
4 3 Biaggi M ITA Aprilia RSV4 Factory
5 19 Spies B USA Yamaha YZF R1
6 65 Rea J GBR Honda CBR1000RR
7 67 Byrne S GBR Ducati 1098R
8 91 Haslam L GBR Honda CBR1000RR
9 96 Smrz J CZE Ducati 1098R
10 7 Checa C ESP Honda CBR1000RR
11 57 Lanzi L ITA Ducati 1098R
12 66 Sykes T GBR Yamaha YZF R1
13 111 Xaus R ESP BMW S1000 RR
14 31 Muggeridge K AUS Suzuki GSX-R 1000 K9
15 23 Parkes B AUS Kawasaki ZX 10R
16 15 Baiocco M ITA Ducati 1098R
17 99 Scassa L ITA Kawasaki ZX 10R
18 9 Kiyonari R JPN Honda CBR1000RR
19 14 Lagrive M FRA Honda CBR1000RR
20 94 Checa D ESP Yamaha YZF R1
21 71 Kagayama Y JPN Suzuki GSX-R 1000 K9
22 10 Nieto F ESP Ducati 1098R
23 77 Iannuzzo V ITA Honda CBR1000RR
24 11 Corser T AUS BMW S1000 RR DNF no info
25 25 Salom D ESP Kawasaki ZX 10R
NS 100 Tamada M JPN Kawasaki ZX 10R

 

[Wkoppa]

Thanks For Posting

I appreciate your work on this.

Wayne Koppa
Grayling, MI
850R - DRZ 250 - R100RS

 

[mika]

You're welcome! I appreciate the comment.

From: WorldSBK

Haga returns to the top with race 1 win

Ducati dominates at Imola with Haga and Fabrizio ÔÇô Biaggi and Simoncelli on the podium for Aprilia

WSBK rd. 12, Imola, ITA, The Races
Today, September 27, 2009, 2 hours ago
2009 Superbike World Championship
Round 12, Imola, Italy
Circuit: 4.936 kms Crowd: 67,000 (3-day). Conditions: Dry, mostly sunny 25-28 C.
Sunday 27th September

RUBEN ON THE WAY BACK. FRUSTRATION FOR TROY.
It was a day of mixed fortunes for BMW Motorrad Motorsport at Imola today, with Ruben posting superb top thirteen positions on his comeback after injury and Troy suffering brake problems which saw him in eleventh place in race one and a DNF in race two. The weekend had started badly for all teams, when the first practice was abandoned due to a very slippery track and everybody lost valuable track time. Ruben soon settled into a groove with the new spec engine in his S 1000 RR, but then had to learn about the new changes and how they affected the bike. Despite this, and having to start from the fifth row of the grid, he rode his heart out to finish 12th in race one and 13th in race two. Race twoÔÇÖs result would have been even better were it not for Ruben having to take to the dirt after having to avoid hitting Fonsi Nieto in one of the chicanes. He rejoined the track, but lost four or five seconds in the process.
In race one, Troy made a good start and was in fifth place after three laps, but then began to suffer with brake problems. He kept going as best he could, but dropped down the order and ended 11th. Brembo technicians changed the brake system for race two, but the problem was worse, not better, and Troy was forced to pull out after just four laps.
Ducati riders Noriyuki Haga and Michel Fabrizio dominated Imola (their home track) today, with Haga taking the win in race one, with Max Biaggi (Aprilia) second and Fabrizio third. Race two was won by Fabrizio, with Haga second and Marco Simoncelli (Aprilia) third.

Troy - Race 1: 11th, Race 2: DNF
Today was very frustrating for me and the team because we had all expected more. Practice had gone well and our times on race tyres wouldÔÇÖve meant top seven or eight finishes for sure. In race one, the brakes started giving problems after about six laps and I was going about 20 kms faster into the turns than I wanted to whilst using much, much more brake pressure. I tried to keep out of trouble and not cause any problems to the other riders and try and keep going as best I could. In the end, I was lucky to finish 11th. Brembo and the team changed the brake system for race two, but this time the problem was worse and maybe air had ingressed. After running off the track a few times and nearly crashing, I decided it would be safer to pull in. The last thing I wanted was to crash and take somebody else out, so withdrawing was the best, and only, option. Hopefully the problem will be sorted out and everything will be OK for Magny-Cours next weekend.

Ruben - Race 1: 12th, Race 2: 13th
I am so happy to be back with my team, because I have missed them all so much in the past few weeks. I couldnÔÇÖt have raced here today if it had not been for all the tremendous work by BMWÔÇÖs doctor Vicenzo and Dr Llobet and physio Ricard Huelamo in Spain. ItÔÇÖs a shame we lost time on Friday, because the new specification of my bike means that it is like learning a new machine for me, especially as I havenÔÇÖt ridden for eight weeks. So, all in all, I am pretty happy with my performance today, but I think it couldÔÇÖve been better if I hadnÔÇÖt had to take to the dirt to avoid hitting Fonsi (Nieto) in the second race. At that point, I was chasing a top-ten place, but things like this happen in racing. Now, I am looking forward to Magny-Cours next weekend and getting to know my ÔÇÿnewÔÇÖ bike better.

Berti Hauser (BMW Motorrad Motorsport Director)
A day of mixed feelings for us, but we must be happy because Ruben is back and, although he is not 100%, he showed his eagerness and ability to fight. To finish 12th and 13th after starting from 19th on the grid is a very good achievement. What can I say about Troy? There will be an investigation by our brake suppliers and hopefully they will find out what went wrong. We all felt that Troy couldÔÇÖve finished in the top seven or eight for sure, so to have this result is very disappointing. Sometimes racing is like this and we have to put aside the problems and concentrate on the positives. Our bike is improving and the next step is not far away, so I hope that there will be no problems in Magny-Cours and we can get the results we feel we deserve.

Race 1
1 Haga (JPN-Ducati) 38:32.199; 2 Biaggi (ITA-Aprilia) 2.074; 3 Fabrizio (ITA-Ducati) 2.190; 4 Spies (USA-Yamaha) 5.438 ; 5 Kiyonari (JPN-Honda) 14.470 ; 11 Corser (AUS) BMW Motorrad Motorsport 35.286; 12 Xaus (ESP) BMW Motorrad Motorsport RR 36.442;

Race 2
1 Fabrizio (ITA-Ducati) 38:23.143; 2 Haga (JPN-Ducati) 3.592; 3 Simoncelli (ITA-Aprilia) 6.510; 4 Biaggi (ITA-Aprilia) 7.445; 5 Spies (USA-Yamaha) 14.678 ; 13 Xaus (ESP) BMW Motorrad Motorsport 36.368;

 

[mika]

From: WorldSBK

Imola, Italy - Race: BITTER DISAPPOINTMENT FOR TROY
Yesterday, September 26, 2009, 7:00:00 PM
Brake problems in both races ruined TroyÔÇÖs chanceÔÇÖs of a top seven finish at Imola today and left him both disappointed and frustrated. His frustration was shared by the team who,together with the Brembo technicians, were unable to solve the problem in either of the two 21-lappers, but will be investigating the problem thoroughly before next weekendÔÇÖs race in Magny-Cours. Ducati riders Noriyuki Haga and Michel Fabrizio dominated Imola (their home track) today, with Haga taking the win in race one, with Max Biaggi (Aprilia) second and Fabrizio third. Race two was won by Fabrizio, with Haga second and Marco Simoncelli (Aprilia) third. Troy - Race 1: 11th, Race 2: DNF I donÔÇÖt know what to say really, because this weekend shouldÔÇÖve been one where we showed the progress weÔÇÖve made with the bike. Instead, brake problems messed up any chance of getting a solid pair of top seven finishes before further improvement at Magny-Cours and Portimao. When you make a mistake, it is one thing, but when you have technical problems like this, it is very frustrating. I could crashed a dozen or so times in either race and I certainly spent quite a bit of time off the track. The first race started OK and I was up to fifth by the end of the third lap, but then began having problems with the brakes. The lever was coming back to the bar and I was having to exert heaps more pressure than normal. I was also heading into the turns and chicanes faster than I wanted to and that got a bit scary. I didnÔÇÖt want to crash and I didnÔÇÖt want to cause a crash, so I just had to ride carefully and keep a watch out for the other riders. To get 11th, in those circumstances, was good, to say the least. Between race one and race two, the Brembo technicians completely changed the brake system. Our team let them do that and watched in case they had done anything wrong before, but the work was exactly the same. However, the result in race two was much worse. Right from the start, I knew that things were not going better and the brakes were a problem straightaway. After four laps of running off the track, I decided that it would be safer if I pulled out so, reluctantly, thatÔÇÖs what I did. Today was a great shame because the lap times we did on race rubber wouldÔÇÖve given us top seven or eight. Instead, a solution has to be found to the problem, and quick, as Magny-Cours is only next weekend. Hopefully, a solution will be found and I can give myself and the team the results we all now expect. See ya, Troy


FIM-live.com
Haga anticipates tough battle
September 27, 2009
Noriyuki Haga is expecting a tough battle with Ben Spies for the FIM Superbike World Championship despite regaining the lead in the race for the title at Imola.

Haga took victory in race one before claiming second behind Xerox Ducati team-mate Michel Fabrizio in race two, and he now has a three point advantage over Texan Spies at the top of the standings.

Yamaha rider Spies endured a tough weekend and he was unable to match the speed of the factory Ducatis and Aprilias. He finished fourth in race one and was fifth in race two after a trip through the gravel as he tried to avoid the squabbling Max Biaggi and Marco Simoncelli.

Haga had looked set to waltz to the title after an excellent start to the season but a neck injury suffered in a spectacular crash at the British round of the FIM World Superbike Championship at Donington allowed Spies to capitalise and the Japanese rider admits the injury has affected his form.

He said, "It's great to have won again, having not been in this position since Kyalami and having had some tough rounds after the Donington accident. It was a very long race, I thought it would never end.

"Over this weekend we have gradually improved and I am especially happy with the result because my father has travelled to Europe for the first time to see me race."

But the 34-year-old also admitted he expects the season's final two rounds, at Magny-Cours in France and Portimao in Portugal, to be hard fought.

"We are now back in the lead with a three point advantage but there are still four races to go so there's still a fight ahead," he said.

"We need the best possible bike for Magny-Cours and Portimao."


Haga regains title lead
September 27, 2009
Noriyuki Haga regained the lead of the FIM Superbike World Championship as the Ducati team enjoyed a dream home round of the series at Imola..

Japanese rider Haga and team-mate Michel Fabrizio took a win apiece as Yamaha rider Ben Spies, Haga's principal title rival, endured a frustrating day at the Bologna track.

Haga now holds a three-point lead at the top of the standings with just two rounds of the season remaining.

The 34-year-old had come into the weekend trailing Texan Spies by 18 points, but he soon made inroads into that advantage by taking a well-judged win in race one.

Aprilia's Max Biaggi led from the start and had looked set to give the Italian marque their second win since their return to the championship at the start of the season.

But Haga passed the former MotoGP rider with just four laps remaining to take the win, his first since the South African round at Kyalami back in May. Biaggi finished second as he overtook Fabrizio at the final chicane.

Spies could only manage fourth as he struggled to match the pace of the Ducatis and Aprilias, with his points lead trimmed to six.

Things only got worse for the American as the second race turned into a personal duel between the two factory Ducati riders with Fabrizio working his way past Haga before pulling away to take the win as he opted not to help his team-mate's championship cause by surrendering victory.

Biaggi had to settle for fourth after Marco Simoncelli's robust move on him into the Variante Bassa chicane slowed him up, in turn forcing Spies, who eventually finished fifth, to take a trip through the gravel in avoidance.


motorsport-total.com translated: Spies disappointed ÔÇô ÔÇÿA lot of mistakesÔÇØ

 

[mika]

From: WorldSBK

Biaggi and Simoncelli bring more podiums for Aprilia

crash.net: Simoncelli ÔÇô Either we crash or I pass

motorsport.com: Imola - Yamaha Sunday notes

crash.net: Spies praises Haga vows to push on

crash.net: Haslam ÔÇô Rea had me on the grass four times

 

[mika]

roadracingworld.com: DMG/AMA Pro RacingÔÇÖs Roger Edmondson Admits Race Officials Targeted Specific Riders With Punitive Enforcement

roadracingworld.com: First person punch ÔÇô In DMGÔÇÖs alternate reality, ÔÇ£Suspended IndefinitelyÔÇØ equals full pay and no worries

From: WorldSBK

motorsport-total.com: Aprilia ÔÇô Second team and the interest of Byliss?

crash.net: Magny Cours stats ÔÇô Hava, Ducati and Yamaha

crash.net: Spies can claim ninth on all time WSBK win list

speedtv.com: Spies fights hard to minimize championship damage

 

[mika]

From: WorldSBK

Spies ready for Magny-Cours improvement

crash.net: Will Fabrizio help Haga this weekend?

motorsport.com

motomatters.com: Leon Carrier to race Aprilia RSV4 World Superbike for rest of season

WSBK rd. 13, Magny-Cours, FRA, preview

29 September 2009 15:05
Team BMW Motorrad Motorsport news
2009 Superbike World Championship
Preview: Round 13, Magny-Cours, France, 4th October

TROY AND RUBEN READY FOR MAGNY-COURS
After the mixed fortunes at Imola last weekend, both Team BMW Motorrad Motorrad Motorsport riders Troy Corser and
Ruben Xaus are looking forward to the next round of the championship at Magny-Cours, this coming weekend. Brake woes
beset Troy last weekend, but hopefully this problem will be sorted out in time for the first practice on Friday afternoon. The
strength of Ruben’s return after injury was encouraging, to say the least, and the Spaniard is looking forward to continuing
his work on the new ‘spec’ engine and see how it performs at the French circuit.

Troy
I am really looking forward to Magny-Cours, especially after last weekend’s frustrating raceday. I am confident that the team
have found out what caused the brake problems so that I will be able to get to grips with the Magny-Cours circuit right from
the start of practice on Friday. Our team has never been to Magny-Cours before, so we will have to put in a lot of hard work
on day one and try and find a good bike set-up as soon as we can.
The recent improvement of our bike is making riding an enjoyable experience and as long as we don’t have any problems
like last weekend, I think we can challenge for a top six or seven place for sure. But anything can happen in racing and we
may get even better results if everything goes our way. We shall have to see.

Ruben
I was so happy to get back on the bike last weekend and also to be working with my team again. My only concern about
Magny-Cours, is that sometimes the weather can be quite cold and that means I will have to try and warm up my right leg
properly. Getting on the S 1000 RR last weekend was like riding a new bike for me and I now have to spend some time
understanding how it has developed before I can push as hard as I woud like.

Berti Hauser (BMW Motorrad Motorsport Director)
With two races left this season, it is interesting to see how Troy and Ruben are finding the improvements the team have
made recently. Both riders have commented favourably about the changes so far and so it was such a shame that brake
problems deprived Troy of two good results. But we have to forget that and concentrate on this coming weekend and start
over again. We have not been to this track before, so that’s some extra work for us to do, but this has happened many
times this season and we are more used to it. There’s more to come from our bike, so let’s hope we our improvement
continues and we get good results at Magny-Cours.

2008 results
Race 1: Haga (JPN-Yamaha), 2 Nieto (ESP-Suzuki), 3 Bayliss (AUS-Ducati), 6 Troy Corser (AUS-Yamaha), Ruben Xaus
(ESP-Ducati) DNF
Race 2: Bayliss, 2 Haga, 3 Troy Corser, 5 Ruben Xaus,


roadracingworld.com: Why discuss DMG selective enforcement and other abuses of power now?

roadracingwold.com: AMA Superbike series officials – Meet the new crew. Same as the old crew

 

[mika]

From: WorldSBK

Statistics from Imola to Magny-Cours

Haga and Spies begin countdown to the 2009 title at Magny-Cours

crash.net: We can challenge for the top six

Yamaha-racing.com
: Yamaha World Superbike Team annonce 2010 season line-up

superbike-news.co.uk: Ben Spies will move to MotoGP in 2010

superbike-news.co.uk: Colin Edwards and Ben Spies to ride for Monster Yamaha Tech 3 in 2010

crash.net: Morais back at Kawasaki in place of Tamada

roadracingworld.com: Now a few letters from readers

 

[mika]

From: WorldSBK

motorcyclenews.com: Spies ÔÇô ÔÇ£It will be a good last four racesÔÇØ

teamtech3.fr: Colin Edwards and Ben Spies to ride for Monster Yamaha Tech 3 in 2009

motorcyclenews.com: Spies admits MotoGP switch was a difficult decision

automoto365.fr[/ur.l]: Official: Tech3 chooses Edwards and Spies 2010

[url=http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/152955/1/poncharal_thanks_dedicated_toseland.html]crash.net: Poncharal thanks ÔÇÿdedicatedÔÇÖ Toseland

autosport.com: Toesland to return to Superbikes

motomatters.com: James Toseland And Cal Crutchlow To Be Yamaha's World Superbike Squad In 2010

crash.net: Morais back at Kawasaki in place of Tamada

 

[mika]

From: WorldSBK

BSB Champion Camier clear to race final two WSB rounds on an Aprilia

Stiggy Racing Honda and S2 Racing end collaboration

motorsport-magazine.com: Spies vs.. Haga Showdown 2 von 3 Haga Showdown 2 of 3
Die Superbike WM gastiert am Wochenende in Magny Cours und das Duell Haga gegen Spies geht in die vorletzte Runde. The guest performances at the World Superbike Championship weekend at Magny Cours and the duel against Spies Haga goes into the penultimate round.

 

[mika]

Magny-Cours first practice results

1 65 Rea J. (GBR) Honda CBR1000RR 1'39.984
2 91 Haslam L. (GBR) Honda CBR1000RR 1'40.213
3 41 Haga N. (JPN) Ducati 1098R 1'40.222
4 7 Checa C. (ESP) Honda CBR1000RR 1'40.243
5 10 Nieto F. (ESP) Ducati 1098R 1'40.279
6 84 Fabrizio M. (ITA) Ducati 1098R 1'40.369
7 19 Spies B. (USA) Yamaha YZF R1 1'40.392
8 3 Biaggi M. (ITA) Aprilia RSV4 Factory 1'40.701
9 11 Corser T. (AUS) BMW S1000 RR 1'40.736
10 67 Byrne S. (GBR) Ducati 1098R 1'40.802
11 9 Kiyonari R. (JPN) Honda CBR1000RR 1'40.803
12 66 Sykes T. (GBR) Yamaha YZF R1 1'40.867
13 71 Kagayama Y. (JPN) Suzuki GSX-R 1000 K9 1'40.875
14 96 Smrz J. (CZE) Ducati 1098R 1'40.893
15 31 Muggeridge K. (AUS) Suzuki GSX-R 1000 K9 1'41.022
16 25 Salom D. (ESP) Kawasaki ZX 10R 1'41.376
17 22 Camier L. (GBR) Aprilia RSV4 Factory 1'41.428
18 23 Parkes B. (AUS) Kawasaki ZX 10R 1'41.713
19 94 Checa D. (ESP) Yamaha YZF R1 1'41.871
20 15 Baiocco M. (ITA) Ducati 1098R 1'41.891
21 111 Xaus R. (ESP) BMW S1000 RR 1'41.939
22 99 Scassa L. (ITA) Kawasaki ZX 10R 1'41.949
23 132 Morais S. (RSA) Kawasaki ZX 10R 1'43.098
24 77 Iannuzzo V. (ITA) Honda CBR1000RR 1'43.480
25 88 Resch R. (AUT) Suzuki GSX-R 1000 K9 1'43.589
26 40 Gentile F. (ITA) Honda CBR1000RR 1'43.843

 

[mika]

From: WorldSBK

Championship top 4 set cracking pace at Magny Cours

Corser and Xaus advance to Saturday Superpole

The provisional grid after Friday Qualifying
News / Latest News
Magny-Cours Superbike - Qualifying 1st Session
Friday, 02 October 2009 17:21

1 84 Fabrizio M. (ITA) Ducati 1098R 1'38.770
2 65 Rea J. (GBR) Honda CBR1000RR 1'38.821
3 41 Haga N. (JPN) Ducati 1098R 1'38.877
4 19 Spies B. (USA) Yamaha YZF R1 1'38.939
5 Checa C. (ESP) Honda CBR1000RR 1'39.379
6 11 Corser T. (AUS) BMW S1000 RR 1'39.435
7 71 Kagayama Y. (JPN) Suzuki GSX-R 1000 K9 1'39.497
8 96 Smrz J. (CZE) Ducati 1098R 1'39.613
9 10 Nieto F. (ESP) Ducati 1098R 1'39.772
10 3 Biaggi M. (ITA) Aprilia RSV4 Factory 1'39.834
11 91 Haslam L. (GBR) Honda CBR1000RR 1'39.900
12 31 Muggeridge K. (AUS) Suzuki GSX-R 1000 K9 1'39.964
13 23 Parkes B. (AUS) Kawasaki ZX 10R 1'40.000
14 25 Salom D. (ESP) Kawasaki ZX 10R 1'40.017
15 66 Sykes T. (GBR) Yamaha YZF R1 1'40.048
16 9 Kiyonari R. (JPN) Honda CBR1000RR 1'40.101
17 22 Camier L. (GBR) Aprilia RSV4 Factory 1'40.103
18 67 Byrne S. (GBR) Ducati 1098R 1'40.354
19 111 Xaus R. (ESP) BMW S1000 RR 1'40.375
20 94 Checa D. (ESP) Yamaha YZF R1 1'40.554
21 99 Scassa L. (ITA) Kawasaki ZX 10R 1'40.828
22 88 Resch R. (AUT) Suzuki GSX-R 1000 K9 1'41.007
23 132 Morais S. (RSA) Kawasaki ZX 10R 1'41.496
24 15 Baiocco M. (ITA) Ducati 1098R 1'41.573
25 77 Iannuzzo V. (ITA) Honda CBR1000RR 1'41.908
26 40 Gentile F. (ITA) Honda CBR1000RR 1'42.272

 

[mika]

Magny Cours, France - First qualifying: TROY HAPPY WITH TOP SIX ON DAY ONE

After last weekÔÇÖs problems, Troy was happy that todayÔÇÖs practice and qualifying passed off without any major dramas. There was no sign of the brake problems that plagued Troy last weekend and he and his team were able to get down to work straightaway. Troy ended the day with the sixth quickest time, but is not far off the leaders. Michel Fabrizio (Ducati) is on provisional pole, with Jonathan Rea (Honda) second, Noriyuki Haga (Ducati) third and Ben Spies (Yamaha) fourth. Troy - 6th, 1:39.435 IÔÇÖm pretty satisfied with today and itÔÇÖs good that we didnÔÇÖt have a recurrence of the brake problems we had last week. ThatÔÇÖs something less we have to worry about and so we can concentrate on what we want to do here and what is required. The track has quite a few bumps and one of our jobs is getting the bike to manage the bumps as best we can. Also, we will make some adjustments to the wheelie control so that we can put the power on the deck, where it should be! The bike is making progress every time out and the good thing is that we know that thereÔÇÖs more to come. Like every racer, I want the best possible result, but today it was more important to get the bike working well round this circuit and have it in the best possible condition for the races on Sunday.

 

[mika]

From: WorldSBK

MotoGP.com: Spies to make wildcard appearance at Valencia

Friday leftovers:
WSBK rd. 13, Magny-Cours, friday qualifying
Today, October 03, 2009, 6 hours ago
2009 Superbike World Championship
Round 13, Magny-Cours, France
Friday qualifying, 2nd October
Circuit: 4.411 kms. Conditions: Dry, sunny/cloudy 17-20 C.

TROY TAKES SUPERB TOP SIXTH.
Team BMW Motorrad Motorsport rider Troy Corser took a superb top
sixth place in first qualifying at Magny-Cours today. The Australian posted a lap of 1:39.435, to finish just six tenths of a second behind todayÔÇÖs fastest rider - Michel Fabrizio (Ducati).The three stop/go parts of the circuit caused TroyÔÇÖs team mate Ruben Xaus some problems with his right hip and although the Spaniard only recorded the nineteenth quickest time, he is less than half a second off a top ten place. Second fastest this afternoon was Jonathan Rea (Honda), with Noriyuki Haga (Ducati) third and Ben Spies (Yamaha) fourth.

Troy - 6th, 1:39.435
Well, itÔÇÖs gone pretty well today and IÔÇÖm generally pleased with our progress. We didnÔÇÖt have any problems with the brakes today, so hopefully last weekendÔÇÖs issues have been sorted out. Today we spent most of the time working on the chassis and how it behaves on the bumps and on braking at this track. At the moment, tyre life seems OK and I am still happy with the connection with the bike. Tomorrow weÔÇÖll do some more work to try and manage the bumps better and some more stuff on the wheelie control.

Ruben - 19th, 1:40.375
Unbelievably, although I have raced here many times (and have had some good results), I have never been here on a four cylinder bike! So I am having to re-learn the track and adjusting my style to it. ItÔÇÖs obvious that I am not fully fit and there are at least three places on the track that are very stop and go and thatÔÇÖs where I am feeling pain and discomfort in my right hip and top of the leg. Tomorrow my guys are going to try some settings that will make it a bit more easy for me to ride the bike and hopefully I will be able to go faster then. Although my position today doesnÔÇÖt look good, I am only half a second or so away from the top ten and that shows how competitive this series is.

Berti Hauser (BMW Motorrad Motorsport Director)
ItÔÇÖs a bit early to talk about the competition, but Troy once again showed that he can challenge the leaders and his sixth place today gives us a lot of hope. ThatÔÇÖs a good base, so now we must see if we can improve on it tomorrow. Ruben has done very well, considering the pain he must be in, and hopefully he will be in less discomfort after some massages and treatment from our doctor. Magny-Cours is not an easy circuit for our bike, but we have to manage it as best we can and do our very best.

Friday qualifying
1 Fabrizio (ITA-Ducati) 1:38.770, 2 Rea (GBR-Honda) 1:38.821, 3 Haga (JPN-Ducati) 1:38.877, 4 Spies (USA-Yamaha) 1:38.939, 5 C Checa (ESP-Honda) 1:39.379, 6 Troy Corser (AUS-BMW Motorrad Motorsport) 1:39.435, 19 Ruben Xaus (ESP-BMW Motorrad Motorsport) 1:40.375,


Superpole 1

Fabrizio the provisional pole holder was listed first on the Superpole grid sheet when the first session started but he was the last rider to take to the track. When the first times came up for the session Rea was on top.

Corser had not looked good in the warm-up session but he is running in position to advance to Superpole 2. Xaus on the other hand is in the nock out range after a very good warm-up session. Go figure!

As rides head into the pits before taking their final flying laps:
Haslam Rea Spies Biaggi Fabriaio Smrz Haga Nieto Kagayama and Muggeridge make up the top ten

Corser looks like he will advance. As the chequered flag drops Xaus moves up to 14th. Will it hold?

It does and both BMW riders advance to Superpole 2. They have their work cut out for them if either is going to advance to Superpole 3.

Aprilia is getting a good effort out of its backup rider once again. Camier splits the BMW riders on the second Aprilia bike and advances to Superpole 2.

Results of Superpole 1

Magny Cours 2-3-4 October 2009 Superbike Superpole 1 Session Complete

Pos # Rider Nat Bike Last Lap Best Lap Gap Laps

1 91 Haslam L GBR Honda CBR1000RR PIT IN 1'38.770 3
2 65 Rea J GBR Honda CBR1000RR PIT IN 1'38.778 0.008 2
3 19 Spies B USA Yamaha YZF R1 PIT IN 1'38.886 0.116 2
4 3 Biaggi M ITA Aprilia RSV4 Factory PIT IN 1'38.920 0.150 4
5 84 Fabrizio M ITA Ducati 1098R PIT IN 1'39.051 0.281 3
6 96 Smrz J CZE Ducati 1098R PIT IN 1'39.134 0.364 3
7 41 Haga N JPN Ducati 1098R PIT IN 1'39.146 0.376 4
8 10 Nieto F ESP Ducati 1098R PIT IN 1'39.250 0.480 5
9 71 Kagayama Y JPN Suzuki GSX-R 1000 K9 PIT IN 1'39.255 0.485 3
10 31 Muggeridge K AUS Suzuki GSX-R 1000 K9 PIT IN 1'39.272 0.502 3
11 7 Checa C ESP Honda CBR1000RR PIT IN 1'39.365 0.595 5
12 11 Corser T AUS BMW S1000 RR PIT IN 1'39.371 0.601 2
13 22 Camier L GBR Aprilia RSV4 Factory PIT IN 1'39.463 0.693 6
14 111 Xaus R ESP BMW S1000 RR PIT IN 1'39.490 0.720 6
15 67 Byrne S GBR Ducati 1098R PIT IN 1'39.520 0.750 6
16 66 Sykes T GBR Yamaha YZF R1 PIT IN 1'39.601 0.831 6
17 9 Kiyonari R JPN Honda CBR1000RR 1'39.816 1.046
18 15 Baiocco M ITA Ducati 1098R 1'39.868 1.098
19 23 Parkes B AUS Kawasaki ZX 10R 1'39.905 1.135
20 25 Salom D ESP Kawasaki ZX 10R 1'40.534 1.764


Superpole 2

Sykes is the last rider to take to the grid in this session. As the first qualifying times for the session come up Rae is once again the first to take the lead.

CorserÔÇÖs first time puts him in P8 and XausÔÇÖ puts him in P11 but they are falling as I write.

No rush for final flyers ÔÇô everyone seems willing to hold either accepting their fate or preparing for Superpole 3 ÔÇô except for Corser who turns in a lap time that lands him P3 for this session!

Xaus best Camier but does not advance.

Results for Superpole 2

Magny Cours 2-3-4 October 2009 Superbike Superpole 2 Chequered Flag

Pos # Rider Nat Bike Last Lap Best Lap Gap Laps

1 19 Spies B USA Yamaha YZF R1 PIT IN 1'38.116 3
2 65 Rea J GBR Honda CBR1000RR PIT IN 1'38.313 0.197 3
3 11 Corser T AUS BMW S1000 RR 1'38.480 1'38.480 0.364 6
4 3 Biaggi M ITA Aprilia RSV4 Factory PIT IN 1'38.578 0.462 5
5 10 Nieto F ESP Ducati 1098R PIT IN 1'38.639 0.523 4
6 84 Fabrizio M ITA Ducati 1098R PIT IN 1'38.714 0.598 3
7 91 Haslam L GBR Honda CBR1000RR 1'38.737 0.621 5
8 41 Haga N JPN Ducati 1098R PIT IN 1'38.760 0.644 4
9 67 Byrne S GBR Ducati 1098R 1'39.198 1'38.831 0.715 6
10 96 Smrz J CZE Ducati 1098R PIT IN 1'38.844 0.728 4
11 31 Muggeridge K AUS Suzuki GSX-R 1000 K9 1'39.606 1'38.851 0.735 5
12 7 Checa C ESP Honda CBR1000RR 1'39.215 1'38.924 0.808 6
13 71 Kagayama Y JPN Suzuki GSX-R 1000 K9 1'39.584 1'39.148 1.032 6
14 66 Sykes T GBR Yamaha YZF R1 1'39.473 1'39.361 1.245 6
15 111 Xaus R ESP BMW S1000 RR 1'44.072 1'39.444 1.328 6
16 22 Camier L GBR Aprilia RSV4 Factory 1'40.494 1'39.703 1.587 6


All sorts of question marks going into the final round of Superpole:
- is this the race Corser lands a front row slot
- what is up with Fabrizio and Haga? Haga made it to the third session in P8.
- Can Ben Spies take another Superpole?

Superpole 3

Everyone is away as the session begins. There are three Ducatis, two Hondas a Yamaha Aprilia and one BMW in this round.

Once again Rae is the top of the first set of posted times followed by Haga Spies and Fabrizio. Corser is currently in P7 Flanked by Haslam and Nieto ahead and Biaggi behind on the board.

Rae holds on as second qualifying lap times are posted. Spies and Corser are shown as Pit In. Others follow shortly and as they do Spies and Corser head back out.

With three minutes remaining there is no change in the grid order

Results of Superpole 3

Magny Cours 2-3-4 October 2009 Superbike Superpole 3 Chequered Flag
Pos # Rider Nat Bike Last Lap Best Lap Gap Laps
1 19 Spies B USA Yamaha YZF R1 1'37.709 4
2 65 Rea J GBR Honda CBR1000RR 3'32.132 1'38.191 0.482 5
3 84 Fabrizio M ITA Ducati 1098R 1'38.196 1'38.196 0.487 6
4 3 Biaggi M ITA Aprilia RSV4 Factory 1'38.235 1'38.235 0.526 6
5 41 Haga N JPN Ducati 1098R PIT IN 1'38.365 0.656 4
6 91 Haslam L GBR Honda CBR1000RR 1'38.769 1'38.625 0.916 6
7 10 Nieto F ESP Ducati 1098R 1'38.670 0.961 5
8 11 Corser T AUS BMW S1000 RR 1'48.410 1'39.114 1.405 5

Spies takes another Superpole! Will he take victories as a result?

No last lap heroics from Corser as he finishes a very respectful P8. Can he pull another hole shot on Sunday?

Provisional Superpole Results

Magny Cours 2-3-4 October 2009 Superbike Superpole 3 Session Complete
Pos # Rider Nat Bike Last Lap Best Lap Gap Laps
1 19 Spies B USA Yamaha YZF R1 PIT IN 1'37.709 4
2 65 Rea J GBR Honda CBR1000RR PIT IN 1'38.191 0.482 5
3 84 Fabrizio M ITA Ducati 1098R PIT IN 1'38.196 0.487 6
4 3 Biaggi M ITA Aprilia RSV4 Factory PIT IN 1'38.235 0.526 6
5 41 Haga N JPN Ducati 1098R PIT IN 1'38.365 0.656 4
6 91 Haslam L GBR Honda CBR1000RR PIT IN 1'38.625 0.916 6
7 10 Nieto F ESP Ducati 1098R PIT IN 1'38.670 0.961 5
8 11 Corser T AUS BMW S1000 RR PIT IN 1'39.114 1.405 5
9 67 Byrne S GBR Ducati 1098R
10 96 Smrz J CZE Ducati 1098R
11 31 Muggeridge K AUS Suzuki GSX-R 1000 K9
12 7 Checa C ESP Honda CBR1000RR
13 71 Kagayama Y JPN Suzuki GSX-R 1000 K9
14 66 Sykes T GBR Yamaha YZF R1
15 111 Xaus R ESP BMW S1000 RR
16 22 Camier L GBR Aprilia RSV4 Factory
17 9 Kiyonari R JPN Honda CBR1000RR
18 15 Baiocco M ITA Ducati 1098R
19 23 Parkes B AUS Kawasaki ZX 10R
20 25 Salom D ESP Kawasaki ZX 10R

 

[mika]

WSB rd. 13, Magny-Cours, FRA, Final Qualifying
Today, October 03, 2009, 9 hours ago
2009 Superbike World Championship
Round 13, Magny-Cours, France
Final qualifying, Saturday 3rd October
Circuit: 4.411 kms. Conditions: Dry, mostly sunny 17-20 C.

SO CLOSE FOR TROY.
Team BMW Motorrad Motorsport rider Troy Corser got tantalisingly close to a place on the front row of the grid for tomorrowÔÇÖs pair of 23-lap races at Magny-Cours, but missed out because of the Superpole tyre rule. He had used both of his qualifying tyres in Superpoles 1 and 2, to make sure of getting into Superpole 3, and then did not have one available for the final Superpole. But he and the team are happy that, once again, a second row grid spot has been obtained and are now looking forward to tomorrow.

Ruben continued to defy the pain barrier today and achieved his first goal of qualifying for Superpole. He then surprised everybody by qualifying for Superpole 2, but lack of race fitness probably accounted for the fact that he could proceed any further.

Ben Spies (Yamaha) once again won Superpole - his tenth of the season - with Jonathan Rea (Honda) second, Michel Fabrizio (Ducati) and Biaggi (Aprilia) fourth.

Troy - 8th, 1:39.114
Today went pretty well generally and I think weÔÇÖve got a pretty good race set-up and know which tyres weÔÇÖll use for the race. When our bike gets more grip - like when we put on qualifying tyres - it behaves a bit differently, so thatÔÇÖs always something to consider. The bike was spinning a bit this afternoon, so weÔÇÖll sit down and look at the telemetry and see if we can find out what the problem is and what to do about it. If I had been able to have a qualifier in final Superpole session, I think I might have got on the front row of the grid, but row two is OK and I normally make good starts, so I am not too bothered. Because of a red flag we lost fifteen minutes of the afternoon session and for us, that was valuable time lost. But weÔÇÖre in pretty good shape and IÔÇÖm hoping that it all works out well tomorrow.
Brembo have worked very hard since last week and I now have no complaints at all about the brakes - in fact they are probably the best theyÔÇÖve ever been.

Ruben - 15th, 1:39.444
I am happy that I managed to qualify for Superpole and IÔÇÖm happy that I also got into Superpole 2. On another day and with better physical condition, who knows what might have happened and I might have got on to the second row of the grid! This track has many right-handers and they, and the hairpins, are killing me. Being here for the first time on a four cylinder bike doesnÔÇÖt help either, so I think I should be satisfied with what I did today. I need to find about half a second and then I think IÔÇÖll be able to have a good race for sure. I had a bit of a moment this afternoon when a gust of wind forced my hand off the handlebars and I had to go straight on at the final chicane. I would like to congratulate Troy for his good work and fast laps today and I would like to thank my team for the great job they did.

Berti Hauser (BMW Motorrad Motorsport Director)
Once again Troy showed what he can do with this bike and itÔÇÖs just a shame that he just couldnÔÇÖt manage to get on the front row. Tomorrow will be interesting for sure and we are all hoping that he gets good results. Ruben shouldnÔÇÖt really be racing yet and it is difficult to know how much pain he is in. But at least we have our doctor with us today and tomorrow and so he will get the best possible treatment. This track doesnÔÇÖt really suit our bike at present, but IÔÇÖm sure that both Troy and Ruben will do the very best they can and hopefully our results will reflect that.

Final qualifying
1 Spies (USA-Yamaha) 1:37.709, 2 Rea (GBR-Honda) 1:38.191, 3 Fabrizio (ITA-Ducati) 1:38.196, 4 Biaggi (ITA-Aprilia) 1:38.235, 5 Haga (JPN-Ducati) 1:38.365, 6 Haslam (GBR-Honda) 1:38.625, 8 Troy Corser (AUS-BMW Motorrad Motorsport) 1:39.114, 15 Ruben Xaus (ESP-BMW Motorrad Motorsport) 1:39.444,


Troy Corser's official website - Race News feed
Magny Cours, France - Final qualifying: SECOND ROW AGAIN FOR TROY
Yesterday, October 02, 2009, 7:00:00 PM
Once again, Troy got close to that elusive front row grid place, but a lack of qualifying tyre in Superpole ruined his plans and so he will start from the second row. Troy used his allocation of two qualifying tyres in Superpoles 1 and 2 to make sure of getting into Superpole 3 and had to use normal race rubber in the final session instead. But Troy normally makes good starts and is not worried about getting off the line quickly - as he has proved before. Ben Spies (Yamaha) blasted his way to Superpole win number ten, with Jonathan Rea (Honda) second, Michel Fabrizio (Ducati) third and Max Biaggi (Aprilia) fourth. Troy - 8th, 1:39.114 The front row wouldÔÇÖve been good - for me and the team - but what happens in the two races tomorrow is more important. IÔÇÖm happy to say that the brakes are working perfectly (probably better than ever) and so thank you to the Brembo guys for sorting out last weekÔÇÖs problem. IÔÇÖm pretty happy with the set-up weÔÇÖve got for the race and weÔÇÖll look at the telemetry tonight to see if we can iron out a few small problems and improve the bike. Our bike seems to behave a bit differently when itÔÇÖs on qualifying tyres and although it moves around a bit, the grip level is up. We lost fifteen minutes this afternoon and that was a shame because we need as much track time as possible. Because we have never been here with this bike before, we suffered more than most because of this, but we just have to get on with it and do the best we can. I am looking forward to the races tomorrow and hoping that I can get a couple of really good finished.


That was the hope on Saturday when things were posted. SundayÔÇÖs results are rolling out now for Race 1. Race 2 will take place a couple of hours from now.

From: WorldSBK

Spies edges out Haga for Race 1 win

Spies has reclaimed a two point title lead with this victory in this blow by blow round by round title fight with Haga. Race 2 will determine which rider will take this round in the fight.

Magny Cours Superbike - Race 1
Sunday, 04 October 2009


1 19 Spies B. (USA) Yamaha YZF R1 37'57.110 (160,392 kph)
2 41 Haga N. (JPN) Ducati 1098R 0.181
3 3 Biaggi M. (ITA) Aprilia RSV4 Factory 5.009
4 84 Fabrizio M. (ITA) Ducati 1098R 16.347
5 91 Haslam L. (GBR) Honda CBR1000RR 22.622
6 7 Checa C. (ESP) Honda CBR1000RR 24.948
7 71 Kagayama Y. (JPN) Suzuki GSX-R 1000 K9 27.144
8 67 Byrne S. (GBR) Ducati 1098R 27.578
9 11 Corser T. (AUS) BMW S1000 RR 28.486
10 96 Smrz J. (CZE) Ducati 1098R 28.716
11 111 Xaus R. (ESP) BMW S1000 RR 52.680
12 15 Baiocco M. (ITA) Ducati 1098R 1'01.372
13 99 Scassa L. (ITA) Kawasaki ZX 10R 1'05.123
14 25 Salom D. (ESP) Kawasaki ZX 10R 1'05.483
15 94 Checa D. (ESP) Yamaha YZF R1 1'05.672
16 88 Resch R. (AUT) Suzuki GSX-R 1000 K9 1'29.284
17 40 Gentile F. (ITA) Honda CBR1000RR
RET 22 Camier L. (GBR) Aprilia RSV4 Factory
RET 132 Morais S. (RSA) Kawasaki ZX 10R
RET 10 Nieto F. (ESP) Ducati 1098R
RET 23 Parkes B. (AUS) Kawasaki ZX 10R
RET 65 Rea J. (GBR) Honda CBR1000RR
RET 77 Iannuzzo V. (ITA) Honda CBR1000RR
RET 9 Kiyonari R. (JPN) Honda CBR1000RR
RET 31 Muggeridge K. (AUS) Suzuki GSX-R 1000 K9
RET 66 Sykes T. (GBR) Yamaha YZF R1

Need a morning fix of MC racing with your morning coffee? Here are WSBK highlights from Imola

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[mika]

Magny Cours 2-3-4 October 2009 Superbike Race 2 Chequered Flag
Pos # Rider Nat Bike Last Lap Best Lap Gap Laps
1 41 Haga N JPN Ducati 1098R 1'39.369 1'38.842 23
2 3 Biaggi M ITA Aprilia RSV4 Factory 1'39.388 1'38.778 1.480 23
3 65 Rea J GBR Honda CBR1000RR 1'41.255 1'38.662 6.024 23
4 19 Spies B USA Yamaha YZF R1 1'41.457 1'38.992 18.135 23
5 91 Haslam L GBR Honda CBR1000RR 1'40.743 1'39.055 21.236 23
6 71 Kagayama Y JPN Suzuki GSX-R 1000 K9 1'40.366 1'39.740 23.647 23
7 67 Byrne S GBR Ducati 1098R 1'39.969 1'39.705 23.701 23
8 31 Muggeridge K AUS Suzuki GSX-R 1000 K9 1'40.396 1'39.711 24.838 23
9 7 Checa C ESP Honda CBR1000RR 1'41.024 1'39.596 31.455 23
10 11 Corser T AUS BMW S1000 RR 1'41.183 1'39.660 32.507 23
11 10 Nieto F ESP Ducati 1098R 1'42.343 1'39.706 37.594 23
12 111 Xaus R ESP BMW S1000 RR 1'41.879 1'40.579 44.727 23
13 84 Fabrizio M ITA Ducati 1098R 1'41.061 1'39.151 49.782 23
14 15 Baiocco M ITA Ducati 1098R 1'42.270 1'40.636 50.345 23
15 23 Parkes B AUS Kawasaki ZX 10R 1'42.315 1'40.763 56.209 23
16 25 Salom D ESP Kawasaki ZX 10R 1'41.874 1'40.864 58.796 23
17 94 Checa D ESP Yamaha YZF R1 1'41.995 1'40.863 1'00.391 23
18 88 Resch R AUT Suzuki GSX-R 1000 K9 1'42.769 1'41.770 1'20.777 23
19 132 Morais S RSA Kawasaki ZX 10R 1'44.623 1'41.601 1'24.318 23
20 22 Camier L GBR Aprilia RSV4 Factory PIT IN 1'39.764 7 Laps 15
21 99 Scassa L ITA Kawasaki ZX 10R PIT IN 1'40.918 8 Laps 14
22 96 Smrz J CZE Ducati 1098R PIT IN 1'39.841 9 Laps 13
23 77 Iannuzzo V ITA Honda CBR1000RR PIT IN 1'41.872 10 Laps 12
24 66 Sykes T GBR Yamaha YZF R1 CRASH 1'40.317 19 Laps 3
NS 9 Kiyonari R JPN Honda CBR1000RR 0


Neighbors! I was late to live timing and the start of Race 2!!

I arrived around lap 5. Haga was already in the lead with Rae Biaggi and Spies following. Our BMW heroes were in P10 and 12.

The next six laps proved the old racing adage that dueling riders are slower than the other racers. Haga kept increasing the gap little by little between himself and Rae as Rae and Biaggi dueled for position. On lap 7 the gap between P1 and 2 was 0.26 seconds. By lap 11 it was up to 1.2 seconds and Rae had lost P2 to Biaggi. They were never able to reel in Haga again.

Spies was a roughly a second adrift of Haga with Rae and Biaggi between. I donÔÇÖt know what happened in the opening laps but he was in a free fall with the gap to the leader increasing every lap finishing over 18 seconds behind the leader.

With Haga firmly in hold of the lead I hope the TV coverage shifts attention to Corser. Not just because of the Roundel but the racing in his group was interesting to follow. Camier on the second Aprilia and Corser were regularly trading positions. Throw Nieto and Checa in along with Xaus and dicing should be good to watch. Something happened to the Aprilia on lap 15 as the board showed him in the pits when it recycled for lap 16 standings. Camier never returned to the race.

Speed has the Race 1 on this afternoon starting at 3pm eastern followed by Race 2. They should be great fun to watch.

Off to check in on MotoGP

 

[mika]

WSB rd. 13, Magny-Cours, FRA, The Races
Today, October 04, 2009
2009 Superbike World Championship
Round 13, Magny-Cours, France
Sunday 4th October
Circuit: 4.411 kms. Crowd: 81,000 (3-day). Conditions: Dry, cloudy/
sunny 15-20 C.

TOP TENS FOR TROY. RUBEN CLOSE BEHIND.
A day of hard graft in Magny-Cours today, saw Team BMW Motorrad Motorsport rider Troy Corser grab a pair of top ten finishes. He finished ninth in race one and tenth in race two, and left the 4.411kilometre circuit satisfied, but not entirely happy. His team mate Ruben Xaus continued to fight his pain and was rewarded for his efforts by a strong 11th in race one and a 12th in race two. TodayÔÇÖs race wins were once again split between American Ben Spies (Yamaha) and Japanese rider Noriyuki Haga (Ducati). Spies won the opener, with Haga second and Max Biaggi (Aprilia) third. Behind Haga in race two was Biaggi, with Jonathan Rea (Honda) third.

Troy - Race 1: 9th, Race 2: 10th
The bikeÔÇÖs progress continues every time we go out - and thatÔÇÖs good news. The improvement is steady, but I guess both Ruben and I would like much more - but then we are racers! My results today are OK and I supposed itÔÇÖs probably what was expected, but I am a little disappointed because we are so close to a great result and IÔÇÖd like it to happen sooner, instead of later. This weekend the bike wanted to wheelspin and wheelie and we have to control these things if we want to progress more quickly. My crew chief told me that my race distance time today would have been good enough to win the race last year! That surprises me, but it shows just how competitive the series is this year and the strength of our rivals.

Ruben - Race 1: 11th, Race 2 :12th
Sometimes racing is a bit frustrating and today was a bit like that. Our bike has a big potential and we are working hard to realise that potential and challenge the leaders more often. ItÔÇÖs a bit frustrating because Troy and I realise that thereÔÇÖs so much more to come from the bike and we want it now. Clearly, I am not fully fit at the moment, so to finish 11th and 12th in my condition shows that the bike is a very good one. Today I had some small problem keeping the bike on the line that I wanted. This was my first four cylinder race at Magny and that, together with my physical condition, meant that I would always be playing catch-up today. Now IÔÇÖm looking forward to going back to my physio and getting fitter and stronger for Portimao.

Berti Hauser (BMW Motorrad Motorsport Director)
It is good to have both our riders back together again and I am happy that our progress continues. Both riders did perfect jobs in this very competitive series. Our goal for the year was the Top 10 and IÔÇÖm happy that we are on target and now weÔÇÖre all looking for ward to the next step which should be in Portimao.

Results
Race 1:
1 Spies (USA-Yamaha) 37:57.110
2 Haga (JPN-Ducati) 0.181
3 Biaggi (ITA-Aprilia) 5.009
4 Fabrizio (ITA-Ducati) 16.347
5 Haslam (GBR-Honda) 22.622
9 Corser (AUS-BMW Motorrad Motorsport) 28.486
11 Xaus (ESP- BMW Motorrad Motorsport) 52.680

Race 2:
1 Haga (JPN-Ducati) 38:00.282
2 Biaggi (ITA-Aprilia) 1.480
3 Rea (GBR-Honda) 6.024
4 Spies (USA-Yamaha) 18.135
5 Haslam (GBR-Honda) 21.236
10 Corser (AUS-BMW Motorrad Motorsport) 32.507
12 Xaus (ESP- BMW Motorrad Motorsport) 44.727


Troy Corser's official website - Race News feed
Magny Cours, France - Race: PAIR OF TOP TENS FOR TROY

Troy took a pair of hard-fought for top ten finishes in the thirteenth round of the Superbike World Championship in Magny-Cours today, but is eager to break into the top six before the season ends in Portimao on 25th October. Troy suffered none of the brake problems that beset him in Imola last weekend and continued to work on developing the S 1000 RR in preparation for next year. Ben Spies (Yamaha) and Noriyuki Haga (Ducati) took a win apiece today, to leave Haga leading the championship by just ten points. Spies won todayÔÇÖs first race, with Haga second and Max Biaggi (Aprilia) third. Haga got his revenge in race two, with Biaggi second and Jonathan Rea (Honda) third. Troy - Race 1: 9th, Race 2: 10th In a way thereÔÇÖs nothing to get too excited about a pair of top ten finishes, but I guess thatÔÇÖs what the expectations are and thatÔÇÖs what we got. After a few laps, I was going as fast as the leaders, but they had already made a break and it was impossible to catch them up. This season is so competitive, that once you have lost a gap, you can lap as fast as the leaders, but still not make any headway. My crew chief Tom told me that my race distance time today would have been good enough to win the race last year! For sure, the bike is improving steadily and thereÔÇÖs another step to come in Portimao, but whatÔÇÖs a little frustrating is that the bike has potential and we are not able to extract that potential as fast as Ruben and I would like. Everybody is working as hard as the can and we are getting there, but some patience is required at the moment. Our next task is to control some of the wheelspinning and wheelies we are getting. If we can get that sorted out and get the power on the ground, weÔÇÖll be flying! See ya, Troy


FIM Release:

Wins for Spies and Haga at Magny-Cours as Ducati take 16th Manufacturers' crown

Today, October 04, 2009

Title contenders Ben Spies (Yamaha World Superbike) and Noriyuki Haga (Ducati Xerox) scored a win apiece in the penultimate round of the Hannspree FIM Superbike World Superbike in front of a record 81,000 spectators at Magny-Cours but it is the Japanese rider who now has the advantage in the points table. The Texan dominated race 1 but Nitro-Nori responded in the second encounter with a lights-to-flag victory, as Spies was unable to go any higher than fourth. Ten points now separate the two as the series heads for its final round in Portugal in three weeks time. Max Biaggi scored two more podium finishes for Aprilia Racing, a third and a second, Jonathan Rea grabbed a third for Hannspree Ten Kate Honda, while Michel Fabrizio (Ducati Xerox) had an off day.

Race 1
Spies and Haga predictably set the first race alight as they fought for the win. At the flag it was the Texan who took the maximum points with his 13th win of the season after leading from the start, but he was made to fight for it by his Japanese rival right until the very end. Haga was the quickest man on the track at the end but paid the price of a slow start and being held up behind Biaggi for too long, thus losing touch with Spies. The Italian did take the final podium slot however, confirming the RSV4's competitiveness also at the French circuit. Fourth place went to Fabrizio, who lost touch with the leading group in the early stages, losing out on any chance of the podium. Leon Haslam (Stiggy Racing) was the leading Honda man to the finish with a positive fifth place, ahead of the Hannspree Ten Kate machine of Carlos Checa. Yukio Kagayama (Suzuki Alstare) had a good run in seventh, the Japanese rider finishing ahead of Shane Byrne (Ducati Sterilgarda) and the BMW of Troy Corser. Jonathan Rea had a technical problem and was out on lap 7, and another problem also brought a halt to the debut race for Leon Camier (Aprilia Racing).

Race 2
Haga made amends in the second race, the Ducati Xerox man dominating almost from the start to the finish after a much better start. Haga got the better of Biaggi on the opening lap and then held the pace right until the end for his eighth win of the season. Spies this time could only struggle to fourth after encountering tyre problems. Biaggi had a great scrap with Rea for second, while Haslam put in another solid performance to take his Stiggy Racing Honda to another fifth. The two Suzukis went quite well at the French circuit, with both riders finishing in the top 10, Yukio Kagayama sixth and Karl Muggeridge eighth, but BMW could only bring their men home in tenth (Corser) and twelfth (Xaus). Fabrizio had another rather unconvincing run, the Italian crashing out while trying to pass Byrne and then remounting to finish in thirteenth place.