Qatar MotoGP 2016

No more testing, the 2016 MotoGP championship finally gets underway at the 3.3 mile floodlit Losail circuit, with all signs pointing towards reigning champ Jorge Lorenzo as the man to beat.

The factory Yamaha rider set an incredible 11 laps under the lap records over the winter, while his team-mate and rival Valentino Rossi only managed one.

Will Marquez finally click with the new Honda, control ECU and Michelin tyres, or will he just be an occasional annoyance for the title contenders? And let's not forget th surprise of winter testing - wunderkid Maverick Vinales, who pushed Lorenzo all the way in testing in just his second year on the Suzuki.

Year: ALL

Assen MotoGP: Marco Simoncelli to confirm Honda deal

24 June 2009 by Matthew Birt

Assen MotoGP: Marco Simoncelli to confirm Honda deal

Marco Simoncelli is expected to officially confirm he has signed a Honda deal for next year’s MotoGP world championship in Assen this week. The reigning world 250GP champion has signed a contract...

Casey Stoner: ‘I puked during Catalunya race’

24 June 2009 by Matthew Birt

Casey Stoner: ‘I puked during Catalunya race’

Aussie Casey Stoner has revealed the full extent of his stomach problems during the recent Catalunya MotoGP race, the 23-year admitting to MCN that he vomited twice inside his helmet on his way to a...

Andrea Dovizioso wants more Honda help

24 June 2009 by Matthew Birt

Andrea Dovizioso wants more Honda help

Andrea Dovizioso has pleaded with Honda for more new parts after his successful debut on a new RC212V chassis in Barcelona last week. The Italian topped the timesheets during a one-day test at the...

Valentino Rossi motivated by Jorge Lorenzo challenge

23 June 2009 by Matthew Birt

Valentino Rossi motivated by Jorge Lorenzo challenge

The increasing threat posed by Fiat Yamaha team-mate Jorge Lorenzo is providing great motivation for reigning MotoGP world champion Valentino Rossi. That’s the view of Rossi’s factory Yamaha team...

Colin Edwards looking for front-end confidence

23 June 2009 by Matthew Birt

Colin Edwards looking for front-end confidence

Colin Edwards is hoping he can solve some confidence-sapping front-end issues to bolster his hopes of a second successive MotoGP podium in Assen this weekend. The Texan has been plagued with a vague...

Consistency the key for Valentino Rossi and Jorge Lorenzo

22 June 2009 by Matthew Birt

Consistency the key for Valentino Rossi and Jorge Lorenzo

Fiat Yamaha duo Valentino Rossi and Jorge Lorenzo have both admitted that consistency is going to be crucial as the MotoGP world championship heads into arguably its most critical phase in Assen this...

Win signed James Toseland replica race kit

22 June 2009 by Matthew Birt

Win signed James Toseland replica race kit

You could see Valentino Rossi, Casey Stoner and Jorge Lorenzo continue their epic MotoGP world title battle at Donington Park next month while also winning exclusive signed James Toseland race...

Dani Pedrosa to ride in Assen

22 June 2009 by Matthew Birt

Dani Pedrosa to ride in Assen

Spaniard Dani Pedrosa will be back in action in this weekend’s Dutch GP in Assen. MCN understands that Honda seriously considered withdrawing the Spaniard from the Holland clash to give him more time...

Next two races not crucial for Nicky Hayden’s future

22 June 2009 by Matthew Birt

Next two races not crucial for Nicky Hayden’s future

Nicky Hayden has denied that the next two races in Assen and Laguna Seca will be crucial for his Ducati future in MotoGP. All three of Hayden’s premier class victories have come in Holland or at his...

Valentino Rossi and Jorge Lorenzo title scrap 'positive' for Yamaha

22 June 2009 by Matthew Birt

Valentino Rossi and Jorge Lorenzo title scrap 'positive' for Yamaha

Valentino Rossi and Jorge Lorenzo’s unfolding rivalry is a ‘big positive’ for Yamaha. The Fiat Yamaha duo head to this weekend’s Dutch GP in Assen tied on 106-points with 2007 world champion Casey...

Jerry Burgess: Jorge Lorenzo to be Valentino Rossi’s biggest ever rival

18 June 2009 by Matthew Birt

Jerry Burgess: Jorge Lorenzo to be Valentino Rossi’s biggest ever rival

Valentino Rossi’s legendary crew chief Jerry Burgess believes Jorge Lorenzo is already well on the way to becoming the toughest rival the Italian has ever faced. Rossi got the better of his young...

Valentino Rossi and Jorge Lorenzo scrap tough to manage

18 June 2009 by Matthew Birt

Valentino Rossi and Jorge Lorenzo scrap tough to manage

Yamaha bosses have admitted the epic MotoGP title fight between factory team-mates Valentino Rossi and Jorge Lorenzo will pose a tough management challenge as the 2009 season unfolds. Rossi and...

Suzuki happy with engine upgrade

18 June 2009 by Matthew Birt

Suzuki happy with engine upgrade

Suzuki believes its latest spec factory GSV-R motor is a small but significant step to help Loris Capirossi and Chris Vermeulen challenge closer to the front in MotoGP. Capirossi raced the upgraded V4...

James Toseland's manager to visit Misano World Superbike round

17 June 2009 by Matthew Birt

James Toseland's manager to visit Misano World Superbike round

James Toseland’s manager Roger Burnett will embark on a fact-finding mission at the Misano World Superbike race this weekend. Burnett will visit Misano to check on potential WSB options for Toseland...

John Hopkins makes Tech 3 Yamaha enquiry

17 June 2009 by Matthew Birt

John Hopkins makes Tech 3 Yamaha enquiry

John Hopkins is unlikely to be making a return to MotoGP with James Toseland’s Monster Tech 3 Yamaha squad next season. Hopkins’ manager Bob Moore made tentative enquiries to Tech 3 boss Herve...

Loris Capirossi close to new Suzuki deal

17 June 2009 by Matthew Birt

Loris Capirossi close to new Suzuki deal

Loris Capirossi is close to a new deal with Suzuki’s factory MotoGP squad, MCN has learned. Negotiations are on-going over a one-year deal for the veteran Italian, who will become the first rider in...

Suzuki deny big money Ben Spies offer

17 June 2009 by Matthew Birt

Suzuki deny big money Ben Spies offer

Suzuki has again denied trying to tempt back Ben Spies with a big money offer to ride a factory GSV-R in MotoGP next season. Released by Suzuki at the end of 2008, Spies has been an instant hit for...

Marco Simoncelli close to Honda MotoGP deal

16 June 2009 by Matthew Birt

Marco Simoncelli close to Honda MotoGP deal

Reigning world 250GP champion Marco Simoncelli is on the brink of signing a lucrative deal to ride a factory-supported Honda RC212V in the 2010 MotoGP series. Speaking to MCN, Simoncelli’s manager...

Yamaha won’t alter 2010 plans

16 June 2009 by Matthew Birt

Yamaha won’t alter 2010 plans

Yamaha will not make a dramatic U-turn and increase its involvement to five riders in MotoGP next year. There is mounting speculation that Yamaha would lease a fifth YZR-M1 to current 125 and 250GP...

Marco Melandri battered and bruised after Catalunya test crash

16 June 2009 by Matthew Birt

Marco Melandri battered and bruised after Catalunya test crash

Hayate rider Marco Melandri is expected to be fit for the next MotoGP clash in Assen after he suffered multiple injuries in a spectacular high-side crash in Barcelona yesterday. Just minutes remained...

Jorge Lorenzo and me at Catalunya

15 June 2009 by Samantha Rogers

Jorge Lorenzo and me at Catalunya

Here’s me with Jorge Lorenzo on Friday 12/06/09 at Catalunya It was a great race on Sunday.

Andrea Dovizioso tops Catalunya test on new Honda chassis

15 June 2009 by Matthew Birt

Andrea Dovizioso tops Catalunya test on new Honda chassis

Andrea Dovizioso made an instant impact on Honda’s new RC212V chassis in Catalunya today, the Repsol Honda rider topping the timesheets ahead of reigning world champion Valentino Rossi. With injured...

Valentino Rossi to assess longer life Yamaha motor

15 June 2009 by Matthew Birt

Valentino Rossi to assess longer life Yamaha motor

Fresh from his stunning last gasp victory in yesterday’s classic Catalunya MotoGP race, Valentino Rossi is scheduled to test a revised Yamaha YZR-M1 motor at the Montmelo track today. Rossi, who...

Catalunya MotoGP: Valentino Rossi revels in last corner success

14 June 2009 by Matthew Birt

Catalunya MotoGP: Valentino Rossi revels in last corner success

Reigning world champion Valentino Rossi hailed his amazing last corner victory over Fiat Yamaha team-mate Jorge Lorenzo in Montmelo today as one of the greatest of his illustrious career. The Italian...

Catalunya MotoGP: Jorge Lorenzo proud but sad at last gasp defeat

14 June 2009 by Matthew Birt

Catalunya MotoGP: Jorge Lorenzo proud but sad at last gasp defeat

Jorge Lorenzo admitted he had mixed emotions after he lost an unforgettable Catalunya MotoGP race in Montmelo today. The home favourite thought he’d won his first MotoGP race in Spain and thrilled a...

Catalunya MotoGP: Illness blunts Casey Stoner challenge

14 June 2009 by Matthew Birt

Catalunya MotoGP: Illness blunts Casey Stoner challenge

A serious stomach bug cost Casey Stoner his chance to pose a greater threat to Valentino Rossi and Jorge Lorenzo in today’s epic Catalunya MotoGP race. The Aussie started the 25-lap race in searing...

Catalunya MotoGP: Julian Simon explains celebration blunder

14 June 2009 by Matthew Birt

Catalunya MotoGP: Julian Simon explains celebration blunder

Spaniard Julian Simon has explained the shocking blunder that cost him a home 125GP victory at the Montmelo circuit near Barcelona today. The Aspar Aprilia rider though he had got the better of an...

Catalunya MotoGP: James Toseland deflated after dismal 13th

14 June 2009 by Matthew Birt

Catalunya MotoGP: James Toseland deflated after dismal 13th

James Toseland cut a disconsolate figure in the Catalunya paddock today after he slumped to a bitterly disappointing 13th place in a red-hot Montmelo MotoGP race. Starting from his best grid position...

Catalunya MotoGP: Rossi takes win with last lap masterclass

14 June 2009 by Liam Marsden

Catalunya MotoGP: Rossi takes win with last lap masterclass

Fiat Yamaha rider Jorge Lorenzo was denied a win at his home Grand Prix after Valentino Rossi showed why he his world champion with an amazing final lap battle. From the beginning of the race Rossi,...

Catalunya MotoGP: Alvaro Bautista wins, Simoncelli crashes out

14 June 2009 by Liam Marsden

Catalunya MotoGP: Alvaro Bautista wins, Simoncelli crashes out

Aspar Aprilia rider Alvaro Bautista has extended his championship lead with a comfortable win at the 250GP in Catalunya after reigning champion Marco Simoncelli crashed out just three laps in to the...

Catalunya MotoGP: Iannone takes victory in Barcelona

14 June 2009 by Liam Marsden

Catalunya MotoGP: Iannone takes victory in Barcelona

Ongetta team Aprilia rider Andrea Iannone has taken the win in Catalunya after Spaniard Julian Simon made a costly mistake. Julian Simon was in the lead on the penultimate lap, but when he crossed the...

Catalunya MotoGP: Fiat Yamaha duo predict tough battle

13 June 2009 by Matthew Birt

Catalunya MotoGP: Fiat Yamaha duo predict tough battle

Jorge Lorenzo and Valentino Rossi have spoken about their expected titanic tussle for glory in tomorrow’s Catalunya MotoGP race after the Fiat Yamaha pair dominated qualifying. Lorenzo will start from...

Catalunya MotoGP: Dani Pedrosa vows to fight on

13 June 2009 by Matthew Birt

Catalunya MotoGP: Dani Pedrosa vows to fight on

Brave Spaniard Dani Pedrosa has vowed to bounce back from his latest crash misery to race in tomorrow’s Catalunya MotoGP race in Barcelona. The 23-year-old suffered another painful and morale-crushing...

Catalunya MotoGP: Season best qualifying for James Toseland

13 June 2009 by Matthew Birt

Catalunya MotoGP: Season best qualifying for James Toseland

British rider James Toseland scored his best qualifying result of 2009 with an impressive surge to the third row of the grid in Catalunya today. But the 28-year-old was still frustrated as he came...

Catalunya MotoGP: Jorge Lorenzo secures home pole position

13 June 2009 by Matthew Birt

Catalunya MotoGP: Jorge Lorenzo secures home pole position

Jorge Lorenzo will start his home race at the Catalunya circuit near Barcelona from pole position after a stunning performance in this afternoon’s sun-drenched MotoGP qualifying session. The Fiat...

Catalunya MotoGP: Bradley Smith on 125GP second row

13 June 2009 by Matthew Birt

Catalunya MotoGP: Bradley Smith on 125GP second row

World 125GP championship leader Bradley Smith will start tomorrow’s Catalunya race in Spain from seventh on the grid. In a qualifying session running in baking hot conditions at the Montmelo circuit...