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Indy MotoGP: Ben Spies claims stunning maiden pole position

28 August 2010 by Matthew Birt

Ben Spies claimed a stunning pole position for the first time in his career ahead of tomorrow’s Indianapolis MotoGP race. The reigning World Superbike champion clocked a superb lap of 1.40.105 with...

Indy MotoGP: Front row start for Bradley Smith

28 August 2010 by Matthew Birt

Bradley Smith claimed his seventh consecutive 125GP front row start in Indianapolis this afternoon to boost his hopes of recording only a third podium of 2010. The Aspar Aprilia rider will start...

Indy MotoGP: Scott Redding quickest in Moto2 practice

28 August 2010 by Matthew Birt

British rider Scott Redding produced a brilliant late surge to top the opening Moto2 practice timesheets at Indianapolis. The Marc VDS Racing rider posted a best time of 1.46.728 to edge out world...

Indy MotoGP: Ben Spies undaunted by late crash

28 August 2010 by Matthew Birt

Ben Spies is confident he will be able to mount a podium challenge in the Indianapolis MotoGP race on Sunday despite a late crash in opening practice. The Texan, who has been confirmed as Valentino...

Indy MotoGP: Nicky Hayden unhurt after crash

28 August 2010 by Matthew Birt

Nicky Hayden was thankful on two counts after his Indianapolis MotoGP weekend got off to a mixed start. The Kentucky rider was able to clock the third best time in opening practice to give his hopes...

Indy MotoGP: Casey Stoner unhappy with track surface

28 August 2010 by Matthew Birt

Casey Stoner reckons 70 per cent of the Indianapolis circuit will need to be resurfaced ahead of the 2011 MotoGP at the iconic American venue. The 2007 world champion produced a promising start to the...

Indy MotoGP: Grip issues slow Valentino Rossi

28 August 2010 by Matthew Birt

A lack of grip and a bumpy track surface at the world famous Indianapolis track left Valentino Rossi down in fifth place on the practice timesheets. The Italian only climbed into the top five in the...

Indy MotoGP: Jorge Lorenzo unsure of Casey Stoner threat

28 August 2010 by Matthew Birt

Jorge Lorenzo said he is unsure whether Casey Stoner could threaten to end his golden run in America at the legendary Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Sunday. Stoner has made a habit of starting...

Indy MotoGP: Aspar Ducati looks to expand in 2012

28 August 2010 by Matthew Birt

The Spanish-based Aspar Ducati squad is already locked in negotiations about expanding to a two-rider effort for the 2012 MotoGP world championship campaign. Jorge ‘Aspar’ Martinez confirmed his expansion plans when MotoGP reverts to a 1000cc four-stroke series for 2012 in Indianapolis. The Spaniard unveiled his ambitions after confirming he’s agreed terms to stay with Ducati in 2011. Martinez...

Indy MotoGP: Casey Stoner shines in first practice

27 August 2010 by Matthew Birt

Casey Stoner made a fast start to the Indianapolis MotoGP weekend this afternoon, the Aussie denying runaway 2010 series leader Jorge Lorenzo top spot at the end of a sun soaked opening practice...

Indy MotoGP: Bradley Smith fifth in first practice

27 August 2010 by Matthew Birt

Bradley Smith’s bid for a second successive podium finish at the iconic Indianapolis circuit kicked off in positive fashion this afternoon. The British rider clocked the fifth best time in an opening...

Indy MotoGP: Colin Edwards eyes new Tech 3 deal

27 August 2010 by Matthew Birt

Colin Edwards is hoping to secure another season in the MotoGP world championship having made it clear in Indianapolis he wants to stay with the Monster Yamaha Tech 3 squad. The Texan will make his...

Indy MotoGP: Ben Spies targets more podiums

27 August 2010 by Matthew Birt

Ben Spies has targeted regular podium finishes after his move to Yamaha’s factory MotoGP squad was confirmed in Indianapolis this morning. The 26-year-old will join Spaniard Jorge Lorenzo after an...

Indy MotoGP: Official Ben Spies replaces Valentino Rossi

27 August 2010 by Matthew Birt

Ben Spies will replace Valentino Rossi in Yamaha’s factory MotoGP squad in 2011. As has been widely expected for several weeks now, the Texan will partner Jorge Lorenzo in a deal confirmed at the...

Indy MotoGP: Hiroshi Aoyama poised for return

27 August 2010 by Matthew Birt

Hiroshi Aoyama has spoken of his long and tough recovery from the broken back that ruined his rookie MotoGP campaign. The reigning world 250GP champion will make a comeback in Indianapolis this...

Indy MotoGP: Nicky Hayden hopeful on damaged wrist

27 August 2010 by Matthew Birt

Nicky Hayden is confident his damaged left wrist won’t seriously hinder his bid for a third successive podium finish in Sunday’s Indianapolis MotoGP race. The Kentucky rider chipped a bone in his...

Indy MotoGP: Valentino Rossi admits confidence issue

27 August 2010 by Matthew Birt

Valentino Rossi has admitted a lack of confidence is preventing him from challenging for victories in MotoGP. The Italian is still working his way back to full fitness after breaking his right leg...

Indy MotoGP: Casey Stoner takes front fork gamble

27 August 2010 by Matthew Birt

Casey Stoner will gamble on running 2011 spec Ohlins front forks in Indianapolis this weekend as he looks to end his long victory drought in MotoGP. The Australian’s winless streak extends way back to...

Cal Crutchlow better off in WSB for 2011

25 August 2010 by Matthew Birt

Cal Crutchlow would be better off delaying his switch to MotoGP until 2012, according to a leading Yamaha boss. The British rider has become hot property since he won both races at the Silverstone WSB...

Valentino Rossi vital for Ducati's new 1000cc project

25 August 2010 by Matthew Birt

Ducati say Valentino Rossi’s development skills will be a priceless asset when MotoGP switches to a 1000cc four-stroke format in 2012. As well as winning over 100 Grand Prix races, the Italian is...

Casey Stoner critical of Karel Abraham's MotoGP move

25 August 2010 by Matthew Birt

Casey Stoner has criticised Karel Abraham’s Ducati MotoGP move. The Aussie said money should never secure a top MotoGP ride over talent after Abraham’s premier class switch was signed in Brno earlier...

Ben Spies targets career best result at Indianapolis

24 August 2010 by Matthew Birt

Ben Spies has targeted a career best finish in this weekend’s Indianapolis MotoGP race. The Monster Yamaha Tech 3 rider is hoping to better his stunning third place at the British Grand Prix in June...

Kevin Schwantz keen on full-time management role

23 August 2010 by Matthew Birt

American Kevin Schwantz is hoping his foray into Grand Prix team management this week will be the platform to a permanent role in the future. The 1993 world 500cc champion will lead an American Honda...

Suzuki boss Paul Denning breaks leg

23 August 2010 by Matthew Birt

Suzuki’s factory MotoGP boss Paul Denning has broken his leg while motocross riding last Friday. Denning was riding in Dorset when he crashed and broke his fibula bone. He is still in hospital in...

Bradley Smith kicks off Moto2 preparations

20 August 2010 by Matthew Birt

The 2011 Moto2 world championship maybe seven months away, but Bradley Smith has already kicked off preparations for next season. The 19-year-old was spotted testing a production Honda CBR600RR at the...

Suzuki dismiss downsize rumours

20 August 2010 by Matthew Birt

Suzuki has dismissed growing speculation that its disastrous results will see the Japanese factory quit or drastically reduce its involvement in MotoGP for 2011. The factory GSV-R is undoubtedly the...

Indy announcement for Ben Spies’ factory Yamaha switch

20 August 2010 by Matthew Birt

Ben Spies’ move to replace Valentino Rossi in Yamaha’s factory MotoGP squad will be made official during the forthcoming Indianapolis MotoGP round. The Texan has been hugely impressive in his rookie...

Dani Pedrosa close to new Honda deal

20 August 2010 by Matthew Birt

Dani Pedrosa insists he will sign a new deal with Honda for 2011, despite protracted talks not yet being finalised. Pedrosa, who finished second behind Jorge Lorenzo for the third time in the last...

Dovizioso’s Honda contract saga drags on

19 August 2010 by Matthew Birt

Andrea Dovizoso’s quest to remain a factory Honda rider next season could end up in a bitter courtroom wrangle. MCN sources say lawyers could settle the Italian’s contract dispute with HRC unless an...

Valentino Rossi signing a big risk for Ducati, says Jerry Burgess

19 August 2010 by Matthew Birt

Valentino Rossi’s crew chief Jerry Burgess reckons the Italian’s move to Ducati has heaped immense pressure on the Bologna factory for 2011. Rossi will partner Nicky Hayden next year in Ducati’s...

Spencer ’85 double impossible to repeat, says Valentino Rossi

19 August 2010 by Matthew Birt

Twenty-five years since Freddie Spencer completed a remarkable Grand Prix double when he won the 250 and 500cc world titles in 1985, Valentino Rossi has dismissed the possibility of that unique...

Kenny Roberts backs Valentino Rossi’s Ducati move

18 August 2010 by Matthew Birt

Kenny Roberts is convinced Valentino Rossi will be a big success for Ducati when he partners Nicky Hayden next season. Rossi’s decision to quit Yamaha was confirmed last weekend in Brno in a move...

Testing boost for Valentino Rossi

18 August 2010 by Matthew Birt

Valentino Rossi’s bid to quickly master Ducati’s factory GP11 could be given a boost with MotoGP bosses contemplating increasing the amount of testing permitted ahead of next season. Pre-season...

LCR Honda close to new 2011 deal

18 August 2010 by Matthew Birt

Randy de Puniet’s LCR Honda squad is close to finalising an agreement with HRC to lease an RC212V machine for next year’s MotoGP world championship. Italian team boss Lucio Cecchinello has been locked...

Valentino Rossi expects to make Ducati debut in Valencia

17 August 2010 by Matthew Birt

Valentino Rossi expects to make his eagerly anticipated Ducati debut at Valencia in November. The 31-year-old is confident he will be released from his Yamaha contract to begin testing for Ducati...

Valentino Rossi angry at Yamaha fork ban

17 August 2010 by Matthew Birt

Valentino Rossi has criticised Yamaha after he was banned from testing new Ohlins front forks in Brno yesterday. Already barred from testing a 2011 Yamaha prototype YZR-M1 following his decision to...