Bikesportnews.com: Ducati team manager Guareschi tips Redding as MotoGP force

Ducati MotoGP team manager Vito Guareschi went on the record regarding future MotoGP stars, tipping Scott Redding as a future star in MotoGP.

In a posting on BikeSportNews.com, Guareschi called Redding a potential favorite because of his speed aboard a bike and also his height. The Italian team manager, who also doubles as a Ducati test rider, has called for a generational change in the premier class and would like to see the class with younger riders entering MotoGP. "We need a generational change in MotoGP. Moto2 has a few strong young riders, I really like Scott Redding. In Moto2 he suffers from his physical build but I think he could be very fast on a MotoGP bike. I also hope that the arrival of the CRT will allow young people to participate in the class," he said.

Motociclismo: Lin Jarvis says his priority is to keep Lorenzo

Stoner, Lorenzo, Pedrosa, Spies, Rossi, Dovizioso, Hayden... All factory riders have contracts that will end this year. Stoner and Lorenzo will likely continued where they are, but before the start of the season, talk about where Rossi will go if Ducati does not live up to expectations in 2012 abounds…Yamaha could be an option, but Lin Jarvis has made it clear in an interview with the magazine Motociclismo that they have no plans to offer Valentino Rossi a motorcycle for 2013. Rossi won four world titles with Yamaha and maintained a great seven-year relationship with the brand, but that was before he accepted a golden offer to join Ducati for two years.

“Keeping Jorge is key. All the top riders end their contracts this year, and negotiations will begin soon, so it will be very, very important to have Jorge or Casey,” said Jarvis. “There is no reason to wait, so we will move quickly with a contract. I think Jorge is comfortable with Yamaha and provided we can see terms face to face, we don’t expect he will want to go anywhere else. A key factor is that our bike is competitive and I trust that it is.”

Marca: Pedrosa trains with Spanish National Handball team

Repsol Honda’s Dani Pedrosa is spending some time on Lanzarote, one of the Canary Islands, training with members of the Spanish National Handball team. Both the team and Pedrosa went to the island to train in the warm weather, ahead of their respective seasons.

Pedrosa’s physical trainer, Paco Seirullo, is also the trainer for the handball team and the rider and athletes shared a few training sessions in the facilities of the Hotel Princesa Yaiza de Lanzarote, as reported by the Spanish website Marca.com.

Pedrosa is working on fully recovering from shoulder and clavicle injuries sustained throughout the 2011 and 2010 seasons, and remarked that in preparing physically "there are common elements between the team players and myself, since in both cases we work on strength and endurance, though for me is like an endless sprint race, while the players have breaks throughout the game and I race at my maximum from beginning to end."

Bradl announces new race number

2011 Moto2 World Champion Stefan Bradl announced on his officialFacebook page that he has chosen a new race number for his debut MotoGP season.

Bradl will sport the number 6 on his bike, as his previous number 65 appears to have been retired as a mark of respect for the record-breaking career of MotoGP veteran Loris Capirossi.

The young German rider joins the LCR Honda team for his first year in the premier class, and is the only rookie who will pilot a factory supported machine rather than a CRT.

MCN: Marquez: "I would love to race Rossi"

2010 125cc World Champion Marc Márquez says he hopes that Valentino Rossi remains in MotoGP through 2013, as reported by MotorcycleNews.com.

The 18 year old Spanish star, who finished runner up in the 2011 Moto2 Championship, briefly thought of joining MotoGP for 2012 though decided to remain in the Moto2 class one more year. “The decision to stay in Moto2 was difficult but it is the best one. I will have more experience for 2013 and this is what you need to be competitive in MotoGP.”

“I hope Rossi stays when I arrive because he is one of the best riders in the history of MotoGP and I would love to race him,” he concluded.

SuperSport.com: Stoner envies relaxed V8 racing atmosphere

World Champion Casey Stoner participated in the Sydney 500 over the weekend, a V8 Supercar motor racing event held annually at Homebush Street Circuit in Australia. Stoner reported in an interview with SuperSport.com that he enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere of the V8 paddock, something he doesn’t get to experience in the MotoGP paddock.

"V8s in general, everyone's a little bit more relaxed towards each other," said Stoner. “Around here, you can still be mates and race. As long as you drive fair and square and give a hard race, there's no reason you can't be friends. That's something that's pretty refreshing about this paddock."

BikeRacing.it: Coriano to erect monument in memory of Marco Simoncelli

According to the website BikeRacing.it , the municipality of Coriano, birthplace of the late Marco Simoncelli, has plans to dedicate a memorial to the Italian rider who died last October 23 in a tragic accident at the Sepang GP.

The local administration has identified the area where the monument will be set up, and following is the announcement released by the city of Romagna: "The City of Coriano wants to keep the memory of the great motorcyclist Marco Simoncelli alive by dedicating a memorial that can be a place for anyone wishing to lay a flower or leave a note in his memory."

"Since the day of his death, the staircase that connects the church to the Via Garibaldi has become the de facto symbol of his memory and is filled daily with cards and flowers dedicated to Marco. The city administration has identified an area on the left side of the first flight of stairs as a place in which to place a monument that will be a tangible sign of the affection shown him by his fans and all citizens of Coriano."

Bike Sport News: Didier de Radigues' trophy collection stolen

Bikesportnews.com reported yesterday that the collection of career memorabilia of the former Yamaha 500cc racer Didier de Radigues has been stolen from his home.

"This morning the alarm clock has been harder than other days," said de Radigues. "When I got up, I found that someone had come and robbed me of my collection helmets, trophies, and combinations of memories of my career."

The Belgian rider is requesting the public to be on the look out for his items on websites such as Ebay, and that if anyone sees, or is offered, anything that might be part of the collection to email email trophees27@gmail.com with information.

La Gazzetta dello Sport: Rossi asks Santa for a competitive GP12

Immediately following a four wheeled weekend that saw him among the great protagonists at the Monza Rally Show, nine-time MotoGP World Champion Valentino Rossi gave the press and reporters his opinions regarding his first season with Ducati, sparing nothing.

According to Italian sports newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport, the Italian, who just finished second at the World Rally Show behind by eight-time world champion Sebastien Loeb said: "It's a nice way to finish the year, one that maybe, actually certainly, was the worst of my career. The gift I would ask from Santa? A competitive GP12."

Rossi, who impressed fans at the Monza Autodromo with his ability to drive a Ford Fiesta RS WRC, continued talking about the new Desmosedici he tested two weeks ago in Valencia: "We have a very different bike, and I would like to see progress made in February. We hope to be more competitive. The fact that there are no limitations on testing will help us."

Mediaset: Dovizioso facing a great challenge with Yamaha

The Italian website Sport Mediaset features an article wherein former Honda rider Andrea Dovizioso, who will hit the track next year under the Tech 3 banner, declared himself prepared to try to defeat the team that kept him under their wing for ten years, asking for Yamaha’s help to succeed.

"It’s a very important challenge," said the Italian, who finished 3rd in the 2011 Championship with four second place podiums (France, Great Britain, Italy and the Czech Republic) and three third places (the Netherlands, Australia and Valencia), for a total of 228 points. “I can’t wait to start testing at Sepang to understand the real potential of the Yamaha. At Valencia, I felt the bike was good in some aspects and negative in others. To defeat Honda, there will need to be some work.”

Mundo Deportivo: Viñales: “I identify with Stoner”

125cc star Maverick Viñales, in an interview with Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo, talked about his remarkable rookie year in the World Championship.

The Spanish rider was the surprise of the season, collecting four wins and a further five podiums to rank him third in the Championship, as result that he attributes to his ability to quickly learn new circuits.“It's my best quality and because of it we could make this result,” he said. The rookie also stated that he identifies with World Champion Stoner in that “I try to get the most information possible and apply it”.

Although he had many offers from other teams, Viñales will debut in Moto3 with his same team, Blusens BQR. After testing the 2012 four-stroke machine with the team on November 7th at Valencia, the 16 year old said, “I was surprised how quickly I adapted to a four-stroke. The Moto3 is faster than I expected and I didn’t think the engine would be so powerful. The difference is quite noticeable compared to the 125cc bike, but there is still much room for improvement.”

Mediaset: De Puniet testing Aprilia CRT bike

Randy de Puniet was on track in Valencia aboard an Italian bike, but not a Ducati. The Frenchman was riding an Aprilia Superbike with Bridgestone tyres alongside official test rider Alex Hofmann, according to the Italian website, Sport Mediaset.

The test was conducted with a view to return to the manufacturer, albeit under the CRT formula in MotoGP, as De Puniet is still without a confirmed ride for 2012. The only other option available for the experienced racer seems to be a test and substitute rider for Ducati, but for the moment he is continuing with tests, in hopes that it opens some doors for 2012.

MCN: Dani Pedrosa considering another shoulder surgery

Dani Pedrosa is discussing with doctors if and when he should remove the plate from his right collarbone which was put into place in May of this year.

Plates for clavicle fractures should usually remain in place for about a year, making this winter’s off season slightly early for the removal of his, as Pedrosa told MCN. The Spaniard’s other option is to wait until the end of the 2012 season to remove the metal structure.

West announces 2012 MotoGP deal

Australian rider Anthony West has announced via Twitter that he will be back in the MotoGP class in 2012 on board a CRT machine.

West stated that he has signed a deal with the Speed Master team, who in 2011 ran Italian rider Andrea Iannone in the Moto2 class in which West himself has ridden for the past two seasons. The Italian team is yet to confirm its plans but is expected to run an FTR chassis with either an Aprilia or Honda engine.

MCN: Ducati aiming to capitalise on new Testing rules

Pending confirmation about the latest Testing rules agreed upon by the Grand Prix Commission, Ducati is already planning to enhance its Desmosedici development programme with a more intense on-track schedule for riders Valentino Rossi and Nicky Hayden.

Tyre restrictions will remain in place but the allowance of the use of a rider as frequently as a factory requires at a designated circuit could help Ducati accelerate the evolution of their GP12 machine and bridge the gap to rivals Honda and Yamaha, something which Ducati General Director Filippo Preziosi described as a “logical” step in MCN.

Motorsport-Magazin: Bradl has “verbal agreement” for MotoGP move

Moto2 World Champion Stefan Bradl, in an interview with Motorsport-Magazin.com, has spoken about a “verbal agreement” he has to move to MotoGP for 2012.

The German rider, who impressed the LCR Honda team when he tested the RC212V at Valencia last week, said: “Well obviously it’s not a secret any more. It looks like I’ll be competing in MotoGP next year. So far, we just have a verbal agreement, but I expect the contract to be signed in the next few days.”

Asked about possible support from HRC, Bradl added: “I’m not sure. In any case, I know that the package has good financial backing."

Marca: Terol names new Moto2 machine

125cc World Champion Nico Terol raised a few smiles when he revealed earlier in the year that he had christened his Aprilia machine ‘Marisol’, and in an interview the Spaniard revealed he has already decided on the moniker ‘Rogelia’ for his Moto2 bike when he makes the step up for 2012.

In an interview with Marca Terol, who moves up to Moto2 with the Aspar team, discussed his step up having taken the 125 crown, explaining that he arrives in the intermediate class “with no pressure” and that he expects his first season to be “complicated” as he adjusts to the new machinery.

MCN: Valentino Rossi cautious on aluminium chassis switch

Valentino Rossi played down the prospect of Ducati switching from its carbon fibre monocoque frame to an aluminium frame as a solution to the bike’s front end problems.

When approached by MCN last weekend at Laguna Seca, the 32-year-old said: “Sincerely I don’t know because I’m a rider and I don’t have the answer. I hope in Ducati somebody has one answer.” Though fellow Italian Capirossi reports that Rossi has pressured Ducati to make the switch.

Motorcycle industry loses close friend

Ken “Woose” Wootton passed away in his sleep on Sunday, 24 July in the Czech Republic at age 57.

In a career that spanned a wide range of roles, Wootton best known for his media and commentary work in Australian motorcycle racing events including MotoGP races at Phillip Island.

Five-time World 500cc champion Mick Doohan was shocked to hear the announcement: “That is terrible news,” Doohan told Speedcafe.com. “He was a terrific bike enthusiast and a great person for the sport. He always had a smile on his face and was a good guy. He will be missed by the sport and the industry.”

Australian website mcnews.com has published statements from family, friends and co-workers regarding the loss of the highly regarded writer and commentator.

SuperSport.com: Roberts contemplates MotoGP return

SuperSport.com reported that triple 500cc world motorcycle champion Kenny Roberts Senior says he would consider a return to MotoGP team ownership if sufficient financial backing could be secured.

"I would return only if the money is right to do it, because we struggled for about four years without a sufficient amount of budget to do the job properly,” said Roberts during the US MotoGP Grand Prix at Laguna Seca. Until something comes along that is feasible to do it right, then I am happy to do nothing."