asphaltandrubber.com: PI day one times
FWIW: Always take tests times with a grain of salt even if you are on a salt free diet. BMW has not had great luck opening at PI over the years
worldsbk.com: Red Devils Roma boosted with confidence as 2013 season approaches
reuters.com: Sutil in for seat fitting ahead of Force India test
thefitimes: Force India not affected by financial troubles
yah, we have heard that before
Historically Force India has been the slowest pay of all the teams and regularly in court with its vendor creditors
Other Racing
MC
amaproracing.com: Cortech renews sponsorship of live timing for a third season.
I received no royalties or any other perks for the parts of my daily life story included in this video
VIDEO James Glattfelder studies complexity: how an interconnected system -- say, a swarm of birds -- is more than the sum of its parts. And complexity theory, it turns out, can reveal a lot about how the economy works. Glattfelder shares a groundbreaking study of how control flows through the global economy, and how concentration of power in the hands of a shockingly small number leaves us all vulnerable. (Filmed at TEDxZurich.)
There may be some international sites that have the races streaming or the foreign coverage of the races streaming. The trouble is that they typically won't run for a domestic system, but there are ways to fool the servers and make you appear to be in other regions of the globe.
BMW Motorrad Goldbet Team ÔÇô Winter testing Phillip Island
Welcome to Australia: With one week to go until the opening round of the 2013 FIM Superbike World Championship in Phillip Island, the BMW Motorrad GoldBet SBK Team has continued its season preparation with two days of private testing on the South Australian circuit. On Thursday, the first day of the test, the resurfaced track was still slippery, causing several crashes. The weather was mostly sunny and warm, but with strong winds today. In total, works rider Marco Melandri (ITA) completed 114 laps (507 km) on his BMW S 1000 RR. His team-mate Chaz Davies (GBR) did 125 laps (556 km).
ducati.com: Both Team SBK Alstare riders in hospital after an unfrotunate test at Phillip Island bikesportnews.com: Checa treated for blocked intestine
speedweek.de: Chaz Davies ÔÇô So far behind Melandri
bikesportnews.com: Sykes pragmaic over lost test time at Phillip Island
VIDEO: Before the first rollout in Almeria and the official IRTA tests in Valencia and (twice) in Jerez, the Red Bull Ajo Team moved to the KTM factory racing department in Munderfing in Austria for final assembly of their new bikes for 2013.
VIDEO: 2013 Motul FIM Ice Speedway Gladiators World Championship
Cage and...
VIDEO: This week on America's Cup Discovered we revisit the extraordinary race days of past America's Cups. February 14, 2013 marks the 3rd anniversary of the 33rd America's Cup, competed in giant multihulls in Valencia, Span between the Swiss team Alinghi and the USA's BMW Oracle Racing. Never been seen interviews and footage.
motorcyclenews.com: Insurance ÔÇô Advice on what to do following an accident
sportrider.com: Sena introduces new ultra thin featherweight SMH10R Bluetooth headset intercom
VIDEO: When it comes to the Touratech Travel Event, the hard facts are easy enough to describe -- one weekend, around 11,000 visitors and thousands of motorcycles.
REACLL NHTSA Recall ID No. 13V045000
Dated: FEB 07, 2013 BMW is recalling certain model year 2007-2010 X5 SAV vehicles, manufactured September 12, 2006, through March 18, 2010 and equipped with an 8-cylinder engine. The brake vacuum pump may leak a small a...
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green.autoblog.com: Citroen bringing hybrid air powertrain to Geneva in C3 VTI82
]VIDEO: On this episode of HOT ROD Unlimited, the team heads to Vegas to see what's faster: a Factory Five kit car or a 542hp rear-wheel drive Lamborghini Gallardo. Associate Editor Jesse Kiser, Staff Editor Brandan Gillogly and professional driver Mike Essa pilot four of Factory Five's kit cars to see which one's the best on the 1/4-mile, road course, and street. The Mark IV Roadsters feature a 5.0L Coyote V8 and a 427ci from Summit Racing's new line of Factory Five drivetrain packages.
ktm.com: Dungey finishes 3rd overall at Dallas Supercross
ktm.com: Musquin charges back to 6th at Dallas Supercross
Cage and...
technologyreview.com: Oxford's self driving car ÔÇô on the left side of the road
technologyreview.com: Musk and New York Times debate highlights electric car shortcomings. NY Times banter back and forth with Tesla (well at least their reporting of it) has been good sport to follow. Their reporter used one of their cars to test the Tesla's rapid charge infastructure. Trouble came in when ...
RECALL: NHTSA Recall ID No. 13044000:
SUMMARY:
BMW is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 1-Series coupes and convertibles manufactured December 2007 through July 2011; and 2007-2011 3-Series coupes and convertibles manufactured March 2007 through July 2011; 2007-2011 3-Series sedans manufactured March 2007 through October 2011; 2007-2011 3-Series sports wagons manufactured March 2007 through June 2011; and 2009-2011 Z4 vehicles manufactured March 2009 through June 2011. The connector for the positive battery cable connector and the corresponding terminal on the fuse box may degrade over time. Over time, the high current flow and heat from electrical resistance may lead to a breakage of the connection, and a loss of electrical power to the vehicle.
BMW Motorsport completes DTM test in Jerez ÔÇô Tom Coronel and ROAL Motorsport line up together again in the 2013 WTCC ....More
Spectacular show event in the French winter sports resort of Tignes ÔÇô Extreme sportsman Guerlain Chicherit and MINI team up to nail the worldÔÇÖs first backflip in a car. ...More
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autoblog.com: This is the BMW Z4 GTE that will wear the Roundel in ALMS
suzuki-racing.com: Onboard Yoshimura Suzuki's GSX-R1000
Yoshimura Suzuki Factory Racing's new 2013 AMA Superbike signing Martin Cardenas takes a hot lap around Chuckwalla Valley Raceway aboard his GSX-R1000 in practice and testing for this season's AMA Pro Racing Superbike series.
canadamotoguide.com: Saskatchewan could see massive motorcycle insurance hikes
Transport Canada Recall # 2013056 | Yamaha BW 125
On certain scooters, a problem with the fuel pump could limit fuel supply, causing hard starting, performance problems and/or engine stalling. Engine stalling would result in lost vehicle propulsion which, in...
BMW stunt rider Mattie Griffin has made a triumphant return from the first ever India Bike Week event, having won many new fans on the subcontinent with his unique display of freestyle riding on the BMW F 800 R. ... ....More
Two years after the reliable R 32 came to the market, BMWÔÇÖs first serious race victories are recorded by the R 37, a modified model with 16 HP sports engine. Then in the same year, BMW unveils the 250cc, single-cylinder R 39 sports model in a bid to win new customers ...More
One of the most coveted and hotly-contested awards at the 63rd Berlin International Film Festival is the Deutscher Schauspielerpreis (German Acting Award) which recognizes outstanding screen performances. As the eventÔÇÖs main sponsor, BMW Motorrad was out in force and among the many stars that attended this glamorous ceremony ....More
Please find attached the specifications of the BMW 316i Touring, BMW 335i Touring, BMW 320d EfficientDynamics Edition Touring, BMW 325d Touring, BMW 320i xDrive Touring, BMW 328i xDrive Touring, BMW 335i xDrive Touring, BMW 320d xDrive Touring and BMW 330d xDrive Touring, valid from March 2013. ...More
BMW design promises driving pleasure ÔÇô even standing still. ....More
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars today publishes the third official image of its new model Wraith, which will be launched at the Geneva Motor Show on 5 March 2013. ...More
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, the ultra luxury car brand with over 108 years heritage, hosted a grand themed event ÔÇÿAn Encounter with Art DecoÔÇÖ at the recently-opened Shanghai The Long Museum to celebrate the introduction of its elaborately crafted eight collection of Art Deco Inspired Ghost Extended Wheelbase cars, created exclusively for China. ....More
From the article ÔÇ£The biggest difference that weÔÇÖre going to see this year is the full support of Yamaha, obviously the motorcycle is an amazing machine, but the people behind the scenes are what really make up the difference."
What a shame that BMW couldn't find a few shekels to support pro roadracing in the US.
I am originally from Detroit and have family in the area, I make it a point to visit Dave and Suzan's shop every time i am up. Some of the nicest people I have ever met, and it's true about remembering you when you walk in the door. Last time i walked in Dave came over and said hi , it's been a while since we saw you last. You were looking at a Tiger 800 then. Have you ridden one yet ?
I always buy a shirt or some other thing i cannot live without
From the article ÔÇ£The biggest difference that weÔÇÖre going to see this year is the full support of Yamaha, obviously the motorcycle is an amazing machine, but the people behind the scenes are what really make up the difference."
What a shame that BMW couldn't find a few shekels to support pro roadracing in the US.
In a previous post I had noted I would begin following the AMA Pro Roadracing site and reporting it here. One of the first post in that effort was the announcement of Pegram's move to Yamaha.
I have been digging out old notes and find that I have been as confused as BMW for a long time. My take on the money/support has been centered around three things: rules, market and Husqvarna.
Rules: BMW has taken all sorts of national titles. The first victory for the R1000RRv1 came in Germany. The two countries where they have been noticeably absent have been the UK and US. Both series have had variations in the rules from the FIM-WSBK format and that favored particular models. Look at Kawasaki's dominance in the US long after it was falling in FIM ruled countries due in large part by rider and extra fuel loads and position that improved handling. The current rules and market nature that have Yamaha the dominate marque in AMA while not even involved in WSBK. For what ever reason beyond just being not able to cope as Germans with different rules they decided not to support.
Market: Again the UK and US absence in racing may have to do with how they see these markets. The GS is the best selling over 500cc bike in the UK. My guess money in the UK went to keeping that title rather than hunt for a racing title. The US bolsters GS sales with the various touring models. I haven't played with the numbers in some time but despite all our grousing BMW has aggressively priced its US models compared to what is asked in other markets. It put its marketing money in the showroom instead of on the track.
Husqvarna: I have been confused and disappointed in how this played out. I was confused that they would even get into a deal with Castiglioni. On one had they and long previously made the decision to expand their line with the G450 and Husqvarna offered a way of doing that expansion quickly. At least that was the hope. My concern was it came at the same time as the Superbike announcement and I feared it would drain dollars and focus from that effort. In the US the decision was made to spend money on Husqvarna and Husqvarna racing instead of racing the G or roadracing the v1. Money on bricks and mortor, soft legal costs sorting out dealer contracts and precious racing gold down the porcelain convenience.
In the end: I don't have great hope for BMW shifting many dollars into roadracing in the US. The only way that might change is if all the national titles and the WSBK rule formats are unified. It could happen but I don't expect it.
I will be following AMA Pro Roadracing. A race is a great ride destination for your BMW even if BMW doesn't think it is a great place to spend dollars.
Originally Posted by 40427
Really enjoyed the video on Triumph Detroit .
I am originally from Detroit and have family in the area, I make it a point to visit Dave and Suzan's shop every time i am up. Some of the nicest people I have ever met, and it's true about remembering you when you walk in the door. Last time i walked in Dave came over and said hi , it's been a while since we saw you last. You were looking at a Tiger 800 then. Have you ridden one yet ?
I always buy a shirt or some other thing i cannot live without
It was a factory sponsored video. The factories generally do a nice job with these and it looked like one some of you would like. Glad you enjoyed it.
Its cold! The power steering on the Turdmobile is a new piece of upper arm exercise equipment. Snowing in AZ and its on the way here. I'm grumpy and irritable. What next?
Summer in Phillip Island and racing is a day away and spring follows some time after that!! Fire up the coffee pot and make certain my password for live timing is up to date. Life is good!
After what seems like such a long wait, World Superbikes are back in action this weekend with the first round of the 2013 championship kicking off ÔÇÿdown underÔÇÖ at Phillip Island, Australia. As before, the aim of the team remains the same: to pick up as many wins and podiums as possible, and of course fight for the championship. However, there have been a few changes in personnel from last season, ... More
speedweek.de translated: BMW has problems with tire durability
gpone.com: Melandri has decided to have surgery
FWIW:
Woodcliff Lake, NJ  February 20, 2013BMW Motorrad USA has announced pricing for the highly awaited all-new liquid-cooled 2013 R 1200 GS. The next generation flat twin enduro will have a base Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $15,800. It will be available for purchase through authorized BMW Motorrad dealers in March. ....More
Woodcliff Lake, NJ  February 20, 2013 The passion for extreme driving fun, a richly varied model range and the wide selection of personalization options for which MINI is renowned form the centerpiece of the British premium brand's stand at the 2013 Geneva International Motor Show. As part of its ongoing model push, MINI is introducing further additions to its portfolio of attractive design models. Indeed, this year's Geneva Show will host the world premiere of the MINI Clubman Bond Street. Generously equipped and with a searching eye for detail, this is a MINI tailor-made for style-conscious customers of the particularly discerning variety. ...More
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nydailynews.com: BMW offers Genius customer suppor at showrooms before the launch of its i3 electric car launch
chicagotribue.com: BMW recalls 750,000 cars due to electrical problems
I don't bring many things from BikeEXIF very often because I know many of you follow this wonderful Bike Candy site. I have to agree with them when they say ÔÇ£ItÔÇÖs the most original take on the caf?® racer style weÔÇÖve seen for a long time.ÔÇØ With all the dirt bikes and a new crop of 250cc sport bikes coming from Japan I hope we will see more cafe bikes in this class.
worldsbk.com: Talkn and pedalling for SBK riders at Phillip Island
suzuki-racing.com: FIXI Crescent Suzuki Racing set for WSBK season opener
Published on Feb 21, 2013
World Superbikes has a new regulation for 2013. Flag-to-flag racing has been re-introduced but, with the existing one-bike rule, it means that riders will have to pit if rain starts to fall during a race that starts dry. With only three mechanics allowed to work on the bike, it means the riders has to lend a hand, too. Jonathan Rea's Pata Honda Superbike crew have been putting in some practice ahead of the opening round at Phillip Island in Australia.
The Aprilias were turning higher top speeds than the rest of the field. Haslam and Camier will be dangerous this weekend. The Ducatis appear to be ready if they can keep the black side down. What is in between is up for grabs as the game begins.
As worldsbk.com saw it:
The first round of the season has finally got underway, as World Superbike riders got on track for Free Practice 1. Michel Fabrizio (Red Devils Roma Aprilia) showed immediate speed and confirmed the good indications of early week's official testing by topping the time sheets of the 45 minutes session. The competitive 1'31.218 lap-time set onboard his RSV4 was 0.5 second faster than 2nd place Leon Haslam (Pata Honda World Superbike) and Leon Camier (FIXI Crescent Suzuki) in 3rd.
The last rider to get into the 1'31 bracket is Sylvain Guintoli (Aprilia Racing Team), fourth ahead of BMW Motorrad GoldBet SBK Team duo of Chaz Davies and Marco Melandri, Tom Sykes (Kawasaki Racing Team) and Jonathan Rea (PATA Honda World Superbike).
An unfortunate session for Team Ducati Alstare as both Carlos Checa (9th) and Ayrton Badovini (18th) crashed between a matter of a seconds at different parts of the circuit. The 2011 World Superbike Champion had an high-side at Turn 5, while the former BMW rider fell off his 1199 Panigale R at Swan Corner.
1 84 M. FABRIZIO ITA Red Devils Roma Aprilia RSV4 Factory 1'31.218
2 91 L. HASLAM GBR Pata Honda World Superbike Honda CBR1000RR 1'31.728
3 2 L. CAMIER GBR Fixi Crescent Suzuki Suzuki GSX-R1000 1'31.803 0.585
4 50 S. GUINTOLI FRA Aprilia Racing Team Aprilia RSV4 Factory 1'31.964
5 19 C. DAVIES GBR BMW Motorrad GoldBet SBK BMW S1000 RR 1'32.046
6 33 M. MELANDRI ITA BMW Motorrad GoldBet SBK BMW S1000 RR 1'32.057
7 66 T. SYKES GBR Kawasaki Racing Team Kawasaki ZX-10R 1'32.113
8 65 J. REA GBR Pata Honda World Superbike Honda CBR1000RR 1'32.158
9 7 C. CHECA ESP Team Ducati Alstare Ducati Panigale 1199R 1'32.171
10 34 D. GIUGLIANO ITA Althea Racing Aprilia RSV4 Factory 1'32.315
11 58 E. LAVERTY IRL Aprilia Racing Team Aprilia RSV4 Factory 1'32.339
12 21 J. STAUFFER AUS Team Honda Racing Honda CBR1000RR 1'32.512
13 27 M. NEUKIRCHNER GER MR-Racing Ducati Panigale 1199R 1'32.740
14 18 I. CLEMENTI ITA HTM Racing BMW S1000 RR 1'32.752
15 5 A. LUNDH SWE Team Pedercini Kawasaki ZX-10R 1'32.866
16 76 L. BAZ FRA Kawasaki Racing Team Kawasaki ZX-10R 1'32.882
17 14 G. ALLERTON AUS Next Gen Motorsports BMW S1000 RR 1'32.935
18 86 A. BADOVINI ITA Team Ducati Alstare Ducati Panigale 1199R 1'33.006
19 16 J. CLUZEL FRA Fixi Crescent Suzuki Suzuki GSX-R1000 1'33.172
20 31 V. IANNUZZO ITA Grillini Dentalmatic SBK BMW S1000 RR 1'33.473
21 23 F. SANDI ITA Team Pedercini Kawasaki ZX-10R 1'34.313
Off to the paddock to scriew things up
FRIDAY QUALIFYING 1
For the first thirty minutes Melandri held the provisional pole yeilding it to Laverty just before the 15 minute remaining mark. Haslam held a consitant fourth and third during the session and remains a solid threat for Superpole.
Aprilia dominates P1 and 2 with Melandri in P3, Camier's Suzuki in P4, Davies' BMW P5 and Haslam taking P6 to round out the provisional two front rows.
The absence of Ducati with Checa back in P12 says much about where Ducati's Pinagale is this weekend. The other surprise is the struggle Sykes had to make his P7.
1 84 M. FABRIZIO ITA Red Devils Roma Aprilia RSV4 Factory 1'31.317
2 58 E. LAVERTY IRL Aprilia Racing Team Aprilia RSV4 Factory 1'31.392
3 33 M. MELANDRI ITA BMW Motorrad GoldBet SBK BMW S1000 RR 1'31.539
4 2 L. CAMIER GBR Fixi Crescent Suzuki Suzuki GSX-R1000 1'31.608
5 19 C. DAVIES GBR BMW Motorrad GoldBet SBK BMW S1000 RR 1'31.638
6 91 L. HASLAM GBR Pata Honda World Superbike Honda CBR1000RR 1'31.687
7 66 T. SYKES GBR Kawasaki Racing Team Kawasaki ZX-10R 1'31.754
8 34 D. GIUGLIANO ITA Althea Racing Aprilia RSV4 Factory 1'31.793
9 50 S. GUINTOLI FRA Aprilia Racing Team Aprilia RSV4 Factory 1'31.863
10 65 J. REA GBR Pata Honda World Superbike Honda CBR1000RR 1'31.884
11 21 J. STAUFFER AUS Team Honda Racing Honda CBR1000RR 1'31.984
12 7 C. CHECA ESP Team Ducati Alstare Ducati Panigale 1199R 1'32.063
13 27 M. NEUKIRCHNER GER MR-Racing Ducati Panigale 1199R 1'32.243
14 14 G. ALLERTON AUS Next Gen Motorsports BMW S1000 RR 1'32.352
15 76 L. BAZ FRA Kawasaki Racing Team Kawasaki ZX-10R 1'32.497
16 86 A. BADOVINI ITA Team Ducati Alstare Ducati Panigale 1199R 1'32.540
17 18 I. CLEMENTI ITA HTM Racing BMW S1000 RR 1'32.757
18 16 J. CLUZEL FRA Fixi Crescent Suzuki Suzuki GSX-R1000 1'32.801
19 23 F. SANDI ITA Team Pedercini Kawasaki ZX-10R 1'32.898
20 31 V. IANNUZZO ITA Grillini Dentalmatic SBK BMW S1000 RR 1'33.082
21 5 A. LUNDH SWE Team Pedercini Kawasaki ZX-10R 1'33.305
RECALL Transport Canada | BMW: R1200GS 2013
On certain motorcycles, the Automatic Stability Control (ASC) system may not reactivate following off-road use in the ÔÇ£Enduro-ProÔÇØ mode. As the ASC warning lamp is no longer illuminated, the rider may be unaware
RECALL: NHTSA Recall ID No. 13V047000 Rolls- Royce
Dated: FEB 07, 2013 Rolls-Royce Motor Cars is recalling certain model year 2013 Phantom vehicles manufactured from November 2, 2012, through January 18, 2013. The fuel filler necks may be missing the anti-misfueling dev...
Rolls-Royce Motor CarsÔÇÖ presence in India continues to grow with the official opening of a third showroom in the South Indian commercial capital of Hyderabad, following the appointment of its authorised dealer, Kun Motoren Private Limited to represent Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Hyderabad. ....More
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On this episode of Wide Open Throttle, Jessi Lang, Angus MacKenzie, Scott Mortara, Ed Loh and Carlos Lago debate the tire-shredding SLS AMG GT. The crew also discusses the newest entry level Mercedes-Benz, the CLA, and explores the rumored BMW / Toyota tie up.
A close battled Qualifying 1 put an end to the first World Superbike day of 2013. The session was held under the clear skies of Phillip Island, with perfect temperatures and average winds blowing inland. Michel Fabrizio (Red Devils Roma Aprilia), after being the fastest rider of Free Practice 1, topped once again the timesheets after setting a 1'31.317 lap-time, ahead of works Aprilia rider Eugene Laverty.
The session was characterized by very competitive and balanced performances on track, considering the top-13 riders within a second and the five brands in the first seven positions. Marco Melandri (BMW Motorrad GoldBet SBK) showed good form by finishing third, followed by Leon Camier (FIXI Crescent Suzuki), team mate Chaz Davies, Leon Haslam (Pata Honda World Superbike) and 2012 runner-up Tom Sykes (Kawasaki Racing Team).
Carlos Checa (Ducati Team Alstare) was on track this afternoon despite the spectacular crash he had in Free Practice 1 at Turn 5. The Spaniard ended the session in 12th position - after completing only 7 laps - ahead of Max Neukirchner (MR-Racing Ducati).
BMW Motorrad GoldBet SBK Team - Phillip Island - Qualifying Practice 1
Phillip Island ÔÇô Free Practice & Qualifying Practice 1.
Friday, 22nd February 2013.
Weather conditions: Sunny.
Temperature: Air: 27 ÔÇô 29 ??C, Track: 40 ÔÇô 45 ??C
Number of riders participating: 21 from 13 teams
Fastest lap Free Practice: Michel Fabrizio (Red Devils Roma) 1:31.218 min
Fastest lap Qualifying Practice 1: Michel Fabrizio (Red Devils Roma) 1:31.317 min
The 2013 FIM Superbike World Championship kicked off and the BMW Motorrad GoldBet SBK Team have started the new season with great positions on the provisional first and second rows of the grid. Factory rider Marco Melandri (ITA) finished todayÔÇÖs first qualifying practice at the curtain raiser in Phillip Island (AUS) in third. His new team-mate Chaz Davies (GBR) was fifth in his first ever qualifying session on his BMW S 1000 RR. Marco began the first qualifying session with the fastest times and was leading for a long duration. In the end, he had a gap of just 0.222 seconds to Michel Fabrizio (ITA), who qualified for the provisional pole position. Chaz classified in the middle of the field and catapulted himself up to fifth in the final minute of the session staying under the 1:32-mark for the first time.
Marco Melandri:
Fastest lap Free Practice: 1:32.057 min (P6)/Fastest lap Qualifying Practice 1: 1:31.539 min (P3)
ÔÇ£IÔÇÖm happy with both of the sessions today. We have made good progress for the race. Our goal was to find a solution to preserve tyres and we have suceeded. The track and the bike have improved a lot and my shoulder is feeling much better. For the first time I was able to ride more than two laps without the pain increasing too much, so now IÔÇÖm confident for the race. Tomorrow weÔÇÖll continue our work. IÔÇÖm feeling positive and looking forward to the race.ÔÇØ
Chaz Davies:
Fastest lap Free Practice: 1:32.046 min (P5)/Fastest lap Qualifying Practice 1: 1:31.638 min (P5)
ÔÇ£I am very happy. Since the last day of testing the guys have worked very hard and we came out with a good setting for today. Since we have been here, the RR has been improving all the time and everything is coming together now. I am starting to really feel like the bike is mine and I am starting to understand what effect the different changes have to this bike. In the beginning of the qualifying, we also did some work on a used tyre from the morningÔÇÖs practice and I was really surprised how well the bike was working and how competitive the lap times were. For tomorrow, weÔÇÖll try to get a little bit more bump compliance in turning and we will work on fine tuning the electronics. I feel good about tomorrow when the most important thing is the Superpole - especially now as the grid is three to a row and not four.ÔÇØ*
Serafino Foti (Sport Director BMW Motorrad GoldBet SBK Team):
ÔÇ£The session this morning was not as positive as we would have hoped. Unfortunately Marco had a technical issue in free practice, which only allowed him to do seven laps. Between free practice and qualifyng practice the team worked very hard so that Marco could have a complete qualifying session in the afternoon. Marco was consistent over both sessions and this makes us really confident for the race. Chaz also did a very good job, heÔÇÖs improving his feeling with the bike and heÔÇÖs happy with todayÔÇÖs results. IÔÇÖm very satisfied with the team; they have all done a very good job. WeÔÇÖre going to work to solve the issues we have experienced ready for the race on Sunday.ÔÇØ
Andrea Dosoli (Technical Director BMW Motorrad GoldBet SBK Team):
ÔÇ£The qualifying practice went quite well for us. We have improved the consistency of our performance; we have tried the new tyres from Pirelli but also made some important changes to the settings of the bikes. Both riders benefitted from these changes and from the tyres. There are few areas where we are losing a bit of time but overall we are happy with the job we have done. Chaz improved his speed over one fast lap clocking his first 1:31-lap since we arrived here, while Marco did consistently fast lap times over a long period. Tomorrow we have still one more tyre to be tested before Superpole and we will work again on the tyre life and on the overall fine tuning.ÔÇØ
FWIW
The BMW riders head to Q2 then Superpole in relatively good form and position. Melandri did not require many laps to get up to speed and control much of either Friday session. He may not have ended up on top but the sense watching Live timing others were chasing him. When Laverty pulled his fastest lap it was only 0.001 better than Melandri. Fabrizio took Q1 but only in the final minutes with Melandri in the paddock.
I will bring Q2 and Superpole reports this evening when they are done. Then everyone has to settle down from qualifying sessions and work on race distance setup. There Camier's Suzuki and Haslam's Honda may give the BMWs and Aprilias fits.
Fabrizio took the Q2 honors late in the session. He appears to be dialed in and the rider to beat this weekend. I find it interesting that Fabrizio and the rest of the Aprilia riders are turning in top speeds 5kph + the rest of the field. Biaggi's riding DNA may be ingrained in the RSV4. What that means on race day the rest of the season is why they hold them.
Melandri improved but not as much as some of the competition. Ranked P2 in the early going he was on the provisional front row until the closing laps of the session. He ended his session early satisfied he would advance.
Camier took P1 at roughly the 25 minute point and held it to the closing moments. He continues to make a very strong showing for Suzuki.
Sykes has bounced back in this session which should bode well for his performance in Superpole. My sense is the Kawasaki is struggling a bit. The fast lap came late in the session after an extended mid field stint.
Haslam and his Honda continue to turn in solid performances. Haslam is out performing Rea at this point. The team may be taking a dual track strategy with Haslam tasked with qualifying setup work and Rea using these sessions to test a more race day focused setup. Rea will advance to Superpole where we may get a clear sense of dual track or problems for him.
Checa and his Ducati appear to be stuck in the P6-8 range. Ducati and Aprilia have owned Philllip Island. Checa may not qualify where he wants but he may do better in combat with the new bike.
1 84 M. FABRIZIO ITA Red Devils Roma Aprilia RSV4 Factory 1'31.317 1'30.387
2 2 L. CAMIER GBR Fixi Crescent Suzuki Suzuki GSX-R1000 1'31.608 1'30.727
3 66 T. SYKES GBR Kawasaki Racing Team Kawasaki ZX-10R 1'31.754 1'30.740
4 58 E. LAVERTY IRL Aprilia Racing Team Aprilia RSV4 Factory 1'31.392 1'30.826
5 33 M. MELANDRI ITA BMW Motorrad GoldBet SBK BMW S1000 RR 1'31.539 1'30.931
6 50 S. GUINTOLI FRA Aprilia Racing Team Aprilia RSV4 Factory 1'31.863 1'30.961
7 91 L. HASLAM GBR Pata Honda World Superbike Honda CBR1000RR 1'31.687 1'31.020
8 7 C. CHECA ESP Team Ducati Alstare Ducati Panigale 1199R 1'32.063 1'31.146
9 65 J. REA GBR Pata Honda World Superbike Honda CBR1000RR 1'31.884 1'31.353
10 34 D. GIUGLIANO ITA Althea Racing Aprilia RSV4 Factory 1'31.793 1'31.470
11 19 C. DAVIES GBR BMW Motorrad GoldBet SBK BMW S1000 RR 1'31.638 1'31.526
12 76 L. BAZ FRA Kawasaki Racing Team Kawasaki ZX-10R 1'32.497 1'31.537
13 27 M. NEUKIRCHNER GER MR-Racing Ducati Panigale 1199R 1'32.243 1'31.871
14 21 J. STAUFFER AUS Team Honda Racing Honda CBR1000RR 1'31.984 1'31.874 1
15 18 I. CLEMENTI ITA HTM Racing BMW S1000 RR 1'32.757 1'31.963
16 14 G. ALLERTON AUS Next Gen Motorsports BMW S1000 RR 1'32.352 1'32.576 1'32.352
17 16 J. CLUZEL FRA Fixi Crescent Suzuki Suzuki GSX-R1000 1'32.801 1'32.402
18 5 A. LUNDH SWE Team Pedercini Kawasaki ZX-10R 1'33.305 1'32.487
19 86 A. BADOVINI ITA Team Ducati Alstare Ducati Panigale 1199R 1'32.540
20 23 F. SANDI ITA Team Pedercini Kawasaki ZX-10R 1'32.898 1'33.009 1'32.898
21 31 V. IANNUZZO ITA Grillini Dentalmatic SBK BMW S1000 RR 1'33.082 1'33.275 1'33.082
A programming note. I will be back this evening with Superpole results. The winter storm has jumble things at work and I will be heading in. Look for race results and more in the evening Saturday.
In Superpole 3 live timing lit up, Malandri's picture and numbers popped up with a Best Lap at 1'30.615. Seconds later it lit up again with Sykes posting a 1'30.615. The pair headed to the paddock knoted at the top after two hot laps. What happens when riders match times in Superpole? I don't remember and have not found out yet. Time kept ticking down with no major changes if any. Then the final scored hot laps sent live timing shuffling the leader board numerous times. When it finished Checa had moved from P8 at the start of Superpole 1 to the top of Superpole 3's sheet.
Now that all the hot lap work is done we can see how they do in full contact racing over the length of two races. Melandri starts on row two. In the new grid lay out it is not a bad place at all. If you dig into his numbers for each session for this weekend he has turned few laps but in those the gap between his actual and idea laps rank him higher than the grid sheet for the session. To my eye this promises good things for Sunday races.
1 7 C. CHECA ESP Team Ducati Alstare Ducati Panigale 1199
2 58 E. LAVERTY IRL Aprilia Racing Team Aprilia RSV4 Factory
3 84 M. FABRIZIO ITA Red Devils Roma Aprilia RSV4 Factory
4 66 T. SYKES GBR Kawasaki Racing Team Kawasaki ZX-10R
5 33 M. MELANDRI ITA BMW Motorrad GoldBet SBK BMW S1000 RR
6 50 S. GUINTOLI FRA Aprilia Racing Team Aprilia RSV4 Factory
7 2 L. CAMIER GBR Fixi Crescent Suzuki Suzuki GSX-R1000
8 91 L. HASLAM GBR Pata Honda World Superbike Honda CBR1000RR
9 65 J. REA GBR Pata Honda World Superbike Honda CBR1000RR
-------------------------------------------------- Superpole 2 --------------------------------------------------
10 34 D. GIUGLIANO ITA Althea Racing Aprilia RSV4 Factory
11 76 L. BAZ FRA Kawasaki Racing Team Kawasaki ZX-10R
12 19 C. DAVIES GBR BMW Motorrad GoldBet SBK BMW S1000 RR
-------------------------------------------------- Superpole 1 --------------------------------------------------
13 27 M. NEUKIRCHNER GER MR-Racing Ducati Panigale 1199
14 21 J. STAUFFER AUS Team Honda Racing Honda CBR1000RR
15 18 I. CLEMENTI ITA HTM Racing BMW S1000 RR 1'32.757
-------------------------------------------------- Others in Grid --------------------------------------------------
16 14 G. ALLERTON AUS Next Gen Motorsports BMW S1000 RR
17 16 J. CLUZEL FRA Fixi Crescent Suzuki Suzuki GSX-R1000
18 5 A. LUNDH SWE Team Pedercini Kawasaki ZX-10R
19 86 A. BADOVINI ITA Team Ducati Alstare Ducati Panigale 1199
20 23 F. SANDI ITA Team Pedercini Kawasaki ZX-10R
21 31 V. IANNUZZO ITA Grillini Dentalmatic SBK BMW S1000 RR
Here are the press releases for Saturday Superpole. Back tonight with the regular post and Racing Results. Racing news from down under is a day ahead so I have to be late with the normal Saturday post to make up for it. Whatever day this is I am off to work. Latter...
worldsbk.com:
Spaniard Carlos Checa has started the 'Panigale' era of Ducati in World Superbike by winning the Tissot-Superpole at Phillip Island. The Ducati Team Alstare managed to take the best out of the new Borgo Panigale superbike by setting an incredible 1'30.234, that means a brand-new Best Lap for the series and the 10th pole position of his career.
Checa saved a Superpole tyre for the final minutes of a hard-fought Superpole 3, with all 9 riders desperate to find a way into the front rows for tomorrow's World Superbike races. The choice made by the former champion and the team led by Francis Batta proved to be successful, as Checa got the nod from an extremely competitive Eugene Laverty (Aprilia Racing Team) by just 0.195 seconds.
After being the fastest rider in qualifying, Michel Fabrizio (Red Devils Roma Aprilia) gave his fans another pleasant surprise by ending up in third place. This good performance tells a lot about the good shape of the Rome-born rider, who has always been more of a Sunday racer than a qualifier.
The second row of the grid will be headed tomorrow by 2012 Mr. Superpole Tom Sykes (Kawasaki Racing Team), whose lap-time was exactly matched by fifth place Marco Melandri (BMW Motorrad GoldBet SBK Team). Sylvain Guintoli (Aprilia Racing Team) and Leon Camier (FIXI Crescent Suzuki) will aim to be part of the battle for the rostrum position moving off from the 6th and 7th grid slot, as well as following Pata Honda World Superbike duo of Leon Haslam and Jonathan Rea.
BMW Motorrad GoldBet SBK Team - Phillip Island - Superpole
Phillip Island ÔÇô Qualifying Practice 2 & Superpole.
Saturday, 23rd February 2013.
Weather conditions: Sunny.
Temperature: Air: 25 ÔÇô 29 ??C, Track: 30 ÔÇô 52 ??C
Number of riders participating: 21/20 from 13 teams
Fastest lap Qualifying Practices: Michel Fabrizio (Red Devils Roma) 1:30.387 min
Fastest lap Superpole 3: Carlos Checa (Team Ducati Alstare) 1:30.234 min
The 2013 season opener of the FIM Superbike World Championship will see the BMW Motorrad GoldBet SBK Team start from the second row on the grid after factory rider, Marco Melandri (ITA), was classified fifth in todayÔÇÖs Superpole qualifying at Phillip Island (AUS). His team-mate Chaz Davies (GBR) struggled with a technical issue that prevented him from riding consistently fast laps, as a result he will start from 12th position on the fourth row on the grid. A rule change for this season means that the individual grid rows consist of three riders rather than four, as it was previously the case.
Marco set the fastest time in the free practice session at noon and then progressed comfortably through the first two Superpole sessions to reach the final and deciding session, Superpole 3. In both the first and second sessions he only rode one fast lap on his BMW S 1000 RR to securely qualify for the next part, once on a race tyre and once on a qualifying tyre. In Superpole 3 he completed one outing on his second qualifying tyre, setting the temporary fastest lap time of 1:30.615 minutes on his RR. Later, Tom Sykes (GBR) clocked exactly the same time and due to the regulations was classified in front of Marco. The pair were topping the time sheets until the closing stages of Superpole 3, however then dropped down onto the second row of the grid. Chaz started the day confidently after achieving two top-5-results yesterday. In Superpole 1, the Welshman did two outings, one on a race tyre and one on a qualifying tyre. With the ninth fastest time he progressed easily to the second session. There, he went out but returned to the pits immediately due to a technical issue. With three and a half minutes to go, he made another attempt but had to settle with 12th place on the grid.
Marco Melandri:
Fastest lap Qualifying Practices: 1:30.931 min (P5) / Fastest lap FP: 1:30.814 min (P1) / Fastest lap Superpole 3: 1:30.615 min (P5)
ÔÇ£Compared to last year, when we struggled a lot on this track, we have improved a lot. Now the bike is performing quite well and we had a good qualifying session. This afternoon*the track conditions were worse than yesterday and this morning, but the team has done a great job on the bike to improve the tyresÔÇÖ life.*In the end*we are satisfied and we got the best out of our bike. TomorrowÔÇÖs races will not be easy for all of us because of the high temperatures and the wind. While I hope that the wind will not be too strong, I donÔÇÖt mind if it is warm.My shoulder is also getting a little better, probably because it is getting used to the stress from being on the bike. I am confident that tomorrow we will be consistent on the long distance of the race.ÔÇØ
Chaz Davies:
Fastest lap Qualifying Practices: 1:31.526 min (P11) / Fastest lap FP: 1:32.210 min (P11) / Fastest lap Superpole 2: 1:31.870 min (P12)
ÔÇ£I'm very disappointed. After yesterday I thought that we were consistently going in the right direction but today just seemed a little bit more difficult. We were very happy with the long run we did this morning in the second qualifying practice, but from free practice onwards it became difficult. Unfortunately in Superpole I was struggling with a technical issue a little bit. We are working on solving this and apart from that, I am happy with the bike. We showed that we are quite strong in our race setup and if I get a good start a lot is possible. It is just a shame that we had that issue at that critical point of the weekend.ÔÇØ
Serafino Foti (Sport Director BMW Motorrad GoldBet SBK Team):
ÔÇ£We are happy with the results. The team and the riders have done a good job. Unfortunately, Marco had a crash during the free practice session, but he is really professional and kept fully concentrated until the end of Superpole. The incident did not affect his shoulder which is getting a little better. Chaz had a technical issue during Superpole that prevented him from scoring a position further towards the front of the grid. But we are confident for the races and are looking forward to tomorrow.ÔÇØ
Andrea Dosoli (Technical Director BMW Motorrad GoldBet SBK Team):
ÔÇ£We are satisfied with the results from todayÔÇÖs Superpole. Both crews have worked a lot on the chassis and the electronics and have found a good balance to preserve the life of the tyres. Marco will start from the second row and Chaz from the fourth. We are sure that for Marco this should be no problem; he is fast and will try to overtake his competitors. It is unfortunate that Chaz could not improve his position due to a technical issue, but he is also talented and fast, so overall we are confident for tomorrow. We have already found a good setting for the races. We have done a simulation and the results show that we should be competitive on the longer distance of the race. We are looking forward to the race and the team is in a positive mood.ÔÇØ
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Originally Posted by Mika
