May 2009 - Page 8 of 8 - Asphalt & Rubber

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Bridgestone Using Colored Rims in MotoGP à la Formula 1

By Jensen Beeler 05/04/2009 No Comments

Editor’s note: The colored rims are only for non-competetive sessions such as the Free Practice sessions, and for Qualifying or Racing.

Bridgestone, the now sole provider of tires for the MotoGP series, is taking a cue from from Formula 1 and coloring the rims of MotoGP bikes to indicate the tire compound the rider has selected. Like in Formula 1, green will be used for riders using the soft compound, and red for riders using the hard compound.

For now, this is purely for the enjoyment of TV viewers, but there is speculation that color codes could lead to abuse by teams looking to inject a little disinformation into their rival teams. We imagine safeguards similar to those in Formula 1 will be put in place, and that the coloring scheme will play into MotoGP racing as it has in the pinnacle of auto racing.

Source:

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Ducati Monster 696 Wiring Harness Recall

By Jensen Beeler 05/03/2009 4 Comments

Ducati is recalling 1,755 units their 2009 Monster 696 motorcycle for problems with its main wiring harness. The harness may come in contact with the vertical cylinder head and exhaust pipe. This poor placement could possibly result in the harness being damaged, and the rider not looking nearly as cool on the cheapest bike Ducati has to offer. Also, the rider could die. For a Ducati rider, its hard to say which fate is worse.

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MotoGP: Lorenzo Takes Pole Position in Qualifying

By Jensen Beeler 05/03/2009 2 Comments

It took Jorge Lorenzo just 1’38.933 to lap around the circuit at Jerez, and put himself at the front of the grid on Sunday for the MotoGP Spanish Gran Prix. The Spainard didn’t disappoint his home crowd, as he staved off the other local favorite, Dani Pedrosa.

The two riders have been in top form all week, and Pedrosa again demonstrated his improving form and fitness on the Repsol Honda RC212V , lapping just 0.051 seconds behind Lorenzo to take the second place spot on the starting line tomorrow. Completing out the front row is Casey Stoner, who was half a second behind Lorenzo at what he describes as his least favorite track.

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Honda to Power Moto2 – Sole Motor Supplier

By Jensen Beeler 05/03/2009 2 Comments

A lot of talk has gone on about who will be providing the single spec motor to the new Moto2 series. First, it was rumored that (read, not Kawasaki). And now, all this talk can finally be put to rest as the GP Commission has announced that Honda will provide the motors for the Moto2 season, which is slated to start in 2010, and replace the 250cc GP class.

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Hopkins to be back for US Round of WSBK?

By Jensen Beeler 05/01/2009 No Comments

John Hopkins last week at Assen. While initial reports suggested that no bones had been broken, Hopkins, upon his return back to California, found that in addition to the muscle and tendon damage suffered in the dislocation, he also had a fractured femur. The renowned surgeon and motorcycle crash specialist, Dr. Ting operated on Hopkins on Monday, inserting screws to fix the fracture. Hopper has already left the hospital to start his recovery at his California home, and hopes to return to competitive action at the US round of WSBK at the Miller Motorsport Park on May 31st.

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