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UPDATE: It looks like Alex Debon could be the Spanish rider that Jorge Martinez could tap to be one of his MotoGP riders.

You would think that Kawasaki’s announcement to leave MotoGP put’s to rest whether or not they will be racing next year in MotoGP, but you’d be wrong….at least sort of wrong. There has been if someone else would come along and direct/finance a Kawi MotoGP effort, and many people have pointed that finger at Jorge “Aspar” Martinez. That rumor would appear to have gained new credence today with the latest comment from Dorna’s CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta, continuing reading for more.

 

aprilia-dorsoduro-rr-racing-1

 has managed to get ahold of photos showing Aprilia’s weapon of choice for Hypermoto racing. The Dorsoduro RR race bike will be piloted by Alessandro Tognaccini in the 2009 Hypermoto Series. Weighing just over 300lbs and putting out over 100hp, the RR is a substantial improvement over the stock Dorsoduro. Add-on goodies include Shiver forks, Öhlins rear shock, STM slipper clutch, and a Silmotor exhaust. The wheels are Marchesinis with Galfer Tsunami pads and calipers. Watch out Ducati Hypermotard, we just found something to replace you with in our dreams. 

Source: X Offroad

Carmelo Ezpeleta (Owner of Dorna Sports, which owns and runs MotoGP), has announced that the premiere motorcycle class of racing will take a cue from the Formula1 racebook, and limit the electronics that can be used while racing a GP motorcycle. This decision comes on the heels of the single tire move made by Dorna in an effort to make GP racing more exciting and evenly matched. 

Traction control for example has been of great concern, and to see why it only takes a brief glance at the latest reviews of the Ducati 1198S Superbike. Critiques of MotoGP have said that allowing such devices let’s less qualified racers into the premiere sport, and that the use of technology can make up where there would otherwise be a gap in rider skill.

Not surprisingly, some of the biggest names ever in the sport have shown signs of support for the rule change. It is unclear what exactly will happen in the future, but Ezpeleta has said that there must be further discussion of the topic, and that no change will occur for the 2009 season, yet looking at where other premiere class sports of gone, the road ahead looks more or less certain.

Source: moto.caradisiac

SkyNet may kill all of mankind, but it won’t take away our GP racing.

Michael Schumacher, Formula 1 Demi-God Michael Schumacher, is rumored to have been offered an open invitation to race a factory backed Honda CBR1000RR in the World Superbike Championship. Schumie has been testing bikes a lot lately. Taking corners for both Honda and Ducati, and while he has adimantly denied any interest of taking on motorcycle racing (all evidence to the contrary), he does seem to be skilled on the -2 wheels machines.

Despite the shooting down of racing speculation, Schumacher is still set on racing in the German Championship. HRC’s Carlo Fiorani was quoted as saying, “For the moment he has not asked us to race in the 2009 world championship…but if he wants to, there is a way for him (to do it). All he has to do is ask us.”

Source: AutoSport via AutoBlog

Time will tell on this one folks.

In 2007 Anthony West replace Jaques Olivier on the Factory Kawasaki MotoGP team. After this Sunday at Valencia, Anthony’s year and a half will end. West has had a lackluster season this year, currently sitting 18th in the point standings with 50 points, which has caused many to call for his replacement. Italian Marco Melandri will join John Hopkins on the Kawasaki team for the 2009 season as West’s replacement.