It’s been slightly unusual first practice session at the Valencian circuit this morning, certainly when looking at the results.
Track conditions were rather treacherous, the asphalt being partly wet but drying up in other places and generally not providing much grip. In the 125cc practice right before the MotoGP practice there’s been a plethora of crashes and certainly most MotoGP riders weren’t going to take unnecessary risks first time out on track.
Subsequently and due to the conditions the laptimes were a good 13 seconds slower than the circuit record and the practice saw some unusual names up front for most of the session until finally Casey Stoner and Dani Pedrosa somewhat restored the “normal order” by taking over first and second. Behind them the Ducatis seem to go well again in these kind of conditions with Rossi, Hayden and Capirossi leading the armada.

Álvaro finished the session down in 11th position after leading the field and staying in second for quite a long time until about 15 minutes before the chequered flag. However, considering the track conditions it’s understandable most riders didn’t take too much risk and we’ll likely see a revised results list in FP2 this afternoon.

Pos. Rider Team Time Gap 1st/Prev.
1 Casey STONER Repsol Honda Team 1’45.513
2 Dani PEDROSA Repsol Honda Team 1’45.736 0.223 / 0.223
3 Valentino ROSSI Ducati Team 1’45.828 0.315 / 0.092
4 Nicky HAYDEN Ducati Team 1’46.073 0.560 / 0.245
5 Loris CAPIROSSI Pramac Racing Team 1’46.108 0.595 / 0.035
6 Ben SPIES Yamaha Factory Racing 1’46.259 0.746 / 0.151
7 Randy DE PUNIET Pramac Racing Team 1’46.371 0.858 / 0.112
8 Toni ELIAS LCR Honda MotoGP 1’46.393 0.880 / 0.022
9 Andrea DOVIZIOSO Repsol Honda Team 1’46.402 0.889 / 0.009
10 Cal CRUTCHLOW Monster Yamaha Tech 3 1’46.581 1.068 / 0.179
11 Alvaro BAUTISTA Rizla Suzuki MotoGP 1’46.922 1.409 / 0.341
12 Hector BARBERA Mapfre Aspar Team MotoGP 1’46.967 1.454 / 0.045
13 Karel ABRAHAM Cardion AB Motoracing 1’47.079 1.566 / 0.112
14 Hiroshi AOYAMA San Carlo Honda Gresini 1’47.581 2.068 / 0.502
15 Josh HAYES Monster Yamaha Tech 3 1’48.037 2.524 / 0.456
16 Katsuyuki NAKASUGA Yamaha Factory Racing 1’48.382 2.869 / 0.345

Rizla Suzuki and the MotoGP circus will re-group at Valencia in Spain this weekend for what promises to an emotional final race of 2011.

The whole paddock will be united in its grief as the teams all meet for the first time since the tragic accident that saw Marco Simoncelli lose his life during the Malaysian Grand Prix. Álvaro Bautista was battling with Simoncelli in the moments before the accident happened at Sepang and Suzuki’s Spanish star is determined to put on a good show in honour of his late adversary. Bautista and the Suzuki GSV-R have shown continued potential over recent events and the pair looked like pushing for a podium place in the last race before the event was cancelled. The Rizla Suzuki team will be aiming to continue with impressive recent performances and hoping to end the season on a positive note.

The 4,005m Ricardo Tormo circuit near the village of Cheste, close to Valencia, is the traditional end of season venue for MotoGP. It is usually a huge event with big crowds filling the enormous grandstands that enclose the only stadium track on the calendar. The mix of many tight corners and the close proximity of the fans makes the circuit one of the most intense tracks that the riders visit. This weekend will obviously be overshadowed by recent events, but the unique Valencian crowd will undoubtedly show respect as well as making the race a celebration.

Rizla Suzuki takes to the track on Friday for the two of the three free practice sessions available to the riders; the third is on the following morning. Saturday afternoon will feature an hour of qualifying to determine grid positions for Sunday’s 30-lap race, with the main event getting underway at 14.00hrs local time (13.00hrs GMT) on Sunday 6th November.

Álvaro Bautista: “I am really looking forward to going to the Valencia race. It has been a tough time for all of us since Sepang, but I am ready for the last race and the fact that it is in my home country always makes it a special occasion. I have done well in the last few races, and my Suzuki has felt great, but the results have not arrived so we need to put that right. My target for the weekend is to fight to the maximum, finish the race with a good result and dedicate it to Marco. We had so many huge battles together – I will use these memories positively in Valencia.”

Source: Rizla Suzuki MotoGP

AS has published Álvaro’s latest column today, following the fatal crash of long-time rival Marco Simoncelli at the Malaysian Grand Prix last weekend. Álvaro wrote an open letter to Marco and, as he tweeted prior to the publication, it was by far the most difficult column he ever had to write.
Below you find the complete translation.

Dear Marco: I don’t know how to begin, it is difficult to say anything after such a tough weekend for the followers of motorcycle racing. Everything that’s happened in Sepang, the thrilling 125cc race with Nico Terol very close to claiming the title, the absence of Marc Marquez in Moto2 and leaving the championship for Bradl to take, the injuries of other riders who I wish a speedy recovery, the good feeling I had in practice and then in the race I could have ended up with a good result… Everything was overshadowed by your accident.

Your passion. You and I know that there is a a lot of risk in this sport and that, fortunately, safety is getting better. But sometimes things like this happen and it’s really when people realize that this is not a game and we play with our lives here. I will not tell you how those moments were in the paddock when we heard the news, because I think we’ve already cried and suffered a lot. I think we should remember you as someone who died doing what he loved, what all the riders love the most. Riding a bike.

Direct rival. I had the opportunity to be one of your rivals in the 250cc class, where we had many fights. You’ve always been a very controversial rider on the track, going very close to the limit and sometimes over it, but always giving a show, giving the spectators reasons to fall in love with racing. And if you were peculiar on the track, off it you couldn’t go unnoticed; with that hair like Jimi Hendrix, with that lax style of walking, that peculiar voice speaking an Italian funny to listen to.

Championship leader. 2008 was your great year, you spent two seasons in the 250cc class without getting a single podium, but that year changed everything, you started to get on the rostrum regularly, winning races and like it wasn’t a big deal you took over the lead in the championship with a good advantage. We had many fights in the races, with touches and off-track excursions. At the end you won the championship, at the same Sepang International Circuit. The following year we even spent some time at Race Direction now and then to review controversial actions, do you remember? Honestly, my relationship with you off the track changed and we hardly exchanged a word. But this year everything was different. Unfortunately or fortunately because of the situation in Japan, the riders had many meetings and this made us more united, we returned to a good relationship like we had before. You know you’ve been a great rider who was always on the limit, always enjoying what you were doing, always giving your best, always fighting. Even in your last lap on the circuit, when again I was with you, you did not stop fighting, it has always been difficult to pass you, you never let anyone twist your arm and always resisted or stayed inside or outside the racing line to avoid losing your position. On that last lap we passed each other six times in just two corners. I thoroughly enjoyed it and I know you did too, as we always did in a fight like this one.

In the paddock. Then, the circuit that had given you your best moment in life took it away from you. At the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) you left us. How strange will it be to walk through the paddock not seeing you… But your memory will always be with us, we will never forget you and you will be sorely missed. But I am convinced that wherever you are, you will also follow us.

To your loved ones. I’m about to say goodbye, because I have a lot inside, but it is very difficult to write it down in these moments. I want to send your family, your girlfriend Kate, your friends, mechanics, the people on your team and your fans my most sincere and heartfelt condolences. And I tell you that at the next race in Valencia everyone who goes to the track, which will surely be many, will go there for you. In your memory. We will race for you. We dedicate this to you. Because you’ll always be in our hearts.

Source: AS.com

The world of racing has sadly lost another shining figure today as Marco Simoncelli succumbed to serious injuries sustained in a crash during the second lap of the MotoGP race at Sepang.

The Italian lowsided at turn 11 and tried to hold on to his Gresini Honda, but was unfortunately pushed back to the middle of the track where he was struck by Colin Edwards and Valentino Rossi who couldn’t avoid him anymore. Simoncelli lost his helmet in the horrific crash and the race was immediately red-flagged and subsequently cancelled as the circuit’s medical personnel tried their best to save his life. Sadly it was to no avail and it’s been officially confirmed that Simoncelli passed away at 16.56 local time.

We’d like to send our condolences to the family and friends of Marco and a lot of strength in this terrible time. Rest in peace, Marco.

Again a good session for Alvaro at the Malaysian Grand Prix in Sepang. He started the warmup on the right foot, taking over at the front early and staying there until about eight minutes to end, still posting laptimes close to the lead for the rest of the session. He eventually finished the session in fifth position.

Pos. Rider Team Time Gap 1st/Prev.
1 Casey STONER Repsol Honda Team 2’02.338
2 Dani PEDROSA Repsol Honda Team 2’02.610 0.272 / 0.272
3 Hiroshi AOYAMA San Carlo Honda Gresini 2’02.890 0.552 / 0.280
4 Nicky HAYDEN Ducati Team 2’03.043 0.705 / 0.153
5 Alvaro BAUTISTA Rizla Suzuki MotoGP 2’03.175 0.837 / 0.132
6 Colin EDWARDS Monster Yamaha Tech 3 2’03.194 0.856 / 0.019
7 Marco SIMONCELLI San Carlo Honda Gresini 2’03.206 0.868 / 0.012
8 Andrea DOVIZIOSO Repsol Honda Team 2’03.403 1.065 / 0.197
9 Hector BARBERA Mapfre Aspar Team MotoGP 2’03.532 1.194 / 0.129
10 Loris CAPIROSSI Pramac Racing Team 2’03.789 1.451 / 0.257
11 Randy DE PUNIET Pramac Racing Team 2’03.867 1.529 / 0.078
12 Cal CRUTCHLOW Monster Yamaha Tech 3 2’03.902 1.564 / 0.035
13 Valentino ROSSI Ducati Team 2’03.960 1.622 / 0.058
14 Toni ELIAS LCR Honda MotoGP 2’04.414 2.076 / 0.454
15 Karel ABRAHAM Cardion AB Motoracing 2’04.615 2.277 / 0.201
16 Katsuyuki NAKASUGA Yamaha Factory Racing 2’05.246 2.908 / 0.631
Ben SPIES Yamaha Factory Racing

It’s the penultimate round of the 2011 MotoGP world championship and it is still not clear where Álvaro will ride next season. Or if Suzuki will stay. Or if they do, with what bike.

Originally said to make a decision before Japan, then after Japan, then until Phillip Island, Suzuki delayed the decision on whether or not they’ll compete in MotoGP next season over and over again. But this weekend the fans and not least the team and rider themselves will finally find out.

Before the track action started in Sepang rumours were ripe that an official announcement from Suzuki – on what their plans for the next season are, if they will stay in MotoGP, when they will bring out the 1000cc bike and who their rider will be – would come as soon as Friday. And that the answers to those questions would likely be “Yes”, “sometime in the middle of 2012″ and “Álvaro Bautista”.

Obviously that announcement hasn’t happened yet and things still remain unclear, getting a little more confusing every day. What has surfaced however is that Shuhei Nakamoto [vice-president of HRC] and Shinichi Sahara [Suzuki project manager] have gotten together for extensive talks on Friday, agreeing on a guaranteed spot in the LCR Honda Team for Àlvaro, should Suzuki not continue or Álvaro not be happy with the sports project they offer which will likely include starting the 2012 season with the current 800cc bike. So at the very least Álvaro has a secured spot in the MotoGP paddock next year and his loyalty to Suzuki and his desire to ride a factory bike won’t completely leave him in the lurch should Suzuki pull out of MotoGP after all. Honda is very interested in Álvaro after the great performance he showed this year on the still underperforming Suzuki and will keep the seat at LCR open until he made his decision, the deal apparently including a factory supported bike.

As time is running out not only for the team but also the rider to be clear about next season, Álvaro has also given Suzuki an ultimatum to finally make their decision until Sunday. He told Marca “When I’m on the bike I do not think about anything, but when I’m away from it I think a lot about my future. And I can not wait much longer. I gave Suzuki a deadline until Sunday. That’s the limit, 48 hours.”

Looking at the current form of the Hondas, the “second-hand” deal to ride with LCR should Suzuki not continue, is hardly a bad option at all. However, Álvaro repeatedly made it clear in the past that he’d like to ride in a factory team and he does put a lot of trust in Suzuki after their recent improvements. Although at Honda the contracts of factory riders Stoner and Pedrosa run out at the end of 2012, at the moment it seems unlikely they would lose their place in the team, hence making it very difficult for Álvaro to get into the Honda factory team. So it still looks like Suzuki would be his preferred option, but everyone keeps waiting for the final decision of the Hamamatsu factory. We shall find out on Sunday.

Speaking of Honda, today’s qualifying threw up a surprising quarrel between two of the usually calmest riders of the MotoGP paddock, Álvaro and Dani Pedrosa. The latter took pole position at Sepang, leading a Repsol Honda clean sweep, but afterwards complained to Spanish television that Álvaro allegedly almost ruined his qualifying by trying to hang on to him and get a tow for a quick lap, stating that Álvaro’s “been annoying for a few races” like that. Asked about that accusation, Álvaro stated “I am not one of those who usually look for a tow, but if I can get a good one, all the better. Besides, if he rides half a second faster than me per lap, why would he care if I follow him… it’s like he’s afraid of me.”
Some Spanish fans pointed out that Pedrosa seemed to be making the statement jokingly, without any malicious intent, and it does seem a bit out of character for him to attack Álvaro of all people, who is far from his enemy, on track or off. However, not everyone took his words lightly and it caused a mild uproar among the Spanish fans. It remains to be seen how the two get along in the future, but if their generally very good-natured behaviour is anything to go by, it shouldn’t be much of a problem for either one of them.

Sources: MotoCuatro.com, Marca.com

Rizla Suzuki’s Álvaro Bautista will start tomorrow’s Malaysian Grand Prix from the middle of the third row after qualifying in eighth today.

Bautista (2’02.332, 22 laps) has been consistently in the top-six all weekend and occupied a front-row grid spot with less than a quarter of the qualifying session remaining. He put in a fresh softer rear compound tyre to make an attack and consolidate, or better, his provisional position, but got held up in traffic and couldn’t find a clean lap – while other riders capitalised and produced better times. Despite being on the third row, Bautista’s race pace is very promising and a good start in tomorrow’s race could easily see the Spaniard running with the front group.

Today’s qualifying was held in very warm and humid conditions with track temperatures reaching over 50°C. Dani Pedrosa continued his good form this weekend by taking pole-position.

Tomorrow’s 20-lap race will see Bautista as the lone Rizla Suzuki representative after wild-card entry John Hopkins had to withdraw from the event due to complications from a broken finger that he suffered earlier in the season. The main event tomorrow will get underway at 16.00hrs local time (08.00hrs GMT), when Bautista will be going all out to try and secure his best finish of the season.

Álvaro Bautista: “I’m not very happy with the position, because all weekend we have been in the top-six and that’s what I expected this afternoon. We have a good rhythm compared to some of the other riders and when I put the first soft rear in the bike to make a fast lap I did it alone and I got up to third position. On the last tyre I tried to follow some riders to try and get some tenths to make sure I got at least on the second row, but I didn’t find anybody and also didn’t concentrate enough to do a lap by myself. I am happy with my race pace and the feeling from the bike, but I’m not pleased with my position on the grid. Tomorrow will be a hard race because with these conditions it’s always difficult here. During practice you can always do one fast lap and come back to the box, but in the race you have to be consistent and go for it for 20 laps. I’ll try to make a good start and stay with the group like I did in Phillip Island and see what happens. Today it was possible to be on the second row, but now I need to focus on the race and use all my energy tomorrow to get a good result.

“When you have a small problem, sometimes the problem can become big and I think that is what has happened to John. It has been a big disappointment for everyone, because in the Czech Republic and here we should have been two riders, but he has not been able to race at either event. It is very bad luck for him and I wish him a quick recovery and I feel really sorry for his situation.”

Paul Denning – Team Manager:
“We didn’t reach our potential in qualifying today and that was disappointing. Álvaro looked to get in behind one of the fastest guys on his last run, but in hindsight that worked against him. It would probably have been better for him to find some clear track and build his rhythm. That said, the middle of the third row is not a disaster and our race pace looks pretty strong. The GSV-R seems to be quick on its first timed lap, so if we can elbow past the traffic straight away tomorrow, it could be an interesting race.”

Source: Rizla Suzuki

Álvaro continued his good pace at Sepang in the qualifying session, stringing together many quick and very consistent laps, showing a decent race pace and staying well within a second of the fastest riders which is raises hopes for a big group fighting in the race tomorrow.

He quickly got among the top five positions and stayed there for the first half of the session. After a longer stint in the box he started the second half of the qualifying with a scorcher, moving up to third position, only a handful of tenths behind fastest rider Pedrosa, riding all on his own as well and going consistently at the same pace.
Unfortunately he plummeted down the order later on as he found a lot of traffic in the final laps of the session, unable to put together one clean lap to improve further, eventually finishing only in 8th position, starting tomorrow’s race from third row again.

Still, not a bad result, although surely the goal for qualifying had been higher and his pace is quicker than that as well. But the relatively close gap to the front should bode well for the race tomorrow.

Pos. Rider Team Time Gap 1st/Prev.
1 Dani PEDROSA Repsol Honda Team 2’01.462
2 Casey STONER Repsol Honda Team 2’01.491 0.029 / 0.029
3 Andrea DOVIZIOSO Repsol Honda Team 2’01.666 0.204 / 0.175
4 Colin EDWARDS Monster Yamaha Tech 3 2’02.010 0.548 / 0.344
5 Marco SIMONCELLI San Carlo Honda Gresini 2’02.105 0.643 / 0.095
6 Nicky HAYDEN Ducati Team 2’02.172 0.710 / 0.067
7 Hiroshi AOYAMA San Carlo Honda Gresini 2’02.254 0.792 / 0.082
8 Alvaro BAUTISTA Rizla Suzuki MotoGP 2’02.332 0.870 / 0.078
9 Valentino ROSSI Ducati Team 2’02.395 0.933 / 0.063
10 Cal CRUTCHLOW Monster Yamaha Tech 3 2’02.756 1.294 / 0.361
11 Randy DE PUNIET Pramac Racing Team 2’02.939 1.477 / 0.183
12 Loris CAPIROSSI Pramac Racing Team 2’03.077 1.615 / 0.138
13 Karel ABRAHAM Cardion AB Motoracing 2’03.438 1.976 / 0.361
14 Hector BARBERA Mapfre Aspar Team MotoGP 2’03.619 2.157 / 0.181
15 Toni ELIAS LCR Honda MotoGP 2’03.646 2.184 / 0.027
16 Ben SPIES Yamaha Factory Racing 2’03.678 2.216 / 0.032
17 Katsuyuki NAKASUGA Yamaha Factory Racing 2’04.072 2.610 / 0.394