April 11 *: Qatar – Doha/Losail
April  25: Japan – Motegi
May 2: Spain – Jerez de la Frontera
May 16: France – Le Mans
May 30: Italy – Mugello
June 6: Great Britain – Silverstone
June 26 **: Netherlands – Assen
July 4: Catalunya – Catalunya
July 18: Germany – Sachsenring
July 25 ***: United States – Laguna Seca
August 15: Czech Rep. – Brno
August 29: Indianapolis – Indianapolis
September 12: San Marino & Riviera di Rimini – Misano
September 19: Hungary – Balatonring
October 10: Malaysia – Sepang
October 17: Australia – Phillip Island
October 31: Portugal – Estoril
November 7: Valencia-Ricardo Tormo – Valencia

Reserve circuit,”Motorland Aragon Circuit”

*: Evening Race
**: Saturday
***: Only MotoGP class

In other news, but in the same release, it’s been announced that Honda will be the sole engine supplier for the new Moto2 series that begins next season. Horse power will exceed 150 and for 2010 only, the current 250cc bikes will be allowed to run at the same time.

From a press release issued by the FIM:

The Permanent Bureau composed of Messrs. Vito Ippolito (FIM President) and Carmelo Ezpeleta (Dorna CEO) in a meeting held on May 2 in Jerez de la Frontera (Spain), unanimously decided to introduce the following amendment to the Road Racing World Championship Grand Prix Regulations.

Application 2010

Moto2 class:

Amongst various offers received, it has been decided that the single engine supplier will be Honda who offers high level performance engine. The horse power will be over 150.

Next year only this category will also be open to the current 250cc motorcycles.

The Grand Prix Commission, composed of Messrs. Carmelo Ezpeleta (Dorna, Chairman), Claude Danis (FIM), Hervé Poncharal (IRTA) and Takanao Tsubouchi (MSMA), in the presence of Messrs Vito Ippolito (FIM President), Ignacio Verneda (FIM Sport Director), Javier Alonso (Dorna) and M. Paul Butler (Secretary of the meeting), in a meeting held on May 2 in Jerez de la Frontera (Spain), decided to introduce the following amendments to the Road Racing World Championship Grand Prix Regulations.

Application from May 15, Le Mans Grand Prix.

1.13.1

On recommendation of the FIM Grand Prix Safety Commission, the event schedule has been modified as follow

FRIDAY FREE PRACTICE

125cc: 12.40-13.40

MotoGP: 13.55-14.55

250cc: 15.10-16.10

SATURDAY FREE PRACTICE QUALIFYING PRACTICE

125cc: 09.00-09.40 13.00-13.40

MotoGP: 09.55-10.55 13.55-14.55

250cc: 11.10-12.10 15.10-15.55

SUNDAY WARM UP

125cc: 08.40-09.00

250cc: 09.10-09.30

MotoGP: 09.40-10.00

RACE

125cc: 11.00

250cc: 12.15

MotoGP: 14.00

2.7.9

Any breather pipe from the engine or gearbox must discharge into the airbox and/or a suitable container.

Strike: With a minimum capacity of 200cc and a maximum of 250cc. There must be a separate container for each breather pipe.

- Changes to the 2009 Regulations -

The Grand Prix Commission, composed of Messrs. Carmelo Ezpeleta (Dorna, Chairman), Claude Danis (FIM), Hervé Poncharal (IRTA) and Takanao Tsubouchi (MSMA), in the presence of Messrs Vito Ippolito (FIM President), Ignacio Verneda (FIM Sport Director), Javier Alonso (Dorna) and M. Paul Butler (Secretary of the meeting), in a meeting held on March 28 in Jerez de la Frontera (Spain), decided to introduce the following amendments to the Road Racing World Championship Grand Prix Regulations.
MotoGP Class

For immediate application

1. Engine restriction from Czech Republic Grand Prix included

a) A rider can use a maximum of 5 engines until the end of the Championship.

b) New engines have to be sealed before use (practices, warm up, race).

c) A new engine will be deemed to have been used when the motorcycle exits the pit lane.

d) All used engines will have the exhaust ports additionally sealed at the end of each event.

e) A sealed engine can be reused at any time.

f) The penalty for using an unauthorized engine will be a deduction of 10 points from the total point of the Championship ranking of the rider concerned.

2. 2009-2010 tests
8 days in total. Venues and days will be announced.

3. Ceramic composite materials shall not be permitted for brake discs and pads.

4. Any pressurized hydraulic powered system is not allowed. Also engine lubricating oil cannot be used for any other purpose.

5. Electronic controlled suspension shall not be permitted.

6. EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) shall not be permitted.

7. Testing with non-contracted riders is allowed at any track, at any time, but it is subject to the following limitations:

a) Only tyres coming from the Tyre Supplier are allowed, and not more than 240pcs. per Manufacturer can be used from the 1st of January to the 31st of December including after-race tests.

b) After the MotoGP season has started, testing before a race included in the MotoGP Championship is limited to 2 tracks, and no later than 14 days prior to the race.

8. Testing for contracted riders:

a) Contracted riders are allowed to 2 after-race tests. The tyres used by the contracted riders will not be counted.

b) The winter test ban will be extended up to January 31st.

For 2010

1. Only one machine can be used during each MotoGP event.

2. A rider can use a maximum of 6 engines for the entire Championship.

3. A new event schedule will be announced.

4. Carbon composite front brake discs must be of one diameter only and two types of mass. The diameter will be 320mm only.

5. The maximum fuel injection pressure is 10 Bar.

6. MMC (Metal Matrix Composite) & FRM (Fiber Matrix Material) shall not be permitted.

7. Temperature sensor for the tyre will not be permitted.

8. From 2010 to 2012, the rim width shall be limited to 2 sizes for front and 1 size for rear for each manufacturer. Wheels diameter shall be limited to 16.5 inches only.

9. Variable exhaust system shall not be permitted.

10. Variable Valve Timing system and Variable Valve Lift system powered by electric and/or liquid, shall not be permitted.

11. Connecting rod shall not be a hollow structure but less than 2mm oil pass tunnel is permitted.

12. Twin clutch system (known as DSG) shall not be permitted.

13. Automatic transmission shall not be permitted. But manual transmission assisted by small force shall be permitted.

14. Consecutive Variable Transmission shall not be permitted.

15. Only DORNA can supply GPS unit just for entertainments such as TV broadcasting, which can’t connect to CPU unit by any kind of system.

16. Electric/electronic steering damper system shall not be permitted.

17. Minimum weight of motorcycle shall be the existing one + 2 kg. (ex: 150 kg for 4 cylinders).

18. Only 5 persons can work on the machine in the pits.

19. Riders who enter the Championship for the first time (Rookies) must be entered by a non factory Team.

Moto2 class

MSMA unanimously proposed “One Make Engine Regulation”. Manufacturers will be consulted to know if they are interested.

About FIM

FIM (WWW.FIM-LIVE.COM), the world governing body for motorcycle sport, is an independent association formed by 98 National Federations throughout the world. It is recognized as the sole competent authority in motorcycle sport by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Among its 49 FIM World Championships its main events are MotoGP, Superbike, Endurance, Motocross, Supercross, Trial, Enduro and Speedway. FIM also deals with non-sporting matters such as leisure motorcycling, mobility, transport, road safety and public policy and the environment, FIM was the first International sporting Federation to enforce an Environmental Code in 1994.

From a press release issued by the FIM.

The decision owes to a delay in the construction process that means that the circuit would not be complete in time for the September 20th race, a result of harsh winter weather and the current financial situation that has hit Hungary and affected the funding process.

From a press release issued by Dorna.

Thanks to the battling performances of the American and the Briton, Tech 3 Yamaha finished an impressive fourth in last seasons MotoGP Teams World Championship. Under the guidance of experienced team boss Hervé Poncharal, the team took two podium finishes and a further 11 top-six finishes to make them MotoGP’s top independent team in 2008.

Having already sealed a personal sponsorship deal with reigning MotoGP World Champion Valentino Rossi recently, Monster Energy continue their global push with the support of one of the sport’s most experienced outfits. Already the number one by-volume sales energy drink in the USA, support of the French team will help its growth across the rest of the world and particularly in Europe – where MotoGP is one of the most highly prized events on the sporting calendar.

Monster Energy President, Mark Hall, explained the reasons behind the company’s decision to extend their commitment to the sport, “Both Colin and James have built huge followings throughout their careers and they are extremely popular riders, so Monster Energy is pleased to become part of their continued efforts through our partnership with the Tech 3 Yamaha team for the upcoming ‘09 MotoGP season. Tech 3 has a highly successful track record as one of MotoGP’s premier teams and will provide a solid platform for Monster Energy as we continue to develop our brand image globally.”

At the head of the Tech 3 team since its conception in 1989, and having taken the team to World Championship success in the 250 class in 2000, Poncharal admits the new deal has excited the whole squad. “It’s great to be linked with a growing brand such as Monster Energy, which has such a strong image and a big profile. Monster are very keen to support MotoGP and I’m sure that our partnership will prove to be very successful. The 2009 Yamaha package with the Bridgestone tyres has looked extremely promising in pre-season tests so far. Our aims are to go even better than in 2008, and thanks to this agreement we are highly motivated to do so.”

MONSTER YAMAHA TECH 3 are currently testing at the Losail circuit in Qatar where the MotoGP World Championship will kick-off with the night-time Grand Prix of Qatar, which runs under floodlights on the evening of April 12th.

Valentino Rossi turns 30

Valentino Rossi turns 30 today, 16th February 2009. The Fiat Yamaha rider has had an immensely successful career to date, winning eight world championships, 97 races and becoming the most successful premier-class rider of all time. As he enters his 14th season in the world championship, his sixth with Yamaha, he is still the dominating force in the sport, having recaptured the title in typically exciting style last season.

Below is a collection of quotes from colleagues, fellow riders, family and a few of his more famous fans. Some are recollections of favourite moments with Valentino, whilst some are simply messages for him on the day he turns 30. All are different ways of saying ‘Happy Birthday, Valentino!’

Davide Brivio (Fiat Yamaha Team Manager)
“I don’t really have a favourite memory of Valentino, or at least it’s difficult to choose the ‘absolute best!’ The first one that comes to mind however is just after the Welkom race in 2004, his famous first MotoGP race with Yamaha. Before Valentino finally joined Yamaha, during one of the meetings the previous September, he said that he wanted to win his first race with Yamaha! This immediately created a lot of pressure for me and for Yamaha, but anyway I promised him that we would all try all our best. Honestly at that time I felt that it was going to be a very difficult thing to achieve! During the final few pre-season tests the chances of doing it began to look better and better, but in a race itself anything can happen. Incredibly, he won that race in Welkom and just after it, after the technical meeting had finished, we were alone in his changing room. Somebody had left a bottle of wine in the fridge and we opened it and raised a toast to that day way back in September, when he had first said that he wanted to win this race. “We did it!” I said to him. It was a very emotional moment for me because it was the moment we achieved our very first target together. Happy Birthday!”

Cesare Cremonini (Singer and friend)
“Vale is a fighter, but armed with a smile. I’ve never seen him lose his humanity, even in the most difficult moments. One time I found him making gags and jokes as if he was at home with friends, when in fact he had just a couple of minutes to go before a decisive race. While he was putting on his leathers, ready to go out and challenge the world, he transmitted a joy for life, listening to a song on his ipod. “Ciao Ragazzi! See you later!” He said. Then came a sweeping victory at the limits of possibility and a long night of partying together! Happy Birthday, Vale!”

Tom Cruise (Actor and Rossi Fan)
“Valentino, You are a true champion. You keep raising the bar, relentlessly pursuing the next race, the next challenge, the next championship. I also know that the victories don’t necessarily become easier. You have to dig deeper, work even harder, become more focused to overcome the distractions. That’s what you do. And I, like countless others, know that when you’re on that track anything is possible. It was my great pleasure to be there at Laguna Seca and see you take that victory. I can honestly say I’ve never seen anything like it! You certainly don’t disappoint! Thank you for all the great races you have given us, and for all the great races yet to come. Happy Birthday.”

Daniel-Day Lewis (Actor and Rossi Fan)
“Every race, every win, every championship! Vale the kid in the portaloo is an old favourite, always irresistible in victory and gracious in defeat (not that he had to prove it very often!) But the all-time favourite memory for me would be him at Laguna Seca going inside Stoner through the dirt. Death or glory; the whole race an answer to those daft enough still to have a question. And to have shaken the hand of that man – that I won’t forget either.”

Aldo Drudi (Designer and Rossi Fan)
“Cattolica, August 1996, 2pm, very hot. I’m travelling by motorbike on a deserted road towards the sea, when a small and colourful outline appears from an intersection ahead, going very fast. A young boy on a scooter ‘closes’ the corner, accentuates the bend, runs around the pavement, straightens up and pulls a wheelie… he holds the wheelie on the aqua-green Zip for more than 200 metres, still on the gas. I accelerate and catch him up. The boy lets go of the left handlebar and lifts the left hand in a sign of victory. I recognise him and follow him. Finally he lowers the wheel and with his feet on the footrests he throws embraces and salutes all around the road to his imaginary fans. He notices me, right beside him, and smiles. Happy Birthday Vale!”

Colin Edwards (Team-mate 2005/06/07 and now Tech3 Yamaha rider)
“I have a few fond memories of Vale starting from 2000. Our 2002 victory at the Suzuka 8-Hour was something special, but I’d have to say my one memory that stands out is Laguna 2005. Basically, we were both healthy and fighting for every inch. I did have a slight advantage knowing the track since 1992. As I can recall, it was the first time we were together on track racing close; as most would confirm, he was usually ten seconds in front of me leading by this point in the race! Then he mounted a charge on the last two laps that came up just short…I was happy we didn’t have one more lap! Haha!!!! It’s not really a memory that I beat him, it’s more of a memory of racing side by side with what I consider “The Goat”, which translates as The Greatest Of All Time. Happy birthday, you old man!”

Carmelo Ezpeleta (CEO, Dorna Sports)
“My favourite “Valentino moment” is remembering the unique human quality that he showed after his battle with Nicky Hayden for the 2006 MotoGP Championship. It is very easy to behave like a champion when you win, but Rossi’s attitude after losing was admirable and impressive.”

Lin Jarvis (Managing Director, Yamaha Motor Racing)
“It’s difficult to think of a single moment but I guess one of the most memorable moments was during the 2003 season when Valentino had his first meeting with the Yamaha YZR-M1. We had started our secret discussions earlier that year for a possible future move to Yamaha. Vale said he wanted to have a real look at the Yamaha M1 bike so we agreed to organize a secret rendezvous in the paddock at the Donington GP. To keep it secret we arranged to meet on Saturday night in the Yamaha Factory Team pit box. After midnight Vale arrived in a dark parka jacket with the hood up. He looked like a burglar coming to steal our stuff! Once inside he greeted everybody there and introduced himself and then took his time to look at Carlos Checa’s M1 from every angle before asking our permission if he could sit on the bike. We were so surprised by his humility and modesty and even more surprised when he paid a complement to us by stating that it was “not so bad” after all. His attitude on that first night time meeting said a lot about the man. Since then I have seen a hundred more examples… Happy Birthday, Vale!”

Jorge Lorenzo (Fiat Yamaha Team-mate, 2008/09)
“I want to say Happy Birthday to my team-mate Valentino. It is great for me to be racing with a legend like him, but maybe now he’s 30 he might slow down a little bit!”

Marco Materazzi (Inter Milan football player and friend)
“We met thanks to Inter, but we became friends thanks to motorbikes: our two great passions! Now the stadium and the circuit are occasions to be fans for one another and to try to bring good luck; you for me and I for you. But the moment in which we feel the truest friends is when we’re having dinner together at my house, sitting together at the same table. There we are just Marco and Valentino, two who for many reasons see life in the same way. Today I am just like you, when you put your number on to race it is the double of me when I put mine on to play, because I have 23! For your 30th I give you ‘double’ greetings. And one more special thing to remember, to succeed in keeping our ‘secret’ promise, the one which we can only tell when we’ve achieved it! Happy birthday Vale!”

Guido Meda (Italian TV commentator and friend)
“The end of testing, the slow-down lap. Valentino sees you from the track and goes to wave at you. It’s a quick movement and it seems trivial, but it’s a sign, a sign of how he focuses his attention; on the bike while he needs to, on the man when he can. He separates the moments, detaches them, changes and reasons. This is why everyone always wants him as their poster boy. The Valentino I know above all defeats what is normal while the legend grows. Now he turns 30, what can I say? As before, he still has his feet on the ground. He is ruthless and very much a perfectionist. He is easy-going and always curious with his own taste for an interesting life, but he is normal. After eight titles and 97 victories, I would like to be sure that I tell the story in the right way and, although the legend continues to grow, I can always find simple words.”

Stefania Palma (Mother)
“I have thought about what to tell you through the media for your 30th birthday… I could have dealt with sun, stars, mountains, love and happiness… but I feel it is more right to say, simply… HAPPY BIRTHDAY!”

Carlo Pernat (Journalist and friend)
“How could I not love you, Valentino? The champions know exactly what they have to do, instinctively. I remember in 1997, when we were making your first TV advert. You had to endure a day with a fussy and long-winded director, who couldn’t finish and had to adjourn until the next day. You left and, with your friend Uccio you called to warn that you were already home at your house, and where you were staying also the next day! Straugurissimi, Legend!”

Wayne Rainey (World Champion with Yamaha 1990/91/92)
“Happy 30th birthday Valentino! I love to watch when the odds are against you, the battle is on. Your passion to win is visible and I respect that very much. 30 years old…life is just beginning for you!”

Kenny Roberts Senior (World Champions with Yamaha 1978/79/80)
“Valentino, when I first saw you ride at the ranch in Barcelona… I thought Kevin Schwantz was tall and skinny! You were very impressive then as you are now! Good luck and Happy Birthday!”

Graziano Rossi (Father)
“Simply… I would like to wish him to get to 40 without growing up anymore and then after 40… let’s see!”

Rino Salucci (Friend and president of official fan club)
“Am I asking too much if I ask for 30 more years of excitement? Well, I can live with half!

Uccio Salluci (Best friend)
“I hope that for the next 30 years Vale will be as fast as he has been in the previous 30 and that he gives us more passes and excitement like we had at Laguna Seca 2008. 30 more Corkscrews, Vale!”

Marco Simoncelli (250cc World Champion and friend)
“Happy Birthday, Bomber! Although you are now 30, try to give us as much excitement as you have given to us until you were 29! Auguri! Sic58″

Gigi Soldano (Official photographer and friend)
“I know that every time I work with him something different will happen once again. One more time his image is in front of my lens and once again I have a different feeling and taste to be working with him. His little wrinkles, his determined gaze with his piercing eyes, which look right through you if you are not quick to change the shot. We play a game and by now he knows what expression I want before I have even asked, just like a team-mate in a match. The expressions stay in my mind as memories. This is what having Vale in front of the camera means, every time. I am always happy that I have the good fortune to work with him. Today he is posing for me with a chocolate cake to celebrate his 30th birthday. I shoot it as simply as possible; It’s not necessary to have anything else to make it a unique shot. A white background is enough, and once again we relax into the ‘groove’. A song comes into my head: “When you have a sunny day in December, you can say that summer is already here! Congratulations, Vale!”

James Toseland (Tech3 Yamaha rider)
“30 is a big milestone for a racer because, even though you’re not really old as a person, you’re starting to be one of the older ones in professional racing and you start to feel that you can’t go on forever! I don’t think it’s a problem for Valentino however, he seems to still feel 25 so as long as that continues he’ll be just fine! Happy Birthday and have a great party!”

Having hosted MotoGP between 1977 and 1986, Silverstone is no stranger to the top flight of two-wheeled sport, and the classic battle of 1979 between Kenny Roberts and Barry Sheene is one which sticks in many an older fan’s memory.

Richard Phillips, Managing Director of Silverstone Circuits Limited, is thrilled to see top flight motorcycle racing back on the calendar at the Home of British Motor Racing.

Phillips commented, “Silverstone is the UK’s premier motor racing venue and we are thoroughly looking forward to hosting the world’s premier motorcycle racing event from 2010. We have worked closely with Dorna Sports to bring MotoGP to Silverstone and both parties are extremely excited about the opportunity to take this world-class event to another level.

“Silverstone is a unique UK race circuit; rich in heritage and unrivaled in terms of what we are able to offer fans, championships and teams. The Grand Prix circuit offers a combination of high speed straights and technical corners, presenting a real challenge to the riders, while the facilities for teams and spectators are second to none.

“The circuit is also recognized as being one of the most easily accessible in the world. All of these factors, along with Silverstone’s vast experience of hosting world class international events, contributed to MotoGP coming to Silverstone.”

Dorna Sports CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta stated: “We are delighted that the MotoGP World Championship is returning to Silverstone as of 2010. The venue has excellent facilities and a circuit with a great heritage, having hosted some superb Grand Prix racing in the 1970s and 1980s. We are sure that MotoGP’s visits to the UK will continue to be highly successful when we make the historic move back to Silverstone next year.”

Amid quickly changing business environment, Kawasaki has been promptly taking countermeasures to cope with the situation. As the world economy is not likely to recover in a short period due to the major impact of the financial crisis, Kawasaki decided to suspend its MotoGP racing activities from 2009 season onward and reallocate management resources more efficiently.

Kawasaki will continue racing activities using mass-produced motorcycles as well as supporting general race-oriented customers.

Kawasaki would like to thank all the fans and all those who have forwarded us great help.

Mr.Yoshio Kawamura, the Managing Director of Kawasaki Motors Racing B.V. deeply appreciates the contribution and the dedication brought by staff members of the MotoGP team.

From a press release issued by Kawasaki Heavy Industries.

The Grand Prix Commission, composed of Messrs. Carmelo Ezpeleta (Dorna, Chairman), Claude Danis (FIM), Hervé Poncharal (IRTA) and Takanao Tsubouchi (MSMA), in the presence of M. Paul Butler (Secretary of the meeting), in a meeting held yesterday in Barcelona, unanimously decided to introduce the following amendments (see attached pdf file) to the Road Racing World Championship Grand Prix Regulations – application as from 2011.

Replacement Regulation for 250cc Class from 2011 (Moto2)
Technical Regulations:

1. Engine

1.1 4-stroke engines only.

1.2 Engine capacity: maximum 600cc.

1.3 4 cylinders maximum.

1.4 No oval pistons.

1.5 Engines must be normally aspirated. No turbo-charging, no super-charging.

1.6 Engine speed limited to maximum:
16,000 rpm. 4-cylinder engines
15,500 rpm. 3-cylinder engines
15,000 rpm. 2-cylinder engines
An electronic system supplied by the Organisers will be permanently attached to monitor and control engine speed.

1.7 Pneumatic valve operation is not permitted.

1.8 Inlet and Exhaust valves must be of conventional type (reciprocating poppet valves).
1.9 Variable valve timing or variable valve lift systems are not permitted.

1.10 Only wet-sump type engine lubrication systems are permitted.

1.11 Minimum weight of complete engine with throttle body, dry:
53 kg 4-cylinder
50 kg 3-cylinder
47 kg 2 cylinder

2. Inlet & Fuel System

2.1 Variable-length inlet tract systems are not permitted.

2.2 Only one throttle control valve per cylinder is permitted. No other moving devices are permitted in the inlet tract before the engine intake valve.

2.3 Throttle bodies will have a maximum internal diameter (must be perfectly circle except for the area of dent or groove to allow the injector to come out) at engine side out-let of:
42 mm for 4-cylinder
48 mm for 3-cylinder
59 mm for 2-cylinder

2.4 Fuel injectors will be restricted to a defined type (tba, based on cost).

2.5 Fuel pressure must not exceed 5.0 bar.

2.6 No artificial cooling of intake air or fuel.

2.7 Only air or air/fuel mixture is permitted in the induction tract and combustion chamber.

2.8 No direct fuel injection into the cylinder/head/combustion chamber.

2.9 Fuel specification will be for standard unleaded fuel (commercially available EU-compliant “pump fuel”).

3. Exhaust system

3.1 Variable length exhaust systems are not permitted.

3.2 Noise limit will be a maximum of 120 dB/A, measured in a static test.

4. Transmission

4.1 A maximum of 6 gearbox speeds is permitted.

4.2 A maximum of 3 alternate gear ratios for each gearbox speed, and 2 alternate ratios for the primary drive gear is permitted. Teams will be required to declare the gearbox ratios for each gear used at the beginning of the season.

4.3 Electro-mechanical or electro-hydraulic clutch actuating systems are not permitted.

5. Ignition, Electronics & Data-Logging

5.1 Data logger system will be supplied by the series Organizer.

5.2 Only the ECU/fuel injection control units supplied by the series Organiser are allowed to be fitted to the motorcycle. Electronic control units include the timing transponder, engine RPM control, and datalogger systems. No other electronic control or datalogging systems will be allowed on the motorcycle.

The price of ECU unit made by each engine manufacturer must be equal to or less than
JPY75,000 (about Euro650).

6. Chassis

6.1 Chassis will be a prototype, the design and construction of which is free within the constraints of the FIM Grand Prix Technical Regulations. The frame, swing-arm, fuel tank, seat and cowling are forbidden to use from a non-prototype as series production road-going motorcycle.

6.2 Minimum Total Weight: 135kg for 4-cylinder
130kg for 3-cylinder
125kg for 2-cylinder

6.3 No carbon brake discs.

7. Wheels & Tyres

7.1 No carbon composite wheels.

7.2 The maximum permitted wheel rim width is:
Front 4.00”
Rear 6.00” or 6.25”

7.3 The only permitted wheel rim diameter is:
Front 17”
Rear 17”

7.4 The number of slick tyres allocated to each rider per event will be controlled.

8. Materials & Construction

8.1 Construction materials will be limited to exclude expensive “non-conventional” materials and manufacturing methods (a list will be issued).

8.2 The following components must be made from iron-based alloys: Valve springs, camshafts, crankshafts, connecting rods, piston pins, brake discs.

8.3 Engine crankcases and cylinder heads must be made from cast aluminium alloys.

8.4 Pistons must be made from an aluminium alloy.

9. General

9.1 Number of machines: the team can scrutineer only one motorcycle per rider.

9.2 Number of engines: a maximum of 2 complete engines per rider is permitted at any event. Teams will be required to register engine serial numbers at Technical Control on the day before the first practice.

9.3 Apart from the above regulations, all other construction criteria, dimensions and specifications are as per the FIM Grand Prix Regulations.

9.4 The engine (excluding exhaust, throttle bodies and ECU) used in a race is available to be purchased by another competitor in the same race for a fixed price of €20,000 (Euro). Such purchase request must be made in writing to Race Direction within the protest period, that is within 60 minutes after the official end of the race. The transaction and delivery will be completed immediately at the end of the 60 minute protest period and will be underwritten by IRTA. Teams refusing to sell when presented with a valid request will be disqualified.

From a press release issued by FIM.

The 25-year-old Anglo-American underwent a surgical procedure to remove the metal plates from his left ankle and left foot, inserted following his high-speed crash during practice for this year’s Dutch TT at Assen in June.

Surgeons, led by the world renowned Doctor Arthur Ting, also performed keyhole surgery to clean up scar tissue and cartilage damage in Hopkins’ left knee, which he injured in the same Assen crash.

Doctor Ting also took the opportunity during the operation to remove a metal plate from the Kawasaki pilot’s left hand, the result of a previous injury, to leave Hopkins hardware free for the first time in three years.

Hopkins remained in the Fremont Surgery Centre overnight following the operation, but will return home to San Diego following a 24-hour post surgical evaluation today, Friday 5th December.

The Kawasaki pilot will now require four weeks of rest and recuperation, with only mild rehabilitation exercise, before resuming his full training and conditioning programme ahead of the 2009 MotoGP season.

John Hopkins: “It’s unbelievable; it’s great to be hardware free again after all this time. I have had several injuries in the past and have had to go through a few surgical ordeals since I was 13-years-of-age, but you never really get used to it. Now all the metal is out of my body I’m looking forward to some rest and recuperation, and spending time with my wife Ashleigh and our two families during the Christmas holiday period. Doctor Ting reckons it will be four weeks before I can start training properly again, but that should give me time to be fighting fit, ready for the start of pre-season testing at the end of January.”

Michael Bartholemy: “John has been either injured, or handicapped by his injuries, for almost the entire season, so the removal of all the metal from his body is an important step in the recovery process for him. John will need approximately four weeks to recover fully from the surgery, but he will then be able to resume his pre-season training programme at full intensity, which should see him fully fit again prior to the first test of the new season at the end of January. It’s been hard watching John ride injured this year, so I’m looking forward to seeing him back on the bike fully fit once again. Having John back at 100 percent is important to us now, as we will have the all-new Ninja ZX-RR at the first test of 2009, and we need both our riders on top form if we are to have the bike ready for the first race in April.”

From a press release issued by Kawasaki Racing