Cycle News - Archive Issues - 2000's

moving by de Puniet, only to run wide and give de Puniet another chance at the front. Then Poggiali was briefly in the lead before de Puniet dove back under for the final time. Elias moved by Poggiali whose fate was sealed by an out-of-the-seat episode late in the lap, the move too close for Poggiali's liking. "I knew the only way to win this race was leading the last lap closing all the trajectories to the others," de Puniet said. "This race has been (Apr): 11. Hugo Mi!lrchand (Apr); 12. Eric Betaille (Han); 13. Dirk Heidolf (Apr): 14. Chaz Davies (Apr); 15. Christian Gemmel (Apr); 16. Joan Olive (Apr): 17. Lukas Pesek (Yam); 18. Vesa Kallio (Yam); 19. Michael Filla (Yam); 20. Katja Poensgen (Hon); 21. Arie Vos (Yam): 22. Gllbor Rizmayer (Hon). lime: 41 min., 45.354 sec. Distance: 20 laps, 67.1 miles Margin of victory: 0.527 sec. 250 WORLD C'SHIP POINT STANDINGS (Arter 10 of 16 rounds): 1. Mi!lnuel Poggiali (145): 2. Fonsi Nieto (136); 3. Roberto Rolfe (135); 4. Rondy de Puniet (130): 5. Toni Elias (126); 6. Franco Battaini (107); 7. Anthony West (104); 8. Sebostien Porto (98): 9. Naoki Matsuda (67); 10. Sylvain Guintoli (66); II. Alex Debon (47); 12. Joon Olive (27); 13. Hector Foubel (21); 14. H. Aoyomo (20); 15. (TIE) Christian Gemmel/Hugo Marchand/Alex Bllidolini (19); 18. Erwon Nigon (17); MOTOGP QQALlYFING: 1. Vllientino Rossi (I :58.769); 2. Sete Gibernou (I :58.899); 3. Mox Biaggi (I :58.908): 4. Loris Capirossi (I :58.916); 5. Corio, Checo (I :59.295); 6. Troy Boyllss (I :59.373); 7. Nicky Hayden (1 :59.432); 8. Tohru Ukawa (I :59.629); 9. Alex Borros (I :59.765); 10. Mokoto Tamada (2:00.145): 11. Olivier Jacque (2:00.165): 12. Colin Edwards (2:00.627); 13. John Hopkins (2:00.740); 14. Shinyo Nokono (2:00.800); 15 .. Ryuichi Kiyonari (2:00.862); 16. Kenny Roberts (2:00.891); 17. Moreo Melondri (2:00.892); 18. Nori Hogo (2:01.303); 19. Gorry McCoy (2:01.320); 20. Alex Hoffmlln (2:01.753): 21. Jeremy McWilliams (2:01.809); 22. Andrew Pitt (2:01.994); 23. Nobu Aoki (2:02.704); 24. Dovid de Geo (2:04.638); 25. Chris Bums (2:05.083). MOTOGP: 1. Valentino Rossi (Hon); 2. Sete Giberneu (Hon); 3. Troy Bayliss (Due); 4. Cerlos Checa (Yam): 5. Max Biaggi (Hon); 6. Nicky Hayden (Hon): 7. Alex Barros (Yam): 8. Tohru Ukawa (Han): 9. Makoto Tamada (Hon); 10. Marco Melandri (Yam): 11. Olivier Jacque (Yam): 12. Colin Edwards (Apr): 13. Nori Hogo (Apr); 14. Shinyo Nokono (Yom); 15. Ryuchi Kiyonari (Han); 16. Andrew Pitt (Kaw): 17. John Hopkins (Suz): 18. Garry McCoy (Kaw): 19. Alex Hoffman (Kaw): 20. Kenny Roberts (Suz). Time: 44 min.. 18.907 sec. Distance: 20 laps, 67.1 miles Average speed: 100.006 mph Margin of victory: 0.042 sec. MOTOGP WORLD C'SHIP POINT STANDINGS (After 10 of 16 rounds): 1. Valentino Rossi (212/4 wins); 2. Sete Gibemllu (178/4 wins): 3. Max Biaggi (141/1); 4. Loris Capirossi (97); 5. Troy Bayliss (96): 6. Carlos Checa (78); 7. Tohru Ukawa (74); 8. Alex Barros (71); 9. Nicky Hayden (67): 10. Shinya Nakano (65); t 1. Olivier Jacque (55): 12. Makoto Tamada (47); 13. Colin Edw8rds (46); 14. Nori Haga (33); 15. Norick Abe (24); 16. John Hopkins (22); 17. Jeremy McWilliams (18): 18. Nobu Aoki (17); 19. Marco Melandri (15): 20. Ryuichi Kiyonari (14). Upcoming Rounds: Round 11 - Estoril, Portugal, September 1 Round 12 - Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, September 15 rather difficult, and the last laps we did much overtaking." Elias admitted that his fighting with Poggiali allowed de Puniet to escape. "On the final lap Poggiali and I overtook each other a few times, which gave Randy [de Punietj the chance to open up a gap and take the win." Poggiali said the last lap was great, "but dangerous as well. I was searching the victory, but it's hard to get it if in the last lap you must be careful because the other riders treat you like a skittle! I believe Elias' behavior was not correct, and his passing is too extreme. We risked crashing both a couple of times." eN Bmo Cin:uit Bmo, Czech Republic Results: August 17, Z003 (Round 10J 125 QUALIFYING: I. Alex de Angelis (2:08.100); 2. Steve Jenkner (2:08.330); 3. Lucio Cecchinello (2:08.421); 4. Doni Pedroso (2:08.562); 5. Stefano Perugini (2:08.755); 6. Pablo Nieto (2:08.817); 7. Thomos Luthi (2:08.857); 8. Gobm Talmacsi (2:09.253); 9. Hector &rbeora (2:09.268); 10. Andrea Dovizioso (2:09.322); II. Casey Stoner (2:09.477); 12. Mirko Gion..nti (2:09.532); 13. Gino Borsoi (2:09.553); 14. Jorge Lorenzo (2:09.602); 15. Youichi Ui (2:09.702); 16. Giaoie Pellino (2: 10.044); 17. Fabrizio Lei (2:10.049); 18. Mike Kallio (2:10.089); 19. Simone Corsi (2:10.112); 20. Masao Azuma (2:10.235); 21. Hiroyukl Kikuchi (2:10.308); 22. Stefano Bianco (2: 10.836); 23. Mike dl Meglio (2: I 0.863); 24. Morco Simoncelli (2: I 0.923); 25. Julian Simon (2:10.928); 26. Robbin Harms (2:10.935); 27. Roberto Locolelli (2:11.160); 28. Emilio Alzamora (2: I t .160); 29. Max Sabbatani (2:11.213); 30. Imre Toth (2:11.270); 31. Alvoro Bautista (2:12.753); 32. Andrell Bllilerini (2:12.755); 33. Igor Klll"b (2: 12.755); 34. Marketa Janakova (2: 12.801): 35. Voclov Bittmon (2: 13.192); 36. Peler Lenort (2: 14.256); 37. Luko Nedog (2:14.903). 125 GP: 1. Dani Pedrosa (Hon); 2. Stefano Perugini (Apr); 3. Alex de Angelis (Apr); 4. Mike Kollio (KTM); 5. Heclor Barbera (Apr); 6. Andrea Dovizioso (Hon); 7. Mirko Gillnsllntl (Apr): 8. Gino Borsai (Apr); 9. Vouichl Ui (Apr); 10. Gioele Pellino (Apr); 11. Gabor Talmacsi (Apr); 12. Jorge Lorenzo (Oer); 13. Masao Azumll (Hon); 14. Marco Simoncelli (Apr); 15. Mike di Meglia (Apr); 16. Alvaro Bautista (Apr); 17. Roberto Locatelli (KTM); 18. Fabrizio Lai (Mal); 19. Robbin Harms (Apr); 20. Stefano Bianco (Gil); 21. Emilio Alzl!Imora (Der); 22. Julian Simon (Mol); 23. Imre Toth (Hon); 24. Igor Kolob (Hon); 25. M8rketa Janakova (Hon): 26. Luke Nedog (Hon). Time: 40 min., 59.354 sec. Distance: 19 laps, 63.9 miles Average speed: 93.34 mph Margin of victory: 3.981 sec. 125 WORLD C'SHIP POINT STANDINGS (After 10 of 16 rounds): 1. Dtlni Pedrosll (162/4 wins); 2. Stefano Perugini (137/2); 3. Andrell Dovizioso (112); 4. Alex de Angelis (l08); 5. Lucio Cecchinello (105/2); 6. Steve Jenkner (98/1); 7. Pablo Nieto (88); 8. Hector Barberll (78/1); 9. Youichi Ui (71): lO. (TIE) Casey Stoner/Mirko Gillnsanti (60): 12. Mike Kallio (59); 13. ThomlliS Luthi (48); 14. Gino Borsoi (44); IS. Gabor Tllimacsi (38); 16. Masao Aluma (26): 17. Gino Pellino (25): 18. Simone Corsi (24); 19. Jorge Lorenzo (15); 20. Arnaud Vincent (14). 250 QUALIFYING: 1. Manuel Poggiali (2:03.872); 2. Rondy de Puniel (2:03.920); 3. Fonsi Nieto (2:04.037); 4. Toni ElilliS (2:04.088); 5. Franco Bottoini (2:04.233); 6. Roberto Rollo (2:04.413); 7. Sylvain Guintoli (2:04.663); 8. Anthony West (2:04.771); 9. Nook! MOlsudo (2:04.909); 10. Sebastien Porto (2:05.054): 11. Radomil Rous (2:05.157); 12. Hugo Morchond (2:05.563); 13. Alex Debon (2:05.995); 14. Hector Foubel (2:06.018); 15. Eric Bataille (2:06.032): 16. Christian Gemmel (2:06.044); 17. Dirk Heidelf (2:06.264); 18. Johon Stigefelt (2:06.859): 19. Erwon Nigon (2:06.923); 20. Chaz Davies (2:07.038); 21. Jakub Smrz (2:07.182); 22. Joon Olive (2:07.493); 23. Alex Boldollni 2:07.598); 24. Luko' Pesek (2:07.758); 25. Veso Kollio (2:08.225); 26. Michal FUlo (2:08.960); 27. Arie Vos (2:09.654); 28. Katja Paensgen (2:10.183); 29. Gobor Rizmoyer (2:10.236); 30. Henk van der Lagemaat (2:10.74). 250 GP: 1. Randy de Puniet (Apr); 2. Toni Elias (Apr); 3. Manuel Poggiali (Apr); 4. Roberto Rolfo (Han); 5. Sebllstien Porto (Han): 6. Fonsi Nieto (Apr); 7. Frllnco <llini (Apr): 8. Sylvain GuintoJi (Apr); 9. NllOki Matsudo (Yem); 10. Hector Faubel fX]@rBrBDf)rB [1fiJli@ LlUDr?DDD@r? There was yet another crowd at the top of the quaUfying order at Brno, with the front row covered by .147 of a second and Valentino Rossi stealing the top spot with a new lap record in the final seconds of qualifying. Rossi had been up and down during the session, trying his best he admitted to take the pole position, something he hadn't done for five races. He'd been reasonably quick and near the top, but it would take his very best effort to clock the fastest time, a lap of 1;58.769 minutes. "I make a very good lap, no mistake; I use the tire 100 percent, and it's possible to do that time," Rossi said. The last-minute drama was the result of a lack of data on race tires. Everyone on the front row agreed that tire choice, both front, because of the bumps entering the comers, and rears, would be critical. "We have some problems with the choice of the tires in the race so we need to test another tire," Rossi said. wThe choice will be very, very difficult, especially for the rear but also for front. You need to make the right choice. I have some tire arrive for sure then but need to go a little bit more slow. We need to understand the rhythm and make the decision after the warm-up." Rossi knocked Telefonica MoviStar Honda's Sete Gibemau from the top spot, and the Spaniard took it with good humor. "Really, today, I was really wanting to go for the pole, and I thought I had the pole, and I had the [Tissotl watch, but I saw the last lap: Gibernau said after missing out by .130 of a second. "Valentino, he had taken from me the pole and the watch. And so congratulations to him." Gibemau explained that he was having chattering problems at the front which needed to be addressed by race time. "I just hope tomorrow we can find a little bit of better setup," he said. "Now still we're pushing a little bit the front going into the corner more than we have the previous test we had here, so we need to understand the reason why." Camel Pramac Pons' Max Biaggi was third fastest by a mere .009 of a second and happy to be on the front row after crashing on the second lap. The Italian explained that the machine he was following - he wasn't sure if it was Carlos Checa's or Marco Melandri's - was smoking, possibly leaking oil. Before long he was on the ground. "I didn't know why," Biaggi said. "I didn't do anything wrong. It was only lap two, and I wasn't pushing that hard. Sure that bike was leaking, and after two corners the guy crashes. Anyway I was unlucky." When he jumped on his spare he discovered it wasn't as good, so he set out to work on tire choice. "I think I'm surprised with the lap time I did: Biaggi said. The end of the front row went to Marlboro Ducati's Loris Capirossi, just .008 of a second off Biaggi. The Italian was the beneficiary of a new, stiffer chassis, and revised aerodynamics. "For sure the bike is improved: he said. "For sure the bike is improved every time. This race we have the evolution bike, which is very different to the other one." Like Biaggi. Capirossi crashed, but his came later in the session, with only 10 minutes to go. The spare was nearly equal to his race bike, and his last lap was his fastest, though it was done on the earlier chassis. Fortuna Yamaha's Carlos Checa led off the second row with his best-ever lap at Brno, which came after he'd thrown a chain on the front straight, forcing him to push his M-l back up the pit lane. Even so, he was on the front row until the end of the session when he was pushed back to fifth. "We've worked with a base setup with fairly small modifications and a few little engine improvements," Checa said. "We've got the chassis well balanced. The race will not be easy, for sure." Next came Troy Bayliss on the second Marlboro Ducati, who ended up .604 of a second off the pole. The Australian had tested here a month before, but this would be his first race, and he was happy to have the new chassis. "The different between the two chassis isn't chalk and cheese, but the new one is definitely a little better in direction changes," he said. Seventh fastest went to Repsol Honda's Nicky Hayden, his bestever qualifying mark and just .663 of a second off the pole position, the closest ever. He'd been sixth after Friday qualifying and second during the early running on Saturday. It was only in the final minute that he was dropped from fifth to seventh. "That's the by far my best," said Hayden, whose previous best was 11 th in South Africa. "Not to say I'm real happy with seventh, but qualifying is my weak spot and something I definitely wanted to work on this weekend." More important than the time was the position and what it meant for the race. "I think starting up these with the fast guys is really going to help me and help me leam tomorrow in the race," Hayden said. "Plus, I normally start 15th in tum one - I'm always in there hooking fairings. So it'll be nice to be up a few rows and try to watch those lead guys." The time came on the second of two laps on a soft race tire at the end of the hour. "My first one I was a little bit cautious on, and the second one was good," he added. "It's not like a qualifier only good for two laps." Camel Pramac Pons' Tohru Ukawa was eighth fastest at the end of the second row and not content to be there. Alice Aprilia's Colin Edwards was behind Ukawa on the third row and groping for answers. Unable to match his test time from a month earlier, the team was again "reinventing the wheel," Edwards said, making wholesale changes to try to sort out a persistent frontend chatter, which the test did little to fix. "It just seems we're fighting it, fighting the chatter," Edwards said of the RSV-1000. "It doesn't seem to matter what we do. We reinvented the wheel. tried again at this race." It wasn't the first time they weren't able to match earlier test times. It'd happened at Suzuka, Jerez, Barcelona and Mugello. "The mystery is we've thrown everything we can throw at it, but we get the same results. We've got a baseline; the problem is the baseline is at the limit," Edwards said. "I wouldn't say a baseline; we have an outline. We have a generalized view of what works or what's going to work when we show up to the track. Like I said, it's at the limit. You want to do this; you want to do that. But you give up so much traction to make it tum better, or you give up so much turning to make you have better traction. And I'm not talking a tenth here and a tenth there. I'm talking big changes. You can't just make a couple tweaks. It just doesn't work like that." Front-end chatter hit everyone, but especially Edwards. "If you've got one, two, three comers that are like really bad, that's not a problem; you can deal with chatter because you know that corner's bumpy or whatever, which you do at almost every racetrack you go to," he said. "Every one has bumps in one or two comers, and you just cope with it. You're not setting the bike up for one corner, you're setting it up for the whole track. Whereas here, if I had five comers that had bumps, that'd be great, but it's just every one, every single tum you lay it on its side, you're chattering. We can throw everything we have at it, but it's not going to change anything." Suzuki's John Hopkins came just behind Edwards leading off the fourth row, his time close to two seconds off pole after an up and down day. "We made a bit of an improvement on race tires, but only in one area, and that compromised other areas, so overall there was no improvement: Hopkins said. "We improved the rear grip so I can come out of the tums better, but that meant I was losing time on the way in. I need to go over things with Stu [Shenton, race engineer] to see if we can change that. We're a little behind, after losing yesterday moming's session because the track was wet, and at the end I went back to the original setup, put in a new tire and went for it." Teammate Kenny Roberts Jr. was at the end of the fourth row, having improved his time by 1. 7 seconds. "Everything went smoothly today: Roberts said. "As I said in Germany, there are a couple of guys in front of us who are probably a little slower, and a couple behind who should be faster. Without really trying anything silly, it's about the grid position I expected. For the race, I'll try to make something fun out of it, or something interesting, anyway. There's nothing really new or different for this race, so I'll try and stay out of trouble for the first three or four laps." cue I e n e _ s AUGUST 27, 2003 19

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