The Japanese brand scores highest in overall satisfaction
Arai has once again come out top overall in the 2010 J.D Power Motorcycle Helmet Satisfaction Study; this is the 12th straight year that Arai has earned its number one ranking from J.D. Power.
US based J.D. Power and Associates is a global marketing information firm that conducts independent and unbiased surveys of customer satisfaction and product quality.
The 2010 J.D. Power Motorcycle Helmet Satisfaction Study took place in August through November last year and is based on the responses from more than 4,800 purchasers of new 2009 model year motorcycles, who provided information about their most recent helmet purchase and use.
J.D. Power began studying motorcycle helmet satisfaction in 1999, asking riders on an annual basis to rate their helmets in three areas; ventilation, visor and design/styling. These three factors are comprised of 11 attributes; quietness, ventilation/air flow, de-fogging, visor wind seal, scratch resistance and ease of replacement, scratch resistance of the shell, colour/graphic design, weight, ease of strap fastening, and fit and comfort.
Arai ranks highest in customer satisfaction and performs particularly well across nearly all measures. Todd Markusic, Senior Director of the Powersports Practice at J.D. Power; “It’s more important than ever for helmet manufacturers to ensure their customers are highly satisfied, increasing the likelihood they’ll return to the brand next time. In addition, satisfaction levels tend to rise as the price of the helmet increases – quite simply motorcycle helmets appear to be a product where you truly get what you pay for in terms of comfort and fit.”
John Wakefield, Managing Director of Arai’s UK importer Phoenix Distribution, was naturally pleased; “We’ve been convinced of Arai’s many qualities for the 26 years we’ve been bringing them into the UK. As a premium brand in a competitive market, however, it’s great to get the recognition from the J.D. Power Motorcycle Helmet Satisfaction Study that motorcyclists understand the extra money spent on an Arai is well worth it!”
For more information on the 2010 J.D. Power Motorcycle Helmet Satisfaction Study visit www.jdpower.com
For information on the Arai Helmet range call Phoenix on 01782 569800, or visit www.whyarai.co.uk
Friday, May 28, 2010
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
ARAI AND RAF ASSOCIATION TEAM UP TO RAISE MONEY FOR THE WINGS APPEAL
To commemorate what the few did for so many, 70 years ago.
Phoenix Distribution, the UK importer of Arai helmets, has teamed up with the Royal Air Forces Association to produce a one-off Arai RX-7 GP motorcycle helmet. This year the RAF Association are commemorating 70 years since the Battle of Britain took place in the skies over southern England with the Wings Appeal; this was one of the most important moments in British history and proved a decisive turning point in the Second World War.
One very lucky motorcyclist will have the opportunity to own this piece of Arai and RAF history – for just £1! Starting on Wednesday 26th May, 2010 and finishing Friday 19th November, 2010 a single £1 text could be all it takes: text ARAI on 70099 to enter. In addition, this unique Arai RX-7 GP will be signed by Steve Plater and presented by Steve to the lucky winner on the main stage at November’s International Bike Show at the NEC in Birmingham with various RAF Association personnel present.
For those attending the forthcoming TT races, it will be available to view during the event fortnight on Arai’s Race Service in the Grandstand area and then on display at other events throughout the year. The race bred Arai RX-7 GP is the most technologically advanced motorcycle helmet Arai has ever produced, and this unique RX-7 GP wears a duck-egg blue base colour – the exact same tone as used on the bottom of the RAF’s Spitfires and Hurricanes in 1940 – as well as a pair of iconic red, white and blue roundels.
The wings, as well as being a flying officer’s badge of honour also signify the work that the RAF Association does for the whole of the RAF family. The RAF Association is an independent registered charity that presently has 75,000 members, of which 600 are Voluntary Welfare Officers. They operate three short-term respite care homes plus a network of sheltered housing and, where necessary, give help and support to serving and ex-serving members of the Royal Air Force.
Through their network of Welfare Officers they identify those who need assistance, and in turn provide support and advice undertaking 23,000 visits every year. Providing respite breaks for those with medical or welfare needs is a vital part of what RAFA does, as is offering sheltered housing. From WWII, through to the conflicts in the Falklands, Bosnia, the Gulf and Afghanistan the RAF Association continues to provide its welfare services to serving and past members of our Air Forces, their spouses and dependants.
Many of the RAF Association’s members are keen motorcyclists, and in this 70th year anniversary of the Battle of Britain are happy to see this special design created and even happier that the money it raises will go directly to the Wings Appeal. This is not the first RAF Association initiative for Phoenix and Arai in 2010; later this year both will be supporting the Red Arrows pilots and the fighter pilots from The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight who are undertaking a charity scooter ride from Land’s End to John O’Groats.
The aim is to raise a large amount of sponsorship for the RAF Association plus various charities, including The British Disabled Flying Association, The Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund, Flying Scholarships for the Disabled and Fly2Help. Arai will be supplying helmets as they ride the length of Britain on 50cc scooters for a period of four to five days.
For more information on the RAF Association and the Wings appeal call 0116 266 5224 or visit www.rafa.org.uk
For more information on the Arai range call Phoenix on 01782 569800, or visit www.whyarai.co.uk
Phoenix Distribution, the UK importer of Arai helmets, has teamed up with the Royal Air Forces Association to produce a one-off Arai RX-7 GP motorcycle helmet. This year the RAF Association are commemorating 70 years since the Battle of Britain took place in the skies over southern England with the Wings Appeal; this was one of the most important moments in British history and proved a decisive turning point in the Second World War.
One very lucky motorcyclist will have the opportunity to own this piece of Arai and RAF history – for just £1! Starting on Wednesday 26th May, 2010 and finishing Friday 19th November, 2010 a single £1 text could be all it takes: text ARAI on 70099 to enter. In addition, this unique Arai RX-7 GP will be signed by Steve Plater and presented by Steve to the lucky winner on the main stage at November’s International Bike Show at the NEC in Birmingham with various RAF Association personnel present.
For those attending the forthcoming TT races, it will be available to view during the event fortnight on Arai’s Race Service in the Grandstand area and then on display at other events throughout the year. The race bred Arai RX-7 GP is the most technologically advanced motorcycle helmet Arai has ever produced, and this unique RX-7 GP wears a duck-egg blue base colour – the exact same tone as used on the bottom of the RAF’s Spitfires and Hurricanes in 1940 – as well as a pair of iconic red, white and blue roundels.
The wings, as well as being a flying officer’s badge of honour also signify the work that the RAF Association does for the whole of the RAF family. The RAF Association is an independent registered charity that presently has 75,000 members, of which 600 are Voluntary Welfare Officers. They operate three short-term respite care homes plus a network of sheltered housing and, where necessary, give help and support to serving and ex-serving members of the Royal Air Force.
Through their network of Welfare Officers they identify those who need assistance, and in turn provide support and advice undertaking 23,000 visits every year. Providing respite breaks for those with medical or welfare needs is a vital part of what RAFA does, as is offering sheltered housing. From WWII, through to the conflicts in the Falklands, Bosnia, the Gulf and Afghanistan the RAF Association continues to provide its welfare services to serving and past members of our Air Forces, their spouses and dependants.
Many of the RAF Association’s members are keen motorcyclists, and in this 70th year anniversary of the Battle of Britain are happy to see this special design created and even happier that the money it raises will go directly to the Wings Appeal. This is not the first RAF Association initiative for Phoenix and Arai in 2010; later this year both will be supporting the Red Arrows pilots and the fighter pilots from The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight who are undertaking a charity scooter ride from Land’s End to John O’Groats.
The aim is to raise a large amount of sponsorship for the RAF Association plus various charities, including The British Disabled Flying Association, The Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund, Flying Scholarships for the Disabled and Fly2Help. Arai will be supplying helmets as they ride the length of Britain on 50cc scooters for a period of four to five days.
For more information on the RAF Association and the Wings appeal call 0116 266 5224 or visit www.rafa.org.uk
For more information on the Arai range call Phoenix on 01782 569800, or visit www.whyarai.co.uk
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
BSB ROUND 4, CADWELL PARK, SUNDAY 23RD MAY
Spectacular racing and results for Arai riders
JOSH BROOKES, HM PLANT HONDA
Race 1: Fourth Race 2: First Championship Position: Second
“IT’S SUCH A GREAT FEELING”
Brookes had a baptism of fire at the undulating and unique Cadwell Park circuit; a slow start off the front row In race one dropped him back to ninth on the opening lap, but a determined ride saw him battle through to fifth. In race two he was determined to make amends and a lightning start from the second row put him third, but his dramatic style over the Mountain section of the track gave him the edge to pass Michael Rutter and then Michael Laverty in to Hall Bends to take the lead on lap two of the fifteen lap race. He then set consistently fast laps to take the win on his race debut at the challenging track.
“I had approached this weekend as the same as any other, but the time back home in Australia between rounds definitely made me more relaxed and almost reset my mind. I didn’t get off the line well in the opening race and was running ninth which is not where I wanted to be. It took me a while to get into a rhythm and several laps to get pass Chris Walker and by then I had lost too much ground so, I wanted to change that for race two. That second race is the kind of performance I wanted to show when I first came over here to race in BSB; to get into the lead and then edge out a gap and win in style. It is such a great feeling and the team has worked so hard this weekend to get us in this position, and it puts us up there in the championship now for HM Plant Honda which is great.”
ALASTAIR SEELEY, RELENTLESS SUZUKI BY TAS
Race 1: Ninth Race 2: Seventh Championship Position: Seventh
“I’M NOT MAKING EXCUSES”
Alastair Seeley had a character building weekend, but after struggling with minor set-up and confidence issues after a slip off during Saturday’s Q2 session, the diminutive Ulsterman posted solid results inside the top ten in both races. Seeley now occupies seventh in the championship standings on 79 points, but is only a single point outside the magical top six.
“John Reynolds told me weekends like this are character building and I have to agree. We struggled with set-up early in the weekend and my tip off in qualifying knocked my confidence a bit, but I’m not making excuses. The boys helped me a lot and we made some changes to the bike over night, which transformed it and helped my confidence. With only three bikes to a row here at Cadwell it makes qualifying so important. I got beaten up a bit at the start of race one by Brogie; after that I put the hammer down and picked them off for ninth. In race two I got a better start but took a while to get dialled in, but seventh wasn’t so bad and we took six tenths off my best lap from the opening race.”
Tommy Bridewell had a great weekend. Aboard his Quay Garage Racing 2008 specification ex-Gregorio Lavilla Honda Fireblade the 21 year old qualified in sixth position for the opening 18-lap race, and got a good start to run with the leading pack in the early stages. Bridewell continued to battle against a number of the factory supported works riders but had to settle for a career best fourth position at the chequered flag.
A repeat of the heroics looked on the cards for race two but a clash with Chris Walker forced Bridewell onto the grass at the chicane; with typical determination he bounced back from tenth position into sixth and was set to challenge John Laverty for fifth position when the race was stopped. He was happy enough with his efforts:
“We had two strong results but I’m a little disappointed not to get on the podium. I’m now fighting at the sharp end and have proved that Brands Hatch wasn’t just a one off. We lacked a little bit of top speed but you’re always going to have that with an old bike. I rode my heart out and thought I deserved a podium, but I’m now aiming for a double podium at Mallory next time out. We’ve made good progress but the boys in front of me are all on factory bikes. The team have done a great job this weekend, so it’s a big thanks to them.”
It was all change in the EVO championship standings again as Steve Brogan and the Jentin Racing-BMW Motorrad team scored their second winning double of the season. He was a suitably pleased:
“I had a great start in race one and I was mixing it with the full-spec Superbikes for a few laps. I was pushing hard but mid-race I had a few moments trying to keep up; I was getting some good pit signals and knew that my lead in the Evo class was safe so rather than crash I settled for a safe first. I got a good start for race two, the bike was feeling great and I knocked off the laps and continually pulled away from the Evos behind me. I was chasing down the Superbikes but didn’t manage to catch them but it was a good win and I’m really pleased as the double win means we are now only six points off the championship lead.”
With Steve Plater out of action due to injuries sustained in qualifying at the North West 200 road races it was down to Glen Richards in both the Supersport and Superstock 1000 classes; he finished seventh and fifth respectively aboard his Padgets liveried Hondas. Deane Brown made second in the 125GP race, with Racing Steps Foundation rider Fraser Rogers securing fourth. William Dunlop finished seventh.
The next round of the BSB championship takes place on the 27rth of June, at Mallory Park, Leicestershire.
For more information and news on Arai Helmets and Associated products please visit www.whyarai.co.uk
JOSH BROOKES, HM PLANT HONDA
Race 1: Fourth Race 2: First Championship Position: Second
“IT’S SUCH A GREAT FEELING”
Brookes had a baptism of fire at the undulating and unique Cadwell Park circuit; a slow start off the front row In race one dropped him back to ninth on the opening lap, but a determined ride saw him battle through to fifth. In race two he was determined to make amends and a lightning start from the second row put him third, but his dramatic style over the Mountain section of the track gave him the edge to pass Michael Rutter and then Michael Laverty in to Hall Bends to take the lead on lap two of the fifteen lap race. He then set consistently fast laps to take the win on his race debut at the challenging track.
“I had approached this weekend as the same as any other, but the time back home in Australia between rounds definitely made me more relaxed and almost reset my mind. I didn’t get off the line well in the opening race and was running ninth which is not where I wanted to be. It took me a while to get into a rhythm and several laps to get pass Chris Walker and by then I had lost too much ground so, I wanted to change that for race two. That second race is the kind of performance I wanted to show when I first came over here to race in BSB; to get into the lead and then edge out a gap and win in style. It is such a great feeling and the team has worked so hard this weekend to get us in this position, and it puts us up there in the championship now for HM Plant Honda which is great.”
ALASTAIR SEELEY, RELENTLESS SUZUKI BY TAS
Race 1: Ninth Race 2: Seventh Championship Position: Seventh
“I’M NOT MAKING EXCUSES”
Alastair Seeley had a character building weekend, but after struggling with minor set-up and confidence issues after a slip off during Saturday’s Q2 session, the diminutive Ulsterman posted solid results inside the top ten in both races. Seeley now occupies seventh in the championship standings on 79 points, but is only a single point outside the magical top six.
“John Reynolds told me weekends like this are character building and I have to agree. We struggled with set-up early in the weekend and my tip off in qualifying knocked my confidence a bit, but I’m not making excuses. The boys helped me a lot and we made some changes to the bike over night, which transformed it and helped my confidence. With only three bikes to a row here at Cadwell it makes qualifying so important. I got beaten up a bit at the start of race one by Brogie; after that I put the hammer down and picked them off for ninth. In race two I got a better start but took a while to get dialled in, but seventh wasn’t so bad and we took six tenths off my best lap from the opening race.”
Tommy Bridewell had a great weekend. Aboard his Quay Garage Racing 2008 specification ex-Gregorio Lavilla Honda Fireblade the 21 year old qualified in sixth position for the opening 18-lap race, and got a good start to run with the leading pack in the early stages. Bridewell continued to battle against a number of the factory supported works riders but had to settle for a career best fourth position at the chequered flag.
A repeat of the heroics looked on the cards for race two but a clash with Chris Walker forced Bridewell onto the grass at the chicane; with typical determination he bounced back from tenth position into sixth and was set to challenge John Laverty for fifth position when the race was stopped. He was happy enough with his efforts:
“We had two strong results but I’m a little disappointed not to get on the podium. I’m now fighting at the sharp end and have proved that Brands Hatch wasn’t just a one off. We lacked a little bit of top speed but you’re always going to have that with an old bike. I rode my heart out and thought I deserved a podium, but I’m now aiming for a double podium at Mallory next time out. We’ve made good progress but the boys in front of me are all on factory bikes. The team have done a great job this weekend, so it’s a big thanks to them.”
It was all change in the EVO championship standings again as Steve Brogan and the Jentin Racing-BMW Motorrad team scored their second winning double of the season. He was a suitably pleased:
“I had a great start in race one and I was mixing it with the full-spec Superbikes for a few laps. I was pushing hard but mid-race I had a few moments trying to keep up; I was getting some good pit signals and knew that my lead in the Evo class was safe so rather than crash I settled for a safe first. I got a good start for race two, the bike was feeling great and I knocked off the laps and continually pulled away from the Evos behind me. I was chasing down the Superbikes but didn’t manage to catch them but it was a good win and I’m really pleased as the double win means we are now only six points off the championship lead.”
With Steve Plater out of action due to injuries sustained in qualifying at the North West 200 road races it was down to Glen Richards in both the Supersport and Superstock 1000 classes; he finished seventh and fifth respectively aboard his Padgets liveried Hondas. Deane Brown made second in the 125GP race, with Racing Steps Foundation rider Fraser Rogers securing fourth. William Dunlop finished seventh.
The next round of the BSB championship takes place on the 27rth of June, at Mallory Park, Leicestershire.
For more information and news on Arai Helmets and Associated products please visit www.whyarai.co.uk
MOTOGP ROUND 3, LE MANS, SUNDAY 23rd MAY
Solid points scoring from Arai riders, but work still to do
DANI PEDROSA, REPSOL HONDA
Race Position: Fifth Championship Position: Fourth
“I WAS MAKING A LOT OF MISTAKES”
In the early stages of the race, Pedrosa looked on course to fight for a win in his 150th Grand Prix. He tracked the leaders for the first half of the race, staying within half a second of Rossi at the head of the field and exchanging fastest laps with the front pair. On lap ten he set what was at that point the fastest lap of the race, but then slowly began to lose touch with the leaders and fell back into the clutches of his hard-charging team-mate. Pedrosa put up as much resistance as possible, but was powerless to resist as Dovizioso, and then Hayden passed him on the final lap.
“Well of course I’m not satisfied to have finished in this way because we were able to stay near the leaders for the first part of the race and then dropped back. Losing two places on the final lap is not a good feeling. My start was OK and I could stay near the front in the first laps but later in the race I was making a lot of mistakes trying to maintain my pace. I had a bit of a rear brake issue that meant I couldn’t get the bike into the turns as I wanted and I was fighting the bike a bit. It’s an important part of the season coming up with many races in a short time, so we must work hard and do better in Mugello.”
NICKY HAYDEN, MARLBORO DUCATI
Race Position: Fourth Championship Position: Fifth
“I JUST DUG IN…”
Nicky Hayden produced another valiant challenge for a podium position at Le Mans, finishing fourth. In the process Hayden once again took the fight to the frontrunners, passing Pedrosa on the final lap, and crossing the line just 1.5 seconds behind Dovizioso in third.
“I’m about as happy with fourth as you could wish to be because I’ve struggled this weekend and once the race got started I went backwards pretty quickly. I just dug in and started going a little faster. I was pushing so hard to try and get those guys and finish on the podium but I couldn’t get close enough. As we say in America ‘close only counts in horseshoes and washers’ but I know I couldn’t have ridden any harder today and the team did a great job, so my heartfelt thanks go to them. Fourth place is okay here but it won’t be good enough at Mugello so we have more work to do there.”
COLIN EDWARDS, MONSTER YAMAHA TECH 3
Race Position: Twelfth Championship Position: Eighth
“RIGHT NOW I’M STRUGGLING TO FIND AN ANSWER …”
Colin Edwards was engaged in an exciting mid-pack fight that included team-mate Ben Spies, Loris Capirossi and rookies Marco Simoncelli and Hector Barbera. Despite not feeling 100 per cent comfortable with the race set-up of his Yamaha, Edwards rode with dogged determination to hold a place in the top ten until lap 23. He never gave up but was unable to prevent dropping to 12th by the end of the race.
“I know this bike inside out and I’ve had some of the best races of my career at Le Mans, but right now I just can’t seem to fix some of the problems I’m having. I can only go fast if I’m able to ride comfortable and smooth and at the moment I can’t do that because I don’t have the confidence. I’m working really hard with my guys at Tech 3 but we don’t seem to be able to get on top of the problem at the moment. I spent a lot of the race behind Simoncelli and he was able to brake deeper than me. As soon as I’d brake and lean the bike over, I started to have a problem and right now I’m struggling to find an answer. It is annoying because I came here expecting a much better result but we’ll regroup and try and be much stronger at Mugello.”
HIROSHI AOYAMA, INTERWETTEN HONDA
Race Position: Eleventh Championship Position: Eleventh
“I THINK WE GREW UP”
There was drama for Hiroshi Aoyama even before the start of Sunday's French MotoGP at Le Mans, when the Interwetten Honda rider needed a late tyre change; he felt that there was a problem with his front Bridgestone tyre on the way to the grid and he took things easy for the first few laps while he scrubbed in the new rubber. After that, Aoyama spent much of the race involved in a close battle for eighth, but made a mistake braking for the Chemin aux Boeufs chicane with five laps remaining, which forced him to take to the slip-road, dropping him to the back of the group. He returned to the track to pass Edwards with two laps remaining, securing eleventh place.
“We found a much better set up and I was able to stay with the other riders. We were competitive today and I think we grew up. I think we take a lot with us after this race and I hope we can keep improving. Of course I am not really happy with the result as I lost two positions because of a small mistake I did. I could have been further in front. I was able to attack the eighth position, but I think that this target was too big and I had to step back again not to risk anything. I think we gave our best here and I will try that again in the next race.”
The next MotoGP round is at Mugello, on 6th June.
For more information and news on Arai Helmets and associated products please visit www.whyarai.co.uk
DANI PEDROSA, REPSOL HONDA
Race Position: Fifth Championship Position: Fourth
“I WAS MAKING A LOT OF MISTAKES”
In the early stages of the race, Pedrosa looked on course to fight for a win in his 150th Grand Prix. He tracked the leaders for the first half of the race, staying within half a second of Rossi at the head of the field and exchanging fastest laps with the front pair. On lap ten he set what was at that point the fastest lap of the race, but then slowly began to lose touch with the leaders and fell back into the clutches of his hard-charging team-mate. Pedrosa put up as much resistance as possible, but was powerless to resist as Dovizioso, and then Hayden passed him on the final lap.
“Well of course I’m not satisfied to have finished in this way because we were able to stay near the leaders for the first part of the race and then dropped back. Losing two places on the final lap is not a good feeling. My start was OK and I could stay near the front in the first laps but later in the race I was making a lot of mistakes trying to maintain my pace. I had a bit of a rear brake issue that meant I couldn’t get the bike into the turns as I wanted and I was fighting the bike a bit. It’s an important part of the season coming up with many races in a short time, so we must work hard and do better in Mugello.”
NICKY HAYDEN, MARLBORO DUCATI
Race Position: Fourth Championship Position: Fifth
“I JUST DUG IN…”
Nicky Hayden produced another valiant challenge for a podium position at Le Mans, finishing fourth. In the process Hayden once again took the fight to the frontrunners, passing Pedrosa on the final lap, and crossing the line just 1.5 seconds behind Dovizioso in third.
“I’m about as happy with fourth as you could wish to be because I’ve struggled this weekend and once the race got started I went backwards pretty quickly. I just dug in and started going a little faster. I was pushing so hard to try and get those guys and finish on the podium but I couldn’t get close enough. As we say in America ‘close only counts in horseshoes and washers’ but I know I couldn’t have ridden any harder today and the team did a great job, so my heartfelt thanks go to them. Fourth place is okay here but it won’t be good enough at Mugello so we have more work to do there.”
COLIN EDWARDS, MONSTER YAMAHA TECH 3
Race Position: Twelfth Championship Position: Eighth
“RIGHT NOW I’M STRUGGLING TO FIND AN ANSWER …”
Colin Edwards was engaged in an exciting mid-pack fight that included team-mate Ben Spies, Loris Capirossi and rookies Marco Simoncelli and Hector Barbera. Despite not feeling 100 per cent comfortable with the race set-up of his Yamaha, Edwards rode with dogged determination to hold a place in the top ten until lap 23. He never gave up but was unable to prevent dropping to 12th by the end of the race.
“I know this bike inside out and I’ve had some of the best races of my career at Le Mans, but right now I just can’t seem to fix some of the problems I’m having. I can only go fast if I’m able to ride comfortable and smooth and at the moment I can’t do that because I don’t have the confidence. I’m working really hard with my guys at Tech 3 but we don’t seem to be able to get on top of the problem at the moment. I spent a lot of the race behind Simoncelli and he was able to brake deeper than me. As soon as I’d brake and lean the bike over, I started to have a problem and right now I’m struggling to find an answer. It is annoying because I came here expecting a much better result but we’ll regroup and try and be much stronger at Mugello.”
HIROSHI AOYAMA, INTERWETTEN HONDA
Race Position: Eleventh Championship Position: Eleventh
“I THINK WE GREW UP”
There was drama for Hiroshi Aoyama even before the start of Sunday's French MotoGP at Le Mans, when the Interwetten Honda rider needed a late tyre change; he felt that there was a problem with his front Bridgestone tyre on the way to the grid and he took things easy for the first few laps while he scrubbed in the new rubber. After that, Aoyama spent much of the race involved in a close battle for eighth, but made a mistake braking for the Chemin aux Boeufs chicane with five laps remaining, which forced him to take to the slip-road, dropping him to the back of the group. He returned to the track to pass Edwards with two laps remaining, securing eleventh place.
“We found a much better set up and I was able to stay with the other riders. We were competitive today and I think we grew up. I think we take a lot with us after this race and I hope we can keep improving. Of course I am not really happy with the result as I lost two positions because of a small mistake I did. I could have been further in front. I was able to attack the eighth position, but I think that this target was too big and I had to step back again not to risk anything. I think we gave our best here and I will try that again in the next race.”
The next MotoGP round is at Mugello, on 6th June.
For more information and news on Arai Helmets and associated products please visit www.whyarai.co.uk
Monday, May 17, 2010
WSB ROUND 6, KYALAMI, SUNDAY 16TH MAY
Exciting racing from Arai riders in South Africa
LEON HASLAM, ALSTARE SUZUKI
Race 1: Third Race 2: First Championship Position: First
“WHAT AN AMAZING DAY!”
Leon Haslam, wearing his unique World Cup replica Arai, extended his World Superbike Championship lead to 15 points after a thrilling victory in the second race at Kyalami. After racing to third place in the opener, the second outing was particularly dramatic for Haslam; action-packed and one of the best battles of the season so far. Throughout the race Leon fought tooth and nail with Jonathan Rea, and the battle went right down to the wire with Haslam making an audacious passing move one lap from the end. This time he made it stick and went on to take the flag by half a second. It was his third win and ninth podium of the season and one of hardest victories of his career.
“What an amazing day! The second race was one of the best I’ve ever been involved in and definitely one of the hardest. Jonny and I had a real ding-dong and it was bar-to-bar stuff for most of it. I passed him a few times, but he always got me back and the longer the race went on I could feel him working out where I’d pass and how he’d stop me. In the end, I had to pass at a different place and this time I made it stick and held on to the flag. To win a race like that is quite an emotional thing and I have to give a big thank you to the whole team for all their work this weekend. The bike in the second race was an improvement. We had a few issues in race one, so changed the balance by making it a bit lower in the front and higher in the rear. I still had some issues with it, but it was better and allowed me to fight for the win. After the drama of race two, it’s hard to remember what happened in race one. I didn’t get a good start and had to make up a lot of ground as best I could. I wasn’t completely confident in the front end, so could not push hard enough to catch Fabrizio and Checa, but I was happy to get on the podium.”
JONATHAN REA, TEN KATE HONDA
Race 1: Fifth Race 2: Second Championship Position: Fourth
“IT WASN’T LOOKING TOO CLEVER AFTER WARM UP…”
Jonathan Rea produced two outstanding rides at Kyalami, to take fifth and second place finishes. Starting from the third row of the grid, Rea began race one impressively, moving up to sixth on the opening lap before a lack of grip dropped him to ninth place. However, the 23-year-old was able to maintain consistent times throughout the race and he fought his way back to fifth in the closing laps. With a slightly harder rear spring in his CBR1000RR for the second outing, Rea charged into second place on the first lap and snatched the lead from Haslam on lap two. The Northern Irishman was able to hold Haslam and Biaggi at bay until Haslam made his winning move on the penultimate lap.
“I got a good start in the first race but just couldn’t hold the other guys as I didn’t find any grip. But even when I dropped down to ninth with quite a gap in front, I didn’t give up on a single corner or a single straight. I was able to maintain pretty consistent laps, which allowed me to catch and pass the others at the end. We made a small change for race two and then I got a blinding start. From there I found it easy to go to the front but it was really difficult to make a break. In the end, Haslam made a lunge and I had to settle for second. All in all, I would have taken your arm off if you’d offered me those results this morning and I’d like to thank the team for keeping my spirits up – it wasn’t looking too clever after warm-up. I’m really looking forward to Salt Lake City now that we’re back on the podium.”
CAL CRUTCHLOW, STERILGARDA YAMAHA
Race 1: Eighth Race 2: Fourth Championship Position: Ninth
“WE DID THE BEST JOB WE COULD”
Race one saw pole-sitter Crutchlow initially drop to ninth off the line and as the grip levels dropped dramatically he fought for traction, eventually finishing in eighth place.
Race two saw Crutchlow again struggling to maintain a competitive race pace as his grip levels suffered early on – despite a less than perfect start he battled up to take fourth position, taking race one winner Fabrizio in the process. Crutchlow held the position to the line, taking the chequered flag just under a second behind first placed Haslam.
“We did the best job we could today at a track that the bike is not best suited to. Like a lot of riders I seemed to lose a lot of grip very early in the races making it a struggle to keep on the pace. Having said that I was pleased overall with the second race, we were battling for a win and showing good pace throughout to hold on for points. It’s a difficult circuit and we’ve done well, the team did a really good job and we’re looking forward to getting to Salt Lake City. The track at Miller will suit our bike a bit better so I’m confident we can achieve some good results.”
NORIYUKI HAGA, XEROX DUCATI
Race 1: Seventeenth Race 2: Tenth Championship Position: Sixth
“WITH NO GRIP YOU DON’T REALLY GET ANYWHERE”
Noriyuki Haga had a difficult race one, struggling with a lack of grip. Although he made up a few positions straight off the start line, progressing from sixteenth to twelfth, after about ten laps the lack of rear grip began to affect his lap times which consequently caused him to lose over the final laps the positions he had previously gained; the Japanese rider therefore finished in seventeenth position. Haga had a better race two, lapping consistently fast, with times in the final stages that matched those of the podium placed riders. Although he continued to improve, there was too much to make up from sixteenth on the grid, and the he had to be satisfied with tenth place.
“In race one after about ten laps the performance of the rear tyre dropped dramatically. There wasn’t much I could do to improve. I’m disappointed of course because with no grip you don’t really get anywhere. In the second race, having made some small changes to my bike but deciding to go with the same tyre, I had a better overall feeling and, from more or less mid-race, unlike race one, I was able to push increasingly hard. The problem was that those ahead of me had already built a significant lead; I needed a few more laps to be able to catch some of them.”
Jakub Smrz finished onboard his PATA Ducati in ninth place in race one and two. He remains 13th in the championship.
The WSB paddock now heads to Miller Motorsports Park, USA, with racing on May 31st.
LEON HASLAM, ALSTARE SUZUKI
Race 1: Third Race 2: First Championship Position: First
“WHAT AN AMAZING DAY!”
Leon Haslam, wearing his unique World Cup replica Arai, extended his World Superbike Championship lead to 15 points after a thrilling victory in the second race at Kyalami. After racing to third place in the opener, the second outing was particularly dramatic for Haslam; action-packed and one of the best battles of the season so far. Throughout the race Leon fought tooth and nail with Jonathan Rea, and the battle went right down to the wire with Haslam making an audacious passing move one lap from the end. This time he made it stick and went on to take the flag by half a second. It was his third win and ninth podium of the season and one of hardest victories of his career.
“What an amazing day! The second race was one of the best I’ve ever been involved in and definitely one of the hardest. Jonny and I had a real ding-dong and it was bar-to-bar stuff for most of it. I passed him a few times, but he always got me back and the longer the race went on I could feel him working out where I’d pass and how he’d stop me. In the end, I had to pass at a different place and this time I made it stick and held on to the flag. To win a race like that is quite an emotional thing and I have to give a big thank you to the whole team for all their work this weekend. The bike in the second race was an improvement. We had a few issues in race one, so changed the balance by making it a bit lower in the front and higher in the rear. I still had some issues with it, but it was better and allowed me to fight for the win. After the drama of race two, it’s hard to remember what happened in race one. I didn’t get a good start and had to make up a lot of ground as best I could. I wasn’t completely confident in the front end, so could not push hard enough to catch Fabrizio and Checa, but I was happy to get on the podium.”
JONATHAN REA, TEN KATE HONDA
Race 1: Fifth Race 2: Second Championship Position: Fourth
“IT WASN’T LOOKING TOO CLEVER AFTER WARM UP…”
Jonathan Rea produced two outstanding rides at Kyalami, to take fifth and second place finishes. Starting from the third row of the grid, Rea began race one impressively, moving up to sixth on the opening lap before a lack of grip dropped him to ninth place. However, the 23-year-old was able to maintain consistent times throughout the race and he fought his way back to fifth in the closing laps. With a slightly harder rear spring in his CBR1000RR for the second outing, Rea charged into second place on the first lap and snatched the lead from Haslam on lap two. The Northern Irishman was able to hold Haslam and Biaggi at bay until Haslam made his winning move on the penultimate lap.
“I got a good start in the first race but just couldn’t hold the other guys as I didn’t find any grip. But even when I dropped down to ninth with quite a gap in front, I didn’t give up on a single corner or a single straight. I was able to maintain pretty consistent laps, which allowed me to catch and pass the others at the end. We made a small change for race two and then I got a blinding start. From there I found it easy to go to the front but it was really difficult to make a break. In the end, Haslam made a lunge and I had to settle for second. All in all, I would have taken your arm off if you’d offered me those results this morning and I’d like to thank the team for keeping my spirits up – it wasn’t looking too clever after warm-up. I’m really looking forward to Salt Lake City now that we’re back on the podium.”
CAL CRUTCHLOW, STERILGARDA YAMAHA
Race 1: Eighth Race 2: Fourth Championship Position: Ninth
“WE DID THE BEST JOB WE COULD”
Race one saw pole-sitter Crutchlow initially drop to ninth off the line and as the grip levels dropped dramatically he fought for traction, eventually finishing in eighth place.
Race two saw Crutchlow again struggling to maintain a competitive race pace as his grip levels suffered early on – despite a less than perfect start he battled up to take fourth position, taking race one winner Fabrizio in the process. Crutchlow held the position to the line, taking the chequered flag just under a second behind first placed Haslam.
“We did the best job we could today at a track that the bike is not best suited to. Like a lot of riders I seemed to lose a lot of grip very early in the races making it a struggle to keep on the pace. Having said that I was pleased overall with the second race, we were battling for a win and showing good pace throughout to hold on for points. It’s a difficult circuit and we’ve done well, the team did a really good job and we’re looking forward to getting to Salt Lake City. The track at Miller will suit our bike a bit better so I’m confident we can achieve some good results.”
NORIYUKI HAGA, XEROX DUCATI
Race 1: Seventeenth Race 2: Tenth Championship Position: Sixth
“WITH NO GRIP YOU DON’T REALLY GET ANYWHERE”
Noriyuki Haga had a difficult race one, struggling with a lack of grip. Although he made up a few positions straight off the start line, progressing from sixteenth to twelfth, after about ten laps the lack of rear grip began to affect his lap times which consequently caused him to lose over the final laps the positions he had previously gained; the Japanese rider therefore finished in seventeenth position. Haga had a better race two, lapping consistently fast, with times in the final stages that matched those of the podium placed riders. Although he continued to improve, there was too much to make up from sixteenth on the grid, and the he had to be satisfied with tenth place.
“In race one after about ten laps the performance of the rear tyre dropped dramatically. There wasn’t much I could do to improve. I’m disappointed of course because with no grip you don’t really get anywhere. In the second race, having made some small changes to my bike but deciding to go with the same tyre, I had a better overall feeling and, from more or less mid-race, unlike race one, I was able to push increasingly hard. The problem was that those ahead of me had already built a significant lead; I needed a few more laps to be able to catch some of them.”
Jakub Smrz finished onboard his PATA Ducati in ninth place in race one and two. He remains 13th in the championship.
The WSB paddock now heads to Miller Motorsports Park, USA, with racing on May 31st.
NORTH WEST 200, SATURDAY 15TH MAY
Arai riders clean up in Ireland!
SUPERBIKE
First: Alastair Seeley
Fifth: Ian Hutchinson
Sixth: Keith Amor
SUPERSPORT RACE ONE
First: Alastair Seeley
Second: Ian Hutchinson
Third: Michael Dunlop
Fourth: Keith Amor
ALASTAIR SEELEY, RELENTLESS BY TAS SUZUKI
“IT HASN’T REALLY SUNK IN YET…”
With HM Plant Honda’s Steve Plater sidelined by a practice crash Alastair Seeley made history at the North West 200, by winning the Superbike event – a first for an Irish rider in 13 years. The 30-year-old reigning British Superstock champion also took the opening Supersport race victory, a Superbike race one podium and two other fourth-placed finishes.
“I suppose it hasn’t really sunk in yet that I’ve broken Phillip McCallen’s 13-year-old record, but I came here for wins this week and the NW200 Superbike race is the one every rider wants to take home; now it’s mine! I really enjoyed the celebrations with the team and it was great to see what it meant to the fans at the end; they were cheering like a football crowd in the grandstands. This is the place where I started to make a name for myself in racing even though I’m known as a circuit racer, so I’m delighted to be back
winning, but I couldn’t have done it without the support of everyone in the team. My BSB team-mate Michael Laverty was even here today; now I have to get my head back into gear the next BSB round at Cadwell Park, but this is a nice wee boost for everyone involved.”
SUPERSTOCK
First: Keith Amor
Second: Ian Hutchinson
Fourth: Alastair Seeley
Sixth: Michael Dunlop
KEITH AMOR, W.A. CORLESS/JACKSON RACING
“I’M ABSOLUTELY OVER THE MOON!”
Keith Amor put in a stunning display at the North West 200 and capped it off with his first ever International road race win. The Scots rider was at the forefront of the action in all five of his races but he saved the best for the 5-lap Superstock race, which he clinched on the final lap to give the WA Corless/Jackson Racing team a dream win, also giving the BMW S1000R its first ever win on the roads. He also finished second in the second Supersport race and finished in the top six in all five of his races on the KBMG Racing machines.
“I’m absolutely over the moon to have taken my first International road race win and for saying I had no bikes or team 4 weeks ago, I haven’t done too badly today! I had to work really hard in the Superstock race and I knew they were right behind me all race long but the bike’s a missile and a fantastic package. This was my first race of the year and I’ve had no testing so to come away with the results I’ve got is testament to everyone connected to the team and all their hard work has paid off. I'm chuffed to bits and it sets me up brilliantly for the TT so let’s hope for more of the same there!
SUPERSPORT RACE TWO
First: Ian Hutchinson
Second: Keith Amor
Third: Bruce Anstey
Fourth: Alastair Seeley
Fifth: Michael Dunlop
IAN HUTCHINSON, PADGETTS HONDA
“I PUSHED HARD”
Hutchinson made no mistakes in the Ballymoney Borough Council Supersport 600cc race, snatching the lead on his Padgetts Honda on the opening super-fast run to University leaving the rest of the field trailing in his wake. He went on to record his second win at the North West, his last win also in the Supersport class in 2006. Equally secure in second was Keith Amor who broke Alastair Seeley’s earlier Supersport lap record with a 116.239mph lap on his third lap. Interest in the race centred on a superb scrap for the final podium position between Michael Dunlop, Bruce Anstey and Alastair Seeley.
“After the first race I just wanted to get away at the front and not have any issues at the last chicane. I pushed hard to establish a lead and do my own thing controlling the race from the front and that’s how it worked out.”
Paul Robinson won the 125GP race, giving Arai a total of five wins out of six races.
After a busy time in Ireland the Arai Race Service Support Vehicle makes the journey across the Irish Sea, to set up ready for an even busier TT fortnight. Practice starts Saturday 29th May, with racing starting Saturday 5th June; kicking off with the six lap Superbike TT.
For more information and news about Arai Helmets please visit www.whyarai.co.uk
Thursday, May 13, 2010
HASLAM WORLD CUP REPLICA
WSB championship leader’s commemorative helmet will be available to a lucky few
With the 2010 World Cup just a few short weeks from kick-off in South Africa, football fever is once again set to grip the entire world and, of course, the World Superbike championship paddock. Alstare Suzuki rider – and career-long Arai rider – Leon Haslam loves his football and for this weekend’s WSB round at Kyalami wanted to do something special in support of the England team.
The Haslam World Cup replica is the result; featuring a pair of super-cool and super-stylised ‘gold lions’ on the side, the evocative, Haslam-adapted three lions on the chin and the names of the 1966 England winning team circling around the base, subtly supporting the hopes for this year’s team. The stunning artwork also includes the World Cup itself – draped in the colours of the South African flag – as well as a lion finished in the Cross of St. George and Haslam’s own number 91.
Haslam will wear his World Cup replica in both races this coming Sunday but eager footie and Haslam fans will have the opportunity to own a little piece of history, as Arai are specially producing a small batch of this very personal design; 250 only will be made and will come complete with a numbered certificate signed by Leon himself.
Based on the extremely popular Arai Chaser, each helmet will be personally handed over by Haslam at the International Motorcycle Show at the NEC this November and each purchaser will also receive a free ticket to the show.
Leon is understandably excited about his new paintwork; “I love this. It’s great to have an input in designing something so personal and see the end result in the flesh – and this helmet looks fantastic, even better than I expected. I’ll be proud to wear it this weekend, battling for wins and the WSB championship and can only hope and dream that we get somewhere near the top step as a team in the World Cup itself. It’s great that Arai are behind it too, and I look forward to meeting everybody that gets one.”
The Haslam World Cup replica can be ordered via the Arai Five Star dealer network, available in sizes XXS-XXL with a retail price of £399.99.
For more information on the Arai Helmet range call Phoenix on 01782 569800, or visit www.whyarai.co.uk
With the 2010 World Cup just a few short weeks from kick-off in South Africa, football fever is once again set to grip the entire world and, of course, the World Superbike championship paddock. Alstare Suzuki rider – and career-long Arai rider – Leon Haslam loves his football and for this weekend’s WSB round at Kyalami wanted to do something special in support of the England team.
The Haslam World Cup replica is the result; featuring a pair of super-cool and super-stylised ‘gold lions’ on the side, the evocative, Haslam-adapted three lions on the chin and the names of the 1966 England winning team circling around the base, subtly supporting the hopes for this year’s team. The stunning artwork also includes the World Cup itself – draped in the colours of the South African flag – as well as a lion finished in the Cross of St. George and Haslam’s own number 91.
Haslam will wear his World Cup replica in both races this coming Sunday but eager footie and Haslam fans will have the opportunity to own a little piece of history, as Arai are specially producing a small batch of this very personal design; 250 only will be made and will come complete with a numbered certificate signed by Leon himself.
Based on the extremely popular Arai Chaser, each helmet will be personally handed over by Haslam at the International Motorcycle Show at the NEC this November and each purchaser will also receive a free ticket to the show.
Leon is understandably excited about his new paintwork; “I love this. It’s great to have an input in designing something so personal and see the end result in the flesh – and this helmet looks fantastic, even better than I expected. I’ll be proud to wear it this weekend, battling for wins and the WSB championship and can only hope and dream that we get somewhere near the top step as a team in the World Cup itself. It’s great that Arai are behind it too, and I look forward to meeting everybody that gets one.”
The Haslam World Cup replica can be ordered via the Arai Five Star dealer network, available in sizes XXS-XXL with a retail price of £399.99.
For more information on the Arai Helmet range call Phoenix on 01782 569800, or visit www.whyarai.co.uk
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
WSB ROUND 5, MONZA, SUNDAY 9TH MAY
Mixed fortunes for Arai riders in Monza
LEON HASLAM, ALSTARE SUZUKI
Race 1: Fourth Race 2: Second Championship Position: First
“IT WAS A VERY CLOSE THING!”
After a fourth place in the first race, Leon Haslam fought tooth-and-nail to take a podium in the second race to keep his series lead intact; Haslam was charging after Cal Crutchlow in second place, but then inherited runner-up spot when Crutchlow slid off at the first chicane. Troy Corser (BMW) was in Haslam’s wheel tracks for the last few laps, but the GSX-R1000-mounted Briton held him off to take his seventh podium of the season. Max Biaggi and his Aprilia won both races; the Italian is now just three points behind Haslam.
“Today was a hard day and I’m happy to leave Monza still leading the title race. Max was strong here and I knew it was going to be a tough pair of races. The podium in race two was very hard work, but I didn’t want to miss out and kept battling away. I had a really big ‘moment’ and was way out of the saddle twice in the space of a fraction of a second. Somehow I stayed on the bike, but it was a very close thing! After Cal crashed, Troy kept me on my toes, but Max was too far in front for me to catch so I just made sure of runner-up spot. I did something to my wrist when I nearly crashed and it felt pretty sore, but I managed to carry one to the end. In race one, I lost contact with the leaders and then had a bit of a grip problem for the last four or five laps and couldn’t get out of the corners as fast as I wanted. We made some little suspension changes – just a few clicks here and there – for race two and the bike was definitely better to ride.”
JONATHAN REA, TEN KATE HONDA
Race 1: DNF Race 2: DNF Championship Position: Third
“I’M NOT DOWN IN THE DUMPS”
Jonathan Rea crashed out of both races at Monza, ending the weekend without a single point but still retaining third place in the championship standings. Starting from the front row of the grid, Rea got away slowly in the first race, ending lap one in 11th place. The 23-year-old calmly fought his way up to fourth before falling unhurt at the fast entry to the Parabolica turn on lap eight. In race two, the Northern Irishman was caught in a first-corner melée after getting clipped by another rider. Rea was transferred back to the medical centre but nothing more than a sore left ankle was diagnosed.
“Well it’s been a bad weekend for our assault on the championship. I made a small mistake at the end of the back straight in the first race when I was trying to avoid Haslam and Crutchlow. Then race two ended before it had begun when I got skittled off going in the first corner. But I’m not down in the dumps about it. It’s times like these that you can really tell the strength of a team and I know that this team is really very strong. They gave me a good bike this weekend but we couldn’t really make the most of it. I’m actually really excited at the challenge ahead, because we were able to make up quite a lot of points in the middle and end of last season. We’ll all pull together now and I fully intend to get back to winning ways at Kyalami next weekend.”
CAL CRUTCHLOW, STERILGARDA YAMAHA
Race 1: Third Race 2: DNF Championship Position: Tenth
“ALL CREDIT TO YAMAHA”
Cal Crutchlow had a great first race, mainly with his team-mate James Toseland, battling and slipstreaming all the way to the line – in the end there was just four hundredths of a second between them, with Toseland ahead by a short nose. Crutchlow made a good start for race two and was chasing Biaggi in second place just 0.1s behind the leader. On lap 11 stones from Biaggi’s rear wheel flicked up, peppering Crutchlow’s helmet, with one piercing his oil cooler. This caused him to low side going into the first chicane on lap 12; He was uninjured in the fall but unable to continue.
“I felt like I put together a really solid first race, we didn’t get the best of starts but made up for it and got stuck in. All credit to Yamaha, they’ve done a good job to give James and I a competitive package so it was great for us both to deliver them the podiums here for their home round. It was a strong result and we rode well so I was looking forward to the second race. I started really well and didn’t take long to get tucked in behind Max, I knew exactly what I was doing and had my strategy sorted to pass him on the last lap. Incredibly some stones flew up off his back wheel, I was so close behind I felt some hit my helmet and unfortunately a big one made a hole in my oil cooler. I made it through another lap, but coming into the first chicane it must have reached my back tyre and I went straight down.”
NORIYUKI HAGA, XEROX DUCATI
Race 1: Eleventh Race 2: Sixth Championship Position: Sixth
“I COULDN’T KEEP PACE WITH THOSE AHEAD”
Noriyuki Haga spent the best part of race one battling with privateer Luca Scassa and then, in the second half of the race, with Sylvain Guintoli. From sixteenth on the grid, he immediately made up three positions before moving up to eleventh place. Noriyuki held eleventh position for the remainder of the race; although managing to pass Guintoli on two occasions, the Frenchman quickly regained the advantage. In race two Haga quickly moved from sixteenth to seventh position. He then battled for sixth position against Tom Sykes on the Kawasaki for the remainder of the race, losing out only in the final stages. Crutchlow’s crash up ahead of them meant that Haga eventually concluded the race in sixth.
“In both races I was having a lot of difficulty turning the bike and didn’t have enough grip at the rear. In race one I had to put it right down on its side to get it to turn as I wanted and this of course meant that I couldn’t keep pace with those ahead of me. We changed a few things before race two and improved the situation a little. Grip was good in the first five laps or so but from mid-race it was really hard, as the bike was drifting wide and was hard to control. In the end I’m quite satisfied with sixth position, as it was tough here this weekend.”
Jakub Smrz bought his PATA Ducati home in fifteenth place in race one and eighth in race two. He remains 13th in the championship overall. Daisaku Sakai – making his European debut for both himself and the Yoshimura Suzuki GSX-R1000 – high sided out of the first race, and didn’t start the second.
The WSB paddock now packs up and flies to Kyalami, South Africa, with racing on May 16th.
LEON HASLAM, ALSTARE SUZUKI
Race 1: Fourth Race 2: Second Championship Position: First
“IT WAS A VERY CLOSE THING!”
After a fourth place in the first race, Leon Haslam fought tooth-and-nail to take a podium in the second race to keep his series lead intact; Haslam was charging after Cal Crutchlow in second place, but then inherited runner-up spot when Crutchlow slid off at the first chicane. Troy Corser (BMW) was in Haslam’s wheel tracks for the last few laps, but the GSX-R1000-mounted Briton held him off to take his seventh podium of the season. Max Biaggi and his Aprilia won both races; the Italian is now just three points behind Haslam.
“Today was a hard day and I’m happy to leave Monza still leading the title race. Max was strong here and I knew it was going to be a tough pair of races. The podium in race two was very hard work, but I didn’t want to miss out and kept battling away. I had a really big ‘moment’ and was way out of the saddle twice in the space of a fraction of a second. Somehow I stayed on the bike, but it was a very close thing! After Cal crashed, Troy kept me on my toes, but Max was too far in front for me to catch so I just made sure of runner-up spot. I did something to my wrist when I nearly crashed and it felt pretty sore, but I managed to carry one to the end. In race one, I lost contact with the leaders and then had a bit of a grip problem for the last four or five laps and couldn’t get out of the corners as fast as I wanted. We made some little suspension changes – just a few clicks here and there – for race two and the bike was definitely better to ride.”
JONATHAN REA, TEN KATE HONDA
Race 1: DNF Race 2: DNF Championship Position: Third
“I’M NOT DOWN IN THE DUMPS”
Jonathan Rea crashed out of both races at Monza, ending the weekend without a single point but still retaining third place in the championship standings. Starting from the front row of the grid, Rea got away slowly in the first race, ending lap one in 11th place. The 23-year-old calmly fought his way up to fourth before falling unhurt at the fast entry to the Parabolica turn on lap eight. In race two, the Northern Irishman was caught in a first-corner melée after getting clipped by another rider. Rea was transferred back to the medical centre but nothing more than a sore left ankle was diagnosed.
“Well it’s been a bad weekend for our assault on the championship. I made a small mistake at the end of the back straight in the first race when I was trying to avoid Haslam and Crutchlow. Then race two ended before it had begun when I got skittled off going in the first corner. But I’m not down in the dumps about it. It’s times like these that you can really tell the strength of a team and I know that this team is really very strong. They gave me a good bike this weekend but we couldn’t really make the most of it. I’m actually really excited at the challenge ahead, because we were able to make up quite a lot of points in the middle and end of last season. We’ll all pull together now and I fully intend to get back to winning ways at Kyalami next weekend.”
CAL CRUTCHLOW, STERILGARDA YAMAHA
Race 1: Third Race 2: DNF Championship Position: Tenth
“ALL CREDIT TO YAMAHA”
Cal Crutchlow had a great first race, mainly with his team-mate James Toseland, battling and slipstreaming all the way to the line – in the end there was just four hundredths of a second between them, with Toseland ahead by a short nose. Crutchlow made a good start for race two and was chasing Biaggi in second place just 0.1s behind the leader. On lap 11 stones from Biaggi’s rear wheel flicked up, peppering Crutchlow’s helmet, with one piercing his oil cooler. This caused him to low side going into the first chicane on lap 12; He was uninjured in the fall but unable to continue.
“I felt like I put together a really solid first race, we didn’t get the best of starts but made up for it and got stuck in. All credit to Yamaha, they’ve done a good job to give James and I a competitive package so it was great for us both to deliver them the podiums here for their home round. It was a strong result and we rode well so I was looking forward to the second race. I started really well and didn’t take long to get tucked in behind Max, I knew exactly what I was doing and had my strategy sorted to pass him on the last lap. Incredibly some stones flew up off his back wheel, I was so close behind I felt some hit my helmet and unfortunately a big one made a hole in my oil cooler. I made it through another lap, but coming into the first chicane it must have reached my back tyre and I went straight down.”
NORIYUKI HAGA, XEROX DUCATI
Race 1: Eleventh Race 2: Sixth Championship Position: Sixth
“I COULDN’T KEEP PACE WITH THOSE AHEAD”
Noriyuki Haga spent the best part of race one battling with privateer Luca Scassa and then, in the second half of the race, with Sylvain Guintoli. From sixteenth on the grid, he immediately made up three positions before moving up to eleventh place. Noriyuki held eleventh position for the remainder of the race; although managing to pass Guintoli on two occasions, the Frenchman quickly regained the advantage. In race two Haga quickly moved from sixteenth to seventh position. He then battled for sixth position against Tom Sykes on the Kawasaki for the remainder of the race, losing out only in the final stages. Crutchlow’s crash up ahead of them meant that Haga eventually concluded the race in sixth.
“In both races I was having a lot of difficulty turning the bike and didn’t have enough grip at the rear. In race one I had to put it right down on its side to get it to turn as I wanted and this of course meant that I couldn’t keep pace with those ahead of me. We changed a few things before race two and improved the situation a little. Grip was good in the first five laps or so but from mid-race it was really hard, as the bike was drifting wide and was hard to control. In the end I’m quite satisfied with sixth position, as it was tough here this weekend.”
Jakub Smrz bought his PATA Ducati home in fifteenth place in race one and eighth in race two. He remains 13th in the championship overall. Daisaku Sakai – making his European debut for both himself and the Yoshimura Suzuki GSX-R1000 – high sided out of the first race, and didn’t start the second.
The WSB paddock now packs up and flies to Kyalami, South Africa, with racing on May 16th.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Arai at the Thundersprint
This weekend – the 8th and 9th of May – sees the Thundersprint take place in the town centre of Northwich, Cheshire; over the last few years this event has become one of the most popular and well-attended events on the motorcycling calendar.
Over 100 classic, custom and race machines will be on display alongside the Bikesafe Interactive Learning Experience and numerous trade stands. On Saturday afternoon there’s the chance to meet the stars of the show, with plenty of places to eat, drink and watch the two-wheeled world go by on offer. The individually timed sprints, run over a 400m course, take place on Sunday and racers taking part will include the ever popular BSB racer Chris Walker (riding the brand new Norton 961) and BBC MotoGP commentator Steve Parrish, on a Yamaha R1. Admission on both days is free.
Phoenix Distribution, the UK importer of Arai helmets is based very close to the Thundersprint and has been a long term supporter of the event – the Arai Race Support Service that is usually seen at BSB paddocks will be in attendance, assisting any member of the public with an Arai that needs advice, service or attention. In addition, Arai is providing the trophies for winners of the following Thundersprint Races; Sidecar, Golden Age, Classic 250, 350 and 500, Lightweight and Modern Classics.
Thundersprint Organiser, Frank Melling said: “We are delighted to have Arai sponsor our race trophies again. It so pleasing to have one of motorcycling’s most iconic companies being so closely involved with the Thundersprint: truly, the world’s greatest “Grand Prix in a Car Park.”
John Wakefield, Managing Director of Phoenix Distribution, is as equally happy to be involved: “It’s great being part of this event with our Arai sponsorship and Race Service. It’s a day out the whole family can enjoy and showcases all the positive things about motorcycling – it’s certainly a unique occasion.”
For more information on the Thundersprint please visit http://www.thundersprint.com
For more information about Arai and our range of helmets please visit www.whyarai.co.uk
Over 100 classic, custom and race machines will be on display alongside the Bikesafe Interactive Learning Experience and numerous trade stands. On Saturday afternoon there’s the chance to meet the stars of the show, with plenty of places to eat, drink and watch the two-wheeled world go by on offer. The individually timed sprints, run over a 400m course, take place on Sunday and racers taking part will include the ever popular BSB racer Chris Walker (riding the brand new Norton 961) and BBC MotoGP commentator Steve Parrish, on a Yamaha R1. Admission on both days is free.
Phoenix Distribution, the UK importer of Arai helmets is based very close to the Thundersprint and has been a long term supporter of the event – the Arai Race Support Service that is usually seen at BSB paddocks will be in attendance, assisting any member of the public with an Arai that needs advice, service or attention. In addition, Arai is providing the trophies for winners of the following Thundersprint Races; Sidecar, Golden Age, Classic 250, 350 and 500, Lightweight and Modern Classics.
Thundersprint Organiser, Frank Melling said: “We are delighted to have Arai sponsor our race trophies again. It so pleasing to have one of motorcycling’s most iconic companies being so closely involved with the Thundersprint: truly, the world’s greatest “Grand Prix in a Car Park.”
John Wakefield, Managing Director of Phoenix Distribution, is as equally happy to be involved: “It’s great being part of this event with our Arai sponsorship and Race Service. It’s a day out the whole family can enjoy and showcases all the positive things about motorcycling – it’s certainly a unique occasion.”
For more information on the Thundersprint please visit http://www.thundersprint.com
For more information about Arai and our range of helmets please visit www.whyarai.co.uk
BSB ROUND 3, OULTON PARK, Monday 3rd May
A mixed outing for Arai riders, much like the weather…
JOSH BROOKES, HM PLANT HONDA
Race 1: Sixth Race 2: Eighth Championship Position: Third
“IT’S BEEN A DIFFICULT AND FRUSTRATING DAY”
Honda’s HM Plant team had a challenging day at Oulton; in the opening race of the day Josh Brookes was running in the top four early on, but as the race progressed he continued to suffer with chatter which inevitably dropped him down the field to finish sixth while Stuart Easton took his first win of the season. In the second race, Brookes was struggling for rear grip as the conditions continued to change, leaving him eighth at the end of the shortened second race, which was won by Michael Laverty.
“It has been a difficult and frustrating day for me. I think that somewhere along the line we made the wrong decision on the setting and I was desperate to go out and make amends for it in race two, but that didn’t happen. In the second race it was difficult as we were on a wet tyre on a drying track and by the end everyone’s tyres were destroyed as expected, but ours went off very quickly. I feel annoyed that I couldn’t get back up there in the second race, despite the whole team putting in a huge amount of effort and hard work. The reality is that these things happen sometimes though, so we just need to learn from today so it doesn’t happen again and get back up there at Cadwell Park.”
ALASTAIR SEELEY, RELENTLESS SUZUKI BY TAS
Race 1: Fourth Race 2: Sixth Championship Position: Fifth
“I GOT MY HEAD DOWN AND TRIED TO BE SMOOTH”
In race one Alastair Seeley looked odds on for his second BSB podium of the year, but a missed gear on the final lap allowed John Laverty to steal his thunder, leaving the Carrickfergus man to narrowly pip his team-mate Michael Laverty to the line for fourth.
In race two, Seeley fought his way through from mid pack to take ten very valuable points in sixth place.
“I am a bit frustrated about not getting on the podium in race one, but there’s no point moaning about it. I missed a gear and fought back to fourth so we have to be pleased with that after a tough weekend at the previous round. In race two I spun up going off the line and ended up bashing bars and fairings mid-pack. I got my head down and just tried to be smooth on the throttle and when I got onto the back of Brookes he was all over the place. His tyre was obviously in worse condition than mine at that stage, so to get past for sixth was a good result in difficult conditions. I’m learning all the time about this
superbike and I’ve stayed fit and healthy with the North West 200 just over a week away – so that’s a big positive.”
Quay Garage Racing rider Tommy Bridewell scored his first points of the season with a superb double top ten placing. Despite having the little finger on his right hand amputated following a crash at Thruxton two weeks ago, the 21 year old finished tenth in race one and seventh in race two.
Steve Brogan, racing back in the EVO-class with the issues surrounding the series-supplied Motec ECU on his Jentin Racing BMW S1000RR resolved, had a solid weekend – he finished 15th in both races and moves up to third place in the EVO championship.
Steve Plater rode his HM Plant Honda Fireblade to a third consecutive podium finish in the National Superstock 1000 Championship with a hard-fought second place, to keep a 19 point advantage in the overall standings. Plater had dropped back to eighth on the opening laps but a determined performance saw him carve his way through the field as the race progressed. He was reasonably happy with his efforts; “For sure that was a tough race as I dropped back a bit in the opening laps but I came through. It was hard work and busy in the opening laps but I just kept my head and stayed out of trouble and that did the trick. I really wanted to catch Jon (Kirkham) for the win and I thought if there were backmarkers then I might be able to just do it, but I really needed another lap as I wasn’t close enough to make the move. I am happy to be back on the podium though and still have the championship lead for HM Plant Honda.” Ian Hutchinson, riding a Pagetts Honda FireBlade finished fourth.
Ben Wilson won the British Supersport race on his Gearlink Kawasaki and lies third in the championship; Jack Kennedy was third, Daniel Cooper fourth while Glen Richards – who slipped off his Padgetts Honda on the warm-up lap – remounted and stormed through to fifth place. Tom Grant finished in sixth position.
The 125GP race was won by John Mcphee riding a KRP/Bradley Smith Racing Honda. Deane Brown finished third and Racing Steps Foundation-backed KRP rookie Wayne Ryan ended up seventh, followed by Dakota Mamola in eighth – RSF’s Fraser Rogers posted a DNF and now lies fourth in the championship overall.
The next round of the BSB championship takes place on the 23rd of May, at the spectacular Cadwell Park, Lincolnshire.
For more news and information on Arai helmets please visit www.whyarai.co.uk
JOSH BROOKES, HM PLANT HONDA
Race 1: Sixth Race 2: Eighth Championship Position: Third
“IT’S BEEN A DIFFICULT AND FRUSTRATING DAY”
Honda’s HM Plant team had a challenging day at Oulton; in the opening race of the day Josh Brookes was running in the top four early on, but as the race progressed he continued to suffer with chatter which inevitably dropped him down the field to finish sixth while Stuart Easton took his first win of the season. In the second race, Brookes was struggling for rear grip as the conditions continued to change, leaving him eighth at the end of the shortened second race, which was won by Michael Laverty.
“It has been a difficult and frustrating day for me. I think that somewhere along the line we made the wrong decision on the setting and I was desperate to go out and make amends for it in race two, but that didn’t happen. In the second race it was difficult as we were on a wet tyre on a drying track and by the end everyone’s tyres were destroyed as expected, but ours went off very quickly. I feel annoyed that I couldn’t get back up there in the second race, despite the whole team putting in a huge amount of effort and hard work. The reality is that these things happen sometimes though, so we just need to learn from today so it doesn’t happen again and get back up there at Cadwell Park.”
ALASTAIR SEELEY, RELENTLESS SUZUKI BY TAS
Race 1: Fourth Race 2: Sixth Championship Position: Fifth
“I GOT MY HEAD DOWN AND TRIED TO BE SMOOTH”
In race one Alastair Seeley looked odds on for his second BSB podium of the year, but a missed gear on the final lap allowed John Laverty to steal his thunder, leaving the Carrickfergus man to narrowly pip his team-mate Michael Laverty to the line for fourth.
In race two, Seeley fought his way through from mid pack to take ten very valuable points in sixth place.
“I am a bit frustrated about not getting on the podium in race one, but there’s no point moaning about it. I missed a gear and fought back to fourth so we have to be pleased with that after a tough weekend at the previous round. In race two I spun up going off the line and ended up bashing bars and fairings mid-pack. I got my head down and just tried to be smooth on the throttle and when I got onto the back of Brookes he was all over the place. His tyre was obviously in worse condition than mine at that stage, so to get past for sixth was a good result in difficult conditions. I’m learning all the time about this
superbike and I’ve stayed fit and healthy with the North West 200 just over a week away – so that’s a big positive.”
Quay Garage Racing rider Tommy Bridewell scored his first points of the season with a superb double top ten placing. Despite having the little finger on his right hand amputated following a crash at Thruxton two weeks ago, the 21 year old finished tenth in race one and seventh in race two.
Steve Brogan, racing back in the EVO-class with the issues surrounding the series-supplied Motec ECU on his Jentin Racing BMW S1000RR resolved, had a solid weekend – he finished 15th in both races and moves up to third place in the EVO championship.
Steve Plater rode his HM Plant Honda Fireblade to a third consecutive podium finish in the National Superstock 1000 Championship with a hard-fought second place, to keep a 19 point advantage in the overall standings. Plater had dropped back to eighth on the opening laps but a determined performance saw him carve his way through the field as the race progressed. He was reasonably happy with his efforts; “For sure that was a tough race as I dropped back a bit in the opening laps but I came through. It was hard work and busy in the opening laps but I just kept my head and stayed out of trouble and that did the trick. I really wanted to catch Jon (Kirkham) for the win and I thought if there were backmarkers then I might be able to just do it, but I really needed another lap as I wasn’t close enough to make the move. I am happy to be back on the podium though and still have the championship lead for HM Plant Honda.” Ian Hutchinson, riding a Pagetts Honda FireBlade finished fourth.
Ben Wilson won the British Supersport race on his Gearlink Kawasaki and lies third in the championship; Jack Kennedy was third, Daniel Cooper fourth while Glen Richards – who slipped off his Padgetts Honda on the warm-up lap – remounted and stormed through to fifth place. Tom Grant finished in sixth position.
The 125GP race was won by John Mcphee riding a KRP/Bradley Smith Racing Honda. Deane Brown finished third and Racing Steps Foundation-backed KRP rookie Wayne Ryan ended up seventh, followed by Dakota Mamola in eighth – RSF’s Fraser Rogers posted a DNF and now lies fourth in the championship overall.
The next round of the BSB championship takes place on the 23rd of May, at the spectacular Cadwell Park, Lincolnshire.
For more news and information on Arai helmets please visit www.whyarai.co.uk
MOTOGP ROUND 2, JEREZ, SUNDAY 3rd MAY
A good day’s work for Arai riders in Spain
DANI PEDROSA, REPSOL HONDA
Race Position: Second Championship Position: Third
“MMM, MAYBE THIS IS GOING TO BE DIFFICULT!”
Dani Pedrosa took second place in a gripping Grand Prix of Spain at Jerez, crossing the line just half a second behind the winner and setting the fastest lap of the race along the way. From pole position, Pedrosa led the race right until the final few corners of the last lap, when fellow Spaniard Jorge Lorenzo slipped by to win. The second round of the MotoGP World Championship was a nail-biting affair with Pedrosa’s lead never growing to more than two seconds as Valentino Rossi slotted in behind the fast-starting Spaniard. Pedrosa would edge the gap open only for Rossi to pull back a few tenths, while all the time Lorenzo was creeping his way towards the leading pair. As Lorenzo mounted his challenge on the penultimate lap, Pedrosa held him off as best he could and the pair touched fairings as they battled for the lead.
“Well this result is a little bit surprising for me and, even though I came so close to winning, I’m pleased to be on the podium and so close to the top step. I didn’t think I was going to be able to lead the race for this long and I was nervous at the start because I knew that to maintain a front-running rhythm was going to be very difficult for us. So I was pleased to be out in front of the race, but then I saw on the pit board that Lorenzo was closing at a pace that was half a second faster than me and Rossi and I thought, “Mmm, maybe this is going to be difficult!” I tried to hold him off for as long as possible but in the end I couldn’t. Second place after leading for all but half a lap is disappointing obviously, but after the first race at Qatar this is a good result for us. I’d like to thank all the fans who came here and supported us, and all the people around me in the Repsol Honda Team. We must keep working really hard so that we can improve for Le Mans.”
NICKY HAYDEN, MARLBORO DUCATI
Race Position: Fourth Championship Position: Fifth
“I THOUGHT WE MIGHT FIND A LITTLE EXTRA”
Nicky Hayden looks like he’s now got the package he needs to race consistently up at the front of the MotoGP field, and made his qualifying speed stick when the red lights went out at Jerez. He made a great start and was lapping in third place over the early laps, but didn’t quite have the pace to stick with the leaders, eventually finishing fourth, nine seconds behind Lorenzo.
“Fourth place is no disaster but I was hoping to stay closer to the top three towards the end and put up a bit of a fight. I’m not happy to be nine seconds adrift but we’re trying to build something here and we’ve had another solid weekend. The team, the bike, everything has been great this weekend but we just fell a couple of tenths short on race day. To be honest I thought we might find a little extra for the race, like we did in Qatar, but it wasn’t to be. My guys worked like dogs to put me in this position and we’ve got more to do so I want to give a big thanks to them. This is the Ducati factory team and we don’t jump up and down at fourth place but we’ll take it. We got some great data to work from that should help us be stronger at Le Mans and hopefully we can keep this upward trend going.”
COLIN EDWARDS, MONSTER YAMAHA TECH 3
Race Position: Twelfth Championship Position: Seventh
“I’D JUST LIKE TO BE IN A RACE…”
Colin Edwards fought a determined battle at the rear of a frenetic battle for seventh position; the Texan eventually had to settle for 12th after he encountered small rear grip issues in the crucial final stages that left him unable to mount a sustained offensive on the exciting mid-pack dice.
“I think I’ve had one good race at Jerez in my entire career and today wasn’t it. This weekend has been a struggle and I’ve never been comfortable on the bike to show the pace I know I am capable of. Right from the start I had issues with the rear grip and I couldn’t hold any load on the tyre at full lean angle. That also created some problems with the front-end, so I just struggled with the balance of the bike. It’s the exact same issue that I had in Qatar even though the set-up I’m running is quite a bit different. I’d just like to be in a race. At the moment I just feel like I’m riding around and suffering. I can only look forward to Le Mans knowing that I go really well at that track and so does the Yamaha.”
HIROSHI AOYAMA, INTERWETTEN HONDA
Race Position: Fourteenth Championship Position: Thirteenth
“THIS WAS NOT AN EASY RACE FOR ME”
A braking misjudgement meant Hiroshi Aoyama lost touch with the riders ahead of him early in Sunday's Spanish Grand prix at Jerez. The MotoGP rookie, who had qualified in twelfth, was already 17th and last at the end of the first lap – then ran wide to avoid colliding with another rider at turn eight. From then on it was a lonely ride to 14th place for the Interwetten Honda rider.
“I didn’t have a good start and I made a mistake. After braking too hard I had to avoid crashing into another rider and went wide. After that I lost the connection. This was not an easy race for me. I am so sorry for my team to have destroyed all their work of the weekend with this mistake – I really hope the next race will be better again.”
Top placed Arai man in the action-packed second race of the brand new 600cc Moto2 championship was Yuki Takahashi in fourth place, while the spectacular supermoto riding style of Yonny Henandez bought the reward of tenth.
The next MotoGP round is at Le Mans, on the 23rd of May.
For more Arai Helmet news and information please visit www.whyarai.co.uk
DANI PEDROSA, REPSOL HONDA
Race Position: Second Championship Position: Third
“MMM, MAYBE THIS IS GOING TO BE DIFFICULT!”
Dani Pedrosa took second place in a gripping Grand Prix of Spain at Jerez, crossing the line just half a second behind the winner and setting the fastest lap of the race along the way. From pole position, Pedrosa led the race right until the final few corners of the last lap, when fellow Spaniard Jorge Lorenzo slipped by to win. The second round of the MotoGP World Championship was a nail-biting affair with Pedrosa’s lead never growing to more than two seconds as Valentino Rossi slotted in behind the fast-starting Spaniard. Pedrosa would edge the gap open only for Rossi to pull back a few tenths, while all the time Lorenzo was creeping his way towards the leading pair. As Lorenzo mounted his challenge on the penultimate lap, Pedrosa held him off as best he could and the pair touched fairings as they battled for the lead.
“Well this result is a little bit surprising for me and, even though I came so close to winning, I’m pleased to be on the podium and so close to the top step. I didn’t think I was going to be able to lead the race for this long and I was nervous at the start because I knew that to maintain a front-running rhythm was going to be very difficult for us. So I was pleased to be out in front of the race, but then I saw on the pit board that Lorenzo was closing at a pace that was half a second faster than me and Rossi and I thought, “Mmm, maybe this is going to be difficult!” I tried to hold him off for as long as possible but in the end I couldn’t. Second place after leading for all but half a lap is disappointing obviously, but after the first race at Qatar this is a good result for us. I’d like to thank all the fans who came here and supported us, and all the people around me in the Repsol Honda Team. We must keep working really hard so that we can improve for Le Mans.”
NICKY HAYDEN, MARLBORO DUCATI
Race Position: Fourth Championship Position: Fifth
“I THOUGHT WE MIGHT FIND A LITTLE EXTRA”
Nicky Hayden looks like he’s now got the package he needs to race consistently up at the front of the MotoGP field, and made his qualifying speed stick when the red lights went out at Jerez. He made a great start and was lapping in third place over the early laps, but didn’t quite have the pace to stick with the leaders, eventually finishing fourth, nine seconds behind Lorenzo.
“Fourth place is no disaster but I was hoping to stay closer to the top three towards the end and put up a bit of a fight. I’m not happy to be nine seconds adrift but we’re trying to build something here and we’ve had another solid weekend. The team, the bike, everything has been great this weekend but we just fell a couple of tenths short on race day. To be honest I thought we might find a little extra for the race, like we did in Qatar, but it wasn’t to be. My guys worked like dogs to put me in this position and we’ve got more to do so I want to give a big thanks to them. This is the Ducati factory team and we don’t jump up and down at fourth place but we’ll take it. We got some great data to work from that should help us be stronger at Le Mans and hopefully we can keep this upward trend going.”
COLIN EDWARDS, MONSTER YAMAHA TECH 3
Race Position: Twelfth Championship Position: Seventh
“I’D JUST LIKE TO BE IN A RACE…”
Colin Edwards fought a determined battle at the rear of a frenetic battle for seventh position; the Texan eventually had to settle for 12th after he encountered small rear grip issues in the crucial final stages that left him unable to mount a sustained offensive on the exciting mid-pack dice.
“I think I’ve had one good race at Jerez in my entire career and today wasn’t it. This weekend has been a struggle and I’ve never been comfortable on the bike to show the pace I know I am capable of. Right from the start I had issues with the rear grip and I couldn’t hold any load on the tyre at full lean angle. That also created some problems with the front-end, so I just struggled with the balance of the bike. It’s the exact same issue that I had in Qatar even though the set-up I’m running is quite a bit different. I’d just like to be in a race. At the moment I just feel like I’m riding around and suffering. I can only look forward to Le Mans knowing that I go really well at that track and so does the Yamaha.”
HIROSHI AOYAMA, INTERWETTEN HONDA
Race Position: Fourteenth Championship Position: Thirteenth
“THIS WAS NOT AN EASY RACE FOR ME”
A braking misjudgement meant Hiroshi Aoyama lost touch with the riders ahead of him early in Sunday's Spanish Grand prix at Jerez. The MotoGP rookie, who had qualified in twelfth, was already 17th and last at the end of the first lap – then ran wide to avoid colliding with another rider at turn eight. From then on it was a lonely ride to 14th place for the Interwetten Honda rider.
“I didn’t have a good start and I made a mistake. After braking too hard I had to avoid crashing into another rider and went wide. After that I lost the connection. This was not an easy race for me. I am so sorry for my team to have destroyed all their work of the weekend with this mistake – I really hope the next race will be better again.”
Top placed Arai man in the action-packed second race of the brand new 600cc Moto2 championship was Yuki Takahashi in fourth place, while the spectacular supermoto riding style of Yonny Henandez bought the reward of tenth.
The next MotoGP round is at Le Mans, on the 23rd of May.
For more Arai Helmet news and information please visit www.whyarai.co.uk
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