Bridgestone slick compounds available: Front: Soft, Medium, Hard. Rear (asymmetric): Medium, Hard There’s no rest for the MotoGP paddock as it travels from Indianapolis last weekend straight to Rimini and the Adriatic Coast for the San Marino Grand Prix on 4 September. The Misano World Circuit is twisty and quite stop-start in nature, although there is a very fast section from turns ten to thirteen. Consequently riders spend a lot of time on the brakes meaning that braking stability from the front Bridgestone tyres is crucial. Confidence in rear grip is especially important through turns six, ten and sixteen, which all lead onto sections of straight. The circuit isn’t particularly demanding of Bridgestone’s tyres, although it is harder on the right shoulder than the left because of its clockwise direction and in particular the complex of turns ten to thirteen which is a high speed right-handed kink called Curvone that leads into a series of increasingly tightening right-handers. Here, high-speed stability and edge grip is at a premium and riders must have the confidence to fully commit. Last year Bridgestone selected symmetric tyres for Misano but this year the allocation has been revised to use asymmetric rear slicks which offer a softer compound left shoulder for improved warm-up performance and increased rider feeling. In keeping with the new tyre regulations introduced during the Czech Republic Grand Prix, the medium and hard compound front slicks have again been selected for Misano with the addition of the third soft compound option for cooler conditions. After a time away, MotoGP returned to Misano in 2007, but the circuit layout was changed slightly at turn three in 2008, increasing the track’s length to 4.226km. Bridgestone has a great track record in Misano since the circuit’s return to the calendar in 2007. Ducati Team’s Casey Stoner took pole and won in 2007 on Bridgestone tyres in the era of tyre competition, in 2008 (last year of tyre competition) and again in 2009 Valentino Rossi set a new lap record on his way to victory, and last year Dani Pedrosa set another new lap record. Hiroshi Yamada Manager, Bridgestone Motorsport Department “Misano will bring mixed memories and emotions for many, including myself, but it is a circuit that Bridgestone have always been strong at with consecutive new lap records in the last three years. In the absence of tyre competition the laptime is our benchmark and, combined with developments to the machines each year, I believe this shows we are not resting on our laurels with tyre development. We always see a very passionate crowd at Misano, and hopefully we will give them a good show as the title fight hots-up with only six races of this season remaining now.” Hirohide Hamashima Assistant to Director, Motorsport Tyre Development Division “The track surface at Misano is smooth and offers relatively low grip, but it has a twisty layout so the tyres spend a lot of time leant over and don’t have a lot of respite each lap in which to cool down. Ambient conditions are also usually hot so in our compound selection we must strike a tricky balance between grip and durability. This year we have selected asymmetric rear slick tyres for Misano and I believe, based on tyre performance at other races and rider feedback, this will be a step forward in warm-up performance on the left side and rider feeling and confidence, and in achieving the right balance. “The fast right-handed Curvone corner is where the tyres reach their highest temperature, particularly the rears, and because of the high speed good stability is critical. A strong centre section of the front tyre is also required for good stability under frequent and sometimes heavy braking. It is also important for every element of the bike, rider and tyre package to work well here because with the nature of the track meaning tyres have little time upright in which to cool, it is easier to overheat them.” More, from a press release issued by Monster Yamaha Tech 3: Edwards and Crutchlow head to Misano full of confidence Monster Yamaha Tech 3 Team riders Colin Edwards and Cal Crutchlow head back across the Atlantic for this weekend’s Misano MotoGP round in high spirits and full of confidence after both collected hard earned points scoring finishes last time out at Indianapolis. Edwards raced to a superb seventh place finish in front of his home crowd on Sunday to move into eighth place in the World Championship standings and further strengthen the 37-year-old’s bid to finish top non-factory rider this year. Edwards has a good record at the 2.626 miles circuit with three top 10 finishes in four attempts and he is optimistic that he can continue his consistent streak of form in Sunday’s 28-lap race. Edwards will be seeking his eighth consecutive top 10 finish of the campaign at the San Marino venue, which is hosting a MotoGP race for the fifth time having returned to the calendar in 2007. Crutchlow’s debut at the iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway proved to be a morale-boosting exercise, the British rider succeeding in his quest to end a disappointing string of results with a gutsy ride to 11th. The 25-year-old is now looking to build on the confidence gained on a circuit where he has winning pedigree. Crutchlow was victorious in the 2009 World Supersport round at Misano and he was just one second away from claiming a stunning podium in the second World Superbike race last year. This weekend’s race on the Adriatic coast is the start of the final third of the 2011 MotoGP World Championship, with the Monster Yamaha Tech3 Team looking forwar d to forthcoming flyaway trips to Japan, Australia and Malaysia before the season closes in Valencia in early November. Colin Edwards, 8th – 84 points: “Misano was the first track I ever went to with the Yamaha World Superbike Team way back in 1995, so the circuit has always been a very special place to me with a lot of fond memories. I’ve spent a lot of time in that area around Riccione and the beach when I lived there with my family back in 2004, so Misano is always one of the races I’m most excited about going to. The fans are really passionate and they love MotoGP, so there is always a special buzz around the place. Last weekend in Indianapolis was a tough race, so to take seventh was still a positive result. You always want more but I know the Monster Yamaha Tech 3 Team is getting the maximum out of the package we have. It was obvious in Indianapolis th at we lack a bit of engine performance, but I still beat a lot of guys on factory equipment, so that proves what a good job we are doing. The goal this weekend will be the same as always and that’s to qualify on the second row and finish in the top six. We nearly managed both in Indy, so I’m determined to make sure it will be mission accomplished in Misano.” Cal Crutchlow, 15th – 39 points: “After the positive result in Indianapolis I’m really looking forward to Misano now. The first objective in Indianapolis was to finish the race and learn more about the bike, and we accomplished that. That’s given my confidence a lift and it wasn’t only good for my morale but it was also good for the morale of the Monster Yamaha Tech 3 Team, who have supported me fantastically. Of course we want to be finishing higher, but I was happy with my pace in Indianapolis. I was lapping at the same pace that Dani Pedrosa did on his way to winning the race in 2010, but that shows just how fast the guys are going this year. It is a challenge but one that I am up for and the target this weekend will be to try and get back into the top 10. At least I don’t have to worry about learning the track at Misano and that is a massive bonus before you even start. I just want to get another good result this weekend for all the hard work my crew have been putting in to make it work out for me. I’m sure we can build on last weekend’s result and have another strong ride in Misano.” More, from a press release issued by Repsol Honda: Fresh from Victory in America, The Repsol Honda Team head to San Marino With no time to pause for breath, the Repsol Honda Team arrive back in Europe after a fantastic 1-2 at Indianapolis, to take part in round thirteen of the 2011 MotoGP World Championship in San Marino. Casey Stoner secured his seventh win of the season at Indianapolis with team mates Dani Pedosa and Andrea Dovizioso in 2nd and 5th respectively. Casey, also a winner at Misano in 2007 has qualified on pole twice but will be looking to improve on his 5th place finish last year. Dani has enjoyed strong results at Misano in the past, progressively improving on each outing, finishing on the podium in the past two years and dominating in 2010 taking victory, pole position and the circuit lap record. Andrea has narrowly missed out on a podium in San Marino in his past two outings there. He qualified 8th in both 2009 and 2010, and worked hard in the race to claim 4th position both years, he will be aiming for his first podium there this weekend in front of his home crowd. CASEY STONER World Championship Position: 1st with 243 points “I’m looking forward to going to San Marino and seeing how competitive we can be. In 2007 and 2008 we were fast there, then I missed 2009 and last year we struggled a little so we’ve had a mixed bag of results. It’s a nice track, I like the two corners off the end of the back straight, they’re a lot of fun and very fast. I know Dani and Jorge will be very fast there, but I’m coming off the back of three wins and in a strong position in the Championship so we’ll see what we can do and I’m confident we can get a good result”. ANDREA DOVIZIOSO World Championship Position: 3rd with 174 points “We arrive in Misano after a disappointing result in Indianapolis but we are determined to turn the page and return on the podium. The conditions in Indianapolis were very demanding but we managed to record our fastest time on the very last lap. This shows that we are fast and therefore we arrive in Misano stronger and with an extra motivation. We are third in the Championship and this is the important point. We will continue fighting and we will give our best every race weekend, because we believe that second position in the World Championship is not impossible. Last year in Misano I finished fourth behind Valentino. This year we want to take the next step and get the podium spot. I’m sure that with the experience gained this year, we can be strong at Misano. I don’t live far from Misano and after the podium finish in Mugello I would love to have another good result in front of the Italian crowd”. DANI PEDROSA World Championship Position: 4th with 130 points “After the good race we had at Indy, we arrive at Misano in a very positive mood. The circuit is so different compared to Indy, but last year we had a very good race there and we will try to repeat this. We must be a little stronger on Saturday and prepare for the race the best we can. Misano is a track where you need good acceleration and hard braking, so this will be our priority to start working on with the bike setting. After the success in America, it’s good to head directly to Misano. I hope we can continue working well with the team and take another step forward”. More, from a press release issued by Blusens by Paris Hilton Racing Team: VIÑALES IN VERY HIGH SPIRITS IN THE WAKE OF MISANO AFTER HIS GREAT RESULT AT INDIANAPOLIS. GADEA WILL FOCUS ON THE PODIUM With hardly any time to recover from their trip to Indianapolis the Blusens by Paris Hilton Racing riders are bracing up for the assault of the San Marino Republic taking place at Misano circuit. It is a proper opportunity for Gadea to meet the goal he has been longing for. Although his latest qualifying postions have been good Sergio would like to improve and become one of the regulars sharing the podium. For his part Viñales will carry on learning although it cannot be denied that the results he has achieved so far prove his capability of repeating his performance at the last GP when he finished second. 33 SERGIO GADEA: “I was a bit disappointed at Indianapolis because I couldn’t finish in the top-three so Misano is another opportunity to make it. Despite I wasn’t lucky the last times I rode here I am feeling in very high spirits and motivated to achieve what we deserve. The bike is fine the team has been working at their top and I am convinced I can make it in the top three. So the only thing left to do now is to round off our performance and get on the podium and, why not, get a win”. 25 MAVERICK VIÑALES: “As you can imagine I am going to Misano very excited and motivated. What we did at Indianpolis has felt really good to all of us. Getting back on the podium was fantastic and it motivates us to carry on working hard and learning. I have never been to Misano but I do hope I will adapt well and have a few training practices that will enable me to get the bike properly ready for the race. As GPs go by I have been feeling more and more at ease within the world championship and self-confident. Anyway it’s got to be said it’s my very first season and chiefly I have to learn and work within the team as I have done so far”. More, from a press release issued by Yamaha MotoGP Team: With no rest after a gruelling race weekend in Indianapolis Yamaha Factory Racing head straight back across the Atlantic. The team will begin preparations for the Grand Prix of San Marino at the Misano Adriatico circuit this weekend on Italy’s eastern seaboard. Reigning World Champion Jorge Lorenzo has an impressive history in San Marino with an unbroken podium run at Misano, scoring three consecutive second place finishes in the MotoGP class. The Mallorcan rider sits 44 points behind Championship leader Casey Stoner with six rounds remaining. Ben Spies returns from the USA to Misano with high expectations; the Texan displayed his impressive overtaking skills at last year’s San Marino Grand Prix, recovering from tenth to take a respectable sixth at the line. Spies can also claim a World Superbike race win in 2009 on the twisty, challenging circuit. Jorge Lorenzo “I hope to leave the last race behind us. We go straight to Misano now, a track I like and where I have won and got some podiums. My team and I will try to come back to the top and continue fighting for the Championship!” Ben Spies “It’s pretty tiring heading back to back across the Atlantic but I have always enjoyed racing at Misano. I had really good fortune there in my World Superbike year and enjoyed some great battles last year in my first MotoGP race on the track. We’re taking the confidence of the podium finish with us from Indianapolis so I’m looking forward to setting up on Friday and tackling the track on a factory bike for the first time.” Wilco Zeelenberg “I hope we are able to create something where we can fight at the front, it hasn’t been the case in the last couple of weekends. We know when the bike is right Jorge can fight with the best. We won’t give up and Misano will be our next chance to take something back from Casey.” Massimo Meregalli “The team headquarters are just a couple of hundred kilometres away so Misano is one of our ‘home’ races and we are all looking forward to it. Ben’s fight back to the podium in Indianapolis proved that we have a competitive package and we know that Jorge is strong at this circuit and still fighting for the Championship. We will look to find a good set up quickly and I have confidence we can challenge for good results.” More, from a press release issued by Marlboro Ducati: DUCATI TEAM PREPARES FOR SECOND HOME RACE Sunday’s Grand Prix of San Marino and of the Rimini Riviera be the second home event for the Ducati Team, and it’s an important round for Valentino Rossi, who lives a short distance from the track. He has two wins at the circuit, in 2008 and 2009, as well as a podium last year. Though it looks rather simple, the Misano track is actually quite technical and slow, with narrow, short-radius corners. The notable exception is the famous “Curvone,” a fast, challenging right-hander. The Ducati Team will be busy with the hard work of finding the best setup for the Desmosedici, and both riders will be supported as usual by the fans filling the Ducati grandstand in the “Variante Parco,” the first corner after the start-finish straightaway. VALENTINO ROSSI, Ducati Team “We’ll be racing in front of our home fans at Misano, and obviously we’d like to do better than we have at recent races. Indianapolis was very difficult, and we would have preferred to arrive here in better shape, but we’re aware that much of our work is aimed toward the future. For the moment, we must take into account the possibility that our results won’t be satisfying, first for us but also for our fans. We’re all working at our maximum, both at the track and in the company, and in the meantime, we’ll try to do as well as the current situation allows.” NICKY HAYDEN, Ducati Team “Indy was a bad race, but some how, some way, you’ve got to try to get over it and move on. Misano has been a tough track for me, because it seems like I can’t ever get through the first corner. It would be nice to catch a bit of a break, because I don’t feel like we’re always getting the results we deserve. We learned a lot about the new bike in Indy, so I hope we’ve got a good starting point there. We’ll see what the weather’s going to do. Hopefully it won’t be too hot, as that makes things more difficult for us. Anyway, we need to do our best and try to improve our bike.” VITTORIANO GUARESCHI, Team Manager “Misano is a round that means a lot to all of us, and it’s the home race for Valentino. We’ll have many fans there, and we’d like to put both Vale and Nicky in position to get good results. Naturally, we’ll try our best, as we do at every race weekend, although we know that the type of work we’re doing on the bike pays off over the long term. It’s definitely a difficult moment for us because the results aren’t what we’d like, but it’s very gratifying to see the great effort and determination from our riders, the team and everyone at Ducati. We remain focused on our goals, and we’re committed to following the path we’ve laid out to achieve them.”