The All New Ducati 1199 Panigale Superbike Breaks Cover! - More details and photos to follow....

Teatro Dal Verme, Milano, Italy, 7th November 2011- Ducati has unveiled the long-awaited 1199 Panigale Superbike alongside its entire 2012 range in a stylish Press Conference at the Teatro Dal Verme in Milan, Italy. Setting a new benchmark in the motorcycle industry with theirground-breaking and innovative new Superbike, the Italian manufacturer’s incredible line-up of dream motorcycles are now set to be exhibited from 10-13 November at EICMA 2011, the 69th edition of the Milan International Motorcycle Show.

Ducati hosted a private media launch in Milan on Monday of their new 2011 model line featuring the new 1199 Panigale. In the center is Gabriele Del Torchio, President of Ducati Motor Holding, flanked on the far ends by their winning 2011 World Superbike Championship riders with Carlos Checa and Riders’ and Manufacturers’ titles in the 2011 Superstock 1000 FIM Cup with Davide Giugliano. Plus Corse Superbike team manager Ernesto Marinelli and Ducati Motor Holding General Manager, Claudio Domenicali.

The impressive theatre presentation of Ducati’s 2012 models also gave Gabriele Del Torchio, President of Ducati Motor Holding, the opportunity to announce the positive business performance of the Bologna-based company. In a market challenged by economy difficulties, Ducati has continued to increase its market share, production volumes and global sales, confirming their solid position and underlining the efficient and well-organized business structure that will now serve the company in the coming years.

“It is the hard work of all the men and women at Ducati that has resulted in the positive results that I present today and it validates the strategy we followed during the period 2007-2011,” said Gabriele Del Torchio during the conference. “Thanks to our focus on product development, increased investment and our work to maintain the desirability of our brand around the world, I take great satisfaction in announcing that 2011 has been the most successful year in the history of Ducati.”

“Sales of approximately 42,000 motorcycles have generated revenues of €480m, a 20% increase over the previous year and just reward for our highly innovative products. It gives us the confidence to believe in the pillars of our strategy and to continue on our ‘mission’ to be specialist leaders of the sportbike segment by further developing innovative and class-leading motorcycles.”

“All of this has enabled us to present the incredible new 1199 Panigale, the new benchmark in the sportbike arena. Without doubt, this has been the most ambitious project in Ducati’s history and underlines our engineering excellence and ‘product emotion’, an aspect of our brand, which, in such a competitive market place, has become more important than ever. This motorcycle represents pure Italian style, the reference point for performance and a safety-enhanced, confidence-inspiring experience for our customers on road and track.”

“We are particularly proud to have created a special ‘Tricolore’ version of this new motorcycle, in the red, white and green of Italy. What better occasion to celebrate the 150th anniversary of our national flag and underline our role and responsibility as ambassadors of the title ‘made in Italy’, than with a product of such style and technical excellence.” Following Mr.Del Torchio’s announcement, Ducati Motor Holding General Manager, Claudio Domenicali, proceeded to release the details of the 2012 models with particular focus on the 1199 Panigale.

“Throughout our long and successful twin-cylinder history of racing, Ducati has never built a sportbike as advanced as the 1199 Panigale,” said Claudio Domenicali during hispresentation. “We are moving into a new generation with a ‘revolution’ of the species that establishes new limits for the category. Its Desmodromic heart, the new Superquadro engine, is the most powerful twin-cylinder ever produced and represents the base of a new concept of frame and engine integration. This concept enables the 1199 Panigale a dry weight of just 164kg (364 lbs) and gives it a riding sensation that is closer than ever to a full race bike. With revised ergonomics, full Ride-by-Wire engine management and enhanced systems of ABS and traction control, we have controlled the beast within the 1199 Panigale so that the full emotion of this motorcycle can be enjoyed easily and safely.”

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Indeed, the 2012 DucatiSuperbike family marks the official introduction of the groundbreaking 1199 Panigale, 1199 Panigale S and flagship 1199 Panigale S Tricolore and opens a new chapter in the company’s iconic Superbike history. Available early in 2012, Ducati’s new generation Superbike, goes beyond the barriers of motorcycle design and engineering to set the most extreme benchmark ever and the direction for future sport bikes. Developed in the red-hot environment of racing and designed to raise the performance bar to its highest, the 1199 Panigale uses innovative Ducati Corse-derived solutions to make World Championship level technology available to everyone.

The most high tech, most powerful twin-cylinder production engine on the planet is now anintegral part of an innovative monocoque chassis that combine to deliver anastonishing 195hp from 164kg (361.5lb) of futuristic Italian thoroughbred. The highest production motorcycle power-to-weight and torque-to-weight ratios in the world are fitting trophies for the incredible results that Ducati have achieved. Bred for the track and trained for the road, priced at $17,995(USD) for the standard version, $22,995(USD) for the “S” version, $23,995(USD) for “S” version with ABS and $27,995(USD) for the Italian heritage-inspired Tricolore version, the new 1199 Panigale is a true revolution of the species destined to influence the entire sportbike environment.

With the click of a button, Ducati’s Riding Mode concept delivers performance with enhanced rider confidence by combining seven class-leading technologies. The latest-generation sports ABS system, Ducati Traction Control (DTC), Ducati Electronic Suspension (DES), Ducati Quick-Shift (DQS), Ducati’s new race-derived Engine Brake Control (EBC) and Ride-by-Wire (RbW) are now all programmed into seamless, electronic rider assistance. Even the full color Thin Film Transistor (TFT) display changes to suit the rider’s environment.

State-of-the-art from the ground up and melding latest technologies with exciting new family features, the 1199 Panigale is totally “Ducati” in every respect. Its no-compromise approach to sport design and stylish attention to incredibly fine detail presents authentic Italian performance at its purist. The highly successful 848 EVO and new for 2012, 848 EVO Corse Special Edition with enhanced electronics, suspension and stunning Ducati Corse livery, complete an incredible 2012 Ducati Superbike range.

2012 sees the excellent new Streetfighter 848 take its place alongside the awesome firepower of the Streetfighter S to broaden the stylish and exciting, high-performance naked family. The new 848 fighter is dressed in red with a red frame for Ducati traditionalists, while yellow makes a comeback and the stunning dark stealth scheme underlines the Streetfighter’s aggressive image. The Streetfighter S comes to the fight in Ducati red and the brand new for 2012 “race titanium matte”, both schemes with red frames and black wheels.

The innovative Ducati Diavel introduces a new Cromo model for 2012, in addition to the Diavel AMG Special Edition, recently unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show. First introduced to an excited public at the 2010 Milan International Motorcycle Show, the Ducati Diavel went on to amaze motorcyclists the world over, collecting awards along the way and becoming one of Ducati’s top selling models. For 2012, the groundbreaking Ducati is available in four exciting versions. The standard Diavel, and the Diavel Carbon - with a character-forming mix of aesthetic and performance components - now stand alongside the brand new and stunning Diavel Cromo and the exclusive Diavel AMG Special Edition.

The press conference for Ducati’s 2012 model range also presented an opportunity for the company to celebrate the winning of the Riders’ and Manufacturer’s titles in the 2011 World Superbike Championship with Carlos Checa and Riders’ and Manufacturers’ titles in the 2011 Superstock 1000 FIM Cup with Davide Giugliano. Both riders rode Team Althea Racing Ducati 1198S's to their respective victories and both bikes will be proudly shown on the Ducati stand at EICMA2011. The entire 2012 Ducati motorcycle range in addition to new accessory and apparel collections will be on show at EICMA 2011 in Milan on stand G64 of hall 18 from 10-13 November.

2011 MotoGP World Champions and Valencia race winner Casy Stoner and the Repsol Honda RC211V.

2011 MotoGP World Championship Round 18 of 18 Valencia

Stoner drag races Spies to the Finish Line at Valencia MotoGP Season Finale
Valencia, Spain, Sunday Nov 6t, 2011 - Casey Stoner, Repsol Honda, won the last 800cc formula race at the Valencia, Spain, Ricardo Tormo circuit at the final round of the 2011 MotoGP World Championship, blasting out of the final corner in 2nd place to narrowly beat American Ben Spies, Yamaha, at the finish line by less than a foot, just .015 of a second. Casey started from pole position and pulled a huge 10 second lead mid-way through the race before backing off, then a light rain fall in the closing laps allowed Spies to move up from 4th and take the race lead for the final two laps before Stoner re passed him at the finish. Andrea Dovizioso, Repsol Honda RC212V, did everything he could to fight off team mate Dani Pedrosa and clinch 3rd in the Championship to prove to Honda they made the wrong decision in letting him go, over Pedrosa - as Dovizioso no changes teams to ride a Yamaha in 2012.

American former World Champion Kevin Schwantz on a Simoncelli replica bike gets ready to lead all the motoGP class riders in a parade lap around Valencia.

Valencia MotoGP pay tribute to Marco Simoncelli on Sunday
The MotoGP community has been paying tribute to Marco Simoncelli throughout the Gran Premio Generali de la Comunitat Valenciana weekend in a variety of ways, and on Sunday the entire paddock at the Ricardo Tormo circuit will gather to make a collective dedication to the late Italian rider.
At 10.10am local time on Sunday morning riders from all three categories of the World Championship have been invited to depart from Pit Lane as a group, and complete a lap of the track in honour of Simoncelli.The procession will be led by Marco Simoncelli’s San Carlo Honda Gresini RC212V bike, which will be ridden by 1993 World Champion Kevin Schwantz.

As the riders round the final corner of the circuit and approach the finish line they will stop just short, with local authorities and representatives of MotoGP’s governing bodies (Dorna, IRTA and the FIM) congregating on the other side of the finish line alongside Simoncelli’s family and members of the Gresini team. Paddock members are also invited to be present on track and will be able to meet in a designated area.
Once the bikes have taken up their positions on the start/finish straight a two-minute Valencian Mascletà (a traditional firecracker display) will take place.

2011 World Champion Casey Stoner spoke earlier in the week at a press conference and the Repsol Honda rider said: “This race weekend will be something a little different, maybe something a little more special and hopefully everything goes smoothly. We’ve had a long time to think over these past two weeks, about what actually happened and what racing means to you.”

Valentino Rossi, like most of the riders and teams at valencia, paid tribute to Marco Simoncelli by running his racing number 58 somewhere on thie riding gear or bike. Loris Capirossi actually rode with #58 numberplates on his bike for his own final career race.

Valentino Rossi is also prepared to make this weekend an appropriate tribute to his friend. “It’s been difficult, I’ve tried to stay as much as possible with Paolo (Simoncelli) and the family of Marco who are my friends,” said Rossi. “The feeling in Italy was unbelievable and great for Marco because a lot of people remembered him from all over Italy and demonstrated they liked him a lot on and off the track. In a bad moment like this the atmosphere was great with a lot of people who wanted to say ciao to Marco. It’s good to be here in Valencia. It’s a strange feeling for everybody but I think it’s the best way to remember Marco.”

Once the final race is completed on Sunday the Ducati Team’s attentions will also turn to the test, about which Rossi commented: “On Tuesday we’ll have an important moment for next year because it’s the first time all the 1000cc bikes are on track together. We’ll work and we expect we’ll have to fix some problems but it will be interesting to try the new bike together with the Honda and the Yamaha. But first we have the race, we have to concentrate on that and make a good result, especially to remember Marco."

This weekend will also see the conclusion of one of the most lengthy and distinguished careers in the history of the World Championship. Loris Capirossi is set to start his 328th and final Grand Prix, bringing down the curtain on a career which has spanned 22 seasons, three World Championship titles and 99 podiums.

Capirossi’s first words were about his friend Simoncelli, and he said: “The situation is strange for everyone. We are all here and we try never to forget Marco – this is really important because he is part of our life and always tried to do his best. For this I want to keep his honour and I want to use his number 58 on my bike for this race. I really hope he is happy about that and that I can achieve the same result as he could. I will do my best for him and after this race I will of course retire as planned. I am happy because after 22 seasons it’s a good time to stop. There are a lot of strong riders and it’s good to do something else.”

Capirossi concluded: “Like all stories start, they all finish and mine is finished. After this race I have my family and something good I think I can do with my life.”

Stoner takes final pole of the 800cc Formula
Qualifying, Saturday Nov 5th - The last qualifying of the season for the MotoGP class saw newly crowned World Champion Casey Stoner put his Repsol Honda on pole again with a best lap of 1’31.861 to equal the record of 12 pole positions in a single season set by five-time 500cc World Champion Mick Doohan.

Dani Pedrosa was 1.014 seconds behind his team-mate to take the second spot on the starting grid, with Yamaha Factory Racing’s Ben Spies lapping a tenth behind the Spaniard to claim the final spot on the front row.

Pramac Racing’s Randy de Puniet concluded his strong practice performances, just missing a front-row start with a time 0.061s behind Spies placing him on row two for the second time this season. Álvaro Bautista (Rizla Suzuki) lapped three-tenths behind De Puniet to claim a second row start, with Valentino Rossi (Ducati Team) completing the row after setting a best lap of 1'33.478.

Nicky Hayden heads the third row with his Ducati Team Desmosedici after pacing a tenth behind his Italian team-mate. Andrea Dovizioso (Repsol Honda) starts next to the American on the eighth grid position after setting a time just over a tenth behind Hayden. The Italian suffered a crash just as the chequered flag was shown but was up and walking away immediately.

Héctor Barberá (Mapfre Aspar) suffered a mechanical failure in the early part of the one hour qualifying. The Spaniard was able to get aboard his spare bike to finish the session in ninth which puts him in the final spot on row three for Sunday’s race. Karel Abraham (Cardion AB Motoracing) completed the top ten, with Cal Crutchlow (Monster Yamaha Tech 3) and Pramac Racing’s Loris Capirossi, who sports the number 58 on his machine in honour of Marco Simoncelli, joining the Czech rider on row four.

Casey Stoner atop the Valencia podium.

Casey Stoner Takes Ben Spies with a drag raceto the finsih line
Race Day, Sunday Nov 6th - World Champion Casey Stoner (Repsol Honda RC212V) won a thrilling, last-gasp victory at rain-dampened Valencia this afternoon, passing rival Ben Spies (Yamaha) just one metre before the finish line to score his tenth success of the season by just 0.015s. Andrea Dovizioso (Repsol Honda RC212V) completed the podium in third place to take third overall in the 2011 MotoGP series ahead of team-mate Dani Pedrosa (Repsol Honda RC212V) who finished the last race of MotoGP’s 800cc era in fifth position.

Photo finish! Casey Stoner (27) came out of the last corner a good ten feet behind Ben Spies (11), but Casey's higher exit speed and the Honda's power had it along side and just inches ahead as they hit the white finish line.

This last weekend of the 2011 season was a sombre affair, with the entire paddock honouring the memory of MotoGP rider Marco Simoncelli who lost his life at the Malaysian Grand Prix two weeks ago. Motorcycles, riding gear and team trucks all carried Simoncelli’s famous number 58 logo, and many of the tens of thousands of fans present also wore tributes to the popular Italian. Following this morning’s warm-up session all three classes – MotoGP, Moto2 and 125s – honoured the former 250 World Champion’s memory by riding a lap together behind 1993 500 World Champion Kevin Schwantz, one of Simoncelli’s childhood heroes.

“We had all the bikes out there because Marco would’ve wanted all that noise and that’s what we wanted too,” said Schwantz who rode Simoncelli’s number 58 San Carlo Honda Gresini RC212V.

The race itself was run in treacherous, changeable conditions and started with a four bike pile-up at the first corner that sidelined Alvaro Bautista (Suzuki) and Ducati riders Valentino Rossi, Nicky Hayden and Randy de Puniet. None of the fallers sustained anything worse than bumps and bruises.

As race leader Stonner quickly pulled out a 10-second race lead out fron, Pedrosa (26) and Dovizioso (4) traded 2nd position nearly once or twice a lap for the first 20 laps, as American Ben Spies (11) stayed locked on them.

Stoner – who was crowned World Champion at last month’s Australian GP – was out front from the moment the lights went out and kept building his advantage, despite drizzle falling around much of the track. By half distance he was already 9.9s ahead and victory seemed assured. But then the drizzle turned into rain and suddenly Stoner was being caught by Spies and Dovizioso. As leader of the race, it was more difficult for the Australian to judge the conditions than for the riders chasing him. In three laps his lead had shrunk to 2.5s and with three laps remaining he was a mere three tenths ahead of Spies. The Texan pounced on the penultimate lap when Stoner hit a neutral and it seemed like Spies was going to hold a slender advantage to the flag. But halfway through the final lap Stoner decided he wasn’t prepared to accept defeat, so he started pushing harder and taking risks. By the final corner he was right behind Spies and then used the awesome acceleration of his RC212V to out-drag his rival to the finish line.

With about 8 laps to go in the 30 lap race ,a heavier falling rain forced the Honda riders to back off their paces and Spies (11) on the Yamha would pass Pedrosa, then Divizioo, and then Stoner with just 2 laps to go to take over the lead. the Texan thought he had his second race of the year in the bag....

The victory was his 16th podium finish from 17 races, equalling the record held by Rossi and 2010 World Champion Jorge Lorenzo (Yamaha) who is still recovering from a finger injury sustained at Phillip Island three weeks ago. It has been a mostly perfect season for Stoner, whose only non-podium finish came at the soaking Spanish GP where he was taken out by Rossi.

Dovizioso and Pedrosa went into today’s season finale separated by just four points in their contest for third overall in the series and spent the first two-thirds of the race disputing second place, swapping the position on numerous occasions, while Spies watched and waited just behind. Dovizioso knows that Pedrosa is faster round this track, so he did everything in his power to overtake the Spaniard and stay ahead. Their duel was finally decided when heavier rain arrived and Pedrosa eased off. Thus Dovizioso secured third overall in his final race with Honda.

Pedrosa crossed the finish line in fifth spot, after Cal Crutchlow (Yamaha) came past him on the final lap. The Spaniard – winner of the 2007 and 2009 Valencia MotoGP races – didn’t feel as comfortable as usual today, especially when the rain got heavier. He thus eased his pace to ensure a safe finish and complete the series fourth overall.

Toni Elias (LCR Honda MotoGP RC212V) made a fantastic start from the fifth row of the grid and was lucky not to get involved in the first-corner pile-up. He ran a good, consistent pace throughout much of the race, but like many riders he struggled to find grip when the rain intensified. He finished his last race with the LCR team in tenth place. Hiroshi Aoyama (San Carlo Honda Gresini RC212V) had a challenging final race in the MotoGP class, coming home 12th and last after struggling all weekend to find confidence in the difficult conditions.

Casey Stoner, Repsol Honda: race winner
“My heart was in my throat! We did such a good job all the race and then it started to rain heavily. Being the first one to arrive to the conditions on the track, I wasn’t sure how hard to push so I slowed up to ensure I finished the race and I thought if they come past I can stay with them. Then coming onto the back straight I made a slight mistake when I went into neutral instead of first gear and Ben came past me. I tried to stay with him but he was riding very well, fast and smooth and he looked confident in the conditions, more so than me. In the first half of the final lap he made a nice gap but I knew we were quick in the second half of the lap. I thought to myself, we haven’t been able to take any risks all season, this is the time to take one and see what we can do. I knew I had a better exit line out of the final turn and I kept my head down and went for the line. It’s amazing to win this on the finish line, I’ve had it done to me in the past a few times, but I’ve never done it to anyone else! I’m sorry for Ben, he rode a great race. A big thanks to my team for all their hard work this year.”

Ben Spies, Yamaha: 2nd   Time: +0.015
“The conditions were really tough today, with the rain it was so difficult to know how hard to push so I was just concentrating on bringing the bike home. We were able to follow Dani and Dovi and get past them eventually and then get past Casey when he made a small mistake. When there’s no rider in front of you, you don’t have a judge on how slippery the track is so it’s difficult to judge speed in that last lap. When we came out of the last corner I got the paint sucked off the bike by Casey as he went past! I’m happy enough; we made a huge charge at the end and finished well. Considering how the last month has gone it’s a great way to end. We’ll focus on the test now and aim to be up there and even more competitive next year. A huge thank you to Yamaha and my crew who made sure I had a great bike to ride today. This morning we all came out to make some noise and say goodbye to Marco, I’m pretty sure he heard us and I know he would have approved!”

Andrea Dovizioso, Repsol Honda: 3rd
 “I’m so happy with third place in the Championship, it’s a great achievement born from a lot hard work throughout the year. Before arriving here I knew I only had a few opportunities to arrive in front of Dani, because he has been always so fast here. Dani was faster than me also in this race weekend so I had to make a good strategy to beat him. Considering that I had a soft front tyre, I knew I couldn’t push hard for 30 laps, I tried to stop him when I was in front of him, then every time he overtook me, I tried to pass him immediately. It was a good battle and with the rain at coming with seven to eight laps to go I wanted to push harder for the win because I’m good in these tricky conditions. However, third position in the Championship was too important so I decided not to take any additional risks. Thanks to my team for these three years spent together. I’m very pleased to finish my career at Honda with third in the Championship, my best result so far in MotoGP. On the final lap I thought of Marco and in the end I succeeded here on a track where I have always struggled. Marco helped me in this challenging mission, Ciao Marco.”

Dani Pedrosa (Repsol Honda RC212V): 5th
“It wasn’t an easy race. I did my best, trying hard but I wasn’t feeling good on the bike, I was rigid and didn’t ride very well. But especially in the end with more water on the track I struggled a lot as in Australia, so this is something I will try to improve with my riding in the future. I had a good battle with Andrea and in the last laps I lost a place to Cal Crutchlow, but I couldn’t do any more. Andrea and I were on a soft front tyre and we were maybe struggling a little more than Ben or Cal who were on a hard front, but it’s not an excuse. I just want to move forward and think about next year and the test we have on Tuesday. It has been a tough year, but we will try to take the positives from here and be optimistic for the 2012.”

MOTOGP RACE: (30 laps = 120.15 Km)
POS / RIDER / NAT. / TEAM / MOTORCYCLE / TIME / KM/H / GAP
1 / Casey STONER / AUS / Repsol Honda Team / HONDA / 48'18.645 / 149.221 /
2 / Ben SPIES / USA / Yamaha Factory Racing / YAMAHA / 48'18.660 / 149.22 / 0.015
3 / Andrea DOVIZIOSO / ITA / Repsol Honda Team / HONDA / 48'24.581 / 148.916 / 5.936
4 / Cal CRUTCHLOW / GBR / Monster Yamaha Tech 3 / YAMAHA / 48'27.363 / 148.773 / 8.718
5 / Dani PEDROSA / SPA / Repsol Honda Team / HONDA / 48'27.966 / 148.743 / 9.321
6 / Katsuyuki NAKASUGA / JPN / Yamaha Factory Racing / YAMAHA / 48'42.463 / 148.005 / 23.818
7 / Josh HAYES / USA / Monster Yamaha Tech 3 / YAMAHA / 48'51.763 / 147.535 / 33.118
8 / Karel ABRAHAM / CZE / Cardion AB Motoracing / DUCATI / 48'56.597 / 147.292 / 37.952
9 / Loris CAPIROSSI / ITA / Pramac Racing Team / DUCATI / 49'07.598 / 146.743 / 48.953
10 / Toni ELIAS / SPA / LCR Honda MotoGP / HONDA / 49'11.146 / 146.566 / 52.501
11 / Hector BARBERA / SPA / Mapfre Aspar Team MotoGP / DUCATI / 49'25.164 / 145.873 / 1'06.519
12 / Hiroshi AOYAMA / JPN / San Carlo Honda Gresini / HONDA / 49'27.405 / 145.763 / 1'08.760

Pole Position: Casey STONER 1'31.861 156.954 Km/h
Fastest Lap: Andrea DOVIZIOSO 1'34.167 153.110 Km/h Lap 14
Circuit Record Lap: Casey STONER 1'32.582 155.732 Km/h 2008
Circuit Best Lap: Valentino ROSSI 1'31.002 158.436 Km/h 2006

FINAL 2011 MotoGP CHAMPIONSHIP POSITIONS:
1 STONER 350, 2 LORENZO 260, 3 DOVIZIOSO 228, 4 PEDROSA 219, 5 SPIES 176, 6 SIMONCELLI 139,
7 ROSSI 139, 8 HAYDEN 132, 9 EDWARDS 109, 10 AOYAMA 98, 11 BARBERA 82, 12 CRUTCHLOW 70,
13 BAUTISTA 67, 14 ABRAHAM 64, 15 ELIAS 61.

FINAL TEAM POSITIONS:
1 REPSOL HONDA TEAM 528, 2 YAMAHA FACTORY RACING 446, 3 DUCATI TEAM 271,
4 SAN CARLO HONDA GRESINI 232, 5 MONSTER YAMAHA TECH 3 188, 6 PRAMAC RACING TEAM 92,
7 MAPFRE ASPAR TEAM MOTO 82, 8 RIZLA SUZUKI MOTOGP 73, 9 CARDION AB MOTORACING 64,
10 LCR HONDA MOTOGP 61.

FINAL CONSTRUCTOR POSITIONS:
1 HONDA 405, 2 YAMAHA 325, 3 DUCATI 180, 4 SUZUKI 73.

Moto2 sees Pirro the Winner, Bradl the Champion
Michele Pirro (Gresini Racing Moto2-Moriwaki) won the final Moto2 race of the year, also run in tricky damp conditions. It was an emotional victory for team owner Fausto Gresini, who had earlier watched Pirro’s team-mate Yuki Takahashi (Gresini Racing Moto2-Moriwaki) take the lead, only to suffer a heavy fall. The Japanese was battered and bruised in the tumble, but not seriously hurt.

Pirro took over the lead when Takahashi fell on lap six and stayed in front for the rest of the race, gradually easing ahead to win by six seconds while many other riders slid off behind him. The action was typically hectic behind, with Mika Kallio (Marc VDS Racing Team-Suter), Dominique Aegerter (Technomag-CIP-Suter), Yonny Hernandez (Blusens-STX-FTR) and Xavier Simeon (Tech 3 B-Tech 3) involved in an entertaining battle for much of the race. But Hernandez and Simeon made mistakes, leaving Kallio and Aegerter to dispute second and third. Former 250 and 125 GP winner Kallio came out on top to score his first podium since moving to Moto2 at the end of last year following two seasons in MotoGP. Aegerter’s third place was his first top-three finish and won him a pre-podium haircut from his team!

Anthony West (MZ) won a busy contest for fourth, crossing the line a fraction ahead of Kenny Noyes (Avintia-STX FTR), Hernandez, Mike Di Meglio (Tech 3 Racing-Tech 3) and Simeon. The foursome was separated by just over a second.

Max Neukirchner (MZ), Julian Simon (Mapfre Aspar Team Moto2-Suter) and Andrea Iannone (Speed Master-Suter) finished the race with their own three-way battle for eighth place. The trio was covered by 1.6 seconds at the flag.

Neither of the season’s two Moto2 title challengers featured in today’s results. Marc Marquez (Team Catalunya Caixa Repsol-Suter) was unable to ride this weekend because he is still suffering double vision, a legacy of his big tumble at Sepang two weeks ago. His withdrawal from the event immediately made Bradl World Champion, but the German wasn’t able to celebrate today with another win. Instead he too tumbled out. Incredibly, Bradl has yet to finish a race at the Spanish circuit.

Stefan Bradl crashed out early at Valenica, but still took the 600cc MotoGP 2011 World Championship. Read his biograohy at left. Here he pays tributr to Simoncelli

There is no rest for the MotoGP and Moto2 paddock. Testing for the 2012 season commences here tomorrow, with Moto2 riders taking to the track. On Tuesday and Wednesday it’s the turn of MotoGP riders, who will be riding their new 1000cc machines in preparation for next year’s new-look World Championship.

MOTO2 RACE: (27 laps = 108.135 Km)
POS / RIDER / NAT. / TEAM / MOTORCYCLE / TIME / KM/H / GAP
1 / Michele PIRRO / ITA / Gresini Racing Moto2 / MORIWAKI / 46'22.205 / 139.919 /
2 / Mika KALLIO / FIN / Marc VDS Racing Team / SUTER / 46'28.355 / 139.611 / 6.15
3 / Dominique AEGERTER / SWI / Technomag-CIP / SUTER / 46'28.568 / 139.6 / 6.363
4 / Anthony WEST / AUS / MZ Racing Team / MZ-RE HONDA / 46'31.048 / 139.476 / 8.843
5 / Kenny NOYES / USA / Avintia-STX / FTR / 46'31.434 / 139.457 / 9.229
6 / Yonny HERNANDEZ / COL / Blusens-STX / FTR / 46'32.131 / 139.422 / 9.926
7 / Mike DI MEGLIO / FRA / Tech 3 Racing / TECH 3 / 46'32.320 / 139.413 / 10.115
8 / Xavier SIMEON / BEL / Tech 3 B / TECH 3 / 46'32.590 / 139.399 / 10.385
9 / Max NEUKIRCHNER / GER / MZ Racing Team / MZ-RE HONDA / 46'35.223 / 139.268 / 13.018
10 / Julian SIMON / SPA / Mapfre Aspar Team Moto2 / SUTER / 46'35.890 / 139.235 / 13.685
11 / Andrea IANNONE / ITA / Speed Master / SUTER / 46'36.891 / 139.185 / 14.686
12 / Alex DE ANGELIS / RSM / JIR Moto2 / MOTOBI / 46'37.405 / 139.159 / 15.2
13 / Jules CLUZEL / FRA / NGM Forward Racing / SUTER / 46'40.633 / 138.999 / 18.428
14 / Pol ESPARGARO / SPA / HP Tuenti Speed Up / FTR / 46'41.382 / 138.962 / 19.177
15 / Claudio CORTI / ITA / Italtrans Racing Team / SUTER / 46'42.561 / 138.903 / 20.356

Pole Position: Michele PIRRO 1'37.067 148.536 Km/h
Fastest Lap: Andrea IANNONE 1'39.730 144.570 Km/h Lap 21
Circuit Record Lap: Karel ABRAHAM 1'36.611 149.237 Km/h 2010
Circuit Best Lap: Toni ELIAS 1'36.141 149.967 Km/h 2010

FINAL CHAMPIONSHIP POSITIONS:
1 BRADL 274, 2 MARQUEZ 251, 3 IANNONE 177, 4 DE ANGELIS 174, 5 LUTHI 151, 6 CORSI 127,
7 SMITH 121, 8 AEGERTER 94, 9 PIRRO 84, 10 RABAT 79, 11 TAKAHASHI 77, 12 ESPARGARO 76,
13 ESPARGARO 75, 14 SIMON 68, 15 REDDING 63.

FINAL CONSTRUCTOR POSITIONS:
1 SUTER 384, 2 KALEX 281, 3 FTR 199, 4 MOTOBI 174, 5 TECH 3 149, 6 MORIWAKI 138,
7 PONS KALEX 77, 8 MZ-RE HONDA 61.

Final 125cc class World Champion Nico Terol

Paris Hilton wins the Race, Nico Terol is the last 125cc class World Champion on his Aprilia.
With the second place earned today on the Valencia circuit Nico Terol was crowned 2011 World Champion in the 125 class.
This is a long sought after confirmation for the young Spanish rider, born in Alcoy on September 27th, 1988.
In the race which closed out the history of the 125 class, eleventh place would have been enough for Terol to take the title. But after Frenchman Johann Zarco crashed out in the beginning stages of the race - the only rival within reach of the title - Terol lost no time, even moving into first place ten laps from the end, and rode his Aprilia RSA to second place behind Maverick Viñales, also astride an Aprilia.
 
With confirmation Aprilia adds the 125 class rider title to the manufacturer title, already awarded four rounds before the end of the championship, and strengthens its record as the most victorious Italian and European manufacturer of all those active in MotoGP with 294 Grand Prix races won (151 in 125 and 143 in 250) and 38 championship titles (19 manufacturer titles and 19 rider titles). Aprilia now has a total of 49 World Championships in their trophy case.

125cc: RACE:  (24 laps = 96.12 Km)
POS / RIDER / NAT. / TEAM / MOTORCYCLE / TIME / KM/H / GAP
1 / Maverick VIÑALES / SPA / Blusens by Paris Hilton Racing / APRILIA / 41'44.138 / 138.184 /
2 / Nicolas TEROL / SPA / Bankia Aspar Team 125cc / APRILIA / 41'47.354 / 138.006 / 3.216
3 / Hector FAUBEL / SPA / Bankia Aspar Team 125cc / APRILIA / 41'51.598 / 137.773 / 7.46
4 / Efren VAZQUEZ / SPA / Avant-AirAsia-Ajo / DERBI / 41'58.698 / 137.385 / 14.56
5 / Jonas FOLGER / GER / Red Bull Ajo MotorSport / APRILIA / 42'02.589 / 137.173 / 18.451
6 / Alberto MONCAYO / SPA / Andalucia Banca Civica / APRILIA / 42'20.610 / 136.2 / 36.472
7 / Luis SALOM / SPA / RW Racing GP / APRILIA / 42'36.752 / 135.34 / 52.614
8 / Niklas AJO / FIN / TT Motion Events Racing / APRILIA / 42'44.276 / 134.943 / 1'00.138
9 / Luigi MORCIANO / ITA / Team Italia FMI / APRILIA / 42'44.391 / 134.937 / 1'00.253
10 / Louis ROSSI / FRA / Matteoni Racing / APRILIA / 42'47.396 / 134.779 / 1'03.258
11 / Manuel TATASCIORE / ITA / Phonica Racing / APRILIA / 42'54.030 / 134.431 / 1'09.892
12 / Marcel SCHROTTER / GER / Mahindra Racing / MAHINDRA / 42'56.879 / 134.283 / 1'12.741
13 / Alessandro TONUCCI / ITA / Team Italia FMI / APRILIA / 43'02.475 / 133.992 / 1'18.337
14 / John McPHEE / GBR / Racing Steps Foundation KRP / APRILIA / 43'02.572 / 133.987 / 1'18.434
15 / Giulian PEDONE / SWI / Phonica Racing / APRILIA / 43'04.718 / 133.876 / 1'20.580

Pole Position: Danny WEBB 1'45.898 136.149 Km/h
Fastest Lap: Maverick VIÑALES 1'42.882 140.141 Km/h Lap 17
Circuit Record Lap: Hector FAUBEL 1'39.380 145.079 Km/h 2007
Circuit Best Lap: Gabor TALMACSI 1'39.029 145.593 Km/h 2007

FINAL CHAMPIONSHIP POSITIONS:
1 TEROL 302, 2 ZARCO 262, 3 VIÑALES 248, 4 CORTESE 225, 5 FAUBEL 177, 6 FOLGER 161,
7 VAZQUEZ 160, 8 SALOM 116, 9 GADEA 103, 10 MONCAYO 94, 11 KENT 82, 12 KORNFEIL 72,
13 MARTIN 45, 14 OLIVEIRA 44, 15 SCHROTTER 36.

FINAL CONSTRUCTORS POSITIONS:
1 APRILIA 420, 2 DERBI 284, 3 MAHINDRA 49, 4 KTM 29.

2011 Grand Prix class champions from the left: 250cc Stefan Bradl, 800cc Casey Stoner, and 125cc Nico Terol.

This Month in the Iron & Lace Calendar ...
Calendar Kitten Mosh with actor Brad Pitt's Shinya Kimura built retro Ducati Bevel-Drive cafe Racer

You'll find many of Calendar Bikes featured in the Calendar Bike Garage and a lot more pictures of all our beautiful Calendar Kittens in Members Corner. Past Editon Calendars are still available in Collector's Corner. Photo by Jim Gianatsis.

Click to order the new 2012 BIKEEXIF Custom Motorcycle Calendar

A new Brough Superior recreation or replica.

Brough Superior Reborn - the world's most expensive motorcycle then and now
October 2011 - Brough Superior motorcycles have always been considered the most likely long term investments for collectors, and after decades of waiting, it's finally beginning to happen. When Brough Superiors sold new in the twenties and thirties, they cost more than the average house (US$400,000 + in today's currency) and though relatively plentiful in comparison to most bikes on the list of the most expensive motorcycles sold.

They now populate the curret Collector's list with Broughs being among the most the most expensive motorcycles everever, four of the top 12 highest prices ever paid. Last year, a Brough Superior SS100 sold in the U.K. and set a then world auction record of GBP286,000 (US$450,188).

In perhaps the greatest testimony to the outstanding 80 year-old design of the Brough Superior, the marque is again in production, with better-than-new replicas being built by a group in Australia and listed at US $150,000 each. The first new production model, however, is being listed on the Builtwell Shop, a new clothing store for men, is offering the $250,000 Brough Superior motorcycle for sale via its website. The current waiting list for the new reproductions extends into year 2013. For more information visit: http://www.brough-superior.com

Fast Dates Holiday Greeting Cards   Order online at the Greeting Card Link in the FastDates.com Products Store

Victoria's Secret fashion Show, November 29th - The world's most beautiful models wearing next to nothinge for nearly an hour!

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2011 RACE CALENDAR
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2011 Superbike World Championship
Season Preview
Click Date for Race Report
Feb 27    Phillip Island AUS
Mar 27    European Round
               Donnington Park GB
April 17   Assen Netherlands
May 8     Italy Monza
May 30   Miller USA
June 12  Misano San Marino
June 19  Motorland Aragon SP
July 10   Brno Czech Republic
July 31   Silverstone GB
Sept 4    Nurburgring Germany
Sept 25  Imola Italy
Oct 2      Magny Cours France
Oct 16    Portimao Portugal

2012 Superbike World Championship
Season Preview
Click Date for Race Report
Feb 26      Phillip Island AUS
April 1       Italy Imola
April 22     Assen Netherlands
May 6       Italy Monza
May 13     Donnington, GB
May 28     Miller USA
June 10   Misano San Marino
July 1       Motorland Aragon SP
July 22     Brno Czech Republic
Aug 5      Silverstone GB
Aug 26    Moscow Raceway RF
Sept 9     Nurburgring Germany
Sept 23   Portimao Portugal
Oct 7       Magny Cours France

All Rounds include Superbike    and 600cc Superstock except    Miller USA is Superbike only
European rounds also Include    1000cc Superstock
    exception Donnington

2011 MotoGP
Click Date for Race Report
Mar 20 -    Qatar – Doha Losail
April 3 -     Spain, Jerez Frontera
May 1 -     Portugal, Estoril
May 15 -   France, Le Mans
June 5 -   Catalunya, Catalunya
June 12 - UK, Silverstone
June 25 - Netherlands, Assen                (Saturday Race)
July 3 -    Italy, Mugello
July 17 - Germany,Sachsenring
July 24 - USA, Laguna Seca               (Only MotoGP class)
Aug 14 - Czech Rep, Brno
Aug 28 - USA, Indianapolis
Sept 4 -  SanMarino Misano
Sept 18 - Aragon Motorland
Oct 2 -    Japan, Motegi
Oct 16 -  Australia, Phillip Is
Oct 23 -  Malaysia, Sepang
Nov 6 -   Valencia, Ricardo

2012 MotoGP
Click Date for Race Report
Apr 15 -    Qatar – Doha Losail
April 29 -   Spain, Jerez Frontera
May 6 -     Portugal, Estoril
May 20 -   France, Le Mans
June 3 -   Catalunya, Catalunya
June 17 - UK, Silverstone
June 30 - Netherlands, Assen                (Saturday Race)
July 8 -    Germany,Sachsenring
July 15 -   Italy, Mugello
July 29 -   USA, Laguna Seca                (Only MotoGP class)
Aug 19 -  USA, Indianapolis
Aug 26 -  Czech Rep, Brno
Sept 16 - SanMarino Misano
Sept 30 - Aragon Motorland
Oct 14 -   Japan, Motegi
Oct 21 -   Malaysia, Sepang
Oct 28 -   Australia, Phillip Is
Nov 11-   Valencia, Ricardo

2011 AMA Superbike
Click Date for Race Report
March 10-12  Daytona FL
May 13-15    Infineon y CA
May 28-30    Miller Mtrsports UT
June 3-5      Road America WI
June 17-19  Barber, AL
July 8-10      Mid-Ohio Sports OH
July 22 -24   Laguna Seca CA
Sept 2-4      New Jersey MSports

2012 AMA Superbike
Click Date for Race Report
Mar 15-17     Daytona FL
May 4-6        Infineon CA
May 25-28    Miller Mtrsports UT
June 1-2      Road America WI
June 22-24  Bartber, AL
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2011 British Superbike
Click Date for Race Report
DATE/REPORT   TRACK LINK
April 22-25     Brands Hatch Indy
May 01-02     Oulton Park
May 13-15     Croft
May 28-30     Thruxton
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Aug 27-29     Cadwell Park
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The Official SBK
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This is the Best Book Ever about World Superbike
Awesome color photography of the riders, bike and racing action. Commerating the 23nd Anniversary of World Superbike featuring American Ben Spies' 1st World Championship Title.
Plus a technical look data all the bikes, a preview of the 2011 Championship!
We buy this every year ourselves and highly recommend it!

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MotoGP 2010 Review

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The Making of the
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Stefan Bradl
2011 MotoGP2
World Champion Biography
Saturday 5th November - Stefan Bradl was confirmed as the 2011 Moto2 World Champion at the final round of the season in Valencia, making the 21 year-old the first German rider to take a World Championship since Dirk Raudies in the 125cc class in 1993.

His first title also made Bradl the youngest German rider ever to take a World Championship, following a 2011 season which delivered on the promise that had been displayed in flashes throughout his earlier career.
Gaining his first experience on the Grand Prix stage in the 125cc category in 2005, the son of former 250cc World Championship runner-up Helmut Bradl rode as a wildcard in three rounds before making his full-time debut in the 2006 season.

That maiden campaign was cut short by a nasty leg break at the end of the warm up session for the Malaysian GP when Bradl was hit by another bike, but he had shown enough during the season to be lined up by Honda for a factory 125cc ride in 2007. However, after testing for the team the youngster withdrew from the project citing personal reasons and instead rode in the Spanish National Championship, which he won. His form in the domestic competition prompted the Blusens Aprilia team to field him in the World Championship that same season as a wildcard, and he was then entered for the remainder of the campaign with the Spanish outfit.

With his career seemingly back on track Bradl linked up with the Kiefer Racing set-up for 2008 and had a revelatory year, winning two races, taking six podiums in total and ending the season fourth overall in the Championship.

Big things were expected for 2009 as Bradl continued with Kiefer in the 125cc class, but the title challenge that had been expected failed to materialise and he ended the year tenth in the standings.

With the introduction of the new Moto2 format in 2010 Bradl and the Kiefer team made the step up to the intermediate category, showing early-season promise before a strong end to the inaugural year of the 600cc four-stroke class which included a victory at Estoril.
An impressive pre-season in preparation for 2011 had many noting the German rider down as a serious title contender for the forthcoming campaign, and victory from pole position in the opening race of the year in Qatar confirmed his credentials. Bradl went on to start from pole for the first five races, the first time since 2003 that a rider had done so in the intermediate class, and four wins from the opening six rounds saw him build up a substantial Championship lead.

The coming into form of 2010 125cc Champion and Moto2 rookie Marc Márquez saw the title fight become a two-way affair as the Spaniard rapidly accumulated wins, but Bradl’s consistency and cool head ensured regular podiums and just one finish outside the top eight; a crash at Assen.
Heading into the final round of the year with a 23-point advantage over Márquez after the Spaniard missed the Malaysian GP through injury, Bradl was then confirmed World Champion with the withdrawal of his rival for the final round in Valencia, thus putting the seal on a maiden World Championship after an enthralling season-long fight for the crown.

Some facts about Stefan Bradl’s achievement
• He is the fifth German rider to win the intermediate-class world title, joining: Werner Haas (250cc in 1953 & 1954), Hermann Paul Muller (250cc in 1955), Dieter Braun (250cc in 1973) and Toni Mang (250cc in 1980, 1981 and 1987).
• He is the first German rider to win a world title in any class since Dirk Raudies was 125cc world champion in 1993.
• Bradl is the youngest German rider ever to take a World Championship title, adding to his record of being youngest German rider to win an intermediate-class Grand Prix race.
• He has finished on the podium eleven times in 2011, including 4 victories.
• The only time Bradl has failed to finish in the top eight this year is when he crashed at the Dutch TT.
• Bradl started from pole seven times in 2011 including, five successive poles in the opening five races of the year - the first time since 2003 that a rider has started from pole at five successive intermediate-class GP races.
Birth date: 29/11/1989 (21 years)
Birth place: Augsburg, GER
First Grand Prix: CAT – 2005 – 125cc
First Pole Position: QAT – 2011 – Moto2
First Podium: QAT – 2008 – 125cc
First GP Victory: CZE – 2008 – 125cc
Grand Prix Starts: 86
Grand Prix Victories: 7
Podiums: 18
Pole Positions: 7
Race Fastest Lap: 5
World Championship Wins: 1 - 2011 – Moto2
Total Points 2011: 274
*all data correct at 5/11/2011
MotoGP Career
2005: 125cc World Championship –  35th position on a KTM, 3 starts, 1 point
2006: 125cc World Championship –  26th position on a KTM, 9 starts, 4 points
2007: 125cc World Championship –  18th position on an Aprilia, 9 starts, 39 points
2008: 125cc World Championship –  4th position on an Aprilia, 17 starts, 187 points, 2 wins
2009: 125cc World Championship –  10th position on an Aprilia, 16 starts, 85 points
2010: Moto2 World Championship –  9th position on a Suter, 16 starts, 97 points, 1 win
2011: Moto2 World Championship –  1st position on a Kalex, 16 starts, 274 points, 4 wins

Barber Motorsports Park Announced as Seventh Contract Renewal for the 2012 AMA Pro Road Racing Schedule 
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (November 7, 2011) - AMA Pro Racing announced today that Barber Motorsports Park will once again play host to the stars of AMA Pro Road Racing, becoming the seventh track to renew for the 2012 season.  The event, scheduled for June 22 - 24, 2012, will mark the tenth consecutive year that the series will visit the picturesque 2.38-mile natural road course in Birmingham, Ala. since the facility opened in 2003.
 
Last year's Barber SuperBike Classic proved to be a pivotal and exciting event for the 2011 championships. M4 Suzuki's Martin Cardenas scored his breakout AMA Pro National Guard SuperBike victory on Saturday while Rockstar Makita Suzuki's Blake Young narrowed eventual 2011 SuperBike Champion Josh Hayes' points lead with a Sunday win.
 
Just like in 2011, fans will witness thrilling doubleheader action in AMA Pro National Guard SuperBike, AMA Pro Daytona SportBike and AMA Pro Motorcycle-Superstore.com SuperSport, while the AMA Pro Vance & Hines XR1200 Series will battle it out in a single race format.
 
In October, AMA Pro Racing announced six contract renewals for the 2012 AMA Pro Road Racing season.  With the addition of the event at Barber Motorsports Park, the partial schedule is as follows:
 
March 15 - 17, 2012
Daytona 200
Daytona International Speedway
Daytona Beach, Fla.
 
May 4 - 6, 2012
Infineon Raceway
Sonoma, Calif.
 
May 25 - 28, 2012
Miller Motorsports Park
Tooele, Utah
 
June 1 - 3, 2012
Road America
Elkhart Lake, Wis.
 
June 22 - 24, 2012
Barber Motorsports Park
Birmingham, Ala.
 
July 27 - 29, 2012
Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca
Monterey, Calif.
 
September 7 - 9, 2012
New Jersey Motorsports Park
Millville, N.J.