Sofuoglu Ditches Moto2 and Returns to World Supersport
Sofuoglu is back in World Supersport for 2012
Two-time World Supersport Champion Kenan Sofuoglu will return to the production middleweight class in 2012 after an unsuccessful year in Moto2 which saw him finish the season in 17th with a paltry 59 points.
The Turk has been given a seat by the Lorenzini by Leoni team which will run the official Kawasaki effort as it looks certain incumbents Motocard will take over where Paul Bird left off in World Superbike.
“I’m very happy that Kawasaki has given me this opportunity, which arrived at a particularly difficult time in my career. The experience in Moto2 was important, but for me, it is essential to fight for the title and I’m sure this will be possible thanks to Team Lorenzini. I’ll be back in the World Supersport Championship happy and convinced of my choice and that I will get the support I need for my future," said Sofuoglu.
Two-time World Supersport Champion Kenan Sofuoglu will return to the production middleweight class in 2012 after an unsuccessful year in Moto2 which saw him finish the season in 17th with a paltry 59 points.
The Turk has been given a seat by the Lorenzini by Leoni team which will run the official Kawasaki effort as it looks certain incumbents Motocard will take over where Paul Bird left off in World Superbike.
“I’m very happy that Kawasaki has given me this opportunity, which arrived at a particularly difficult time in my career. The experience in Moto2 was important, but for me, it is essential to fight for the title and I’m sure this will be possible thanks to Team Lorenzini. I’ll be back in the World Supersport Championship happy and convinced of my choice and that I will get the support I need for my future," said Sofuoglu.
Chaz Davies tests Aprilia RSV4 World Superbike at Portimao
Davies could find he has a V-four, not a V-twin, next season
Newly-crowned World Supersport Champion Chaz Davies has been spotted testing an Aprilia RSV4 at the Portugese Portimao circuit, giving rise to speculation his Parkingo team's deal with Ducati may be in the balance.
The Welshman was meant to be campaigning an 1198R in next year's World Superbike Championship but bosses have imposed a higher minimum weight limit on V-twins to try and balance out the displacement difference and added performance of the 1199 PanicEarly should anyone choose to use it.
The Aprilia, being a V-four, is not subject to any such rules and Leon Camier has proved that podiums for people over six feet tall, which Davies is and then some, are possible on the bike. It is not yet sure what the plan is for the satellite Pata team either. Aprilia test rider Alex Hofmann is also at the circuit.
Newly-crowned World Supersport Champion Chaz Davies has been spotted testing an Aprilia RSV4 at the Portugese Portimao circuit, giving rise to speculation his Parkingo team's deal with Ducati may be in the balance.
The Welshman was meant to be campaigning an 1198R in next year's World Superbike Championship but bosses have imposed a higher minimum weight limit on V-twins to try and balance out the displacement difference and added performance of the 1199 PanicEarly should anyone choose to use it.
The Aprilia, being a V-four, is not subject to any such rules and Leon Camier has proved that podiums for people over six feet tall, which Davies is and then some, are possible on the bike. It is not yet sure what the plan is for the satellite Pata team either. Aprilia test rider Alex Hofmann is also at the circuit.
Camier signs one-year deal with Crescent Suzuki in WSBK
Camier has signed a year deal with Crescent
Former British Superbike Champion Leon Camier will race for Crescent Suzuki in World Superbikes next season after signing a one-year deal for the Bournemouth-based outfit. The ex-factory Aprilia man is the first rider to sign for Jack Valentine's squad which is making the switch to WSB after many years in BSB.
Camier has spent the last two years alongside Max Biaggi and, after a fairly torrid time, is looking forward to being back with members of his crew from 2008 and 2009 in the shape of race engineer Frankie Carchedi and technician Pete Bancewicz who spent 2011 with Eugene Laverty at Yamaha.
"I'm really looking forward to it. I don't know yet when I will ride the bike but we are hoping it might be at the end of this month. It's my first time on a Suzuki and the team's first year in World Superbikes but I'm confident we can work well together," said Camier, speaking to bikesportnews.com this evening.
"It will also be good to have some of my 2009 team back with me. That will inspire some confidence as well as we know how we work. All in all I'm really happy with it and am looking forward to getting started. I'm really looking forward to the new season and I believe that the Suzuki GSX-R is certainly a very capable bike, especially with the technical plan the guys have in place. This is a fantastic chance for me to take the next step in my career and I'm very thankful to the guys at Crescent for giving me the opportunity."
Former British Superbike Champion Leon Camier will race for Crescent Suzuki in World Superbikes next season after signing a one-year deal for the Bournemouth-based outfit. The ex-factory Aprilia man is the first rider to sign for Jack Valentine's squad which is making the switch to WSB after many years in BSB.
Camier has spent the last two years alongside Max Biaggi and, after a fairly torrid time, is looking forward to being back with members of his crew from 2008 and 2009 in the shape of race engineer Frankie Carchedi and technician Pete Bancewicz who spent 2011 with Eugene Laverty at Yamaha.
"I'm really looking forward to it. I don't know yet when I will ride the bike but we are hoping it might be at the end of this month. It's my first time on a Suzuki and the team's first year in World Superbikes but I'm confident we can work well together," said Camier, speaking to bikesportnews.com this evening.
"It will also be good to have some of my 2009 team back with me. That will inspire some confidence as well as we know how we work. All in all I'm really happy with it and am looking forward to getting started. I'm really looking forward to the new season and I believe that the Suzuki GSX-R is certainly a very capable bike, especially with the technical plan the guys have in place. This is a fantastic chance for me to take the next step in my career and I'm very thankful to the guys at Crescent for giving me the opportunity."
WSBK bosses confirm single-bike rule; increase weight limit
New rules and weights for 2012. And measures for cranks, we hope
World Superbike bosses have today confirmed they will limit all teams to a single bike for the 2012 season and have changed the handicap rules for V-twins in the series but haven't said what they are.
The single-bike rule has been spoken about openly since the Silverstone round and mirrors BSB in the fact they will be allowed to have a rolling chassis in the truck with various bits not bolted to it. This also means flag-to-flag racing is dropped as you can't comes in to change bikes when it rains if you're riding the only bike you've got.
But the rules concerning the handicap to the 1200cc twins, which means Ducati's new PanicEarly, could prove interesting. In the past, the capacity difference has been made more fair by the use of air restrictors and an FIM stipulation which adds or removes weight depending on the advantage twins have over fours or vice versa.
The minimum weight limit for 1200cc bikes is also higher than the four-pot counterparts at 171kg. There has also been a ban on testing between December 1 until January 15 which explains why Aprilia and BMW are at Portimao for three days at the end of November. Supersport teams will be restricted to using only eight engines per year while Superstock are allowed just three.
World Superbike bosses have today confirmed they will limit all teams to a single bike for the 2012 season and have changed the handicap rules for V-twins in the series but haven't said what they are.
The single-bike rule has been spoken about openly since the Silverstone round and mirrors BSB in the fact they will be allowed to have a rolling chassis in the truck with various bits not bolted to it. This also means flag-to-flag racing is dropped as you can't comes in to change bikes when it rains if you're riding the only bike you've got.
But the rules concerning the handicap to the 1200cc twins, which means Ducati's new PanicEarly, could prove interesting. In the past, the capacity difference has been made more fair by the use of air restrictors and an FIM stipulation which adds or removes weight depending on the advantage twins have over fours or vice versa.
The minimum weight limit for 1200cc bikes is also higher than the four-pot counterparts at 171kg. There has also been a ban on testing between December 1 until January 15 which explains why Aprilia and BMW are at Portimao for three days at the end of November. Supersport teams will be restricted to using only eight engines per year while Superstock are allowed just three.
Aprilia confirm Laverty will partner Biaggi for WSBK 2012
Laverty will be in the same garage as Biaggi. Wall, anyone?
Aprilia have this afternoon confirmed that Irishman Eugene Laverty will ride in the factory squad alongside Max Biaggi, putting paid to rumours the former would be in the satellite team and the latter may be heading for retirement.
Laverty tested Biaggi's RSV4 at Portimao two days after the World Superbike finale but ran out of the Pata Aprilia garage, giving rise to speculation he may be in a different team to Biaggi but with a factory bike.
Rumours among the Italian media had also said that even though Biaggi had ridden with 'next target' on his lid in Portugal, he may still have plans to retire even though a year was left to run on his contract.
Aprilia have this afternoon confirmed that Irishman Eugene Laverty will ride in the factory squad alongside Max Biaggi, putting paid to rumours the former would be in the satellite team and the latter may be heading for retirement.
Laverty tested Biaggi's RSV4 at Portimao two days after the World Superbike finale but ran out of the Pata Aprilia garage, giving rise to speculation he may be in a different team to Biaggi but with a factory bike.
Rumours among the Italian media had also said that even though Biaggi had ridden with 'next target' on his lid in Portugal, he may still have plans to retire even though a year was left to run on his contract.
Paul Smart rides Checa's World Superbike-winning Ducati
Smart aboard Checa's bike at Portimao
Crescent Suzuki confirm WSBK plans but riders not named
Big Jack and his merry band will be in WSBK next year
Crescent Suzuki have today confirmed they will switch from British to World Superbike racing in 2012 but have not yet named the riders they will take onto the global stage.
As revealed by bikesportnews.com a couple of weeks ago, Paul Denning's team want to move into the world series and may well take current rider John Hopkins and poach Tommy Hill away from Swan Yamaha. The announcement brings more certainty that Suzuki will pull out of MotoGP at the end of the year.
"Crescent Suzuki intends to enter the Championship with exactly the same philosophy as it has always maintained; to use the best riders, staff, and machine technology possible and to aim for a completely competitive level of performance. The team is confident that the Suzuki GSX-R1000, with additional developments and enhancements, will be able to compete with the best teams," said a team spokesman.
Crescent Suzuki have today confirmed they will switch from British to World Superbike racing in 2012 but have not yet named the riders they will take onto the global stage.
As revealed by bikesportnews.com a couple of weeks ago, Paul Denning's team want to move into the world series and may well take current rider John Hopkins and poach Tommy Hill away from Swan Yamaha. The announcement brings more certainty that Suzuki will pull out of MotoGP at the end of the year.
"Crescent Suzuki intends to enter the Championship with exactly the same philosophy as it has always maintained; to use the best riders, staff, and machine technology possible and to aim for a completely competitive level of performance. The team is confident that the Suzuki GSX-R1000, with additional developments and enhancements, will be able to compete with the best teams," said a team spokesman.
Ellison 'keeping options open' for 2012 season
Ellison isn't ruling out any options for 2012
Kendal's James Ellison is keeping his options open when it comes to a ride for the 2012 season after spending this year switching between World Supersport and British Superbikes.
The Cumbrian ex-MotoGP racer gave Robin Croft's Sorrymate Honda team its first ever BSB podium at Brands Hatch two weeks ago and then followed it up with a hard-fought third at Portimao's WSS finale on Sunday. Ellison has said he would prefer to remain on the world stage but won't rule out a return to domestic action.
"I've enjoyed riding in two championships this year and to score three podiums across them both was really enjoyable. Ideally, I'd like to race just one bike in 2012 and for it to be on the world stage but I'm keeping my options open," said Ellison, speaking to bikesportnews.com in Portugal.
"A World Superbike ride would be fabulous and I wonder if Chaz Davies needs a team-mate? Something in World Supersport would also be great for me as a stepping stone into the big class in 2013. I have also heard Paul Bird is running a CRT MotoGP entry so maybe he needs a good development rider that has plenty of fight left in him. I’m not ruling out a ride in BSB either.”
Kendal's James Ellison is keeping his options open when it comes to a ride for the 2012 season after spending this year switching between World Supersport and British Superbikes.
The Cumbrian ex-MotoGP racer gave Robin Croft's Sorrymate Honda team its first ever BSB podium at Brands Hatch two weeks ago and then followed it up with a hard-fought third at Portimao's WSS finale on Sunday. Ellison has said he would prefer to remain on the world stage but won't rule out a return to domestic action.
"I've enjoyed riding in two championships this year and to score three podiums across them both was really enjoyable. Ideally, I'd like to race just one bike in 2012 and for it to be on the world stage but I'm keeping my options open," said Ellison, speaking to bikesportnews.com in Portugal.
"A World Superbike ride would be fabulous and I wonder if Chaz Davies needs a team-mate? Something in World Supersport would also be great for me as a stepping stone into the big class in 2013. I have also heard Paul Bird is running a CRT MotoGP entry so maybe he needs a good development rider that has plenty of fight left in him. I’m not ruling out a ride in BSB either.”
Laverty fastest at Portimao World Superbike test
Laverty on the brakes into Portimao's downhill hairpin
Ireland's Eugene Laverty has once again stunned the World Suprbike paddock by repeating the testing performance he gave at Magny-Cours last year, setting the fastest time aboard the factory Aprilia at Portimao yesterday.
Pata fielded the bike out of their garage but in plain bodywork, although the spec of the swingarm and engine gave away it was Max Biaggi's bike, and Laverty made a slow start but got well below lap record pace before officials called a halt to proceesings at 3pm.
Castrol Honda's Jonathan Rea was only a tenth slower than Laverty on a 1'42.9 after testing four bikes, all with different engine and chassis specs. Joan Lascorz was third fastest and Leon Haslam, on the 2012 S1000RR, fourth in a 1'43.2.
Maxine Berger turned in a good performance to go fifth quickest on the Liberty Ducati he will champion next year with Tom Sykes still riding the Kawasaki ZX-10R, which bodes well for next year. Marco Melandri was riding 2011 and 2012 spec BMWs while Brett McCormick was on the spare Liberty bike. Michel Fabrizio crashed early on but recovered to post a 1'44.4.
Unofficial times:
1. Eugene Laverty (Aprilia) 1'42.8
2. Jonathan Rea (Castrol Honda) 1'42.9
3. Joan Lascorz (Kawasaki Racing Team) 1'42.9
4. Leon Haslam (BMW Motorrad Motorsport) 1'43.2
5. Maxime Berger (Effenbert Liberty Ducati) 1'43.3
6. Tom Sykes (Kawasaki Racing Team) 1'43.3
7. Ayrton Badovini (BMW Motorrad Italia Superbike) 1'43.4
8. Marco Melandri (BMW Motorrad Motorsport) 1'43.7
9. Brett McCormick (Effenbert Ducati) 1'44.2
10. Michel Fabrizio (BMW Motorrad Italia Superbike) 1'44.4
Ireland's Eugene Laverty has once again stunned the World Suprbike paddock by repeating the testing performance he gave at Magny-Cours last year, setting the fastest time aboard the factory Aprilia at Portimao yesterday.
Pata fielded the bike out of their garage but in plain bodywork, although the spec of the swingarm and engine gave away it was Max Biaggi's bike, and Laverty made a slow start but got well below lap record pace before officials called a halt to proceesings at 3pm.
Castrol Honda's Jonathan Rea was only a tenth slower than Laverty on a 1'42.9 after testing four bikes, all with different engine and chassis specs. Joan Lascorz was third fastest and Leon Haslam, on the 2012 S1000RR, fourth in a 1'43.2.
Maxine Berger turned in a good performance to go fifth quickest on the Liberty Ducati he will champion next year with Tom Sykes still riding the Kawasaki ZX-10R, which bodes well for next year. Marco Melandri was riding 2011 and 2012 spec BMWs while Brett McCormick was on the spare Liberty bike. Michel Fabrizio crashed early on but recovered to post a 1'44.4.
Unofficial times:
1. Eugene Laverty (Aprilia) 1'42.8
2. Jonathan Rea (Castrol Honda) 1'42.9
3. Joan Lascorz (Kawasaki Racing Team) 1'42.9
4. Leon Haslam (BMW Motorrad Motorsport) 1'43.2
5. Maxime Berger (Effenbert Liberty Ducati) 1'43.3
6. Tom Sykes (Kawasaki Racing Team) 1'43.3
7. Ayrton Badovini (BMW Motorrad Italia Superbike) 1'43.4
8. Marco Melandri (BMW Motorrad Motorsport) 1'43.7
9. Brett McCormick (Effenbert Ducati) 1'44.2
10. Michel Fabrizio (BMW Motorrad Italia Superbike) 1'44.4
Guintoli ends Crescent WSBK speculation with Liberty deal
The likeable Frenchman is staying with his Czech mates for 2012
Liberty Ducati have re-signed French former MotoGP rider Sylvain Guintoli for another year in the World Superbike Champinship which puts an end to speculation he may switch back to the Jack Valentine's Crescent Racing squad.
Leicester-based Guintoli spent one season with the team in British Superbikes before being switched to the Alstare squad in 2010. He signed for the Ducati squad this year and has taken three podiums despite a big crash at the start of the season which broke his leg. Fellow Frenchman Maxine Berger has also signed for the team and was testing at Portimao yesterday where he lapped at 1'43.3s.
"I am very happy to stay in the Effenbert Liberty Racing Team. I felt very good, both from the technical and from the human point of view and now I have developed a very good feeling with the Ducati that suits my riding style well and is giving me great satisfactions. I am very motivated and am sure that next year we will improve. It will be a great season," said Guintoli.
Liberty Ducati have re-signed French former MotoGP rider Sylvain Guintoli for another year in the World Superbike Champinship which puts an end to speculation he may switch back to the Jack Valentine's Crescent Racing squad.
Leicester-based Guintoli spent one season with the team in British Superbikes before being switched to the Alstare squad in 2010. He signed for the Ducati squad this year and has taken three podiums despite a big crash at the start of the season which broke his leg. Fellow Frenchman Maxine Berger has also signed for the team and was testing at Portimao yesterday where he lapped at 1'43.3s.
"I am very happy to stay in the Effenbert Liberty Racing Team. I felt very good, both from the technical and from the human point of view and now I have developed a very good feeling with the Ducati that suits my riding style well and is giving me great satisfactions. I am very motivated and am sure that next year we will improve. It will be a great season," said Guintoli.
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