World SBK.com

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Pole position for the European Superstock 600 race, which gets under way today later this afternoon, has gone to the young American Joshua Day (Revolution Racedays Kawasaki), who also set a new track record for the category.

Behind the 21-year-old from Orlando can be found Australian Jed Metcher (MTM-RT Motorsports Team), Michael van der Mark (Ten Kate Junior Honda) from the Netherlands and Frenchman Romain Lanusse (MRS Yamaha Racing France), the top four all winners this year.

Denmark's Alex Schacht (Schacht Racing Honda) was next up followed by a group of Italians headed by Christian Gamarino (Goeleven Kawasaki) and Francesco Cocco (Martini Corse Yamaha).

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Carlos Checa (Althea Racing Ducati) set a new Nürburgring best lap of 1 minute 54.144 seconds early in the final Tissot-Superpole session to claim his fifth top starting position this year. Behind, Eugene Laverty (Yamaha World Superbike Team), Max Biaggi (Aprilia Alitalia) and Marco Melandri (Yamaha World Superbike Team) completed the front row, with Biaggi particularly impressive as he was riding with an injured left foot.

Proven winner at this track Noriyuki Haga (Pata Racing Aprilia) was fifth while Tom Sykes (Kawasaki Racing Team Superbike) once more showed good pre-race pace to claim sixth place on the grid. Leon Haslam (BMW Motorrad Motorsport) squeezed out Sylvain Guintoli (Effenbert Liberty Racing Ducati) for seventh.

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Just under a tenth of a second separated points leader Chaz Davies (Yamaha ParkinGO) from poleman Fabien Foret (Hannspree Ten Kate Honda) who will start from pole for the second time this season. The Frenchman set a time of 1'59.258, which was more than one second slower than Cal Crutchlow's 2010 best lap.

The front row is completed by two fellow Brits Gino Rea (Step Racing Team Honda) and Sam Lowes (Parkalgar Honda). Row 2 contains two Italians, with Massimo Roccoli (Lorenzini by Leoni Kawasaki) ahead of Luca Scassa (Yamaha ParkinGO), together with James Ellison (Bodganka PTR Honda) and David Salom (Kawasaki Motocard.com).

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Two Ducatis and two BMWs once again make up the front row of the grid for the Superstock 1000 race tomorrow morning, with the quickest time going to Althea Racing man Davide Giugliano. The Italian set a time of 1 minute 58.763 seconds to head off the challenge of Sylvain Barrier (BMW Motorrad Italia Superstock), Silverstone winner Danilo Petrucci (Barni Racing Team Ducati) and Lorenzo Zanetti (BMW Motorrad Italia Superstock).

The talented young German Markus Reiterberger (Garnier Alpha Racing Team BMW) continued his learning curve with fifth slot on the grid, followed by three more Italians: Lorenzo Baroni (Althea Racing Ducati), Andrea Antonelli (Lorini Honda) and Niccolò Canepa (Lazio MotorSport Ducati).

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The win in the seventh round of the European Superstock 600 Championship went to Dutchman Michael Van der Mark (Ten Kate Junior Team Honda) who became the first rider this year to double up at the top. Australian Jed Metcher finished second for the MTM-RT Motorsports Yamaha team and Belgium's Gauthier Duwelz (MTM-RT Motorsports Team Yamaha) was third.

Denmark's Alex Schacht (Schacht Racing Honda) was next up, while the top Italian at the flag was Daniele Beretta (Trasimeno Yamaha), who finished fifth.

Metcher now moves into the lead of the championship with 101 points, while Romain Lanusse (MRS Yamaha Racing France), who retired, stays on the 94 mark. Dino Lombardi (Martini Corse Yamaha) is third equal on points with Joshua Day (Revolution Racedays Kawasaki), who crashed out.

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Jonathan Rea will ride a Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade in the 2012 World Superbike championship following an announcement from the Castrol Honda team at Nurburgring in Germany today. The 24-year-old from Northern Ireland chose his comeback weekend after three months out through injury to sign a year-long extension to his long association with Honda that has seen him ride at Supersport and Superbike level in both British and World championships.

Rea has ridden with the Honda Motor Europe-supported team run by the Ten Kate organization in the Netherlands for the past four seasons, the last three of which have been on Honda's CBR1000RR Fireblade. The 2012 season will mark the 20th anniversary of the Fireblade's introduction and Rea and his team are looking forward to competing once more against some of the world's best riders and manufacturers in the World Superbike championship.

Jonathan Rea: "We started talking quite early this season and it was clear to me that everyone was aware that we were struggling with the bike in some areas. After four years with this team, and even more with Honda, it was refreshing and inspiring to see how intent everyone was on addressing the problems. These are difficult economic times everywhere, but Honda and the team have increased their commitment and ticked all the boxes for me, so I'm really, really happy. There's no championship left to fight for this season, but that won't stop us trying as hard as ever for race wins. And the fact that we're not battling for a title means that we can also continue our development work for next year. I'd like to thank Honda for the continued support and the team for everything they do for me. Together, we all have unfinished business in the World Superbike championship."

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Davide Giugliano (Althea Racing Ducati) saw his main championship rival Lorenzo Zanetti (BMW Motorrad Italia Superstock) finish only fourth in the Nürburgring race, putting Giugliano's championship challenge back in track. Race winner Giugliano now leads Zanetti 140 points to 117, after a race in which Sylvain Barrier (BMW Motorrad Italia Superstock) finished second and Niccolò Canepa (Lazio MotorSport Ducati) went third.

Danilo Petrucci (Barni Racing Team) was forced out with a technical issue while in a strong second place, and therefore Petrucci is ranked third in the championship, on 94 points, Barrier is fourth on 85, with three rounds left to run.

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Carlos Checa (Althea Racing Ducati) posted a superb win in Germany, holding off early aggression from eventual third place man Noriyuki Haga (Pata Aprilia) before gapping all his pursuers in clinical style.

Second in the race was Marco Melandri (Yamaha World Superbike), Haga was third and then - in an eventually lonely fourth - Melandri's team-mate Eugene Laverty. Leon Haslam (BMW Motorrad Motorsport) had been fifth early on then ran off track, climbing back from 14th place at one stage to re-take fifth. Effenbert Liberty Racing Ducati man Sylvain Guintoli was a confident top six finisher, some seven seconds ahead of top Kawasaki man Joan Lascorz (Kawasaki Racing Team) who recovered from a bad start to take Leon Camier (Aprilia Alitalia) over the line.

Aprilia Alitalia rider Max Biaggi missed out on raceday after the injury to his left foot he picked up on Friday proved too difficult to overcome.

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Chaz Davies (Yamaha ParkinGO) had to summon all his braking ability on the final few laps to prevent the rejuvenated James Ellison (Bogdanka PTR Honda) from passing him around the long Nürburgring circuit. Davies held him off to win by only 0.091 seconds, with third placed Sam Lowes (Parkalgar Honda) a lonely 3.7 seconds from the winner.

Luca Scassa (Yamaha ParkinGO) went into the top four after a tough battle at times with fifth placed Massimo Roccoli (Lorenzini by Leoni Kawasaki) and sixth place Fabien Foret (Hannspree Ten Kate Honda).

Broc Parkes (Provec Motocard.com Kawasaki) and David Salom (Provec Motocard.com Kawasaki) held off Florian Marino (Hannspree Ten Kate Honda), with Balazs Nemeth (Hungary Team Toth Honda) going tenth.

Davies now has 171 points to Salom's 112, Foret's 111 and Parkes' 104.

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Tom Sykes (Kawasaki racing Team Superbike) secured Kawasaki's first win since 2006, and his own first ever WSBK race victory, when he headed up a shortened 13-lap race at the Nürburgring. Noriyuki Haga (Pata Aprilia) had led for virtually the whole race, which was held in wet conditions that ranged from merely wet to completely soaking. When he fell Sykes took the led and when the rains re-doubled in intensity race direction called the contest, with Sykes ahead of Sylvain Guintoli (Team Effenbert Liberty Racing Ducati) and Sylvain's team-mate Jakub Smrz.

Fourth was Jonathan Rea (Castrol Honda) who despite a high-speed crash remounted to score good points ahead of fifth placed Eugene Laverty and his Yamaha World Superbike team-mate Marco Melandri.

Championship leader Carlos Checa (Althea Racing Ducati) was eighth. In the championship, Checa now has 376 points to Melandri's 302 and Max Biaggi's unchanged 281.

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<p><img alt="Logo FIM" src="http://www.worldsbk.com/images/stories/news/logo_fim2.jpg" /><span style="font-size: 10pt;"></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Today the FIM (Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme) has issued an updated version of the 2013 FIM World Superbike and World Supersport Championships and FIM Superstock 1000 Cup provisional calendar. It features a change in date for the second event of the season at Buddh International Circuit (India), now set for November, 17th as the last Round.</span></p>

<p><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><br /><a target="_blank" href="http://www.worldsbk.com/images/stories/documents/2013_Provisional_Calendar_1501.pdf"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Click here</strong></span></a> to view the PDF.</span></p>

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<p><img alt="Massimo Roccoli" src="http://www.worldsbk.com/images/stories/2013_01_15_roccoli.jpg" height="350" width="750" /><span style="font-size: 10pt;"></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size: 10pt;">With few weeks left to go before the start of the World Supersport Championship, the Pata by Martini Team is pleased to announce the riders selected to tackle the 2013 racing season in the team's colours. Heading up the rider line-up is Massimo Roccoli who has a wealth of experience in the series and competed in the final three rounds of 2012 with the team. He will be joined by Dino Lombardi, who makes his comeback with the team that helped him win the Italian STK600 title in 2011 and secure third place in the European Superstock 600 Championship classification the year before. Luca Salvadori will make his debut in the Supersport World Championship, after a full season spent in the STK600 with Pata by Martini.</span></p>

<p><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><br />The Pata by Martini Team will be testing at Jerez on 22-23 January in preparation for the first round of the season, which will take place on February 24th at Phillip Island (Australia).</span></p>

<p><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><br />Massimo Roccoli: "I accepted Claudio Quintarelli's offer with enthusiasm and I'm really happy to be racing with Team Pata by Martini for what will be, finally, a full season in the series. My goal is to race consistently near the top-3 and to aim higher on those tracks that suit us more."</span></p>

<p><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><br />Dino Lombardi: "I'm truly happy to be back with the Pata by Martini Team as with them I professionally grew a lot. Last year I learned the ropes in World Supersport and now I want to race at the front."</span></p>

<p><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><br />Luca Salvadori: "I'm so happy to be racing in the World Supersport Championship. Some years ago it was just a dream and now I can't wait to jump on the bike and start working on the set up at next week's Jerez test."</span></p>

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<p><img alt="Tom Sykes" src="http://www.worldsbk.com/images/stories/news/127_t02_sykes_action.jpg" height="350" width="750" /><span style="font-size: 10pt;"></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size: 10pt;">The Kawasaki Racing Team and the FIXI Crescent Suzuki today are on track for the first of two testing days at the Circuit of Almeria, Spain. The Kawasaki duo of Tom Sykes and Loris Baz will undertake the first shakedown of 2013 together with Leon Camier and Jules Cluzel, both ready to jump on their GSX-R 1000. Cluzel's maiden test on the FIXI Crescent Suzuki 'Gixxer' comes after a successful arm-pump surgery he underwent before Christmas.</span></p>

<p><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><br />Tom Sykes (Kawasaki Racing Team): "After a nice break over the holiday period I am looking forward to getting back on my Kawasaki. It has been a few weeks now so it will be good to get going again. Almeria is a circuit where we go to stretch our legs a little bit and break ourselves into a new year. We did the same thing last year and it seemed to work for us then, so we are going the same again in 2013. There will be a couple of things we want to try but the main aim is for everybody to get back into it, get up to speed and then away we go."</span></p>

<p><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><br />Loris Baz (Kawasaki Racing Team): "I am really ready for the season now. I had a good period of time off but it has been a while since we were on track because of the testing ban. I hear we have some new parts to test, in suspension and on the bike, so I am looking to see if we can improve in general and for me to reduce the gap to Tom. It is good to start testing at Almeria because it is a track that is not on the championship so we do not have any pressure and we can go step-by-step at the beginning."</span></p>

<p><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><br />Leon Camier (FIXI Crescent Suzuki): "I'm really looking forward to the test and seeing the progress the guys have made in the winter. I know that they have refined the bike quite a bit and that it has more power than last year, so I'm really excited about riding it. We will also have the new 17inch wheels to test, so it will be good to see how the bike behaves with them. I'm sure, that with everything the crew has done back at the workshop, we will be a lot nearer where we want to be. I've managed to do lots of riding during the break, including some Enduro and push-bike trials, and I'm off to do a bit of dirt-track before I go to Almeria, so that should sharpen me up nicely for the two tests." </span></p>

<p><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><br />Jules Cluzel (FIXI Crescent Suzuki): "I've had over two months of waiting to ride the FIXI Crescent Suzuki GSX-R and I'm now really excited that the time is here to get out on track. I don't really have an idea of what to expect from a 1000cc machine, how it will feel and handle and mostly how much quicker it will be, but I know I am really looking forward to whatever happens. I have done lots of training through the winter to get fitter and stronger and I had an operation to cure my arm-pump issues and that has been a success, so I feel really good and ready to go. I've ridden at Jerez before, but have never been to Almeria, so it's a good place to start my experience on the bike, as I don't know the track nor the GSX-R, so I can take it steady to start with and get to learn both."</span></p>

<p><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><br />Both teams will then move to Jerez to join other World Superbike teams for a further two-day test that will take place on 22-23 January.</span></p>

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<p><img alt="Alex Schacht" src="http://www.worldsbk.com/images/stories/news/schacht_news.jpg" height="350" width="750" /><span style="font-size: 10pt;"></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Nineteen year old Alex Schacht joins an ever growing list of former Superstock 600cc riders to make the step into the World Supersport Championship for 2013. The talented Dane, put pen to paper on Sunday and will line up for his debut World Championship season with the vastly experienced Racing Team Toth. </span></p>

<p><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><br />Schacht made huge steps forward last year narrowly missing out on the podium in several races on his way to 4th place overall in the European Superstock 600 Championship. He will be looking to once again lock horns with other Superstock graduates - Michael van der Mark, Matt Davies and Nacho Calero to name but a few.</span></p>

<p><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><br />"I am delighted, extremely excited and proud to have signed for Racing Team Toth" commented Alex Schacht. "They have a huge amount of experience and success in both the WSBK and GP paddocks and I know that they are the right team for me to make my debut appearance in World Championship competition."</span></p>

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<p><img alt="sbk_crescent_test_almeria_20130117" src="http://www.worldsbk.com/images/stories/sbk_crescent_test_almeria_20130117.jpg" height="350" width="750" /></p>

<p><span style="font-size: 10pt;">FIXI Crescent Suzuki has kick-started its 2013 eni FIM Superbike World Championship season by completing the first day of testing at the Almeria circuit in Spain.<br /></span></p>

<p> </p>

<p><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Leon Camier and new signing Jules Cluzel worked on a thorough testing schedule that will encompass updated electronics, improved aerodynamics and a new-spec engine for 2013, during the two days in Spain. Both riders completed many laps today and the Yoshimura-powered Suzuki GSX-R performed faultlessly.</span></p>

<p><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><br />Cluzel was making his first appearance for the FIXI Crescent Suzuki team and his debut on a fully-fledged Superbike. The Frenchman looked comfortable from the start and adapted to the new bike quickly. He was pleased to get the first day under-his-belt and is looking forward to improving tomorrow.</span></p>

<p><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><br />With a strong breeze blowing under clear and sunny skies, Camier went about his work in a methodical and professional manner, and whilst fast lap-times were not the order of the day, he showed that he is already on the pace and looking hungry for the season ahead.</span></p>

<p><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><br />FIXI Crescent Suzuki will conclude the Almeria test with one more day of testing before heading off to Jerez for a further two-day test next week.</span></p>

<p><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><br />Leon Camier: "It has been a good day and we got through a lot of work and checked most things out - which is the major part of these shakedown tests. I used the hard tyres for most of the day, as we weren't trying for fast times, but just making sure that everything on the bike was where I remembered it should be! We still have a lot to do tomorrow and will continue in the same way as we have today. I'll have the new-spec 2013 engine to use tomorrow, so I am looking forward to that - if the track feeling is as good as the dyno data it will be a good step."</span></p>

<p><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><br />Jules Cluzel: "It was fantastic to be able to ride the FIXI Crescent Suzuki GSX-R for the first time! It was a big difference from my last bike and it has so much power compared to the weight, so I have to alter my riding style because everything is happening much faster! The bike also enters the corners much quicker, but it feels good and I'm enjoying it. I am also having to learn how the tyres, electronics and the chassis work and just understand what's happening. I used only the hardest compound tyres today as I need time to learn, but my lap-times were not too bad and I was happy for the first day on a completely new bike on a new track. I'm really looking forward to tomorrow and I'm sure as I get more experience I will be able to go faster."</span></p>

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<p><img alt="Jonathan Rea" src="http://www.worldsbk.com/images/stories/news/team_pata_news.jpg" height="350" width="750" /><span style="font-size: 10pt;"></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Verona's annual motorcycle exhibition Motor Bike Expo was stage for the Pata Honda Team official presentation, which took place two days ago in front of a huge crowd. The team's World Superbike duo of Jonathan Rea and new signing Leon Haslam was joined by Lorenzo Zanetti and Michael van der Mark, both to make their World Supersport Championship race debut at Phillip Island on February, 24th.</span></p>

<p><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><br />Racing fans and motorcycle enthusiasts attending the event had the opportunity for a first look at the team coloured Honda CBR1000RR and CBR600RR that will compete this year in the two global production-based series. The all new livery designed for the 2013 season features logos of new sponsors Pata and Tonello Energie.</span></p>

<p><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><br />"This is a really exciting moment" said Rea after the unveiling of the team and its new racing livery. "I think the bikes and the leathers look great and we know that there are some exciting developments for the CBR for this season, so I can't wait for it to start."</span></p>

<p><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><br />"It's great for me to be back with Honda for 2013" Haslam added "and I'm really happy with the whole look of the Pata Honda team. We've got a two-day test in Jerez next week, before all the kit has to be packed up for Australia. The first round can't come soon enough for me!"</span></p>

<p><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><br />Haslam recently spoke to WorldSBK.com about the season ahead and the successful operation he underwent to remove two screws from his right leg, that were placed eleven months ago to correct the injury sustained at Phillip Island during a pre-season test:</span></p>

<p><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><br />"The winter always feels very long, this year we spent it in England training and I also had an operation to get the screws out from my tibia. From a racing point of view I'm a lot fitter than I was last season. In 2012 it was an injury after another, now I'm now nearly 100% fit."</span></p>

<p><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><br />The team will perform a two-day test at Jerez starting tomorrow to evaluate the modifications made on the Honda CBR1000RR during the winter break, as Haslam explains in detail: "The changes involve many areas of the bike, there are some modifications to the weight distribution and we have an upgrade in suspension. Ten Kate have put a lot of effort into engine development and Honda will introduce new electronics for the season. Of course we have to work on these improvements in order to use them during the season."</span></p>

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<p><img alt="Ernesto Marinelli" src="http://www.worldsbk.com/images/stories/news/547_r10_marinelli_ducati_box.jpg" height="350" width="750" /><span style="font-size: 10pt;"></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size: 10pt;">The new era of Ducati under Audi Group comes with big changes and challenges at various levels. Motorcycle racing makes no exception, as the Italian brand is set to face the ever closer 2013 eni FIM Superbike World Championship with a new and experienced factory supported team.</span></p>

<p><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><br />After a successful three year collaboration with Althea Racing, the manufacturer from Borgo Panigale joined again forces with the Alstare Team to continue its involvement in the leading global production derived series. The return of the Belgian based team on the SBK scene after a sabbatical taken in 2012 goes hand to hand with the arrival of the 1199 Panigale RS13, Ducati's new full-fledged WSBK machine.</span></p>

<p><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><br />WorldSBK.com had an opportunity to speak with Ernesto Marinelli, Ducati Superbike Project Manager, about the outlook for 2013 and more.</span></p>

<p><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><br /><strong>The Alstare Ducati Team is currently undergoing its final day of testing at Jerez. How well did the development on the 1199 Panigale RS13 progress during the test ban?</strong></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><br />"It's been a tough two months, the work on both project and development sides keeps flowing non-stop and at the same time we managed to assemble the new F13 Superbike version of the 1199R for this very first test of 2013 - and its baptism on track. We have consolidated the stage of development we reached during the last test of 2012 and the Jerez outing was meant as a shakedown and an opportunity to get a base setup for the bike."</span></p>

<p><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><br /><strong>How are the developmental tasks divided between Ducati and Alstare?</strong></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><br />"The drive train and overall machine development are carried out in Bologna, Alstare has a huge potential and experience in terms of structure and personnel, they will help us developing the bike on both track and engine test stands."</span></p>

<p><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><br /><strong>How is the cooperation between Ducati and Alstare moving forward?</strong></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><br />"Very well. We haven't had much time available and both sides are doing their best and working in record time. I hold Francis in high esteem, we're both focused and determined to aim for the best possible result and the chemistry between us makes our collaboration extremely positive".</span></p>

<p><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><br /><strong>How hard will be to continue on the path of success drawn by the 1198?</strong></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><br />"It is more difficult to stay on top than to get there, nowadays the battle for the maximum performance is as close as it has ever been. The air restrictor penalty on the Panigale is higher than the one that gave us some issues on the 1198, so it'll be a double challenge. The situation is more balanced on the Superstock side, as the bikes are closer to their production counterparts."</span></p>

<p><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><br /><strong>What are the goals of Ducati for the 2013 eni FIM Superbike World Championship?</strong></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><br />"Our goal is - as it's always been - to win, and we'll do our utmost to be successful."</span></p>

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<p><img alt="Ayrton Badovini" src="http://www.worldsbk.com/images/stories/news/badovini_test_jerez.jpg" height="350" width="750" /><span style="font-size: 10pt;"></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Team SBK Ducati Alstare and its riders Carlos Checa and Ayrton Badovini have completed the first test session of the 2013 season, having collated some useful data despite the three day session having been reduced to little more than three hours of track time due to bad weather at the Jerez circuit in Spain.</span></p>

<p><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><br />Under the supervision of team manager Francis Battà and Ducati SBK project manager Ernesto Marinelli, the newly formed team were unable to complete much work on Saturday and Sunday due to the persistent rain and strong winds but made the most of Monday, in improved conditions, completing as much as possible in the half day available to them and collecting important information.</span></p>

<p><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><br />It was of course not possible to respect the original planned programme of work but the limited track time did allow the riders to build their confidence with the bike and provide some good feedback which will prove to be an extremely important starting point when it comes to the next tests in Australia.</span></p>

<p><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><br />The 1199 Panigale R bikes will now go back to Alstare's racing department where work will continue in coming weeks. The SBK Ducati Alstare team is scheduled to return to the tracks on 14-15 February at Phillip Island, for more private testing.before the final official tests take place at the same circuit.</span></p>

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<p><img alt="Kevin Ash" src="http://www.worldsbk.com/images/stories/news/ash2_2459710b.jpg" height="350" width="750" /><span style="font-size: 10pt;"></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size: 10pt;">WorldSBK.com has learnt with great sadness of the tragic loss of one of the most high valued and regarded journalists in the motorcycle industry. Kevin Ash from England passed away on Tuesday after a fatal accident during a BMW Motorrad launch event in South Africa. WorldSBK.com wishes to send its sincerest condolences to Kevin's family and friends.</span></p>

<p><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><br /><em>Following the official statement released last night by BMW Motorrad:</em></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><br />"It is with deep regret that BMW Motorrad confirms the fatal injury of Kevin Ash in a motorcycle accident during a launch event in South Africa. The accident happened to the north of a town called George, 250 kilometres east of Cape Town. Out of respect for Kevin's family and friends, no further information is being made available at this time."<br /> </span></p>

<p><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><br />Adrian Roderick, General Manager for BMW Motorrad UK, said: "We are shocked and deeply saddened to hear the awful news about Kevin Ash; one of the most well-liked, experienced and respected journalists in the extremely close-knit motorcycle community. Losing Kevin is a tragedy which will be felt across the entire industry. He was a friend, as much as a journalist, and will be sorely missed. Our heartfelt thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues at this awful time."</span></p>

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<p><img alt="Sylvain Guintoli" src="http://www.worldsbk.com/images/stories/news/guintoli_apriliaracing_jerez.jpg" height="350" width="750" /><span style="font-size: 10pt;"></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Aprilia Racing Team concluded the tests today at the Spanish circuit of Jerez de la Frontera, the last ones before leaving for Australia where, on 24 February at Phillip Island, the 2013 World Superbike Championship will get underway.</span></p>

<p><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><br />Eugene Laverty and newcomer Sylvain Guintoli had to deal with poor weather which had a significant impact on the test sessions yesterday. The sun that came out today on the other hand allowed the two riders to complete the scheduled work, getting in a fair amount of laps at some interesting times.</span></p>

<p><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><br />Both riders fell victim to sliding crashes with no serious consequences, but it wasn't enough to compromise progress or the physical condition of Sylvain and Eugene.<span style="font-size: 10pt;"> </span>At the end of the day the Aprilia Racing standard bearers were in the top six times, a result that demonstrates the competitiveness of the Italian team in view of the 2013 season.</span></p>

<p><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><br />In a few days the Aprilia Racing Team will leave for Phillip Island, Australia, where two test sessions are scheduled before the race which will mark the beginning of the 2013 WSBK Championship.</span></p>

<p><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><br />Northern Irishman Eugene Laverty, who put the third best time on the boards, looks forward confidently toward the impending season: "Despite the less than perfect conditions of the track, we were able to do some good work. Our progress compared to the tests in November on this same track confirm my feelings. The crash was due to a loss of grip when I tried pushing beyond the track grip limit, but it didn't compromise our testing sessions. Now I'm ready to fly to Australia where we'll finally be able to put these values to work for us on the track".</span></p>

<p><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><br />"These were two very interesting days - commented Frenchman Sylvain Guintoli, after only his second time out astride the official RSV4 - yesterday we had the opportunity to lap on the wet track, gathering important information and getting an idea of my feeling with the RSV4 even in these conditions. Today, with the track drying out, lap by lap I was able to find the good pace I had in the last tests. Maybe that led me to push a little too hard and I crashed. Fortunately I came away with just a few scratches! Before leaving for Australia we'll decide on the definitive technical choices, but I think our prospects are good".</span></p>

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<p><img alt="Haslam and Rea" src="http://www.worldsbk.com/images/stories/news/jerez_test_gb43989.jpg" height="350" width="750" /><span style="font-size: 10pt;"></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Jonathan Rea and Leon Haslam have completed a two-day test at Jerez in Spain, their first track outing in the new Pata Honda World Superbike livery and the final European winter test for the team. The team used its second test at Jerez - new to the eni FIM Superbike World Championship calendar for the 2013 season - to concentrate on the new electronics package that is being developed from Honda's MotoGP project.</span></p>

<p><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><br />Rea and Haslam also tested a heavily-revised swingarm for their Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade machines, together with an all-new exhaust system from Termignoni.</span></p>

<p><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><br />The Pata Honda World Superbike team will now make the long return journey to its base in The Netherlands to make final preparations to the race bikes before they are crated up next week for transportation to Australia.</span></p>

<p><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><br />The team will take part in two further tests at the Phillip Island circuit there, ahead of the first round of the 2013 World Superbike season on 24 February.</span></p>

<p><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><br />Jonathan Rea: "We're not really where we want to be right now because we couldn't get as much out of these two days as we would have liked. Some things just can't be fixed on site and the electronics problem we had was one of those. The system was taking too much power away so we really needed more track time to sort that out. However, I felt some good things, like it's catching slides a lot more safely now, so that's encouraging. It's been a frustrating test and shown us that we need more track time before the first round, but that's coming in Australia, so we'll hope for better luck there."</span></p>

<p><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><br />Leon Haslam: "It's been a long, tough couple of days and frustrating in a lot of ways. We had some electronics issues and what we thought were engine braking problems. They turned out to be a problem with the brakes themselves. In the end, we changed the pads and threw in a random electronics package and I got maybe four or five laps towards the end of the day. It's been one problem after another but those last laps showed that the bike is going to be good. It was a much needed test but ended up as a frustrating one, so I can't wait to get back on it in Australia."</span></p>

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<p><img alt="Kenan Sofuoglu" src="http://www.worldsbk.com/images/stories/sofuoglu_test_jerez.jpg" height="350" width="750" /><span style="font-size: 10pt;"></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Kenan Sofuoglu and Fabien Foret made their final European test of the winter season at Jerez, finding one dry day of weather in which to test the latest specification Kawasaki Mahi Racing Ninja ZX-6Rs. Even though the first day was wet Sofuoglu set many laps in his quest to find a good set-up on his machine, something he feels had eluded him fully in rainy conditions in 2012 even though he won the title on a Kawasaki last season.</span></p>

<p><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><br />In the dry he found even more improvements in front end feel and performance as he and his peer group experienced much better track conditions than on the first day. Now running his number 1 plate as 2012 Champion Kenan's best lap today was a 1'43.890, the fastest of the whole test in the Supersport class.</span></p>

<p><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><br />Foret, who caught a cold shortly before the tests began, focused most of his energies on the second dry day of action, working on set-up options. He set a best of 1'45.290 but he is confident that when the team get to Australia for the final test, and then the first round itself, they will be on the pace to compete.</span></p>

<p><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><br />David Salom also tested at Jerez for the Intermoto Kawasaki Team, setting a best lap time of 1'46.027.</span></p>

<p><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><br />Kenan Sofuoglu: "Yesterday was very wet sometimes but I am happy that we found good improvements in our wet set-up. I did not have a good feeling until late yesterday in those conditions. By the end of the day we had made a very big improvement. We changed a lot, so I am very happy. I wanted to make a lot of laps in the morning today when the track was drying out. I am leaving here very pleased because at the test in November I had some problems in the dry with the feel on the front, because of my riding style.</span></p>

<p><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><br />Now I am satisfied because they found some suspension improvements for me and they will now go and build some new material to give me a wider range of adjustments to work with. I am sure they will make another improvement so I am happy with the team, the bike and the package. I really wanted to come here to test again before we went to Phillip Island so I could see if the other teams were ready or not, so I am happy that the test went well and that my team will be ready to fight in the first race."</span></p>

<p><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><br />Fabien Foret: "In previous tests we have been unlucky with the weather and then a big crash. Again here we found bad weather weather but today we had a dry track to work on. We took a direction in set-up that we found was not the right one for me and my riding style but now we know what to do. I would have liked to have been on the pace before we go to Phillip Island but I know I will be when we get there. The way of working is good but we have some stuff to adjust to - but that is why we go testing. It is all a learning experience for all of us in this new team."</span></p>

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<p><img alt="Michael Van der Mark" src="http://www.worldsbk.com/images/stories/news/vandermark_test_jerez.jpg" height="350" width="750" /><span style="font-size: 10pt;"></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size: 10pt;">The Pata Honda World Supersport Team made its first outing since the official launch in Verona last weekend, completing a two-day test at Jerez in Spain yesterday.</span></p>

<p><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><br />The new pairing of Michael van der Mark and Lorenzo Zanetti, both World Supersport debutants, put their Honda CBR600RRs through their paces on the same circuit at which they tested last November.</span></p>

<p><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><br />For Dutchman van der Mark it was a satisfying test in different conditions. The 20-year-old European Junior Superstock Champion completed a full race simulation with an improved and consistent race pace.</span></p>

<p><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><br />Zanetti, from Italy, continued the transition to his 2013 machine after competing in last year's World Superbike Championship. He improved his Jerez lap time by half a second and looks forward to more testing in Australia next month, where the first round of the World Supersport Championship will take place.</span></p>

<p><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><br />Michael van der Mark: "Yes, it was another good test for me. I am really enjoying the bike and getting used to the differences between it and the stock CBR600RR that I rode last season. The track conditions were not great and the circuit was not fully dry until around lunchtime on the second day. But I was able to put in a full race simulation and improved the consistency of my lap times for a better result. Now I am getting really excited about the trip to Australia - the Phillip Island circuit looks amazing and I cannot wait to ride there".</span></p>

<p><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><br />Lorenzo Zanetti: "These two days were a good opportunity for me to spend more time on the bike and to develop the new working relationship with the team. I am happy to say that both are working well - I am getting a better feeling with the bike and I was able to improve my lap time from the last test here. There is still a lot of work to do, so I am looking forward to some more testing time at Phillip Island before the first race".</span></p>

<p><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><br />Pieter Breddels - Technical Co-ordinator: "Michael did another good race run here at Jerez. It was better than the last time we were here, although he couldn't get the ultimate lap time, but conditions were quite different. Lorenzo has improved his consistency and his lap time by finding a more comfortable setting with the bike. It's been a positive test for both riders and we go to Phillip Island with confidence."</span></p>

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<p><img alt="Tom Sykes" src="http://www.worldsbk.com/images/stories/news/jerez_test_sykes.jpg" height="350" width="750" /><span style="font-size: 10pt;"></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Tom Sykes and Loris Baz experienced one wet and one dry day in testing at Jerez, but also found improvements on their official Ninja ZX-10R machines in each of the contrasting track conditions.</span></p>

<p><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><br />Sykes was up to his expected fast pace very early in the test and set a 1'40.5 second lap on a qualifying tyre in the last day, then did a 1'41.6 second lap on a race tyre. Young French rider Baz made great improvements once more and although the team opted not to use timing transponders, he set a best lap time that would place him in the top six of all the many riders on show. This was a pleasing result as he lost a lot of time in the pit box after he had a crash at turn two midway through the second day and his bike had to be rebuilt.</span></p>

<p><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><br />The first day at the tests was held in changeable and never fully dry conditions. Some heavy spells of rain made sure that the track would stay wet all day, not helped by the lack of sunshine. The track conditions rapidly improved on the second day, held in cold but sunny conditions throughout.</span></p>

<p><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><br />Tom Sykes: "We have to be very happy after this test. On the first day we had some wet track time and for some people it was maybe not very good but for us it was very valuable. Eventually on the last day we had decent track conditions and we got up to speed. We were able to test very constructively. Both days have been very valuable and I would like to thank the team and Kawasaki because our test schedule has been very good and all the time we have been moving forward. For this I am happy. This circuit is quite special and for sure it is not our strong point but looking at what is on paper we are not in a bad situation. On a race tyre we did a long run and was able to set a 1'41.7 time after 14 laps with this tyre option. Overall I am happy to have achieved what we have achieved and I am looking forward to the next test at Phillip Island."</span></p>

<p><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><br />Loris Baz: "It was a good test even if we missed two or three hours on the second day after a fall. It was a shame because we had some more things to try but we still made a big step forward and I am happy with what we found. I had a good feeling with the race tyre and also the qualifying tyre. I could not do a good time with a soft race tyres at the end because I did three laps on it and each time I found some other rider in front of me. I am sure I could have made a good time and I am not so far from Tom. Also, using a qualifying tyre it was the first time I was able to make a big improvement so I am happy with that because, with only three riders on each starting row in 2013, Superpole qualifying is going to be very important. The front end feeling we have now gives me a better way to use the good grip from the rear tyre. I am happy to go to Phillip Island now."</span></p>

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<p><img alt="Vladimir Ivanov" src="http://www.worldsbk.com/images/stories/news/dmc_lor3.jpg" height="350" width="750" /><span style="font-size: 10pt;"></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Russian DMC Racing and Lorenzini Team are pleased to announce a strategic partnership for 2013 season. The new Kawasaki DMC Lorenzini Team will participate in the World Supersport Championship with two riders, Russian Vladimir Ivanov and Scotsman Kev Coghlan.</span></p>

<p><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><br />The experience of Italian and Russian technicians and the skills of both riders will help to on the way to major achievements in the series.</span></p>

<p><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><br />It won't be the first experience for DMC Racing on the international scene. Kev Coghlan and Alexey Ivanov - third rider of the team - took part in last year's FIM Superstock 1000 Cup, with Scotsman able to achieve his personal and team's maiden podium finish, a second place at the Nürburgring.</span></p>

<p><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><br />As for Vladimir Ivanov, the Russian rider has already raced on the world scene in Moto2 and World Supersport. Ivanov, who is the current Russian Superbike Champion, is widely known among his home country motorcycle racing fans. This will help attracting more and more local spectators to the Russian SBK round. </span></p>

<p><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><br />At the same time, the talented Alexey Ivanov will try his skills in European Superstock 600 Championship. Kawasaki DMC Lorenzini Team will also aim to a very special purpose in further promoting road racing in Russia. </span></p>

<p><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><br />Sergey Glagolev, DMC Racing Director, said: "We were earlier involved in negotiations with MV Agusta, but they decided to create their own plan for the season. We had an idea of switching from Superstock 1000 to Supersport for 2014, but we ended up considering to take our activities to a new level already for the upcoming season. So, we will be working together with the Lorenzini team, which is one of the best teams in the SBK paddock. We worked hard before and we are going to do our best once again, the cooperation with Vanni represents an opportunity to grow even higher!"</span></p>

<p><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><br />Vanni Lorenzini: "We will share our thirteen-year experience and expertise - that ultimately brought to last year's World Supersport Title - with our new colleagues. When we began negotiating with the DMC management, I realized that I was dealing with professionals who really want to develop a team, so I am very excited with this new role. I would also like to thank Kawasaki for their 2013 season support. Now we are planning to join DMC for testing, before travelling to Australia for the World Supersport Season Opener."</span></p>

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