Valentino Rossi will leave Jerez tonight with a brand new BMW M car and, more importantly, a crucial psychological advantage over his title rivals after winning the 40 minute qualifying session at Jerez this afternoon.
The five time MotoGP World Champion took the 2007 BMW M Award with scorching 138.394 lap, clocked with just five minutes to go in the session. It is the second time that Rossi has won the award, and an excellent end to a preseason where the 800cc Yamaha M1 has shone brightly.
The Italian had to work for it though, and a vintage display was required to edge out early pacesetter Dani Pedrosa. Repsol Hondas Spanish star had laid down the gauntlet early on by breaking first the 140 then the 139 barrier as he pushed for the top spot.
After seeing Rossi clock his eventual winning time Pedrosa completed a perfect lap at the death, beating his best times at all four timed sections of the circuit. His final fastest lap was 138.527, under two tenths of a second slower than his World Championship rival.
Day Three Combined Official Times
1. Valentino Rossi (Yamaha Factory Racing) - 1'38.394
2. Dani Pedrosa (Repsol Honda) - 1'38.527
3. Colin Edwards (Yamaha Factory Racing) - 1'39.300
4. Nicky Hayden (Repsol Honda) - 1'39.556
5. Randy de Puniet (Kawasaki Racing Team) - 1'39.832
6. Casey Stoner (Ducati Marlboro Team) - 1'39.873
7. Loris Capirossi (Ducati Marlboro Team) - 1'39.887
8. Chris Vermeulen (Rizla Suzuki MotoGP) - 1'40.043
Monday, February 26, 2007
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Set new record |
The Italian, who lost his crown when he finished as runner-up to Nicky Hayden in last year's championship, smashed the existing circuit best lap with a time of 1 minute 38.394 seconds on his Yamaha.
The new mark was set despite the fact that this season the bikes in the MotoGP class have been reduced in capacity from 990cc to 800cc. The previous best lap was 1:39.064 set by Loris Capirossi on a Ducati in 2006.
Rossi's main title rival Dani Pedrosa of Spain was second quickest, 0.133 down on the Yamaha rider, while the Italian's team mate Colin Edwards clocked the third fastest time.
Champion Hayden, who is still regaining confidence after shoulder surgery, was fourth in the rankings, 1.112 seconds behind Rossi.
"It's magnificent, but of course it doesn't count towards world championship points," Rossi said. "It is the first battle won.
"The new Yamaha is already faster than last year's model and it seems to be effective at every circuit. It is a good starting point for 2007."
Pedrosa told Spanish state television: "I'm delighted, I didn't expect to go this fast. I'm very impressed."
The last official test turned into a shoot out between Rossi and Pedrosa, with the two riders seeking a psychological edge ahead of the season-opening grand prix in Qatar on March 10.
Marco Melandri, who was fastest in testing on Friday and Saturday, dropped down the rankings on the final day. He clocked the 14th fastest time on his Honda.
Friday, February 02, 2007
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Rossi stay with Yamaha until 2008 |
The next two seasons will see Rossi ride as part of Yamaha’s Official Factory Team, with which he has already won two MotoGP World Championship titles since joining the Factory in 2004. The Italian, who turns 28 this month, has won 25 Grand Prix during his three seasons with Yamaha and currently stands third in the all-time Grand Prix winners list.
Rossi, who is spearheading the rider development of Yamaha’s new 800cc motorcycle in the run-up to the new MotoGP season, will be back in action next week for Yamaha’s second test of the year in Sepang, Malaysia.
Lin Jarvis, Managing Director of Yamaha Motor Racing, commented “We are thrilled to confirm that our partnership with Valentino will continue for a fifth year in 2008, and it’s especially good to have completed all contract negotiations before the start of the rapidly approaching 2007 racing season. This now leaves Valentino free to concentrate solely on the job in hand – winning back the World Championship! The past three years with Valentino have been a huge success for the Yamaha brand worldwide, Valentino is a great champion and there is no doubt in our minds that he remains the best possible person to continue to lead Yamaha’s MotoGP effort for the foreseeable future."
"I'm very happy I renewed the contract with Yamaha until the end of 2008 so now I can just concentrate on racing this season." said Rossi. "I think that last year, when we fought back from what seemed an impossible situation to come so close to taking the title, showed what a fantastic team we are and this is why I want to stay with Yamaha. The past three years with Yamaha have been very positive and this is why I am pleased to stay. The atmosphere in our garage is always relaxed and happy and I think that this is something very special and difficult to find. I have great faith in Yamaha and I am very excited about my future and the future of the 800cc bike with them. We are ready to challenge with the new 800cc and now this agreement gives us the chance to launch this challenge for the next two years'.
Davide Brivio, Team Director of Yamaha Factory Racing, commented: "During the last three seasons we have won on our debut with Valentino in 2004, dominated in 2005 and lost in 2006: to extend the contract for a further year at the end of a difficult season like the last one is the greatest demonstration of the trust Valentino has placed in this Team. This is the great motivation for everyone; Valentino, the engineers, the mechanics, all the staff and, of course, all those who, like me, have lived and continue to live through the victories and the defeats so intensely. We will continue to enjoy ourselves on track and to provide enjoyment for the huge numbers of passionate fans of two-wheeled sport; together we will look forward to the next two seasons with great energy."
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