F1 and all kinds of Auto Racing

[Wild Rose]

so happy for Felipe today!!!

Spanish GP Results

Pos. Driver Team Time

1 F. Massa Ferrari 1:31:36.230

2 L. Hamilton McLaren + 6.670

3 F. Alonso McLaren + 17.456

4 R. Kubica BMW + 31.615

5 D. Coulthard Red Bull + 58.331

6 N. Rosberg Williams + 59.538

7 H. Kovalainen Renault + 62.128

8 T. Sato Super Aguri + 1 laps

9 G. Fisichella Renault + 1 laps

10 R. Barrichello Honda + 1 laps

11 A. Davidson Super Aguri + 1 laps

12 J. Button Honda + 1 laps

13 A. Sutil Spyker F1 + 2 laps

14 C. Albers Spyker F1 + 2 laps

Did not finish

15 N. Heidfeld BMW + 18 laps

16 R. Schumacher Toyota + 20 laps

17 V. Liuzzi Scuderia Toro Rosso + 46 laps

18 S. Speed Scuderia Toro Rosso + 55 laps

19 K. Räikkönen Ferrari + 56 laps

20 J. Trulli Toyota + 57 laps

21 M. Webber Red Bull + 58 laps

22 A. Wurz Williams + 64 laps

[Wild Rose]

Kimi wins in G.Britain!!!!!!!!!!

[AzurEplum]

Yay to Kimi!!! Ferrari is back!

[Nightlife]

time to fire this thread up a bit eh

DEBUTANTS STAR IN AUSSIE GP.

The opening round of the 2007 Formula 1 season, at Albert Park Melbourne Australia, featured some stunning debut performances. Finlands Kimi Raikkonen put his nightmare 2006 behind him, as he dominated the entire meeting to record a well earned victory in his first drive for his new team - Ferrari. However, possibly, even his drive was overshadowed by young English driver, Lewis Hamilton finishing on the podium in third place in his first ever Grand prix, having led the race at some point. The other podium position also featured a debutant drive as reigning World Champion, Fernando Alonso joined his young teamate in the top 3, in his first drive for his new team - Mclaren.

However, magnificent as Lewis performance was, it's only a start, of course the British media are going way over the top with the hype, already calling him a champion etc. Sure he showed that he's definately got what it takes, but give him time and space please. Don't try to pressure him into running before he can walk.

Australian Grand Prix Melbourne 17th March 2007

1 6 Kimi RAIKKONEN FIN - FERRARI

2 1 Fernando ALONSO SPA - McLAREN

3 2 Lewis HAMILTON GBR - McLAREN

4 9 Nick HEIDFELD GER - BMW

5 3 Giancarlo FISICHELLA ITA - RENAULT

6 5 Felipe MASSA BRA - FERRARI

7 16 Nico ROSBERG GER - WILLIAMS

8 11 Ralf SCHUMACHER GER - TOYOTA

[Nightlife]

STONE ME! IS THAT DUCATI FAST OR WHAT?

Last weekend the 2007 Moto GP season blasted off in the deserts of Qatar ( sorry about the delay motogp.com is only just back on after "maintenance" ) Just as the last of the 990cc Moto GPs was won by an Aussie riding a Ducati, so was the first of the new 800cc format. As if to emphisise the express "out with the old and in with the new" the last race of the old class was won by a veteren, Troy Bayliss, whilst the first of the new saw a "young up and comer", Casey Stoner, achieve his first Moto GP victory - and i very much doubt that it will be his last. He rode superbly, although it has to be said that his Ducati had a major top speed advantage over the rest, in particular the Yamaha mounted Valentino Rossi who finished second. Having said that it would have been easy for young Casey to have made a mistake as he was under severe pressure from the Italian Mastro, but he didn't and so thoroughly deserved to win. Dani Pedrosa completed the podium.

The 250cc race saw a dominant win for reigning Champ, Spaniard Jorge Lorenzo, from Alex de Angelis and Hector Barbera. Another Hector, Faubel, won the 125cc event.

All in all an interesting race ( 4 different bikes in the first 4 places ) which promises a good season ahead. This weekend the 4-wheel GP circus starts in Melbourne.

Commercialbank GRAND PRIX OF QATAR Losail Circuit, Doha, Saturday, March 10, 2007

MotoGP Race Classification after 22 laps = 118.36 km

1 27 Casey STONER AUS - DUCATI

2 46 Valentino ROSSI ITA - YAMAHA

3 26 Dani PEDROSA SPA - HONDA

4 21 John HOPKINS USA - SUZUKI

5 33 Marco MELANDRI ITA - HONDA

6 5 Colin EDWARDS USA - YAMAHA

7 71 Chris VERMEULEN AUS - SUZUKI

8 1 Nicky HAYDEN USA - HONDA

9 4 Alex BARROS BRA - DUCATI

10 56 Shinya NAKANO JPN - HONDA

11 66 Alex HOFMANN GER - DUCATI

12 19 Olivier JACQUE FRA - KAWASAKI

13 10 Kenny ROBERTS JR USA - KR212V

14 24 Toni ELIAS SPA - HONDA

15 50 Sylvain GUINTOLI FRA - YAMAHA

250cc Race Classification after 20 laps = 107.6 km

1 1 Jorge LORENZO SPA - APRILIA

2 3 Alex DE ANGELIS RSM - APRILIA

3 80 Hector BARBERA SPA - APRILIA

4 12 Thomas LUTHI SWI - APRILIA

5 34 Andrea DOVIZIOSO ITA - HONDA

6 15 Roberto LOCATELLI ITA - GILERA

7 55 Yuki TAKAHASHI JPN - HONDA

8 60 Julian SIMON SPA - HONDA

9 58 Marco SIMONCELLI ITA - GILERA

10 73 Shuhei AOYAMA JPN - HONDA

11 41 Aleix ESPARGARO SPA - APRILIA

12 32 Fabrizio LAI ITA - APRILIA

13 14 Anthony WEST AUS - APRILIA

14 8 Ratthapark WILAIROT THA - HONDA

15 28 Dirk HEIDOLF GER - APRILIA

125cc Race Classification after 18 laps = 96.84 km

1 55 Hector FAUBEL SPA - APRILIA

2 14 Gabor TALMACSI HUN - APRILIA

3 52 Lukas PESEK CZE - DERBI

4 35 Raffaele DE ROSA ITA - APRILIA

5 24 Simone CORSI ITA - APRILIA

6 71 Tomoyoshi KOYAMA JPN - KTM

7 44 Pol ESPARGARO SPA - APRILIA

8 12 Esteve RABAT SPA - HONDA

9 22 Pablo NIETO SPA - APRILIA

10 7 Alexis MASBOU FRA - HONDA

11 6 Joan OLIVE SPA - APRILIA

12 38 Bradley SMITH GBR - HONDA

13 60 Michael RANSEDER AUT - DERBI

14 63 Mike DI MEGLIO FRA - HONDA

15 29 Andrea IANNONE ITA - APRILIA

[Nightlife]

VALENTINO SKITTLES 'EM AT JEREZ

After dominating the Spanish Moto GP at Jerez, Valentino Rossi and his fan club treated the World to another of their famous celebrations, as "The Doctor" bowled an imaginary bowling ball to score a "Strike" knocking down 9 Skittles!

The Italian genius had led all but the first half lap to record a comfortable victory over local hero and Polesitter, Spaniard Dani Pedrosa. Further joy for the FIAT Yamaha squad in the shape of second team rider, Texan, Colin Edwards completing the podium.

An absolute corker of a 250cc race saw reigning Champ Jorge Lorenzo record his second victory of the year, but only after a tremendous fight with reigning 125cc Champ, Alvaro Bautista; and Andrea Dovizioso, also a 125cc Champ ( 2004 ).

The 125cc race saw a photo-finish with Gabor Talmacsi just pipping Lukas Pesek right on the line.

GRAN PREMIO bwin.com DE ESPAÑA Jerez de la Frontera, Sunday, March 25, 2007

MotoGP Race Classification after 27 laps = 119.421 km

1 46 Valentino ROSSI ITA - YAMAHA

2 26 Dani PEDROSA SPA - HONDA

3 5 Colin EDWARDS USA - YAMAHA

4 24 Toni ELIAS SPA - HONDA

5 27 Casey STONER AUS - DUCATI

6 7 Carlos CHECA SPA - HONDA

7 1 Nicky HAYDEN USA - HONDA

8 33 Marco MELANDRI ITA - HONDA

9 71 Chris VERMEULEN AUS - SUZUKI

10 56 Shinya NAKANO JPN - HONDA

11 4 Alex BARROS BRA - DUCATI

12 65 Loris CAPIROSSI ITA - DUCATI

13 14 Randy DE PUNIET FRA - KAWASAKI

14 6 Makoto TAMADA JPN - YAMAHA

15 50 Sylvain GUINTOLI FRA - YAMAHA

250cc Race Classification after 26 laps = 114.998 km

1 1 Jorge LORENZO SPA - APRILIA

2 19 Alvaro BAUTISTA SPA - APRILIA

3 34 Andrea DOVIZIOSO ITA - HONDA

4 3 Alex DE ANGELIS RSM - APRILIA

5 6 Alex DEBON SPA - APRILIA

6 4 Hiroshi AOYAMA JPN - KTM

7 73 Shuhei AOYAMA JPN - HONDA

8 55 Yuki TAKAHASHI JPN - HONDA

9 14 Anthony WEST AUS - APRILIA

10 28 Dirk HEIDOLF GER - APRILIA

11 32 Fabrizio LAI ITA - APRILIA

12 8 Ratthapark WILAIROT THA - HONDA

13 25 Alex BALDOLINI ITA - APRILIA

14 50 Eugene LAVERTY IRL - HONDA

15 17 Karel ABRAHAM CZE - APRILIA

125cc Race Classification after 23 laps = 101.729 km

1 14 Gabor TALMACSI HUN - APRILIA

2 52 Lukas PESEK CZE - DERBI

3 55 Hector FAUBEL SPA - APRILIA

4 44 Pol ESPARGARO SPA - APRILIA

5 33 Sergio GADEA SPA - APRILIA

6 22 Pablo NIETO SPA - APRILIA

7 11 Sandro CORTESE GER - APRILIA

8 6 Joan OLIVE SPA - APRILIA

9 60 Michael RANSEDER AUT - DERBI

10 8 Lorenzo ZANETTI ITA - APRILIA

11 27 Stefano BIANCO ITA - APRILIA

12 29 Andrea IANNONE ITA - APRILIA

13 51 Steve BONSEY USA - KTM

14 18 Nicolas TEROL SPA - DERBI

15 53 Simone GROTZKYJ ITA - APRILIA

[Nightlife]

For those who missed it - Valentinos "skittles" celebration ( sorry about the language, couldn't find it in English. )

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=29EXAIeVGuo

Can't seem to find a video of my fav of his celebs, when 2 of his mates dressed as traffic cops ( complete with "hairdryer" ) and "nicked" him for speeding after he'd won the 2003 Italian GP at Mugello - i'll keep looking

[Nightlife]

McLAREN ALSO PUT 2006 BEHIND THEM!

3 weeks ago in Australia Kimi Raikkonen put his miserable 2006 experience aside as he won the opening 2007 Grand Prix; this weekend it was the turn of his then team - McLaren - to demonstrate that they are back amongst the winners. Reigning Champ Fernando Alonso led his young teamate, Lewis Hamilton, home to record a superb 1-2 for the Woking based outfit. The decisive moves of the race occured riight at the first corner, as the McLaren boys seized the lead 2 places from Ferrari men Kimi & Polesitter Felippe Massa. The Brazilian then dropped to 5th behind an impressive Nick Heidfeld after a bodged attempt to take 2nd from Hamilton.

Malaysian Grand Prix - Sepang , 8th April 2007

1 1 Fernando ALONSO SPA - McLAREN

2 2 Lewis HAMILTON ENG - McLAREN

3 6 Kimi RAIKKONEN FIN - FERRARI

4 9 Nick HEIDFELD GER - B.M.W.

5 5 Felipe MASSA BRA - FERRARI

6 3 Giancarlo FISICHELLA ITA - RENAULT

7 12 Jarno TRULLI ITA - TOYOTA

8 4 Heikki KOVALAINEN FIN - RENAULT

[Nightlife]

MASSA BACK ON TRACK AHEAD OF HISTORY MAN HAMILTON!

Felipe Massa "kick started" his 2007 season with a confident victory in Bahrain GP. Staring from pole he took the lead straight away, and apart from pit-stops was never headed. Lewis Hamilton continued his superb career start with a well balanced drive to 2nd place, the first time EVER that any driver has finished on the podium in his first 3 Grand Prix races. Lewis completely over shadowed his reigning World Champ teamate, Alonso, who finsihed in a disappointing 5th behind Kimi Raikkonen and another superb drive from BMWs Nick Heidfeld. 3 men now share the lead of the championship on 22 points, Alonso, Raikkonen and Hamilton; with Massa strongly in contention 5 points behind.

Bahrain Grand Prix - Sakhir 15th April 2007

1 5 Felipe MASSA BRA - FERRARI

2 2 Lewis HAMILTON ENG - McLAREN

3 6 Kimi RAIKKONEN FIN - FERRARI

4 9 Nick HEIDFELD GER - BMW

5 1 Fernando ALONSO SPA - McLAREN

6 10 Robert KUBICA POL - BMW

7 12 Jarno TRULLI ITA - TOYOTA

8 3 Giancarlo FISICHELLA - RENAULT

[Nightlife]

YOUNG "TURK" CASEY TRIUMPHS AGAIN AS VALE "TYRES"!

Casey Stoner recorded his 2nd victory in the 2007 season as he dominated the Turkish Moto GP aboard his Ducati. This was an extremely good race for the Italian Manufacturer as they also seized 3rd place ( Loris Capirossi ) and 4th ( veteren Alex Barros. ) "nd place fell to the dramatic Spaniard Toni Elias. Polesitter Valentino Rossi slipped down the field to 10th with tyre problems, but that was better than Dani Pedrosa whose race ended on the first lap in a multiplke collision involving Colin Edwards, Chris Vermeulen and Oliver Jacque.

The 250cc class race was another cracker won by Honda mounted Andrea Dovizioso, from reigning Champ Lorenzo and last years 125cc champ Bautista. Alvaro is one of a few 125 riders to move up, other who also did well are 2005 125 Champ Tommy Luthi and Miko Kallio. These lads have added to the 250cc class.

And the 125cc class hasn't suffered as new riders have risen to replace them. One of them is Simone Corsi who won his first Grand Prix ahead of Joan Olive. And a superb ride from Englands Bradley Smith who was on the pace of the race leaders and but for a mistake on the last corner would have finished higher than the 8th he obtained.

GRAND PRIX OF TURKEY Istanbul Park Circuit Istanbul, Sunday, April 22, 2007

MotoGP Race Classification after 22 laps = 117.48 km

1 27 Casey STONER AUS - DUCATI

2 24 Toni ELIAS SPA - HONDA

3 65 Loris CAPIROSSI ITA - DUCATI

4 4 Alex BARROS BRA - DUCATI

5 33 Marco MELANDRI ITA - HONDA

6 21 John HOPKINS USA - SUZUKI

7 1 Nicky HAYDEN USA - HONDA

8 14 Randy DE PUNIET FRA - KAWASAKI

9 66 Alex HOFMANN GER - DUCATI

10 46 Valentino ROSSI ITA - YAMAHA

11 71 Chris VERMEULEN AUS - SUZUKI

12 7 Carlos CHECA SPA - HONDA

13 56 Shinya NAKANO JPN - HONDA

14 6 Makoto TAMADA JPN - YAMAHA

16 50 Sylvain GUINTOLI FRA - YAMAHA

250cc Race Classification after 20 laps = 106.8 km

1 34 Andrea DOVIZIOSO ITA - HONDA

2 1 Jorge LORENZO SPA - APRILIA

3 19 Alvaro BAUTISTA SPA - APRILIA

4 3 Alex DE ANGELIS RSM - APRILIA

5 12 Thomas LUTHI SWI - APRILIA

6 36 Mika KALLIO FIN - KTM

7 60 Julian SIMON SPA - HONDA

8 80 Hector BARBERA SPA - APRILIA

9 58 Marco SIMONCELLI ITA - GILERA

10 32 Fabrizio LAI ITA - APRILIA

11 41 Aleix ESPARGARO SPA - APRILIA

12 17 Karel ABRAHAM CZE - APRILIA

13 28 Dirk HEIDOLF GER - APRILIA

14 25 Alex BALDOLINI ITA - APRILIA

15 8 Ratthapark WILAIROT THA - HONDA

125cc Race Classification after 19 laps = 101.46 km

1 24 Simone CORSI ITA - APRILIA

2 6 Joan OLIVE SPA - APRILIA

3 71 Tomoyoshi KOYAMA JPN - KTM

4 35 Raffaele DE ROSA ITA - APRILIA

5 14 Gabor TALMACSI HUN - APRILIA

6 52 Lukas PESEK CZE - DERBI

7 8 Lorenzo ZANETTI ITA - APRILIA

8 38 Bradley SMITH ENG - HONDA

9 29 Andrea IANNONE ITA - APRILIA

10 55 Hector FAUBEL SPA - APRILIA

11 44 Pol ESPARGARO SPA - APRILIA

12 60 Michael RANSEDER AUT - DERBI

13 22 Pablo NIETO SPA - APRILIA

14 12 Esteve RABAT SPA - HONDA

15 34 Randy KRUMMENACHE SWI - KTM

[Nightlife]

AUSSIES TRIUMPH IN CHINA AND FRANCE AS THE DOCTOR SLIPS FUTHER BEHIND

2 Moto GP races took place in the period where my computer was stuffed, both of them won by Australian riders. In China Casey Stoner continued his winning ways, using the superb speed of the Ducati to keep valentino Rossi at bay. This was another intelligent rider by Stoner, again under severe pressure from Vale. Suzuki made the podium with John Hopkins.

Jorge Lorenzo maintained his grip upon the 250cc class with another victory, whilst Luksa Pesek finally gained his first victory in the 125cc class.

SINOPEC GREAT WALL LUBRICANTS GP OF CHINA Shanghai, Sunday, May 06, 2007

MotoGP Race Classification after 22 laps = 116.182 km

1 27 Casey STONER AUS - DUCATI

2 46 Valentino ROSSI ITA - YAMAHA

3 21 John HOPKINS USA - SUZUKI

4 26 Dani PEDROSA SPA - HONDA

5 33 Marco MELANDRI ITA - HONDA

6 65 Loris CAPIROSSI ITA - DUCATI

7 71 Chris VERMEULEN AUS - SUZUKI

8 14 Randy DE PUNIET FRA - KAWASAKI

9 66 Alex HOFMANN GER - DUCATI

10 7 Carlos CHECA SPA - HONDA

11 5 Colin EDWARDS USA - YAMAHA

12 1 Nicky HAYDEN USA - HONDA

13 50 Sylvain GUINTOLI FRA - YAMAHA

14 4 Alex BARROS BRA - DUCATI

15 10 Kenny ROBERTS JR USA - KR212V

250cc Race Classification after 21 laps = 110.901 km

1 1 Jorge LORENZO SPA - APRILIA

2 19 Alvaro BAUTISTA SPA - APRILIA

3 34 Andrea DOVIZIOSO ITA - HONDA

4 3 Alex DE ANGELIS RSM - APRILIA

5 36 Mika KALLIO FIN - KTM

6 80 Hector BARBERA SPA - APRILIA

7 60 Julian SIMON SPA - HONDA

8 12 Thomas LUTHI SWI - APRILIA

9 4 Hiroshi AOYAMA JPN - KTM

10 32 Fabrizio LAI ITA - APRILIA

11 41 Aleix ESPARGARO SPA - APRILIA

12 Ratthapark WILAIROT THA - HONDA

13 14 Anthony WEST AUS - APRILIA

14 44 Taro SEKIGUCHI JPN - APRILIA

15 9 Arturo TIZON SPA - APRILIA

125cc Race Classification after 19 laps = 100.339 km

1 52 Lukas PESEK CZE - DERBI

2 55 Hector FAUBEL SPA - APRILIA

3 12 Esteve RABAT SPA - HONDA

4 14 Gabor TALMACSI HUN - APRILIA

5 24 Simone CORSI ITA - APRILIA

6 33 Sergio GADEA SPA - APRILIA

7 60 Michael RANSEDER AUT - DERBI

8 38 Bradley SMITH GBR - HONDA

9 44 Pol ESPARGARO SPA - APRILIA

10 75 Mattia PASINI ITA - APRILIA

11 29 Andrea IANNONE ITA - APRILIA

12 35 Raffaele DE ROSA ITA - APRILIA

13 7 Alexis MASBOU FRA FFM - HONDA

14 63 Mike DI MEGLIO FRA - HONDA

15 8 Lorenzo ZANETTI ITA - APRILIA

2 weeks later at the French GP at Le Mans, in soaking wet conditions Suzuki not only made the podium, but topped it as Chris Vermeulen scored his first Moto GP win. He was hard pushed by Marco Melandri, and Stoner strengthened his Championship lead by claiming 3rd.

Lorenzo again won in 250cc, whilst Sergio Gadea claimed the 125cc honours. Young Brit, Bradley Smith, claimed his first ever ( of many i hope ) podium.

ALICE GRAND PRIX DE FRANCE Le Mans, Sunday, May 20, 2007

MotoGP Race Classification after 28 laps = 117.04 km

1 71 Chris VERMEULEN AUS - SUZUKI

2 33 Marco MELANDRI ITA - HONDA

3 27 Casey STONER AUS - DUCATI

4 26 Dani PEDROSA SPA - HONDA

5 66 Alex HOFMANN GER - DUCATI

6 46 Valentino ROSSI ITA - YAMAHA

7 21 John HOPKINS USA - SUZUKI

8 65 Loris CAPIROSSI ITA - DUCATI

9 6 Makoto TAMADA JPN - YAMAHA

10 50 Sylvain GUINTOLI FRA - YAMAHA

11 11 Fonsi NIETO SPA - KAWASAKI

12 5 Colin EDWARDS USA - YAMAHA

250cc Race Classification after 26 laps = 108.68 km 20

1 1 Jorge LORENZO SPA - APRILIA

2 34 Andrea DOVIZIOSO ITA - HONDA

3 3 Alex DE ANGELIS RSM - APRILIA

4 80 Hector BARBERA SPA - APRILIA

5 60 Julian SIMON SPA - HONDA

6 58 Marco SIMONCELLI ITA - GILERA

7 36 Mika KALLIO FIN - KTM

8 19 Alvaro BAUTISTA SPA - APRILIA

9 73 Shuhei AOYAMA JPN - HONDA

10 14 Anthony WEST AUS - APRILIA

11 8 Ratthapark WILAIROT THA - HONDA

12 32 Fabrizio LAI ITA - APRILIA

13 25 Alex BALDOLINI ITA - APRILIA

14 44 Taro SEKIGUCHI JPN - APRILIA

15 50 Eugene LAVERTY IRL - HONDA

125cc Race Classification after 24 laps = 100.32 km

1 33 Sergio GADEA SPA - APRILIA

2 52 Lukas PESEK CZE - DERBI

3 38 Bradley SMITH GBR - HONDA

4 14 Gabor TALMACSI HUN - APRILIA

5 6 Joan OLIVE SPA - APRILIA

6 55 Hector FAUBEL SPA - APRILIA

7 11 Sandro CORTESE GER - APRILIA

8 24 Simone CORSI ITA - APRILIA

9 63 Mike DI MEGLIO FRA - HONDA

10 71 Tomoyoshi KOYAMA JPN - KTM

11 44 Pol ESPARGARO SPA - APRILIA

12 7 Alexis MASBOU FRA - HONDA

13 34 Randy KRUMMENACHE SWI - KTM

14 60 Michael RANSEDER AUT - DERBI

15 22 Pablo NIETO SPA - APRILIA

[Nightlife]

LEWIS CONTINUES TO SHINE BUT CAN'T QUITE MAKE THE TOP.

Meanwhile the 4-wheel men have also been active while i was not. A couple of weeks ago the Spanish GP was held at Barcelona and was won convincingly by polesitter, Ferraris Felipe Massa. Lewis Hamilton continued his run of podiums, but had no answer for the Brazilian driver. Spanish hero Fernando Alonso tried an ambitious move attempting to take Massa in the first corner, but failed so could only finish 3rd.

SPANISH GP Barcelona, 13th May 2007

1 5 Felipe MASSA BRA - FERRARI

2 2 Lewis HAMILTON ENG - McLAREN

3 1 Fernando ALONSO SPA - McLAREN

4 10 Robert KUBICA POL - B.M.W.

5 14 David COULTHARD GBR - RED BULL

6 16 Nico ROSBERG GER - WILLIAMS

7 4 Heikki KOVALAINEN FIN - RENAULT

8 22 Takuma SATO JPN - SUPER AGURI

If Alonso could be said to have made an error in his home GP, he made absolutely none in this afternoons Monaco GP. Lewis drove superbly all weekend to claim another second place, but in a weekend totally dominated by Ron Dennis team, his teamate showed why he is a double World Champ, with a convincing win from Pole. Massa finished 3rd.

MONACO GP Monte Carlo, 27th May 2007

1 1 Fernando ALONSO SPA - McLAREN

2 2 Lewis HAMILTON ENG - McLAREN

3 5 Felipe MASSA BRA - FERRARI

4 3 Giancarlo FISICHELLA ITA - RENAULT

5 10 Robert KUBICA POL - B.M.W.

6 9 Nick HEIDFEID GER - B.M.W.

7 17 Alexander WURZ AUT - WILLIAMS

8 6 Kimi RAIKKONEN FIN - FERRARI

[Nightlife]

THE LORD GOD RULETH ONIPOTENT!

Mugello time again, and that of course is Gods ( Valentinos ) home ground. Yet again he was not to denied, as he recorded his 6th win at the Italian GP in the big class ( 2001 was the last time he failed to win here. ) However after a poor start and lying in 8th place on the second lap, with the slowest motorcycle of all the leading runners in a straight line, he needed to display all of his genius to pull this one off. Dani Pedrosa was second and veteren Alex Barros denied fellow Ducati rider, Championship leader Casey Stoner a spot on the podium by claiming 3rd. This result means that Stoners title lead over Vale is cut to 9 points.

The 250cc race saw a first class win for reigning 125cc Champ Alvaro Bautista, but only after a clash with Jorge Lorenzo who tumbled. I should imagine that words are going to said over this one. Another 2nd for Alex de Angelis.

Hector Faubel won the 125cc race which was in the Mugello totally frantic tradition.

Cracking meeting again, bought back great memories of last year, but next week i'm in Barcelona for the Grand Premi Cinzano di Catalunya!!

GRAN PREMIO D'ITALIA ALICE Mugello, Sunday, June 03, 2007

MotoGP Race Classification after 23 laps = 120.635 km

1 46 Valentino ROSSI ITA - YAMAHA ~0~ ~0~ ~0~ ~0~

2 26 Dani PEDROSA SPA - HONDA

3 4 Alex BARROS BRA - DUCATI

4 27 Casey STONER AUS - DUCATI

5 21 John HOPKINS USA - SUZUKI

6 24 Toni ELIAS SPA - HONDA

7 65 Loris CAPIROSSI ITA - DUCATI

8 71 Chris VERMEULEN AUS - MotoGP SUZUKI

9 33 Marco MELANDRI ITA - HONDA

10 1 Nicky HAYDEN USA - HONDA

11 66 Alex HOFMANN GER - DUCATI

12 5 Colin EDWARDS USA - YAMAHA

13 56 Shinya NAKANO JPN - HONDA

14 50 Sylvain GUINTOLI FRA - YAMAHA

15 6 Makoto TAMADA JPN - YAMAHA

250cc Race Classification after 21 laps = 110.145 km

1 19 Alvaro BAUTISTA SPA - APRILIA

2 3 Alex DE ANGELIS RSM - APRILIA

3 80 Hector BARBERA SPA - APRILIA

4 34 Andrea DOVIZIOSO ITA - HONDA

5 12 Thomas LUTHI SWI - APRILIA

6 73 Shuhei AOYAMA JPN - HONDA

7 60 Julian SIMON SPA - HONDA

8 1 Jorge LORENZO SPA - APRILIA

9 58 Marco SIMONCELLI ITA - GILERA

10 14 Anthony WEST AUS - APRILIA

11 55 Yuki TAKAHASHI JPN - HONDA

12 41 Aleix ESPARGARO SPA - APRILIA

13 32 Fabrizio LAI ITA - APRILIA

14 25 Alex BALDOLINI ITA - APRILIA

15 44 Taro SEKIGUCHI JPN - APRILIA

125cc Race Classification after 20 laps = 104.9 km

1 55 Hector FAUBEL SPA - APRILIA

2 33 Sergio GADEA SPA - APRILIA

3 24 Simone CORSI ITA - Team APRILIA

4 14 Gabor TALMACSI HUN - APRILIA

5 71 Tomoyoshi KOYAMA JPN - KTM

6 75 Mattia PASINI ITA - APRILIA

7 11 Sandro CORTESE GER - APRILIA

8 38 Bradley SMITH GBR - HONDA

9 44 Pol ESPARGARO SPA - APRILIA

10 8 Lorenzo ZANETTI ITA - APRILIA

11 60 Michael RANSEDER AUT - DERBI

12 18 Nicolas TEROL SPA - DERBI

13 34 Randy KRUMMENACHE SWI - KTM

14 35 Raffaele DE ROSA ITA - APRILIA

15 77 Dominique AEGERTER SWI - APRILIA

[Nightlife]

VAMOS A CATALUNYA!

For the 3rd year running i've managed to pick a real cracking race meeting to attend; ( forget Donington, which i can't be bothered to attend this year ) as the Catalan Moto GP turned out to an absolute classic. Valentino didn't win as he was narrowly ( and i mean narrowly ) beaten by young Aussie Ducati star, Casey Stoner; both riders having enjoyed a tremendous scrap, but Caseys Ducati top end speed proved the decisive factor. Dani Pedrosa kept the pair of them honest, and a great ride to 4th for Suzukis John Hopkins. I was at the end of the main straight, and witness some of the best out-braking manoeuvers that i've ever seen ( and the rest of the action on a big screen. ) A 45 minute Grand Prix seemed to last about 10 mins, it was THAT hot. This was complemented by the great atmosphere generated by the crowd ( a Moto GP record of 112600 ) and the excitable Spanish circuit commentator, who as the leaders started another lap shouting AYE, AYE ,AYE each time they passed him.

The 250cc race gave joy to the locals as Jorge Lorenzo continued to dominate the class with another win. Alex de Angelis was second, have i written those words before? Dovi completed the podium.

THe 125cc boys put on their normal ( ie manic ) display, the victor being Japanese KTM rider, Tomoyoshi Koyama. Bradley Smith gave another fine display, starting from the front row, that first win is definately possible.

Cracking circuit ( definately recommended ), superb weather, corking racing, oh yes i enjoyed this one!

GRAN PREMI CINZANO DE CATALUNYA Barcelona, Sunday, June 10, 2007

MotoGP Race Classification after 25 laps = 118.175 km

1 27 Casey STONER AUS - DUCATI

2 46 Valentino ROSSI ITA - YAMAHA

3 26 Dani PEDROSA SPA - HONDA

4 21 John HOPKINS USA - SUZUKI

5 14 Randy DE PUNIET FRA - KAWASAKI

6 65 Loris CAPIROSSI ITA - DUCATI

7 71 Chris VERMEULEN AUS - SUZUKI

8 4 Alex BARROS BRA - DUCATI

9 33 Marco MELANDRI ITA - HONDA

10 5 Colin EDWARDS USA - YAMAHA

11 1 Nicky HAYDEN USA - HONDA

12 6 Makoto TAMADA JPN - YAMAHA

13 66 Alex HOFMANN GER - DUCATI

14 50 Sylvain GUINTOLI FRA - YAMAHA

15 56 Shinya NAKANO JPN - HONDA

250cc Race Classification after 23 laps = 108.721 km 20

1 1 Jorge LORENZO SPA - APRILIA

2 3 Alex DE ANGELIS RSM - APRILIA

3 34 Andrea DOVIZIOSO ITA - HONDA

4 12 Thomas LUTHI SWI - APRILIA

5 19 Alvaro BAUTISTA SPA - APRILIA

6 36 Mika KALLIO FIN - KTM

7 4 Hiroshi AOYAMA JPN - KTM

8 80 Hector BARBERA SPA - APRILIA

9 58 Marco SIMONCELLI ITA - GILERA

10 60 Julian SIMON SPA - HONDA

11 73 Shuhei AOYAMA JPN - HONDA

12 15 Roberto LOCATELLI ITA - GILERA

13 16 Jules CLUZEL FRA - APRILIA

14 17 Karel ABRAHAM CZE - APRILIA

15 44 Taro SEKIGUCHI JPN - APRILIA

125cc Race Classification after 22 laps = 103.994 km 20

1 71 Tomoyoshi KOYAMA JPN - KTM

2 14 Gabor TALMACSI HUN - APRILIA

3 34 Randy KRUMMENACHE SWI - KTM

4 33 Sergio GADEA SPA - APRILIA

5 44 Pol ESPARGARO SPA - APRILIA

6 38 Bradley SMITH GBR - HONDA

7 24 Simone CORSI ITA - APRILIA

8 6 Joan OLIVE SPA - APRILIA

9 17 Stefan BRADL GER - APRILIA

10 60 Michael RANSEDER AUT - DERBI

11 11 Sandro CORTESE GER - APRILIA

12 12 Esteve RABAT SPA - HONDA

13 52 Lukas PESEK CZE - DERBI

14 8 Lorenzo ZANETTI ITA - APRILIA

15 77 Dominique AEGERTER SWI - APRILIA

[Nightlife]

LEWIS IS KING OF NORTH AMERICA!

Lewis Hamiltons already extraordinary career moved yet another leap forward as he triumphed from Pole Position in both of the Grands Prix held on the North American continent. Lewis drove faultlessly at the diffecult Gilles Villeneuve circuit in Montreal. He mada NO mistake whatsoever, but many including teamate, reigning Champ Fernando Alonso, were falling all over themselves. Nick Heidfeld also made no msitake to claim 2nd, and veteren Alex Wutz bought his Williams home in 3rd. A spectacular crash involving Polish driver Robert Kubica caused one of many safety car incidents, but thankfully the Pole was not seriously hurt - it first appeared that he had been killed.

CANADIAN GRAND PRIX Montreal, 10th June 2007

1 Lewis HAMILTON ENG - McLAREN

2 Nick HEIDFELD GER - B.M.W.

3 Alex WURZ AUT - WILLIAMS

4 Heikki KOVALAINEN FIN - RENAULT

5 Kimi RAIKKONEN FIN - FERRAR1

6 Takuma SATO JPN - AGURI HONDA

7 Fernando ALONSO SPA - McLAREN

8 Ralf SCHUMACHER GER - TOYOTA

Lewis demonstrated in the best possible way that this was no "flash in the pan" when he repeatd the feat in the U.S. GP at Indianapolis. Alonso challenged but had to accept 2nd place whilst Ferrari teamsters Massa and Raikkonen took 3rd & 4th. Lewis now leads the Title Chase by 10 points from the reigning Spanish Champ.

U.S. GRAND PRIX Indianapolis, 17th June 2007

1 Lewis HAMILTON ENG - McLAREN

2 Fernando ALONSO SPA - McLAREN

3 Felipe MASSA BRA - FERRARI

4 Kimi RAIKKONEN FIN - FERRARI

5 Heikki KOVALAINEN FIN - RENAULT

6 Jarno TRULLI ITA - TOYOTA

7 Mark WEBBER AUS - RED BULL

8 Sebastian VETTEL GER - B.M.W.

[Nightlife]

AN ENGLISH SUMMER'S DAY!

Just as i made the correct call in attending the Grand Premi Cinzano di Catalunya, and was rewarded with cracking weather and even hotter race action; so i made the equally smart move in not going to Donington Park for the British GP last weekend. The weather was damp, dreary and uninspiring ( bit like the DP track itself ), and as usual at this place the races were dull, with easy break-aways and processions rather than racing.

Not that Casey Stoner will be complaining. He's just won his 5th Grand Prix of the year, in the wet on a circuit that was supposed not to suit his Ducati bike. Sure the bike is fantastic, but so is the way he is riding it. Casey now leads the title chase by 26 points ( more than a victory ) as Valentino struggled to 4th place; for once out-shown by FIAT Yamaha teamate Colin Edwards, who converted Pole Position to finish 2nd, having led the early stages. Once Casey had taken him however the result was never in doubt. Chris Vermeulen backed-up his earlier French GP wet success by taking 3rd.

The 250cc race saw the only real race action, as Alex de Angelis, Jorge lorenzo and Andrea Dovizioso broke away from the pack. Lorenzo dropped it about half way through, and Dovi stalked Alex, the pressure getting to the San Marino rider, who dropped it on the last but one lap. Such was the lead of this pair over the 3rd place that de Angelis was able to remount to claim yet another 2nd place. Dovis win combined with Lorenzos fall reduces a 36 point lead to 11 points in the title chase.

The 125cc event saw a display of extreme emotion from Mattia Pasini for the second race running. 2 weeks ago in Catalunya his engine seized and spat him off ( he's had a season of appauling luck regarding reliability ) and he gave the machine a real kicking - right in front of me, i had a great view of these proceedings. However, for once, the bike lasted for him and here he was able to show what he can do, recording a dominant win. After the luck he's had this year i don't think anybody will begrudge him this success.

NICKEL & DIME BRITISH GRAND PRIX Donington Park, Sunday, June 24, 2007

MotoGP Race Classification after 30 laps = 120.69 km

1 27 Casey STONER AUS - DUCATI

2 5 Colin EDWARDS USA - YAMAHA

3 71 Chris VERMEULEN AUS - SUZUKI

4 46 Valentino ROSSI ITA - YAMAHA

5 21 John HOPKINS USA - SUZUKI

6 14 Randy DE PUNIET FRA - KAWASAKI

7 4 Alex BARROS BRA - DUCATI

8 26 Dani PEDROSA SPA - HONDA

9 66 Alex HOFMANN GER - DUCATI

10 33 Marco MELANDRI ITA - HONDA

11 13 Anthony WEST AUS - KAWASAKI

12 24 Toni ELIAS SPA - HONDA

13 80 Kurtis ROBERTS USA - KR212V

14 56 Shinya NAKANO JPN - HONDA

15 6 Makoto TAMADA JPN - YAMAHA

250cc Race Classification after 27 laps = 108.621 km 20

1 34 Andrea DOVIZIOSO ITA - HONDA

2 3 Alex DE ANGELIS RSM - APRILIA

3 4 Hiroshi AOYAMA JPN - KTM

4 55 Yuki TAKAHASHI JPN - HONDA

5 73 Shuhei AOYAMA JPN - HONDA

6 36 Mika KALLIO FIN - KTM

7 60 Julian SIMON SPA - HONDA

8 8 Ratthapark WILAIROT THA - HONDA

9 45 Dan LINFOOT GBR - APRILIA

10 17 Karel ABRAHAM CZE - APRILIA

11 32 Fabrizio LAI ITA - APRILIA

12 28 Dirk HEIDOLF GER - APRILIA

13 44 Taro SEKIGUCHI JPN - APRILIA

14 25 Alex BALDOLINI ITA - APRILIA

15 10 Imre TOTH HUN - APRILIA

125cc Race Classification after 25 laps = 100.575 km 20

1 75 Mattia PASINI ITA - APRILIA

2 71 Tomoyoshi KOYAMA JPN - KTM

3 55 Hector FAUBEL SPA - APRILIA

4 33 Sergio GADEA SPA - APRILIA

5 6 Joan OLIVE SPA - APRILIA

6 63 Mike DI MEGLIO FRA - HONDA

7 38 Bradley SMITH GBR - HONDA

8 35 Raffaele DE ROSA ITA - APRILIA

9 22 Pablo NIETO SPA - APRILIA

10 24 Simone CORSI ITA - APRILIA

11 8 Lorenzo ZANETTI ITA Team - APRILIA

12 11 Sandro CORTESE GER - APRILIA

13 34 Randy KRUMMENACHE SWI - KTM

14 31 Enrique JEREZ SPA - HONDA

15 29 Andrea IANNONE ITA - APRILIA

[Nightlife]

NICE ONE VALE, ME OLD DUTCH!

At the end of the first lap Valentino Rossi was in 10th place ( having qualified in 11th ), and Casey Stoner was leading by over a second and had the appearence of being able to pull away. No way for the Italian thought i, and i know i'm not alone here. However that is not how the race finished as, in what must be classed as a total masterpiece, even he surpassed himself to record victory here. After a couple of laps he began to slice through the field, and recover the 2-3 seconds gap to the young Aussie. Vale then spent several laps behind Casey, before making his move with 3 laps to go. One of the reasons why Casey is proving such a tough challenge is that he's not only fast, but smart, he realised that Vale was too strong on this occasion; and resisted the temptation to risk-all and chance dropping it. As a result, despite Vales heroics the Championship lead has only shrunk by 5 points to 21. It was also great to see Nicky Hayden riding well again ( he looked aweful over the whole Catalan weekend ) and he recorded his first Podium of the year with 3rd.

Jorge Lorenzo recovered from his Donington crash to win the 250cc race. Bet you can't guess who was 2nd? Alvaro Bautista completed the top 3.

Mattia Pasinis change of fortune continued with another fine victory in the 125cc race.

A-STYLE TT ASSEN Assen, Saturday, June 30, 2007

MotoGP Race Classification after 26 laps = 118.43 km

1 46 Valentino ROSSI ITA - YAMAHA

2 27 Casey STONER AUS - DUCATI

3 1 Nicky HAYDEN USA - HONDA

4 26 Dani PEDROSA SPA - HONDA

5 21 John HOPKINS USA - SUZUKI

6 5 Colin EDWARDS USA - YAMAHA

7 4 Alex BARROS BRA - DUCATI

8 66 Alex HOFMANN GER - DUCATI

9 13 Anthony WEST AUS - KAWASAKI

10 33 Marco MELANDRI ITA - HONDA

11 7 Carlos CHECA SPA - HONDA

12 56 Shinya NAKANO JPN - HONDA

13 6 Makoto TAMADA JPN - YAMAHA

14 50 Sylvain GUINTOLI FRA - YAMAHA

15 80 Kurtis ROBERTS USA - KR212V

250cc Race Classification after 24 laps = 109.32 km 20

1 1 Jorge LORENZO SPA - APRILIA

2 3 Alex DE ANGELIS RSM - APRILIA

3 19 Alvaro BAUTISTA SPA - APRILIA

4 34 Andrea DOVIZIOSO ITA - HONDA

5 4 Hiroshi AOYAMA JPN - KTM

6 58 Marco SIMONCELLI ITA - GILERA

7 80 Hector BARBERA SPA - APRILIA

8 36 Mika KALLIO FIN - KTM

9 15 Roberto LOCATELLI ITA - GILERA

10 55 Yuki TAKAHASHI JPN - HONDA

11 32 Fabrizio LAI ITA - APRILIA

12 44 Taro SEKIGUCHI JPN - APRILIA

13 73 Shuhei AOYAMA JPN - HONDA

14 8 Ratthapark WILAIROT THA - HONDA

15 17 Karel ABRAHAM CZE - APRILIA

125cc Race Classification after 22 laps = 100.21 km 20

1 75 Mattia PASINI ITA - APRILIA

2 55 Hector FAUBEL SPA - APRILIA

3 14 Gabor TALMACSI HUN - APRILIA

4 33 Sergio GADEA SPA - APRILIA

5 24 Simone CORSI ITA - APRILIA

6 71 Tomoyoshi KOYAMA JPN - KTM

7 52 Lukas PESEK CZE - DERBI

8 11 Sandro CORTESE GER - APRILIA

9 60 Michael RANSEDER AUT - DERBI

10 17 Stefan BRADL GER - APRILIA

11 44 Pol ESPARGARO SPA - APRILIA

12 34 Randy KRUMMENACHE SWI - KTM

13 12 Esteve RABAT SPA - HONDA

14 35 Raffaele DE ROSA ITA - APRILIA

15 8 Lorenzo ZANETTI ITA - APRILIA

[Nightlife]

THE REAL KIMI RAIKKONEN HAS EMERGED!

During last week Ferrari President Luca di Montezemolo posed the question as to when the "real Kimi Raikkonen" would appear. Yesterday, at the French Grand Prix at Magny-Cours, was the answer to that Sir. In a race meeting dominated by the Italian red cars, Kimi used his few laps on a low fuel level to seize the lead during the 2nd round of pit-stops. Great to see the Fin back at the front, and Pole-sitter Massa completed a 1-2 for Ferrari. Lewis Hamilton continued his run of podiums by taking 3rd, well ahead of teamate Fernando Alonso who could only finish 7th.

Great to see Polish driver Robert Kubica back, and in such good form - finished a good 4th, after that horrific crash in Canada 3 weeks ago.

FRENCH GRAND PRIX - Magny Cours, 1st July 2007

1 Kimi RAIKKONEN FIN - FEERARI

2 Felipe MASSA BRA - FERRARI

3 Lewis HAMILTON ENG - McLAREN

4 Robert KUBICA POL - B.M.W.

5 Nick HEIDFELD GER - B.M.W.

6 Giancarlo FISICHELLA - RENAULT

7 Fernando ALONSO SPA - McLAREN

8 Jenson BUTTON GBR - HONDA

[Nightlife]

KIMI SPOILS THE BRITISH PARTY!

Today at Silverstone, Lewis Hamilton started his first British Grand Prix from the coverted Pole Position, in front of a sell-out crowd all hoping that he would convert this into his 3rd victory. Started well, defending from the Pole to keep the other front row man, Kimi Raikkonen behind, but in that first period Lewis could not shake off the Ferrari driver, or his own teamate Fernando Alonso. Meanwhile the other Ferrari man, Felipe Massa, was having to battle through the pack as he had stalled on the grid so by having to start from the pit-lane.

Lewis was the first to stop on the first round of stops, and Kimi put in some blistering laps to leapfrog the Englishman. However Alonso short fuelled in a successful attempt to take the lead. The Spaniard was never able to break away from the Fin however ( both left Lewis behind at this point ); and so when he stopped about 6 laps earlier the Kimi, the Ferrari man was able to make use of his lighter car for those laps to ensure that it was he who emerged from the second pit-stop round in front. Thus the order of the top 3 was established until the end with Kimi recording his 2nd win in as many weeks.

Another strong drive from Robert Kubica saw him fend off Massa to finish 4th.

So no home win for Lewis, but he still leads overall by 12 points and has continued his 100% podium finish rate, so not all doom and gloom.

BRITISH GRAND PRIX - Silverstone, 8th July 2007.

1. Kimi RAIKKONEN FIN - FERRARI

2. Fernando ALONSO SPA - McLAREN

3. Lewis HAMILTON ENG - McLAREN

4. Robert KUBICA POL - B.M.W.

5. Felipe MASSA BRA = FERRARI

6. Nick HEIDFELD GER - B.M.W.

7. Heikki KOVALAINEN FIN - RENAULT

8. Giancarlo FISICHELLA - RENAULT

[Nightlife]

Valentino Rossi has confirmed that he will quit Moto GP racing in three years time, possibly for a switch to four-wheeled motorsport.

MOTORCYCLING 2007 MOTOGP Valentino Rossi - 0

The 28-year-old Italian has been linked with a move to both Formula One and the World Rally Championship in the past 18 months, having tested for Ferrari and competed in a number of rally events.

But the Yamaha rider has instead elected to resign his rivals on two-wheels to yet more punishment, for another few years at least, as he goes in search of a sixth world title.

"I have a contract with Yamaha until 2008," said Rossi. "When that finishes then we'll see.

"What I am sure about is that I will ride until I'm 31 or 32 at most. I will look for new stimuli in the next few seasons, but for now I am fully motivated."

Rossi currently trails Australian Casey Stoner by 21 points in the race for this year's word crown as the Moto GP circus heads to the Sachsenring this weekend for round ten of the championship.

A battling win at the Dutch TT last time out for 'The Doctor' helped him close the gap to the Ducati rider, but he knows he needs to pull out all the stops in order to beat Stoner again.

"We know that Casey will be strong again, like he is everywhere this year. With him performing at such a high level at every race, 21 points is not a small amount so we have to be at the maximum," he added.

"We've got work to do still; we're not perfect yet, especially in the wet, but we're going in the right way and we'll keep pushing."

Rossi has previously won three times in Germany, in 2002, 2005 and 2006 and another victory would be his third in as many years at the Sachsenring.