DeAngelis to Gresini

By Kropotkin | Mon, 17/09/2007 - 19:22

Gresini Honda has announced that 250 pilot Alex DeAngelis has been signed to contest the 2008 MotoGP series for the Italy based team. DeAngelis will be replacing Marco Melandri, who will be riding for Marlboro Ducati for the next two years. DeAngelis' deal is for one year with an option for another. DeAngelis, while undoubtedly a talented rider, has something of a reputation as not being able to seal the the deal and win, as evidenced by his one win and 15 second places in three years in the 250 class.

Hoffman Sacked!

By Kropotkin | Mon, 17/09/2007 - 12:58

Various sources are reporting that Alex Hoffman has been discharged from the Pramac d'Antin Ducati MotoGP team. This action was taken in the wake of yesterday's Estoril MotoGP race where Hoffman voluntarily quit the race citing a lack of motivation to circulate around the track in last place. Possible replacements include long-time d'Antin rider Ivan Silva, who substituted for Hoffman at the Brno round, and Brit Chaz Davies who stood in at Laguna Seca.

Kropotkin Is On Vacation

By Kropotkin | Mon, 17/09/2007 - 02:14

Even the most dedicated MotoGP writer needs a break now and then, and for your humble scribe, that means now. I'm off to Italy for the next 3 weeks, to savor the fantastic food, enjoy the amazing scenery, ride my motorcycle round the superb mountain roads, and visit as many motorcycle meccas as possible.

2007 Estoril MotoGP Race Report - Encore, Maestro

By Kropotkin | Mon, 17/09/2007 - 01:44

Viewed strictly objectively, MotoGP is an incredibly repetitious exercise. Every other Wednesday, the whole circus rolls into another race paddock, spends a day transforming empty pit boxes into racing garages, erecting luxury hospitality units and getting ready to race. Over the next three days, a bunch of riders spend several hours riding the same short piece of tarmac over and over and over again, trying to brake at exactly the same spot with exactly the same force again and again, and get on the gas at exactly the same point coming out of the corners time after time.

2007 Estoril MotoGP Race Report - Encore, Maestro

By Kropotkin | Mon, 17/09/2007 - 01:44

Viewed strictly objectively, MotoGP is an incredibly repetitious exercise. Every other Wednesday, the whole circus rolls into another race paddock, spends a day transforming empty pit boxes into racing garages, erecting luxury hospitality units and getting ready to race. Over the next three days, a bunch of riders spend several hours riding the same short piece of tarmac over and over and over again, trying to brake at exactly the same spot with exactly the same force again and again, and get on the gas at exactly the same point coming out of the corners time after time.

Hofmann Sacked, Davies Hot Favorite As Replacement

By Kropotkin | Sun, 16/09/2007 - 23:36

As predicted in an earlier story, Alex Hofmann has been sacked by the Pramac d'Antin team. The team was angered by Hofmann's decision to pull into the pits while trailing the field, citing a lack of motivation after being forced to start on his spare bike from pit lane. The decision means the end of the German's active MotoGP career, although he is believed to be in discussions with a number of teams to race in World Superbike next year.

Hofmann Could Be Dropped For Rest Of Season - D'Antin

By Kropotkin | Sun, 16/09/2007 - 18:20

The Pramac d'Antin team had a difficult weekend at Estoril, with Alex Barros forced to retire due to mechanical failure, and Alex Hofmann pulling in after being forced to switch to his B bike after the warm up lap, and starting from the pits. As a result, Hofmann found himself 6 seconds adrift of the pack after the second lap, and gave up trying to catch the group ahead after lap 11, pulling into the pits.

Hofmann Could Be Dropped For Rest Of Season - D'Antin

By Kropotkin | Sun, 16/09/2007 - 18:20

The Pramac d'Antin team had a difficult weekend at Estoril, with Alex Barros forced to retire due to mechanical failure, and Alex Hofmann pulling in after being forced to switch to his B bike after the warm up lap, and starting from the pits. As a result, Hofmann found himself 6 seconds adrift of the pack after the second lap, and gave up trying to catch the group ahead after lap 11, pulling into the pits.

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