Brno, Czech Republic

The latest engine lists released by IRTA at Brno paint a revealing picture of the state of play with regards to engine reliability. Top of the class is Honda, whose reliability is not so much legendary as utterly intimidating. In fact, it might even be fair to say that Honda have done too good a job: The factory Honda riders have still only used three engines, despite the fact that Brno was the 10th race of the season. Of the 22 engines which have been used by the six Honda riders, just two have been withdrawn, a testament to HRC's engineering. Add this to the fact that the Honda is clearly the fastest bike on the grid, and you can see that Honda's competitors will be troubled.

Contrast Honda's fortunes to those of Suzuki. With just two riders on the grid, the Rizla Suzuki squad already has four retired engines and a total of 11 in play. Alvaro Bautista took his 6th engine at Brno, the engine extension permitted by the Grand Prix Commission coming just at the right time. Of the other riders, only Ben Spies looks to be in engine trouble, the Monster Tech 3 Yamaha rider having taken his 5th engine at Brno, but then Spies' last two new engines coincide with rumors of upgraded parts, rumors bolstered by Spies' run close to the podium in the Czech Grand Prix.

If the point of the 2012 regulations was to see more manufacturers return to the MotoGP grid, the move is already looking like a success. Both BMW and Aprilia are linked to moves back to MotoGP - though mainly through privateer CRT team efforts, rather than as factory prototypes- and now, another manufacturer looks set to join the fold. For the German-language magazine Speedweek is reporting that the legendary English manufacturer Norton is set to enter a two-man team for 2012.

According to the veteran Austrian journalist Gunther Wiesinger, Norton has asked Dorna for two places on the 2012 grid, and Norton boss Stuart Garner has submitted a signed application to Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta to race when the MotoGP class returns to 1000cc. The MotoGP effort is part of a long-term marketing plan by Norton to change their image from classic motorcycles to modern sportsbike manufacturer, with plans to introduce a range of high-tech road bikes in the future. The Norton website confirms this intention, stating:

"Future development will also lead to the introduction of the all new modern motorcycles and will represent the ultimate expression of the Norton brand."

On Monday morning, Jules Cisek had a final chance to take some photos during the Brno test. He had to be quick, though, as he was soon chased out of pit lane by overly officious security guards.

Pramac - because Ducati's don't necessarily have to be red

Nicky Hayden's wrist was sore, but he had work to do, so he got on with it

Still crazy after all these years: Italian veteran Loris Capirossi

Race day pictures from Brno, courtesy of Jules Cisek:

Andrea Iannone looked like doing another disappearing act in the Moto2 race, then went backwards

In good company: Rookie Marco Simoncelli chases two MotoGP and one WSBK champion

Dani Pedrosa hung in there a long time, but there was no staying with Jorge Lorenzo

The debrief at the end of the Brno test was the first chance the press got to speak to Valentino Rossi after the official announcement that the Italian had signed with Ducati. So naturally, after discussing how testing had gone, the subject turned to Rossi's decision to leave Yamaha and join Ducati.

The main reason, the nine-time World Champion said, was because he felt his work at Yamaha was finished. The bike had been turned around completely, thanks to the relationship Rossi had built up with Masao Furusawa (head of Yamaha's MotoGP project). But with Furusawa about to take compulsory retirement at the end of the year, the Italian was worried about the direction of Yamaha's MotoGP project once he leaves.

That, and the outstanding relationship that he has built up with Ducati's Filippo Preziosi over the years, was enough to convince Rossi that a move to Ducati was the right thing to do. It was not about the money, Rossi was keen to emphasize. It was about his belief that he could build the same kind of working relationship with Preziosi that he had with Furusawa in the past. 

Below is the full transcript of the debrief Rossi did with the English-speaking press.