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Lin Jarvis On Yamaha's New Social Media Policy: "The Target is to Guide, Not Restrict"

Submitted by David Emmett on Thu, 2013-03-28 23:39
in

There was much consternation ahead of the Jerez MotoGP test, when it emerged that the Factory Yamaha MotoGP team had imposed a new social media policy. Given that Yamaha has perhaps the strongest presence on social media of all  MotoGP teams, fans feared that the access they had been given would be restricted. Apart from riders Valentino Rossi and Jorge Lorenzo, Yamaha also has Alex Briggs, mechanic to Valentino Rossi, Ramon Forcada, crew chief to Jorge Lorenzo, and Wilco Zeelenberg, team manager to Jorge Lorenzo on their payroll, all three popular figures on Twitter.

At the official launch of Yamaha's 2013 MotoGP campaign, MotoMatters.com spoke to Yamaha Racing Managing Director Lin Jarvis to ask about the policy, and try to clear up any confusion surrounding the situation. Our first question was naturally, did Yamaha indeed have a new social media policy? "We have introduced a new policy globally, not only Yamaha MotoGP, but Yamaha Motor as a global operation has introduced a social media guideline," Jarvis said. "So we have introduced our own one for the MotoGP world as well, which is in line with the global policy." The goal of the policy was not to limit the interaction between Yamaha staff and their followers on Social Media, Jarvis explained. "The target of the new policy is not to per se restrict the amount of information that's available, but it is to have an agreed framework reference: what should you be doing, what should we be doing. Because this is important as well. I know Alex [Briggs] was indeed one of the very first people who was out there tweeting and giving people information and tips and such, behind the scenes. And I think that's all valuable stuff. At that time, probably he started five years ago, four years ago at least... [Briggs joined Twitter in October 2009], Yamaha MotoGP didn't have a Twitter account back then. We do now."

Twitter itself is just under seven years old, and is a sign of just how quickly the world of communications can change. Jarvis explained that Yamaha were doing their best to adapt to this fast-changing world. "Start, begin, change and evolve, and I think that's what we're in now, we're in an evolution," Jarvis said. "We now have our own social media officers, we have many people working in our media department, and now their job, their mission is to generate content, to provide as much behind-the-scenes information as possible to the users. So you know, the policy is not to restrict and block, the policy is to guide. Every corporation needs to guide what's going on amongst the people that are working for it. This is a very important point, because, I mean, honestly, it's not only to the people involved in MotoGP, it's for the people involved in all Yamaha businesses, all operations. Because there are some things that are free and open, but there are other things as an employee, you know, you need to be more sensitive about, in some of the things you might be discussing."

One part of the problem is that those working in MotoGP do so because they are passionate about the sport, and being passionate about it, they also have strong opinions about it. Ramon Forcada is known for his passionate views on racing, and his willingness and ability to explain the intricacies of racing in various formats. But this can cause a conflict, because the line between the private individual Ramon Forcada and the Yamaha MotoGP crew chief Ramon Forcada is a difficult one to draw. "That's the difficulty and the delicacy," Jarvis acknowledged, explaining that seeing the problems that other companies had encountered on Twitter had made Yamaha's corporate HQ consider carefully how best to handle social media. "Talking not so much about the MotoGP world, but if you look at many other environments where an inadvertently misplaced tweet has led to a major corporation having difficulties at a certain time," Jarvis said. "Yamaha Motor as a global company has to address that and issue guidelines. So they're not restrictions per se, it's guidelines as to how to deal with it. I hope that we can manage it well and still provide the content that's interesting for the real fans, yet at the same time keep it within the reasonable guidelines."

There was much consternation ahead of the Jerez MotoGP test, when it emerged that the Factory Yamaha MotoGP team had imposed a new social media policy. Given that Yamaha has perhaps the strongest presence on social media of all  MotoGP teams, fans feared that the access they had been given would be restricted. Apart from riders Valentino Rossi and Jorge Lorenzo, Yamaha also has Alex Briggs, mechanic to Valentino Rossi, Ramon Forcada, crew chief to Jorge Lorenzo, and Wilco Zeelenberg, team manager to Jorge Lorenzo on their payroll, all three popular figures on Twitter.At the official launch of Yamaha's 2013 MotoGP campaign, MotoMatters.com spoke to Yamaha Racing Managing Director Lin Jarvis to ask about the policy, and try to clear up any confusion surrounding the situation. Our first question was naturally, did Yamaha indeed have a new social media policy? "We have introduced a new policy globally, not only Yamaha MotoGP, but Yamaha Motor as a global operation has introduced a social media guideline," Jarvis said. "So we have introduced our own one for the MotoGP world as well, which is in line with the global policy." The goal of the policy was not to limit the interaction between Yamaha staff and their followers on Social Media, Jarvis explained. "The target of the new policy is not to per se restrict the amount of information that's available, but it is to have an agreed framework reference: what should you be doing, what should we be doing. Because this is important as well. I know Alex [Briggs] was indeed one of the very first people who was out there tweeting and giving people information and tips and such, behind the scenes. And I think that's all valuable stuff. At that time, probably he started five years ago, four years ago at least... [Briggs joined Twitter in October 2009], Yamaha MotoGP didn't have a Twitter account back then. We do now."

Blast From The Past, Part 2: Jerez 2012, By Scott Jones

Submitted by David Emmett on Wed, 2013-03-27 16:25
in

With just over a week to go to the start of the 2013 MotoGP season, it's time to take another trip down memory lane and get ourselves excited about this season's racing. Today, shots from MotoMatters.com star shooter Scott Jones taken at Jerez. Remember also to check out the special offers Scott has on signed photos, including riders such as Casey Stoner, Cal Crutchlow and Nicky Hayden. Not long to go now...


Welcome to Spain!


Dani Pedrosa, working the Repsol Honda


The man who would later join Pedrosa at Repsol


Mr Mantequilla, melting butter


Tough year, Nicky


A year later, he'd be much faster


Two of the best in the business, Gabarrini and Forcada


Something we'd see a lot of in 2012: Pol Espargaro celebrating a win


Pol's brother, Aleix, did pretty well too, considering


A star is born: Romano Fenati got his first win in the wet at Jerez


A superstar left. The first rumors of Stoner's retirement emerged in Spain


By your command


Art


A tough year for Big Ben


Spanish Skies


Replacing the two-stroke 125s did not end the highsides


Louis Rossi never made the Moto3 checkered flag


Scott Redding. Good in 2012, better in 2013?

 

If you'd like to have desktop-sized versions of Scott's fantastic photos, you can become a site supporter and take out a subscription. If you'd like a print of one of the shots you see on the site, then send Scott an email and he'll be happy to help.

With just over a week to go to the start of the 2013 MotoGP season, it's time to take another trip down memory lane and get ourselves excited about this season's racing. Today, shots from MotoMatters.com star shooter Scott Jones taken at Jerez. Remember also to check out the special offers Scott has on signed photos, including riders such as Casey Stoner, Cal Crutchlow and Nicky Hayden. Not long to go now... Welcome to Spain! Dani Pedrosa, working the Repsol Honda

Speed / Fox Sports 1 To Broadcast MotoGP Live In 2013

Submitted by David Emmett on Mon, 2013-03-25 21:44
in

Good news for US motorcycle racing fans at last. After it was announced that the US TV channel Speed was to be subsumed into the Fox Sports 1 network, and Fox decided to drop Formula One, there were fears that MotoGP would not be screened on US TV. Those fears were further fanned when it appeared that World Superbikes would not be on US TV, an issue that was only resolved in a last-minute deal between Dorna and beIN Sports TV.

MotoGP fans need not worry, however. Today, Fox announced that they have signed a multi-year contract with Dorna to broadcast MotoGP on Speed, and then Fox Sports 1, when the new sports channel is launched on 17th August, the day before the Red Bull Indianapolis Grand Prix at the iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway circuit. All MotoGP races are to be broadcast live on the network, with the rounds outside the US using the international commentary feed of Nick Harris and Gavin Emmett1, while the three US rounds will see a US-based team provide coverage, with veteran racing broadcaster Bob Varsha hosting, and Ralph Sheheen, Jonathan Green, Scott Russel and Greg White supplying commentary both from the booth and from pit lane.

Below is the press release from Dorna announcing the deal, and a second press release from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway with more details on the agreement:

MotoGP™ signs a multiyear contract deal with FOX SPORTS

FOX Sports has signed a multiyear deal with Dorna Sports for broadcast rights to the world’s most prestigious motorcycle racing series, the MotoGP™ World Championship, with races to air on SPEED and the newly announced, multisport FOX Sports 1 in 2013, 2014 and 2015.

MotoGP, with three events in the U.S. in 2013, is highlighted during the high-profile FOX Sports 1 August launch weekend, with the Red Bull Indianapolis Grand Prix scheduled for August 18 as one of the first live events on the new network.

“With an international event lineup that includes three U.S. stops, MotoGP brings an immediate world class motor sports presence to the FOX Sports 1 lineup,” said Bill Wanger, EVP Programming & Research for FOX Sports. “Having the race from iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway fall on our FS1 launch weekend is a bonus, and one of which we plan to take full advantage.”

“We're very proud of this new agreement with Fox Sports and we are looking forward to being part of this huge project that is Fox Sports 1. Through this agreement, MotoGP will continue to be watched by our extensive American fan base, via the Speed channel until August and from then on, via the new Fox Sports 1 channel. Our 15 year partnership is arriving now to a very exciting MotoGP season with 3 GP’s on U.S. soil and the promise of some thrilling action on track. We will deliver the very highest standard of TV coverage of the Championship, using the latest production technologies, which is what our fans in the U.S. and around the world and also our Global media partners like the Fox Sports Group, deserve” declared Manel Arroyo, Managing Director of the Media Area at Dorna.

The season opens April 7 on SPEED with the Commercial Bank Grand Prix of Qatar. Other U.S. highlights include the second event of the season, the Red Bull Grand Prix of the Americas inaugural series event at newly built Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas on April 21 and a return to Laguna Seca for the Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix on July 21. Coverage from Austin includes qualifying on April 20 at 9 p.m. ET; race coverage, including pre-race activities begins at 2:30 p.m. ET on April 21. On-board camera access is available on SPEED.com for all U.S. rounds, with qualifying practice sessions on SPEED2.

The new deal, continuing a successful relationship that began on SPEED in 1997, when the series was known as the FIM World GP 500, also includes coverage of Moto2™ and Moto3™, as well as expanded digital rights.

MotoGP TO AIR LIVE ON FOX SPORTS 1, SPEED IN 2013

New multisport network to feature Red Bull Indianapolis GP during launch

INDIANAPOLIS, Monday, March 25, 2013 - FOX Sports has signed a multiyear deal with Dorna Sports for broadcast rights to the world's most prestigious motorcycle racing series, the MotoGP World Championship, with races to air on SPEED and the newly announced, multisport FOX Sports 1 in 2013.

The Red Bull Indianapolis GP, Aug. 16-18 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, will be one of the first live events on the new FOX Sports 1 network.

"With an international event lineup that includes three U.S. stops, MotoGP brings an immediate, world-class motorsports presence to the FOX Sports 1 lineup," said Bill Wanger, EVP programming & research for FOX Sports. "Having the race from iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway fall on our FS1 launch weekend is a bonus, and one of which we plan to take full advantage."

Every MotoGP race will be broadcast live on SPEED until August, when coverage will move to the new FOX Sports 1 starting with the Red Bull Indianapolis GP. Moto2 and Moto 3 races also will be televised on a delayed basis. Qualifying will be available on SPEED2, the authenticated broadband network.

Expanded digital rights also will bring on-board camera to SPEED.com for all U.S. rounds, with qualifying practice sessions on SPEED2.

Two experienced broadcast teams will cover the action.

For the three U.S. rounds, including the Red Bull Indianapolis GP, Bob Varsha hosts; Ralph Sheheen and Jonathan Green split play-by-play duties; Scott Russell provides analysis; and Greg White reports from the pits.

The team of Gavin Emmett and Nick Harris call international races, with Varsha, Sheheen, Greg Creamer and Dave Despain sharing the role of studio host.

American riders have won more premier-class MotoGP World Championships since 1978 than competitors from any other nation.

Three Americans will compete in MotoGP this season: 2006 World Champion Nicky Hayden, with the Ducati Team; Ben Spies, with the Ignite Pramac Racing Team; and Colin Edwards, with NGM Mobile Forward Racing. Only Spain and Italy boast more riders on the MotoGP grid this season than the United States.

***

2013 tickets: Tickets are on sale for the 2013 Red Bull Indianapolis GP MotoGP event. Visit www.ims.com/tickets, call (800) 822-INDY or (317) 492-6700 or visit the IMS Ticket Office at the IMS Administration Building at the corner of Georgetown Road and 16th Street between 8 a.m.-5 p.m. (ET) Monday-Friday.

Tickets for groups of 20 or more also are available. Contact the IMS Group Sales Department at (866) 221-8775 for more information.

Information on camping at IMS during the Red Bull Indianapolis GP is available at www.ims.com/tickets. Hotel package information can be found at visitindy.com/redbullhotels.

1 And to answer a question I get asked a lot, no, I am not related to Gavin, despite having the same last name.

Good news for US motorcycle racing fans at last. After it was announced that the US TV channel Speed was to be subsumed into the Fox Sports 1 network, and Fox decided to drop Formula One, there were fears that MotoGP would not be screened on US TV. Those fears were further fanned when it appeared that World Superbikes would not be on US TV, an issue that was only resolved in a last-minute deal between Dorna and beIN Sports TV.MotoGP fans need not worry, however. Today, Fox announced that they have signed a multi-year contract with Dorna to broadcast MotoGP on Speed, and then Fox Sports 1, when the new sports channel is launched on 17th August, the day before the Red Bull Indianapolis Grand Prix at the iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway circuit. All MotoGP races are to be broadcast live on the network, with the rounds outside the US using the international commentary feed of Nick Harris and Gavin Emmett1, while the three US rounds will see a US-based team provide coverage, with veteran racing broadcaster Bob Varsha hosting, and Ralph Sheheen, Jonathan Green, Scott Russel and Greg White supplying commentary both from the booth and from pit lane.Below is the press release from Dorna announcing the deal, and a second press release from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway with more details on the agreement:

Kevin Schwantz and Circuit of the Americas Comment on CotA Denying Schwantz Entry to Austin Test

Submitted by David Emmett on Thu, 2013-03-21 00:26
in

The ongoing dispute between 1993 500cc World Champion Kevin Schwantz and the Circuit of the Americas, the track in Austin due to host a round of MotoGP in April, took another ugly turn during the private test arranged by Honda, Yamaha, and the two US CRT teams last week. Schwantz, who has been acting as a mentor to Blake Young, the young American set to race the three US rounds of MotoGP with the Attack team on their Kawasaki-powered CRT machine, was escorted from the track, on the grounds that he did not have an invitation from the circuit to attend the test.

The incident has unleashed a war of words between the two parties. Immediately after the incident, MotoMatters.com's reporter on the ground Andrew Elder contacted the Circuit of the Americas press office, to ask for clarification on the situation. A CotA spokesperson replied by email that the test was a private event, that Schwantz had not been invited to the test by the Circuit, that he had no accreditation as a journalist, and that as he was engaged in a legal dispute with the Circuit over the rights to organize MotoGP races at the circuit, his presence at the track was not permitted.

Today, Schwantz issued a statement containing his side of the story, saying that he had been invited to attend the test by the Attack team as Blake Young's riding coach, and that he had an additional invitation from the LCR Honda team, who were also testing at the circuit with Stefan Bradl. Schwantz stated he had also been warned he could be arrested for criminal trespass if he were to enter the track again.

The affair can hardly be described as a PR triumph. Whatever the merits of the Circuit of the America's decision to refuse entry to Schwantz, given the very real legal conflict that exists between the two parties, by refusing entry to the legendary MotoGP rider, the Circuit comes out looking bad. Schwantz is a much-loved and highly-respected figure in all of motorcycle racing, and the specialist media will always pick up such a story and run with it.

Whether CotA were justified in refusing Schwantz access is open to question. Without knowing the full details of the case, or, speaking honestly, fully understanding the legal ramifications if they had allowed Schwantz access to the circuit, it is hard to make a judgment on the legal basis for CotA's decisions.

What is clear is that CotA come out of this looking bad, and that could surely not have been their intention. A Facebook page has already been set up calling for a boycott of the Texas round of MotoGP, though the page has yet to gain much traction. It is fair to say, though, that the very existence of such a page is not a good sign for the circuit.

Below are the statements issued by both Kevin Schwantz on his Facebook page, and the Circuit of the Americas in response to our questions:

Statement by Kevin Schwantz

I have read several reports regarding my attendance at the MotoGP test last week in Austin. I would like to make this statement:

"I had been in Switzerland over the weekend where I was the guest speaker at the St. Gallen University. I returned to Texas on Tuesday evening and on Thursday I was at CotA for the MotoGP test, with a proper credential supplied by the Attack team, to coach Blake Young. Additionally I was an invited guest of the LCR Honda team.

While there, CotA security informed me that CotA management requested I leave the track immediately and was not welcomed at the circuit. CotA's security force also accused me of criminal trespass and warned I would be arrested the next time I entered the track.

This comes as a tremendous disappointment to Honda, Blake Young, and myself. Especially because I am single-handedly responsible for bringing MotoGP to Texas and for the initial design of the facility to accommodate MotoGP racing."

Response from CotA in response to previous enquiries:

Regarding your questions below, as you stated, Mr. Schwantz filed suit against Circuit of The Americas last year, and that case is working its way through the legal system.

The MotoGP test that that the Circuit hosted this week was a private event, and open only to participating teams and invited media. Mr. Schwantz was not invited to attend the session by Circuit of The Americas. He does not have any relationship with our company or venue, and he’s not a journalist. As such, he was not permitted access to the Circuit.

Since there is a pending legal case, there is little else I can share with you about this matter, but hopefully, this answers your question. Thank you for reaching out to us for clarification.

The ongoing dispute between 1993 500cc World Champion Kevin Schwantz and the Circuit of the Americas, the track in Austin due to host a round of MotoGP in April, took another ugly turn during the private test arranged by Honda, Yamaha, and the two US CRT teams last week. Schwantz, who has been acting as a mentor to Blake Young, the young American set to race the three US rounds of MotoGP with the Attack team on their Kawasaki-powered CRT machine, was escorted from the track, on the grounds that he did not have an invitation from the circuit to attend the test.The incident has unleashed a war of words between the two parties. Immediately after the incident, MotoMatters.com's reporter on the ground Andrew Elder contacted the Circuit of the Americas press office, to ask for clarification on the situation. A CotA spokesperson replied by email that the test was a private event, that Schwantz had not been invited to the test by the Circuit, that he had no accreditation as a journalist, and that as he was engaged in a legal dispute with the Circuit over the rights to organize MotoGP races at the circuit, his presence at the track was not permitted.Today, Schwantz issued a statement containing his side of the story, saying that he had been invited to attend the test by the Attack team as Blake Young's riding coach, and that he had an additional invitation from the LCR Honda team, who were also testing at the circuit with Stefan Bradl. Schwantz stated he had also been warned he could be arrested for criminal trespass if he were to enter the track again.

Dunlop Introduces Electronics Into Tires: RFID In Moto2 & Moto3

Submitted by David Emmett on Tue, 2013-03-19 22:30
in

Electronics are to take a further step in the world of motorcycle racing this season. In addition to being abundant throughout engine and chassis, Moto2 and Moto3 official tire supplier Dunlop is to introduce them into the tires. In an official press release issued today, Dunlop announced that they will be using RFID chips in the spec tires used in Moto2 and Moto3, to keep precise track of the tires used in both classes.

For the moment, the technology will be used solely to track tire usage in Moto2 and Moto3. Tiny RFID chips will be built into the official Dunlop tires during the manufacturing process, each programmed with a unique identifying code. Sensors in pit lane (shown in the photo here on the Dunlop website) will monitor when each tire leaves pit lane, and when they return. Using the database which maps which tires have been allocated to which riders, Dunlop can keep precise track of which tires have been used when, and for how long.

The technology is very similar to that used in biometric passports, or in stock tracking in warehouses, though a racing motorcycle tire is a far more demanding environment for an RFID chip. Dunlop already have some experience with the technology, having provided the same service in both BTCC (the British Touring Car Championship) and the FIA European Truck Racing Championship. Temperature profiles and construction are a little different in motorcycle racing, making the challenge a little more complex.

But this is a relatively simple use of the technology. The next stage for Dunlop is to provide real time feedback from the tires, passing the data back to monitoring systems using active, rather than passive, RFID chips. Though the FIM regulations ban the use of telemetry - that is, any data signal passed back from the motorcycle to the pits, with the exception of data used by Dorna for TV broadcasts, which is not made available to the teams - the tire data could be passed to the data logging system, making for more accurate tire monitoring than by simply using tire sensors.

Having Dunlop build the technology and make it available to the teams also limits the cost of development to the Moto2 and Moto3 teams, though clearly, providing extra data to the teams adds yet another level of complexity for engineers to try to work their way through, and favoring the teams with the smartest engineers. As the smartest engineers are generally smart enough to realize their market value, they also tend to work for the richest teams, who can pay them the best wages. That, however, is an inevitable side effect of a technical sport.

Though the introduction of RFID chips is in itself not yet of world-shattering significance, the long-term consequences will be very interesting to watch. Data - data gathering, data analysis and data transmission - are becoming totally ubiquitous in the modern world, and real-time tire monitoring has very interesting applications in street technology. Monitoring tire wear and loads on the race track is an important step, but monitoring them on the road could be a crucial factor in improving road safety. With tire pressure monitoring systems becoming more common on high-end road bikes, RFID telemetry could be the next big step forward.

The Dunlop press release announcing the introduction of RFID chips appears below:

Dunlop Motorsport trial innovative intelligence chip in one of world’s biggest sport categories

Dunlop Motorsport today announced the trial of new electronic intelligence innovation embedded into the tyre of the world’s premier motorcycle racing event – MotoGP, where Dunlop is the official tyre partner of the Moto2 and Moto3 championships.

The company has announced its future goal is to increase tyres’ intelligence to the point that tyres are feeding back vital real-time information to the rider. The starting point of this evolution takes place today through testing at Circuito de Jerez in Spain.

Dunlop Motorsport has teamed up with MotoGP organisers Dorna Sports and IRTA (International Road Racing Teams Association) with the aim of introducing its award-winning RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification) technology at the start of the 2014 season. Dunlop Motorsport has already enjoyed success in global motorsport and truck industries with RFID, including the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship in the UK and the FIA European Truck Racing Championship.

The key element of the RFID technology is a tiny, 1cm chip. The microchip is built into the tyre on the assembly line at Dunlop’s centre of excellence in Birmingham, UK and is programmed with a unique code that identifies the tyre, enabling automatic reading to see the type and size of the tyre as well as its unique identity number.

Revolutionising the Motorsport industry

The Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship in the UK and Dunlop Motorsport Europe successfully pioneered a world first in motorsport tyre technology in 2011 with all tyres on BTCC cars – exclusively supplied by Dunlop – automatically scanned as the cars drive into the pit lane. This ensures that each car is using the correct and allocated tyres at all times. In the FIA European Truck Racing Championship all Goodyear 315/70R22.5 truck race tyres are built with RFID. This system is used by the company for tyre management purposes at races and FIA (Federation Internationale de l’Automobile) officials use it for regulatory purposes.

The success of this innovative technology on four wheels is now being tested on Motorcycle tyres for the first time, explains Tony Duffy, Dunlop Operations Manager.

"When you look at key introductions in motorcycle motorsports over the years such as the restrictions of cylinders and gears in 1967 and the introduction of carbon brakes in 1988 we believe this is up there as one of the most significant introductions to Motorcycle racing since its inception.

"Firstly the RFID technology will be a huge benefit in ensuring no tyre is missed and we can provide the Moto2 and Moto3 organisers with a 100 per accurate log of each tyre’s activity. However, while the RFID chips only currently carry identifying data it may be possible in the future to make them dynamic so that real-time monitoring of various criteria is possible offering a range of exciting opportunities from a rider intelligence point of view.

"Whilst the technology has now been around for a couple of years in other global race categories, today we will be ensuring the RFID tags remain stable in the MotoGP tyre and fine-tuning the frequencies to the point where no tyre is 'missed' when bikes return from the track. Together with our technical partner Datalinx we have achieved a great breakthrough for motor sport globally and we are sure this will be a success in MotoGP from the start of next season.”

Awards and developments

In 2011 Dunlop was selected as “One of the best of the Automotive Sector 2011 – Innovation Technology Category” by a team of journalists from AutoData Publishing, the most specialised auto industry magazine in Brazil. This recognised the company’s work related to RFID technology in its tyres. Datalinx also scooped a major international award thanks to its involvement with RFID technology, winning the prestigious Most Innovative Solution of the Year trophy at Motorola’s Executive Partner Conference.

Dunlop’s 125th birthday

Dunlop celebrates its 125th anniversary this year but continues to look towards the future as it celebrates 125 years of leadership explains James Bailey Director of Marketing Dunlop Motorsport Europe:

“Looking back, our heritage and culture of technological innovation in competitive motorsport cannot be rivalled. Dunlop has had a long list of motorsport wins over the years on two wheels and four including more wins in the Endurance Motorcycle World than any other tyre manufacturer. Looking forward, we are now introducing new technologies such as the RFID as well as developing tyres for the Green GT H2, a car and technology that are part of the future of motorsport and motoring.

“This year alone Dunlop will be supplying over 250,000 tyres over the course of the season to over 500 different racing teams across more than 30 different championships worldwide from our Birmingham centre of excellence. With 2013 being Dunlop’s 125th anniversary we are more determined than ever to make it one of our most successful years ever.”

Electronics are to take a further step in the world of motorcycle racing this season. In addition to being abundant throughout engine and chassis, Moto2 and Moto3 official tire supplier Dunlop is to introduce them into the tires. In an official press release issued today, Dunlop announced that they will be using RFID chips in the spec tires used in Moto2 and Moto3, to keep precise track of the tires used in both classes.For the moment, the technology will be used solely to track tire usage in Moto2 and Moto3. Tiny RFID chips will be built into the official Dunlop tires during the manufacturing process, each programmed with a unique identifying code. Sensors in pit lane (shown in the photo here on the Dunlop website) will monitor when each tire leaves pit lane, and when they return. Using the database which maps which tires have been allocated to which riders, Dunlop can keep precise track of which tires have been used when, and for how long.

Final 2013 MotoGP Austin Test Photos

Submitted by Andrew Elder on Fri, 2013-03-15 06:20
in

"Hmm. I am beating Valentino, so why is that I still feel so empty? DAMN YOU MARQUEZ!"

"Hmm. I am beating Valentino, so why is that I still feel so empty?  DAMN YOU MARQUEZ!"

 

Grey is the new blue.

Grey is the new blue.

 

"Who has the key?"

"Who has the key?"

 

The ritual pose.

The ritual pose.

 

There's no looking back to Ducati for Rossi.

There's no looking back to Ducati for Rossi.

 

Richard Stanboli and Blake Young work out the next step for the Attack bike.

Richard Stanboli and Blake Young work out the next step for the Attack bike.

 

Pedrosa about to enter the section of track he might not dislike so much.

Pedrosa about to enter the section of track he might not dislike so much.

 

Bradl's a lumberjack and he's OK!

Bradl's a lumberjack and he's OK!

2013 MotoGP Austin Test Day 3 Test Times Final: The Ad Men Cometh

Submitted by Andrew Elder on Thu, 2013-03-14 21:06
in

The Honda riders continue to work in the afternoon, but much of the attention is turning to entertainment rather than racecraft. Only Blake Young has improved his times, while Marquez and Pedrosa are turning lots of laps for the benefit of innovative camera work. Without the Dorna establishment here to clamp down on media, HRC are pulling out all the stops to shoot 1,000 frame per second corners, eye cameras, and on-board footage.  Look for the Austin track to feature prominently in HRC promotions through the early part of the season.

 

Pos No. Rider Bike Time Diff Prev.
1 93 Marc Marquez Honda 02:03.281 00.000  
2 26 Dani Pedrosa Honda 02:03.898 00.617 00.617
3 6 Stefan Bradl Honda 02:04.225 00.944 00.327
4 79 Blake Young Attack 02:12.186 08.905 07.961

 

Another interesting media note. For fans of the Faster / Fastest series of films, you'll be happy to know that Mark Neale has been on site all week shooting footage for an as-yet unnamed project.

2013 MotoGP Austin Test Day 3 Test Times Lunchtime: All Honda, No Schwantz

Submitted by Andrew Elder on Thu, 2013-03-14 18:27
in

It's a calm morning at the Circuit of the Americas, with Yamaha having shipped up yesterday. Honda is not relaxing, of course. Marquez logged 25 laps in total, splitting time between bikes and notably putting both within 0.1 seconds of one another atop the timesheets. Pedrosa edged down his time from yesterday on his 4th lap, and Bradl also improved his time early on. The teams will likely be searching through settings for some of the afternoon before putting their final assault on the Austin circuit near the end of day.

Off the track, things are even more exciting. Speedweek.de is reporting that Kevin Schwantz was prevented from entering the circuit yesterday. Schwantz had attended the previous CRT test at COTA as an advisor to Attack rider Blake Young, and was presumably going to serve in that role again. With the higher profile surrounding the factory test and presence of Schwantz fan Valentino Rossi, it would appear that the COTA management were wary of any controversy Schwantz's presence might generate. The lawsuit between the two parties is still pending for a hearing in Travis County court.

 

Pos No. Rider Bike Time Diff Prev.
1 93 Marc Marquez Honda 02:03.357 00.000  
2 26 Dani Pedrosa Honda 02:03.898 00.541 00.541
3 6 Stefan Bradl Honda 02:04.225 00.868 00.327
4 79 Blake Young Attack 02:13.823 10.466 09.598

 

Even further from the track, Jorge Lorenzo spent the night cruising Austin with X-Gamer (and fellow Alpinestar sponsor) Jamie Bestwick. The two drove the track, picked up Rudy's barbecue and then spent time hanging out at Jesse James' Austin Speed Shop.  All without generating a blip on the Austin cultural radar in the media hurricane that is SXSW.

More 2013 MotoGP Austin Test Photos

Submitted by Andrew Elder on Thu, 2013-03-14 17:40
in

Only one wall separates the GP Tech team from the Yamaha garage. Might as well be a chasm.

Only one wall separates the GP Tech team from the Yamaha garage. Might as well be a chasm.

 

The LCR team are working well here. They also wash their bikes a LOT.

The LCR team are working well here. They also wash their bikes a LOT.

 

Bradl lifts a wheel over the start/finish line.

Bradl lifts a wheel over the start/finish line.

 

Jorge looks slightly more composed.

Jorge looks slightly more composed.

 

The GP Tech bike obviously has superior electronics. Or ...

The GP Tech bike clearly has superior electronics. Or ...

 

Marquez has both eyes focused squarely on the future.

Marquez has both eyes focused squarely on the future.

 

A young man at great speed.

A young man at great speed.

 

Factory kickstand.

Factory kickstand.

 

Jamie Bestwick gets ready for a night on the town with Lorenzo.

Jamie Bestwick gets ready for a night cruising the town with Lorenzo.

 

 

2013 MotoGP Austin Test Day 2 Test Times Final: Yamaha Finishes Early

Submitted by Andrew Elder on Thu, 2013-03-14 00:21
in

The second day of testing ended very similarly to the first, with Hondas leading the way.  Bradl spent much of the day running amongst the factory bikes, although he didn't make the leap into the 2:03's alongside Marquez and Pedrosa.

The Yamaha riders logged over 60 laps each, making the most of their last day of testing. Rossi is now jetting off to Brazil for a prior engagement, while Lorenzo is presumably preparing to be hung tomorrow over after cruising SXSW with X-Games stars and Jesse James.

Grip was less of an issue by the end of the day, although still short of ideal. Pedrosa experimented with the asymmetric Bridgestones, flipping the medium left/soft right to a soft left/medium right configuration (don't try this with your BT-003's) to help solve some of the front-end grip issues he was experiencing. It's hard to say if anything particular about the track is to Pedrosa's liking, but he seemed more comfortable with his results from today.

The Honda riders, including Bradl, will remain on track for one more day of testing. Gearing will likely be an area of focus as the riders try to find the best compromise among the technical combinations of slow corners, flowing chicanes and high speed straights.

Mike Barnes went down hard on the GP Tech bike, and the team will not be returning to test tomorrow. Blake Young exhibited visible frustration in the pits with set up issues, but was able to improve somewhat on the sizeable gap to the front runners. Life is certainly not easy for these CRT teams.

 

Pos No. Rider Bike Time Diff Prev.
1 93 Marc Marquez Honda 02:03.853 00.000  
2 26 Dani Pedrosa Honda 02:03.976 00.123 00.123
3 99 Jorge Lorenzo Yamaha 02:04.351 00.498 00.375
4 6 Stefan Bradl Honda 02:04.640 00.787 00.289
5 46 Valentino Rossi Yamaha 02:04.960 01.107 00.320
6 79 Blake Young Attack 02:13.641 09.788 08.681
7 xx Michael Barnes GP Tech 02:13.993 10.140 00.352

 

Based on a pit lane conversation, I got the impression that Alberto Puig might be moving to Austin.

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