Despite the disappointment of crashing out of his home race two weeks ago at Le Mans after a most impressive showing, Frenchman Johann Zarco is hungry and determined to continue improving on his MotoBI at this weekend’s Catalunya Moto2 race. The 21-year-old is looking forward to racing in Spain and is seeking to gain more experience and knowledge of his four-stroke MotoBI machine.

“I’m looking forward to Catalunya, even though I’m still a little upset about my crash at home in Le Mans. This has made me hungry to be at the front once more and fight hard again with the best Moto2 riders in the world. This is why I’m looking forward to Spain so much. The track itself has been good to me and I have happy memories of fighting hard with the leading group of riders there last year in the 125cc class. After the rain and
changeable weather of my home race, I’m also looking forward to some nice weather, as we are heading towards the summer, so that should be good. What is improving with every race is the way my JiR Team and I are working with each other; we are finding a good way of working together which is helping me get the best from my MotoBI.

What also helps is my manager and coach, Laurent Fellon out around the track, watching me ride. Extra information like this becomes invaluable when it comes to setting up the bike. Slowly, we are beginning to perform like the leaders in this class and this is important as at the moment the team has only one rider – me. Thankfully, in the MotoBI we have a very good bike, so we are lucky, but the most important part of the package in Moto2 is the rider, so I will always give of my best and fight hard, and this will continue at Catalunya.”

Honda releases two promotional videos to showcase the new Honda CRF450R 2013.

Honda CRF450R 2013 Tech Details:

The videos can be downloaded from the Honda UK Newsroom but are also available on the HondaUKMotorcycles YouTube channel http://www.youtube.com/HondaUKMotorcycles where you can copy the embed codes should you wish to share.

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Dan Cooper and the Centurion Racing team have enjoyed a strong week so far at the Isle of Man TT, with the Gloucestershire rider having posted some extremely competitive times. Having ridden Suzuki and Kawasaki machinery in the British championship and at the North West 200, Cooper is back on the Centurion Racing 1000cc Honda Fireblade and 675cc Triumph this week and has been improving his lap times with each and every session.

With conditions on the Island being perfect so far, with the exception of some bright evening sun causing problems in some sections of the course, a solid opening session on Monday saw Dan get dialled back into the 37.73-mile Mountain Course with laps of 116.142mph on the big bike and 113.532mph on the Triumph. These laps improved to 120.152mph and 116.469mph on Tuesday but with the weather being even better on Wednesday evening, and no sun to affect visibility, Dan showed how much he was progressing. A lap of 122.108mph on the Honda was only a few seconds adrift of his best ever lap of the Mountain Course (set on the final lap of last year’s Senior race) whilst the Triumph was also going well with a lap of 117.843mph.

Dan Cooper: “It feels great to be back riding at the TT with Centurion Racing and I absolutely love the place, there’s no better place to ride a bike than around the Mountain Course. I’ve loved it right from when I first came here in 2010 and it’s definitely been a case of ‘so far, so good’ this week. The biggest challenge has been getting used to the big bike again as I haven’t ridden it since this time last year. It takes a few sessions to get back into riding the 1000 and getting used to the speed as it’s a bit of an animal around here compared to the Supersport machine. The lap speeds have been good from the very first session and to lap at 122mph on Wednesday evening was brilliant, I’ve practically matched my personal best already so it bodes really well for the rest of the fortnight. We’ve had a few mapping issues with the Triumph but it was a lot better on Wednesday and I was happy enough with a 117mph+ lap. There’s more to come but we’ll just keep chipping away at what we’re doing and continue to make good progress.”

Paul Rees: “Things have been really good so far and I’m really pleased with the progress Dan has made. On just the second night of practice, he lapped at over 120mph and it’s pleasing to see how his sector times are improving with almost every lap. Wednesday night couldn’t have gone any better on the big bike and as the bike works better, the lap times are better and Dan’s confidence is increasing all the time. He’s still getting used to the 1000cc machine but his experience of the course is getting better and he’s learning more each time he goes out and that’s enabling him to give a lot more constructive feedback. That in turn allows the mechanics to give him the bike he wants. There’s been a slight misfire with the Triumph but, hopefully, that’s been resolved now and a solid 117mph+ lap was what we needed. Everyone’s working really well together so hopefully everything will continue in the same vein.”

Practice continues tonight and tomorrow evening with the first race, the 6-lap Superbike TT, taking place at 12.00pm on Saturday 2nd June.

Pictures by Mark ‘Wally’ Walters.

The Honda off-road family is extending its appeal to a broad range of ages and skill levels.

The 2013 CRF450R is a direct result of knowledge acquired by the HRC works team in the All-Japan Motocross Championship. Focused completely around the rider, it features a brand new, fully mass-centralised chassis and KYB air-sprung USD front forks. The engine has been re-tuned for more low down torque and smoother power delivery to make an open-class motocross bike that’s easier to ride faster, for longer.

The championship-winning performance of the CRF250R is further upgraded with improved engine and suspension performance. The engine’s response at low and mid-rpm has been boosted thanks to recalibration of the fuel injection, while the rear shock has been revised with new internals and damping rates.

The CRF110F is a brand new motorcycle aimed squarely at the 8–11 year old age range. It features a new engine –­ with electric starter – and chassis. With styling inspired by the 2013 CRF450R, the CRF110F also provides a valuable stepping-stone up to more competition-focused motocross and enduro machines.

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The new Honda Wave110i is now available in Honda dealers, for all those looking for low-cost, straight-forward and hassle-free motoring.

The Wave110i offers superb fuel efficiency and a total tank range of over 130 miles between fill ups. Low fuel costs are coupled with low running and maintenance costs, creating an attractive proposition for the everyday commuter.

Delivering smooth power from its fuel-injected single-cylinder 109cc four-stroke engine, via a four-speed transmission, the strong, user-friendly engine is mounted in a tough and compact frame with chassis geometry that delivers a light and quick maneuverable bike, ideal for city use and daily commuting.

Priced at just £1,800 OTR, the Wave110i becomes even more attractive to those looking for cheap, reliable and uncomplicated transport. It is also available on finance, from as little as £50 per month*.

For further details on the Wave110i and for more information on Honda’s range of fuel efficient motorcycles and scooters, visit your local Honda Motorcycle dealer, visit www.honda.co.uk or call 0845 200 8000.

On the back of a successful North West 200, the Honda TT Legends team continues its road racing season with its namesake event – the Isle of Man TT. The practice sessions for the world-famous road racing spectacular begin this evening, with 17-times winner John McGuinness and 2011 fastest newcomer Simon Andrews representing the Honda TT Legends in the Superbike class.

McGuinness stormed to victory in both Superbike battles in 2011 to take his tally of wins to 17. The ‘Morecambe Missile’ still holds the outright TT lap record and will be looking to defend his title as fastest man around the 37-mile circuit, as well as adding to his victory count aboard the Honda TT Legends CBR1000RR Fireblade.

Team-mate Simon Andrews made an impressive debut at last year’s event, posting a 125mph+ lap in the Senior race that saw him become best newcomer of 2011 and the second fastest TT debutante of all time. Having secured a notable fourth place in the second Superbike race at his first ever North West 200 just nine days ago, the Evesham rider is confident that he is ready to take on the TT and improve on his results.

McGuinness and Andrews will compete for the Honda TT Legends in the Superbike race on Monday 4 June and the Senior TT on Friday 8 June. Andrews will also compete in the Superstock class under the Honda TT Legends banner, alongside the team’s EWC rider Gary Johnson.

John McGuinness
I’m always nervous getting on the bike and heading out on the lap again for the first time each year, but I know that as soon as I get out there I’ll love it. The weather has been beautiful over the past few days and we couldn’t ask for a better start. When the sun is out, the crowds start arriving and the atmosphere gets going it’s just magic. Let’s hope it stays like this and we can give the fans a good show.

Simon Andrews 
I’m a bit nervous ahead of going out on the superbike for the first time this evening, but I’m excited as well and I can’t wait to get out there. I did a couple of laps on Saturday and I still have a lot to learn, especially at high speeds on the superbike, There are definitely sectors where I can make improvements and if I can do that I am sure I can better last year’s performance.

Neil Tuxworth 
We’ve just come away from a very successful North West 200, where John and Simon did extremely well and this is always a good indication of the performance we can expect at the TT. They are both riding with confidence and I am certain that they are capable of achieving good results in the Superbike category. In the Superstock class we have Simon and Gary competing under the team’s colours and again, I am confident that they will do a good job.

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TV coverage
Coverage of the event will be shown on ITV4 (Freeview channel 28, cable channel 117 and Sky channel 120).

ITV4 Schedule: Monday, May 28, 9pm – John McGuinness TT Legend Tuesday, May 29, 9pm – TT Record Breakers Thursday, May 31, 8pm – The Final Countdown Thursday, May 31, 9pm – Preview Show Friday, June 1, 9pm – Practice Show Saturday, June 2, to Thursday, June 7 (inclusive), 9pm – Race Highlights Friday, June 8, 10pm – Senior Race Highlights Monday, June 11, 8pm – Event Review 1 Monday, June 11, 9pm – Event Review 2 Please note the schedule is subject to alteration. Check listings for latest details.

International coverage:  Discovery Turbo (US and Canada) Network 10 (Australia) Antenna 3 (Spain)

Practice and race week schedule 
Practice week (All sessions scheduled to start at 6.20pm and end no later than 9pm. Schedules are subject to change)

Monday, May 28  Superbike/Superstock/Supersport/Newcomers (except Lightweight) Qualifying Sidecar Qualifying

Tuesday, May 29  Superbike/Superstock/Supersport/Newcomers (except Lightweight) Qualifying Supersport/Lightweight/ Newcomers (all solo classes) Qualifying Sidecar Qualifying

Wednesday, May 30  Superbike/Superstock/Supersport/Newcomers (except Lightweight) Qualifying Sidecar Qualifying

Thursday, May 31  Superbike/Superstock/Supersport/Newcomers (except Lightweight) Qualifying Supersport/Lightweight/Newcomers (all solo classes) Qualifying Sidecar Qualifying

Friday, June 1  Superbike/Superstock/Supersport/ Newcomers (except Lightweight) Qualifying Sidecar Qualifying

Race week
Saturday, June 2  11am – Dainese Superbike TT Race 2pm – Sure Sidecar TT Race 1 Supersport/Lightweight Qualifying

Monday, June 4  10.45am – Monster Energy Supersport TT Race 1 Sidecar Qualifying 2pm – Royal London 360 Superstock TT Race

Wednesday, June 6  10.45am – SES TT Zero Challenge 1pm – Monster Energy Supersport TT Race 2 3.15pm – Sure Sidecar TT Race 2 Senior Qualifying Lightweight Qualifying

Friday, June 8  10.45am – BikerPetition.co.uk Lightweight TT Race 1.30pm – PokerStars Senior TT Race

*All details are subject to change. Further details will be released ahead of the event.

As planned in his training program the JiR Team rider Eric Granado visited the Italian circuit of Mugello last weekend for the FMI Cup. After the practice sessions done on a dry track, following the rain forecasted to arrive on Sunday, the team decided not to run because of the forthcoming CEV race at Aragon.

In Friday’s four sessions and in Saturday’s single session done on a dry track, the Brazilian rider managed to run 53 laps for a total of 277.98 km, enough for Granado to get in touch with one of the most technical circuits in the World Championship. In this instance the rider had the chance to test his Moto2 machine and thus ended the training program that involved him as well as the Misano Circuit the week before in the Italian Cup, when
the young Brazilian ran 40 laps for a total of 169.04 km.

It is now already time to think about the incoming CEV week end, that is about to start today, Friday 25th, at the Aragon circuit. The young Brazilian will race on the official MotoBI, taking another chance to gather experience in this new class.

I’m confident for a good race from Eric this weekend. During the winter season we tested in the most varied weather conditions and this contributed to make Eric learn faster. The working method is the same that we adopt in the World Championship with Johann Zarco as well as both riders having the same technical equipment at their disposal, but of course the experience that the two riders has is different. We tested in Valencia, Jerez, Albacete,
again in Jerez, then three CEV races (Jerez, Navarra and now Aragon) furthermore the Misano and Mugello tests; after this Sunday’s race we will make the needed evaluations. My opinion is that Eric needs to gather experience and learn from the best riders, on the other side we need trust, time and resources. I saw a lot of interest in South America for our sport project, I hope now to get comparable support.

My expectations for this 3rd round of the CEV here in Motorland are to make some further improvements on my MotoBI, starting from the very beginning to understand the reactions of my machine in the corners and to find the best way so suit my riding style to it. This circuit is very interesting because it has some rising corners with fast changes of direction.

My Team has a lot of references of this circuit so I will rely on their experience
and advice to adapt quickly to my machine’s set up at the circuit, in order to make good practice sessions and hopefully start the race as near to the front as possible. My goal is to fight in the race with the leading pack and gain more and more experience to get well prepared for my debut in the World Championship: I know I will race with a highly competitive machine and a well experienced team that will give me full chances to make important growth.

With British Superbikes heading to the historic TT Circuit Assen this season, Suzuki is offering a fantastic opportunity for you and one other to be there.

You can win a chance to see Tyco Suzuki’s Josh Brookes and Alastair Seeley battle for supremacy with other British Superbike heavyweights, all with accommodation and travel as part of the package, including three nights in a four star hotel, weekend tickets including grandstand seats and circuit hospitality, paddock access, a garage tour, and a meet and greet with the TAS Racing team.

To enter the competition, get your Suzuki serviced or MOT’d at any authorised Suzuki dealer between 14th May and 26th August and you could be the lucky winner of the VIP trip for two.

Suzuki GB’s Tim Davies commented, “British Superbikes is widely regarded as the best domestic race series in the world, and to have one of the showdown meetings on this famous and historic circuit is fantastic. We’re very excited about being able to offer one of our loyal and valued customers the chance to be a part of it, and reward them for choosing to stay within our dealer network.”

Famous for its epic battles in the World Superbike Championship in the late 90’s when thousands of Brits flocked to the circuit to cheer-on Fogarty, Whitham, and co, the magic looks set to return this year for BSB’s very first mainland European race weekend.

For further information please contact Suzuki GB
Find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/SuzukiBikesUK and follow us on twitter: @SuzukiBikesUK

Other Superbike News:

British Superbikes to race at Assen in 2012 News Motorcycle

The 2012 MCE Insurance BSB calendar has been announced today Monday by series promoters MSVR and will incorporate a round of the championship at Assen Holland for the first time in the history of the series.

Following on from his sensational performance at the 2011 Isle of Man TT Races, Dan Cooper and the Centurion Racing Team are heading for the 2012 festival which gets underway with practice this Saturday evening.

On only his second visit last year, Cooper from Stroud managed to win four bronze replicas and achieve a best lap time of 122.583mph in the Senior TT on his way to 24th place to end a superb week.

Now the former British 125GP champion and the Cornwall-based race team, which had five successful years in the British Supersport Championship, including many successes with the rider nicknamed ‘Ferret’, are returning to tackle both races in the Supersport class aboard a 675cc Triumph, and the Superstock TT and Senior TT aboard a Honda Fireblade.

Dan recently contested the International North West 200 in Northern Ireland and riding for British Supersport Championship runners-up Gearlink Kawasaki on his debut at the 8.9-mile Causeway Coast track, secured 25th place during qualifying out of the 50 riders entered. In the opening Supersport race, he suffered a quickshifter problem which was soon rectified by the team and he went on to take a sensational tenth place in the second six-lap race.

24 year old Cooper commented; “I am very confident about the TT this year as we have a great team again, and with the laps I put in last year, I am getting to know the circuit even better every time I go out. I obviously have a long way to go before I reach the heights of the likes of John McGuinness, Hutchy, the Dunlops and Guy Martin etc, but this is why it is so exciting, you never stop learning every time you jump on the bike, no matter what class. I am very thankful to Paul Rees and Centurion Racing for giving me the opportunity to ride at the TT and also to Michael and Norma de Bidaph at Gearlink Kawasaki at the recent North West 200 especially as this gave me time on the roads just before the TT. I am looking forward to the good times both on and off the track at the TT producing some good results for Centurion Racing over the next couple of weeks.”

Paul Rees, Team Principal, said: “We are all looking forward to getting over there again, as we believe Dan is destined to do very well on the roads, especially as he just loves the TT circuit, the atmosphere and the safety and management of the whole event is just superb. Like all racing it can get very stressful but it is amazing to witness that if you have a problem with a bike how other teams come over to try and help you out. Along with serious preparation, set up each day and the actual practices and racing, the time both at the circuit and away from the circuit is electrifying as thousands of people flock to the Isle of Man to watch these guys perform, I would personally say it’s the best bike racing in the world. I would like to thank the whole team, sponsors and friends and family for the support they have shown for Dan and the team. We hope to see as many of you over there in the next couple of weeks.”

As in 2011, Centurion Racing will continue to show their support for Help for Heroes, their chosen charity, by displaying H4H logos on the bikes and team attire. Team Principal Paul Rees, who spent 20 years in Her Majesty’s Royal Marine Commandos, was given permission to have the bikes carry the H4H logos in order to encourage the public to be more aware of this charity that supports our Armed Forces, many of whom are making daily sacrifices in Afghanistan.

Centurion Racing would specially like to thank Arai, FTR, GPR Racewear, Dunlop, Rage Designs, RichArt, R2 Logo Print & Embroidery, Akrapovic and Daytona for personally supporting Dan, and all our friends and followers.

For more information visit the website: www.centurionracing.com (Also on Facebook) or please contact: Paul Rees, paul@centurionsafety.net, mobile: +44 (0)7785 248934 or John Cooper, jgcooper60@gmail.com, mobile: +44 (0)7584 901191.

2012 TT Schedule

Saturday 26th May to Friday 1st June
Official Practice & Qualifying

Saturday 2nd June
11.00 – Dainese Superbike TT Race – 6 laps
14.00 – Sure Sidecar TT Race 1 – 3 laps

Monday 4th June
10:45 – Monster Energy Supersport TT Race 1 – 4 laps
14:00 – Royal London 360 Superstock TT Race – 4 laps

Wednesday 6th June
10.45 – SES TT Zero Challenge – 1 lap
13.00 – Monster Energy Supersport TT Race 2 – 4 laps
15.15 – Sure Sidecar TT Race 2 – 3 laps

Friday 8th June
10.45 – BikerPetition.co.uk Lightweight TT Race – 3 laps
13:30 – PokerStars Senior TT Race – 6 laps

Picture attached (copyright free, courtesy of Pacemaker Press International) Dan Cooper at the start of the 2011 Senior TT where he went on to finish in 24th place.

A slightly depleted CN Racing team heads to Snetterton in Norfolk this weekend for the latest rounds of both the Metzeler National Superstock 1000 Championship and Motorpoint British Supersport Championship.

With the team’s Metzeler National Superstock 600 Championship rider Andy Reid still out injured following his broken leg in pre-season testing, Manxman Gavin Hunt joins him on the sidelines due to fractured ribs and pulled neck muscles sustained in the previous round at Donington Park, which also ruled him out of last week’s International North West 200.

Therefore, it’s left to Josh Day to uphold honours in the Metzeler National Superstock 1000 Championship aboard the team’s Ten Kate-prepared 1000cc Honda Fireblade. The Cirencester rider, who won the Metzeler National Superstock 600 Championship in 2010, is gradually returning to form after a heavy spill in pre-season testing and scored his best result of the season so far in round five at Donington Park last time out.

Looking to build on the double victory in the Motorpoint British Supersport Cup in the previous round at Oulton Park is Carrickfergus rider Glenn Irwin who brings his CN Racing-supported Met Healthcare and Megastore 247 Yamaha R6 to Snetterton as championship leader where the young Ulsterman will be hoping to continue his winning ways.

Dwayne McCracken, Crew Chief: “We are disappointed that two of our riders will miss this round but we tested at Snetterton with both Josh and Glenn recently so we have a good base setting to work with. Josh’s confidence is slowly returning and he is now capable of a top ten finish so hopefully he can achieve that. Glenn has slotted back in with the team very well and is very settled so as well as Cup wins, we are hopeful of him challenging for a top five place outright as we know he is capable of that. Gavin aims to be back with us at Knockhill and we are monitoring Andy’s injury on a regular basis so we hope to have him back as soon as possible.”

For further information, please visit www.cnracing.co.uk or www.britishsuperbike.com.