Rossi not to replace Massa
The rumour mills were buzzing with reports that Rossimight switch to Formula One racing in the next few weeks and would replace the injured Ferrari driver Felipe Massa. These reports suggested that after former F1 champion Michael Schumacher withdrew from stepping into Massa's cockpit, due to the German's neck injury, team boss Stefano Domenicali held several discussions with Valentino Rossi.
Though 'the Doctor' has done some testing sessions with Ferrari in the past, he never considered migrating from two to four-wheel racing. To everyone's surprise Rossi admitted that when he'll quit MotoGP racing, he'll like try his skills in the World Rally Championship.
The Yamaha rider was quoted by the International media that he has spoken a lot with Stefano Domenicali in these last days about the return of Schumi, but hasn't received an offer to drive for the F1 team. More over Rossi cannot race motorbikes and F1 at the same time.
[Via: BIKE]
BMW Motorrad To Launch Superbikes In India
13 years back BMW has entered the Indian superbike scene with the F650 through a joint venture with the Hero Group, but things did not go as planned. BMW is planning another foray into the country's minuscule high-end motorcycle market and is planning to introduce its Motorrad range of super bikes in India which will cost in excess of Rs. 10 lakh.
However BMW India could take 1-2 years before anything is finalised. BMW Motorrad is a brand used by the German company for its motorcycles, which are in production since 1923. BMW Motorrad's G series, F series, R series and K series are available around the world. These bikes range from 450 cc capacity to 1300 cc capacity and are designed for off road, sport and touring purposes.
[Via: motorbeam]
Fiat Yamaha urge FIM to make MotoGP less expensive
Daniele Romagnoli and Davide Brivio, team managers at Fiat Yamaha, have urged the FIM to take decisive actions that would bring about a reduction in MotoGP costs. According to Romagnoli, team manager for Jorge Lorenzo, the FIM should reduce winter testing and/or schedule testing to coincide with the last GP of the season, which would also reduce costs (since bikes and equipment would not have to be ferried from one country to another).
Romagnoli also suggests a drastic reduction in the rev limit for MotoGP engines, which would enhance their longevity. This, according to him, would be crucial in bringing down costs because the engine is the most expensive part of a MotoGP bike in terms of the cost of components as well as research and development costs.
Reducing the rev limit to 16,000rpm would, according to Romagnoli, allow manufacturers to use the same engine in two or perhaps even three races. It would also allow a reduction in manufacturing costs since it would be possible to make these engines with relatively less expensive materials.
The Fiat Yamaha managers recommend the usage of just one ECU per bike and a drastic reduction in the usage of complex, expensive sensors such as inertial platforms and GPS. They recommend going back to simpler, less expensive electronics - the kind that were being used five years ago.
And finally, they suggest that steel (rather than carbon) brakes be used on MotoGP bikes, which would help cut costs further. 'I don't think these changes would make the championship any less spectacular. As a matter of fact, it could lead to even have more surprises,' says Romagnoli.
[Via: indiaautomotive]
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