MotoGP, Laguna Seca

Posted: 31 Jul 2012

The MotoGP boys have dusted off their helmets and leathers after having a weekend off their bikes and have headed over to America’s famous Laguna Seca circuit for the ninth round of the season. As ever, the weekend was full of whispers of rider moves and great racing!

The weekend started off with disappointing news for Bennetts-backed rider, Kyle Ryde:

“The ACU are unable to grant the necessary clearance for @kyleryde to compete in the KTM Euro Junior Cup at Silverstone next weekend…”

“ACU licence restrictions state "up to 650cc single or twin cylinder 4st Prod. Based machine". The bike is a KTM Duke (690cc)”

Earlier in the week we predicted that Rossi would soon announce his move to Yamaha…we are still waiting but pretty certain that it will happen!

“ @Rapidxracing We're still pretty certain it's coming, it seems Yamaha are making a requirement for Rossi to raise €10m in sponsorship..”

Maybe he’s thinking about possible sponsors in this picture that we tweeted:

"Aaaaah and relax…" Rossi at Laguna... Bring on the racing! http://ow.ly/i/NYAp”

 Over at Yamaha, Spies’ shock decision was still causing a stir:

“Spies' decision to leave Yamaha came as a shock to them as they were prepared to give him another yr. Rumours of a BMW SBK ride still strong”

 @themattedmonds asked us: “any news on who gets Ben’s ride next year? @calcrutchlow would be perfect!”

So we told him what we had heard:

“@themattedmonds Rumours we hear is that it'll be Rossi if he can get the money together, which would mean there's a space at Ducati for Cal”

It’s just a case of waiting – we know how excited we are for the announcements so can only imagine how nerve wracking this time of the year is for the riders! Wonder what Lorenzo was thinking:

“A stern-looking Lorenzo... Is he thinking about who is going to be his team-mate next year? #MotoGP http://ow.ly/i/NYzG”

We also reported:

“We hear that Audi are already pushing Ducati to secure @stefanbradl for 2014... #MotoGP”

@MatthieuJuttens agreed that it was exciting for fans: “There are already many rumours for 2013, so can we wait for 2014?! :-)”

With the racing being shown on Sunday night we wondered how many hardcore fans would stay up on a ‘School Night’:

“Good luck to @calcrutchlow, fingers crossed for a podium! Who is staying up to watch it tonight?”

And we were overwhelmed with the response:

@nicole_motogp: “the question is, who's not?”

@tractorgirlamy8: “I am, gotta get up at half 5 but nothing keeps me from bikes!”

 @SqirrelPants : “I AM! Can't wait to watch our boy ride! :)”

 ‏@Big_GPro: “Wots the Olympics ? Does it have bike racing in it ? Haha I've seen a lil bit but it bores me. Bike racing rules end of”

Cal Crutchlow came away from Laguna Seca with another strong result on his Yamaha, maintaining his advantage from qualifying and riding across the line in fifth place. The MotoGP boys will be taking a break now until Indianapolis so will hopefully have time to sort out their contracts for next year – watch this space for announcements!

Meanwhile, the WSBKs are heading to Silverstone next weekend for the last British round on the WSBK calendar…