Even with rain pouring down at the Sepang raceway, that didn’t put a damper on things as everyone celebrated the crowning of the new 2009 MotoGP World Champion. Valentino Rossi has clenched his 9th World Title. He has one them all, 125cc, 250cc, 500cc, 990cc, and of course today’s 800cc machines. All he needed to do was keep teammate Lorenzo in his sites. Rossi wound up taking a podium finish that guaranteed his spot as the 2009 World Champion. Sliding in the rain and taking a few corners wide Rossi was able to keep his Yamaha M1 on the track and pointed at the finish line. He made an early mistake that allowed Australian Ducati rider Casey Stoner to leap way out in front where no one could catch him. All the racers of MotoGP showed great sportsmanship by congratulating the newly crowned World Champion. Rossi took a lap sporting a new chicken helmet before returning to winners circle. Colin Edwards had a great year placing in the top 5 for most of his races this season. Edwards and I both are eager to see the team of Texans tear up the track next year for the Satalite Tech 3 Yamaha team. With Yamaha’s World Superbike Champion Ben Spies moving up to MotoGP after sweeping the World Superbike scene in his rookie Year, Spies and Edwards now have their work cut out for them as they look to battle it out with Lorenzo and Rossi on the factory Yamaha team. Don’t leave out Casey Stoner who seems to be back in great shape now for Ducati. He missed several races and he delt with health problems. I wouldnt be surprised if we see Pedrosa and the Honda’s making a dash for the title either next year.

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Look for lots of new information, updates, reviews, and sportbike media….. Yamaha R1 added to the stable!

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The first ever night race turned out to be a success.  MotoGP World Champion Casey Stoner started his title defence with a five second victory, followed by Rookie Fiat Yamaha Rider Jorge Lorenzo.  Dani Pedrosa took third position after having a great start to the race and leading a couple of laps.

The top ten riders following the podium finishers were debut rider Andrea Dovizioso, Valentino Rossi, James Toseland, Colin Edwards, Loris Capirossi, Randy de Puniet and Nicky Hayden.   Next race is in Jerez Spain on March 30th, 2008.

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The testing for the 2008 MotoGP season has concluded in Sepang, former World Champion Nicky Hayden climbed his way to the top on the last day. The 2008 season so far has been plagued with injuries, either riders recuperating from last seasons crashes or taking spills during testing and undergoing surgery. It has been a challenge for the riders getting used to the smaller less powerful machines dictated by MotoGP’s current regulations. Never the less, lap times are decreasing and corner speeds are increasing. The teams and riders are packing up and heading for Phillip Island in southern Australia, the 10 fastest riders and teams having posted the following times:

1. Hayden - Repsol HRC - 77 laps - 2′00.326
2. Stoner - Ducati Marlboro - 27 laps - 2′00.660
3. Lorenzo - Fiat Yamaha - 63 laps - 2′00.766
4. Edwards - Yamaha Tech 3 - 34 laps - 2′01.179
5. Hopkins - Kawasaki Racing - 42 laps - 2′01.198
6. Rossi - Fiat Yamaha - 48 laps - 2′01.425
7. Dovizioso - JiR Team Scot - 51 laps - 2′01.447
8. Toseland - Yamaha Tech 3 - 45 laps - 2′01.745
9. Vermeulen* - Rizla Suzuki - 70 laps - 2′01.748
10. Capirossi* - Rizla Suzuki - 62 laps - 2′01.778

* Aoki and Akiyoshi times were recorded on their riders machines

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