|
Posted by Staff
|
|
Thursday, 11 October 2007 |
After a short break ahead of the final three Grands Prix of
the 2007 MotoGP season, activity recommenced today at Phillip Island, the scene
of this weekend’s GMC Australian Grand Prix.
As always, there was plenty
of things going on before tomorrow’s first free practice session at
the breathtaking circuit, and the day began early for some riders as they took a
trip to the Maru Koala and Fauna park. 250cc World Championship contender Andrea
Dovizioso, fellow quarter litre racer
Hiroshi Aoyama and British 125cc rider Bradley Smith all got up close
with some of the symbols of Australia, coming into contact with the local
wildlife in a morning visit to the facility, which is located close to the
Phillip Island circuit.
Four more lower cylinder class riders were also
sampling some Aussie culture in the early afternoon. 250cc World Champion Jorge
Lorenzo, who can retain his title this weekend depending on the performance of
rival Dovizioso, was joined by Japan race winner Mika Kallio, 125cc title
challenger Hector Faubel and Motegi victor Mattia Pasini for a demonstration of
Aboriginal customs in a traditional ceremony. Didgeridoos and dancing were the
order of the day in an intriguing lesson for the riders.
The three home
riders from the MotoGP class were all present in the pre-event press conference,
answering questions from the worldwide media on their return to their local
track. Newly crowned MotoGP World Champion Casey Stoner, riding his first race
since taking the title at Motegi, was accompanied by Chris Vermeulen and Anthony
West as the home representatives, joined by the resurgent Loris Capirossi and
last year’s winner in Australia, Marco Melandri.
For Vermeulen, the day
wasn’t finished quite yet. The Suzuki rider made a presentation of a new livery
for his GSV-R in the garage after the press conference, unveiling a classy
tribute design paying homage to MotoGP legend Barry Sheene’s XR-14 bike from the
mid-70’s. Sheene was a mentor to Vermeulen, who took his first MotoGP podium at
Phillip Island last year, and had relocated to Australia before his retirement
from racing. The current fourth place challenger in the premier class will be
running the blue and white livery for the entire weekend of his home Grand Prix,
and will as always be using the Sheene ‘crossed seven’ as part of his number 71
design.
Practice for the GMC Australian Grand Prix takes place tomorrow
from 9am (local time)
from InfoMotoGP
|
