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Sunny opening day in Valencia |
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Posted by Staff
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Thursday, 01 November 2007 |
The sun was shining and fans came out in force for the
opening day of the Gran Premio bwin.com de la Comunitat Valenciana, the
traditional finale to the MotoGP World Championship season.
Preparing for
what will be in some cases a week-long stay at the Spanish circuit, with testing
for 2008 following on from Sunday’s race, all teams were going about their work
with the usual diligence as they aim to end the year on a high. Many riders will
be competing with their current teams for the final time before switching
colours or category next week.
MotoGP veterans Alex Barros and Carlos
Checa, making their last Grand Prix appearances this weekend, were two of the
five riders speaking at the MotoGP pre-event press conference at the Ricardo
Tormo circuit. Alongside the experienced duo, World Champion Casey Stoner sealed
his 100% attendance record this season with a final appearance in front of the
media, accompanied by home riders Dani Pedrosa and Dani Pedrosa.
Always a
popular event, the Spanish edition of ‘Day Of Champions’ organised by official
MotoGP charity Riders for Health, provided much activity this afternoon. Pit
lane walks and the rider auction were just some of the activities organised to
raise money for the worthy cause, aimed at providing support for projects in
third world countries.
A deal was also announced this afternoon to make
Alice the title sponsor for Luis d’Antin’s satellite Ducati team, which will run
riders Sylvain Guintoli and Toni Elias in 2008, for the next 2
seasons.
Practice for the Gran Premio bwin.com de la Comunitat
Valenciana begins tomorrow at 9am local time.
Casey
Stoner
“I’ve had a lot of good results here, but also some bad ones.
The track is unbelievably flowing for the size it is. I think that we can expect
good things here.
“Our 2008 season starts at Valencia. I’m looking
forward to my break, but also the tests. It’s time for us to get our heads down
and start working for next year after some fun riding the bike in the last few
races. I’m happy to be World Champion, even if it were to be only once in my
life.”
from InfoMotoGP
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