SETUP REPORT
09/09/2008
Fiat Yamaha Team lead the way to Indianapolis

Indianapolis Motor Speedway

The MotoGP World Championship heads to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for the first time in its history this weekend, fittingly with the equal most successful rider of all-time leading the groundbreaking pilgrimage to one of motorsport's most iconic venues. Fiat Yamaha rider Valentino Rossi leveled Giacomo Agostini's record of premier-class wins with his 68th career success at Misano, extending his championship advantage over Casey Stoner to 75 points, whilst his rookie team-mate Jorge Lorenzo made it a team one-two, It means that Rossi needs to outscore Stoner by a single point at Indy to set up his first title match-point in the following round at Motegi, Japan. The legendary American circuit, which plays host to two of the largest-attended sporting events in the world - the Indy 500 and Allstate 400 car races - now welcomes the two-wheeled phenomena of Rossi-mania and the 'Lorenshow', with the pair keen to make their mark with a dazzling performance in front of the fanatical east-coast crowd.

Much will hinge on the adaptability of bikes and especially tyres at a circuit the engineers have no previous data for. A crucial factor will be track temperature, although it looks certain to be much cooler than recent events at Laguna Seca, Brno and in particular Misano, where the late European summer sunshine brought ambient temperatures of 35ºC, heating the asphalt to 48ºC. At Indianapolis average temperatures in September range from highs of around 25ºC to lows touching 13ºC.

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is the largest spectator sporting facility in the world, with 257,000 permanent seats. Originally constructed in 1909 with a 2.5-mile oval, an exciting 16-turn motorcycle road circuit, which includes part of the historic oval, has been purpose-built for this weekend's event. Action will get underway an hour earlier than usual, with the first practice session scheduled for 9.30am on Friday and running until 11am, allowing the riders an extra half hour to get to know the track. Sunday's race is also scheduled for later than usual, with the red lights set to go out at 3pm.

Valentino Rossi - A different challenge
"I am still on a high from Misano, which was an amazing day, but now we are facing a different challenge. It's very exciting to be going to Indianapolis, such a famous and historical place for motorposrt, but it's obvious from reports that it's going to be quite a difficult race for everyone. Of course we have no data but we're also expecting the surface to be quite tricky for the tyres. I hope the track is safe, we know the walls are quite close in some places but hopefully it won't be a problem. We will find out on Friday! It's fun to be going to a new place in America and I hope there will be a lot of fans, even if it's not quite as many as at the Indy 500!"

Jorge Lorenzo - "A famous place!"
"Returning to the United States is really exciting for me, not for the fact we're going back there but because we're racing at a completely new circuit. Indianapolis is a historic place, which we have all heard people talking about at one time or another. It's a track I've seen hundreds of times in movies and on the television. As far as I'm concerned, I just want to keep in a good run of form and stay at the level we found at San Marino, where everything worked as we'd hoped once again. The whole team and myself have to focus throughout all four sessions because they will be crucial to prepare for the race. There are five rounds until the end of the world championship and we have to keep fighting to meet our objectives. This is the first of a difficult run of races outside Europe."

Davide Brivio - "Expecting a great weekend"

"Everyone in our team really enjoys racing in America so we're excited about going back there, and even more so about going to such a fantastic, historical place as Indianapolis. It will be great fun exploring the track and the area, and we're anticipating a great weekend. Of course we know it's going to be hard, as it always is when we go somewhere new, but the momentum is with us after three great races and we will be aiming to continue in the same way. Our team is very motivated and we will be looking to get as good start on Friday morning and then to make the most of each session from then on."

Daniele Romagnoli - "Indy is a magical track"
"It is difficult to predict what the situation will be like at Indianapolis because we've never been there before and we don't have any data to work from, but we go into practice in good shape. Jorge scored a wonderful podium at Misano and proved that he has got his feeling back for the bike and his confidence has returned. If the tyres are good then we can be competitive, there's no doubt about that. The whole team are excited about this weekend because we love spending time in the US. Indy is a magical track, which we have all seen on the television many times growing up, so it is an extra motivation for all of us to race there."

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Bridgestone MotoGP Briefing - Round 14: Indianapolis

Tuesday 9 September 2008

Bridgestone is hoping to continue its competitive run of form at this weekend's inaugural Indianapolis Grand Prix, the
second race to be held on American soil this season.

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is a world renowned racing venue and has played host to a multitude of
four-wheeled events over nearly a century, but this weekend's race opens a new chapter in the circuit's impressive
history.

A two-day MotoGP test took place at the Speedway back in July for tyre manufacturers to get to grips with the
complex new 16-turn circuit layout and asphalt. The session was open to non- regular GP riders only, so Bridgestone
worked alongside Niccolo' Canepa (Ducati), Olivier Jacque (Kawasaki), Ben Spies (Suzuki) and Wataru Yoshikawa
(Yamaha) in order to obtain initial data.

It has been less than two months since MotoGP last visited the US. In the two races since Laguna Seca, Fiat
Yamaha's Valentino Rossi has taken a maximum fifty points to extend his lead of the championship to 262 points.
Ducati's Casey Stoner still retains second in the classification to keep two Bridgestone-shod riders at the head of the
championship with five races of the season to go.

Bridgestone will supply a total of 13 riders this weekend with the addition of Repsol Honda rider Dani Pedrosa and
Rizla Suzuki wildcard Ben Spies. It will be Spies's third race of the season after replacing Loris Capirossi at
Donington and participating as a wildcard at Laguna Seca. For Pedrosa, it will be his first race weekend using
Bridgestone tyres after just one day of testing after Misano.

Hiroshi Yamada - Bridgestone Motorsport - Manager, Motorcycle Sport Unit

"We are all excited at going to Indianapolis for what promises to be a fantastic weekend of motorcycle racing.
Bridgestone is very well acquainted with the Speedway from our four-wheeled racing activities, including Formula
One and the IndyCar Series. We naturally hope that our success at the Speedway on four wheels continues on two
wheels with the inaugural Indianapolis MotoGP this weekend. We have enjoyed a lot of success this season, in
particular with Valentino and Casey who have taken ten victories between them, but our rivals took a notable step
forward in Misano and will be looking to keep up that momentum. We will be supplying tyres to 13 riders this weekend
with our 11 regular riders joined by Ben Spies as a wildcard for Suzuki and Dani Pedrosa who will be making his
debut race appearance on Bridgestone tyres. It will be a learning curve for everybody but new circuits are always an
enjoyable challenge and usually produce interesting and unexpected results."

Tohru Ubukata - Bridgestone Motorsport - Manager, Race Tyre Development
"We were able to get some valuable data from the new Indianapolis MotoGP track from the two-day test that was
organised at the start of July. In accordance with the regulations, we could not test with regular GP riders, but we had
some talented test riders who gave us good feedback from the track. Actually, it is like three tracks in one with the
new MotoGP section from turns 1-4, the old Formula One course, and the traditional Indy course, including the main
straight. Because of this, there are different types of asphalt over the lap from very smooth to abrasive, so our tyres
will have to cope with all variations. The track is also quite demanding on the front tyre due to some very hard braking
points. We have an extra 30 minutes of practice on Friday morning which will certainly be helpful for tyre evaluation
and bike set-up purposes, but also for the riders to get up to speed with the new circuit."

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The JiR Team Scot ready for a new challenge on the Indianapolis circuit

The MotoGP World Championship, following on from Laguna Seca earlier this season, is back in the United States, but no longer on the West Coast. The fourteenth round will instead take place on the track of Indianapolis in America's Mid-West.

The capital of the State of Indiana is famous worldwide for their historic sports facility, founded in 1909, hosting the ?Indy 500' race. Interestingly the first race at Indianapolis was a motorcycle race, but no other bike race has been held there since - until now. Now, on the eve of the circuit's 100th anniversary, the MotoGP circus comes to Indy to the legendary banked asphalt in the newly renovated and re-designed motorcycle circuit. Both Andrea Dovizioso and Yuki Takahashi are ready and motivated to confront their opponents from the saddle of their JiR Honda Team Scot Hondas, with the goal of seizing another positive result, on a circuit that will be new and un-known for each and every team.

Gianluca Montiron - Director JiR Team Scot
"The Grand Prix of Indianapolis is a big step in the final stage of this year's championship. This is a new track to us which no rider - except a very few - has had an occasion to try. Our riders will have to interpret the track from day one, and the track surface is one which is unknown to us all, although it does seem to be particularly abrasive. This race is an important one for the final ?sprint' to the end of the championship and we expect maximum support from our technical partners, as it will be important to exploit this opportunity of gaining more precious points."

Cirano Mularoni - Team Manager JiR Team Scot
"The challenge of Indianapolis will be important for our riders and their positions in the overall ranking. Both will have to build on their ability to learn and understand well this new track and to get ready for Sunday. We hope at this circuit Andrea and Yuki can rely on the advantages of our Honda, but to make a prediction is difficult, because there is no historical data from the track, but I am sure with the qualities of both bikes and riders I think we could get some good results."

Andrea Dovizioso - Pilot JiR Team Scot MotoGP - HONDA RC212V
"Indianapolis will be a new track for everyone, but in my case I am not worried because I learn new tracks very quickly, as I did at Laguna Seca. I've never had the occasion to visit Indianapolis, but it seems to me that it is a slow track and quite short. To make a prediction on the outcome of the race is not possible, but given that we all have the same level of knowledge of the track, this condition could prove a point in my favour. Good support from Michelin will be vital in this race."

Yuki Takahashi - Pilot JiR Team Scot 250GP - HONDA RS250RW
"The track of Indianapolis is going to be a novelty for all riders, for me it will also be the first race for me in the United States of America, because the 250cc machines do not run at Laguna Seca. We will all have the same opportunities to get a good result because no one knows the track and we should immediately try to understand the circuit and get a good set-up for the race. For me it will be a good opportunity to prove a point that after the podium of Misano I can continue this positive trend to the end of this year's championship."

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For Immediate Release

RED BULL INDIANAPOLIS GP MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES

INDIANAPOLIS, Monday, Sept. 8, 2008 - MotoGP riders, teams and sponsors will play host to press conferences, media opportunities and rider appearances throughout the week of the Red Bull Indianapolis GP. A list of confirmed events(all times Eastern):

TUESDAY, SEPT. 9

11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Kick Start Celebration Press Conference

What: Press conference and photo opportunity featuring Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard, IMS President Joie Chitwood, Red Bull Riders Cup and Red Bull AMA U.S. Rookies Cup riders and others. MotoGP bikes on display as well as special bikes provided by Cycle World Magazine.

Where: Monument Circle, Downtown Indianapolis

Media Contact: Bob Schultz, Indianapolis Convention & Visitor's Association, (317) 639-4772, bschultz@indianapolis.org

THURSDAY, SEPT. 11

9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Red Bull Indianapolis GPreview

What: A variety of fan-friendly activities are scheduled, including fan Q&A sessions with 18 MotoGP riders, pit walk and a concert featuring Tech 3 Yamaha MotoGP rider and trained classical pianist James Toseland. The Vendor Marketplace will be open, featuring Alpinestars, Arai, Arlen Ness, Dainese, Joe Rocket, Nolan, Oakley, Scorpion, Shoei and Tour Master/Cortech, among the more than 40 leading brands that will display and sell the latest in motorcycle equipment and accessories in Gasoline Alley. Appearances and photo opportunities with Red Bull Indianapolis GP Grid Girls, free temporary tattoos, a DJ spinning music and more. Indianapolis Motor Speedway Official Trackside Gift Shops and IMS concession stands adjacent to the Pagoda Plaza and Hall of Fame Museum, and the MotoGP team/rider official merchandise areas will be open all day.

Where: Indianapolis Motor Speedway

10:45 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Stage Show/Fan Question-and-Answer Session

Hosts: Ralph Sheheen, Leigh Diffey, Greg White, Michael Young

Guests: Numerous MotoGP, Red Bull AMA U.S. Rookies Cup riders and personalities participate in discussions and Q&A sessions at various times, including: Red Bull Rookies Cup riders, 11 a.m.-noon; Q&A with LCR Honda MotoGP Team rider Randy de Puniet, 12 p.m.; Q&A with JiR Team Scot MotoGP Team rider Andrea Dovizioso, 12:15 p.m.; Q&A with Ducati Team riders Casey Stoner and Marco Melandri, 1 p.m.; Q&A with Alice Team riders Sylvain Guintoli and Toni Elias, 1:15 p.m.; Q&A with San Carlo Honda Gresini Team riders Shinya Nakano and Alex de Angelis, 1:30 p.m.; Q&A with Kawasaki Racing Team riders John Hopkins and Anthony West, 1:45 p.m.; Q&A with Rizla Suzuki MotoGP Team riders Chris Vermeulen and Loris Capirossi, 2 p.m.; Q&A with Repsol Honda Team rider Dani Pedrosa, 2:15 p.m.; Q&A with Fiat Yamaha Team rider Valentino Rossi, 2:30 p.m.; Q&A with Fiat Yamaha Team rider Jorge Lorenzo, 2:45 p.m.; Q&A with Tech 3 Yamaha riders Colin Edwards and James Toseland, 3 p.m.; Q&A with Repsol
Honda Team rider Nicky Hayden, 3:15 p.m.

Note: Schedule of appearances subject to change.

Where: Pagoda Plaza Stage, Indianapolis Motor Speedway

Note: No interviews. Still and video photography permitted.

2-5 p.m.
Red Bull Indianapolis GP Pit Walk

What: Fans can stand adjacent to open garages providing a clear view of the exotic 800cc prototype motorcycles that will compete in the MotoGP class during the Red Bull Indianapolis GP

Who: Race Day ticket holders can participate in the pit walk

Where: Indianapolis Motor Speedway

3:40 p.m.
Photo Opportunity

What: Starting field of the inaugural Red Bull Indianapolis GP

Where: Yard of Bricks

Note: Photo opportunity for Red Bull Indianapolis GP credentialed photographers only.

4 p.m.
Pre-Event Press Conference

Who: Valentino Rossi, Casey Stoner, Dani Pedrosa, Colin Edwards and Nicky Hayden

Where: Economaki Press Conference Room, Indianapolis Motor Speedway Media Center

Note: Press conference for Red Bull Indianapolis GP credentialed journalists/photographers only.

5-5:30 p.m.
James Toseland Concert

What: James Toseland, MotoGP rider and trained classical pianist, performs with members of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra

Where: Indianapolis Motor Speedway Plaza Stage

8 p.m.
Red Bull TNT Freestyle Motocross

What: Red Bull TNT Freestyle riders will perform aerial tricks and stunts after launching themselves high into the air from huge ramps.

Where: Broad Ripple, 62nd St. between College Ave. and Guilford Ave.

FRIDAY, SEPT. 12

7-11 p.m.
XDL Sportbike Freestyle Championship at Indy

What: High-energy, high-thrill motorcycle stunt/drifting event

Where: North Street between Pennsylvania and Meridian Streets

7 p.m.-midnight
Motorcycles on Meridian

What: Meridian Street in downtown Indianapolis will be open only to motorcycle traffic and parking between Maryland and South Streets, providing a perfect opportunity for riders and fans to check out the exciting restaurants and downtown nightlife.

Where: Meridian Street between Maryland and South Streets

SATURDAY, SEPT. 13

5 p.m.
Qualifying Press Conference

Who: Three front-row riders of MotoGP class and pole winners in 125cc and 250cc class

Where: Economaki Press Conference Room, Indianapolis Motor Speedway Media Center

Note: Press conference for Red Bull Indianapolis GP credentialed
journalists/photographers only.

5:45 p.m. (approx.)
Red Bull AMA U.S. Rookies Cup Post-Race Press Conference

Where: Economaki Press Conference Room, Indianapolis Motor Speedway Media Center

Note: Press conference for Red Bull Indianapolis GP credentialed journalists/photographers only.

7 p.m.
Lucas Oil Indy Mile AMA Flat Track Grand National

What: The top national flat-track motorcycle racing series returns to the famed "Indy Mile" dirt oval for the first time since 1999. The top flat-track riders in the world will slide through the corners while racing handlebar-to-handlebar around the track.

Where: Indiana State Fairgrounds, 1202 E. 38th St.

Media Contact: Matthew Louck, The Promotion Company/Family Events, (317) 225-5488, mlouck@familyevents.com

7 p.m.-midnight
Motorcycles on Meridian

What: Meridian Street in downtown Indianapolis will be open only to motorcycle traffic and parking between Maryland and South Streets, providing a perfect opportunity for riders and fans to check out the exciting restaurants and downtown nightlife.

Where: Meridian Street between Maryland and South Streets

SUNDAY, SEPT. 14

11:15 a.m. (approx.)
Red Bull Riders Cup Post-Race Press Conference

Where: Economaki Press Conference Room, Indianapolis Motor Speedway Media Center

Note: Press conference for Red Bull Indianapolis GP credentialed journalists/photographers only.

Post-Race
Post-Race Press Conference

Who: The first three classified riders of each class

When: 125cc: Immediately after the end of the 125cc Podium Ceremony; 250cc: Immediately after the end of the 250cc Podium Ceremony; MotoGP: Immediately after the end of the MotoGP Podium Ceremony

Where: Economaki Press Conference Room, Indianapolis Motor Speedway Media Center

Note: Press conference for Red Bull Indianapolis GP credentialed journalist/photographers only.

***

Red Bull Indianapolis GP tickets: Tickets are on sale for the inaugural Red Bull Indianapolis GP on Sept. 14, 2008.

Three-day tickets can be purchased either online at www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com at any time; on the phone by calling (800) 822-INDY outside the Indianapolis area or (317) 492-6700 locally between 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday; or visiting the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Ticket Office on the first floor of the IMS Administration Building at 4790 W. 16th St. in Indianapolis from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Single-day general admission tickets will be available at the gate Friday, Sept. 12 and Saturday, Sept. 13. The one-day tickets are $10 each Friday and $20 each Saturday. These tickets only can be purchased at the gates with cash.

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For Immediate Release

RED BULL INDIANAPOLIS GP NOTEBOOK
Danica, Foyt coming to Indy for race; Hayden, Edwards added to GPreview fan sessions

INDIANAPOLIS, Monday, Sept. 8, 2008 - Even if there aren't Indy cars on track, A.J. Foyt and Danica Patrick can't resist the lure of Indianapolis.

Four-time Indianapolis 500 winner Foyt and 2005 Indianapolis 500 Chase Rookie of the Year Patrick plan to attend the Red Bull Indianapolis GP MotoGP race Sept. 12-14 at IMS.

Foyt will take some of his ABC Supply IndyCar Series crew members to watch the race from his suite adjacent to Turn 2 of the oval, which will provide a great view of Turns 5 and 6 of the 2.621-mile road circuit.

The legendary Foyt said he planned to attend from the time the event was announced in July 2007.

"I've liked watching the motorcycle races on TV, but I've never been to a big motorcycle race before, so when they said it was coming to Indy, I knew it would be something I wanted to see in person," Foyt said. "I think they'll put on a great show."

It will be Patrick's second visit to IMS in a week, as she drove laps around the IMS oval Sept. 5 in the famed "Madden Cruiser" bus in which NBC football analyst John Madden travels around the country.

"The MotoGP race is going to be really cool," Patrick said. "I've never been to a bike race before. I think those guys are crazy. It will be really cool just to see what they look like, how fast they are around here, and they definitely sound good, so I'm excited."

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More riders added to GPreview: More MotoGP riders, including 2006 World Champion Nicky Hayden and fellow American star Colin Edwards, will participate in question-and-answer sessions with fans on the Pagoda Plaza stage during the Red Bull Indianapolis GPreview on Thursday, Sept. 11 at IMS.

Other riders added include Dani Pedrosa, Jorge Lorenzo, James Toseland and Andrea Dovizioso. The complete Q&A schedule (subject to change):

?Noon-12:15 p.m.: Randy de Puniet
?12:15-12:30 p.m.: Andrea Dovizioso
?1-1:15 p.m.: Casey Stoner, Marco Melandri
?1:15-1:30 p.m.: Toni Elias, Sylvain Guintoli
?1:30-1:45 p.m.: Shinya Nakano, Alex de Angelis
?1:45-2 p.m.: John Hopkins, Anthony West
?2-2:15 p.m.: Chris Vermeulen, Loris Capirossi
?2:15- 2:30 p.m.: Dani Pedrosa
?2:30-2:45 p.m.: Valentino Rossi
?2:45-3 p.m.: Jorge Lorenzo
?3-3:15 p.m.: Colin Edwards, James Toseland
?3:15-3:30 p.m.: Nicky Hayden

Other activities include the pit walk from 2-5 p.m. for Race Day ticket holders, the Vendor Marketplace in Gasoline Alley where more than 40 motorcycle equipment and apparel vendors will display and sell their products, and a concert with classically-trained pianist and Tech 3 Yamaha MotoGP rider Toseland, accompanied by Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra musicians, at 5 p.m. in the Pagoda Plaza.

***

Street signs honor MotoGP riders: Twelve street signs have been erected in downtown Indianapolis to honor MotoGP World Champions and current American riders during Race Week of the Red Bull Indianapolis GP on Sept. 12-14 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

The street signs feature the names and numbers of these riders, in various colors: Colin Edwards, Nicky Hayden, John Hopkins, Eddie Lawson, Wayne Rainey, Kenny Roberts, Kenny Roberts Jr., Valentino Rossi, Kevin Schwantz, Freddie Spencer, Ben Spies and Casey Stoner.

The signs are located in the popular Wholesale District of downtown Indianapolis.

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MOTOGP SET TO MAKE HISTORIC DEBUT AT INDIANAPOLIS
On Friday 12th September, with an extended free practice session of an hour and a half, the MotoGP World Championship will take to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for the very first time. The mere mention of the legendary venue, built back in 1909, stirs the passion of fans all over the world, who consider it a temple of speed and a theatre of motorsport dreams made famous by the Indy 500-mile car race.
The popularity of MotoGP in the USA is on the rise and it is no coincidence that, alongside Spain and Italy, America is one of only three countries to host more than one Grand Prix over the course of the season. Circuit organisers are predicting weekend crowds of over 150,000, amongst which will be Ducatisti representing the 60 Ducati Clubs across America. They will make their presence felt at Indy, taking over an entire grandstand to show their support for Casey Stoner and Marco Melandri
The Australian travels on the back of two disappointing races, in which he has once again demonstrated his undoubted speed but has been unable to turn it into a solid result. However, Stoner remains as competitive as ever and he is determined to prove it over the final five races of the season - starting at Indy.
Marco Melandri has shown improvements over the past few weekends and has set himself the target of a better starting position as he looks to consolidate his progress with a top race result this weekend.
LIVIO SUPPO, Ducati MotoGP Project Director
"Just to walk into the legendary Indy circuit for the first time will be a huge emotion. Casey has an incredible ability to adapt to new things so I think he can do really well on a circuit that is unknown to everybody. We're hoping that the problems he had with his wrist at Misano don't prevent him from riding at his maximum this weekend. Casey underwent a CAT scan last week, which showed that the scaphoid he fractured and had operated on back in 2003 has never completely healed. With the support of a pool of doctors over the next few weeks, Casey will decide if another operation is going to be necessary. Marco has improved his feeling with the Ducati over the past few races so I hope this trend continues until the end of the season."
CASEY STONER (Ducati MotoGP Team) 2nd overall on 187 points (-75)
"Obviously I'm not happy with the results of the last few races. We have proved that we are consistently fast but that clearly isn't enough. I know that I have got the support of a great team and a bike I have a great feeling with. I'm going to try to enjoy riding it over the final few races, which all take place at circuits I like a lot. I also have to think about the scaphoid that we thought had healed back in 2003 but is still giving me problems. For the time being I have to deal with it but we're talking to the doctors about what to do with it in the future. I can't wait to go back to America and race at Indianapolis, a circuit nobody knows but where I am sure our bike and tyres will work just as well as they have done at the last few races."
MARCO MELANDRI (Ducati MotoGP Team) 14th overall on 48 points (-214)
"I'm really happy to be going to Indy because it is a new circuit for everybody and America is a country I love, where I always feel comfortable. Indianapolis is in a part of the United States that I've never visited so I'm also excited about that. Having said that I think it's going to be a challenging race for a variety of reasons. For example they say that the grip levels change a lot over the course of the lap and that makes it tricky. I've also heard the layout is a little dangerous but until we get there and get chance to have a look at it in person there's no point making guesses. Personally I feel motivated because we've made progress over the last few rounds and improved my feeling with the bike over the first few laps of a race. I hope I can qualify well and start a little higher up the grid."
THE TRACK
The MotoGP circuit will use only a part of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway track, namely a large section of the start-finish straight and part of the south-eastern corner of the oval. The rest of the track is on the infield, a modified version of the tight and twisty F1 layout but running in the opposite direction. The surface has been re-laid recently and the teams and riders are hopeful that tyre tests carried out in July will have at least laid some rubber down. Eighteen big screens will allow the fans to watch the action from every angle from Friday morning, when the MotoGP riders will have a 90-minute first free practice session to get used to the circuit.

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KAWASAKI OPTIMISTIC AHEAD OF INDIANAPOLIS

Kawasaki's John Hopkins and Anthony West head to round 14 of the MotoGP Championship, which is being held at the Indianapolis circuit for the very first time, in optimistic mood. The Kawasaki pair are looking to score solid results at the 4.216km American circuit, at which none of the MotoGP regulars have had any previous track experience.

West, who has recently struggled with front-end issues aboard his Kawasaki race machine is looking to gain a strong result at this new-to-MotoGP circuit. The 27-year-old Australian, who scored a career best Grand Prix finish with a fifth place at Brno, has been working closely with his crew to improve the set-up of his Ninja ZX-RR to give him more confidence into the turns. Although the recent post-race test at Misano didn't completely abolish the problem, he believes that steps forward have been made and he can continue his progression this weekend.

Hopkins is looking forward to racing his Ninja ZX-RR at his home event this weekend, especially after missing out on the Laguna Seca round through injury. The 25-year-old Anglo-American's progress has been hampered recently due to injury, but the Kawasaki pilot is hoping to make amends in front of a home crowd, especially after making further improvements to his race machine at the Misano post-race test.

The Indianapolis circuit is made up of an oval, famously used for the Indianapolis 500 and Allstate 400 at the Brickyard races, along with a recently altered infield track. It's a new challenge for all of the competitors in the premier class, as none of them have raced at this circuit previously. One man who does know his way around the circuit, after testing there earlier this year, is Kawasaki's test and development rider, Olivier Jacque.

"The Indianapolis circuit is quite unusual and very different from the tracks that the MotoGP racers compete at in Europe," explains Jacque. "The circuit uses the straights from the famous oval, which lead onto an infield racetrack. The two main areas of concern are the difference in grip levels between these two sections, and the joins in the tarmac because they are quite slippery.

"The test we did earlier this year was quite successful for us and the Ninja ZX-RR was working well, particularly in the tight turns and the quick changes of direction. A good tyre choice will be an essential factor during the race as the second half of the track is very grippy and the machine is at maximum lean angle for a long period of time," concluded the Frenchman.

Anthony West
Kawasaki MotoGP Pilot #13

"Indianapolis is a new challenge for everyone as no-one knows the track. I'm hoping this will give us a little bit of an advantage, as it should be more of an even playing field. At Misano we struggled with the front-end of the bike, and although we managed to make some improvements in the post-race test, there is still work to do. I stayed in Italy following the event where I've been doing a lot of cycling and training ready for this weekend, so I'm feeling relaxed and ready for the challenge. We'll go and try to get as many laps under our belt on Friday to put us in the best possible position for the race, and it will be a case of trying to capture as much data as we can, then going from there. I'm looking forward to it and I hope we can get a strong result."

John Hopkins
Kawasaki MotoGP Pilot #21

"I'm really excited about Indianapolis as it's my second home round and unfortunately I missed Laguna Seca because I was injured. Not only that, but I grew up around the racing world, and although two-wheeled motorsport is my favourite, the family would all get together to watch races like the Brickyard and the Indianapolis 500 at this track. It's a very special feeling to be racing in MotoGP there, and although I'm not familiar with the circuit, I'm incredibly motivated for this event. I've been studying the track layout and Olivier tested the Ninja ZX-RR earlier this year, so we have a little bit of feedback from that, but being in front of my home fans at such an incredible place is going to be fantastic - I just can't wait to get out there."

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