MORIWAKI BLOG_ENG

Race Report from QMMF Racing Team - Race - 15th May 2011

Al Naimi battles his way to 31st place –
Cardús ends a tough weekend with a crash

QMMF Racing Team rider Mashel Al Naimi had his best race of the year so far when he fought his way to 31st place at the French Grand Prix. The 27-year-old from Doha/Qatar had managed to make significant improvements on the set-up of his Moriwaki prototype during the practice sessions and aimed to be even higher up, but was forced off the track at one stage and dropped back again. In the end, he concentrated on keeping Australian Alexander Cudlin at bay, a QMMF World Endurance rider who joined the QMMF Grand Prix Team as a Wild Card entry at Le Mans. Spanish QMMF rider Ricky Cardús had a disappointing day. After a start from 29th place on the grid, he moved up to 23rd place with very strong lap times, but crashed out of the race with seven laps to go.
“Ricky tried everything, but we saw once more that we have to work more efficiently in practice and in qualifying”, said team coordinator Luis Solano. “You need a good grid position in this hard-fought category, because from 29th position it is very difficult to reduce the gap to the front runners. Mashel did his fastest lap of the weekend in the race, so there are signs of improvement. But he needs to continue to work hard. Alex unfortunately didn't get the result we maybe expected. But he enjoyed riding here, and it was a valuable experience which is the main thing!”

Mashel Al Naimi - 31st
I am happy because this is the best result for me so far this year. We identified a problem on the front and put in a softer front suspension. It really worked because after just two laps in the warm up I could feel how much better my set-up had become. I had a good start in the race, but in the first corner, I touched another rider and lost many positions. Later on, I made another mistake and had to leave the track, but was able to re-join. I fought hard in this race and I am happy, also because we made progress with the set-up of the bike in practice and in qualifying – a big thank you to my team who have done a great job over the weekend. I am now looking forward to the next race in Spain, where I will push for another good result. Before that we are going to test in Aragon which should be helpful because I know this track very well!

Ricky Cardús – did not finish
This weekend, I gained a lot of experience. I crashed on day one, then I struggled to get back on track with the set-up and the feeling for the bike, and we solved the situation for the race, thanks to the knowledge of my technicians. We went back with the set-up to what we had previously, which was hard for me to accept at first. But on the track, I was half a second quicker immediately and would have been able to battle for 17th place. Instead, I made a mistake and crashed. It was a riding error, and I want to apologize to my team – I will do my best for this not to happen again!

Alexander Cudlin – 32nd
Well, the race was difficult, and the result is not what we wanted. I had some problems all weekend, I kept losing the front, especially through the chicane. The team and I worked well together trying to improve the bike, but unfortunately there is never enough time over those weekends to get a perfect feeling. But I am happy about my appearance in a Grand Prix, this is a great experience and it’s great that I could do that with QMMF, the team I am racing with in World Endurance. Obviously without those guys I wouldn't have been on the grid, so the biggest 'thanks' has to go to the QMMF and it's president!

Race Report from Gresini Racing Team - Race - 15th May 2011

GP of FRANCE - Race - 15/05/2011

ANOTHER GREAT RACE FOR TAKAHASHI, SECOND AT LE MANS
Takahashi and Team Gresini took another great result at Le Mans in the Moto2 class. The weekend didn’t start well, but it ended with a great second place for rider Yuki Takahashi. The team will obviously be working hard over the next few weeks in order to provide the Japanese rider with a winning bike for Barcelona. Teammate Michele Pirro had problems fighting in a group in France, but also expects more from the next race

Yuki Takahashi (2nd)
I am happy with the result, which is the culmination of the great job that we have done this weekend. It is also good to have taken the points that move me up to fourth in the standings. The weekend didn’t start in the best way possible, but we have stood strong and recovered. The team worked well and I am confident about the future.

Michele Pirro (14th )
There is little to say. When I was riding on my own I was up there with the best lap times, but when I reached the group I was unable to gain places. We have to work in order to find the best balance between an agile bike and a responsive bike. We will try to gain positions in Barcelona.

Fausto Gresini
It wasn’t easy, after all that we had suffered on Friday. However, we found a solution to the problems and in the end we reaped the rewards with Takahashi. We are much more confident about the future today, and I believe that in Barcelona we can do even better. Pirro needs to find the right motivation and the guys in the team will work hard in order to give him a bike that suits his characteristics.

Race Report from QMMF Racing Team - Qualifying - 14th May 2011

Al Naimi ready to fight despite set-up problems
Cardús struggles to find back to his rhythm

QMMF Racing Team riders Ricky Cardús, Mashel Al-Naimi and Wild Card entry Alexander Cudlin tried hard to come to grips with the Le Mans circuit and its unique stop-and-go characteristics, but ended qualifying for the French Grand Prix in lower positions than they all had hoped for. Cardús, who suffered a crash on day one, struggled to find back to his usual fast rhythm and had to settle for 29th position on the starting grid. Al-Naimi improved in comparison to his previous best time on Friday, but not enough to make a difference in the rankings, where he holds 39th place. Cudlin finished his first ever Grand Prix qualifying slighty ahead of Al-Naimi in 38th position.

Mashel Al Naimi (39th in 1.41,875)
My goal was to narrow the gap to pole position down to two seconds on this race track, but unfortunately, I am still 3.5 seconds behind. I still have chassis problems on some points on the track. The rear is moving too much and even though we tried different things, we couldn’t fix it. I also have a problem with the tyres. The soft tyre seems to be the better choice for the race, but I just don’t have the right feeling with this compound. But never mind, I will still try to push in the race. Hopefully I can fight within a group of riders and get a better finish than in Estoril. Whatever the situation is, I still want to thank my mechanics because they worked very hard changing everything I asked for!

Ricky Cardús (29th in 1.39,916)
We are way behind, more than on other circuits. I have never been on this track here at Le Mans before, but this is no excuse. After my crash yesterday, it was difficult for me to get a good feeling again. I didn’t feel comfortable on the bike, and I’m really not sure whether the changes on the bike made it better or worse. But the situation is the way it is, and we have to try to make the best out of it, finishing the race and collecting as much data and information as possible. Of course I will pull all stops to finish in a decent place, but at the same time, it’s obvious that I’m lacking something on this track – I will have to grit my teeth!

Race Report from Gresini Racing Team - Qualifying - 14th May 2011

GP of FRANCE - Qualifying - 14/05/2011

FRONT ROW FOR THIRD FASTEST YUKI TAKAHASHI
After a few problems yesterday and this morning Yuki Takahashi and his team finally found the right way forward with the set-up of his Moriwaki MD600 just in time for qualifying this afternoon. The turnaround allowed the Japanese rider to lap third fastest and qualify on the front row of the grid for tomorrow's race. Unfortunately there was no immediate solution for Michele Pirro, who faces a battle from the fifth row of the grid.

Yuki Takahashi (3rd 1’38.540)
We struggled yesterday but finally we found the right way with the set-up and I was able to qualify on the front row. The guys have been great and they made the right choices. We have another couple of small changes planned for tomorrow morning and then I think we will be ready for a race in which I am confident of scoring a positive result.

Michele Pirro (13th 1' 39.064 )
At the end of the day we made a small improvement but we are still some way off an acceptable set-up. We are suffering more at this circuit with the same problems as usual and the only thing to do tomorrow is to try and get a good start and defend my position. Anything more than a repeat of this position will be difficult but I will do my best to finish as far forward as possible.

Fausto Gresini
We have partially solved the problems we had yesterday but we definitely still have work to do. The guys in the team have done a good job to give Takahashi a bike that he could put on the front row and I am sure they will improve it further in tomorrow's warm-up. Pirro struggled a little more than him but I have confidence in him because he is a brave rider and I am sure he can overcome his disadvantages to compete with the best.

Press Release from Racing Link - MORIWAKI 250 4T

TROFEO MORIWAKI 250 4T, GARA: LOCATELLI REPLICA SU PISTA BAGNATA

Misano Adriatico, 15 maggio 2011 – Corsa oggi sulla pista “Misano World Circuit” la seconda tappa del Trofeo Moriwaki 250 4T organizzata dalla Racing Link e condizionata dalla presenza del maltempo.

LA GARA – Nonostante il diluvio sceso su Misano dalla mattinata, a vincere anche la seconda gara della stagione è stato il giovane lombardo Andrea Locatelli. Il pilota del Team Bierreti si è dimostrato il più veloce anche in condizioni di asfalto bagnato, passando in testa sotto la bandiera a scacchi dopo dieci giri di fuga solitaria e rimanendo così in vetta alla classifica generale, a punteggio pieno.

L’unica a provare a tenergli testa è stata Martina Fratoni. La jesina, tra i protagonisti a Misano sin dalle prime prove, si è accontentata poi della seconda piazza che le ha permesso di conquistare i primi 20 punti buoni per la classifica generale.Al terzo posto ha chiuso a sorpresa Francesco Magro (R. Team A-Benz), bravo a non commettere errori fino all’ultima curva e a centrare il primo podio nella Moriwaki, davanti al belga Livio Loi (quarto) e ad Alessio Giordani, che completa la top five di giornata. All’arrivo sono giunti anche Paolo Arioni e Cecilia Masoni, rispettivamente sesto e settima assoluti mentre da segnalare le cadute di Vladislav Cangi, Christian Preziuso e Alessandro Bezzi.

Il prossimo appuntamento con il Trofeo Moriwaki 250 4T è fissato per il 12 giugno a Vallelunga.

ANDREA LOCATELLI, vincitore. “L’importante, oggi, era conquistare punti buoni per la classifica e questa vittoria è stata davvero il massimo. Abbiamo fatto un buon lavoro con il team, ho girato forte anche sul bagnato e questo mi regala fiducia in vista della prossima gara”.

MARTINA FRATONI, 2° classificata. “Sull’acqua non mi trovo molto a mio agio e oggi era fondamentale non finire in terra. Il secondo posto mi soddisfa e speriamo di far meglio alla prossima”.

FRANCESCO MAGRO, 3° classificato. “Ho corso quasi tutta la gara senza una manopola e alla fine sono riuscito a conquistare il mio primo podio. E’ una bella sensazione, spero di continuare così per tutta la stagione”.

ORDINE D’ARRIVO: 1) A. LOCATELLI in 23’01”460; 2) M. FRATONI a 4”813; 3) F. MAGRO a 1’25”040; 4) L. LOI a 1’57”596; 5) A. GIORDANI a 2’02”172; 6) P. ARIONI a 1 giro; 7) C. MASONI a 1 giro. RIT: V. CANGI, C. PREZIUSO, A. BEZZI.

COSI’ IN CAMPIONATO DOPO LA 2° PROVA: 1) A. LOCATELLI p. 50; 2) P. ARIONI p. 26; 3) C. PREZIUSO p. 20; 4) M. FRATONI p. 20; 5) A. GIORDANI p. 20; 6) F. MAGRO p. 16; 7) L. LOI p. 13; 8) A. BETTI p. 13; 9) V. CANGI p. 11; 10) A. BEZZI p. 10; 11) C. MASONI p. 9

Race Report from Gresini Racing Team - Free Practice - 13th May 2011

MOTO2 GP of FRANCE - Free Practice - 13/05/2011

TAKAHASHI EIGHTH AND PIRRO 24TH ON MIXED FIRST DAY AT LE MANS
It was a first day of mixed fortunes for Team Gresini pair Yuki Takahashi and Michele Pirro at Le Mans, the Japanese rider some way off his potential with eighth place this afternoon whilst a crash for his Italian team-mate put the skids on the hard work he had done throughout the opening session. Tomorrow is another day and both riders will look to put the experience to good use as they target good positions on the grid. A cr ash for Takahashi this morning also contributed to slowing down his progress.

Yuki Takahashi (8th 1’39” 294)
The crash this morning was a shame because we had made a good start. It was a setback for the team because they had to replace the engine. In the afternoon we came out strongly again but in the end I wasn't able to back up the good work we did with the lap time. We need to decide on the best route to take and transfer the potential of bike and rider to the track.

Michele Pirro (24th 1’40” 247 )
I craashed in the last ten minutes of the session this afternoon and it ruined the day. We had only just changed the tyres so it wasn't a good time to crash. I was pushing hard and lost the front so it's a shame because it leaves us with a lot of work to do tomorrow to try and find our definitive set-up for the race.

Fausto Gresini
We are suffering a little. We are certain that our potential is higher than this but at the moment we are not able to reach it. Yuki was fighting for the top positions but at the end we went for a harder tyre, which didn't suit our bike and other riders were able to go faster. I am sure we know how to fix this for tomorrow and improve our position. We want to be fighting for the top positions in this category and we have the potential so it is up to us to do so.

Race Report from QMMF Racing Team - Free Practice - 13th May 2011

Cardús fast despite crash – Al Naimi
searching new set-up solutions

QMMF Racing Team rider Ricky Cardús, who had never been on the Le Mas< circuit before, impressed the audience with quick lap times early in the first practice session for the French Motorcycle Grand Prix, but then took too many risks and suffered a set-back with a crash. In the afternoon, the 23-year-old Spaniard wasn’t able to improve on his previous best time and slipped to 26th place.
Team-mate Mashel Al-Naimi, a veteran in Le Mans after several successful performances in the Endurance World Championship, took a more cautious approach. The 26-year-old from Doha/Qatar didn’t immediately push for fast lap times, but used his Le Mans experience with 1000 cc bikes to compare with the feeling and behaviour of his 600 cc prototype and came to valuable conclusions for his base set-up and for his riding style in the Moto2 category.
The team was reinforced with 24-year-old Australian Alexander Cudlin, who successfully competes in the Qatar Superbike Championship and who was rewarded with this Grand Prix experience for his efforts within the QMMF racing structure. On his first ever day of Grand Prix racing, Cudlin rode to 38th position.

Mashel Al Naimi (39th in 1.42,210)
I am happy because I know this track and I now understand what might exactly be my problem. I know all parts of this track and I know the maximum corner speeds we should be able to run. In the tight corners it seems to me that we have too much engine brake and there is too much movement on the bike. For tomorrow I will try to make some improvements on the engine and a better setting for the clutch and we will see if I can go faster. I rode here in 2008 in the World Endurance and we were second. 2009 we led the race for about 20 hours and then we had a problem - my teammate crashed. We lost time fixing the bike and finished second once again!

Ricky Cardús (26th in 1.40,311)
We started this morning with a lot of confidence even though it was my first time on this circuit, but sometimes too much confidence turns into the opposite: I crashed and my first practice session was over! In the afternoon, we started with another engine set-up, but more than anything else, I noticed that my riding wasn’t the same as before. The crash somehow affected me, I didn’t have the same level of confidence, and the bike seemed to be more difficult to ride. There are a few things to sort on the set-up which should help me keep my mistakes under control. We’ll try to do better tomorrow!

Alexander Cudlin (38th in 1.42,153)
I ride for QMMF in the World Endurance Championship and the Qatar Superbike Championship. So I've been with them for a year and a half now. I ride against Mashel in the Qatar Superbike Championship and also the 8 hours of Qatar. It’s a great opportunity for me to compete in a Grand Prix, but I am not comfortable yet on the bike, especially through the corners where I don’t have a great feeling right now. Obviously I need to learn the bike as I am used to ride Superbikes and they are a lot heavier and bigger. At the moment I am just trying to get my head around. Hopefully I can increase the speed tomorrow. We need to change a few things on the bike, but to be honest the most of it is me - I just need to get more comfortable!

Race Report from GRESINI RACING TEAM - FRANCE GP

MOTO2 GP of FRANCE, Le Mans, 13-15 May 2011

TAKAHASHI LOOKING TO BUILD ON ESTORIL RESULT AS PIRRO TURNS PAGE ON CRASH
A somewhat fortunate podium for Yuki Takahashi at the Grand Prix of Portugal has given the Team Gresini Moto2 rider a timely boost following the death of his brother Koki and renewed enthusiasm to tackle the remainder of what is sure to be a difficult season for him. The Japanese rider has more confidence than ever in the potential of his Moriwaki MD600 and he is determined to improve on his third place finish at Estoril. His attitude is reflected throu ghout the team and Yuki has the potential to reward their confidence sooner rather than later. For Michele Pirro the goal is to turn the page on a naïve crash at Estoril. The Italian youngster was fast all weekend in Portugal but he is desperate to make up for it by building on the progress he has already made in Moto2. This is virtually a new track for a rookie who has adapted swiftly to the category and is determined to make his mark on the top positions.

Yuki Takahashi
I was a little lucky with the podium at Estoril but I was happy that I was able to dedicate my first one of the season to my brother Koki. It wasn't an easy weekend for me but with the help of the team I was able to have a good Grand Prix. The bike has improved and I believe I have a competitive package that will allow me to be fighting for top results. I will take to the track at Le Mans with the objective of equalling or improving on my result at Estoril because I know we have the potential to do so.

Michele Pirro
I am still disappointed with the mistake I made at Estoril because I am sure I could have enjoyed a successful Grand Prix. It was a shame because we were fast in every session, confirming that the work the team had done during the three-week break had been effective. Now I go to Le Mans looking to make up for it. Unfortunately I barely know the track, having only completed a few laps there on a 125 in 2005 but I am not worried because virtually all of the circuits are new to me this year and I just have to try and adapt as quickly as possible. Whatever happens I will be doing my best to make up for my mistake in the last round.

Fausto Gresini
I was really happy with the podium for Takahashi at Estoril. I am convinced that Yuki has the potential to do well and be consistently amongst the best riders in the category. The Moriwaki MD600 has improved and the team are working well to give him a competitive bike. Le Mans is a technical track where Takahashi's quality could make the difference and as such I think he can look towards another positive result. I was a little disappointed with the mistake made by Pirro in the last round because he had shown his pace during practice and he could easily have been running at the front. It was a shame but at Le Mans he will have an opportunity to make up for it and I am sure he will because he has already adapted well to what is a new category for him.

2011 MotoGP World Championship Round 4 MONSTER ENERGY FRANCE

2011 MotoGP World Championship Round 4 MONSTER ENERGYFRANCE GP was held in sun-blessed week.

Add to the regular tournament rider, Alexander CUDLIN from QMMF Racing competed in the wild card, a total six units of The MD600 is a fight Moto2 class.

At the qualifying, TOP 17 rideres were within just one second which result expects very close battle again.
MD600 top qualifier was the third fastest Takahashi Yuki starts from front row.
despite of crush in practice session, He got back to good rhythm before the qualifyi and marked 1,38.540 just 0.183 down from the pole time.

He secured a position was enough to win.

Other MD600 rideres 13^th Michele PIRRO, 21^st Raffaele DE ROSA,
29th Ricard CARDUS,38^th Alexander CUDLIN, 39th Mashel AL NAIMI.

The final conditions 16 degrees temperature / track temperature 20 degrees in cloudy weather.
Right after the race got started, there was a sign of very close and tence battle would be held till the end.

All MD600 rideres cleared enthusiastic opening lap, Takahashi 3^rd, DE ROSA 12^th, PIRRO 16^th, CARDUS 29^th, CUDLIN 35^th , AL NAIMI 36^th.
The top group include takahashi was not so much on move, but intensive fight for positions started again at middle of the race.
On lap 23,Takahashi moved up to second place as other rideres missed at enterning a corner, but sure it does not mean to gave him easy opportunity, he had been looking for the moment and was obvious that he was doing his best to secure the seond position till end as his rear tyre slide widely at exit of some corners.

As a result, he has got podium following last round.
PIRRO 14^th gained two more points.
DE ROSA 19^th, AL NAIMI 31^st, CUDLIN finished 32nd.
CARDUS retired unfortunately.

-----
No. 2 / Comment Takahashi Yuki

”It was very funny race, lap time was very fast and it was difficult to stay there.

But I tried harder, and at the beginning of the race I stayed little bit calm and from middle to end I tried untill my maximum and Marcues finally arrived, he was so fast and also I had made a little mistake then a little bit fiight with the other guys.

Anyway this second position is very good for us, I want to say thank you so much for my sponser and my team ans I will try hard like this also next race.”

-----







Qualifying Result MD600

- 3rd
TEAM / Gresini Racing Moto2
RIDER / No.72 Takahashi Yuki
  TIME / 1'38 .540

- 13th
TEAM / Gresini Racing Moto2
RIDER / No.51 Michele PIRRO
  TIME / 1'39 .064

- 21th
  TEAM / Desguaces La Torre G22
  RIDER / No.35 Raffaele DE ROSA
  TIME / 1'39 .491

- 29th
TEAM / QMMF Racing Team
RIDER / No.88 Ricard CARDUS
  TIME / 1'39 .916

- 38th
  TEAM / QMMF Racing Team
  RIDER / No. 8 Alexander CUDLIN
  TIME / 1'41 .666

- 39 count
  TEAM / QMMF Racing Team
  RIDER / No.95 Mashel AL NAIMI
  TIME / 1'41 .875

---

Final Results MD600

- No. 2nd
TEAM / Gresini Racing Moto2
RIDER / No.72 Takahashi Yuki

- No. 14th
TEAM / Gresini Racing Moto2
RIDER / No.51 Michele PIRRO

- No. 19th
  TEAM / Desguaces La Torre G22
  RIDER / No.35 Raffaele DE ROSA

- No. 31st
  TEAM / QMMF Racing Team
  RIDER / No.95 Mashel AL NAIMI

- No. 32nd
  TEAM / QMMF Racing Team
  RIDER / No. 8 Alexander CUDLIN

Not Classified

TEAM / QMMF Racing Team
RIDER / No.88 Ricard CARDUS

------------------------------------

World Championship Classification
CONSTRUCTOR CHAMPIONSHIP
MORIWAKI MD600 RANKING / 3rd / 54point

---
RIDER POINT RANKING
- No. 4 / No.72 Takahashi Yuki / 47point
- No. 11 / No.51 Michele PIRRO / 17point
- No. 26 / No.88 Ricard CARDUS / 2point
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The next race in Catalunya June 5^th.

Cheering for moriwaki family!!
Thank you! !

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Race Report from Gresini Racing Team - Race - 1st May 2011

MOTO2 GP of PORTUGAL- Race - 01/05/2011

TAKAHASHI DEDICATES PODIUM TO BROTHER KOKI
Yuki Takahashi made the most of a moment's fortune as Ianonne crashed to hand him third place and an opportunity to honour his late brother Koki on the podium at Estoril. It has been an extremely difficult weekend for the Team Gresini Moto2 rider, who has done his best to focus on the Grand Prix of Portugal but has naturally had thoughts of his family and the tragedy of his brother's accident last week at the front of his mind. Yuki's usual smiling face broke into tears as he crossed the line and again when he removed his helmet and grabbed hold of a photo of his brother. There was disappointment today for his team-mate, meanwhile, Michele Pirro crashing out early from an otherwise promising race.

Yuki Takahashi  (3rd)
”I was a little lucky today but I am happy because I was able to dedicate a podium to my brother Koki. I tried to keep pace with the front guys during the race but I couldn't do it today. This podium is the reward for a very difficult weekend though. At the end I was very emotional and I couldn't help but cry. Now I want to think about the future because I know that with this bike we can do well.”

Michele Pirro (DNF)
“What a disappointment! I was hoping for a good race but it didn't happen because of my own naïvety. I was following Sofouglu and when he ran a little wide in a left hander, with the tyres still cold, I crashed. It was a heavy fall and I have hurt my little finger as well as the engine losing oil. I am sorry for the team, who have worked hard and well. Hopefully I can pay them back with a good result at Le Mans.”< /p>

Fausto Gresini
“It was a lucky podium but it wasn't easy for Yuki to ride today. He came to Estoril of his own accord and with the intention of doing well but the strength of the tragedy was too strong. He has done his best but he simply didn't have the concentration levels to run better times. He did a great job, he suffered a lot and was understandably upet. But this podium should give him confidence because in other circumstances he will do better in the future. Unfortunately Pirro pushed perhaps a little too hard at the start and threw away the good result he was capable of today.”

Race Report from QMMF Racing Team - Race - 1st May 2011

Strong race finish for Al Naimi at Estoril
First World Championship points for Cardús
QMMF Racing Team riders Mashel Al Naimi and Ricky Cardús fought their way to very positive results at the Grand Prix of Portugal in Estoril. Al Naimi crossed the line in 28th position and was happy with his first race finish of the year. Spanish team-mate Cardús lost a few positions at the start, but clawed his way back finishing in 14th place, celebrating the first two World Championship points within his new Moto2 racing team. "I want to congratulate the team for the great job they have done this weekend”, said team coordinator Luis Solano. “We earned our first two points in the championship, which is very good for the team and QMMF. Ricky rode a great race and was just unlucky to get a bad start. Later on in the race, his lap times were the same as the group battling in fourth to tenth position, so with a better start, he definitely could have finished higher up. But we are happy with our first two points for the championship! Mashel is still improving and also rode a strong race even though he still has to work on his consistency. But he finished the race for the first time and this will boost his confidence for the next races to come."

Mashel Al Naimi - 28th
"I am happy because I finished the race. It is my first race this year in the highly competitive Moto2 World Championship that I brought to the end. My Moriwaki bike was in a good shape even though I found it a bit difficult to ride today. I tried to find a good rhythm but struggled from time to time. For the next race I will work on that. I want to thank my team and my mechanics, who did a brilliant job all weekend long."

Ricky Cardús – 14th
“I made a lot of mistakes in this race! I had a really bad start and dropped way back behind the group I would have liked to fight with. I pulled all stops in order to recover and made some more mistakes on the way, but eventually I managed to break into the point rankings and secure 14th place. I am happy about that but a little bit disappointed at the same time, because with my lap times during the later part of the race I could have ran with the top seven!"

Race Report from QMMF Racing Team - Qualifying - 30th Apr. 2011

Al Naimi and Cardús crash but bounce back
with promising results in qualifying

QMMF Racing Team riders Mashel Al Naimi and Ricky Cardús finished qualifying for the Portuguese Grand Prix on a high note by securing 36th and 20th spot on the starting grid. Both riders paid tribute to the tricky conditions and crashed on some of the wet spots around the track, but fought on bravely and showed true determination to make the best out of the difficult situation. "I think there were some twelve or even more crashes during the qualifying session, which means that everybody was right at the limit", said team coordinator Luis Solano. "Without the crashes, we obviously could have finished much higher up in the classification the qualifying, but I am still very happy with our achievements. We know that Ricky grows in the races so I’m sure he will be able to fight for world championship points again!”

Mashel Al Naimi - 36th in 1.45,100
"For the qualifying session, we made quite a few changes to the set-up of my bike in order to improve, but we might have gone a bit too far. We increased the height of the bike, but as a consequence I felt too much movement in the bike, especially when using the clutch and under braking. I made a pit stop to change back to our previous settings and when I went out again I felt good immediately. I managed to improve my lap time straight away, but when I went even faster on my second lap, I highsided and crashed. That was a pity, but I am still happy because I learned a lot in setting up the bike and I didn't get hurt in the crash."

Ricky Cardús - 20th in 1.43,080
"I went out determined to do well, but I paid for my enthusiasm with a silly little crash. We lost a lot of time in the garage, and when I went out again, I first made sure that everything was working well before changing the rear tyre and going on the hunt for a good lap time. I was very fast for a while and at one stage only tenths of a second away from pole position, but then I had another big moment. I almost went flying again, and when I saw so many other riders crashing and yellow flags being waved in all the corners, I decided it was better to gain as much information for the race tomorrow than risking another crash myself. It will be a long and tough race tomorrow but I am sure we can improve and reach our goals!”

Race Report from Gresini Racing Team - Qualifying - 30th Apr. 2011

GP of PORTUGAL - Qualifying - 30/04/2011

SECOND AND THIRD ROW STARTS FOR TEAM GRESINI PAIR WITH PIRRO SIXTH AND TAKAHASHI SEVENTH
A crash on a slow-down lap when he was coming in to change tyres cost Michele Pirro the opportunity to fight for a front row start in this afternoon's Moto2 qualifying session. It was a real shame for the Team Gresini rider, who has been making big strides towards the front of the pack in recent weeks. Nevertheless the Italian will start from the second row tomorrow fully determined to make up for his disappoi ntment today. His team-mate Yuki Takahashi had dominated in free practice yesterday but the Japanese was unable to make the most of his best tyre today and qualified seventh. However, Yuki's race pace is strong and he will be looking to make up positions as soon as the lights go out tomorrow.

Michele Pirro (6th 1’42.219)
“I am disappointed because it was a silly crash. I had slowed down to come back into the pits so I moved off the racing line onto a damp patch and lost control of the bike. Up to that point I was third fastest and could have been even further forward on the front row. It's a shame but I'll have chance to make up for it tomorrow.”

Yuki Takahashi (7th 1’42.259)
”What a shame! Maybe I could have used another set of tyres and tried to improve my position on the grid but my race pace is good, I'm confident in the bike and I think I ca n have a great race anyway. The guys are working hard to give me a competitive package and I will give my best to make sure we come away from here with a positive result. ”

Fausto Gresini
“Yesterday was a perfect day, today a little less so but I am still sure that both Pirro and Takahashi will have a great race tomorrow. Everything is in place for them and they have the determination to do it. Obviously a lot will depend on the weather but both riders have good pace and they have proved it in less than perfect conditions already."

Race Report from QMMF Racing Team - 29th Apr. 2011

Al Naimi and Cardús shine in the rain

QMMF Racing Team riders Mashel Al Naimi and Ricky Cardús showed their true talent when it started to drizzle in the second free practice session for the Portuguese Grand Prix. In treacherous conditions – the 4.1 kilometre track of Estoril was neither dry nor wet, just moist and very slippery – 27-year-old Al Naimi rode to eleventh position, his best performance in Grand Prix racing so far. At the same time, 23-year-old Spanish teammate Cardús stunned the audience when he conquered the lead on the scoreboard and dropped back to second place only after a crash in the closing stages of the session. “When it started to rain at the beginning of the second session, we decided to go out on the track because our riders need to do laps in all sorts of conditions. Even in the first 20 minutes, with just two or three riders on the track, Ricky showed his determination and speed. He is fast and comfortable in the rain, and he had an especially good feeling in today’s conditions without the track being really soaked. The crash at the end of the session was not his fault: A part of the front fairing had come loose and somehow got between the brake lever and the throttle – he just wasn’t able to use the front brake any more!”

Mashel Al Naimi (11th in 1.55,880/wet - 37th in 1.45,993/dry)
"I have a good feeling for the Moriwaki in the dry, but in the wet, this bike is just unbelievable! Apart from the rear sprocket, we started here with the same set-up that we had from Jerez, and the dry session in the morning was quite good for me already. When it started to rain in the afternoon, we changed the suspension settings and the tyres, and when I went out, I felt better and better again. I’m very, very happy with what we achieved today! After my crashes in Qatar and Jerez, I am determined to finish the race here at Estoril, and at the same time, I will fight for the best possible result!”

Ricky Cardús (2nd in 1.51,960/wet - 11th in 1.42,991/dry)
"I wanted to go out as one of the first riders this afternoon and spend the as much time as possible out on the track because we still need to gain lots of experience in order to close the gap to the front runners. I wanted to improve so I pushed as hard as I could and I was on pole position for a long time. Unfortunately, we had a silly small crash in the end because the fairing came loose on the straight and got caught in the handlebars. But that’s racing – we are all humans, and little errors can happen to any of us. I am very happy with the team, with their effort and their enthusiasm to make results like mine today possible!”

Race Report from Gresini Racing Team - 29th Apr. 2011

GP of PORTUGAL - Free Practice - 29/04/2011

PERFECT FRIDAY FOR TEAM GRESINI
Following up on a fantastic performance by Marco Simoncelli in MotoGP the team led by Fausto Gresini were equally impressive in Moto2. Yuki Takahashi also set the pace in both free practice sessions today, with the morning staying dry but the afternoon affected by rain. For Yuki it was the perfect way to honour his late brother Koki, who died in a tragic accident near Saitama last weekend. Michele Pirro was also impressive today, lapping fifth fastes t this morning and third in the afternoon. It was an important result for the team as they returned to work following a long break since the last race at Jerez. The Team Gresini Moriwaki MD600 is making notable improvements and showing the potential to be even better.

Yuki Takahashi  (1st: 1’42.402)
”It has been a positive day for us. This morning we went really well and in the afternoon on a slightly damper track we were able to confirm the bike's performance. I have to say that the weekend could not have started better. Now we will look to continue our good work in preparation for the race and try to secure a good starting position for the race. I am happy.”

Michele Pirro (5th 1’ 42”  706)
“I am really happy. This morning on the dry track I had a good feeling with the bike and in the afternoon in different conditions I felt equally good. This is important confirmation that the work we have done with the team over the break has been positive. Tomorrow we want to carry the race set-up work forward and try to get a good starting position for Sunday. I want to thank all of the guys because they are doing a great job!”

Fausto Gresini
“It has been a perfect Friday full of fantastic emotions – first of all in MotoGP and then in Moto2, with some extraordinary results. I am happy for myself and for the guys because this is further confirmation of our potential. Yuki was fast and determined despite the pain he is feeling over the premature loss of his brother and I hope he is able to have a great race to dedicate to him. The team has worked hard and well over the break and the confirmation of that is in the improved performance of Pirro, who was fast in both the morning and afternoon sessions in completely different conditions. We have to continue li ke this and I am sure we will have fun.”

2011 bwin GRANDE PREMIO DE PORTUGAL Final

After the interval of about one month, reached the third round MotoGP Portugal GP.
Takahashi Yuki marked 1’42 .402 top Time at FP1, seemed to start good weekend.

Also, FP2 top three were occupied by MORIWAKI MD600 by Yuki Takahashi, CARDUS, PIRRO showed stable riding.

Qualifying was held Saturday afternoon 19 degree temperature / dry track temperature 24 degrees.
MD riders best time was Michele PIRRO1’42.219 at final lap in the session settled himself 6^th grid for the final.

Behind it, the third row starter for Yuki Takahashi 7^th, Raffaele DE ROSA 18^th, Ricard CARDUS 20^th, Mashel AL NAIMI 36^th, all MORIWAKI riders are set for the next day final.

The final, temperature is 18 degrees / 25 degrees track temperature. Race remains wet patch still, the race starts in the difficult condition.

Takahashi made outstanding start let him up to 3^rd position right after first corner , another Gresini team rider Pirro was also in good shape at the start and try to chase the top group but he lost front and crushed at  6^th corner took him some time to get back to the track.

Takahashi 3^rd, DE ROSA 18^th, CARDUS 26^th, AL NAIMI 34^th PIRRO 37^th at the opening lap.

Soon after the opening lap Takahashi overtook one more rider to be 2^nd and moved back to 4^th mostly in the race.

He managed to ride steadily even it was very difficult condition as some part of the track were still wet and keep to catch the front group.

And later in the 23LAP, one of the ahead rider fell off provided Takahashi 3^rd place and he did not let it go to grabbed last spot for the podium.

It gave the first time podium for MORIWAKI in this season.

Another MORIWAKI riders also showed brave ride, CARDUS finished 14th place, gained two points.
DE ROSA 16th, PIRRO 22nd, AL NAIMI 28^th.

3rd / comments Takahashi Yuki
"This weekend was very difficult to concentrate on racing. But the first day and second day were very good and we knew we could make a good race today.

The start was good and I wanted to follow top group but they were very fast, I just made my maximum and IANNONE crushed that was so sorry for him but it was just little bit lucky for me.

I want to dedicate this podium for my brother.”

MD600　Result

-- 3rd
　TEAM　/　Gresini Racing Moto2
　RIDER /　No.72 Yuki Takahashi

--14th　
　TEAM　/　QMMF Racing Team
　RIDER /　No.88 Ricard CARDUS

--16th
  TEAM　/　Desguaces La Torre G22
  RIDER /　No.35 Raffaele DE ROSA

--22nd
　TEAM　/　Gresini Racing Moto2
　RIDER /　No.51 Michele PIRRO

--28th
  TEAM　/　QMMF Racing Team
  RIDER /　No.95　Mashel AL NAIMI

------------------------------------

World Championship Classification

----
CONSTRUCTOR CHAMPIONSHIP

MORIWAKI MD600 RANKING  / 4th / 34point

---
RIDER POINT RANKING

--  6th /　 No.72 Yuki Takahashi      / 27point

-- 10th /　 No.51 Michele PIRRO  / 15point

-- 25th /　 No.88 Ricard CARDUS  /  2point

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Next round is FRANCE GP on May 15^th.

Let’s hope to see their exciting race!!

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MotoGP　OFFICIAL　Website

http://www.motogp.com/ja/

http://www.motogp.com/ja/Moto2

Result
http://www.motogp.com/ja/Results+Statistics

MD600 Official website

http://www.moriwaki.co.jp/global/racing/md600_e.html