MOTOGP ARRIVES IN JAPAN
21 September 2006 - Moto GP

A-Style Grand Prix of Japan - Thursday 21st September

The MotoGP tour arrived in the paddock at Twin Ring Motegi today to prepare for the A-Style Grand Prix of Japan, the final flyaway race of a gruelling three-week schedule. Whilst the weather was fine for the riders as they underwent their scouting laps, there is an outside chance that a typhoon just off the coast of Japan’s main island may come close to the circuit this weekend, which could throw up more of the surprises which have become customary in the 2006 season so far.

Ahead of tomorrow’s practice schedule, a number of riders were taken to a local sushi restaurant for a lesson in the art of preparing the traditional Japanese delicacy. Shinya Nakano, Colin Edwards, Kenny Roberts Jr. and Andrea Dovizioso also got the chance to play the popular board-game “Othello” under the guidance of three local Japanese champions.

There was a special presentation for the riders as they tasted their handiwork, a disguised chef in appropriate ninja attire bringing out a tray of “Nakano’s Ninja Sushi” for them to try.

Kawasaki rider Nakano was on double duty today, also attending the customary press conference. The local star was accompanied by World Championship leader Nicky Hayden, Valentino Rossi, last year’s winner Loris Capirossi and Marco Melandri, victorious less than one week ago in Australia.

Just three rounds now remain in the title chase for MotoGP, and with a maximum 75 points still available, mathematically five riders are still in with a shout of the championship. Hayden (225) leads Rossi by 21 points, whilst Melandri and Dani Pedrosa lie 32 points behind the American. Capirossi is 45 points behind Hayden, but having won this race last year, can still admit to having an outside chance of the title.

Practice for the A-Style Grand Prix of Japan starts tomorrow, ahead of the all-important race on Sunday afternoon.

Nicky Hayden - Honda
''Australia turned out alright, I actually liked the bike-changing in the pits, with a bit of tweaking I think it could work alright. It was a really tough first part of the race, so the rain helped me out.
Last year I was terrible here, although in my rookie year I wasn’t so bad and I like the track. It isn’t my favourite race of the year, but it’s kind of fun and an important race for Honda.
Screaming and pouting about yellow flags isn’t going to get you anywhere, so what happened last week is something that stays there. Valentino didn’t pass me personally under a yellow flag so I have no excuse.''

Valentino Rossi - Yamaha
''I gained important points in the last two races, but know we have three very different Grands Prix to face, where maybe Yamaha aren’t so strong. I have only won once here, back in 2001, and apart from a few second places it isn’t my best circuit. Last year especially I had braking problems and eventually had a crash with Melandri.
I didn’t see the yellow flags in Phillip Island, but I have been unlucky with them before and I was lucky this time. Stoner retook me and I was saved by that.''

Marco Melandri - Honda
''I had some good fortune in Australia. It was a strange race. It is good to be back in the championship battle as, even though Nicky is quite a few points ahead of me, I have nothing to lose and can go all-out. I like this circuit, even though I had that bad crash last year.''

Loris Capirossi - Ducati
''Last year was my MotoGP debut here, and it was a great weekend. Watching Doohan and Gardner here back in the 80s and 90s and now getting to hopefully have a race like that this weekend is a dream come true. MotoGP is so different to any other class I’ve raced in here, and as it is earlier on in the year than usual I’m hoping that it will be a dry one.''

Shinya Nakano - Kawasaki
''It is an important race. Everybody is here, from my friends and family through to Kawasaki. I am confident after leading a race for the first time at Phillip Island. Personally I didn’t find the changing of the bikes too crowded…I was all on my own from pitting a lap later!
In Malaysia we had some new engine parts, and these have been a huge step forward for Kawasaki, Motegi is difficult but a track where I go well. If the weather is as forecast then I think everybody will be using qualifying tyres tomorrow!
I well be testing here on Monday, but not an 800cc machine I don''t think.''

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