MotoGP Yamaha 1000cc

Ben Spies

Yamaha 1000cc MotoGp

Ducati Desmosedici, Cardion AB Motoracing

Josh Hayes replace Colin Edwards In MotoGP Valencia

American Superbike Champion Josh Hayes will replace injured Colin Edwards for this weekend's Valencia MotoGP round in Spain.vThe 36-year-old has been drafted in by the Monster Yamaha Tech 3 squad because Edwards is unable to participate in Valencia while he recovers from injuries sustained during the Shell Advance Malaysian Motorcycle Grand Prix at Sepang on October 23.

Edwards was due to make his final appearance for the Monster Yamaha Tech 3 squad at the Ricardo Tormo Circuit after a long and successful career with Yamaha in the MotoGP World Championship, which started back in 2005.

The Texan though will undergo an operation to repair cartilage damage around the top of the humerus bone in his left arm after he was involved in an incident with Marco Simoncelli and Valentino Rossi on the second lap of the Sepang race. Tragically, Simoncelli succumbed to injuries sustained in the accident.

Hayes, who won his second successive American Superbike crown for the Monster Energy Graves Yamaha Team in a dramatic final round in New Jersey, was due to test the Monster Yamaha Tech 3 YZR-M1 machine the day after Sunday's final race.

Yamaha US and Monster Energy arranged the test appearance to reward Hayes for capturing the American Superbike title for the second year in succession in 2011.

Hayes will now join British rider Cal Crutchlow when practice for the Valencia round gets underway on Friday morning.

Marco Simoncelli Crash Photo

Dovizioso join in the yamaha tech 3, 2012

Tech 3 officially announced the hiring of certainty Dovizioso to MotoGP competition 2012. As reported previously, the future Dovizioso has become the news of the mass media. Especially if it was not about Honda's management, the plan only to use two drivers for next season only Casey Stoner and Dani Pedrosa.

Practically, this makes Dovi hurt. Dovi decided to leave the Repsol Honda. As reported by the Superbike-News, Monday (10/10/2011), Tech 3 officially announced that it has managed to hook Dovi for the competition next season.

Capirossi Absent in Motegi

Loris Capirossi will not race in Japan next week. Not because of fear of the potential radiation, but the constraints of injury. Concerns over the potential of radiation in Japan a little more still owned by the drivers who will play there on October 2 next. However, Capirossi did not join the race because of injury to the shoulder after falling in Aragon.

"I want to race in Japan. It's one of my favorite tracks where I reap a lot of good results and satisfaction, but the doctors really clear," said Capirossi in Autosport. While Pramac has not announced whether there will be a replace Capirossi at Motegi or just going down Randy de Puniet only.

Rossi Start From Pitlane

Ducati rider, Valentino Rossi will start the race at Circuit Motorland Aragon on Sunday (18.09.11), from the pitlane. The reason is, "The Doctor" penalized 10 seconds, after exceeding the limit the use of six engines during the 2011 season.

The change of the last version of Ducati, with the use of aluminum chassis, requires engine modifications that can be installed properly. And, because Rossi is already using five machines before the new motor was introduced, to convert motor racing and his backup with the new specification, so he'll get a penalty.

It turns out that fear actually happen. In the qualifying session on Saturday (17.09.11), Rossi had an accident, and he took the decision to return to the pits and use the main motor. MotoGP world champion seven times this hope, a brave decision that could help fix the better position, although the risk must be a penalty.

But the facts say otherwise, because speculation is not giving results as expected. Rossi dropped in the ranking of 13, so that with the penalty, then he will start from the pitlane.

"This decision is not yet (finals), but I think that for tomorrow we could use the seventh machine, and start from the pit, because to have two motors with aluminum chassis, we must use another machine. Parts of the aluminum is suitable for machines from Misano , but other motors have an older machine, "explains 32-year-old rider.

"Also, to understand and development for next year, it's better to have two motors are equal. Rossi believes that the motor has the potential to be in a better position than 13. Therefore, the former Honda and Yamaha rider is more to blame drivers, compared to the engine.

Rossi added that his accident at the penultimate corner, as qualifying enters the 15th minute, is a relatively small error, which may be avoided in the future, with a change of setting. "I think I'm one meter over on the inside, but unfortunately, when pulling the gas, I lost the front," explained Rossi. "We may have to understand something in the weight distribution, to avoid this problem."

Valentino Rossi, Ducati Desmosedici GP12 Test, Mugello

Valentino Rossi joined the Ducati Test Team at Mugello on Thursday for the third and final day of a special run which continued the development of the Borgo Panigale factory's 2012 prototype.

It was Rossi's sixth of the eight testing days permitted for each factory rider and there was no shortage of work for the nine-time World Champion to get through as he put in 82 laps, trying out an updated electronics package and chassis.

In sunny but not overly hot conditions Rossi rode until 6.30pm local time, unaffected by a minor fall at the Scarperia-Palagio section on his third lap of his first outing on the bike in the morning. Filippo Preziosi and Vittoriano Guareschi were both present in the garage to observe the Test, with official Ducati Test rider Franco Battaini – who had ridden for the previous two days – on track with Rossi.

“It was an interesting day, although it was quite a long one as we were riding until 6.30pm,” said Rossi. “Developing a bike requires a lot of focus and effort but is also very exciting, and it's very fulfilling to be part of a group of people pushing as hard as it can and all in the same direction. Today we confirmed various aspects of the GP12's electronics and chassis, collecting a lot of useful information for Filippo and the guys back at the factory. I think the work is well underway as we prepare for our next steps.”

Repsol Honda claim two agony for Pedrosa

It was a happy day for Repsol Honda’s Casey Stoner and Andrea Dovizioso, finishing first and second in today’s Monster Energy Grand Prix de France. However, news of Dani Pedrosa breaking his collarbone after a clash with fellow Honda rider, Marco Simoncelli, dampened the spirits in the Repsol Honda camp.

Repsol Honda claim one-two, agony for Pedrosa

There was a record attendance for this race, with 88,400 fans present on race day, with a total of 176,200 supporters over the three days. Stoner who started the race from his first ever pole position at the Le Mans race circuit, went on to claim his first victory in any class at the venue, after an early battle with his team mate Pedrosa. The Australian was able to pull away from the Spaniard and went on to finish over 14 seconds ahead of Dovizioso and take his second victory of the 2011 season, which pushed him back up to second place in the standings.

Dani pedrosa

Dovizioso who started the race from the third row in third place, his best qualifying result of the season, continued his productive weekend on a circuit the Italian enjoys. The 25 year old spent the majority of the race tussling with Jorge Lorenzo and Valentino Rossi for fourth place. After the incident with Pedrosa and Simoncelli, the man from Forli in Italy, was then in contention to take second spot and was able to re-pass the current MotoGP World Champion, as well as the seven-time MotoGP World Champion. The dice between Dovizioso and Rossi was particularly lively and the Repsol Honda rider was able to hold on during the last lap. This made it the second successive race, Dovizioso has got the better of his compatriot on the final lap and with this result, he achieved his best result of the year to date.

Pedrosa led the beginning of the race after one of his trademark lightning starts but was soon passed by Stoner on lap two. The Spaniard stayed in the hunt for the first half of the race and then the attack from Simoncelli arrived. The two Honda’s clashed, forcing Pedrosa out of the race and unfortunately he sustained a broken collarbone in the incident. Race direction deemed the manoeuvre from Simoncelli illegal and punished the Italian with a ride through penalty. The double 250cc champion has now dropped to third overall in the MotoGP standings after this non-finish, 17 points behind Lorenzo.

Casey Stoner, Repsol Honda

"The whole weekend has gone so well for us, arriving here from the Portugal test with the bike almost the same and we have improved small things here and there and only needed to adjust the set up for this circuit. We went into the race confident, at the beginning of the race Pedrosa was very fast and he was difficult to pass, as he as being cautious. When I overtook him I thought I might be able to take some advantage but he was able to match my times and follow me for some laps, so I continued to push more than I prefer too and eventually I put a gap between us. From this point, the race came to me and I was able to focus on my consistency and win. My thoughts are with Pedrosa at this moment, I hope he can recover soon as he is a very strong contender for this championship.”

Andrea Dovizioso, Repsol Honda

"I’m really happy with the second position today, it’s so important for the championship and it arrives after a start of the season, where we didn’t get the results we expected. We did a very good job from the beginning of the weekend and I knew I could fight for the podium, but I didn’t expect second place. I had a great battle with Rossi and to beat him always has a special taste. It’s good fun to get the podium after a hard fight. I was losing a lot in two areas but I was strong in braking, so I made a good strategy and once I overtook him, I pushed 100 percent not to have him too close especially in turns 10 and 11, where he was faster. Concerning the race, I had a good start, Lorenzo’s strong overtaking slowed me down a little, but then I pushed to recover the gap. We have to keep on working to reduce the gap to stay with the front riders from the beginning. Pedrosa was very unlucky today and I hope he can recover soon.”

Dani Pedrosa, Repsol Honda

"I was having a good race, the goal was to ensure another podium and I had it in my grasp. Now it counts for nothing. Simoncelli overtook me, I passed him back and I had the better line. He just came into me, releasing the brakes and I could do nothing. I leave here with a broken collarbone and he with a ride through penalty, good for him! Yet again I come out worse off. We only just recovered from the nightmare of the last operation and now I’m hurt again. It is very unfair, I don’t deserve it.

Stoner Start First In Gp Le Mans

Honda rider Casey Stoner became the fastest in MotoGP qualifying session at the Circuit of Le Mans on Saturday (14 / 5). Marco Simoncelli was behind him in second place and Andrea Dovizioso in third.

Previous Stoner master free practice session. In the qualifying session he recorded the fastest time of 1,33,153 seconds.

Meanwhile, Spaniard Dani Pedrosa finished fourth and Jorge Lorenzo behind. Tech 3 Yamaha rider Cal Crutchlow in sixth position following the start behind Colin Edwards and Ben Spies.

While the Ducati duo Valentino Rossi and Nicky Hayden in their respective positions to the nine and ten.

Pedrosa Wins in GP Portugal 2011

After a race long duel with fellow Spaniard, Jorge Lorenzo (Yamaha Factory Racing), Dani Pedrosa (Repsol Honda) raced to victory at the bwin Grande Prémio de Portugal and with it, claimed his first win at the Estoril circuit in any class. Third was Casey Stoner (Repsol Honda).

Pedrosa who only recently had surgery on his injured shoulder, had been seemingly pacing himself behind the leader, Lorenzo, until the final three laps, when the Repsol Honda rider, passed the Yamaha down the straight and then delivered a succession of fastest laps to pass the chequered flag first. Pedrosa finished just over three seconds ahead of the reigning MotoGP World Champion and closed the gap on Lorenzo’s lead in the standings to just four points. Pedrosa’s triumph also prevented the pole sitter clinching four successive victories at the Estoril circuit.

Stoner had a lonely race in third and was over seven seconds behind his team mate who won the race. The former MotoGP World Champion has never won at Estoril (one of only five circuits the Australian has failed to clinch victory at). The eyes were all on the battle behind the Australian between Valentino Rossi (Ducati Team) and Andrea Dovizioso. The Repsol Honda rider stayed close to Rossi throughout the race and managed to snatch the fourth place on the very last lap as they crossed the start finish line, by a mere 0.025s. The nine time World Champion’ previous lowest result here in Estoril had been a fourth place from 11 starts, before the pass from his fellow compatriot over the line.

It was a good day for the Monster Yamaha Tech 3 team. Colin Edwards arrived home in sixth position, two ahead of Cal Crutchlow. The British rookie had been involved in a tussle with Hiroshi Aoyama (San Carlo Honda Gresini), but the Japanese rider got the better of the former World Supersport champion. Crutchlow was one of many riders racing following an operation and has continued to pick up points in his first season in the premier class.

Nicky Hayden (Ducati Team) was ninth, after racing with Ben Spies early on and the final place in the top ten went to Frenchman Randy de Puniet (Pramac Racing) who was recovering after an operation on his leg. Toni Elías (LCR Honda) who won here in 2006, was 11th after fighting with Loris Capirossi (Pramac Racing) and edging out the most experienced rider in the field, come the end of the race.

In the first race of the season for Álvaro Bautista (Rizla Suzuki), after missing the opening two rounds, the Spaniard battled through the pain barrier to record 13th place and claim three points, just six weeks after breaking his leg.

Marco Simoncelli (San Carlo Honda Gresini Team) who started from the first row, which was only his second front row start in the premier class, suffered his second accident of the Portuguese weekend on the first lap. The Italian who c crashed whilst in contention for pole position during qualifying, came off at the beginning of the race whilst in third.

Ben Spies (Yamaha Factory Racing) struggled on his second visit to Estoril after several excursions off the track and dropping down to tenth. The American then crashed and was unable to restart the bike.

Héctor Barberá (Mapfre Aspar Team) had scored points in 19 of the past 20 races since he began his MotoGP career, but this race wasn’t to be for the Spaniard after crashing out on the opening lap with a nasty looking highside. Karel Abraham (Cardion ab Motoracing) who qualified ahead of the factory Ducati of Hayden in just his third GP start, had his first non-finish of his debut MotoGP campaign after an early off brought his race to a halt.

MotoGP

Lorenzo's Pole Position In GP Portugal

2011 MotoGP world champion Jorge Lorenzo of Yamaha team take pole position for the first time this season at the Grand Prix of Portugal on Saturday.

The Spanish rider, who won the previous race weekend in front of his fans at Jerez, Estoril circuit crossing near Lisbon with a fastest time of one minute 37.161 seconds at the last minute.

Italy's Marco Simoncelli, Honda Gresini team rider who dominated practice on Friday, became the second fastest after the accident near the end dispelled hopes that grabbed pole position.

Meanwhile, Spaniard Dani Pedrosa, completes the front row starting position on a Honda.

Australian Casey Stoner, also spur Honda, in fourth, temporal Italian, Valentino Rossi, on the Ducati team will start the race from ninth position.

Lorenzo led the championship standings after two races with a value of 45 points, while Pedrosa in second place with 36 points.

Antaranews.com

Lorenzo Want To Win at Estoril

After successfully winning the MotoGP at home to Jerez, Spain, Jorge Lorenzo was anxious to race in Estoril, Portugal, week (fifth). On the third lap race, the spearhead of Yamaha Factory Racing squad has a great determination to carve his name as a great victory record holder.

2010 world champion, Lorenzo who now leads the standings have a good performance in Estoril. In the last three years (2008-2010), he continued to put ourselves in the front row start and end the race with a victory. If, tomorrow week to win again, it's four times in a row.

"This week, we were in Portugal, a country where I have experienced periods of fun. Therefore, my first victory in MotoGP at Estoril in 2008 was," he recalls.

Trajectory Estoril, Lorenzo continued to me like a talisman. Although now leads the standings, it's just the beginning. Most importantly, his determination should be able to win the race and Ducati must be wary of.

While team-mate, also could not wait to gush M1. Because last year, despite following the practice session, but can not look at race.

Bautista Will Perform at MotoGP Portugal

Nine days after the accident that befell him at the Losail Circuit, Qatar, Alvaro Bautista finally been able to return to his home on Sunday (27/3/11). Family, friends and fans of the club, welcomed the MotoGP Suzuki rider was at his home in Talavera de la Reina, to give a welcome, long after he was in the hospital.

"Those days were very difficult. But I am now at home with my family, and I just think for a rapid recovery and could soon return to the saddle bike," the Spanish rider said this, as quoted by local site Caesarobriga.com.

During the recovery period, Bautista will be replaced by John Hopkins at the Spanish GP at the weekend. He predicted the new will appear again on the track racing with the GSV-R from the GP of Portugal, April 29-May 1

"My goal is to perform at Estoril, after one month recovery period. Of course I would have problems in my leg (left) and I know, I have to work hard. But that's my goal and I knew I could do it," said Bautista.

"I was a bit difficult to move the knee and of course it will be difficult. Most importantly do not have to increase the strength because I was not too much to lose, it's just mobilitasku with motor and especially when cornering to the left. I need more flexibility, which of course is more difficult, but it became my goal.

"The blow had passed since the accident. Falls and injuries can happen in racing. The worst thing is when I spend time in hospital, when bleeding caused this accident. It was a difficult moment, but we keep moving forward. I will recover and return sitting in the saddle! " Bautista promise.

Bautista crashed while Qatar Grand Prix free practice on Friday (18/3/11). He had a thigh bone injury, thus directly receive intensive treatment, including surgery, before being flown to Madrid on Wednesday (23/3/11). She received further treatment in Madrid, before being allowed home.

Kompas.com

Capirrosi Fastest In FP3 Portugal

Pramac Ducati rider, Loris Capirossi, made a surprise third at the GP practice of Portugal, on Saturday (30/4/11). At the last practice at the Estoril circuit, Capirossi be the fastest, beating world champion Jorge Lorenzo (Yamaha) and Ducati rider Nicky Hayden, who in a row behind it.

In a session where the track was never fully dry because color was light rain, Capirossi recorded the best time of 1 minute 44.515 seconds. He was half a second ahead of Lorenzo.

In this last exercise, Ducati showed a promising performance. This is evident from the results indicated two riders from the team of the manufacturer, Hayden and Valentino Rossi, who are in positions three and four. They beat a trio of Repsol Honda's Casey Stoner, Andrea Dovizioso and Dani Pedrosa.

Disappointing results achieved by the Honda Gresini rider, Marco Simoncelli, who mastered the two free practice yesterday. This spiky-haired rider slipped into the order of nine, behind the LCR Honda rider, Toni Elias - Moto2 world champion last season.

The only rider who decided not to take part in free practice that the conditions are not too good this is Alvaro Bautista. The Rizla Suzuki rider, who has appeared again after the injury a broken left thigh bone in the series debut in Qatar, did not want to risk

Kompas

Simoncelli Fastest In 2nd Practice MotoGP Portugal

San Carlo Honda Gresini Team’s Marco Simoncelli was quickest for the second practice for the bwin Grande Prémio de Portugal after also topping the timesheets in FP1. The Honda rider got the better of reigning World Champion Jorge Lorenzo (Yamaha Factory Racing) and Dani Pedrosa (Repsol Honda).

The Italian lost the front end of his Honda going into turn 3 midway through the session so had to jump onto his second machine but he was never headed. The 24 year old has won at this circuit back in 2009 in the intermediate class and will be aiming for his maiden victory/rostrum after missing out on the opportunity in Spain.

The second practice of the day was run in much hotter temperatures underneath the Portuguese sunshine. The MotoGP class just missed out on the rain which began to fall at the end of the forty five minute practice. All 17 riders were separated by 2.510s.

Lorenzo who has recorded three pole positions here in the premier class, was consistently quick throughout FP2 and finished with a deficit of just 0.061s behind Simoncelli. The 23 year old was 0.003s faster than his rival Pedrosa in third. The Repsol Honda rider has yet to win in any category at this circuit. It’s only one of only four venues the Spaniard has been unable to achieve victory at.

Finishing on identical lap times of 1’38:102 were Valentino Rossi (Ducati Team) and Casey Stoner (Repsol Honda) after their much talked about coming together from the last race in Jerez. The Italian has had five wins here in the premier class. The Australian spent a large portion of the session in the pits as he did in the morning. Stoner claimed his maiden victory in the intermediate category back here in 2005.

Colin Edwards (Monster Yamaha Tech 3) was again solidly in the top ten, keen to put the disappointment of Jerez behind him. The American has had two fourth places here in 2006 and 2008 which are his best results at this circuit. Rookie Karel Abraham (Cardion ab Motoracing) was seventh quickest in only his third race of the MotoGP campaign. The Czech rider finished in 10th place here last season.

Ben Spies (Yamaha Factory Racing) has not had a happy time so far at this venue after crashing on the sighting lap here in 2010 and therefore was unable to take part in the race. After a run off in first practice this morning, the Yamaha rider was eighth fastest, 0.900s off Simoncelli’s best time.

The final two places in the top went to two Ducati machines. Ninth was Nicky Hayden (Ducati Team) who will be hoping to achieve the first win for Ducati at this circuit. Héctor Barberá (Mapfre Aspar Team) who had his best ever finish in MotoGP after his sixth place in Jerez was tenth quickest in FP2. The ten riders were covered by less than a second.

Motogp

Pedrosa Eager To Get Back To Action In Portugal

The Repsol Honda rider underwent a routine medical check on Monday, and gave an update on his recovery from his latest surgery in his blog.

Dani Pedrosa had a routine medical check on Monday to assess the status of his recovering left arm, following surgery a fortnight ago. The Repsol Honda rider – who fractured his left collarbone last October in Japan – had the titanium plate and screws fixed to the bone in the aftermath of the injury removed following the Jerez round at the start of the month, after he had begun to experience a compression of his left subclavian artery.

Writing in his blog on Monday following a check-up, Pedrosa discussed the recovery process following his surgery at the start of April. “The truth is that it went well and in the days that have followed I’ve adjusted my routine to the recommendations made by the medical team, so that the recovery goes as well as it possibly can. Today (Monday) I had a routine medical check and it seems that things are going well, although we have to be cautious until I get back on the bike in Portugal.”

The Repsol Honda rider is now keen to get back on his RC212V and test out his fitness, although he will have to wait until the opening day’s practice at the bwin Grande Prémio de Portugal on April 29th.

“I’m eager and motivated to return to competition to test the feeling I have on the bike, and to see if I can forget about these problems as soon as possible,” he continued. “The past few days I have been relaxing at home, getting in the rest recommended by the doctors. Even though a break in the calendar has coincided with the recuperation I have a lot of motivation to return to competitive fitness, working with the team and above all getting on the bike.”

Despite his discomfort when riding Pedrosa has started the season well, finishing third in the season opener in Qatar and second at Jerez.

“Looking at what has happened so far we arrive in Portugal with 36 points and nine behind the leader, and that’s taking into consideration the fact I was injured. The truth is that we have a very positive balance with which to face the Championship, which has only just begun,” concluded Pedrosa.

(MotoGP)

Moto2 Teams MotoGP 2011

Aeroport de Castelo Team - Kev Coghlan

Avintia-STX Team - Kenny Noyes

Blusens-STX Team - Esteve rabat & Yonny Hernandez

Desguaces La Torre G22 Team - Raffaele de Rosa

Forward Racing Team - Jules Cluzel & Alex Baldolini

GP Team Switzerland Kiefer Racing - Randy Krummenancer

 

More Team >>

San Carlo Honda Gresini Team

Hiroshi Aoyama - San Carlo Honda Gresini Team

 

Marco Simoncelli - San Carlo Honda Gressini Team

Lorenzo won the race at the Gran Premio de España bwin

Jorge Lorenzo (Yamaha Factory Racing) took victory in the wet MotoGP race at the Gran Premio bwin de España after Marco Simoncelli (San Carlo Honda Gresini Team) crashed whilst leading. It was a Spanish one-two with Dani Pedrosa (Repsol Honda) claiming second position and Nicky Hayden (Ducati Team) in third. Meanwhile, the first series champion Casey Stoner got to get out of the race after a collision with Valentino Rossi. whilst the Italian was able to continue, albeit further down the field. Due to incidents further ahead, Rossi picked up 11 points for fifth place.

motogp

 In a race which was run in wet conditions, making it very slippery, Simoncelli was on his way to his first victory in the premier class with a three second advantage over Lorenzo. The Italian suffered a nasty highside at turn one, losing a potential debut win. Pedrosa had made a tentative start to his race but managed to get back in the hunt for the win. Ben Spies (Yamaha Factory Racing) had passed the Spaniard for second in the dying laps, but made a mistake and ended up in the gravel, losing 20 points.

It was the same story for Colin Edwards (Monster Yamaha Tech 3) who due to Spies’ error, was on course to take a rostrum place behind Pedrosa. However the American also ended up visiting the gravel trap and was unable to restart. It was Hayden who finished in third to take the first podium for Ducati Team this season and his second of his career with the team.

Hiroshi Aoyama (San Carlo Honda Gresini) was one place away from the rostrum, taking fourth position, his best result in MotoGP. The Japanese rider’s previous best finish had been seventh.

Héctor Barberá (Mapfre Aspar Team) built on his performance in Losail to finish sixth, ahead of Karel Abraham (Cardion ab Motoracing) who after crashing during the race, was able to remount to take seventh place and pick up points in his second MotoGP race. Cal Crutchlow (Monster Yamaha Tech 3) was able to take eighth place after similar fate as the Czech rider, when he crashed in a solid top five place. This was the British rider’s first race at the Jerez circuit in his rookie season.

Spanish Moto2 World Champion Toni Elías (LCR Honda) brought his bike home in ninth place with the final place in the top ten going to Rizla Suzuki’s John Hopkins, replacing the injured Álvaro Bautista, after a long gap away from the series. Loris Capirossi (Pramac Racing) was 13th.

Andrea Dovizioso (Repsol Honda) who started from sixth made a promising start picking up a few places, but started to go backwards and then made a costly error when he slid off track into the gravel. The Italian finished last in 14th after coming into the pits to change his wet tyres.