Spain's Marc Marquez, in sizzling form since the start of three days
of pre-season testing, said Wednesday it was a "dream come true" to race
nine-times world champion Valentino Rossi and other top MotoGP riders.
Marquez, 19, who won the Moto2 championship last year, has replaced the retired Australian Casey Stoner in the Honda team.
On
the first day of testing Tuesday at the Sepang circuit, the Spanish
teenager was the third fastest rider behind his team-mate Dani Pedrosa
and Yamaha's defending champion Jorge Lorenzo. Rossi came in fourth.
Marquez was 0.044 seconds behind Pedrosa, who set the fastest lap time at 2 minutes 01.157 seconds.
"Valentino
was my hero. Dani was my reference. It is quite impressive when you see
them on the track. It is my dream come true," he told AFP.
Marquez's
best lap in the current testing was under the official Sepang race lap
record of 2:02.108 set by Stoner. However the Australian set a 1:59.607
in last year's pre-season tests.
But Marquez said setting quick lap times was not the most important thing for him during testing.
"In MotoGP it is better to be constant in a good lap time; then the information is better" to prepare for the race, he said.
A
modest Marquez said he would focus on improving his position during the
MotoGP championship race, adding that a podium finish was not on his
radar yet since Lorenzo, Pedrosa and Rossi "will be faster".
"(The) goal is to go race by race, try to enjoy and every time go better and better," he said.
However, after the first day of testing, Rossi praised Marquez's riding skills and determination.
"I like his attitude. He is like wanting to win the championship at the first strike," he told reporters.
Marquez
said the Honda bike had plenty of potential and he would use the
testing period to "play" with its electronics and adjust them.
"I feel so good on the bike. But still, I need to improve at Sepang but I know the bike has very good potential," he said.
The
test continues until Thursday. The first race of the year will take
place under floodlights in Qatar on the first weekend of April after two
more test sessions.
Saturday, February 16, 2013
Six rugby league clubs named in Australia doping report
Six Australian National Rugby League (NRL) clubs Tuesday admitted
they were referred to in a nationwide sports doping scandal report, and
vowed to support any investigations.
North Queensland, Penrith, Canberra, Newcastle, Manly and Cronulla all said they had been contacted by NRL chiefs after the Australian Crime Commission granted the league permission to notify any clubs mentioned in its report.
The official report, released in summary last week, said use of prohibited substances including peptides, hormones and illicit drugs was common across multiple sporting codes, sending shockwaves through Australia.
Australian Rules football has also admitted involvement, saying at least one club and one player from another club had been implicated.
Cricket, football and rugby union authorities have said they are not under investigation.
"Our club will cooperate with any official enquiry," Newcastle Knights chief executive Matt Gidley said, adding that the NRL contacted them on Monday but they had no further information or details on how they were involved.
"We maintain full confidence under the management of (coach) Wayne Bennett.
"Until we receive further information from the NRL and/or ASADA, there is nothing further we can add," he added, referring to the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority.
Reports said the 10 other NRL clubs all confirmed they were not mentioned in the report.
"As previously stated, we fully support any investigations by the NRL or the ACC in relations to these matters," said Canberra Raiders chief Don Furner.
"Our club will continue to work with the NRL and ACC until these matters are resolved and will update our members, sponsors and supporters when we can."
In the wake of the report, the NRL has committed to establishing a fully resourced integrity unit and appointed a former federal court judge to assist in its investigations.
The ACC report did not name specific players, teams or codes, citing legal reasons, sparking concern that all sportspeople and those working with them had been tarred with the same brush.
World Anti-Doping Agency chief John Fahey, an Australian and a keen rugby league fan, told Sydney's Daily Telegraph he did not understand why the government released the report in such a broadbrush way.
"Whatever is behind it all, we need to know. But to be told it in general terms, and have to wait significant time to see how big the problem is, is something I am simply puzzled by," he said.
"I do not understand the motive behind that or the strategy. What I am saying is that there may be a good reason but I can't find it at this stage."
North Queensland, Penrith, Canberra, Newcastle, Manly and Cronulla all said they had been contacted by NRL chiefs after the Australian Crime Commission granted the league permission to notify any clubs mentioned in its report.
The official report, released in summary last week, said use of prohibited substances including peptides, hormones and illicit drugs was common across multiple sporting codes, sending shockwaves through Australia.
Australian Rules football has also admitted involvement, saying at least one club and one player from another club had been implicated.
Cricket, football and rugby union authorities have said they are not under investigation.
"Our club will cooperate with any official enquiry," Newcastle Knights chief executive Matt Gidley said, adding that the NRL contacted them on Monday but they had no further information or details on how they were involved.
"We maintain full confidence under the management of (coach) Wayne Bennett.
"Until we receive further information from the NRL and/or ASADA, there is nothing further we can add," he added, referring to the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority.
Reports said the 10 other NRL clubs all confirmed they were not mentioned in the report.
"As previously stated, we fully support any investigations by the NRL or the ACC in relations to these matters," said Canberra Raiders chief Don Furner.
"Our club will continue to work with the NRL and ACC until these matters are resolved and will update our members, sponsors and supporters when we can."
In the wake of the report, the NRL has committed to establishing a fully resourced integrity unit and appointed a former federal court judge to assist in its investigations.
The ACC report did not name specific players, teams or codes, citing legal reasons, sparking concern that all sportspeople and those working with them had been tarred with the same brush.
World Anti-Doping Agency chief John Fahey, an Australian and a keen rugby league fan, told Sydney's Daily Telegraph he did not understand why the government released the report in such a broadbrush way.
"Whatever is behind it all, we need to know. But to be told it in general terms, and have to wait significant time to see how big the problem is, is something I am simply puzzled by," he said.
"I do not understand the motive behind that or the strategy. What I am saying is that there may be a good reason but I can't find it at this stage."
Gatland vows no Lions limit on England players
British and Irish Lions coach Warren Gatland insisted Wednesday he'd
happily field an entire XV of England players in the first Test against
Australia if they were the best available.
Gatland was trying to defuse a row caused by remarks, reportedly made in Tuesday's London Evening Standard, saying too many England players could lead to the kind of media "circus" that derailed their 2011 World Cup campaign in the coach's native New Zealand.
The 49-year-old Gatland's comments were especially inflammatory as England, who beat the world champion All Blacks in December, are currently the form team in the Six Nations where they are the only side to have won both their opening two matches.
And they appeared to take no account of the lack of negative headlines attached to England since coach Stuart Lancaster replaced Martin Johnson last year following a World Cup where the side were better known for their off-field drinking exploits than the quality of their rugby.
But former Ireland boss Gatland, currently on sabbatical from his post as Wales coach in order to guide the Lions, was adamant Wednesday he'd no bias against England players.
"I am extremely disappointed that anybody should try to misinterpret what I said and try to say that will count against English players, that's absolute bullshit," he told the Daily Telegraph.
"The last thing I would ever do is limit the number of English players. There is absolutely no limit to the number of any players from any nation we will pick if they are worthy of a place on the tour.
"I would happily pick 15 English players in the first Test at Brisbane if I thought they were the best 15 players for the job.
"The only consideration for a Lions coach is to get the best 15 on the park to do the job. That's paramount, I'm not remotely bothered which country they come from.
"When I first started at Wales I remember I once picked 13 Ospreys for one of my early Tests in charge."
Gatland had told the Standard "the best players will be selected", but "it's just being aware of potential issues that may arise".
Rugby Football Union chairman Bill Beaumont, himself a former England and Lions captain, took a dim view of Gatland's remarks as quoted by the Standard on Tuesday and highlighted the changes that had taken place under Lancaster.
"English players have always represented the Lions with enormous pride," Beaumont said.
"It is well documented the strong culture and sense of responsibility on and off the pitch that this England team possesses. Those fortunate enough to get picked will of course take those attributes Down Under."
The Lions, who haven't won a series since England great Johnson led them on their 1997 tour of South Africa, face Australia in the first of three Tests in Brisbane on June 22.
Gatland was trying to defuse a row caused by remarks, reportedly made in Tuesday's London Evening Standard, saying too many England players could lead to the kind of media "circus" that derailed their 2011 World Cup campaign in the coach's native New Zealand.
The 49-year-old Gatland's comments were especially inflammatory as England, who beat the world champion All Blacks in December, are currently the form team in the Six Nations where they are the only side to have won both their opening two matches.
And they appeared to take no account of the lack of negative headlines attached to England since coach Stuart Lancaster replaced Martin Johnson last year following a World Cup where the side were better known for their off-field drinking exploits than the quality of their rugby.
But former Ireland boss Gatland, currently on sabbatical from his post as Wales coach in order to guide the Lions, was adamant Wednesday he'd no bias against England players.
"I am extremely disappointed that anybody should try to misinterpret what I said and try to say that will count against English players, that's absolute bullshit," he told the Daily Telegraph.
"The last thing I would ever do is limit the number of English players. There is absolutely no limit to the number of any players from any nation we will pick if they are worthy of a place on the tour.
"I would happily pick 15 English players in the first Test at Brisbane if I thought they were the best 15 players for the job.
"The only consideration for a Lions coach is to get the best 15 on the park to do the job. That's paramount, I'm not remotely bothered which country they come from.
"When I first started at Wales I remember I once picked 13 Ospreys for one of my early Tests in charge."
Gatland had told the Standard "the best players will be selected", but "it's just being aware of potential issues that may arise".
Rugby Football Union chairman Bill Beaumont, himself a former England and Lions captain, took a dim view of Gatland's remarks as quoted by the Standard on Tuesday and highlighted the changes that had taken place under Lancaster.
"English players have always represented the Lions with enormous pride," Beaumont said.
"It is well documented the strong culture and sense of responsibility on and off the pitch that this England team possesses. Those fortunate enough to get picked will of course take those attributes Down Under."
The Lions, who haven't won a series since England great Johnson led them on their 1997 tour of South Africa, face Australia in the first of three Tests in Brisbane on June 22.
Italy v Wales: Six Nations Match Preview
Italy welcome Wales to the Stadio Olimpico for their third match of
the 2013 Six Nations and the Welsh side are odds on favourites on
Saturday 23rd February.
Italy will be hoping to reproduce the magic that saw them beat Wales in the 2007 competition and earn a hugely creditable draw in 2006, although Wales have comfortably won the last five meetings between the two teams.
Wales head into this year's game off the back of a morale-boosting win in France, while the Italians are smarting after suffering a thrashing at the hands of Scotland.
Interim Wales coach Rob Howley has confirmed he'll keep the same starting line-up from last weekend's winning match against France when Wales take on Italy on February 23rd.
"On the back of the performance at the weekend, we have decided to reward the players who took to the field and the same XV who started in Paris will start against Italy," said Howley.
"It's a reward for their performance. We talked about attitude, determination and resilience and a side that comes up with a win out in France, which is not an easy place to win on any occasion, deserves to start the next match.
"Obviously we are mindful that the XV selected is dependent on injuries, with some players playing before next week, but if everyone comes through it will be the same XV.
"I thought Ryan (Jones) was outstanding in terms of his leadership and he will captain the side against Italy.
“Sam (Warburton) is still feeling the stinger to some extent but it has improved but I just want to clarify that the team comes first and the way the team played, they deserve to start again."
Italy will be hoping to reproduce the magic that saw them beat Wales in the 2007 competition and earn a hugely creditable draw in 2006, although Wales have comfortably won the last five meetings between the two teams.
Wales head into this year's game off the back of a morale-boosting win in France, while the Italians are smarting after suffering a thrashing at the hands of Scotland.
Interim Wales coach Rob Howley has confirmed he'll keep the same starting line-up from last weekend's winning match against France when Wales take on Italy on February 23rd.
"On the back of the performance at the weekend, we have decided to reward the players who took to the field and the same XV who started in Paris will start against Italy," said Howley.
"It's a reward for their performance. We talked about attitude, determination and resilience and a side that comes up with a win out in France, which is not an easy place to win on any occasion, deserves to start the next match.
"Obviously we are mindful that the XV selected is dependent on injuries, with some players playing before next week, but if everyone comes through it will be the same XV.
"I thought Ryan (Jones) was outstanding in terms of his leadership and he will captain the side against Italy.
“Sam (Warburton) is still feeling the stinger to some extent but it has improved but I just want to clarify that the team comes first and the way the team played, they deserve to start again."
Scotland v Ireland: Six Nations Match Preview
Ireland are likely to start favourites for their week three Six
Nations match with Scotland at Murrayfield on Sunday 24th February 2013.
There has barely been anything to choose between the two sides in
recent Six Nations encounters though and the handicap betting could
prove interesting.
Ireland go into this year's match looking to bounce back following defeat to England last time out, while Scotland will be full of confidence after they destroyed Italy in their previous outing.
Ireland prop Cian Healy will miss two Six Nations games after being banned until 10 March for stamping on Dan Cole in Sunday's defeat by England.
Healy was cited for the stamp during a ruck in England's 12-6 win in Dublin and he is suspended for the matches against Scotland and France.
The Leinster man appeared before the tournament's disciplinary committee in London on Wednesday.
The loose-head was found guilty of "stamping or trampling on an opponent".
Healy escaped without a yellow or red card from referee Jerome Garces during the match, but the front-rower was cited by citing commissioner Alberto Recaldini of Italy.
Last Year Ireland overpowered Scotland at the Aviva Stadium as the Scots fell to a fourth successive defeat in the tournament. Scotland had briefly threatened an upset when they went 6-0 ahead early on, but Ireland hit back to lead 22-14 at half-time, with an Andrew Trimble try just before the interval knocking the stuffing out of Scotland.
reland added ten unanswered points in the second half to secure a comfortable victory. The Irish will be looking for a similar result after their defeat to England last weekend.
Ireland go into this year's match looking to bounce back following defeat to England last time out, while Scotland will be full of confidence after they destroyed Italy in their previous outing.
Ireland prop Cian Healy will miss two Six Nations games after being banned until 10 March for stamping on Dan Cole in Sunday's defeat by England.
Healy was cited for the stamp during a ruck in England's 12-6 win in Dublin and he is suspended for the matches against Scotland and France.
The Leinster man appeared before the tournament's disciplinary committee in London on Wednesday.
The loose-head was found guilty of "stamping or trampling on an opponent".
Healy escaped without a yellow or red card from referee Jerome Garces during the match, but the front-rower was cited by citing commissioner Alberto Recaldini of Italy.
Last Year Ireland overpowered Scotland at the Aviva Stadium as the Scots fell to a fourth successive defeat in the tournament. Scotland had briefly threatened an upset when they went 6-0 ahead early on, but Ireland hit back to lead 22-14 at half-time, with an Andrew Trimble try just before the interval knocking the stuffing out of Scotland.
reland added ten unanswered points in the second half to secure a comfortable victory. The Irish will be looking for a similar result after their defeat to England last weekend.
Mark Cavendish wins second stage of Volta Ao Algarve
Mark Cavendish won the second stage of the Volta Ao Algarve in Portugal today.
Stage Two on Friday started and finished in Lagoa and was a 195kms long stage which saw Kozontchuk, Vanmarcke, Garcia, Boaro, Lindeman, Fraile, Ospina, Metcalfe, Sabido and Marque in a break which had a lead of 4.55 after 75kms of racing.
Thirty kilometres later and that lead had extended to 6.30 but the peloton lead by Omega Pharma Quick Step who were looking to get Mark Cavendish a victory after he missed out in the sprint yesterday worked hard and it was down to 4.10 with 66kms remaining.
Kozontchuk, Vanmarcke, Garcia, Boaron, Marque and Lindeman decided to break further away and dropped Fraile, Ospina, Metcalfe, Sabido with 30kms to go.
Inside the final ten kilometres and they were still clear but now the peloton were breathing down their necks.
With the escapers caught, Omega Pharma Quick Step brought Mark Cavendish to the front and he rode to his fifth stage win of the season.
Saxo Tinkoff's Manuele Boaro takes the King Of The Mountains jersey from team mate Serge Paulinho.
Stage Two on Friday started and finished in Lagoa and was a 195kms long stage which saw Kozontchuk, Vanmarcke, Garcia, Boaro, Lindeman, Fraile, Ospina, Metcalfe, Sabido and Marque in a break which had a lead of 4.55 after 75kms of racing.
Thirty kilometres later and that lead had extended to 6.30 but the peloton lead by Omega Pharma Quick Step who were looking to get Mark Cavendish a victory after he missed out in the sprint yesterday worked hard and it was down to 4.10 with 66kms remaining.
Kozontchuk, Vanmarcke, Garcia, Boaron, Marque and Lindeman decided to break further away and dropped Fraile, Ospina, Metcalfe, Sabido with 30kms to go.
Inside the final ten kilometres and they were still clear but now the peloton were breathing down their necks.
With the escapers caught, Omega Pharma Quick Step brought Mark Cavendish to the front and he rode to his fifth stage win of the season.
Saxo Tinkoff's Manuele Boaro takes the King Of The Mountains jersey from team mate Serge Paulinho.
F1 testing times
Fastest times on Friday on the fourth and last day of the opening testing programme for the 2013 Formula One season:
1. Kimi Raikkonen (FIN/Lotus-Renault) 1:18.148 (83 laps), 2. Jules Bianchi (FRA/Force India-Mercedes) 1:18.175 (56), 3. Sebastian Vettel (GER/Red Bull-Renault) 1:18.565 (96), 4. Esteban Gutierrez (MEX/Sauber-Ferrari) 1:18.669 (142), 5. Jean-Eric Vergne (FRA/Toro Rosso-Ferrari) 1:18.760 (92), 6. Lewis Hamilton (GBR/Mercedes) 1:18.905 (145), 7. Sergio Perez (MEX/McLaren-Mercedes) 1:18.944 (98), 8. Valtteri Bottas (FIN/Williams-Renault) 1:19.851 (92), 9. Pedro de la Rosa (ESP/Ferrari) 1:20.316 (51), 10. Charles Pic (FRA/Caterham-Renault) 1:21.105 (109), 11. Luis Razia (BRA/Marussia-Cosworth) 1:21.226 (82), 12. Paul di Resta (GBR/Force India-Mercedes) 1:23.435 (49)
Week's best times
1. Felipe Massa (BRA/Ferrari) 1:17.879 (226 laps), 2. Kimi Raikkonen (FIN/Lotus-Renault) 1:18.148 (123), 3. Jules Bianchi (FRA/Force India-Mercedes) 1:18.175 (56), 4. Romain Grosjean (FRA/Lotus-Renault) 1:18.218 (148), 5. Sebastian Vettel (GER/Red Bull-Renault) 1:18.565 (198), 6. Esteban Gutierrez (MEX/Sauber-Ferrari) 1:18.669 (252), 7. Jean-Eric Vergne (FRA/Toro Rosso-Ferrari) 1:18.760 (177), 8. Nico Rosberg (GER/Mercedes) 1:18.766 (162), 9. Jenson Button (GBR/McLaren-Mercedes) 1:18.861 (120), 10. Lewis Hamilton (GBR/Mercedes) 1:18.905 (160)
11. Sergio Pérez (MEX/McLaren-Mercedes) 1:18.944 (179), 12. Paul di Resta (GBR/Force India-Mercedes) 1:19.003 (236), 13. Daniel Ricciardo (AUS/Toro Rosso-Ferrari) 1:19.134 (153), 14. James Rossiter (GBR/Force India-Mercedes) 1:19.303 (61), 15. Mark Webber (AUS/Red Bull-Renault) 1:19.338 (174), 16. Nico Hulkenberg (GER/Sauber-Ferrari) 1:19.502 (177), 17. Valtteri Bottas (FIN/Williams-Renault) 1:19.851 (178), 18. Pedro de la Rosa (ESP/Ferrari) 1:20.316 (51), 19. Pastor Maldonado (VEN/Williams-Renault) 1:20.693 (155), 20. Charles Pic (FRA/Caterham-Renault) 1:21.105 (166), 21. Luis Razia (BRA/Marussia-Cosworth) 1:21.226 (113), 22. Max Chilton (GBR/Marussia-Cosworth) 1:21.269 (107), 23. Giedo van der Garde (NED/Caterham-Renault) 1:21.915 (152)
1. Kimi Raikkonen (FIN/Lotus-Renault) 1:18.148 (83 laps), 2. Jules Bianchi (FRA/Force India-Mercedes) 1:18.175 (56), 3. Sebastian Vettel (GER/Red Bull-Renault) 1:18.565 (96), 4. Esteban Gutierrez (MEX/Sauber-Ferrari) 1:18.669 (142), 5. Jean-Eric Vergne (FRA/Toro Rosso-Ferrari) 1:18.760 (92), 6. Lewis Hamilton (GBR/Mercedes) 1:18.905 (145), 7. Sergio Perez (MEX/McLaren-Mercedes) 1:18.944 (98), 8. Valtteri Bottas (FIN/Williams-Renault) 1:19.851 (92), 9. Pedro de la Rosa (ESP/Ferrari) 1:20.316 (51), 10. Charles Pic (FRA/Caterham-Renault) 1:21.105 (109), 11. Luis Razia (BRA/Marussia-Cosworth) 1:21.226 (82), 12. Paul di Resta (GBR/Force India-Mercedes) 1:23.435 (49)
Week's best times
1. Felipe Massa (BRA/Ferrari) 1:17.879 (226 laps), 2. Kimi Raikkonen (FIN/Lotus-Renault) 1:18.148 (123), 3. Jules Bianchi (FRA/Force India-Mercedes) 1:18.175 (56), 4. Romain Grosjean (FRA/Lotus-Renault) 1:18.218 (148), 5. Sebastian Vettel (GER/Red Bull-Renault) 1:18.565 (198), 6. Esteban Gutierrez (MEX/Sauber-Ferrari) 1:18.669 (252), 7. Jean-Eric Vergne (FRA/Toro Rosso-Ferrari) 1:18.760 (177), 8. Nico Rosberg (GER/Mercedes) 1:18.766 (162), 9. Jenson Button (GBR/McLaren-Mercedes) 1:18.861 (120), 10. Lewis Hamilton (GBR/Mercedes) 1:18.905 (160)
11. Sergio Pérez (MEX/McLaren-Mercedes) 1:18.944 (179), 12. Paul di Resta (GBR/Force India-Mercedes) 1:19.003 (236), 13. Daniel Ricciardo (AUS/Toro Rosso-Ferrari) 1:19.134 (153), 14. James Rossiter (GBR/Force India-Mercedes) 1:19.303 (61), 15. Mark Webber (AUS/Red Bull-Renault) 1:19.338 (174), 16. Nico Hulkenberg (GER/Sauber-Ferrari) 1:19.502 (177), 17. Valtteri Bottas (FIN/Williams-Renault) 1:19.851 (178), 18. Pedro de la Rosa (ESP/Ferrari) 1:20.316 (51), 19. Pastor Maldonado (VEN/Williams-Renault) 1:20.693 (155), 20. Charles Pic (FRA/Caterham-Renault) 1:21.105 (166), 21. Luis Razia (BRA/Marussia-Cosworth) 1:21.226 (113), 22. Max Chilton (GBR/Marussia-Cosworth) 1:21.269 (107), 23. Giedo van der Garde (NED/Caterham-Renault) 1:21.915 (152)
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