INSPIRE May 2013 click to download

1 downloads 3767 Views 62MB Size Report
May 7, 2013 ... he is riding a Honda CR250. The ..... cello Gandini, a supercar having almost 500 HP, when common sports car they had just 100 HP or so.
Published by

www.inspire-lcr.com

MAY 2013

HERE WE GO

HOLD ON

MOTOGP RACE HIGHLIGHTS | FASHION & STYLE | MUSIC | MOVIES | ART | PASSIONS VINTAGE EMOTIONS | CARS & DREAMS | TRAVELS | LIFE STORIES | SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

DO WHAT YOU LOVE AND D O I OFTEN T

THESCENT

OFAWOMAN

28

P.

14

26

FASHION & STYLE

THE INTERVIEW

BIKE & PASSIONS

50

66

MotoGP RACE HIGHLIGHTS - Round 01

VINTAGE EMOTIONS

76

CARS & DREAMS 6

38

88 MAY 2013

INTERACTIVE SUMMARY

BIKE & TRAVELS

104

David Coulthard THE WORLD OF REDBULL

12

Stefan Bradl THE INTERVIEW

14

Circuit of Americas Warm Up Lap HOLD ON..!

24

Scent of a Woman FASHION & STYLE

26

Steve McQueen BIKE & PEOPLE

34

Pride and Glory BIKE & PASSIONS

38

George Michael BIKE & MUSIC

46

Grand Prix Of Qatar MotoGP RACE HIGHLIGHTS - Round 01

50

Mick Doohan VINTAGE EMOTIONS

66

Lamborghini Aventador CARS & DREAMS

76

Gigi Soldano THE RACING SPIRIT IN ONE SHOT

86

Patagonia on the Road BIKE & TRAVELS

88

MotoGP RACE HIGHLIGHTS - Round 02

126

Grand Prix Of Americas MotoGP RACE HIGHLIGHTS - Round 02

104

The MotoGP Exhaust MOTORSPORT TECHNOLOGY

120

Rebirth LIFE STORIES

126

Green Light DRIVE RESPONSIBLY

140

LIFE STORIES INSPIRE, MAY 2013 7

EDITORIAL Dear friends of INSPIRE, the 2013 MotoGP season has just begun with great new features, both on and off the track. The most important is indeed the return of Valentino Rossi with Yamaha, who for the moment has not yet yielded the expected results, and the arrival of the World Champion of Moto 2, Marc Marquez on a Repsol Honda, who has created already some problems to the Top Riders. Surely this year, the 2013 MotoGP season will be really full of protagonists.

enrico Barbieri Editor In Chief

For this reason INSPIRE was re-launched, the same team of friends with new graphics, a lot of motorbike topics and not only that… We will be monitoring every race on the track closely, and behind the scenes you will find many more video contents, which I highly recommend that you should not miss. The first article is about our German rider Stefan Bradl, describing himself in a wonderful interview. We’ll talk about the races in Qatar and Texas, we will tell you more about the great Mick Doohan, we will take you on a ride with the beautiful model Melania, we will go back in time with Steve McQueen, listen to the music of George Michael. We’re all set and lack for nothing … we will make you dream with more than 300 km/h on a Lamborghini Aventador. So I would say that we have all the right ingredients for a great start. You just need to tighten your helmet well and hold on! Just one last thing ... MaMo get well soon because we really need you. -Keep rockin’-

8

RACING IN STYLE. MILLE MIGLIA MILLE MIGLIA GMT

INSPIRE, MAY 2013 9 S P O N S O R S I N C E 1 9 8 8 A ND OFFI CI A L TI MEKEEP ER OF THE MILLE MIGLIA RAC E

10

KEY NOTE I think many agree with me that having dreams and trying the best to achieve them make life more special. Personally I have many dreams that I would like to realize: to continue to guide the LCR Teams participation in the MotoGP championship and for it grow increasingly competitive; in addition, I would like to continue offering opportunities to new talent who deserve a chance and, last but not least, to possibly contribute to the growth of the motorcycling culture.

Lucio Cecchinello LCR Honda Team Principal

Forgive me if I exaggerate, I also dream of being able to help inspire people, because it’s through inspiration in the form of dreams that make our daily lives more sparkling, but never forgetting that it is our duty to respect the rules of the world in which we live. This is the reason why INSPIRE was born, a monthly magazine dedicated to those who love motorcycling, the world that revolves around it and many other things that all of the LCR Team love. In this way, we wish to inspire others: feel the adrenaline of a race, tell wonderful life stories, remember the past, describe extraordinary passions, live a journey... have a great read and get inspired!

INSPIRE, MAY 2013 11

DAVID COULTHARD

S

ince more than two decades Red Bull is one of the greatest extreme sports supporters. They also create many amazing sports events involving the world’s best sport athletes! This picture represents David Coulthard in action at the Red Bull F1 Show Car run in Austin, TX, USA, on 19 August 2011. Click the play-button and you will see one of the most spectacular action sport clips of Red Bull! Photographer: Chris Tedesco/Red Bull Content Pool www.inspire-lcr.com/davidcoulthard

THEWORLD OFREDBULL PLAY

THE INTERVIEW

Bradl Stefan

MOTO2 WORLD CHAMPION AND CURRENT MOTOGP RIDER, THE 23-YEAR-OLD FROM MUNICH IS CHASING THE FIRST PODIUM IN THE PREMIER CLASS ABOARD THE HONDA RC213V

S

text: elisa Pavan - photo: Gigi Soldano - tino Martino

on of former rider Helmut Bradl (250cc World Championship runner-up in 1991) Stefan Bradl was born in Augsburg (Germany) on 29th of November 1989 and gained his first experience on the Grand Prix stage in the 125cc category in 2005 riding as a wildcard in three rounds before making his full-time debut in the 2006 season. Bradl was confirmed as the 2011 Moto2 World Champion at the final round of the season in Valencia, making the 21 year-old the first German rider to take a World Championship since Dirk Raudies in the 125cc class in 1993. His first title also made Bradl the youngest German rider ever to take a World Championship. He joined the LCR Team aboard a Honda in 2012 for his first venture in the MotoGP class, which saw him winning the “Rookie of the Year” title after some strong performances. Why did you start your racing career so late compared to the majority of the other MotoGP riders? Actually the first time that I jumped on a bike I was 4 (before that moment I was extremely scared by the noise of the engine!). Then I preferred to play soccer during my childhood but, at the age of 13, I went to Hockenheim with my father as he was evaluating some riders. I wanted to try and my riding style was pretty good so, two years later, I was participating in the German Rookies Cup and all commenced.

14

How important is it to have a former rider like your dad on your side? I feel very lucky because my father was very helpful in the beginning of my career. When you start racing you must invest money and it’s important to meet the right persons so, thanks to my dad’s knowledge and experience, I felt protected. Through the years people started to compare my riding style and my successes with my father’s ones. This is ridiculous: we have two different personalities, two different ways of riding the bike and we are from two different eras. I do not like the people who want to create a competition between me and my father. What’s the most useful lesson you gained in your first year as a MotoGP rider? Honestly there’s nothing in particular… doubtless I had to change my riding style to “tame” such a powerful bike but it was nice to be part of this change. The bike is heavier and, race by race, you learn more and you improve more. For me it was not particularly difficult because I

“On the grid I do not hear the noise around me.. I am like in a tunnel” was excited to step into the next level: the highest level of the 2-wheel competitions. The weakest and strongest point of your bike? And what about yourself? I had the fortune to ride a Honda machine as my first MotoGP bike. The power of the engine and the high technology applied in this bike are awesome and there’s nothing extremely bad in the package. This “lady” wants attention and cares and I had to learn how to adjust the setting to race on the top. Talking about myself I think that my strongest points are the breakings and the acceleration. On the other hand I must improve in releasing the brake keeping the corner speed in the entry of the curves. Many fans want to know what riders think while they are on the grid waiting to start. What about you? This is a good question! Usually on the starting grid Beefy (my Chief Engineer) and Lucio try to keep me calm and relaxed talking about small set-up details and tyres choi-

ce. The crowd surrounding us is loud but I do not feel the noise: I am like in a tunnel keeping my concentration at the highest level. After Anton Mang (5 times World Champion) and Dirk Raudies (World Champion in 1993) we can say that you are the most successful 2-wheel racer in Germany. How do you feel about that? Do not forget my dad! And Ralf Waldmann. The history of the German motorcycling counts several talented riders but, in those days, our sport was more popular than now. Let’s say that Sandro Cortese (Moto3 World Champion), Jonas Folger (Moto3 rider) and I represent the Germany in the World Championship and we have the duty and the pleasure to promote the MotoGP in our country. What do you see in your future? Will you be in the paddock for the rest of your life?

“There’s no competition between my father and I.. we are from two different eras” Fifteen or twenty years in the paddock are more than enough for me. I am still young and hope to gain further successes but I do have a clear idea about my future: I want to buy a house, I want to have a family and I want to enjoy the life. If one day your son will decide to become a rider which will be your reaction? And your suggestions? The first reaction would be definitely negative. You always want the best for your kids and this is a dangerous sport. My mum, for example, married a rider and her only child is a rider: I presume she would not bear another rider in the family. Probably I would ask my son to try some alternative sports like soccer or skiing. Then, at the age of 12 or 13, if I can feel his motivation and his talent, I would help him to realize his dream and I would be back in the paddock once again…

passion recommends OUTBACK

ALUMINIUM

SERIES

2013 | 35th ANNIVERSARY

X.01 TOURER

We’ve always had wings. Now we’re flying...

more info at:

hondajet.honda.com

CIRCUIT OF AMERICAS WARM UP LAP

I

NSPIRE is pleased to introduce to you a new double page that’s called “Hold on…!” In each INSPIRE issue we will present to you a double page of the best onboard views in sports action. Click on the button and you will see one of the most spectacular motorsport videos, selected by INSPIRE and using onboard cameras. Let’s share the driver’s point of view and imagine his high-adrenaline moments! This picture represents the screenshot of one of the onboard cameras on the RC213V of Stefan Bradl at Austin Circuit during the MotoGP PreSeason Testing 2013. www.inspire-lcr.com/onboard

HOLD ON..! PLAY

FASHION & STYLE

NOTHING CAN BE MORE APPEALING THAN WATCHING A WOMAN RIDING A BIKE ALL DRESSED IN LEATHER AND LATER POSING AS A MODEL IN A CUSTOM SHOP text: Massimo Visconti - photo: Dario Altamura - make up: Lucia Giacomin for Diamond Make Up model: Melania Dalla Costa - location: Officine Marmaid Milano, Italy

T

he lure of a bright summer was still echoing around the town. White leaves were falling gently, almost taking a bow as she rode by. The streets were full of sounds. I could hear the full deep breath of the exhaust roaring like the king of the jungle. There she comes. How do women know how to enchant? I’m spellbound from the start and it’s quiet natural. If a little dreaming is dangerous, the cure for it is to dream more, Proust said. And I keep on dreaming of that precise point in time. I was there drinking an exotic mixture of Greek and Moroccan spiced coffee while she parked her bike. The brightest star in the sky was right before my eyes. She was like a full bodied leather shadow moving softly surrounded by the sun. Long brown hair, deep green eyes. She smiled and I couldn’t but wonder and marvel at the scent that hit my senses. A mix of violet and roses suddenly bloomed all around myself. Then she disappeared in this beautiful custom shop named: “Officine Mermaid”. Nothing is more memorable than a smell and still, every single time I step into those magic shiny dark beans, the scent of coffee conjure up those magnetic eyes, seductive body and exquisite scent of a beautiful Italian woman.

BIKE& PEOPLE PLAY

STEVE MCQUEEN AND HIS CR HONDA

W

ith “Bike&People” INSPIRE is proud to show famous people as sport athletes, actors, singers or artists who love motorbikes. Let’s get inspired by those who have the same passion we have… Motorbikes! The “King of Cool” was in his private life a motorcycle and racecar enthusiast. He participated in several off-road competitions. In this picture he is riding a Honda CR250. The link below is a popular Honda CR commercial and the footage was from 1970. www.inspire-lcr.com/stevemcqueen

BIKE & PASSIONS

THE ART OF THE ROCKER’S JACKET HORST A. FRIEDRICHS

text: Massimo Visconti - photo: Horst A. Friedrichs

HORST A. FRIEDRICHS IS A GERMAN PHOTOGRAPHER RAISED AND BORN IN FRANKFURT. IN 1997 HE MOVED TO LONDON AND STARTED WORKING ON LONG-TERM PROJECTS. HIS LATEST BOOK CELEBRATES THE PASSION FOR BIKES AND LEATHER JACKETS

How did you develop the idea of the book? The special focus on my latest book “Pride and Glory “ is the Rockers’ jacket and in particular the black leather motorcycle jacket - a highly evolved sartorial blend of form and function and a recognised design classic. It was this mixture of attitude and craftsmanship that led me into it. Have you always been in love with leather jackets and motorcycles? When I was growing up in Germany in the 70’s the Rocker in my neighbourhood where the cool dudsters, wearing denim cut off ’s with patches and riding Honda Motorcycle. They had their own room in the same building where I was living with my parents. The room was decorated with posters and they had mattresses on the floor. My parents did not allow hanging out with them but I did because there was always some action and beautiful girls around. Do you ride motorbikes? I did ride a Moto Guzzi 850 T3 when i lived in Venezuela around 1994. Almost every weekend I was riding my Guzzi from the capital Caracas through a rainforest to a beach. It was pure adventure and cool. Leather jackets have always been associated also with punk, rock n’ roll and music in general. What kind of music do you listen to? I love music and photography . Like music, pictures have such power to tell a story and they appeal directly to your emotions without you having to understand much about it. It is independent of language or religion. Since I was a teenager music and photograpy were the center of my life . When I was young I was always hanging out with musicians in recording studios . I couldn’t sing or play an instrument but I took the pictures for the band .Today music is still one of my most powerful source of inspiration . I listen from Garage , Blues , Freakbeat , Psych ,Rock n’ Roll to all sort of good music. As a photo journalist you know that you don’t have to fly on the other side of the world in order to tell great stories, right? Good stories don’t just happen but you don’t have to fly to the other side of the world to find them. My most inspired thoughts are often brief and unexpected; it’s just a matter of listening to people. It is also very important to keep your mind sharp, your creativity flowing and your motivation high by doing what you love. In my case it is the fascination with British youth subculture.

GEORGEMICHAEL

S

ince the early 50’s the subject of motorbikes play various roles in music video clips. The number 1 song „Faith“, written and performed by George Michael was released in 1987 from the album „Faith“ and became one of his most popular and enduring songs. In his video he is wearing this BSA motorcycle jacket and you can see it actually exposed at the Hard Rock Café in Cologne! Let’s share the clip! www.inspire-lcr.com/faith

BIKE& MUSIC PLAY

GET NOTICED

VELOCE L MIRROR www.rizoma.com

MotoGP RACE HIGHLIGHTS

Grand Prix

QATAR text: nelly Pluto-Prondzynska - photo: Milagro - Mirco Lazzari

E

ven if Jorge Lorenzo dominated the first round of the 2013 season, Valentino Rossi and Marc Marquez stole the show at the desert Losail International Circuit. After the lights went out, it was Lorenzo who held his pole position into turn one. The Spaniard immediately disappeared, being in his own class that night. At the end of the race, his winning margin was up to almost 6 seconds. But the close battle for the second place was this one, which made the show! After a good start, Dani Pedrosa was riding in second position, just ahead of rookie Marc Marquez – who was back to 8th position on the first lap - and Cal Crutchlow. An early mistake dropped Valentino Rossi to seventh position, who came back to Yamaha this season. After he was overtaken by „The Doctor” on lap 8 out of 22, LCR Honda MotoGP’s racer Stefan Bradl crashed out. When the Italian moved into the TOP5, he was 4 seconds behind the group fighting for podium. Rossi started to catch the group ahead of him, and in meantime Marquez overtook his team-partner Pedrosa in battle for second position. Soon after there were four riders fighting for the last two spots on the podium and after being attacked by Valentino on Crutchlow, the Englishman was the first to be out of that battle. Few laps to go 50

only the second-oldest rider in MotoGP, Rossi and the youngest, Marquez, were fighting for 20 points, as Pedrosa fell back. The pair went head-to-head on the last two laps and Rossi,#46, would come out on top by just two tenths of a second. Lorenzo started his way to defend the World Championship in the best possible way. Rossi showed that he is not too old to fight on top and Marquez bacame the first rookie in MotoGP, to steal the podium since Lorenzo’s second place in Doha five years ago. Pedrosa and Crutchlow completed top five, while the honours of being the best CRT rider went to Aleix Espargaro.

MotoGP RACE HIGHLIGHTS

Stefan’s

RACE WEEK text: nelly Pluto-Prondzynska - photo: Milagro - Mirco Lazzari

W

hat is untypical for Qatar GP is, that the round lasts for four days. Stefan Bradl, after busy two months of pre-season testing, couldn’t wait to start racing again. The first session, which took place on Thursday at the desert track, was quite good for last year’s best rookie rider in MotoGP. He ended it with the 7th fastest time and felt better than it looked on paper. Working on the race setup on Friday, the German rider finished on 10th position and earned his first Q2 placing. In new qualifying format for season 2013, the ten fastest riders of the three first practices (combined times) will be placed directly in Q2 while the others have to fight in Q1.The fastest two riders in QP1 will advance to QP2, where 12 riders will compete for the first 12 grid positions in a seperate 15-minute session. In the second part of qualifying, the 23-year-old from Augsburg was fighting with eleven other riders. He scored the 5th fastest time, so on Sunday he will start from the second row. The start of the race wasn’t easy for Bradl, as he dropped down to 6th position. After Valentino Rossi’s mistake he was fifth again and then the Italian couldn’t overtake the LCR racer for a long time. On lap eight Stefan lost the battle with „The Doctor” and one lap later crashed out. When he was attempting to catch Rossi, the German lost the front of his Honda RC213V in turn 7 and crashed, fortunately with no physical consequences. INSPIRE, MAY 2013 57

Stefan Bradl during the race at Losail circuit in front of Valentino Rossi, Andrea Dovizioso and Alvaro Bautista

“Since the beginning of the race I was not enough confident with the front tyre feeling and I felt the same issue we suffered on Friday; probably even worse”, said Stefan after the race. „We felt not so bad in the warm-up session as I was lapping consistently fast. Unfortunately in the race I could not push over the front and could not do anything to improve my pace. Rossi passed me and I was not capable to follow him because of this front issue as I was losing the front in every corner. Honestly I have not made any mistake so I can not explain exactly why I crashed. We will investigate checking the data together with my technicians”.

Scenes Behind the

60

Many stars and familiar faces from the MotoGP paddock gathered on the Wednesday night before the Grand Prix of Qatar to mark the 10th Anniversary of the race at the Losail circuit. The nine world champions from previous years and feeder classes that currently occupy the MotoGP grid in the shape of J. Lorenzo, V.Rossi, D. Pedrosa, N. Hayden, A. Bautista, A. Dovizioso, M. Márquez, Stefan Bradl and H.Aoyama all handed Mr. Khalifa Al Attiya a signed helmet to mark the occasion. INSPIRE, MAY 2013 61

photo: Milagro - Mirco Lazzari

Back on the YZR-M1 and the Doctor is back on the podium at Losail circuit. The 9-time World Champion Valentino Rossi did not lose his sheen and conquered the second place at the desert track exciting all his devoted fans. But, the premier class rookie Marc Márquez, is learning quickly and placed his RC213V behind the Italian idol.

photo: Milagro - Mirco Lazzari 62

INSPIRE, MAY 2013 63

Be careful Lucio! Sabrina Filzmoser is currently 5th in the Judo World Ranking (2 times 3rd in the World Championship). She can probably teach Valentino how to knock out Dani in the rush for the World Title. And Sabrina will be awarded with a huge pearl. photo: Milagro - Mirco Lazzari 64

QATAR

WORLD FLAVOURS

M

igrants from Iran and India have powerfully influenced Qatar’s traditional cuisine. It also features the culinary art of Arabia and Lebanon. Extremely fresh fish and seafood from the Arabian Gulf such as lobster, crab, shrimp, tuna, king fish and red snapper is an apparent choice when you are in Qatar. All meat is halal, which is prepared in accordance with Muslim laws. Qatar also has some pleasing traditional desserts such as mehalabiya, a rose water and pistachio pudding and a bread pudding with nuts and white raisins! text: Sayaka Miyazaki

Hummus, a dip made from chickpeas and tahini.

Arabian Kebab

INSPIRE, MAY 2013 65

Biriani, a spiced rice dish, which is mixed with lamb.

Mick Doohan VINTAGE EMOTIONS

text: Giuliano Donati

FEW RIDERS LIKE MICK DOOHAN CAN SAY THEY’VE FOUGHT WITH ALL THEIR MIGHT AND NEVER SURRENDERED IN ORDER TO GET WHAT WAS DUE AND WHAT MISFORTUNE TRIED IN EVERY WAY TO DENY THEM: BE THE NUMBER 1 OF MOTOGP FOR FIVE YEARS IN A ROW

I

n life, it doesn’t matter how many times you fall, what matters is how many times you get up again. Mick Doohan seems the epitome of this adage: he expresses better than any other the courage and the will to succeed in life and in sport despite the difficulties. Mick Doohan got up many times, and never gave up. In the end he took what was his right to have, what he had always known to be his fate. A number 1 fate. Born in Brisbane on the Gold Coast of Australia on June 4, 1965, Michael “Mick” Doohan has more than

one reason to be remembered in the annals of the history of motorcycling, in addition to his five world titles and 54 Grand Prix wins, which place him third in the overall history of MotoGP for the total number of wins and titles, behind Valentino Rossi and Giacomo Agostini. Doohan is the last great champion of the 500 cc two-stroke motorcycle series, a legendary era beginning in 1974 with the win of Giacomo Agostini with Yamaha and ending with Valentino Rossi with Honda in 2001. Doohan is also the only major champion in the history of MotoGP to win all his world titles after a serious

INSPIRE, MAY 2013 67

The 5 times World Champion Mick Doohan in an epical battle behind Luca Cadalora and John Kocinski

accident. The best part of his career comes as a sort of reward for his tenacity after his terrible crash at Assen in 1992, when he risked to lose his leg and to put an abrupt end to his career, a crash that left him partially impaired in the use of his right leg. Doohan will come back on track with a technical device allowing him to apply the rear brake with his left hand, thanks to a lever operated by his thumb. But first things first… After winning several national championships, Mick lands on the international stage at 22, not so young an age for a rider: his “launching pad” is the Formula TT World Championship where in 1987, competing as a wildcard, he immediately gets a podium on the Sugo Circuit. From there he goes straight to the Superbike in 1988 and in his first year there he gets two wins in Japan and Australia, enough to be noticed by Honda, who signs him up for the MotoGP World Championship on the following year. He makes his debut on his beloved NSR500 and in the 1990 Hungarian Grand Prix the first of a long series of victories comes. In 1991 Mick Doohan never leaves the podium and finishes his season behind Wayne Rainey. In 1992 things start even better and Mick gets five wins and two second places in the first seven races, up to Assen where misfortune crosses his way. But Mick deals with it with the unmistakable smile of a wild Australian boy. With the help of Dr. Costa Mick misses only four races, ending the year back in second place overall, only four points behind Rainey. From 1993 onwards Doohan performance slowly comes back to the high levels of before and, eventually, in the Mugello GP the Australian catches the victory again. And this is only the beginning. 1994 is his golden year, a solitary ride atop the standings, which will see him at the end of the season crowned world champion for his first time, with nine wins and nearly 150 points ahead of second-placed Luca Cadalora. In 1995 he almost gets 70

his second Campionship, driving the first of a long series of Repsol Honda bikes and battling with his fellowcountryman Daryl Beattie with Suzuki. A script that is repeated in 1996 when the only opponent able to contend with Mick for a few races is Doohan team mate Alex Crivillé. 1997 is a record year for Doohan: with twelve wins and two second places he wins the title with five races to spare. The Repsol Honda domain in those years seems absolute, as well as Mick Doohan’s, a rider always able to make the difference and bring the potential of his Honda NSR500 to its limits. In 1998, the 50th season of the championship, Mick Doohan’s career is complicated by the arrival of his most bitter rival in recent years, the Italian Max Biaggi. Max, having won four world titles in the 250 series, triumphs at the opening match and goes on to lead the standings until three races to the end of the season. But eventually the 1998 season will see Mick Doohan winning his 5th world title, his 50th race (the German GP) and entering the motorcycling hall of fame, second only to Giacomo Agostini. In 1999, after Doohan’s second serious injury that will force him to retire, Alex Crivillé will win his first and only world title in the 500 GP series while Max Biaggi, who all considered as the heir of the great Australian, will sign up with Yamaha, failing his way to fortune. In the post-Doohan era the Australian is consultant for his own HRC team, led by Jeremy Burgess in the pits, which in 2000 will become the team of young Valentino Rossi, the future champion of the four-stroke era and the last winner of a 500 cc two-strokes world championship in 2001.

Mick Doohan celebrating one of his 54 race victories during his 10 years of world championship participation in the 500cc category

MICK DOOHAN

I

sn’t it a pleasure to remember sometimes also the greatness of people of the past? Mick Doohan is undoubtedly a motorcycle legend. In this video you can see one of the greatest battles with Wayne Raney, Wayne Gardner, Kevin Schwantz... of his podium made at the famous Eastern Creek Raceway in Australia! www.inspire-lcr.com/mickdoohan

VINTAGE EMOTIONS PLAY

ARRIVED FROM THE FUTURE THIS SUPERCAR IS GOING FAR BEYOND WHAT WAS PREVIOUSLY THOUGHT TO BE POSSIBLE

CARS & DREAMS

IT IS THE HEIR TO A LINEAGE THAT DATES BACK TO THE LEGENDARY COUNTACH, MONSTERS OF POWER CARVED IN A FORM MAKING THEM UNIQUE AND MATCHLESS, TIMELESS CLASSICS text: Giuliano Donati

T

his is a hypercar ready for anything, partly allterrain vehicle and partly a prehistoric animal, a turtle, a military aircraft for a mission impossible, a companion of adventures for superheroes out of time and out of place. The shield that covers the back of this Lamborghini is carved like a spine or a bundle of abdominal muscles ready to tense, to withstand the fierce thrust of its hind legs. It looks like the carapace of a large insect crawling back from the Mesozoic period, an alien or a predator reconstructed from a fossil molecule trapped in the ice of the Poles after an earthquake or nuclear explosion. There is a story of evolution, a branch that goes back thousands of years to the dawn of engine creatures, more or less one hundred years according to our calendar, but creatures that have already gone through millennia of entire eras, ice ages, desertification, earthquakes according to a calendar of forms that travels through time with a different unit of measure. A measure which is perceived stroking the carapace of this Aventador, its sharp, prehistoric edges, as ancient as the Pyramids or Stonehenge… Its creator is related to the plains of Modena, in the middle heart of Emilia, an Italian Mr Hide from the village of Sant’Agata, whose name was Ferruccio Lamborghini. All its creatures are born from the same DNA that in another era gave life to the Countach, the first hypercar of the world, a drawing sketched without the constraints of three dimensions, a theory of lines and forces suddenly breaking through a curved, three-dimensional world that could not understand it. A transplant of spaces and lines that came to life thanks to the vital breath of the most legendary fighting bulls, like a virus spreading under the skin of these out-of-time creatures, these cloning or industrial genetics experiments. Experiments that have never stopped, passing through several legendary chapters. The 1970 Urraco. The 1974 Bravo prototype, a tribute by Bertone to the modern architecture and skyscrapers made of glass. The 1976 Silhouette, the first real roadster by Lamborghini, with a Targa-style roof. The terrible 1977 LM, a real off-road warrior, the first and perhaps the only all-terrain supercar devoted to extreme terrains, a symbol of the very difficult Seventies. Then finally the first true Countach successor, the 1990 Diablo, a monster in terms of exaggeration, long and wide, lower than any rival could imagine, a masterpiece created by the skilful hand of Marcello Gandini, a supercar having almost 500 HP, when common sports car they had just 100 HP or so. Diablo evolved in the GTR version, one of the most beautiful car 78

“Aventador is pure selfishness: a gesture that remains forever in our life, a way of being”

Some numbers first: 700 hp and 509 lb ft coming from an old-school 6.5-liter V12 engine, imprisoned in a carbonfiber monocoque and tamed in post-modern style, with an electronically controlled AWD Haldex and 7-speed ISR automatic gearbox (Independent Shifting Rods) with a shift time of 50 milliseconds. All this produces milestone performances: over 217 mph of maximum speed, 0- 60 mph acceleration in less than 3 seconds and so on. These are numbers that can make your head spin. For longing. LP stands for rear longitudinal: this is the engine position. That is to say the engine that is mounted behind the seats and separated from you just by a removable panel. You’ll like its position if you love the soundtrack. Do you?

INSPIRE, MAY 2013 79

of every time, the perfect supercar of all time, the best way to celebrate the millennium bug and to greet the twenty-first century. And then the 2001 Murciélago, at the end of the millennium, and the more recent Gallardo, up to the Reventón for the chosen few and eventually this Aventador, a herd of bulls running wild through an old glassware made of antiquated and three-dimensional rules to be followed on building up cars. But certainly not the hypercars, not these hypercars. These cars are objects with a story not measured in years or centuries but in emotion, in special effects, in ideas that cross your mind to lead you to another place without time, as this salt lake where it’s easy and allowed to unleash all its power. They are timeless objects, carbon sculptures surviving men and things, creatures asking

you to look at and respect them, to love them, but certainly not to understand them completely. An Aventador is an act of pure selfishness: lonely, impervious to thoughts and words, a gesture that remains forever in our life, a way of being, a signature. It’s for those who can afford it and who are still able to think at such a speed. A chosen few who have enough time and space and who can live beyond these dimensions, beyond the usual constraints of rules and logics. A unit of measure for something that is beyond everything. For everyone else there are just cars…

82

INSPIRE, MAY 2013 83

LAMBORGHINI AVENTADOR

M

ost of the time men dream of toys like powerful cars! By clicking the “Play” button you can see Aventador in the official videoclip presentation. Amazing images representing the car in a middle of nowhere www.inspire-lcr.com/aventador

CARS& DREAMS PLAY

THE RACING SPIRIT

IN ONE SHOT

F

rom Mirò Tower, at 77 meters height from the COTA in Austin, I enjoy this spectacular glance really “US-Style”. A shot point that I will rarely find during the MotoGP season.

PHOTOGRAPHER: Gigi Soldano MAIN JOB: Professional MotoGP Photographer NATIONALITY: Italian HOBBIES: My job, collecting pedals vintage cars and farming CAMERA: Nikon D4

BIKE & TRAVELS

P

a i n o g Pata e r u t n e v d a e l b An unforgetta text: Andrea Giacomo Gozzi - photo: Charly Soto

PATAGONIA IS A REGION LOCATED AT THE SOUTHERNMOST PART OF SOUTH AMERICA, SHARED BY ARGENTINA AND CHILE. IT HAS SOME OF THE EARTH’S MOST UNKNOWN AND FASCINATING LANDSCAPES. DON’T MISS THIS SPECTACULAR RIDE TO THE EDGE OF THE WORLD. EXPERIENCE THE MAGIC WORLD OF PATAGONIA, THE DRAMATIC ANDES WITH SNOW-COVERED VOLCANOES, BEAUTIFUL LAKES AND CASCADING WATERFALLS, STILL GROWING GLACIERS AND RICH WINE REGIONS

T

he eight-day off-road trip, organized by GIVI in January, consisted of a group of eleven people from seven different nationalities, plus a local guide. Mainly international distributers were testing the new aluminium cases of the Trekker Outback. The starting point was the beautiful city of Neuquén, South Argentina, where people got to know each other and friendship was made. In the afternoon of the second day, the group arrives 400km south in the city of Bariloche, a ski resort during the winter and summer resort. In the evening you have a relaxing chill on the terrace and overlooking the Nahuel Huapi Lake with a spectacular view. The next day the caravan leaves behind the lake and drives up the mountain through a landscape of rare beauty. Travelling towards Esquel, you can see the beautiful waterfalls “Nant y Fall”. On the 4th day the group reaches the village El Bolson, located at the center of a valley, which is characterized by a deep-rooted tradition of hippies. On the fifth day they started with rain, wind and cold. The dirt road to the falls Pichi Traful is full of mud puddles and you have to be careful not to sink into the mud. After the stop at the waterfalls, the trip continues towards San Martin de Los Andes. The next day they reach the bridge over the Rio Malleo, a characteristic bridge with wooden base, spectacular to cross with the bike. In the early afternoon, they arrive at Lake Pulmari. The caravan will stop here in the most distinctive landmark. For the last kilometres of travel, they visit the Lake Alumine and the village Villa Pehuenia, before reaching the town of Zapata. On the last day the group is driving almost two hundred kilometres back to Neuquén. The arrival in Neuquén is accompanied by a moving farewell of the motorcycles. The trip was an amazing adventure full of great memories and amazing photos.

Beautiful shot of the incredible nature of Patagonia

96

INSPIRE, MAY 2013 97

The motorcyclists on their way back after the eight-day off-road trip in Patagonia

www.lumberjack.it

PATAGONIA

W

hat is better than to see great images of people discovering breathtaking countries? By clicking the play-button you can have a look of spetactular video images of the Patagonia roadtrip! www.inspire-lcr.com/patagonia

BIKE& TRAVELS PLAY

“Another one bites my dust” www.arrow.it

MotoGP RACE HIGHLIGHTS

Grand Prix

AMERICAS text: nelly Pluto-Prondzynska - photo: Milagro - Mirco Lazzari

O

n Saturday in qualifying session at the „Circuit of the Americas”, Marc Marquez, #93, was the fastest rider and scored his first pole position in MotoGP. He also took over a record from Freddie Spencer as the youngest ever pole-sitter in premier class! The day after the Spaniard broke a record, but this time after winning a race in Texas. Marc Marquez has become the youngest ever race winner in premier class! Doing that he was only 20 years and 63 days old and has broken an unbeaten record since 31 years, which previously was hold by… Spencer! After the start of the race at the COTA, Dani Pedrosa, #26, seized the lead while Stefan Bradl went to the second position. The poor start by Jorge Lorenzo, #99, dropped him back to fourth, right behind Marquez. At the end of the first lap, #26 was leading, followed by his team-partner and Lorenzo. Cal Crutchlow, on 5th position, was stuck in battle with Bradl, while Valentino Rossi was behind them and the best American was 10th: Nicky Hayden. Soon the Repsol Honda duo started to gain an advantage over #99. Pedrosa was still leading, but he had the younger Spaniard just behind his rear wheel. The key moment was when still nine laps were to go and Marquez took the lead at one of the left leading fast corners. 104

INSPIRE, MAY 2013 105

A place which hadn’t seen many successful overtakes before… Even if Pedrosa had followed Marquez for the next few laps and the chequered flag loomed, Marc crossed the finish line almost two seconds ahead of his fellow. Jorge Lorenzo reached podium, but it was Marquez who took the lead in the Championship, as he was the most recent race winner. After a though battle, fourth place went to Cal Crutchlow, who hadn’t tested there before. Stefan Bradl finished 5th. The honour of being the fastest American went to Nicky Hayden and winner of the CRT battle was once again Aleix Espargaro. After problems with nerves Ben Spies was 13th.

MotoGP RACE HIGHLIGHTS

Stefan’s

RACE WEEK text: nelly Pluto-Prondzynska - photo: Milagro - Mirco Lazzari

S

tefan Bradl and the LCR Honda MotoGP Team were going to Texas for the second round of the season in a good mood. They were testing at the „Circuit of the Americas” for three days in March with other four MotoGP riders. On Thursday before the Grand Prix, LCR’s racer with Livio Suppo (HRC Team Principal) and his team-manager Lucio Cecchinello met 200 students at the University of Texas, that were fascinated by the Honda RC213V. Due to poor grip conditions in the first free practice on Friday, Stefan’s outing wasn’t as good as he had expected to be. At the end of the day, in FP2 the German posted the third fastest time and was very happy. Thanks to his overall best lap time from the opening three free practices, once again Stefan Bradl,#6, proceeded directly to Q2. In qualifying he repeated his strong performance in Austin and scored the fifth fastest time. When on Sunday starting lights went out, Bradl made a perfect start from the second row. In the first corners he was in second position, right behind Dani Pedrosa. Then Marquez and Lorenzo had overtaken him and for a long time Stefan was stuck in battle for fourth with Cal Crutchlow. The German crossed the finish line in 5th position and was happy with that, as he had been hoping to finish the weekend in the top five. INSPIRE, MAY 2013 111

“We can be happy today because we have done a good job. I took a very good start but I was not so aggressive as some other riders at the beginning because, on full fuel, I could feel some sliding in the front so I decided to remain calm and focused” – told Bradl after the race. “At 13 laps to go, Crutchlow passed me as he was quite fast in the middle of the race, especially in the entry of the corners. We could not match his performance in the entry of the curves but we had a good speed in the exit. I think we have done our best and P5 is the result we were expecting here at COTA”.

Scenes Behind the

114

The MotoGP Rookie Marc Marquez becomes both the youngest ever pole-sitter and Grand Prix winner in the premier class thanks to his incredible performance at Austin. A Spanish cow-boy conquering the COTA. Even Lucio Cecchinello must be happy with his “cachorro” because Stefan places his Honda in 6th position. photo: Milagro - Mirco Lazzari INSPIRE, MAY 2013 115

A lot of excitement and many cow-girls marked out the first Texan round at Austin. And Colin Edwards shows his devotion to his homeland and his fans: 131.000 spectators throughout the weekend.

photo: Milagro - Mirco Lazzari 116

INSPIRE, MAY 2013 117

The Red Bull Grid Girls inflame the crowd on the grandstands whilst Jorge and Marc are busy with the champagne bottles. This multi-coloured guy with the comb represents the freedom and the originality of the US population. photo: Milagro - Mirco Lazzari 118

AMERICAS

WORLD FLAVOURS

W

hen enjoying a meal in Texas, you reap the benefits of a culture rich in diversity and history that is unmatched in the United States. Texas is a large state and its cuisine is influenced from a wide range of cultural influences, including German, British, Mexican, Native American and some Italian. Tex-Mex is the culinary creation of Mexican-Americans, influenced by Mexican cuisine. Barbecue in Texas is different from BBQ in other parts of America. Unlike forms of barbecue which use pork as the primary meat! text: Sayaka Miyazaki

Creole hrimp from Southeastern Texas

Tex-Mex Cusine!

INSPIRE, MAY 2013 119

Enjoy the Texas BBQ!

MOTORSPORT TECHNOLOGY

The

MotoGP

Exhaust

WE OFTEN HEAR ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF THE EXHAUST. LET’S EXPLAIN HOW IT FUNCTIONS AND HOW THE ENGINEERS PURSUE THE DEVELOPMENT text: Mark McVeigh - www.motodna.com.au

D

ucati have been focusing on taming the GP12’s aggressive power delivery since Rossi climbed aboard the GP11 beast and complained to make the bike easier to ride and more competitive in MotoGP.

Well the exhaust system has a number of jobs.

MotoGP electronics are receiving a lot of press attention these day’s, however one area that has been overlooked recently in the media is the tuning affect of the exhaust system on power delivery.

When the exhaust valve opens and blow down occurs, exhaust gas particles and pressure waves are created in the exhaust system. The exhaust gas particles, described as a ‘slug’ by the great Australian Engineer Phil Irving, travel along the exhaust pipe at around speeds of 100 metres per second or 350 km/hr.

We often hear about how exhaust systems are tuned to maximise power. Exhaust tuning can also be used to move the power curve peaks around, tuning for better low, mid range or maximum power. How does this actually work? 120

The basic requirement is to scavenge or empty the cylinder of exhaust gases before the new inlet charge enters for the next combustion cycle.

The pressure waves, which are also created on blow down, travel back and forward through the exhaust

gases at the speed of sound which is around 350 metres per second. However the speed of sound changes with temperature and temperatures in the exhaust system can be 700 degrees C which speed up the pressure waves to over 500 metres per second or nearly 2000 km/hr! To get an understanding of the pressure wave speeds, Engineers log the exhaust gas temperature or EGT data by way of thermocouple sensors in the exhaust system, normally on the dyno and sometimes on the track. Exhaust gas particles also have weight or mass, and once this mass is moving its called momentum. Momentum is defined as mass in motion. This exhaust

gas particle ‘slug’s’ momentum will flow even after the exhaust valve is closed and creates a vacuum or negative pressure that can be used to suck exhaust gases from the cylinder. Also when the exhaust valve opens, burnt gas explodes from the cylinder and a positive pressure wave is created which travels out the exhaust system. When this wave reaches a sudden change in area, such as a merge, collector branch or the atmosphere, a negative or suction wave is created which travels back up the exhaust system to the exhaust valve. Timing of this negative or vacuum wave at the exhaust valve is critical as it effectively draws out exhaust gas from the cylinder and assists some of the fresh charge entering the engine on valve overlap, when both the

INSPIRE, MAY 2013 121

intake and exhaust valves are open simultaneously. Exhaust tuning can dramatically improve the engines volumetric efficiency, which is defined as the mass of air supplied through the intake valve during the intake period, by comparison with a mass required to perfectly fill the swept volume. An example of increased volumetric efficiency would be a MotoGP cylinder of 250cc squeezing in 255cc of inlet charge, the exhaust system tuning having a supercharging effect. The MotoGP Engine Engineers conundrum is to design the exhaust system length and size to enable this suction wave to arrive at the exhaust valve at the correct moment which will maximise the efficiency of the engine. As a rule of thumb, the header pipe diameters control

the exhaust gas velocity. A larger pipe will reduce the velocity and smaller pipe will have the opposite affect. This diameter has a large affect on where in the rpm range peak torque will take place. Changing the exhaust lengths and junction positions has an effect of pivoting the torque curve around the peak torque point. Longer pipes tending to improve low and mid range whilst shorter pipes have the opposite affect improving top end. The next time you look at a MotoGP exhaust system you can now visualise the symphony of exhaust gas particle slugs mixed with positive and negative pressure wave’s fanging up and down inside those pipes.

More info at: www.motodna.com.au

Rear exhaust close-up of the Honda RC213V - 2013

LIFE STORIES

text: Sayaka Miyazaki - photo: Koichiro Kamata, Sayaka Miyazaki

HUMAN BEING HAS NO POWER AGAINST NATURAL CALAMITY. HOWEVER, PEOPLE STAND BEFORE THE FATE THAT AWAITS THEM. AND THIS IS A STORY OF ONE OF THE PEOPLE, WHO NEVER GAVE UP THE DESPERATE SITUATION…

J

apan is a country of “the virtue of modesty”. In Japan, modesty is considered a virtue and actions carried out behind the scenes are usually held in high regard. The Japanese have traditionally valued harmony, respect, purity, self-control, empathy, refinement, benevolence and solidarity. How much strength each man has is best proved by occasions of adversity. So Japanese showed its value at the Great East Japan Earthquake. On March 11, 2011 at 14:46 JST, a massive scale of earthquake of magnitude 9.0 occurred on the paci-

fic coast along of Japan… It was the most powerful known earthquake ever to have hit Japan and was one of the five most powerful earthquakes in the world. The earthquake was caused by 5 to 8 meters upthrust on a 180-km wide seabed at 60 km offshore from the east coast of Tohoku. The maximum height was measured in Miyako, Iwate Prefecture, with 40.1 meters. More than 18,578 people were killed or went missing in the disaster and more than 310,000 evacuees are still living in temporary housing. 397,819 houses were fully or partially destroyed. By that time, I was at my home in Tohoku, Japan. 128

When the earthquake like never before reached us, I felt a chill going down my spine and awaited the electric supply with some anxiety. Few hours later, we were knocked down. Japanese safety dogma disappeared overnight. We spent two nights without electricity. Foods and drinks vanished from the shops. Fuels would be provided first one week after. The shock left a permanent scar on my heart and reminded me of the meaning of life. There are plentiful stories about what happened after one week, one month or one year after the tragedy… I would like to introduce some of the beautiful stories.

The Earthquake and the Tsunami in Japan gave the world a terrific shock. Despite of the tragic disaster, the humanitarian behaviour of the Japanese people inspired the globe. People have taken action to offer a helping hand immediately. The tragedy shook bikers hearts and made them ask, what they can do for victims and affected areas. Passionate bikers have assembled throughout Japan. One came to help, another person carried doctors; media, volunteers among evacuation centres and the disaster

site. One utilized his capacity and experience in the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake disaster in 1995. Other bikers gathered for a charity event and sent the money. In 2011, Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) announced that Shinichi Ito (HRC test rider) will take part at the Japanese Grand Prix in a Team HRC, while Kosuke Akiyoshi (HRC test rider) will ride alongside Toni Elias for LCR Honda, in order to bring courage and show support for the affected area, suffered from the devastation of the earthquake and tsunami. “I am aware that what I am able to do for the victims is very limited but as one of the victims myself, I will

11, 2011. And he currently lives in temporary housing in Miyagi prefecture. Peter Mark found a shipping container with the Harley inside on the Graham Island, off the coast of British Colombia, on April 18. The motorcycle was still bearing the Japanese license plate. Mark contacted a local TV station. He said the motorcycle was being kept in a storage container behind his house when the Tsunami struck. Harley-Davidson offered to return the bike to him and to restore it to a running condition but Yokoyama respectfully declined. “Since the motorcycle was recovered, I have discussed with many people about what to do with it. I would be delighted if it could be preserved in its current condition and exhibited to the many visitors to the Harley-Davidson Museum as a memorial to a tragedy that claimed thousands of lives”.

“I started to love bikes from kindergarten on. Also if we were in the midst of this horrifying disaster and lost everything, we didn’t loose our hope. We never give up and didn’t even loose the motivation to restore our bikes!” do my best to cheer up and to encourage those who suffered the most in the East Japan region and I sincerely hope you can all continue to give your valuable support”, Ito said. One year after the Tsunami, the 2004 FXSTB SOFTAIL NIGHT TRAIN washed up on the shore of western Canada, about 6,400 km away home. “It is truly amazing that my Harley-Davidson motorcycle was recovered in Canada after drifting for more than a year,” said the bike’s owner, Ikuo Yokohama. Yokohama lost three members of his family on March

On March 4, INSPIRE had a great opportunity to meet with Mr.Koichiro Kamata, the owner of “MotoGarage WINDS”, who has a huge passion for motorcycles in Miyagi Prefecture.

Where were you during the Earthquake and Tsunami. What do you remember about those days? I was at my shop around that time. As it has been a massive quake, I thought that a Tsunami might come soon. Therefore, I went outside and started the engine of a car to escape in case the Tsunami occurred… Then I went ahead and ran to an elevated bridge. When I arrived there, I was surrounded by undertow… Fortunately, I was at one of the highest points around there, so I had a miraculous escape from death. Then I ran into my home. Fortunately, my family was ok and my house was spared from damage of the massive earthquake. Three days after of the Tsunami, we could move around. A miserable landscape was offered to us. There were so many dead bodies and destroyed houses all over the

INSPIRE, MAY 2013 129

place. The first thing we did with our neighbours was to collect dead bodies. We passed away the time on these days to go to find families and friends… then dig up corpses and transfer the bodies. We repeated this for one week. You know, this is was the only thing we could do in these days. I just… did what was lying in front of us… It seems like Japanese people never loose their hope. Even in the worst situation, when everything seems to be lost forever, the Japanese know how to start again. What do you think? I do believe that it’s not only Japanese people who ne-

ver loose their hope. Any country, any person, any nationality, you would do same thing if you were in our position. I presume, that thanks to our education of the family, school and from our neighbours… we are taught to not give someone trouble. How do I say, the ability to strive ahead is our spirit still from the samurai era. Especially people who live in Tohoku (the north-eastern part of Japan) have the characteristic of patience. When did you start loving bikes? I started to love bikes from kindergarten on. My father

brought me to the Sugo Circuit (Yamaha’s circuit, located in the Miyagi prefecture). Taira, Kanaya and Takai were racing at that time. When did you ride your first motorcycle? My first ride was when I was a high school student. I visited sometimes the pit garage of Yamaha at the Sugo circuit because I had some knowledge when I was racing at Yamaha as a factory rider. So I became a race fan and kept my eye on Eddie Lawson’s riding. By the way, I had an autograph of Eddie and a picture with him, but my treasures were swept away by the Tsunami… Then I started a race when I was 17 years old.

I took part in the GP 125 class in Japan. I raced with Nobby Ueda, Nobuyuki Wakai, Kazuto Sakata and Takuma Aoki. Perhaps they don’t remember me (laugh). I raced with RZ125, TZR125, TZR250 and RS 125. I decided to stop my racer’s career in ‘96. Then I opened a tuning/maintenance shop in 97. What are the most difficult problems you have to face everyday? We still have a lot of difficulties about guarantee systems from the Japanese government. Most people have little hope to get discovered and don’t receive public do-

INSPIRE, MAY 2013 131

nation. In my case, I don’t receive anything because I still have a house without damage but I have lost ten millions from my shop. The system is too complicated for victims. Anyway, I am a lucky person to restart my shop again, thanks to my friends and my collaborators. I would like to say thank you for the big support. We people who were affected by this tragedy also really appreciate the immediate action from famous musicians, actors and artists and volunteers from across the sea. You are the second generation of Japanese who have to “rebuild” the country since the Second World War. In 1945, Hiroshima and Nagasaki, in 2011, Fu-

kushima, the Earthquake and the Tsunami. No one better than you on this planet knows how to deal with tragedies. What do you think? Personally speaking, this is an opportunity to test yourself and to address the challenge. I feel alive when I believe in the future. I guess that other survivors feel like me. What about the young generations, how do you think they look at their future? Do you think they have a sense of insecurity? The young generation, which I met in evacuation centres or affected places, strived ahead, even in these diffi132

culties. Today’s young generation isn’t so bad, or as bad as some people say. For example, a young boy shared his food with the children. Or a girl gave her blanket to an elder person and she slept on the floor… I often encounter this kind of situations. There are serious and strong persons. And I strongly felt “Japan has future” with young people when I see and speak with them. As the world crisis keeps on striking, Japan is the example that if Men work hard together, we can face any situation. Do you agree? To work together is nothing special for Japanese. Japanese haven’t changed in all this time. But as I said befo-

re, you would take same action and strive together for a better future. What’ s your next dream? My dream is to drive with my motorcycle from L.A. to New York. Like you can see on Google’s advertising. And I wish I could drive at the Laguna Seca circuit, at least once!! This is my dream since 20 years!

ART

SIL IS OUR SELECTED ARTIST OF THE MONTH. SHE IS INSPIRED BY MOSAICS ART AND WITH A BRILLIANT IDEA, USING HER MOBILE PHONE, SHE CREATES WITH HUNDREDS OF SMALL SHOTS THOSE STUNNING ARTISTIC IMAGES SHOWING PRIMARILY FACES WITH EXTREME EMOTIONS

A

lways attracted to the creativity in all its forms and after graduating in Design at the “Politecnico of Milan”, SIL works as a graphic designer, illustrator, art director, fashion designer and interior designer for large and small businesses of advertising, fashion and architecture. With her unconventional Portraits and Giants & Dolls, the two major ongoing projects, she devoted herself with heart and soul to a language artistic with all her personal needs ... made with pictures, photographs, illustrations, fashion and design.

In the first picture on the left side, SIL poses in front of her last artwork called “Definitely to be”. The following pictures represent other artworks made with the same mosaic technique

DEFINITELY TO BE

A

re visitation of the Hamletic doubt, to be on not to be? To live or die? There is no doubt on the answer. To be, to live, to live intensely. To love, to feel emotions. to make love to have fun. Colors, details, photo frames of a life to tell the multisensory experience. More than 700 micro artworks within the artwork itself. A photographic derma that creates the main subject... A woman holding a skull in her hands, as a symbol of the caducity of life... a further invitation to enjoy every part of it with positivity and simplicity.

The artwork of SIL “Definitely to be” composed by more than 700 shots with her mobile phone and furthermore edited with a special software

Backstage impressions of “Definitely to be” including SIL and her friends during the artwork presentation

DRIVE RESPONSIBLY ONLINE INSURANCE in collaboration with Lucio Cecchinello

GREEN LIGHT presents

WEAR A HELMET AND YOU CAN SAVE YOUR LIFE

T

he freedom of the open road reminds motorcyclists of the joy of their bikes. The wind in their face and the openness of the vehicle serve as a harmless escape. But is it really harmless? Are you protecting your head when you ride your motorcycle or your bike? Motorcycle and bike helmets are one of the most important considerations of all safety concerns, especially when you consider the current statistics stating that brain injury is one of the most dominant causes of motorcycle and bike fatalities. Realizing this importance can make wearing helmets easier to accept psychologically, as many current riders currently have a mental block and choose not to wear them. It is good to see that the governments have stepped in to make it mandatory, both, for the riders as well as the pillion riders alike. When European countries passed a law requiring helmets, deaths and injuries decreased by 30%. These statistics prove that helmet laws are beneficial and necessary

“Recent surveys show that only 75% of motorcyclists confirm to correctly wear and secure the helmet” but there is still a lot to do in term of education just thinking that in Europe only an average of 75% of users declare to correctly wear and secure the helmet. The helmets are basically aimed at absorbing the impact of collision to the brain in case of an accident. With this in mind, among the first things that one should be looking for is the material of the helmet. Lightweight, tough and crack resistant fibers and grades of plastic have

made it into the helmet manufacturing processes in a big way. Impact resistance can be gauged from the shape and size of the helmets. One ought to educate oneself to ensure that the money spent is worth it. A few dollars more won’t hurt as long as you feel safe.

“Accidents can happen and this is not being pessimistic but rather, it is just being realistic” The next important thing to consider is the comfort level that comes with wearing in particular the motorcycle helmet. The full face helmets are the safest helmets and obviously the best buy. Wear one that fits snugly. Choose one that you would take a liking to. Any helmet that you choose should feel soft at all points of contacts on the skull. Many models, many different colours and designs but all should have DOT approval stickers at the rear. The second kind of motorcycle helmet is the half face one that is also a good protection and at the same time offers a fuller view of the road, allowing the feel of unity with the road that one whizzes past. The visors that cover the face and protect the eyes from wind and dust should be tough, clear and scratch proof. All the inner linings and padding should be clean and finished properly. Look out for itchy endings. The inner material should be able to soak sweat and made of quality material so that it doesn’t stink. You will never know what may happen while you are riding your bike or motorcycle. And this is not being pessimistic but rather, it is just being realistic and careful. The news says it all. Accidents happen while people are on the road! Ride safely, wear a helmet, you can save your life!

FEATURING INSPIRE, MAY 2013 141

Team LCR is extremely grateful to all the friends and brands involved in our projects. With your hard work, support and passion, you keep on making us bigger as a MotoGP team. Your efforts also helped us in giving birth to an amazing magazine, we’ll be forever thankful. Life is a race, let’s get inspired. We keep on running!

COLORI PANTONE: Pantone YELLOW Pantone REFLEX BLU

Anteprima - Logo prespaziato Intra CUSTOMER: Sig. Bottini - Intra-Intek

FROM BRIDGESTONE MORTORSPORT

Data:. 24/02/11

INSPIRE

CREDITS Editor In Chief ENRICO BARBIERI [email protected]

Coordinator LUCIO CECCHINELLO [email protected]

Art Director Emanuele Vallorani [email protected]

Production Director Errico Gasperoni [email protected]

Contributors Elisa Pavan, Massimo Visconti, Nelly Pluto-Prondzynska, Giuliano Donati, Tanja Haydn, Sayaka Miyazaki Special Contributors Andrea Giacomo Gozzi, Mark McVeigh Photography Milagro, Gigi Soldano, Tino Martino, Mirco Lazzari, Dario Altamura, Horst A. Friedrichs, Davide Esposito, Charly Soto, Koichiro Kamata, Chris Tedesco/Red Bull Content Pool Publisher Steve Burgess

[email protected]

Published by Clearsightpartners Ltd 121 Longmead Drive Sidcup - Kent DA14 4NY © 2013 Clearsightpartners Ltd and LCR - x racing s.a.m. All rights reserved

Tested and approved by Valentino

When Bridgestone engineers set about creating a new Sport Touring tyre they knew it needed to provide great grip in wet and dry, stability at high speeds, superior ride quality, great wear and fast direction change. But to sign the T30 it took just one man - Valentino Rossi. See it at www.youtube.com/

Bridgestone Corporation For your nearest Bridgestone Authorised Dealer, visit our web site

www.bridgestone.eu

O D E R O M OF T A H W ES K A M YOU Y P P A H