Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Valentino Rossi samples the BMW M3 GTS, drives away in M3 sedan]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/19/valentino-rossi-samples-the-bmw-m3-gts-drives-away-in-m3-sedan/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/19/valentino-rossi-samples-the-bmw-m3-gts-drives-away-in-m3-sedan/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/19/valentino-rossi-samples-the-bmw-m3-gts-drives-away-in-m3-sedan/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Valentino Rossi drives the BMW M3 GTS - Click above for high-res image gallery

After securing his record ninth MotoGP title, there's little doubt that Valentino Rossi is the fastest man on two wheels. And BMW has acknowledged the Italian rider's speed by awarding him a brand-spankin'-new M3 sedan.

The German automaker is a sponsor of the motorbike racing series, providing organizers with safety cars and other vehicles, and even using it to debut the new X6 M crossover earlier this year. And every year BMW gifts a car to the rider who proved the fastest in qualifying over the course of the season. Rossi's won the "M Award" five times now, but before he drove off in his new V8 sports sedan, BMW gave him a rare opportunity to sample the new hardcore M3 GTS.

So what did the fastest man on two wheels think of the fastest Bimmer on four? Quite a lot, apparently, as the multiple world champion said he wants to be first on the list when the M3 GTS goes on sale next year. That's quite a glowing endorsement, and all it cost them was a test drive. Click on the thumbnails below for a high-res image gallery.


Gallery: Valentino Rossi drives the BMW M3 GTS


[Source: BMW M Division]

Valentino Rossi samples the BMW M3 GTS, drives away in M3 sedan originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmwbmw m3bmw m3 gtsbmw m3 sedanBmwM3BmwM3GtsBmwM3Sedanm awardMAwardmotogprossivalentinovalentino rossiValentinoRossiThu, 19 Nov 2009 16:55:00 EST<![CDATA[MotoGP: Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix provides plenty of spills and thrills]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/06/motogp-red-bull-u-s-grand-prix-provides-plenty-of-spills-and-t/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/06/motogp-red-bull-u-s-grand-prix-provides-plenty-of-spills-and-t/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/06/motogp-red-bull-u-s-grand-prix-provides-plenty-of-spills-and-t/#commentsFiled under: ,


2009 MotoGP Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix - Click above for high-res image gallery

Here at Autoblog, we couldn't think of a better way to spend the 4th of July weekend than at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca for the fifth running of the Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix. There was plenty of excitement during qualifying, with pole-sitter Jorge Lorenzo being unseated from his bike not once but twice. With both Lorenzo and third place qualifier Casey Stoner being treated for injuries, everyone was betting that Valentino Rossi would take the checkered flag. Rossi won the race last year, and had just come off a historic 100th victory last week in Netherlands. There were also high hopes for American Nicky Hayden, who had his best qualifying of the season in the eighth spot. Follow the jump for the full race report, and check out our high-res gallery below.


Gallery: 2009 MotoGP Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix


Photos copyright (C)2009 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.


[Source: RedBullUSGrandPrix.com]

Continue reading MotoGP: Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix provides plenty of spills and thrills

MotoGP: Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix provides plenty of spills and thrills originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Jul 2009 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Mazda Raceway Laguna SecaMazdaRacewayLagunaSecaMotoGPmotorcyclesRed Bull U.S. Grand PrixRedBullU.s.GrandPrixValentino RossiValentinoRossiMon, 06 Jul 2009 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[MotoGP: Autoblog tours the Yamaha garages]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/05/motogp-autoblog-tours-the-yamaha-garages/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/05/motogp-autoblog-tours-the-yamaha-garages/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/05/motogp-autoblog-tours-the-yamaha-garages/#commentsFiled under: ,


Yamaha MotoGP Garage Tour - Click above for a high-res image gallery

Access to the garage areas of MotoGP teams is limited to say the least, and all but the highest-level passes will leave you trying to get a glimpse from afar while the mechanics diligently work on the bikes throughout the weekend. Good fortune was with us, however. Yamaha was kind enough to give us access to its garage so we could take a closer look at the inner-workings of a MotoGP team.

While we couldn't spend too much time in any of the areas, we were amazed to see just how much goes into simply setting up each garage. Space is at a premium, so everything is extremely well organized. The workstations are incredibly clean, and some sections are even carpeted. Perhaps our favorite part was getting a close look at the motorcycles and their components. Each bike is a beautiful mass of carbon fiber, titanium, and CNC-machined parts. Yamaha allowed us to take photos, so you can check out the two-wheeled rides of Valentino Rossi, Jorge Lorenzo, and Colin Edwards for yourselves in the high-res gallery below.


Gallery: Yamaha MotoGP Garage Tour


Photos copyright (C)2009 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.

MotoGP: Autoblog tours the Yamaha garages originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 05 Jul 2009 14:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Colin EdwardsColinEdwardsfeaturedFiat YamahaFiatYamahaJorge LorenzoJorgeLorenzoMazda Raceway Laguna SecaMazdaRacewayLagunaSecaMonster Yamaha Tech 3MonsterYamahaTech3MotoGPmotorcyclesRed Bull U.S. Grand PrixRedBullU.s.GrandPrixValentino RossiValentinoRossiYamahaYamaha MotorcyclesYamahaMotorcyclesSun, 05 Jul 2009 14:09:00 EST<![CDATA[Musical Chairs: Kimi contests WRC Finland, Rossi considers Ferrari, F1 could grow 3rd car]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/02/musical-chairs-kimi-contests-wrc-finland-rossi-considers-ferra/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/02/musical-chairs-kimi-contests-wrc-finland-rossi-considers-ferra/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/02/musical-chairs-kimi-contests-wrc-finland-rossi-considers-ferra/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Valentino Rossi tests a Ferrari F1 car - Click above for high-res image gallery

Typically F1 drivers come up through the formula racing ladder. But for every rule there's an exception, and that exception seems to be creeping up for Ferrari, who are facing a potential change-up in drivers that involves not just numerous racing classes but varied disciplines of motorsports.

First up is Kimi Raikkonen, the team's 2007 world champion who's been trying his hand at rallying. The Finnish driver has contested local-level rallies with limited success, but remains undeterred in entering the World Rally Championship stage in Finland next month. The event will be the first top-level rally for Raikkonen, and also the first professional rally on agravel surface following previous outings on ice, snow and asphalt. Given his level of performance lately in F1, if Kimi finds his footing in rally, he could make the switch.

If Kimi were to jump ship from F1, there's no lack of talent out for Ferrari, but the Scuderia could reach into a different talent pool and bring Valentino Rossi on board. The multiple MotoGP champion has tested for Ferrari on several occasions to considerable effect, and could be ripe for a switch from two wheels to four. But even if Kimi stays in F1, Rossi could find himself with an open door just the same as reports indicate that the terms of the new arrangement between the FIA and FOTA could make way for teams to field a third car in F1 in the near future.

[Source: Autosport and F1-Live]

Musical Chairs: Kimi contests WRC Finland, Rossi considers Ferrari, F1 could grow 3rd car originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>f1ferrari valentino rossiFerrariValentinoRossifiaformula 1formula oneFormula1FormulaOnefotakimi raikkonenKimiRaikkonenraikkonenraikkonen rallyraikkonen wrcRaikkonenRallyRaikkonenWrcrossirossi ferrariRossiFerrariscuderiascuderia ferrariScuderiaFerrarivalentino rossiValentinoRossiThu, 02 Jul 2009 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rossi in Rosso: MotoGP star drives Ferrari F2008 at Mugello]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/29/rossi-in-rosso-motogp-star-drives-ferrari-f2008-at-mugello/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/29/rossi-in-rosso-motogp-star-drives-ferrari-f2008-at-mugello/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/29/rossi-in-rosso-motogp-star-drives-ferrari-f2008-at-mugello/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click either image to see Valentino Rossi driving the Ferrari F2008 at Mugello in high resolution

The Ferrari World Finals at Mugello finished a few weeks ago. But someone appeared to have forgotten to tell the tifosi, as a loyal garrison of the Scuderia's most loyal fans, thousand-strong, came back out last week to the track. After the Challenge series were decided, the 16M Scuderia Spider unveiled, the FXX program ran its laps and the fans celebrated the Formula One constructors' championship, what exactly were they hoping still to see? How about the prospect of seeing an Italian driver piloting an Italian F1 car around one of Italy's most famous tracks? And not just any driver, but Valentino Rossi, a world champion with credentials to rival Schumacher's.

Valentino Rossi is an unassailable legend in motorbike racing, having taken the titles in the 125cc, 250cc and 500cc categories in quick succession before moving up to MotoGP and taking the championship five times... so far. Having achieved dominance on two wheels, Rossi has examined the possibility of switching to four. He's competed in several championship rallies, winning the Monza rally in 2006. He initially tested a Ferrari F1 car at Valencia in 2006, where he embarrassed some of F1's most experienced drivers, prompting him to consider a professional switch to Formula One before ultimately deciding to stay in MotoGP. This past week's test session was just for fun then, but Rossi still proved his mettle. He lapped Mugello at 1:22.550 - just a second and a half behind Kimi Raikkonen's time - on his first drive without traction control. Rain interrupted the second day of testing, but while Rossi showed promise, he admits he'd be too old to start in Formula One at this point. Shame for F1 fans, but reassuring for MotoGP aficionados. Check out the gallery of high-resolution images from Rossi's test by clicking the thumbnails below.

Gallery: Valentino Rossi tests Ferrari at Mugello


[Source: Ferrari]

Rossi in Rosso: MotoGP star drives Ferrari F2008 at Mugello originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 29 Nov 2008 18:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ferrari rossiFerrariRossirossi formula onerossi testRossiFormulaOneRossiTestvale rossivalentinovalentino rossivalentino rossi f1valentino rossi ferrarivalentino rossi formula onevalentino rossi mugelloValentinoRossiValentinoRossiF1ValentinoRossiFerrariValentinoRossiFormulaOneValentinoRossiMugelloValeRossiSat, 29 Nov 2008 18:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Tavullia, Italy to lower speed limit in honor of Valentino Rossi]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/17/tavullia-italy-to-lower-speed-limit-in-honor-of-valentino-rossi/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/17/tavullia-italy-to-lower-speed-limit-in-honor-of-valentino-rossi/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/17/tavullia-italy-to-lower-speed-limit-in-honor-of-valentino-rossi/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

It seems a bit odd at first glance that Tavullia, the Italian city with a population of just 7,180 that counts eight-time MotoGP champion (including this year's World Championship) Valentino Rossi as its most famous son, would actually lower the town's speed limits in the racer's honor. After all, Rossi makes his living going as fast as possible. But, according to an unnamed spokesman for the local council, "He is the town's most famous son... Changing the speed limit is a fitting tribute to a man who has made his fame and fortune entirely out of his skills on the road." Whatever. The speed limit will go from its current 50 kilometers per hour to 46 kph, which just so happens to be Rossi's racing number. The town also expresses its gratitude to its favorite inhabitant for paying it some £500,000 in what the city claimed were back-taxes.

[Source: AutoMotoPortal.com]

Tavullia, Italy to lower speed limit in honor of Valentino Rossi originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 Oct 2008 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>motogptavulliatavullia ItalyTavulliaItalyvalentino rossiValentinoRossiFri, 17 Oct 2008 07:58:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Valentino Rossi can't get bikes off his brain]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/03/video-valentino-rossi-cant-get-bikes-off-his-brain/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/03/video-valentino-rossi-cant-get-bikes-off-his-brain/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/03/video-valentino-rossi-cant-get-bikes-off-his-brain/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Back when he was riding for Honda, 7-time world champion motorcycle racer Valentino Rossi did this amusing little TV spot for the Honda Civic. In it, Rossi can't shake his riding habits whenever his black Civic Type R stops at intersections, drawing attention from bystanders along the way. Neat little commercial. Too bad Yamaha (his current ride) doesn't sell cars, too...

[Source: YouTube]

VIDEO: Valentino Rossi can't get bikes off his brain originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 03 Dec 2006 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>civiccivic hatchcivic type rCivicHatchCivicTypeRtype rTypeRvalentino rossiValentinoRossiSun, 03 Dec 2006 17:29:00 EST