MotoGP Brno 2013: here come the paddock girls

As usual, in the wake of a major race, we are here once again to introduce our photo gallery starring some of the most fashinating paddock girls (a.k.a brolly girls, grid girls, umbrella girls and so on) spotted on- and off- the track at the recent Czech GP, eleventh round of the 2013 MotoGP season. The job of these lovely ladies is getting harder and harder as in the last couple of months the brightest smile was those of championship leader Marc Marquez (Honda Repsol).

The cheeky Spaniard won yesterday his fourth round of the season, fifth overall in his rookie season in the premier class, and looks like he is not going to stop any time soon. Yesterday, main rivals and fellow countrymen Dani Pedrosa (Honda Repsol) and Jorge Lorenzo (Yamaha Factory Racing) did all they could to stop the phenomenal youngster from putting another 25 points in his pretty large bag, but all they could do was to follow him on the podium.

Having stretched his lead even further in the standings (now he boasts 26 points over his teammate and 44 over Lorenzo), Marquez will be once again to beat this weekend in Silverstone. Chances are that the local grid-girls will have to compete with that cheeky smile again, but for now we get these 94 images to see what the Czech ladies could do about that. Smiles aren’t everything, after all…

via TWOWHEELSBLOG

Moto GP ; Brno disappoinment for Cal Crutchlow and Bradley Smith

There were high expectations for Cal Crutchlow and Bradley Smith at Brno. Crutchlow had blazed to amazing second pole position, while Smith has qualified sixth, instead before even half of the race distance was completed, both riders suffered crashes.

Smith went down in the second lap at turn 9 when he was behind Valentino Rossi, and unable to return to track due to a broken handlebar, while team mate Crutchlow was trying to bridge the gap with the front runners trying to shake off Alvaro Bautista and Valentino Rossi, made a mistake and lowsided out in lap 8.

The soon-to-be Ducati rider managed to remount and returned to the field in 20th and managed to make up three places with a damaged M1, but didn’t get any points.

“Obviously I am disappointed after qualifying in pole position but I had to push really hard to try and get away from Bautista and Rossi. Lorenzo made an incredible start and his first lap was really strong and that put us all under pressure. I was happy with my pace and I felt comfortable but then I made a mistake. I was trying to get myself back in contention for the podium and I lost the front. I am sure I could have finished fourth but I got back on a damaged bike and set a fast and consistent pace and I never gave up. It is not the best preparation for my home race at Silverstone but I go there knowing I have the pace and that I can be challenging at the front. I am really excited for Silverstone and I know the support from the British fans will be incredible, so hopefully I can give them something to cheer about,” said Crutchlow.

“The race ended far too soon and it is not the way we wanted a positive weekend to end,”said Smith. “I don’t feel I did anything different in that corner and I felt comfortable and the bike felt very good. The improvements we made on a full fuel tank made the bike much better in the early part of the race but I got caught out in Turn 9. The data showed I accelerated a fraction earlier and those small margins can make all the difference. Unfortunately the handlebar was broken so I couldn’t get back in the race. But in my rookie season this can happen when you are pushing to try and learn and build experience. At least I don’t have to wait long for Silverstone. I’m disappointed with today but highly motivated to build on the positive points we gained here. Racing at home is always special but this will be my first MotoGP race at Silverstone and I can’t wait.”

via TWOWHEELSBLOG

Porsche 911 Turbo (993): Purple thrills

Having driven the new 911 Turbo S, our thoughts turned to our favourite generation of the blown Porsche: the formidable 993…

Sure, more modern versions might be more dynamically capable, but they’re bloated behemoths in comparison to the lean 993

For many (including those in the Classic Driver office), the 993 is one of the sweetest spots in the 911’s half-century of existence. It was not only the last air-cooled, last hand-built 911 – but also the last to retain the diminutive footprint with which the model began its life. 

Sure, more modern versions might be more dynamically capable, but they’re bloated behemoths in comparison to the lean 993. You only need to open the elder's doors, for example, to notice their slender width, an impossibility with today’s safety and technology needs. 

The 959's production cousin

Though the classic proportions might have been familiar at launch, the range-topping Turbo, launched in 1995,  had a little added visual muscle. The rear arches were wider, while the bumpers were more aerodynamic and cast a nod to the 959. Most notable, though, was the huge spoiler inherited from its forebears.

Dynamically, the 993 Turbo was a major step forward. Not only was drive splayed to all corners for the first time, along with state-of-the-art ABS, but the twin turbos – despite not using the 959's sequential arrangement – had less turbo-lag than the 964's singular unit. Being a sort of production cousin of the 959 had made it more predictable and controllable than its notoriously tricky-to-drive Turbo ancestors. In fact it was, quite outstandingly, the first really practical 911 Turbo, with excellent balance, traction and that acceptably low lag.

"Ferrari owners were constantly on the lookout..."

Rather than reducing the excitement, however, that practicality makes it all the more thrilling to drive. Its 408bhp withstands scrutiny today (the 991 Carrera S has less), but in the mid-90s it was mind-blowing: Ferrari 355 owners were constantly on the lookout. Modern times do betray its shortcomings, though: the floor-mounted pedals are noticeably offset, and the then-new six-speed gearchange isn’t quite as positive as you might wish it to be.

Regardless, the 993 Turbo wins the right to be celebrated as one of the finest 911s – if not for the technology and timeless muscularity, then for the fact you don’t need to be Vic Elford to hustle one along swiftly.

Photos: Simon Clay for Classic Driver

The low-mileage car seen here was specified with the 430bhp factory upgrade, as well as the rare ‘Metallic Amethyst’ exterior paint with ‘Rubicon’ leather. It’s currently for sale at London-based dealer Hexagon Modern Classics for £75,000.

Gatebil 2013 by Risto Hännikäinen