Ducati has reached an agreement with Cal Crutchlow that will have the Briton campaigning the 2014 and 2015 MotoGP race seasons with the Ducati Team.

Crutchlow will race alongside Andrea Dovizioso. The British rider and the Italian, who were team-mates in 2012, will work on developing the Desmosedici and growing Ducati’s MotoGP project.

The 2009 World Supersport champion and 2011 MotoGP Rookie of the Year, Crutchlow is presently enjoying his strongest GP season to date, sitting fifth in the championship points standings. He has posted four podium finishes in the first nine races, and he earned his first MotoGP pole position at the Dutch TT.

The end of the 2013 season will also mark the completion of Nicky Hayden’s five-year professional relationship with the Ducati Team. Ducati would like to thank Nicky for his contributions during that time, and everyone on the team and at Ducati Corse looks forward to giving him and Andrea their full support over the second half of the 2013 season.

Cal Crutchlow

Race number: 35

Age: 27 (born in Coventry, UK, on 29 October 1985)

Height: 1.68 metres (5’6”)

Weight: 66.68 kg (147 lbs.)

GP starts: 43 (all in MotoGP class)

First GP: Qatar GP, 2011 (MotoGP)

GP podiums: 6 (all in MotoGP class)

First GP Pole: Dutch TT, 2013 (MotoGP)

World SBK starts: 30

World SBK wins: 3

World SBK podiums: 11

World SBK poles: 6

World Supersport starts: 17

World Supersport titles: 1

World Supersport wins: 5

World Supersport podiums: 10

World Supersport poles: 10

Notable Achievements:

• 2011: MotoGP Rookie of the Year (Tech3 Yamaha)

• 2009: Supersport World Champion (Yamaha)

• 2006: British Supersport Champion

• 2001: Aprilia RS 125 Challenge Champion

With both Pata Honda World Superbike riders' wives expecting babies in the very near future - Olivia Haslam is due any day now and Tatia Rea next month - the team took the opportunity at the Silverstone WSBK round to present to the prospective parents two baby-grows, or baby-suits, that replicate Leon Haslam's and Jonathan Rea's racing leathers.

The suits carry all the sponsor logos that adorn their 'full-size' Dainese and Alpinestars leathers and even each rider's butt patch, so that, whether the babies are boys or girls, they can start to emulate their illustrious fathers from an early age.

The suits were presented at the end of a media Q&A session in the Paddock Show at Silverstone today, ahead of this weekend’s ninth round World Superbike Championship event at the UK circuit.

The latest Department for Transport drink-drive statistics released today show an increase in the number of drink-drive casualties.

• Provisional estimates for 2012 show that 290 people were killed in drink drive accidents in the Great Britain, an increase of a quarter compared with 2011.
• There was a 5 per cent decrease in seriously injured drink drive casualties in 2012 to around 1, 200.
• 220 fatal drink drive accidents in 2011 resulting in 230 deaths, the lowest number of deaths since reporting began in 1979.
• Since 1979 (when reporting began), there has been an almost six-fold reduction in the number killed in drink drive accidents.

IAM director of policy and research Neil Greig said: “The number of people killed or seriously injured by drink drivers is the real indicator of success in dealing with those who present the biggest danger on our roads.   The IAM is concerned that despite continued police campaigns the message does not seem to be getting through to a minority of drivers.”

“This increase shows the critical need for the DfT to reverse cuts in publicity funding and continue to ram home the message that drink driving kills.”

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Article supplied by www.MotorcycleCompensation.com

As bikers ourselves, we thought a gentle reminder and some basic riding tips may be in order especially if you have not  ridden for a while.   Always give yourself space. People driving cars often don’t see motorcycle riders. Even when drivers do see you, chances are they’ve never been on a motorcycle and can’t properly judge your speed.   Be visible at all times:

Remember that motorists often have trouble seeing motorcycles and reacting in time. Make sure your headlight works and is on day and night. Use reflective strips or decals on your clothing and on your motorcycle. Be aware of the blind spots cars and trucks have. Flash your brake light when you are slowing down and before stopping. If a motorist doesn’t see you, don’t be afraid to use your horn.   Dress for safety: Wear a quality helmet and eye protection. Wear bright clothing and a light-coloured helmet. Wear leather or other thick, protective clothing. Choose long sleeves and pants, over-the-ankle boots, and gloves. Remember – the only thing between you and the road is your protective gear.   Apply effective mental strategies: Constantly search the road for changing conditions. Give yourself space and time to respond to other motorists’ actions. Give other motorists time and space to respond to you. Use lane positioning to be seen; ride in the part of a lane where you are most visible. Watch for turning vehicles. Signal your next move in advance. Avoid weaving between lanes. Pretend you’re invisible, and ride extra defensively. Don't ride when you are tired or under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. Know and follow the rules of the road. Stick to the speed limit.   Follow these basic steps to protect you and your beloved machine.

Article supplied by www.MotorcycleCompensation.com