Un ptit nouveau plein de niak:
Webb excited ahead of debut test.
15-year-old Dani Webb will start his first full season of 125cc grand prix racing with the Dutch-based Arie Molenaar Honda team when the new season kicks off in Qatar on February 24.
In preparation for the biggest season of his career so far, Webb has been training all winter with his 17-year-old brother James, who competes in the British championship, and flies to Holland this weekend to continue his fitness programme with the team.
The Briton, who has signed a two year contract and will have former 125cc grand prix winner and world championship runner-up Hans Spaan looking after his machines, will then have his first test a week later in Valencia.
"The team seem fantastic and I just can't wait to get started," smiled Dani, who rode as a Repsol Honda wild-card in 2006 (pictured). "We are testing in Valencia and then at the big test at Jerez where all the riders will be competing. It should be some test because I will also be celebrating my 16th birthday and both my Mum and Dad will be coming out to Spain."
Et un autre ptit jeune plein qui reve de mieux:
Smith 'fitter, stronger' for second season.
16-year-old Bradley Smith hopes that a heavy testing and training schedule will set him up for sophomore season success, after being crowned rookie of the year during his debut 125GP campaign.
The Repsol Honda rider has already started his 2007 preparations by testing in Spain, although bad weather delayed track time, and embarked on a punishing fitness schedule while balancing school work ahead of his GCSE exams in the summer.
"We have already had two tests in Spain at Jerez and Valencia but bad weather restricted our track time," confirmed Bradley. "In Jerez cloudbursts stopped us getting out on the track as much as we wanted. I eventually finished seventh fastest but the track was slippery and I didn't want to crash. On the first day I managed 20 laps and on the second day we had to stop at 3.30pm.
"Last weekend we went to Valencia but it was so cold we did not go out on the second day. The first day I was in and out of the pits all the time and managed to give the team plenty of information which was really important.
"We have four more tests, eight days in total, before that first race and so we should be well prepared for the season. The team put me on a punishing fitness regime in the winter with loads of cycling and running. I kept it going all the time and already it's paying off because I feel strong and fit on the bike. I'm staying in Spain to continue the training and my next test is in Barcelona next week," he concluded.