MARCO MELANDRI, SYLVAIN GUINTOLI AND THE APRILIA RACING TEAM WILL BE ON THE TRACK AGAIN THIS WEEKEND AT LAGUNA SECA.

Laguna Seca, 10 July 2014 - With just enough time to catch their breath after the Portimão races, it's already time for the Aprilia Racing Team to take to the track again. In fact, before the summer break begins the World Superbike calendar has scheduled rounds two weekends in a row: leaving Portugal behind the teams go immediately to Laguna Seca, the factory derivative American round.

The Californian circuit certainly needs no introduction. Historic and decidedly particular, it's most representative section is the "Corkscrew". But there are many exciting spots on this old school track that always provide for adrenaline filled races.

Marco Melandri loves the Californian track and the special feeling in the air at Laguna Seca. On the American track he will have the opportunity to continue his trend of consistent improvement which has him more and more of a protagonist in recent rounds: "Laguna is one of my favourite tracks, plus I love the atmosphere that you can feel in the air there. It will be nice to have three days of good weather and to be able to demonstrate what I am really capable of. I have nothing left to lose, so I'll be on the attack from start to finish.”

Last year it was red flags that decided the day's results. It was Sylvain Guintoli who paid the price after starting from pole position on his RSV4 and, twice in a row, was on his way to a win, riding alone at the front of the pack. After the second red flag the Frenchman was unable to find the right pace and he is eager to redeem himself this weekend: "Laguna is our last race before the summer break. Just like in Portugal, we need to attack and take risks so the championship fight stays open. At this moment, only this kind of attitude can help us. I am looking forward to it because last year I did the lap record in Superpole but then in the races I lost my focus feeling frustrated by the multiple red flags. I really think we can do a good job in California on Sunday”.

A TOUGHER DAY FOR GUINTOLI WHO IN ANY CASE HAS CLEAR IDEAS ON HOW TO PROCEED.

Portimão, 4 July 2014 – Marco Melandri came out of the gates shining at Portimão, taking the top spot in the first morning session and pleased with the work accomplished in the afternoon. Sylvain Guintoli had a few difficulties, starting off well (second in FP1) but unable to find his groove in the afternoon. In any case, both riders have clear ideas on how to set up the two sessions tomorrow.

Melandri, improving steadily in the last two rounds where he took two wins and then two podiums, stopped the clock with the best time in the first session, immediately feeling comfortable on the ups and downs of the Portuguese track. In the afternoon the Italian rider focused on a series of tests both in terms of tyres and settings for his number 33 RSV4, gathering useful information for tomorrow's sessions and Superpole. For the races Marco is expecting a tight group of competitive riders, a situation that promises two spectacular shows.

Marco Melandri: “Overall this was a good day for us. In the afternoon the conditions were much different than in the morning with strong winds and very hot asphalt. Because of that we focused on testing tyres because with the new solutions available to us the choice is not necessarily a given. As far as our times go I was quite pleased with the performance in the first practice session so in the afternoon I decided to work more on race pace. I am seeing a lot of competitive riders and here at Portimão race times usually change quite a bit, so being well prepared is essential. Superpole is not my strong point, but tomorrow I'll have to try to take advantage of it as best as possible. Starting from the front row could definitely help in the hung for a good result”.

Sylvain Guintoli, after an excellent performance in the morning, also set to work solving some grip problems due to the different track conditions in FP2. The changes made didn't provide the expected results, so tomorrow Sylvain and his team will continue working on the base settings to try and find the best configuration.

Sylvain Guintoli: “Today was a tough day. It seems like the track lost a lot of grip compared to last year. We did well this morning and then in the afternoon we tested some different geometries to try and improve but the results were not what we had hoped for. So tomorrow we'll go back to our base setting and start over from there, going in a different direction and trying to improve on our times. I like the track and I'm confident that we'll be able to solve the problems we had today and ride two good races”.

Survey of IAM members uncovers secret to a better ride

Motorcyclists with a need for speed should think again, as research finds going fast without the right skills means a less enjoyable ride – and losing the respect of your peers.

Surveying over a thousand of its members, the Institute of Advanced Motorists found that over three quarters strongly agree that going fast does not mean you are a good rider. Eight in ten (83%) have much more respect for other bikers who are not as fast but have advanced skills, dispelling the myth that bikers are all speed fanatics.

The Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) is encouraging more bikers to consider advanced skills courses in order to become better riders.

IAM chief executive Simon Best said: “Riding is unpredictable – the same road can be different each time you ride it. We want people to get the best out of their bikes and enjoy the experience of riding, which comes more easily with more advanced skills. Of those who have taken the IAM’s Skills for Life course, 88% feel more in control of their bike. and nine out of ten (92%) agree that the more advanced their skills have become, the more they have been able to enjoy the ride.”

Top tips for a smoother ride from IAM expert, Geoff Pretty:

1. Take additional training. The more skills, knowledge and experience you gain the better. No matter how good you are (or how good you think you are), there is always more to learn and scope to improve.

2. Slow In - Fast Out. The way to deal with any hazard you encounter. Ease off, assess, plan and execute your manoeuvre before accelerating away. Don't rush into any situation you can't fully see, even if you know the road really well - after all, you wouldn't want to run around your house with your eyes closed, would you?

3. Self Assess. Give yourself an honest appraisal of your performance after every ride. Think of where things could have been safer, smoother, more controlled etc; then work out how to improve next time.

4. Talk to Yourself. An excellent method for maintaining concentration and ensuring you are taking in all relevant information (don't worry - others can't see you behind your helmet!). This is particularly useful when you are feeling tired and need to keep 'switched on,' until you can find somewhere safe to take a rest.

5. Practice. The more you carry out any activity, the better you get (sometimes referred to as muscle memory). The physical act of riding the bike will then become second-nature; this will allow you to devote more brain power to applying the system in a more timely and effective manner.

Go to www.iam.org.uk or BikeSafe today to sign up to the courses. Those who complete IAM’s Skill’s for Life course benefit from one year RAC cover, one year free IAM membership, how to be a better driver’ handbook, and reduced insurance.

Motorsport Legend John Surtees OBE, has presented a £75,000 cheque to charity Kent, Surrey & Sussex Air Ambulance, on behalf of the Henry Surtees Foundation. The presentation, which took place at Mercedes-Benz World, Surrey was made to the Air Ambulance Chief Executive Adrian Bell; the money will be used for ‘High Fidelity Simulators’.

Presented by John Surtees OBE, the £75,000 will be used to fund ‘High Fidelity simulation manikens for the Kent, Surrey & Sussex Air Ambulance Trust (KSSAAT). High Fidelity manikens are the very latest in simulation technology, helping the clinical teams to practice their skills, learn new techniques and improve patient safety by creating situations that are as close to ‘real life as possible.

Speaking of the charity, John Surtees OBE, said “With a background in motorsport, I know that every second counts and none more so than for the Air Ambulance Services; I am honoured to present the cheque to such a fantastic charity. The idea that this money will contribute to saving lives is outstanding! The Air Ambulance already offers an exceptional service, but if we can help them reduce risk even further then we have done a good thing!”

Motorsport enthusiast and Hollywood legend Sir Patrick Stewart, said “I am disappointed not to be present this evening. My admiration of John for his dedication to the Foundation goes without saying and I must congratulate them on the marvellous sum raised. Air Ambulances do an outstanding job and this donation will have a significant impact on their ability to respond to emergencies.”

KSSAAT Charity Chief Executive, Adrian Bell said “We are overwhelmed to receive such a fantastic donation; The Air Ambulance Service is a charitable trust and without funding we are unable to deliver the service that’s so sorely needed! The High Fidelity  Maniken Simulators will mean we can develop our education and training programme to ensure that our crews are able to provide the highest possible care to our patients, 24 hours a day, in any situation.

Our thanks go to John Surtees for his time and effort, to the Henry Surtees Foundation for their fundraising and to Sir Patrick Stewart for his support.”

As well as raising and donating £75,000 to KSSAAT for the simulators, the Henry Surtees Foundation has also previously supported the provision of a blood transfusion service for KSSAAT. This support included vital equipment such as thermostatically controlled boxes and blood warmers, and the purchase of two Honda CR-V vehicles for SERV (Service by Emergency Rider Volunteers) to transport blood, enabling the service to provide nearly 70 transfusions in its first year. The Foundation has also donated £131,000 to Headway to help people with brain injuries.

This year, both John and his machines will be at some of the most prestigious classic racing events and venues across the country, raising funds for the Henry Surtees Foundation. George Barber, owner of the Barber Museum which holds a collection of cars and motorcycles from John Surtees’ life, has made a title-winning Ferrarri 158 available for these events. He has also committed to matching £50,000 with a donation, if the Henry Surtees Foundation manage to raise it. ‏

Stormin’ the Castle are proud to announce The Temperance Movement are headlining the Main Stage on Saturday night.

The Temperance Movement are a five piece blues-drenched, soulful, loud and explosive rock and roll band drawing on their combined influences and experience to turn heads in the music industries on both sides of the Atlantic.

Formed between London and Glasgow in the summer of 2011, five like minded musicians decided to take a break from their touring with other acts to write, play and record music influenced by the records which first made them passionate about rock and roll.

The Temperance Movement are really going places, selling out venue after venue and have just been supporting The Rolling Stones in Europe.

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