Sport Fitness Middle East Issue 10

Middle EastSport&Fitness

T H E R E G I O N S N O . 1 S P O R T & F I T N E S S M A G A Z I N E

9 789948 154280

ISBN 978-9948-15-428-0

Issue 10Dh10; BD1; RO1; QR10; KD1; SR10; 1.95

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DONT you just love the smell of petrol in the morning? Ok, maybe not, but we sure do love to see high octane machines going round and round a trackfast, and weve got plenty of action in this issue for all you petrol heads out there.

It was obviously sad for motorsport fans across the region to hear the news that the Bahrain GP was to be cancelled but in light of situation there, you would have to say that common sense prevailed. Hopefully when the time is right the race will go ahead so the people of Bahrain will still get the chance to see the stars of F1 grace the Bahrain International Circuit this year in what has become regarded as one of the best organised and most welcoming races on the calendar. The F1 season now gets underway in Australia and itll be fascinating to see which team has created the quickest car this year with young German superstar Sebastian Vettel looking to continue giving race fans in his homeland someone else to talk about other than a certain Mr M Schumacher. Weve got an exclusive interview with Sebastian in this issue, as well as a 2011 F1 preview which includes our all important breakdown of the latest rule changes youll need to get your head around ahead of the new season.

Our cover story concerns a man more comfortable on two wheels than four and I was lucky enough to catch up with MotoGP World Champion Jorge Lorenzo during testing for the 2011 season in Sepang as he lifted the lid on his fascinating life and career.

Lorenzo will join Valentino Rossi, Casey Stoner and the rest of his MotoGP rivals when the season gets underway at the Losail Circuit in Qatar.

But its not all about petrol and fast machines, although the way Novak Djokavic is playing tennis right now, you could be forgiven for thinking he was constructed of something other than flesh and blood. Novak and Caroline Wozniacki took the spoils at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships and we were there to capture the action for your reading pleasure. We also caught up with Welsh rugby star Bradley Davies as the gentle giant prepared for what promises to be a thrilling climax to the Six Nations Championship. To round things off on the sporting front in this jam-packed issue we followed a group of daring (insane) rock climbers in Columbia and chatted to one of the hottest talents in womens kitesurfing Brazilian beauty Bruna Kajiya.

In the fitness section we turn our attentions to combating the ever growing problem of diabetes and the ongoing battle against the bulge. Theres some quick tips on nutrition and training techniques from the team at Fitness First for those pushed for time as well as some serious routines for the brave.

We hope you have as much fun in reading the magazine as weve had in creating it.

Alex GallemoreEditor

Welcome to Sport & Fitness Middle East

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Despite all my efforts in not mentioning Valentino Rossi during the interview, Jorge Lorenzo wasnt up for lending me his $1.5

million Yamaha M1 for my club racing championship this season!

Features20 Qatar MotoGPThe smell of petrol is in the air and that can only mean one thing the 2011 MotoGP season is about to get underway beneath the lights of the Losail Circuit in Qatar.

26 Jorge Lorenzo The Spanish speed-demon took on the might of seven-time MotoGP World Champion Valentino Rossi last season and emerged as the new No.1 rider on the planet. We catch up with Jorge ahead of the season-opener in Qatar.

36 Dubai Duty Free Tennis ChampionshipsNovak Djokovic is playing out of his skin at the moment and the Serb followed his demolition of Andy Murray in the Australian Open with an emphatic victory over Roger Federer for his third consecutive Dubai title while World No.1 Caroline Wozniacki toppled Svetlana Kuznetsova to take the ladies title.

40 Sebastian VettelNot content with one World Champion in this issue we also bag an exclusive interview with F1s new leading light as the young German talks about his meteoric rise to the top of his sport and his love of British sitcoms!

56 F1 2011 Go, Go Go!Despite the disappointment of the Bahrain GP being called off F1 fans around the region are still eagerly anticipating the start of the new season in Australia.

55 Bradley DaviesWelsh international rugbys gentle giant talks about the Six Nations Championship, the thrill of playing for his country and the importance of entertaining the fans.

72 Red Bull PsicoblocFancy travelling to a hidden stretch of river in the depths of Columbia, climbing up a sheer rock face, then throwing yourself into the water? Neither do we but the participants of this bonkers event cant get enough of it!

regulars12 Sports NewsA concise look at recent happenings in the Middle East and around the sporting globe.

17 Sports Calendar A look ahead at whats happening each month on the local and international sports scene.

78 Candy ShopBruna Kajiya has been turning heads in the world of kitesurfing over the last few years the Brazilian beauty looks the part and boy can she ride that board!

training & nutrition 62 Ask SFMEWith the help of the team at Fitness First SFME answers a number of questions that will help you in your quest for a healthy body.

65 Fitness & Nutrition Our guide to beating the bulge and keeping your body and lifestyle in tip top shape.

CONTENTS40 20 65

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Eduard Nikolaev (driver), Rybakov (co-driver) and Mizyukaev (co-driver) in action during the fifth stage of Dakar Rally 2011 between Calama and Iquique, Chile.

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Jordy Smith makes a splash on the ASP World Tour in Praia da Vila, Santa Catarina, Brazil last year.

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Hannes Arch soars through the skies in Perth, Australia during the Red Bull Air Race World Championship.

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A DUBAI-based sailor pipped the UAE National Champion to first place at The National Abu Dhabi Laser Regatta.

Alastair Tate from New Zealand took the winning position by one point over Adil Khaled after two days of racing at the Abu Dhabi Sailing Club at Mina Zayed, where more than 30 boats helmed by national and expatriate skippers took part.

It was a pretty close race and I had a good start, said Tate, who became New Zealand national champion as a teenager before moving to Dubai.

The 32-year-old sailor said the race was made more difficult by a strong tide and light winds.

Adil Khaled, who took second place, has been selected as the UAE member of the Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing Team in the Volvo Ocean race which starts later this year.

Despite light winds and strong tides in Abu Dhabi, competitors managed to complete five races over the two days, showing great sailing technique and determination.

This was a very challenging regatta, said Barry Jarman, Commodore of Abu Dhabi Sailing Club, which is a sub-section of The Club.

Another youngster, Joss Thorne, from Abu Dhabi International Marine Sports Club, took the third place in the Laser standard class, followed by the Commodore of the Abu Dhabi Sailing Club.

In the Laser radial class, the first three positions were taken by sailors from the Emirates Sailing School, led by Saeed Salem Al Zaidi followed by his brother Tallai Salem Al Zaidi and Hamdan Abid Al Balouchi.

In the 4.7 class, all the winning positions were taken by members of the Emirates Sailing School, which is a training school for nationals. In the senior class, the first two spots were taken by Saif Ibrahim Al Hammadi and Omar Mohammad Al Hammadi.

In the junior 4.7 class, Hamood Salem Al Zaidi claimed first place, followed by his classmate Saif al Naimi and Suhall Ali Al Ghallani, in a very tight competition.

NEWS

DUBAI YACHTSMAN WINS ABU DHABI REGATTA

THE cheapest seat on general sale for the Champion League Final at Wembley Stadium on May 28th will be 176 (AED1,046). The category three tickets cost 150 (AED891) plus an administration fee of 26 (AED154) but for fans of the clubs involved the cheapest tickets will be around 80 (AED475).

Uefa announced that 11,000 tickets will be available on general sale and Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson voiced his concerns about the pricing. Its a killer and a corporate deal, that, said Ferguson. Managers and players cant do anything about it. I dont know what you can do.

Uefas director of competitions, Giorgio Marchetti, said the prices were in line with comparable events such as the World Cup Final. We dont think that the Champions League Final is overpriced, he said. We do not want to squeeze every single penny out of the market. We have to benchmark this event against other comparable events, like for example the final of the Euros and the World Cup.

UEFA announce ticket prices for Champions League Final

OLYMpIC SCHEDULE FOR 2012 RELEASED

THE schedule of events for the London 2012 Olympic Games has been released with womens football kicking off proceedings on July 25th, two days before the official curtain-raiser at the Olympic Stadium.

The dates, times, venues and prices for more than 600 sessions of competition across all 26 Olympic sports have been emailed to the 2.2m people who have signed up for information prior to tickets going on sale on March 15th.

London 2012 Chairman Sebastian Coe said: said: This is a really big moment, a huge moment. In my own experience as a competitor this is the point that it suddenly becomes very real. I remember this point in the build-up to Los Angeles (1984), and suddenly realising I was going to be running seven races in nine days.

The opening ceremony of the Games will take place inside the Olympic stadium at 1930 BST on Friday, July 27th while Saturday, August 4th is already being dubbed as Super Saturday with the climax of the heptathlon competition and the womens 100m final taking prime-time slots and the Olympic rowing and swimming competitions also reaching their conclusion.

The mens 100m final, likely to feature Jamaican superstar Usain Bolt, takes place on Sunday, August 5th.

Mercedes buy out Brawn Gp

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THE Mercedes GP Formula 1 team is now fully owned by the car manufacturer after its parent company bought the remaining shares from former the Brawn GP teams management.

Daimler AG and Aabar acquired the final 24.9% from Ross Brawn and his management partners, whose F1 team was taken over by Mercedes in 2009.

Brawn, now the Mercedes GP team principal, believes the move is positive.

Its a further step in strengthening for the future, he said. I remain fully committed for the long term. Motor racing, particularly F1, is a very specialised industry and we are privileged to have such strong and understanding partners as Daimler and Aabar to support our joint ambitions.

THE heavyweight fight all boxing fans want to see is finally on. After over a year of contract wrangling WBA champion David Haye is set for a showdown with IBF and WBO champ Wladimir Klitschko in Germany this summer on either June 25 or July 2.

I just cant wait for that first bell to ring so I can run across the ring to stick one on his chin, said Haye, who was first due to fight Klitschko in June 2009 before pulling out due to a back injury. Wladimir Klitschko is getting violently knocked out.

The fight, which was able to be made after Klitschko pulled out of his scheduled April 30 bout with Britains Dereck Chisora due to injury, brings about the potential for Haye to unify the heavyweight division by facing Wladimirs elder brother, WBC champion Vitali, should he beat the younger sibling, prior to retiring in October.

Ive set my retirement date for my 31st birthday, which is October 13th, and said I would have two more fights before then, said Haye.

In an ideal world, I would get rid of Wladimir and then hopefully his brother stays unbeaten and I can fight his big brother afterwards.

HAYE V KLITSCHKO ITS ON!

SERENA WILLIAMS UNDERGOES EMERGENCY SURGERY

WIMBLEDON champion Serena Williams underwent emergency surgery to remove a blood clot from her lungs in late February.

Her spokesman Nicole Chabot said the American remains at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, where she had been having treatment for a pulmonary embolism.

Serena Williams underwent emergency treatment at Cedars for a hematoma she suffered as a result of treatment for a more critical situation, said Chabot. Serena suffered from a pulmonary embolism which was discovered upon her return to LA. She had been in New York for doctor appointments for the ongoing issues with her foot. Doctors are continuing to monitor

her situation closely to avoid additional complications.

The American has been out of action since July last year after she required surgery on her foot after she stepped on broken glass while celebrating her Wimbledon victory.

THE Government of Dubai has allocated a staggering budget of AED292.2 million to the Dubai Sports Council (DSC) for various sporting activities this year.

The grant was received by the executive office of the Dubai Sports Council (DSC) chaired by Matar Al Tayer, DSC chairman, during a recent meeting.

Al Tayer expressed the DSCs gratitude to His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and to Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman, Dubai Sports Council, for their support and encouragement for sporting activities.

It is the support of our leaders that keeps us going in achieving the goals set for the development of the various disciplines of sports in Dubai during this year, said Al Tayer.

High on the priority list for the DSC during the next four years is the establishment of centres catering to the development of individual sports in the emirate while also hosting several international championships in Dubai in an attempt to further enhance its position as a sporting hub in the region.

Matar al Tayer is pictured with Lee Westwood after the Englishmans victory in the inaugural Dubai World Championship in 2009.

MILOVAN Rajevac has signed a three-year deal to become the new head coach of the Qatar National Football team.

Former coach Bruno Metsu was sacked following Qatars exit at the quarter-final stage of the Asia Cup in Doha in January and Rajevac has proven his international credentials with Ghana, who he led to the final of the Africa Cup of Nations and to the quarter-final

of last years World Cup. Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Ahmed Al Thani, Qatar Football Association president said: We wanted to have a good coach to replace Metsu and we know that Rajevac is a great coach.

He has previous experience of working in Qatar as his compatriot Bora Milutinovics assistant at the Al Sadd Club (2004-05) and this should help him a lot.

NEWS

AED292.2m outlay for Dubai Sports Council

Rajevac takes Qatar football post

A DEAL has been struck that will see the Aragon MotorLand MotoGP remain on the schedule for the next six years after an agreement between race organisers Dorna and the Spanish venue.

MotorLand was introduced as a reserve circuit last year and it ended up hosting Round 13 of the championship after the Hungarian Grand Prix was called off. That race was won by Ducatis Casey Stoner, who now rides for Repsol Honda, and this year Spain will stage four of the 18 rounds of the championship, including the finale in Valencia.

Aragon circuit handed six-year MotoGp deal



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w w w . a l a h l i c l u b . a e

March 16 al ahli v Al Ahli Manama Gulf Club Championship March 24 al ahli v Al Ittihad Kalba UFL

April 14 al ahli v Al Ain UFL

March 26

EquestrianDubai World Cup, Meydan Racecourse, Dubai, UAE

The Annual Dubai World Cup is operated through the Emirates Horse Racing Authority (EHRA) whose Chairman is Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Presidential Affairs of the United Arab Emirates and with a purse of $10m it is the richest race in the world.

Legendary jockey Frankie Dettori has ridden three winners at this prestigious meeting while last years race was won by the Brazilian horse Glria de Campeo rode by T.J Periera.

March

March 20

Motorsport Moto Gp Rd 1, Commercialbank Grand prix of Qatar, Losail, Qatar

The opening fixture of MotoGP 2011 is one of the most spectacular on the calendar thanks largely to the switch to night time racing which took place in 2008. Since Spaniard Sete Gibernau rode his Honda to victory in the inaugural race in 2004 the event has been dominated by Valentino Rossi and Casey Stoner, who both have three victories to their names over the Losail circuit. For a full preview of the Commercialbank Grand Prix of Qatar flick to page 20.

best of the restMarch 8-12SquashSDAT WSF World Cup, Chennai, India

March 8-13SwimmingEuropean Diving Championships, Turin, Italy

March 8-13BadmintonYONEX All England premier Super Series 2011, Birmingham, England March 12BoxingWBA Super World Light Middleweight Title: Miguel Angel Cotto v Ricardo Mayorga, MGM Grand, Las Vegas, USA

March 12, 13, 19RugbyRBS Six NationsVarious locations, Europe

March 10-13GolfWGC-Cadillac Championship, Doral Golf Resort & Spa, Florida, United States

March 19, 25power BoatingUIM XCAT Middle East ChampionshipsMarch 19 Abu DhabiMarch 25 Dubai

March 20AthleticsIAAF World Cross Country Championships: 39th IAAF World Cross Country Championships, punta Umbria, Spain

March 21-3 AprilTennisATp & WTA Sony Ericsson Open, Miami, US

March 27MotorsportWorld Superbike Championship Rd 2, Donington park, England

March 24-27MotorsportFIA World Rally Championship: Rally of portugal, Vilamoura, portugal

March 27 Motorsport, Formula 1Australian Grand prix, Melbourne, Australia

March 28SnookerChina Open, Beijing, China

March 31-3 AprilGolfTrophee Hassan II, Golf du palais Royal and Golf de LOcean, Agadir, Morocco


24176 Dove IMAX Fitness First Mag Ad.pdf 1 3/9/11 1:05 PM



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April 4-10TennisATp Grand prix Hassan II, Casablanca, Morocco

April 8-10Formula 1Malaysian Grand prix, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

April 6-10Table TennisITTF Spanish Open, Almeria, Spain

April 10AthleticsGreat Ireland Run, The phoenix park, Dublin, Northern Ireland

April 15-16SwimmingDiving World Series, Sheffield, England

April 16-17FootballFA Cup Semi-Finals, England

April 16- May 2SnookerBetfred.com World Snooker Championship, Crucible Theatre, Sheffield

April 16BoxingWBA World Light Welterweight Title: Amir Khan v TBA, UK

April 22-24MotorsportMoto Gp Rd 3, Motegi, Japan

April 23-24CyclingUCI Mountain Bike: UCI World Cup XCO / DHI / 4X 1, pietermaritzburg, South Africa

April 26-27FootballUEFA Champions League Semi Final first leg fixtures, Europe

April 30MotorsportNASCARRichmond International Raceway, Richmond, Virginia, USA

April

best of the rest

April 7th - 10thGolfThe Masters, Augusta National Golf Club, Georgia, USA

The finest golfers from across the world descend on what is generally regarded as the finest course in the world to battle for the coveted Green Jacket. The Masters is steeped in history with a roll of honour that reads like a Whos Who of golf. Jack Nicklaus won it six times, Gary Player and Arnold Palmer three times each and in the modern era Tiger Woods has slipped into the Jacket four times and Phil Mickelson three including last years toe-to-toe victory over Lee Westwood. European golf came to the fore last year with three European Tour players winning Majors but there hasnt been a European winner at Augusta since Jos Maria Olazbal won his second Major there in 1999.

April 1-7 MotorsportAbu Dhabi Desert Challenge

The Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge is a five-day motorsport spectacular being staged in its entirety across the Abu Dhabi emirate under the guidance of the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA), with the Automobile and Touring Club of the UAE (ATCUAE) retaining its event organisational role.

While previous Desert Challenges have seen motorbike, quad-bike, four-wheel and truck competitors battle cross-emirate stages, the event in recent years has gradually migrated towards a majority routing through Abu Dhabis majestic desert areas.

Prior to the Challenge, competitors face two days of documentation and scrutinising before a Super Special Stage where the starting order is decided. Competitors then brave the Liwa Desert and the Moreeb area of the Empty Quarter for five days.



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When, where and how to get there:Losail International Circuit is located approx. 30 km from Doha Airport and approx. 20 km from the centre of Doha.

Directions from Doha Airport:Drive through Al-Matar Street and turn right at Toyota Tower, then keep going through C-Ring Road. Keep driving along Corniche road all the way until reaching the Sheraton hotel then take a left towards the City Centre.

Drive to Al-Wahda Street and turn right into Istiqlal Street. Keep straight then turn left going towards Doha Golf Club. Turn right on the roundabout going north to Al-Khor Highway until you get to Losail International Circuit.

Al Wusail, North Relief RoadP.O.Box 4611www.circuitlosail.com

GpS Circuit Entrance:25291.03 N, 512720.86 E

Race Schedule (local time)Sunday March 20th, 2011MotoGP WUP 18:00 - 18:20125cc RAC 19:00Moto2 RAC 20:15MotoGP RAC 22:00

The Circuit:Length: 5380m. / 3343milesWidth: 12mLeft corners: 6Right corners: 10Longest straight: 1068 m. / 663milesConstructed: 2004

position: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15

points: 25 20 16 13 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

2011 Qatar MotoGP Preview


THE 2011 MotoGP World Championship gets underway in the cool evening air of Qatar later this month when the riders will take to the track at Losail aiming for a fast start to the campaign. With only 18 races for riders to make their mark, being quick out of the blocks is imperative and what better place for the season to begin than under the floodlights of Losail at the Commercialbank Grand Prix of Qatar.

2010 Season Round-up:Jorge Lorenzo ran away with his first MotoGP Championship title, scoring an astonishing 383 points and clinching the title with a third-place finish in Malaysia with three races still to run.

The Spaniard rode his Yamaha to a second-place finish behind Valentino Rossi in the opener in Qatar before winning seven of the next nine races to take control of the Championship. Only twice during the season did he finished off the podium places with fourth place finishes in Aragon and Japan but none of the chasing pack, including compatriot Dani Pedrosa or Rossi, who missed four races with a broken leg, could mount a serious challenge.

With the Championship wrapped up in Malaysia Lorenzo then finished second in Australia behind Casey Stoner and won the final two stages in Portugal and Valencia.



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Losail Records:Records Season Rider Motorcycle Time Speed

Fastest Lap 2008 Jorge Lorenzo Yamaha 153.927 170.0 km/hCircuit Record 2008 Casey Stoner Ducati 155.153 168.2 km/hBest Pole 2008 Jorge Lorenzo Yamaha 153.927 170.0 km/hTop Speed 2009 Dani Pedrosa Honda 338.6 km/h

Factory Yamaha rider and 2010 MotoGP World Champion Jorge Lorenzo defends his first premier class title this year and will ride on an opposing team to great rival Valentino Rossi for the first time in the elite category.

The Spaniard, who has broken numerous records on his way to the top, will strive for the same level of consistency that delivered him the 2010 title as he battles a host of riders for his second MotoGP crown in the final season of the 800cc machines before the move to 1000cc bikes next season.

JL: Im very happy after the three days testing, it has been one of the best winter Tests.

Season Category Starts 1st 2nd 3rd Tot. Poles Bike Points Pos.2010 MotoGP 18 9 5 2 16 7 Yamaha 383 12009 MotoGP 17 4 5 3 12 5 Yamaha 261 22008 MotoGP 17 1 3 2 6 4 Yamaha 190 4

Jorge Lorenzo Bike: Yamaha DOB: May 4, 1987 Weight: 65 kg Height: 172 cm

Valentino Rossi will take on one of his biggest challenges of his illustrious career this season as he rides with Ducati after seven years (and four World Titles) with Yamaha. The seven-time MotoGP World Champion forms an Italian partnership with the Borgo Panigale factory and will ride alongside team-mate Nicky Hayden as he attempts to equal Giacomo Agostinis record by taking an eighth premier class title.

Rossi sealed five straight premier class titles from 2001-2005, switching from Honda to Yamaha in 2004 and thus proving his ability to achieve success wherever he went. Further titles followed in 2008 and 2009 before a broken leg four rounds into last season ended a record run of 230 consecutive World Championship starts. It was the first time Rossi had missed races in his career, which makes this season all the more significant.

VR: Although I have to change my riding style a little, I now feel much more at home with the Ducati.


Valentino Rossi Bike: Ducati DOB: February 16, 1979 Weight: 67 kg Height: 182 cm

A change of team in 2011 for Casey Stoner marks an exciting new chapter in the former MotoGP World Champions career as he attempts to emulate his 2007 title-winning season in his new factory Honda colours.

Stoner romped to 10 victories on a Ducati in 2007 as he claimed the World Championship for the first time. The following three seasons saw Stoner go close to reclaiming the title, collecting 23 wins in four campaigns on the Desmosedici, but he was ultimately frustrated in his endeavours. There will be little doubt as to his aims for 2011 as he takes to the track on a Honda, with Dani Pedrosa and Andrea Dovizioso sharing the factory teams garage alongside him.

CS: Physically I feel fantastic on the bike. Ive got more confidence on this Honda. The Honda simply requires a different riding style to the Ducati.

Season Category Starts 1st 2nd 3rd Tot. Poles Bike Points Pos.2010 MotoGP 18 3 2 4 9 4 Ducati 225 42009 MotoGP 13 4 1 3 8 3 Ducati 220 42008 MotoGP 18 6 3 2 11 9 Ducati 280 2

Casey Stoner Bike: Honda DOB: October 16, 1985 Weight: 58 kg Height: 171 cm


2010 Commercialbank Grand prix of Qatar Round-up:Valentino Rossi chalked up a 1.022 second victory over Jorge Lorenzo last year to end three years of dominance from Casey Stoner in Qatar. Fellow Italian Andrea Dovizioso rode his Honda to third place while Stoner, winner in 07, 08 and 09, fell out of the race with a crash on the fifth lap.

Ben Spies will be riding in his second MotoGP season with the Yamaha factory this year and he will accompany Jorge Lorenzo on the official M1 machine. Nicknamed Elbowz duo to his unique riding style, Spies potential is there for all to see after being named Rookie of the Year last season. A first MotoGP victory is surely only round the corner.

BS: Its been good riding alongside Jorge in testing. Weve both worked hard to deliver important information which the team can now take away and work with.

Season Category Starts 1st 2nd 3rd Tot. Poles Bike Points Pos.2010 MotoGP 17 0 1 1 2 1 Yamaha 76 62009 MotoGP 1 0 0 0 0 0 Yamaha 9 202008 MotoGP 3 0 0 0 0 0 Suzuki 20 19

Ben Spies Bike: Yamaha DOB: July 11, 1984 Weight: 71 kg Height: 180 cm

Riding into a third season with Ducati in 2011, Nicky Hayden partners Valentino Rossi in the factory team as the two former MotoGP World Champions form an exciting line-up for the Borgo Panigale factory team on board the Desmosedici GP11.

World Champion in 2006, the final year of the 990cc machines, Haydens calibre in MotoGP has been proven ever since his arrival on the World Championship stage in 2003 with Honda. Now with two years of experience of the evolving Ducati bike under his belt, Hayden goes into 2011 as one of the riders with the potential to challenge for the top prize.

NH: The team did a lot over the winter, not just on the bikes, but theyve really stepped the game up with new tools and equipment in the garage. Everyone is clearly working hard as usual.

Season Category Starts 1st 2nd 3rd Tot. Poles Bike Points Pos.2010 MotoGP 18 0 0 1 1 0 Ducati 163 72009 MotoGP 17 0 0 1 1 0 Ducati 104 132008 MotoGP 16 0 1 1 2 0 Honda 155 6

Nicky Hayden Bike: Ducati DOB: July 30, 1981 Weight: 69 kg Height: 173 cm

Since his introduction to the premier class in 2008 (when he rode a satellite Honda and placed fifth overall), Andrea Dovizioso has proven himself to be one of the top riders on the scene and this year will begin his third campaign as a member of the Honda factory team. One victory in 2009 (Donnington) and then seven podiums during the 2010 campaign have been an indication of Doviziosos constant improvement and he will be determined to take it a step further this year.

AD: I feel optimistic. The level of the bike is really high and its very competitive.

Season Category Starts 1st 2nd 3rd Tot. Poles Bike Points Pos.2010 MotoGP 18 0 3 4 7 1 Honda 206 52009 MotoGP 17 1 0 0 1 0 Honda 160 62008 MotoGP 18 0 0 1 1 0 Honda 174 5

Andrea Dovizioso Bike: Yamaha DOB: March 23, 1986 Weight: 60 kg Height: 168 cm

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Marco Simoncellis debut season in MotoGP in 2010 saw the Italian progress and impress in equal measures and by the end of the campaign he was pushing for a place on the podium. In 2011 he will continue his quest to climb the premier class order with the San Carlo Honda Gresini team, having ended his first year in a respectable eighth place overall and with a best result of fourth in Portugal.

He will be teamed with former 250cc rival Hiroshi Aoyama on the Gresini team, with the aim of regularly fighting for the podium a realistic target.

MS: Overall I am 100% happy with the testing. The team has worked brilliantly, the changes have integrated well and everything has gone perfectly.

Season Category Starts 1st 2nd 3rd Tot. Poles Bike Points Pos.2010 MotoGP 18 0 0 0 0 0 Honda 125 82009 250cc 15 6 1 3 10 3 Gilera 231 32008 250cc 16 6 3 3 12 7 Gilera 281 1

Marco Simoncelli Bike: Honda DOB: anuary 20, 1987 Weight: 72 kg Height: 183 cm

Colin Edwards enters his ninth season in the MotoGP World Championship in 2011 and the Texan with vast experience in the premier class will again be making his challenge on the M1 of the Monster Yamaha Tech 3 team. As he did in 2010 with Ben Spies, Edwards will be riding alongside a newcomer to MotoGP in the shape of Brit Cal Crutchlow after he signed a one-year extension to his contract with Herv Poncharals team.

CE: I am really happy with the development that Yamaha has done on the bike for 2011. It has improved in every area.


Colin Edwards Bike: Yamaha DOB: February 27, 1974 Weight: 66 kg Height: 179 cm

Two-time MotoGP World Championship runner-up including last season and a top-three finisher for the past four years, Dani Pedrosa will be more determined than ever to claim a first premier class title this year on board the factory RC212V of the Repsol Honda team.

The Spaniard enjoyed four victories in 2010 and was second five times before an injury interrupted his form towards the end of the campaign. This year he will again have Andrea Dovizioso as a team-mate with Casey Stoner added to the set-up.

DP: Were happy with the bike, it is working well and we just need to reaffirm those feelings in Qatar.

Season Category Starts 1st 2nd 3rd Tot. Poles Bike Points Pos.2010 MotoGP 15 4 5 0 9 4 Honda 245 22009 MotoGP 17 2 3 6 11 2 Honda 234 32008 MotoGP 17 2 5 4 11 2 Honda 249 3

Dani Pedrosa Bike: Honda DOB: September 29, 1985 Weight: 52 kg Height: 160 cm



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2011 Qatar MotoGP Preview

Al Kawakeb Building, Block D, Sheikh Zayed Road In between the Financial Centre Metro Station & the Dusit Hotel

www.sportsworld.ae

Rocket Man set for take off

Alex Gallemore talks to the reigning MotoGP World Champion, Jorge Lorenzo, about the opening round of the 2011 season under the lights in Qatar and finds out if he really does listen to Phil Collins on his iPod!



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Q: How do you feel heading into the new season are you pleased with how the bike has performed during testing?JL: The tests have been very good. I am very happy with my team and with the bike. We are working so hard to be fit for the first round in Qatar. Our aim is be on the top there.

Q: The Hondas look like theyve got good top-end speed how can the M1 counteract this?JL: Honda looks one step ahead at this moment, but also last season they showed their potential so its not new! I believe in Yamaha, we will have the best bike we can. The M1 has improved in many things and I believe we will be at least at the same level as Honda for the start of the season.

Q: How are you feeling, personally, ahead of the new season do you feel extra pressure being World Champion?JL: Im more relaxed than last year, not because I am the World Champion but because I am older so I have more experience.

Q: Where did it all start for you in motorbike racing at what age did you start to ride and who was the most influential figure in your rise to becoming World Champion?JL: My dad was very important. He was a mechanic and in his spare time with some pieces he found in various places he put together a bike for me and he encouraged me to start riding at the age of three. He spent a lot of time and money on it about

ExclusiveJorge Lorenzo Q&A

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Under the lights at last years Qatar MotoGP Lorenzo finished runner-up and hell have his head down to try to go one better in 2011!

REIGNING MotoGP World Champion Jorge Lorenzo went head-to-head with the legendary Valentino Rossi last year and came out on top.

Now, as the motoring world turns its attention to the Losail Circuit in Qatar for the opening round of the 2011 MotoGP campaign, Jorge has his work cut out to keep his hands on the trophy. His famous Yamaha M1 has been off the pace during testing and it is neighbouring manufacturers and rivals Honda that have been dominating the headlines.

Considering motorsport is all about mechanical advantages and deep sponsorship pockets, Yamaha appear to be starting the year on the back foot and, while Jorge is defending champion, it appears he could well be the underdog once more.

Many MotoGP critics will argue its probably too early and too outrageous - to claim a current World Champion on a multi-title winning bike is an underdog but with the team set to start the season without a major sponsor and the bike struggling to match the Hondas for power and traction, the high-speed Qatar circuit could see the Yamaha found wanting.

On the other hand, when you analyse how Jorge has risen up the ranks you realise that this guy only knows how to win, no matter what the odds are against him. Last year he started in the shadow of fellow team-mate and World Champion, Valentino Rossi, yet ended it covered in glory. So you could say that being the underdog is a position hes suited to as he manages to use adverse situations to ignite the afterburners and lead from the front. But his dogged determination to win doesnt mean he manhandles the bike his smooth riding style preserves tyres better than any other rider, giving him the edge as others struggle to find grip in the latter stages of a race.

If you watch Jorge during the post and pre race press interviews he listens intently to what everyone has to say, especially the other riders, while others switch off the moment the microphone is handed over to another rider.

When you take into consideration the Spaniards constant thirst for knowledge and how he arrived into the sport from a humble background, its no surprise that the World Champion is the rider others fear the most. The glory days of the dominant Rossi look to be over and once the rampant horsepower edge of the Hondas have been reined in then the underdog should claw back to lead the pack at the end of the season.


Sport&Fitness talked to Jorge to find out if hes man or machine and what it takes to become a World Champion:

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80% of the money we had went towards my racing. At a waterpark in Mallorca called Aqualand there was a little park for mini- bikes, go-carts and mini-cross and I spent all day every summer from the age of five onwards at the park racing or on my bike and I gradually improved and started to race competitively aged 10.

Q: At what stage did it look like you could make a career out of riding?JL: Well, I thought I was fast and the goal of becoming a professional was in both our minds but you never know what can happen.My dad always told me that if I can ride a 500 like I rode a broken bike I would be No.1 because I was crazy but also controlled and really, really fast. So I decided to leave my studies and keep racing. It is one thing to dream about becoming a professional and another thing to actually achieve it.

Q: How did your partnership with ex-manager Dani Amatriain come about?JL: My dad went to Barcelona to find some sponsors and he got in touch with Daniel Amatriain who was my manager until 2008. At first he gave him a video of me riding back in Mallorca and Dani said, We are full of riders, but I will watch your video anyway. The next day he phoned my dad and said: OK, you have to come back to Barcelona, I want your kid!

Q: When did you start taking notice of the sport on a global scale?JL: I started to watch the World Championship Races in 1995 so the first riders I watched on the TV were Max Biaggi, fighting with Tetsuya Harada for the 250 title. I liked Biaggi very much and also Carl Fogarty.

Q: Your fan base is rocketing like your career but can you still travel the world without being noticed and do you enjoy fame?JL: For me it is not a problem, but I realise every day a little more people recognise you on the streets. I like to sign autographs or take pictures with them, but obviously sometimes it is a problem like when people disturb you while you are eating, for example.

Q: Looking ahead to Qatar. What are the challenges of riding at night?JL: I would like to win the Qatar MotoGP for first time. Ive never done it there before. But the most important thing is to start the season well. We have to ride at night because the track temperature is too hot during the day, but the temperatures drop quickly at night as well so tyres are critical.

Q: Its a circuit youve done well at before. But with Losails long straight would you say it plays completely into the hands of the bike with the best top-end speed?JL:Yes, normally it is a track Casey Stoner likes and maybe Honda will be in front. But I am confident we will begin as best as we can.



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Above: Lorenzo at full tilt with his new team mate, Ben Spies, close behind at last years Qatar MotoGP.

Below: Its not only Valentino Rossi that has a huge following. This picture was taken in Australia in 2007 when Jorge won the 250 class!

Q: Youve worn a heart rate monitor during a few races and I cant believe that youre able to run sustained heart rates of up to 180bpm. How do you train to prepare for this?JL: Dorna (MotoGP commercial rights holder) was trying a new system that they might use soon during the grand prix. We were doing a documentary and they suggested I could wear it. Why not, I answered. For me it was not a problem. But after I saw it on TV I was wondering how 180 beats can be possible I never imagined my heart was running that fast. I train a lot and when you are in MotoGP you must be working out all the time to be in peak fitness.

Running a heart rate of 180bpm for an hour means these circuit warriors need to be as fit and as strong as the bikes they ride!


Q: Having travelled the world, where do you prefer to go to get away from it all? JL: I love to relax in Mallorca, where I was born. But also I like Bali, Ive been there the last two times for holidays and it is incredible. I like the beach, the pool, for me it can be summer every day.

Q: Do you collect anything? JL: I collect my trophies, helmets, watches, leathers, bikes etc I try to collect everything Ive used so I can create my own museum at home.

Q: Whats your most prized possession?JL: My MotoGP World title trophy, its beautiful!

Q: Whats the best film youve seen recently?JL: My favourite is Notebook, but recently maybe Inception.

Q: Which actor or actress makes you laugh the most? JL: I like Ben Stiller, he is fantastic in his movies. But my favourites are Robert De Niro, Jack Nicholson and Johnny Depp.

Q: Whats on your ipod at the moment and do you listen to anything in particular before a race?JL: Im listening to Linkin Park, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Sting and Phil Collins I like many kinds of music!



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Above: Jorges race winning celebrations are becoming legendary, but when he dived into the track-side lake after winning the 2010 Spanish GP at Jerez, it was nearly his last as hed not taken into consideration the weight of his race gear. Fortunately a fan dived in and saved him!

First Round[2] N Djokovic (SRB) def M Llodra (FRA) 6-3, 6-3[1] R Federer (SWI) def S Dewarrman (IND) 6-3, 6-3

Second Round[2] N Djokovic (SRB) def F Lopez (SPA) 6-3, 2-6, 6-4 [1] R Federer (SWI) def M Granollers (SPA) 6-3, 6-4

Quarter-finals [2] N Djokovic (SRB) def F Mayer (GER) 7-5, 6-1[1] R Federer (SWI) def S Stakhosky (UKR) 6-3, 6-4

Semi-finals [2] N Djokovic (SRB) def [3] T Berdych (CZ) 6-7, 6-2, 4-2 ret. (thigh) [1] R Federer (SWI) def R Gasquet (FRA) 6-2, 7-5

Final [2] N Djokovic (SRB) def [1] R Federer (SWI) 6-3, 6-3

Route to the final [seed in brackets]

NOVAK Djokovic continued his incredible run of recent form with a straight sets victory over Roger Federer in the final of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships which sealed his third consecutive victory in the emirate.

The Serbian triumphed 6-3, 6-3 to end Federers challenge and continue his unbeaten run which stretches back to Serbias victory in the Davis Cup in December last year.

I was aware of the challenge that is expected of me on the court, and I was aware of the fact that I need to be on top of my game in order to beat Roger, said Djokovic.

So the focus was there. I was serving really well, especially the first set. Just the perfect performance overall.

Since reaching the semi-finals at the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals in November, the Belgrade native has gone on a career-best 14-match unbeaten run. He led Serbia to victory in the Davis Cup final before opening his 2011 season by winning his second Grand Slam championship at the Australian Open where he defeated Andy Murray in the final. His next event was the defence of his Dubai title and he eased into the semi-finals where he faced big-hitting third seed Thomas Berdych.

The Czech gave Djokovic a scare by taking the opening set 7-6 after a tie break but then the Serb fought back to take the second set 6-2. He was ahead 4-2 in the final set before Berdych was forced to retire with a thigh injury.

I couldnt serve, admitted the Czech. So to play Novak, one of the best returners, this time to play without the serve no chance.

Despite the win Djokovic was not happy with the way he had played ahead of his showdown with Federer,

saying it was his worst performance for a long time. I hate it when I play this way, but I was still trying to fight within myself and trying to stay focused and at least hold serve, he said.

However, it took just a day to redeem himself as he roared out of the blocks against the World No.2 in the Championship Match their 21st head-to-head in history. Djokovic broke Federers serve twice in quick succession as he took the opening set in just 33 minutes.

At 1-1 in the second set Federer finally started to find his rhythm and broke Djokovics serve. Federer couldnt capitalise though and lost his service game to love with the set at 3-2. Djokovic then ran riot, winning the next three games to take the title and end the contest after 71 minutes.

Im a different player in the last year I have a serve, Djokovic said after becoming the sixth active player to win 20 ATP titles. Last year, the serve was not there and I was struggling a lot. I was using a lot of energy. Now I get to have some free points, which is important.

Federer said: Well, it was a missed chance for me, really. I started bad and then kind of got into the match, but things are over in a hurry sometimes in best of three set tennis.

Having lost to Djokovic in the last two Grand Slam tournaments and now in Dubai, Federer said: Weve had it kind of come and go in spells a bit when it comes to playing against each other. I definitely feel hes playing well.

I thought he was already playing well at the end of last year. We had a couple of real close ones but this one has been one of the rather disappointing matches for me against him. n



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Maintains Dubai DominationDjokovic


Wozniacki

Route to the final [seed in brackets]

First Round[1] C Wozniacki (DEN) bye[16] S Kuznetsova (RUS) def [Q] N Llagostera Vives (ESP) 64, 62

Second Round[1] C Wozniacki (DEN) def A Chakvetadze (RUS) 6-1, 3-5 ret. (illness)[16] S Kuznetsova (RUS) def T Pironkova (BUL) 5-7, 6-2, 6-4

Third Round [1] C Wozniacki (DEN) def [Q] A Morita (JPN) 6-1, 6-0[16] S Kuznetsova (RUS) def [3] F Schiavone (ITA) 1-6, 6-0, 7-5

Quarter-finals [1] C Wozniacki (DEN) def [9] S Peer (ISR) 6-2, 6-4[16] S Kuznetsova (RUS) def [8] A Radwanska (POL) 7-6(7), 6-3

Semi-finals [1] C Wozniacki (DEN) def [6] J Jankovic (SRB) 7-5, 6-3 [16] S Kuznetsova (RUS) def [11] F Pennetta (ITA) 6-4, 6-4

Final [1] C Wozniacki (DEN) def [16] S Kuznetsova (RUS) 6-1, 6-3

WORLD NO.1 Caroline Wozniacki enhanced her reputation as one of the strongest competitors on the ladies circuit with a resounding 6-1 6-3 victory over Svetlana Kuznetsova in the final of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships.

The delightful Dane didnt drop a set throughout the entire tournament as she romped to her 13th career WTA title. World No.23 Kuznetsova, who endured her third loss in the Dubai final, had no answer to Wozniackis game as the 20-year-old wrapped up the final in 75 minutes.

Wozniacki dominated from the start, breaking Kuznetsova to take a 2-0 lead. The Russian then held her service game to make it 2-1 but Wozniacki took control and won the next four games to take the opening set. She continued to dominate and forced Kuznetsova to save two match points at 5-2 before eventually serving out for the championship in one hour and 15 minutes.

I was hitting the ball cleanly and aggressively. I knew I had to, because if Svetlana is allowed to dictate, shes just too strong, said Wozniacki. It was very important to stay pretty close to the baseline and keep her moving. Im a player that can play aggressively, I can play defensively, and I can mix it up and wait for the right moment. It depends on the opponent and it depends on how I feel.

Kuznetsova, who was runner-up in 2004 and 2008, again had to settle for second place and paid tribute to her opponent.

I was just making so many unforced errors, said the

Russian. She defends well and doesnt really give you many free points. She plays a stable game and she wins.

I just kept changing my strategy all match instead of just choosing one thing and playing it. Shes just a smarter player. Thats it.

After receiving a bye in the opening round Wozniacki despatched Anna Chakvetadze, Ayumi Morita and Shahar Peer to set up a semi-final match up with Jelena Jankovic and in doing so regained the World No.1 spot just four days after losing it to Kim Clijsters.

Its nice to see your name at the top, she said ahead of her match with Jankovic. Thats what I practice for. But when I go into a tournament, the most important thing for me is to do my best and try to win that tournament. If I play well, the rankings will come automatically.

Wozniacki needed to be at the top of her game as she pitted her wits against Jankovic as the Serbian came flying out of the traps in their semi-final match and stormed into a 3-0 lead.

Jankovic looked to be heading for the set when leading 5-3 but she failed to capitalise and Wozniacki forced a forehand error to break her serve. Wozniacki then broke again to go 6-5 up and held off two break points against her own serve to take the set.

After an epic first set the World No. 1 finished off a visibly tiring Jankovic 6-3 to earn her place in the final and where she made light work of Kuznetsova to take her first title in the Middle East. n

On top of the World in Dubai



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EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH

BY RICHARD BEVAN

SEBASTIAN Vettel completed his meteoric rise to the summit of F1 last year by becoming, at 23 years and 134 days, the youngest World Champion ever.

The likeable German came out on top in one of the closest and most thrilling seasons the sport has witnessed in recent memory, after a stunning drive in the last race of the year at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi gave him his fifth victory of the season and the Drivers World Championship.

The win also gave Red Bull Racing a sensational double, having already wrapped up the Constructors Championship a week earlier in Brazil when Vettel and his team-mate, Mark Webber, did a one-two.

Vettel has always been destined for greatness. As a karting Wunderkind, who idolised his fellow countryman Michael Schumacher, he won a hatfull of titles over an eight-year period, having started racing competitively at just 7-years-old.

Red Bull were the quickest to notice his potential, offering him his first sponsorship deal at the tender age of nine. Its fair to say that since joining the teams F1 ranks, first for Scuderia Toro Rosso in 2007, and then with the top-tier Red Bull Racing in 2009, Vettel has repaid their faith in droves.

In 2008 he became the youngest driver ever to win an F1 Grand Prix by demonstrating his skill in the rain at Monza in the Italian GP, aged just 21 years and 74 days. The victory was the first by a Red Bull-owned team and Vettel ended the season with 35 points more than the Red Bull Racing pairing of Mark Webber and David Coulthard combined.

Vettel was promoted to Red Bull Racing the following year when Coulthard retired and came agonisingly close to claiming the World Championship, winning four races to finish runner-up to Jenson Button before victories in Malaysia, Valencia, Japan, Brazil and Abu Dhabi saw him go one better last year.

With the cancellation, or perhaps postponement, of the Bahrain GP hell have to wait another couple of weeks to begin his Championship defence. But Sebastian Vettels feathers arent easily ruffled and hes proved a master at dealing with whatever comes his way, both on and off the track.



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SFME: How is the new car feeling ahead of the season, how does it compare to the RB6 and what are your thoughts about defending your World Championship crown?SV: Its still early in the season but I was very satisfied after the first tests with the new car. The RB7 is an evolution of the RB6, so it feels pretty much the same as last season. How good and how good compared to the others it is will probably only dawn on us for the first time in Australia. But why shouldnt we be on the same performance level as last season? There is nothing to be said against us again being one of the hottest candidates for the titles.

SFME: Youre known to keep in very good shape physically what work have you done over the break to prepare for the season-opener in Australia?SV: January and February are the months when you begin the basic training to raise your fitness level. There are no races, so you can train physically more and you can go a little on the edge. The amount of training and the intensity is higher. Cardiovascular training is longer (more time, more kilometers), power training is more basic strength and even a little building of muscle in the important areas (specifically for training areas like the neck, upper back and hips, (middle core). There are different games badminton, tennis, squash, etc which help. Also different speed coordinations, are included. The main idea of training in January and February is that you can really concentrate on training and recovery. Also you can do different things like snow-shoe walking and skiing because you have time to go into the mountains and train.

SFME: How has your life changed since becoming World Champion and does this make it more difficult to put in the hours in the gym and on the track practicing?SV: Not at all. For sure I had to attend a lot of functions and events after the win but after

Christmas everything calmed down and I had the chance to spend time on my own and with my family and friends, which was important. For me life hasnt changed so far, only that I received a nice trophy with my name on it!

SFME: How difficult is it to become World Champion in todays ultra competitive F1 world and did you ever dream success would happen so fast?SV: Its difficult, for sure, because you win the title against the best racing drivers in the world. When youve got it, its just amazing. I never dreamt I would become the youngest World Champion of all time, but, yes, I dreamt to become World Champion.

SFME: What went through your mind when you crossed the line in Abu Dhabi and how did you celebrate afterwards?SV: It was funny when I crossed the line, I was waiting for my engineer to call me, then he came on the radio and said, OK and I thought hmmm, it didnt work. Then he said we had to wait for the other cars to cross the line and I then knew exactly what he was talking about, I knew he was going through the positions. And all of a sudden he was starting to scream World Champion and everything just stopped. I was just so happy in the moment and totally out of my mind. When I heard the recording of myself on the radio, initially I was a bit embarrassed because I sounded like a little kid or a baby girl screaming. It was funny for me to hear it for the first time. It was very special because immediately you have the situation replaying in your head and all the good feelings are coming up again it was incredible.

SFME: When did it actually sink in that you were World Champion how does it feel to be racing this season with No.1 on your car?SV: I had a moment during the test in Valencia, when I was on an in-lap. The sun was shining,

above me, there was beautiful blue sky, the blue of my car was shining and the No.1 on the car was shining. At this moment I thought, Boy, this feels so good.

SFME: How successful was the new points system last year in making races more exciting and what were your highlights of the season? SV: The new points system was all right, because it was the same for all of us. The highlight of the year for me was winning the Championship in Abu Dhabi!

SFME: Does the fact that we had such a close Championship last season with four drivers in contention right to the end, signal that were entering a golden period for F1?SV: It could be. There are seven drivers or more who could win the title this year so its a great time for the sport.

SFME: You and Lewis Hamilton are both still young and yet already have a World title each what are your thoughts on Lewis and your rivalry with him?SV: Lewis is a great driver, for sure, one of the best. But its not only him I have to beat! There are a lot of great drivers out there.


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SFME: You like to name your cars. What have you named your car for the 2011 season?SV: We still need a few test sessions to give the car a name. But it will certainly be a she. Of course, some things have changed as I am more recognised now, so I get asked for my autograph more often than before. But I think my personality hasnt changed. This is a good thing and I try to be reliable and strong. Maybe we can find a name that fits this character.

SFME: There have been inevitable comparisons between you and Michael Schumacher but I know you prefer to create your own legacy has winning the Championship helped do that, has it made it worse or do the people of Germany now expect you to win another six!SV: The secret is to now stay who I am and continue doing it my own way. You cannot go out there and say, Ill do it exactly like my role model, Michael, I will do it like him and win seven titles that doesnt work because everyone is different. I think there will always be certain things you can learn from others, great teams like Ferrari or McLaren, great champions like Michael, but in the end they are so different but still they managed to win three or four titles. Take Senna and Prost I dont think they were going out for dinner together very often!

SFME: Many people assume that all racing drivers come from a privileged background but its not always the case what sacrifices did your family have to make to enable you to progress in the sport?SV: As we travelled nearly every weekend to a kart race my family had to sacrifice much of their own private life for my career.

SFME: How much does your upbringing help you keep you grounded and not get carried away with success but to stay focused on improving?SV: My family and my friends the same friends I have had now for many years help me to keep my feet on the ground and stay who I am.

SFME: Which of your qualities or character traits have been most important in making you into a World Champion?

SV: Belief always believing in your team and yourself.

SFME: Youre known to like British TV classics such as Monty python and music like the Beatles what is it about British culture that appeals to you?SV: Well, I just like this special kind of British culture and humour.

SFME: Who do you think will be your main rivals for the World title this season and can you ward them off to make it two in a row?SV: I think Ferrari, McLaren and maybe Mercedes. But who knows, maybe an outsider like Renault has got it dead right and we will see some surprises this year. What I want to say is that you have to bank on your own strength but never lose track of the others insider or outsider alike!

SFME: You are the hunted prey this season who everyone has to catch. Do you feel more comfortable as the hunter or the hunted? SV: When it means that its a sign that I am the champion then it feels good. But Im well aware of the fact that I have to attack from the very beginning because, champion or not, we all start at zero again.

SFME: Have you been impressed with the growth of F1 in the Middle East and how do you enjoy racing in the region?SV: Its really amazing to watch every year how the area is developing. And, yes, I enjoy driving on the Middle East tracks very much.


F1 IS BACKEVENTUALLY!

THE news that F1s season-opening Bahrain GP has been postponed is undoubtedly a blow to the region and to race fans both locally and around the world however it also brings into sharp focus that fact that while many of us live and breathe it, some things in life make sport pale into insignificance.

But its not all doom and gloom. Organisers gave a clear hint that the race would still take place later in the schedule with the Australian GP on March 27th restored to its old position as Round 1 on the race calendar.

Bahrains Grand Prix is a time of celebration and hosting the race is a source of great pride for Bahrain and Bahrainis, said Zayed R Alzayani, Chairman of the Bahrain International Circuit. It is a showcase to the world and we look forward to welcoming the teams and drivers and everyone involved in Formula One back to Bahrain in the very near future. I hope that F1 and our friends around the world will understand our decision at this difficult time.

F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone added: It is sad that Bahrain has had to withdraw from the race, we wish the whole nation well as they begin to heal their country. The hospitality and warmth of the people of Bahrain is a hallmark of the race there, as anyone who has been at a Bahrain Grand Prix will testify. We look forward to being back in Bahrain soon.

So well just have to wait a little longer to see the F1 road show role back to the Middle East but in the meantime there will still be plenty of racing action around the world for us to feast our eyes on, starting with the Albert Park showdown in Oz.



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Vettel became, at 23 years, 134 days, the youngest F1 World Champion in history last year after some sensational performances that yielded 10 poles and five victories. Back for the Constructors Champions Red Bull Racing with teammate Mark Webber in the RB7, all eyes will be on the German as he bids to make it two in a row. But expect this composed young champion to keep his cool. A tenacious and intelligent driver, Vettel is a master at reacting to different conditions and circumstances.

Team: Red BullNationality:GermanDate of Birth:03/07/1987podiums:19Victories:10points: 381Grand prix entered: 62 World Championships:1

Two-time World Champion Fernando Alonso is regarded as perhaps the most complete driver in F1. Alonso overhauled a 47-point deficit last year to enter the final race in Abu Dhabi top of the standings but lost out to Sebastian Vettel after the German won at the Yas Marina Circuit. Ferrari havent won the World Championship since 2007 and the Italians will be desperate to do so this year. Alonso got better as the year went on in his debut season for the Scuderia and has a strong chance of going one better than last years runner-up spot in the 2011 World Championship.

Team: FerrariNationality: SpanishDate of Birth: 29/07/1981podiums: 63points: 829Victories: 26World Championships: 2

Mark Webber enjoyed the season of his career last year, winning four times in the lightening-quick RB6 and helping Red Bull win the Constructors Championship with team-mate and five-time winner Sebastian Vettel. Webber was in with a shout of the World Championship heading into Abu Dhabi but an eighth place finish left him third in the Drivers standings as Vettel took the spoils. Never afraid to speak his mind, the Aussie is equally uncompromising on the track and his performances last season will ensure that nobody will underestimate him in 2011.

Team: Red BullNationality: AustralianDate of Birth: 27/08/1976podiums: 20points: 411.5Victories: 6


F1 is privileged to have not one but two young superstar drivers at the moment and Lewis Hamilton certainly joins Vettel in fitting that category of world-class drivers under the age of 26. The 2008 World Champion struggled with an uncompetitive car for much of 2009 and was often bettered for pace by the Red Bulls and Ferraris last year but with typical gutsy, intelligent driving, he still managed three victories to finish fourth in the overall standings.

Team: McLarenNationality: BritishDate of Birth: 07/01/1985podiums: 36points: 496Victories: 14World Championships: 1

The 2009 World Champion proved that he wasnt going to live in Lewis Hamiltons shadow after joining McLaren last year, by winning two of the first four GPs with stunning drives in Australia and China. He was in contention for the title right up until the penultimate race in Brazil and eventually finished fifth in the Drivers Championship. Silky smooth and as clever around the track as they come, Button has proved beyond doubt that when hes given the right weapon, he can hold off all comers.

Nationality: BritishDate of Birth: 19/01/1980podiums: 31points: 541Victories:9World Championships:1

Expect the seven-time World Champion to return even stronger this season after a tough comeback year. Schumie was forced play second fiddle to team-mate Nico Rosberg last season but put together a string of decent results over the closing stages of the Championship. Ninth place in the final standings wont sit comfortably with a born winner like Schumacher but with the cobwebs now dusted off hes sure to improve this year, providing Mercedes are able to come up with a competitive car.

Team: Mercedes GPNationality: GermanDate of Birth: 03/01/1969podiums: 154points: 1441Victories: 91World Championships: 7



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Felipe Massa will be going flat out to prove hes not just Fernando Alonsos wing man this season. The Brazilian attracted controversy when he moved aside at the German GP to let his new team-mate through as Ferrari threw their weight behind the Spaniard. But Massa has shown many times in the past that hes more than capable of winning the Championship himself. He missed out by a single point to Lewis Hamilton in 2008 after six victories before a life-threatening injury suffered in qualifying for the Hungarian GP forced him to miss half of the 2009 campaign.

Team: FerrariNationality: BrazilianDate of Birth: 25/04/1981podiums: 33points: 464Victories: 11

Nico Rosberg is another of the fast rising stars in F1. He impressed everyone by stealing the limelight from Michael Schumacher in the Mercedes team last year and despite not yet having won a GP hes been on the podium five times If he gets a quick enough car hell definitely be one to keep your eye on.

Team: Mercedes GPNationality: GermanDate of Birth: 27/06/1985podiums: 5points: 217.5

For the dark horse of the 2011 Championship keep a look out for Adrian Sutil. The Force India driver has proved to be extremely competent behind the wheel in his three seasons in F1 and has demonstrated his impressive ability to get the very best out of largely uncompetitive cars. If the Force India car has any kind of power he may be able to sneak his first win around some of the tighter circuits.

Team: Force IndiaNationality: GermanDate of Birth: 11/01/1983podiums: 0points: 53Grand prix entered: 71


Im fitter than ever, I hope weve built another strong car and Im looking forward to winning more races. With a field as strong as the one we had in 2010, and the drivers Ill be racing against in 2011, its never going to be easy to win consistently, but thats half the fun sometimes. Im simply looking forward to another fantastic year.

I know the team better now. I know the names of the mechanics, which I didnt last year, and Im now far more integrated within the team. What has been carried out in 2010 has continued in the development of this new car. I feel it will be easier for me to adapt to the new car and I hope it will be as strong and as beautiful.

You always feel the pressure when you drive for Ferrari, but especially for me in 2011 because last year was a very difficult one. So I would like to start this season with positive results, and Im confident I will be able to do this.

I very much look forward to the new season. We have said it several times already but again we are really building up something big together. I am very confident that this season we will be standing on the podium much more regularly ideally in the middle!

Looking back at the 2010 season from a personal angle I have to say it was a good season. I was able to beat Michael and delivered the best possible results with the car I was given. For my career that meant a pretty good leap forward and in the end that is all that matters. Sure, on the other hand it was a bit disappointing because, naturally, you want to walk away with better results overall.

I have had good years and bad years, but this season promises to be one of the best I have been involved in. We will have five world champions on the grid, plus guys like Mark Webber (Red Bulls Australian driver), who have gone close to winning in the past. Its going to be very close and its going to be a good fight.

Its been an encouraging start. Weve had good reliability and a reasonable performance. Its a solid foundation to start developing towards the first race of the season.

The (World Championship) trophy bears my name, and should there be any doubt it, all I have to do is look at the trophy to convince myself that its not a dream. It makes you very proud, but then as a professional athlete you put aside all that vanity very quickly and concentrate again on your core business.

Im genuinely excited about the 2011 season. I just missed out on the top 10 last year in the drivers standings but Im pretty hopeful I can get in there this season! The progress the team has shown over the past two years has been very impressive and what Ive seen in the factory and at the wind tunnel over recent weeks indicates that the rate will continue this year. I feel very good and confident; the team and I know each other very well and we know how to get the most from each other.

KERS RETURNSIt debuted in 2009, was out in 2010, and now its back. Make your mind up guys! The Kinetic Energy Recovery System takes waste energy generated by braking and converts it into a power boost available via a button on the steering wheel. Anyone whos ever played Super Mario Kart will get the idea. With refueling during races now banned the tanks are bigger which means theres less room to accommodate the battery packs, so with maximum weight also increased to 640kg we could see chunkier bodywork in places. KERS is not compulsory.

ADJUSTABLE REAR WINGSWhile the moveable front wing we saw in 2010 is out, the moveable rear wing is in. The electronically-controlled rear wing can be altered by the driver at any time during practice or qualifying but when the race is on, the system can only be activated when the driver is less than one second behind the car in front at pre-determined points on the track. Used in conjunction with KERS we should see an increase in overtaking this season. Adjustable rear wings are not compulsory.

NO F-DUCTS OR DOUBLE DIFFUSERSBanned for 2011, as is any device or procedure that uses driver movement as a means of altering the aerodynamic characteristics of the car so that means the much-debated F-ducts is a non-starter. Also out are the controversial double diffusers that helped Brawn GP to their shock World Championship win two years ago. WHEEL TETHERSAfter the increasingly frequent sight of wheels rolling across the track minus their cars during the in 2010 campaign, the teams are now obliged to attach a second tether, while both tethers must be contained in separate areas of the suspension. This ones all about safety rather than performance.

TYRESOne of the most significant changes for the 2011 season is the switch to Pirelli tyres after Bridgestones decision to withdraw from F1 after 13 years, at the end of last season. Pirelli, who were last involved in F1 in 1991, will provide tyres for the next three years. This year will see the allocation reduced from 14 to 11 sets of dry-weather tyres available to drivers on a race weekend. They will each receive three sets two prime, one option to use in P1 and P2 and will return one set after each session. Theyll then get eight sets for the rest of the weekend but must hand back one set of each specification before qualifying takes place. Drivers must use both specifications of drys during a dry race or they will be disqualified.

GEARBOXESIn another money-saving initiative for the sport, gearboxes will now have to last five weekends instead of four.

RACE RULE CHANGES107% Qualifying RuleDrivers must now get within 107% of the fastest lap time in Q1 to be allowed to start the race, so expect it to be full-on from the start in qualifying. In exceptional circumstances a driver who has set a quick enough time in practice may be permitted to start.

TEAM CURFEWThe FIA have decided that the boys in the paddock are working too hard and have imposed a restriction on operating hours prior to practice sessions. Teams will not be allowed onto the circuit between 12.0midnight and 6.0am the night before a 10.0am practice session and between 1.0am and 7.0am before an 11.0am practice session. Each team will be allowed four exceptions to this rule throughout the season.

penaltiesStewards are to be given more power to impose penalties on drivers or teams who break the rules. Theyll be able to issue time penalties, disqualify drivers and exclude them from subsequent races.

Team OrdersThe furore caused by Felipe Massa in letting his team-mate Fernando Alonso pass him, seemingly under Team Orders last season, brought the issue under focus and exposed a grey area of what exactly constitutes a Team Order so the decision has been made to allow them for the 2011 season.

ITS all change once again in the world of F1 as the rule book is rewritten for the 2011 season. But what does it all mean?


AS the RBS Six Nations Championship comes to the crunch with the final rounds, the biggest competition in Northern Hemisphere Rugby Union, involving England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, France and Italy, is enjoying its most enthralling and entertaining series since its inception. MIKE GALLEMORE talks to Wales outstanding second row forward, Bradley Davies, about the thrill and the honour of playing for Wales and the importance of giving the fans what they want to watch.


GENTLE GIANT Bradley Davies has made his mark in more ways than one on the international rugby union scene in recent seasons as one of the games most talented second row forwards.

Yet the 6 6, 19 stone powerhouse is mindful of the responsibility he feels the players should shoulder in producing attractive, attacking rugby. He also believes that playing international rugby and representing Wales on the World stage is an extraordinary honour. Hes a man who always gives his all and hes grateful to be enjoying life at the highest level.

Playing international rugby for Wales is a very special thing, says Davies. Not many players get the chance but when it happens youve got to enjoy every minute of it, on and off the field. Its a momentous occasion to play for your country.

Im really enjoying this years Six Nations its become a very level series over the past few years. Theres very little difference between the strength of all six teams. The newcomers to the series, Italy, have improved enormously through their players competing in top-flight club rugby and the national team playing in the Six Nations. On their day Italy are capable of beating any of us. They were desperately unlucky to lose 11-13 to Ireland when they deserved to win and they surprised everyone by beating France 22-21.

The 2010 autumn internationals proved that the Europeans could match the likes of Australia, New Zealand and South Africa and Davies argues that they are no longer teams to be feared. The gap is certainly getting smaller and recent results show that the Northern Hemisphere sides can give as good as they get. Wales pushed a lot of the top teams all the way last year for the majority of the games but we slipped up and made

too many costly mistakes. Davies reckons its an aspect of the Wales game that is gradually improving. Were getting better but we did the same thing against England in the Six Nations at the Millennium Stadium last month when we lost 19-26, says Davies. We started poorly and gave them a couple of soft tries. From then on we were chasing the game and although we finished strongly we couldnt get back.

But we realised our mistake and talked about getting some early momentum. We knew

we had to make a solid start against the Scots at Murrayfield. We regrouped and managed to make a massive start and put the Scots under pressure right from the outset. That made all the difference in finishing 24-6 winners.

Davies reckons that Wales rugby is on the up, saying: Weve built a very strong squad. The boys who have come into the team have all stepped up to the mark and weve got a number of world-class players.

We like to test ourselves against great teams and we believe we can beat any team in the world when we get it right. We pride ourselves on playing good rugby. The better the competition the better we become. We try not to be a boring team. We pride ourselves on playing good rugby.

In Wales weve got a long tradition to live up to of playing good, open rugby but youve got to have the ball before you can do that.

Wales took a lot of criticism a few seasons ago for not being strong enough in the set piece. We took that on board. We knew we had to get it right at the set piece and tighten our defence. But we also knew that once weve got possession were a dangerous prospect for any team to face.

Dont forget, weve all been taught from a very young age that if youve got space in front



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Dont forget, weve all been taught from a very young age that if youve got space in front of you then you go for it. If youve got a team-mate on your outside you give him the ball at the right moment. Bradley Davies


of you then you go for it. If youve got a team-mate on your outside you give him the ball at the right moment. Play the game in front of you were born with that. Its in our DNA.

Theres no point having a world-class back line if you dont get the ball to them and our backs have proved how effective they can be if they get enough good ball. Its the job of the forwards to provide good ball. Now weve got a solid pack and a strong front five and were a good team.

Were also strong in the line-out and were dominant in the scrum. We believe in ourselves as players and as a team. Weve stamped our mark on the international game and opposition teams look at us in a different way now.

Davies admits hes earned the reputation of being the joker in the Wales pack. I like to have a bit of fun and crack a few jokes and I suppose Im a bit of a practical joker, although Im biding my time at the moment, he says.

The camaraderie in the Welsh team is great, although we play for different clubs. Eight weeks over the period of the Six Nations is a long time to be together so its great that we all get on so well with one another. It would be a hard eight weeks if we didnt get on. We enjoy each others company and youve certainly got to have a thick skin to be in this squad.

Theres always a lot of banter flying round and we all have to get used to having our leg pulled if youve got a stupid haircut or something like that for a bet or for a charity you know youre in for a hard time. Its part of the fun. The Wales dressing room is a great place to be and I always enjoy going to camp with the boys.

Davies believes that its not only the strength and skill displayed on the pitch that matters but also what happens before and after games. The big thing about rugby is learning when to switch off, he says. Rugby, and particularly international rugby, is a very intense environment. If youre not careful, your life can become too rugby intense. You pump yourself up for the game but youve got to know how to recover after the game. Theres a time and place for everything in rugby. Youve got to enjoy the game but youve also got to enjoy the time you have off the pitch.

The great thing about rugby is that after a match you can have a laugh not only with your

On the field you want to tear each others heads off but after the game youre the best of friends. Bradley Davies

own team-mates but also with the opposition. On the field you want to tear each others heads off but after the game youre the best of friends.

You make a lot of friends off the field, many of whom last a lifetime. Its one of the most important traditions of rugby. Whatever happens over the 80 minutes, at the end you shake hands and have a laugh.

Playing international rugby enables you meet a lot of new people, experience totally different cultures and nationalities. Its an education and a wonderful experience.

Although England are heading the table going into the final round following their 22-16 win against Scotland, Davies says its not all over yet. We were desperately disappointed after the England defeat but the competition is still very much alive. It could all come down to our final game in France and Englands last match in Ireland. Its that close, which is great for the Six Nations.

Davies is renowned for his ball-winning qualities but hes also a ferocious weapon with ball in hand running at the opposition line. Hes the epitome of todays rugby player fit, fast and forceful. He hones his skills and his fitness on the training ground with his Club, Cardiff Blues and with the Wales team at training camp.

We train very hard at both speed and power, he says. With Wales we take it easier earlier in the week before a match and then step up the training on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, mostly on power and endurance.

Theres always a danger that too much training in the gym can make you go over the top and you risk becoming too muscular. I know I have to be nimble and fast off the mark as well as strong. I often train doing 10 metre sprints and do short and sharp sprints from a standing start.

Sticking to your diet is important. Theres a time and a place for good food and a few drinks. Giving yourself enough recovery time is also important. Todays game is so physical you sometimes dont appreciate how much it takes out of you. When I was younger I could play matches Saturday and Sunday but that would be impossible today.

Im a big believer that rugby is not all about strength and skill. Its also about your mental strength. Youve got to be quick-thinking to be able to make the right decision at the right time.

Any time you get the ball and you see a lovely No.10 or a young winger in front of you then thats preferable to taking on a big lump of a guy who can stop you dead in your tracks.

Its one thing to be strong physically but youve got to be mentally strong under pressure to make the right pass, the right kick, the right decision and be in the right place at the right time. Its a mental sport just as much as its a physical sport. In an international match you dont get much time to consider your options. Youve got a split second to decide before youre hammered to the ground.

I try and play the best I can and give it my all. It doesnt always happen but I always give it everything Ive got. I believe that at the end of the day even if the game doesnt work the way you want it to, your skill and ability will win out in the end.

Davies reckons that the recently introduced new rules and the directive to the referees to speed up the game is making rugby more spectator-friendly.

Weve all got that vital will to win and sometimes you go over the mark. Its not deliberate but its part of the game. Yellow cards may be more plentiful these days but theyve been introduced to combat the criticism that the game was getting stale and slow and its working. Its now getting faster,

thanks to the interpretation of the refs. The public want to see running rugby and the refs are doing a great job in encouraging attacking rugby.

A couple of years ago the game was more defensively orientated, players were killing the ball and coming in from the side but the public want to watch running rugby and thats what theyre getting with this Six Nations series.

Like so many families in Wales, rugby is in the blood of the Davies. Bradleys father, Bleddyn, played for Pontypridd and its no coincidence that he played at lock.

As a youngster, playing outside half with Pontyclun Juniors, Bradley soon found his natural position at lock with Beddau Youth before joining the Cardiff Blues Academy. He signed professional terms with the Blues at the age

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Sport Fitness Middle East Issue 10

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