U.S. GP begins today

The first Grand Prix to be held in the United States for 11 years begins today, Friday July 8, at the Laguna Seca circuit.

For the first time in the 49 year history of the California circuit, tickets have already sold out before the event begins, with 53,900 expect on both Saturday and Sunday.

Only one rider has competed in the GP class at the circuit, with Alex Barros competiing in 1994 in a race one by Italian Luca Cadalora. Max Biaggi, Loris Capirossi and Carlos Checa competed in the 250cc class, along with Kenny Roberts Jr, who rode as a wildcard.

It is the former Superbike riders who have more recent experience of the track, with Colin Edwards, Troy Bayliss and Ruben Xaus all having taken victories. Nicky Hayden and John Hopkins have also ridden the track as part of the AMA national series.

The Suzuki MotoGP squad are even marking the event with a special sponsorship and livery as they become the Red Bull Suzuki team for the Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix. Americans Hopkins and Roberts are both hopeful of good results, with Roberts having been involved with new safety features at the circuit.

Both Makoto Tamada and Toni Elias are hoping to return from injury to be able to make their first appearances in the U.S. And Britain’s Neil Hodgson will also be racing, albeit in the AMA Superbike race, as the 125cc and 250cc classes miss the round to reume in two weeks time at the British GP at Donington.

The full support list for the race will be the Superstars of Super Karts, which includes Eddie Lawson, Kevin Schwantz and Wayne Rainey, AMA Superbike, AMA Supersport and Superstock.

The MotoGP race will begin at 10pm UK GMT on Sunday, July 10th, and to keep up with the latest news keep checking this site throughout the weekend.

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