Thursday is setting-up day for the teams. The colorful wash rigs are set up and filled behind each garage, ready for the daily cycle of returning wheels darkened by carbon brake dust to the perfect appearance of having been made on Mount Olympus by gods. Each time bikes go out, they must look unapproachably perfect. In a couple of doorways stood men in team uniforms, talking. I'm thinking of paddock photos of the Honda team in the 1960s, bikes being serviced outdoors, in a grassy parking area. There is Aika-san, the team manager, and there is Nobby Clark, stacking clutch plates. Fifty years.
I walked down to the end and into the MotoAmerica paddock. Nothing moved but ad banners. It was like an empty ballpark, populated only by the occasional hot-dog wrapper, pushed along by wind.
Earlier in the day, I could hear the changes. For years, AMA practice was the wail of flat-crank inline-fours, but Thursday afternoon I was hearing the deeper, more MotoGP-like tone of the Graves Yamahas, louder now with the raised decibel limit. I tried to imagine the planning meetings in which technicians of the new media are confidently asserting, "Noise is an essential part of the racing experience." Okay, new game. No more of that "less sound, more ground."
The upshifts are more deliberate—real interruptions. No seamless gearboxes here!
On the way I had seen Ducati's new race manager Gigi Dall'Igna, walking up and down gesturing and talking. He looked like he was practicing an impassioned appeal to a jury, but was just on the phone.
On the way back to the Media Center, here came Dani Pedrosa in jeans, on his way to one of the Honda offices. Who would know that this compact man quietly keeps pace with (and is a member of) what is probably the fastest group of GP riders ever? They all have things to teach and they all learn from each other. Nothing can stay the same because the tires and the chassis are changing constantly. In such a group, new possibilities will be promptly exploited.
There is Lin Jarvis, Yamaha's team manager, talking in a small group.
The show's in town, everything's been unpacked, engines started, ready.
CHATTER:
VALENTINO ROSSI"I'm ready to start racing again during the second part of the season. I had a few days of rest, I went on holiday with my friends and I also trained. After nine races, this stop was very important so I could recharge myself. Now there are another nine races waiting for us and each of these will be very important for the championship. The first part went very well with nine podiums in nine races and I hope that the second part of this season will go just as well. Some of the tracks we're going to I really like, I have to be defensive at others. We start with Indianapolis, not one of my favourite circuits but there's always a great atmosphere here and the circuit is very nice. I'm ready to go!
JORGE LORENZO"The summer break was a good chance to rest and recharge our batteries for the second half of the season. I was able to enjoy some sunny days at the beach but I also trained a lot in California and Brazil, where I spent many days before Indy. I feel great, I'm in a very good shape and ready to face the important second part of the season. The first half was not so bad considering the beginning, so we are feeling very positive and hopefully we can fight in the best way possible with Valentino and Marc. Usually Indy is not one of my favorite tracks but I've won there in the past. Last year the tarmac improved a lot but its layout is different to that of other circuits. I think we can contend for the podium again so we need to be very focused during the whole weekend to try to gain valuable points."
MARC MARQUEZ"It's been great to have some time off to recuperate and recharge the batteries ready for the second half of the season. After the Misano test I went to Ibiza with some friends for a week which was fantastic, and much needed! Then we resumed our training schedule in order to prepare for the coming races. Now we are on our way to America for the Indianapolis GP. I love racing on American soil and appreciate the enthusiasm of all the fans. I like the Indy track it can be tricky with the changes in asphalt but as always we will work hard from Friday, and get back into our rhythm as quickly as possible!"
CAL CRUTCHLOW"This is a really important grand prix for us, and I am really looking forward to getting back on the bike after three weeks away from our sport. Everybody deserved a bit of a break and some down time. It's good for me, and good for the whole paddock, but it's nice to regroup with the team and get ready for the second half of the year. Honda have been working hard even in the break so I am really looking forward to the next races. Two races back to back is a nice start to the second part of the season especially on these two circuits (Indy and Brno)."
