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On Alex Hofmann:

Kawasaki’s Alex Hofmann will be forced to sit out the next two Grand Prix races in China and France as a result of the injuries sustained when he was highsided from his Ninja ZX-RR during a promotional event ahead of the Portuguese Grand Prix.

The 24-year-old German rider was diagnosed with a fractured scaphoid in his left wrist immediately after the crash, but a further medical examination at the renowned Klinikum Rechts Der Isar near Munich on Monday uncovered additional damage to the joint, forcing Hofmann to re-evaluate his recovery schedule.

In addition to the fractured scaphoid, Hofmann also suffered a hairline fracture to the bottom of the Ulna, one of the two bones that run between the elbow and the wrist, and soft tissue damage to his ankle. Doctors are also concerned about the possibility of ligament damage around the injured joints.

Hofmann will undergo exploratory surgery on Tuesday, under the direction of hand injury specialist Doctor Werber. The extent of the scaphoid fracture and associated ligament damage will be assessed during the operation, and a decision will be made as to whether additional surgery would speed Hofmann’s return to full fitness.

Whoa. If it weren’t for bad luck, he’d have no luck at all. I feel for the guy.

On Rossi & Laguna Seca (Some questions I pulled from the transcripts of the Q & A session he had regarding racing at Laguna Seca this year):

Hmmm…still teasing the motorcycle world.

Question: In looking at your Web site (edit - I see a lot of fan sites, but no official site…if someone can direct me ther I would appreciate it) you mentioned that several things about the four wheel guys and you’ve talked about your four wheel career. Maybe rallying in your future? Is there any more steps made to run some world championship events before you move there entirely.

Valentino Rossi: Yes, I don’t have enough on the Web site. Unfortunately, what is on Internet I don’t know. But anyway, I think the next year race anyway with the MotoGP with the bike, and after I decide if in the future I race with cars or not. I didn’t decide yet but anyway the cars are very special after the bikes so maybe possible.

Alright, now the Laguna Q & A.

Question: From watching the videos of Laguna Seca do you feel that the race will be difficult? Do you think the track will be difficult to learn or no problem?

Valentino Rossi: Yes, I think the track is difficult because it goes up and down a lot and I think it is quite technical and has some very difficult point the first left after the straight and the Corkscrew. For sure, in MotoGP it (the Corkscrew) will be interesting. There is a change of direction, then it is very much downhill so it is very technical and difficult. I hope they make all the works in Laguna for improve the safety because in the past that was not very safe. But anyway they make all the more changes for the Grand Prix. Thank you.

I wonder who will really be helping who, although I really look forward to seeing Edwards at a ‘home’ track.

Question: How much of a disadvantage will it be to have no previous racing experience at Laguna Seca and how much will you rely on your team mate Colin Edwards for advice on how to approach the track?

Valentino Rossi: For sure I never been to Laguna is a little bit of disadvantage because some other riders have already seen the track. But it is a new track and I think we will be able to make some practice on Thursday (Ed.-There will not be Thursday practice). Yes, a new track is always more difficult to set the bike, but we will see. About Colin, Colin is always very fast at Laguna and has the extra motivation for his home grand prix. So we will work to fight together to arrive in front.

Question: Colin talked about how you guys share information and that various tracks should go to and the knowledge he has about Laguna Seca. Are you going to be drawing from him on that or are you both pretty much going to go out, do your own set up and then share information.

Valentino Rossi: We really try to work together with Colin to set the bike because it is very difficult, especially at the beginning, so as two maybe we are faster than one. Colin knows the track very well. I think we speak together or we go out together during the practice. Maybe at the beginning it is better to go alone and maybe share information after some practice when the setting on bikes become better. Perhaps, I can get some secrets from Colin on the track, from following him.

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