The air temperature has been around 25 to 30°C, with the track temperature close to 40°C. The weather is sunny but there is a lot of sand on the circuit. Some engines have already been overheating today.

25 teams have entered. All of them are on either Dunlop or Pirelli tyres.

Maco Moto have recruited Thomas Hinterreiter and Jakob Smrz. [Judging by their lap times so far they have made a wise choice. MG]

BMW's Boxer Twins are not present at this race as they are now concentrating on development of their four cylinder SBK racer.

Rumours are that Team Kawasaki France won't run as an official entry in the championship next year, perhaps just supporting privateer teams at Le Mans and the Bol. [Ten Kate / Honda France / National Motos are also expected to only enter these two races next year. MG]

I really hope there'll be some interesting new and competitive permanent teams entered next year to reinforce the 2009 entry list.

That's all for now, folks,

Bye!