McWilliams future unsure

Jeremy McWilliams' future in the MotoGP class is uncertain as he waits for news of Aprilia's racing plans for 2005. BBC Sport

Larry Pegram's Italian Slide

Pegram uses Aprilia power to make the main event in mile dirt track. Superbike Planet

Qatar's new bike track is hot stuff

Reuters

Byrne to miss rest of season.

Former British Superbike champion Shane Byrne will miss the remaining four rounds of the 2004 MotoGP season after further tests on his injured wrist - sustained during a practice highside at Brno - revealed ligament and tendon damage. Crash.net

Brave rides rewarded for McWilliams, Byrne.

MS Aprilia duo Jeremy McWilliams and Shane Byrne both produced gutsy performances in Sunday's Japanese Grand Prix at Motegi, to be rewarded with world championship points. Crash.net

Byrne returns for Motegi.

British Superbike champion Shane Byrne will make a welcome return to MotoGP at Motegi this weekend, having missed the Portuguese Grand Prix after dislocating his left wrist in a spectacular accident during practise for the Czech Republic GP. Crash.Net

Fabrizio makes Aprilia impact.

Aprilia newcomer Michel Fabrizio made a confident start to his RS Cube debut, by finishing ahead of team regular Jeremy McWilliams in today's opening qualifying session for the Portuguese GP. Crash.Net