Controversial MotoGP race at Le Mans 2011
Riders from Spain were leading the way in the 2011 FIM MotoGP World Championship, with Jorge Lorenzo for the Yamaha Factory just ahead of Dani Pedrosa for Repsol Honda. Australian rider Casey Stoner had also won a race on his Repsol machine, and was likely to continue setting the pace with his two European rivals. Round four was the French Grand Prix at Le Mans.

First BSB win for John Hopkins at Oulton
Yamaha and Honda riders headed the field after the first British Superbike meeting of 2011, and there had also been Suzuki runners on the pace. Following straight after the Easter Bank Holiday weekend kick off at Brands Hatch, round two of the series would take place at Oulton Park over the May Day Bank Holiday weekend. Would Shane Byrne or Tommy Hill be in front?

Dani Pedrosa’s turn at Portuguese Grand Prix
Following the clash involving Valentino Rossi (Marlboro Ducati) and Casey Stoner (Repsol Honda) in the Spanish Grand Prix, home race winner Jorge Lorenzo (Factory Yamaha) was leading the 2011 FIM MotoGP World Championship from compatriot Dani Pedrosa (Repsol Honda). Round three was to take place at one of Lorenzo’s favourite circuits, as Estoril hosted the Portuguese GP.

Hill in front after 2011 BSB opener at Brands
The new season of British Superbike racing was to get underway at Brands Hatch on Easter Monday. Which of the 2010 contenders would set the standard, or would there be some different names coming to the fore? HM Plant Honda rider Ryuichi Kiyonari was the defending champion in 2011, but Suzuki and Ducati riders had challenged his title efforts, and would want to do so again.

Jorge Lorenzo wins dramatic Spanish GP race
Casey Stoner was looking strong in the early stages of his new relationship with the Repsol Honda MotoGP team, but after taking the win in Qatar he would be moving on to a venue where his record was much less impressive - Jeréz de la Frontera, for the Spanish Grand Prix. Rivals Jorge Lorenzo, Dani Pedrosa and Valentino Rossi have all won at the track.

Casey Stoner wins in Repsol Honda début race
Some of the leading players had switched allegiance prior to the 2011 FIM MotoGP World Championship season, but reigning title winner Jorge Lorenzo remained with Yamaha as he embarked on his first title defence. It was his rivals Valentino Rossi (Yamaha to Ducati) and Casey Stoner (Ducati to Honda) who had switched, but who would benefit most?