Selling high-end integrated circuits, amplifiers and switchers to telecom equipment hubs in the late 1990s, it stumbled before the tech implosion of 2000, with its profits dropping 40% in 1998.

FORBES: Where Are They Now?

All this is necessary to produce the infinitely small patterns on the silicon wafers (like the one I am holding in the photo) that end up becoming transistors interconnected into elaborate circuits.

FORBES: What's It Like in a Semiconductor Fab?

Stoner, who plans to retire at the end of this season, was also disappointed -- having won the previous four races held at Spanish circuits.

CNN: Lorenzo extends MotoGP lead with Spanish success