But yes, we will probably do a closed alpha before the dates that has been announced at E3. So, the wait could be smaller. Alinoa is working on a alpha key release scheme, but it is useless to ask directly for it.
We would like to do alpha tests in order to continue the development while the games are being tested. Since it is powered by user, it is more and more difficult for us to internally look after all the various features available and to see all of the best places to improve.
Nadeo will be ten year old on the 1st of November 2010. It also coincide with the average date we would like to make the most tests for TrackMania and ShootMania. It could be a little earlier or a little after. I doubt we can do before end of September anyway.
As for visual release and press communication, we have been quite offline since the TM2 announcement. We have to set up the right way to work internally at Ubisoft, but everything looks fine. As you have seen, maniaplanet was part of the annual conference of the group and it is quite a sign that our original plans (maniaplanet was first presented in 2008 to various publishers) is being taken with good consideration. The publishing part of maniaplanet is still in alpha version but there are good plan there as well, with a target to have a regular communication based on the specifics aspect of maniaplanet such as creations, competitions, animations etc.
alphas > betas
Florent 'Hylis' from Nadeo
(but pleasepleaseplease I want to have one 
Would like to give a helping hand, if needed.