“I think my team said it took me 26 seconds,” admitted Binder on how much time his moment at Turn 5 cost him. But after finishing only 29 seconds behind Quartararo and with Maverick Viñales (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) in second 4.6 seconds adrift, plus Andrea Dovizioso (Ducati Team) in third six seconds back, you could argue that mistake prevented him from standing on the Jerez podium. Of course, maths as simple as that in MotoGP™ very rarely is the case in practice, but it certainly highlights the South African’s potential.
His debut season last year, which was also the debut season for Petronas Yamaha SRT, saw him immediately impress at the first round in Qatar, setting the fastest lap around Losail International Circuit – an achievement that he repeated at Le Mans, his home Grand Prix. ‘El Diablo’ also became the youngest ever MotoGP™ pole sitter in Jerez, in what was a historic day for the team, with Franco Morbidelli joining him on the front row of the grid after qualifying second.
“Well, the negative point is obvious, Marc’s injury. This is really negative. When you have an injured rider, there’s almost no positive. But on the other side, we all saw and understand Marc’s level. In Qatar, there were some doubts about Marc’s performance. Now it’s clear that there isn’t a single doubt about this. His Honda RC213V and the rider himself are clearly two steps ahead. He wasn’t just a bit faster, he was much faster than all of the others. The difference, like it or not, is that he’s getting better year after year.”
No time for rest and little for reflection at Jerez. Just five days after that breathless, energy-sapping opening encounter of the season it’s back to work for aching bodies and high revving power units on the same piece of tarmac. It was a day of history making on Sunday, especially surrounding a mighty impressive 21-year-old Frenchman.
Jack Miller spoke with GP Corp’s podcast series ‘In the Fast Lane’ this week where the 25-year-old Aussie reflected on the Jerez MotoGP season opener and his front row seat for the sickening crash that put Marc Marquez in hospital.
“Anything is possible with Marc, I saw him lose the front and run wide, and I knew once I saw him stand it back up he would lose some time. When that happens you reset, refocus and the only goal in your mid then is trying to get back to the front, he was riding on the ragged edge and it ended up biting him on the butt there later in the race.
“It was kind of strange because Fabio was a bit up the road, and he had already caught Maverick, so I don’t know what he was trying to prove, it’s a shame for him, but it has blown the championship wide open for the rest of us.
Jack Miller chasing Marc Marquez
“Just getting points on the board on the weekend was the key thing and with guys like Rins, Marc and Cal, there is a lot of top guys there that have scored no points, and possibly won’t across the first couple of rounds, so with the season going to be as short as is, it could play out in our favour a bit later in the championship.
“I could have probably risked a little more towards the end of the race, but I had just done 23 laps in the hottest conditions I have ever ridden a MotoGP bike in, I was in a good points scoring position and I was not going to throw that in the bin, I have done it too many times and it is not much fun walking out of the gravel after you have put all that work in to get unrewarded, especially this early on in the championship.
“I was just happy to put some points on the board, set up a solid foundation, for sure once we get further on in the championship we can start to take more and more risks, but in these early days, especially after watching Rins crashing and getting injured in qualifying, Crutch getting injured in warm-up and then Marc getting injured in the race.
Gran Premio Red Bull de España
“I saw Marc’s crash first hand and I lost over a second as I had to roll out of the throttle as all I could see as I came through Turn Three was the side of a Repsol bike dead-centre in front of me and I thought, ‘oh I am going to hit this bike here’.
“This track has not been particularly good for Ducati here in the past so to come away with a decent haul of points we will take it. Then later on we do have some really good ones coming up for us, Brno and Austria, Valencia and even Aragon so I think we have got plenty of time to make up points.”
Jack Miller was in the mix right from the off at the season opener
Miller will be aiming to do exactly that this weekend when MotoGP swings into action oncve again at Jerez for round two which is dubbed Gran Premio Red Bull de Andalucía.
In the new Trailmax Mission tyre Dunlop have acknowledged the increasingly high demands many riders require when looking at a 50/50 dual-sport tyre, where riders are increasingly expecting less compromises with their tyre choice.
To deliver this Dunlop looked at the expertise of Sumitoto who they acquired in 2015, and the highly successful Falken Wildpeak off-road light truck tyre, with technology and elements from the Wildpeak incorporated into the new Mission.
Trailmax Mission Adventure tyre
After two years of development the Mission is claimed to offers almost knobby-like off-road performance, alongside high levels of grip on the road with a strong focus on ride quality and stability.
Durability was also a goal, with testing showing the Mission rear tyre offering 8000 miles, with the new tyre extensively tested at Dunlops Huntsville Proving Grounds in all conditions, as well as on the street.
The Mission offers the optimal combination of Dunlop’s dirt and street tyre technology, offering unmatched versatility.
Rather than offering a one-design-fits-all tyre, Dunlop have tuned the front and rear tyres specifically for the various ADV machines on the market, ensuring optimal performance and longevity on every machine.
Staggered Step technology was also incorporated into both front and rear tyres, giving the side knobs more rigidity and lug stability to prevent flex. This creates more biting edges, ensuring as the tread wears the next biting edge steps up, with the rear featuring different sized and shaped lateral blocks as a result of testing.
Features of the Trailmax Mission include the following
1. Improved Tread Grooves Deep tread grooves help the Mission deliver unyielding grip in a wide variety of terrain.
Improved Tread Grooves Deep tread grooves help the Mission deliver unyielding grip in a wide variety of terrain.
2. Staggered Step These steps in the grooves give the side knobs more rigidity, and create more biting edges for increased off-road grip.
Staggered Step These steps in the grooves give the side knobs more rigidity, and create more biting edges for increased off-road grip
3. Aggressive Upper Sidewall Wrap-around side lugs add rigidity and durability in rocky terrain, and improve steering in sand, mud and gravel.
Aggressive Upper Sidewall Wrap-around side lugs add rigidity and durability in rocky terrain, and improve steering in sand, mud and gravel.
The wrap-around side-lug was inspired by the Falken Wildpeak, adding rigidity and durability in rocky terrain, as well as allowing lower pressures to be run off-road with less risk of pinch flats, alongside thicker sidewall rubber. Other benefits include boosting steering stability in tricky conditions and making it easier to steer out of ruts off-road on the bike adventure bikes.
Both front and rear Mission tyres also feature a higher land/sea ratio, with 60 per cent land to boost road performance compared to the more dirt orientated and highly popular D606 which offers 30 per cent land ratio. Deeper tread depth also adds to the Mission’s features in comparison to the Trailsmart.
Trailmax Mission Adventure tyre
The Trailmax Mission is a bias tyre, as this construction is generally considered superiour for off-road use, with tread and sidewall elements designed as a single element, while a similar heavy-duty material as found in the American Elite and Elite 4 touring tyres was also used.
Designed and produced in Bufallo, New York alongside the brand’s premium touring and high-performance racing tyres, this is the first off-road capable tyre out of this facility.
Dunlop Trailmax Mission Adventure tyre Australian pricing
Front from: RRP AU $220.00 | RRP NZ $258.90
Rear from: RRP AU $290.00 | RRP NZ $375.90
The Dunlop Trailmax Mission offers the greatest range and flexibility in all conditions from the brand’s adventure rangeDunlop Trailmax Mission Adventure tyre
Rising Aussie star Max Whale (No. 18 Coondoo Cattle Co./Australian Road Services Kawasaki KX450F) came away with the first victory of his American Flat Track career following a tense multi-rider shootout in 2020’s AFT Singles season opener at the Volusia Half Mile on the weekend.
Max Whale on the front row, furthest away. Closest in shot is #17 Henry Wiles – Image Scott Hunter
The Australian ace established himself as the race favourite heading into the Main Event, but he had to work for it after getting a less-than-perfect start. That forced him to muscle his way past some of the sport’s most experienced riders, which he accomplished with seeming ease while still early in the race.
Max Whale worked his way quickly to the front and stayed there – Image Scott Hunter
Whale never relinquished the lead once he had seized it. However, he still felt the pressure applied from close behind throughout, only eeking out a small gap in the contest’s final stages. Prior to his late escape, the battle for the win was a six-rider affair, with three former premier class standouts all looking to unlock a way past Whale and the win.
“I don’t think I could have got any better of a start to the year than this,” Whale said. “I’m pumped — I can’t believe it. I had a bit of an ordinary start and came from about fourth or fifth. It felt like that race went forever! I could just feel the boys breathing down my neck the whole time. I just tried to keep smooth, consistent laps. I knew if I made one mistake, I would be buried in the pack.”
Max Whale on the podium after the opening race of the season alongside Chad Cose and Henry Wiles – Image Scott Hunter
Unfortunately young Max could not make it a double the following day in what was a double-header race weekend in Florida. Victory in the second round went to fellow rookie sensation Dallas Daniels (No. 32 Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F) with an inspired ride to victory on Saturday night.
An eight-rider pack fought for the lead throughout the eight-minute regulation of the Main, with Daniels, Chad Cose (No. 49 Wally Brown Racing/American Suzuki RM-Z450), and Mikey Rush (No. 14 Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F) all taking turns at the front with countless passes for position just behind.
But just as the timer clicked 0:00 to set up a final two-lap shootout to decide the winner, the red flag flew. As a result, Daniels took point in a staggered restart, lining up just ahead of team-mate Rush and Shayna Texter (No. 52 Red Bull KTM Factory Racing 450 SX-F).
Max Whale – Image Scott Hunter
Once the race resumed, Rush sought a way past teammate Daniels but instead found himself displaced by Texter entering Turn 1 on the final lap. Daniels pumped his fist as he closed on the checkered flag, unaware that Texter had a run on him as well. Despite the near disaster, Daniels held on to the redemptive win by a scant 0.020 seconds at the stripe, even though Texter’s final charge marked the fastest lap of the night between the three competitors.
Despite the eighth place in the second round Max Whale remained the AFT Singles Championship leader with 36-points to Chad Cose’s 35-point tally.
American Flat Track AFT Singles Championship Points
Max Whale 36
Chad Cose 35
Michael Rush 32
Shayna Texter 30
Brandon Kitchen 27
Dallas Daniels 25
Henry Wiles 23
Tanner Dean 22
James Ott 18
Trent Lowe 18
American Flat Track SuperTwins
Five-time Grand National Champion Jared Mees (No. 9 Indian Motorcycle/Progressive Insurance FTR750) notched up the 50th premier-class victory of his American Flat Track career with a second dominant win at Barberville, Florida’s Volusia Speedway Park in Saturday’s Volusia Half-Mile II.
Jared Mees on his way to the double in Florida – Image Scott Hunter
The “50” that may be more relevant to Mees at the moment, however, is the 50 points he logged with his season-opening double victory that launched his 2020 AFT SuperTwins presented by Vance & Hines title campaign in perfect form.
Mees actually started from the second row this time around, allowing reigning AFT SuperTwins Champion Briar Bauman (No. 1 Indian Motorcycle/Progressive Insurance FTR750) a chance to make an early escape of his own after Mees’ Friday disappearing act.
Jared Mees on his way to the double in Florida – Image Scott Hunter
However, Mees worked fast, slashing through the field, and ultimately, Bauman less than three minutes into the Main Event. Mees steadily built his advantage up to just over a second as the two encountered lapped traffic and managed that gap to the checkered flag.
“What an amazing night,” Mees said. “We struggled in the Semi; we gambled with the set-up and just went backwards. Kenny Tolbert and Bubba Bentkey worked their magic for the Main and the motorcycle was hooked up so good off the corners thanks to Jimmy Wood with Öhlins Suspension. Those guys got me so hooked for the entire weekend, and I came in so hungry.”
Jared Mees celebrates the double in Florida – Image Scott Hunter
Brandon Robinson (No. 44 HCRR Racing/Ben Evans Racing Indian FTR750) dueled with Sammy Halbert (No. 69 Coolbeth-Nila Racing Indian FTR750) for third over the race’s opening half before clearing off to a lonely podium finish. It was a supremely gritty performance on the part of Robinson, who not only managed to finish third following 38 laps in sweltering conditions, but did so just seven weeks after breaking his ankle.
Halbert got swallowed up by a charging Brandon Price (No. 92 Roof Systems of Dallas, Texas Indian FTR750), but managed to retake fourth as they went back and forth while weaving past slower riders. Price actually found himself dropped back to sixth at the flag, as Davis Fisher (No. 67 BriggsAuto.com Indian FTR750) joined their fight late and stole away fifth position.
More well known AMA Superbike racers also returned to their dirty roots in Florida with JD Beach scoring two tenth places while veteran Larry Pegram took a pair of 18th place finishes.
American Flat Track SuperTwins Championship Points
Jared Mees 50
Briar Bauman 40
Sammy Halbert 32
Brandon Robinson 30
Bronson Bauman 27
Brandon Price 27
Davis Fisher 24
Dalton Gauthier 20
JD Beach 18
Jarod Vanderkooi 17
Moto News Weekly proudly brought to you by Dunlop
American Flat Track Production Twins
Reigning AFT Production Twins champion Cory Texter (No. 1 G&G Racing/Roof Systems Yamaha MT-07) was far from satisfied after opening his title defense with a ‘mere’ podium finish in Friday evening’s opener. He promptly set things right for himself in Saturday’s rematch, registering a blowout victory to put himself back atop the points order.
Texter grabbed the holeshot and never looked back. James Rispoli (No. 43 Latus Motors Racing Harley-Davidson XG750R) and Ryan Varnes (No. 68 RVR/RoyBuilt Don’s Kawasaki Ninja 650) raced in close formation behind the leader over the contest’s opening half, but Texter slowly broke their challenge and powered to 3.244-second margin of victory.
Production Twins grid – Image Scott Hunter
Texter’s lopsided win was reminiscent of the three consecutive victories he logged to kick off his triumphant ‘19 campaign. It also provided strong evidence that he’s rediscovered the mojo he spent much of the latter half of last year looking to reclaim.
An emotional Texter dedicated the race to his best friend and title-winning mechanic, Jon Reid, who passed away last November, and another good friend in Jess Garcia, who died this past Wednesday.
“Last night felt a bonus to me because I knew how badly we were struggling,” Texter said. “And the first couple of sessions out today, we were really struggling again. But I have to say, I just have a lot of confidence in my team and in myself. And with all the hard work we put in, I’m just going to battle all year long. There’s no quit.”
Varnes appeared primed to overtake Rispoli late in the race as he did on Friday night. That is, right up until the moment he suffered a mechanical issue that erased his podium hopes with just over a minute remaining on the scoreboard.
As a result, the final spot on the box behind Rispoli went to another national championship-winning road racer returned to dirt track in the ever-popular Danny Eslick (No. 64 Scott Powersports/R&D Machine Kawasaki Ninja 650).
American Flat Track Procuction Twins Championship Points
Cory Texter 42
James Rispoli 40
Ryan Varnes 33
Danny Eslick 32
Ben Lowe 29
Morgan Mischler 26
Cody Johncox 23
Jeremiah Duffy 23
Nick Armstrong 20
Mitch Harvat 19
AMA MX confirm nine round 2020 schedule
Following extensive efforts by race organizers, local government and health officials, participants, sponsors, and series partners, MX Sports Pro Racing has announced the intention to host a nine-round schedule to complete the 2020 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing.
The season is scheduled to begin on August 15, with the inaugural professional event at famed Loretta Lynn’s Ranch in Hurricane Mills, Tennessee.
The next eight rounds will take place at well-known venues ranging from Washougal MX Park in Washington to Spring Creek MX Park in Millville, Minnesota. The 2020 series will also feature the first-ever Pro Motocross “doubleheader” at RedBud MX in Buchanan, Michigan.
RedBud will host the first-ever Pro Motocross “doubleheader”
The first half of the season will open with five consecutive rounds. Following the debut of the Loretta Lynn’s National, the schedule will then travel to the scenic Pacific Northwest for the Washougal National, on August 22, before heading to the greater Indianapolis area for the Ironman National, on August 29.
From there, Michigan’s legendary RedBud MX will give way to the season’s lone off weekend after it hosts a pair of races around the Labor Day holiday, on Saturday, September 5, and Tuesday, September 8.
Racing will resume with the Spring Creek National in Minnesota, on September 19, before heading to Florida for the WW Ranch National, on September 26.
The penultimate round of the championship will take place in Colorado with the Thunder Valley National, on October 3, before crowning a pair of champions in Southern California at the season-ending Fox Raceway National, on October 10.
The season ends with the Fox Raceway National, on October 10.
Select events will feature limited spectator capacity, while others will be conducted exclusively for participants, professional and amateur, with attendance limited to crew members and family. All events will feature an amateur racing component, both before and after the professional race day.
Lucas Oil Pro Motocross 2020 Calendar
Aug 15 Loretta Lynn’s Hurricane Mills, TN
Aug 22 Washougal Washougal, WA
Aug 29 Ironman Crawfordsville, IN
Sep 5 RedBud I Buchanan, MI
Sep 8 (Tues) RedBud II Buchanan, MI
Sep 19 Spring Creek Millville, MN
Sep 26 WW Ranch Jacksonville, FL
Oct 3 Thunder Valley Lakewood, CO
Oct 10 Fox Raceway Pala, CA
Moto News Weekly proudly brought to you by Dunlop
Want to run a National Championship?
Motorcycling Australia recently opened expressions of interest for suitably qualified clubs and or promoters who are interested in hosting national championships in 2021 and 2022.
Applications are now open for clubs or promoters who wish to host the following National Championships:
Dirt Track: Senior, Junior, Classic and Post Classic
Track: Senior, Junior
Motocross: Classic, Post Classic and ATV
Plessinger begins rehab on wrist injury
Monster Energy Yamaha Factory Racing Team’s Aaron Plessinger will miss the start of the 2020 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship as he recovers from a training injury sustained last week in Southern California.
On Tuesday, July 14, Plessinger dislocated his left wrist after landing in a rut and losing control on the face of a very large step-up whilst training at Fox Raceway in Pala, California. The 2018 Pro Motocross 250MX Champion underwent surgery the following day and is now focused on returning to full fitness. Unfortunately, the timeline for recovery could have him sidelined for 12 weeks.
“I spoke with Aaron last night after his surgery, and it sounds as if it went very well,” said Jim Roach, the Yamaha Racing Department Manager for Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA. “Unfortunately, a dislocated wrist can mean a long recovery time. Aaron was looking forward to the start of the outdoor season on his Monster Energy Yamaha Factory Racing YZ450F, but that will have to be delayed for him to return to full fitness. We wish Aaron the best during his recovery and look forward to seeing him back on the bike soon!”
Aaron Plessinger
Jasikonis and Husky extend partnership
Ahead of the restart of the 2020 FIM MXGP World Championship, Husqvarna Motorcycles has announced that Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing have extended their contract with Arminas Jasikonis. The Lithuanian rider is set to remain with the team for a third year, through to the close of 2021. Jasikonis, who first stepped into MXGP racing in 2016, will continue to compete in the MXGP category on Husqvarna FC 450 machinery under the watchful eye of team manager Antti Pyrhönen.
Currently enjoying the best form of his career to date, Jasikonis sits seventh in the MXGP series standings having secured a podium finish at the MXGP of The Netherlands, the second round of the 2020 Championship.
Using the imposed downtime to return home to Lithuania, the 22-year-old maintained his training programme to ensure no loss of fitness. Stepping back into competition at the recent round two of the Czech National motocross series in Kaplice, Arminas secured a 1-1 result.
Together with his team, Arminas is currently preparing for the first of three consecutive MXGP events in Latvia that will mark the August restart of the 2020 MXGP World Championship.
Arminas Jasikonis – Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing
“Knowing that I will compete for Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing Team again, for a third season, is a really great feeling. I’m very happy to continue on a great bike. I have so much confidence in my bike, the whole programme and all members of the team, which is so important. The fact that everything will stay the same for me from this year to next year is a huge thing – I only need to focus on improving and preparing myself. Of course, we have to continue working hard but I am really motivated to get the results that Husqvarna, Rockstar, Antti and the team deserve.”
Arminas JasikonisMoto News Weekly proudly brought to you by Dunlop
QLD and NSW get back on track
Sunshine State Series
Queensland picked up at round two of the Sunshine State Series, held at Kingaroy, with good rider attendance and a great atmosphere in the pits. With most riders desperate to get back to the race track, Yamaha was well represented with Aaron Tanti, Jay Wilson, Levi Rogers, Kota Toriyabe, Jayce Cosford and Rhys Budd all flying the flag in the senior divisions while the juniors had Charli and Jake Cannon, as well as supported riders in Zac Watson and Peter Wolfe.
The MX2 Pro race was the pick of the weekend and produced some tight, intense racing. Jay Wilson and Aaron Tanti continued their magnetic relationship on the track and again fought it out over the three motos contested, this time Tanti taking the win with his 2-1-2 results over Wilson in third with 7-2-1 finishes which included a couple of falls.
Unfortunately, the news for Jayce Cosford wasn’t good as a fall in the first race saw him taken to hospital with a broken leg that will have him sidelined for some time.
Levi Rogers had his first race in seniors and dominated the MX2 Expert class with three emphatic victories. Rogers was hurt at the opening round back in February but was happy to be back on track again and hopes to be moved into the Pro class for the coming rounds where he can test his speed and endurance against the likes of Tanti and Wilson.
Rhys Budd also made the trip up from New South Wales and had some issues in the MX2 race on Saturday but was able to get back on track on Sunday and contest the MX1 Pro class on his YZ250F. Budd finished third overall on the back of his 4-4-3 results.
Round three of the Sunshine State Motocross series will hit the picturesque MX Farm at Gympie on August 1-2.
QLD SSMX Results – Round Two
MX2 Pro 1st Aaron Tanti -99 2nd Noah Ferguson – 95 3rd Jay Wilson – 91
MX2 Expert 1st Levi Rogers – 105 2nd Jake Kowal – 86) 3rd Logan May – 85
MX1 Pro 1st Dean Ferris – 105 2nd Lochie Latimer – 96 3rd Rhys Budd – 86
Good numbers all attended the re-start of the NSW racing calendar and they all converged on the Dargle MX complex to contest round two of the East Coast MX Series. The venue provided the perfect setting for not just to motocross riders to get back into the swing of things, but also the off road riders and the likes of Luke Styke, Jeremy Carpentier, Blake Hollis and Jess Gardiner all enjoyed the hit out alongside the motocross regulars.
Styke, Carpentier and Hollis contested the MX Open class with Styke and Carpentier making it a Yamaha 1-2 on the podium. Styke finished with 2-1-1-1 results in his four motos while Carpentier claimed 1-2-5-3 finishes to take second.
Blake Hollis was a front runner in the MX250 Pro class but an 11th in race two slowed his march to the podium. He finished with 3-11-4-3 to round out the day in fifth place.
Jess Gardiner showed she just isn’t all off road and charged to a second place finish in the Women’s class. The off road champ finished with 2-2-3-2 results to give her second on the day and valuable track time before the resumption of the AORC.
The next round of the East Coast MX will be held at Nowra on August 8-9.
East Coast MX Results – Round Two
MX Open 1st Luke Styke – 137 2nd Jeremy Carpentier – 123 3rd John Bova – 115
Senior Women 1st Jess Moore – 140 2nd Jess Gardiner – 126 3rd Tanesha Harnett – 122
MX2 Pro 1st Blake Fox – 140 2nd John Bova – 124 3rd Cameron Torpy – 112 4th Tyler Darby – 112
Highly awarded disability advocate Sue Salthouse has died after a collision between her wheelchair-accessible motorcycle and a car in Canberra yesterday afternoon (20 July 2020).
Sue, aged 71, was left with a broken back and wheelchair bound after a horse riding accident in 1995.
Following the accident, she has advocated for the inclusion of people with disability in society.
Awarded advocate
Sue has been awarded several honours for her work:
In 2010 she received the Edna Award for community activism;
2011 Inclusion Award in recognition of working towards an inclusive attitude for people whatever their disability;
2014 named ACT Senior Woman of the Year in 2014;
2015 Canberra Citizen of the Year;
2017 she won the Lesley Hall Leadership Award at the National Disability Awards; and
This year she was named ACT’s Senior Australian of the Year.
She was also co-chair of the ACT Disability Expert Panel advising on the National Disability Insurance Scheme, influenced the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and between 2009-2012 was president of Women with Disabilities Australia.
ACT Policing say the accident occurred on Commonwealth Avenue Bridge.
She was treated at the scene by ACT Ambulance Service Paramedics before being transported to hospital where she later died.
Our sincere condolences to her family, friends and associates.
Police are investigating and are calling for anyone who witnessed the collision to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Last weekend saw Fabio Quartararo take his first MotoGP race win, we take a look at the stats behind the Petronas Yamaha SRT rider’s 20 races in the premier class.
Fabio Quartararo immediately became a force to be reckoned with upon his move to the MotoGP Championship, taking Rookie of the Year honours last year, and has racked up a remarkable list of stats. The paddock knew it was only a matter of time until he took his maiden victory…
Fabio Quartararo secured the Rookies Cup at Motegi last year
Quartararo’s 20th race on the weekend was one for the history books as he became the first French premier class winner since Regis Laconi at the 1999 Valencia GP, and became the first satellite Yamaha winner in the MotoGP era (the last being Garry McCoy at the 2000 Valencia GP). He is also the eighth youngest rider to win in the premier class at 21 years and 90 days.
Youngest premier class GP winners
Marc Marquez – 20 years, 63 days (Circuit of the Americas 2013)
Freddie Spencer – 20 years, 196 days (Spa-Francorchamps 1982)
Norifumi Abe – 20 years, 227 days (Suzuka 1996)
Dani Pedrosa – 20 years, 227 days (Shanghai International Circuit 2006)
Randy Mamola – 20 years, 239 days (Spa-Francorchamps 1980)
Jorge Lorenzo – 20 years, 345 days (Circuito do Estoril 2008)
Mike Hailwood – 21 years, 75 days (Isle of Man 1975)
Fabio Quartararo – 21 years, 90 days (Circuito de Jerez-Angel Nieto 2020)
Valentino Rossi – 21 years, 144 days (Donington Park 2000)
Casey Stoner – 21 years, 145 days (Losail International Circuit 2007)
Fabio Quartararo scored an emotional victory at Jerez
His debut season last year, which was also the debut season for Petronas Yamaha SRT, saw him immediately impress at the first round in Qatar, setting the fastest lap around Losail International Circuit – an achievement that he repeated at Le Mans, his home grand prix. Fabio also became the youngest ever MotoGP pole sitter in Jerez, in what was an historic day for the team, with Franco Morbidelli joining him on the front row of the grid after qualifying second.
Fabio Quartararo and Franco Morbidelli celebrated topping qualifying at Jerez, however Quartararo’s weekend was ruined by mechanical issues in the race
After racking up six pole positions, seven podium finishes (five of which saw him on the second step) and breaking four lap records (Jerez, Assen, Buriram and Sepang), it was no surprise that he became 2019 Rookie of the Year in Japan with three races still to go and helped Petronas Yamaha SRT take the Independent Teams Championship in just their first year in the category.
Fabio Quartararo breakthrough for his maiden win last weekend at Jerez
The enforced break from racing meant that Fabio had to wait until last weekend in Jerez to take part in just his 20th MotoGP race, where he showed that being away from his Yamaha YZR-M1 for over four months has only sharpened his drive. Over the course of the weekend Quartararo broke the lap record (which he himself had set the year before) twice on his way to taking his seventh pole position and ultimately his first MotoGP win. It was his eighth podium and boosted his accumulated points total across the 20 races to 217.
Fabio Quartararo – The win was also his eighth podium so far in MotoGP, not a bad hit rate for a new rider only 20 races into this premier class career
Fabio currently sits at the top of the MotoGP World Championship standings after his victory on Sunday.
Recovering Evans to lean on Australian format experience
Section: Competition
Single-day MXGP rounds in favour for Team HRC newcomer.
Image: Supplied.
A one-day format to be introduced in the MXGP World Championship upon its resumption next month will see Australia’s Team HRC rookie Mitch Evans lean on his experience of racing in a similar format at home during his career.
MXGP and MX2 action will take place on Sundays for the remainder of the 2020 championship, with practice taking place in the morning and the races starting from midday into the afternoon according to organisers.
“The one-day format will be a new thing for the MXGPs, but for me it is just like racing in Australia where we have practice and qualifying in the morning and then two motos in the afternoon, so I should feel at home with it,” said 21-year-old Evans, who finished second in the national MX1 standings during 2018.
Evans has been a major beneficiary of the mid-season pause due to COVID-19 after injuring his shoulder at Valkenswaard in March and then undergoing surgery in Brisbane for an arthroscopic anterior stabilisation upon return home. He’s spent time on a production bike since, but isn’t fully certain that he will be fit to race when MXGP resumes in Latvia on 9 August.
“I’ll see the surgeon at the end of July and then hopefully get the all-clear to start racing after that,” he explained. “Obviously, it’ll mean I’ll only having one week to really get ready on a normal track, to see how my shoulder feels before we go racing in Latvia, so I’m not sure if I’ll be 100 percent by then, as we’ll have to see how the shoulder keeps progressing.
“Hopefully it holds up well and feels good when I’m riding and then we’ll make a decision before that weekend. I’ve never had an injury like this with this much time off the bike, so it’s been tough. I’m really happy to be back on the bike though and getting back into normal training and with an exact date in mind, to build towards and see the rest of Team HRC, the fans and the MXGP paddock again.”
Bringing you the Best Motorcycle News from Around the Web!
We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.Ok
