Overall in 2018 there were less crashes, in part thanks to the better weather that greeted much of the season. The grand total over all categories is 1077, versus 1126 in 2017. 303 were in MotoGP™, down 10 on last season, Moto2™ had 418 rather than 434, and there were 356 in the lightweight class – 23 less.
Source: MotoGP.com – Read Full Article Here
Luca Marini (Sky Racing Team VR46) was quickest overall at the recent Moto2 three-day test at Jerez, followed by Sam Lowes (Federal Oil Gresini Moto2) and Alex Marquez (EG 0,0 Marc VDS).
Next best though was young Australian Remy Gardner, in what was a great boost for the son of 1987 World Champion, Wayne, and will fill him with confidence as he looks towards season 2019 with a new squad, and a new machine.
20-year-old Gardner had a difficult season with Tech3, the French squad used their own chassis throughout this year’s championship and while Remy finished the season on a high with fifth place at Valencia, it was not a season without difficulty, and injury.
Gardner has obviously enjoyed the switch to the more dominant Kalex frame, and his move into the SAG Racing Team that he will contest the Moto2 Championship with in 2019, alongside Japanese team-mate, 26-year-old Tetsuta Nagashima.
Remy Gardner
“To finish off the season in P5 in Valencia was a real high for me, it was nice to give the Tech3 Team one last result before I left.
“I was going to Jerez with very high hopes after the last few races. The new team are great, and I couldn’t be happier. I got on really really well with my crew chief, and I’m impressed with his work so far.
“The new Triumph engine is absolutely awesome, so much torque and a lot faster. A different riding style was needed compared to the CBR600 engine. More stop and go, a little MotoGP style even.
“The Kalex works an absolute dream. Right from the first laps I felt so comfortable, the front end is amazing and the grip is on a another planet. I’m only left thinking what would have been if I had this opportunity before.
“We still need to work on our settings as I’m still not feeling 100 per cent with the bike yet, but we’re not far off.
“KTM at the moment seem to have big troubles with their frame, many riders told me they have unbelievable chatter problems so it seems I made the right choice with Kalex!
“Anyway now I have a preseason to prepare and focus on next year. Can’t wait for what’s to come!”
Now of course Moto2, like the other classes of MotoGP, are in European winter recess, with the new era of Triumph Moto2 power next firing up for an Official Test on the 20th-22nd February at Jerez.
Images by Rafa / SAG Team
Source: MCNews.com.au
2018 was an important year for Thailand and MotoGP. On the paddock’s first visit to Chang International Circuit for testing, fans flocked to the track to get their first glimpse of the sport and ahead of the first ever Grand Prix in the country, the pre-event in Bangkok showed the fervor for MotoGP as more than 100 representatives of the media packed in to hear the thoughts of reigning Champion Marc Marquez.
There was a lot of expectation but the Thai GP was an incredible success and has now been named the best of the season by the MotoGP Paddock and the decision communicated to the Grand Prix Commission.
Newin Chidchob
President of Chang International Circuit
“On behalf of both the people of Buriram and Thailand, we are extremely honored to receive the MotoGP Grand Prix of the year 2018. We are sincerely grateful for the recognition we have received for PTT Thailand Grand Prix. Of course, during the preparation of the event we ran into countless obstacles, but in overcoming them we grew, and ultimately resulted in the success of the event. A big thank you to all our event and circuit sponsors especially the Ministry of Tourism and Sports and PTT Public Company Limited for the immense support during this event. We must also thank the people of Buriram, for showing the capability of Thai people to the world. Many of the unique functions of the event such as the “E-Tan” truck which we utilized as the event’s shuttle bus. The Muay Thai (Thai boxing) expo to showcase Thai martial arts and culture. Not to mention all the volunteers who came to simply pick up the trash and keep the event clean. Everyone really came together to make this sports entertainment experience for our visitors from around the world unforgettable. Lastly, we would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to our good friends Dorna Sports who saw potential in us and gave us the opportunity to be a part of the world’s greatest motorcycle series. We promise to always use the experience gained in every event to create a better PTT Thailand Grand Prix every season. Thank you!”
The event at Buriram was also the best attended with over 220,000 people heading to Chang International Circuit over the three days. They were treated to a modern classic as Marquez fought it out with Andrea Dovizioso down to the final corner, coming out on top for the first time in one of the pair’s many head-to-head duels in the last few seasons.
Herve Poncharal, President of IRTA
“The whole MotoGP paddock was keen to discover how the new Thai GP would be, we were impatient for it to arrive and there was plenty of expectation. In the end we can be assured it was the best GP of the season due to many different aspects – we expected good, but we didn’t know quite what they would be able to achieve. Everything went smoothly, the commitment of the organisers was fantastic and they faced any problems through the weekend quickly, trying to find solutions as soon as possible. The crowd, the people…every single person involved was happy and always smiling. The fans’ support was incredible, the access to the circuit was fast and they demonstrated that they understood MotoGP – creating a commercial area close to the paddock, giving good exposure to our businesses, investors, sponsors, teams and riders. It’s also significant that a new event in this area – an important region for MotoGP – has achieved this result. It’s a perfect example for other countries to follow and this prize is fully deserved. From my point of view it will be hard for them to improve!”
It was an exciting and fitting debut, with the Thai venue and crowds providing the perfect backdrop. Rewarded for the incredible organisation, facilities and atmosphere at the event, the Thai GP will now look ahead to 2019 in a bid to retain the prestigious prize.
Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of Dorna Sports
“I was delighted to welcome Buriram onto the MotoGP calendar and I’m delighted to see the Thai GP be recognised as the best this season. Asia is an important market for the Championship and events like Buriram only further underline the incredible popularity of our sport in the region. They are a perfect blueprint for future events and we’re excited to return to Buriram already.”
| MotoGP 2018 – Thailand Race Results | |||
| Chang International Circuit, 26 laps, 118.4 km (1 lap: 4.554 km) | |||
| Pos | Rider | Team | Time |
| 1. | Marquez M. | Repsol Honda | 39:55.722 |
| 2. | Dovizioso A. | Ducati Team | +0.115 |
| 3. | Vinales M. | Movistar Yamaha | +0.270 |
| 4. | Rossi V. | Movistar Yamaha | +1.564 |
| 5. | Zarco J. | Monster Tech 3 | +2.747 |
| 6. | Rins A. | Team Suzuki Ecstar | +3.023 |
| 7. | Crutchlow C. | LCR Honda | +6.520 |
| 8. | Bautista A. | Angel Nieto Team | +6.691 |
| 9. | Petrucci D. | Alma Pramac Racing | +9.944 |
| 10. | Miller J. | Alma Pramac Racing | +11.077 |
| 11. | Iannone A. | Team Suzuki Ecstar | +15.488 |
| 12. | Syahrin H. | Monster Tech 3 | +17.691 |
| 13. | Espargaro A. | Aprilia Racing Team Gresini | +21.413 |
| 14. | Morbidelli F. | Marc VDS Racing Team | +22.802 |
| 15. | Smith B. | Red Bull KTM Factory Racing | +23.628 |
| 16. | Redding S. | Aprilia Racing Team Gresini | +23.804 |
| 17. | Abraham K. | Angel Nieto Team | +32.507 |
| 18. | Simeon X. | Reale Avintia Racing | +37.216 |
| 19. | Torres J. | Reale Avintia Racing | +39.204 |
| 20. | Luthi T. | Marc VDS Racing Team | +39.421 |
| 21. | Espargaro P. | Red Bull KTM Factory Racing | +53.388 |
| 22. | Nakagami T. | LCR Honda | +2 l. |
| DNF | Pedrosa D. | Repsol Honda | DNF |
Source: MCNews.com.au
“Everything went smoothly, the commitment of the organisers was fantastic and they faced any problems through the weekend quickly, trying to find solutions as soon as possible. The crowd, the people…every single person involved was happy and always smiling. The fans’ support was incredible, the access to the circuit was fast and they demonstrated that they understood MotoGP – creating a commercial area close to the paddock, giving good exposure to our businesses, investors, sponsors, teams and riders. It’s also significant that a new event in this area – an important region for MotoGP – has achieved this result. It’s a perfect example for other countries to follow and this prize is fully deserved. From my point of view it will be hard for them to improve!”
Source: MotoGP.com – Read Full Article Here
The Phillip Island round of the 2019 Motul FIM Superbike World Championship from February 22-24 will be the first to host three races for the famed production bike series.
Schedule confirmation came in overnight from international organisers, Dorna and the FIM, with the expanded three-race formula (see below for full Phillip Island WSBK Schedule), for the island’s 2019 WorldSBK season opener, backed by Yamaha Finance. The agenda also features world supersport action and the launch of national championships for Australian superbike, supersport and supersport 300 categories.
Thirteen races will be held on Saturday and Sunday, with the extension of the WorldSBK platform for the first time since the title’s inception in 1988 delivering an exciting new frontier for teams and riders – as well as a boon for spectators. For tickets go to www.worldsbk.com.au or Ticketek.
The two 22-lap WorldSBK battles around the 4.45km circuit will remain – to be held at 3:00pm on Saturday and Sunday – but they will now sandwich a 10-lap sprint race at midday on Sunday.
And unlike the longer WorldSBK races at Phillip Island, where rear tyre conservation is always a major part of the strategic mix, the sprint race will be a no-holds-barred affair where the likes of defending champion Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki) and WorldSBK rookie Alvaro Bautista (Ducati) will be pushing at 100 per cent from start to finish.
Points will be allocated to the first nine finishers in the Tissot-backed sprint race, while, as per tradition, the top 15 across the line in the 22-lap races will put points in the bank.
As for the WorldSBK preliminaries, the number of practice sessions has been reduced from four to three across Friday and Saturday morning, and there will be just one Superpole qualifying session on Saturday afternoon – a structure that will also be replicated in world supersport.
Superpole results in WorldSBK will decide the grid for race one and the sprint. The sharp end of the field in race three will then be determined from the first nine positions in the sprint – and from 10th onwards based on Superpole performances.
Changes to the WorldSBK format will add an electrifying dimension to hostilities for one of the strongest grids in recent memory.
As well as Rea and MotoGP convert Bautista, the snarling pack of four-strokes will also include Chaz Davies (Ducati), Tom Sykes (BMW), Leon Haslam (Kawasaki), Marco Melandri (Ducati), Michael van der Mark (Yamaha), Alex Lowes (Yamaha), Leon Camier (Honda), Ryuichi Kiyonari (Honda), Marcus Reiterberger (BMW), Sandro Cortese (Yamaha), Eugene Laverty (Ducati), Jordi Torres (Kawasaki) and Michael Ruben Rinaldi (Ducati).
Moreover, both BMW and Ducati are fronting at Phillip Island with all-new bikes, while BMW and Honda have recommitted to the championship with factory-backed teams. It all adds up to a crackerjack weekend – and season – of WorldSBK racing!
Meanwhile, the 18-lap world supersport race will be held at 1:15pm on Sunday.
As well as the four world championship races, the Phillip Island WorldSBK round will also feature nine races across the Australian Superbike, Supersport and Supersport 300 categories – three each across Saturday and Sunday as the seven-round national series kicks off in earnest.
In superbike, that means the return of WorldSBK legend Troy Bayliss, who completed the 2018 domestic title at Phillip Island with some stunning front-running battles against Josh Waters and Wayne Maxwell.
However, it’s Troy Herfoss who’s the reigning Aussie superbike champion, and he’ll be out to kick off his defence in fine style at Phillip Island as well.
Add all the practice, qualifying and racing elements together and that means a flurry of on-track action at Phillip Island from Friday to Sunday.
On Friday riders take to the track at 9:10am and finish at 4:45pm; on Saturday it’s a 8:45am to 5:45pm affair; and on Sunday the action commences at 8:15am before winding down at 4:45pm.
As an extra bonus at WorldSBK, all three-day ticket holders are gifted free paddock access. For all ticket and racing information go to check below or visit Ticketek.
Source: MCNews.com.au
Morocco testing a ‘morale booster’ for the Australian contender.
Image: Supplied.
Australian Rodney Faggotter is targeting a top 10 finish in the 2019 Dakar Rally, which set to take place from 6-17 January, boasting 5541 kilometres of riding.
The Yamalube Yamaha Rider wound up an impressive 16th at this year’s instalment, and with a week of testing now completed in Morocco, Faggotter believes his morale has been boosted heading into the prestigious off-road event.
“I’m looking forward to the 2019 Dakar,” said Faggotter. “I’ve been racing some Bajas and training hard back home in Australia these last few months. I feel strong physically and also mentally. In the beginning of December we’ve spent a full week testing and training with the team in Morocco and that was a good morale booster for me.
“We have a great spirit within the team and I want to be there for my teammates if they need me. I want to have a good clean run and do my own race. This Dakar might seem shorter, but we all know it’s still going to be a long and demanding race. If it all goes well, I’m confident I can improve my overall result from last year and fight for a spot inside the top 10.”
The Queenslander’s role within the factory Yamaha squad extends beyond being a rider, with his mechanical experience coming into play should a teammate require assistance throughout the almost two-week long affair.
Source: MotoOnline.com.au
Celebrate the arrival of BMW’s new for 2019 models including the R 1250 GS and R 1250 RT, as well as the R 1250 GS Adventure and F 850 GS Adventure, with special demo days at Springwood BMW Motorrad & Gold Coast BMW Motorrad on the following dates:
These test rides are only available at the following two locations:
Both the regular R 1250 GS and the Adventure get updated mechanicals including the new ShiftCam version of the Boxer engine but offers a more hardcore off-road package. The latest powerplant also realises a hefty 7 per cent increase in capacity from 1170cc to 1254cc courtesy of both a bigger bore and longer stroke. Power is up from 125 to 136 horsepower while torque is boosted further from 125 to 143 Nm.
The new GS Adventure meanwhile is also 15mm longer but is 28mm slimmer between the mirrors than before, however, at 268 kg BMW’s claimed wet weight figure is 8 kg heavier than that quoted for the previous machine. Wheel travel remains 210mm at the front and 220mm at the rear while the latest model benefits from Dynamic ESA ‘Next Generation’ with automatic load compensation. The lowest seat height loadout also decreases to 820mm.
A brilliant new 6.5-inch TFT screen is standard complete with bluetooth connectivity which allows navigation prompts to be displayed on the dash and your music/phone to be controlled via the well sorted BMW Multi-Controller.
The new R 1250 RT embodies its exclusive touring character in one basic colour, two style variants and two Option 719 Spezial finishes, alongside the previously mentioned new 1250 ShiftCam Boxer engine.
As compared to the predecessor model, the engine spoiler has been newly designed and an additional front spoiler has been added. Another striking visual feature is the pipe ducting of the new exhaust manifold system. Along with these body modifications, there are also three attractive colour and style variants as well as two additional special finishes available for the new R 1250 RT, each creating a powerfully distinctive character
An even higher level of riding safety, performance and comfort is achieved with the BMW Motorrad Dynamic ESA “Next Generation” (Electronic Suspension Adjustment), now also available as an optional equipment item for the R 1250 RT. Here, the damping automatically adapts to the situation depending on riding state and manoeuvres, and there is also automatic riding position compensation in all load states.
The R 1250 RT is fitted with a large 5.7-inch TFT colour screen. This is supplemented with an analog speedometer and rev counter and controlled by the standard BMW Motorrad Multi-Controller. The RT does not as yet gain all full connectivity features that debut on its R 1250 GS sibling for 2019.
Following the unveiling of the recent BMW F 750 GS and F 850 GS, the new F 850 GS Adventure expands the BMW Motorrad range in the adventure-touring segment. Like the renowned boxer-engined BMW GS Adventure models, the new F 850 GS Adventures offers a dedicated travel enduro, for off-road oriented touring riders and globetrotters.
A new refined two-cylinder in-line engine with 90-degree crankpin offset and 270/450 degree ignition spacing incudes counterbalance shafts to reduce vibration. A slip-assist clutch provides a discernible reduction in lever effort.
The power transmission to the rear wheel comes from the six-speed gearbox with secondary drive that is now positioned on the left-hand side. The new F 850 GS Adventure also offers “Rain” and “Road” riding modes as standard, while the combination of BMW Motorrad ABS and the ASC automatic stability control ensure a high level of safety.
New, bodywork emphasises the F 850 GS Adventure’s more modern looks, with a larger adjustable windshield and hand-guards. In addition to the basic version, the new F 850 GS Adventure is available in Exclusive and Rallye style variations.
Source: MCNews.com.au
Talented New South Welshman to join Gibbs next season.
Image: Supplied.
CDR Yamaha Monster Energy has confirmed the signing of Luke Clout for the 2019 Pirelli MX Nationals and Australian Supercross Championship, where he’ll join former KTM Motocross Racing teammate Kirk Gibbs in the new year.
Clout, a former MX2 champion, was highly-impressive throughout the year as he established himself as a future championship threat, collecting a number of podiums and a race win along the way.
“Being at Serco Yamaha a few years ago, I always looked at CDR Yamaha as the next step in my career but there wasn’t a spot available for me at the time, which I completely understand,” Clout stated. “It may have taken me an extra few years to get here, but I’m so happy and proud to be racing for CDR Yamaha Monster Energy team in 2019 and I can’t wait to get stuck into testing and the new season.
“It’s no fluke that CDR Yamaha Monster Energy team win as often as they do as they use the best products and have the best technical staff in Australia. My plan is to fully commit to their program and buy into the CDR Yamaha way as it has been so successful for so many riders over time.
“I took a couple of weeks off to recover and rest from the 2018 season and now I’m feeling good and excited about what the year will bring. It’s now its wide open into 2019 where I hope that I can get more championship success under my belt and represent the CDR Yamaha Monster Energy team and brand well.”
The talented New South Welshman has been on the radar for a significant amount of time according to team owner Craig Dack, who believes the popular number four enters 2019 as title favourite across both disciplines.
“The fight Luke showed in the opening few rounds of supercross is what really stood out for me,” Dack stated. “He wasn’t afraid to take to Justin Brayton or any other big name rider and was the only Australian based rider to really want to get in there and get his hands dirty, so to speak.
“On top of that, he already has a strong Yamaha history and when discussing our arrangements for 2019, he asked the right questions and was certainly focused on getting the best results possible. So his motivation is right. Luke will contest both motocross and supercross for us and I believe he is a genuine championship contender in both series as he rides both disciplines equally well.
“I think pairing Luke and with Kirk will make for a great team and the pair already have a good working relationship and having two new riders to the team keeps everything fresh and everyone on their toes. We look forward to working with both riders and assisting them to achieve their goals.”
Clout was ranked third in MX Nationals MX1 standings, while he pushed through injury in supercross to wind up sixth. His first official outing aboard the 2019 Yamaha YZ450F will be at next month’s Coffs Harbour Stadium MX, scheduled for 12 January.
Outgoing riders Dean Ferris and Dylan Long have already established their intentions for 2019, with three-time champion Ferris heading to the US, while Long just signed a deal with the new-look Empire Motorsports Kawasaki team.
Source: MotoOnline.com.au
This wild Japanese custom BMW R18 seems to hint that the normally conservative Bavarian company may be considering a 1.8-litre boxer engine.
BMW has a history of handing over custom builds to outside design houses that eventually turn into production models.
A prominent example is the R nineT which started as the Concept Ninety by Roland Sands Designs in LA.
This time, BMW has handed over an unidentified boxer pushrod engine to Custom Works Zon of Japan who built an entire bike around it.
The fact that it is called an R18 seems to indicate that it may be a 1.8-litre boxer unit.
Unlike the new R 1250 ShiftCam models, it doesn’t have liquid cooling, but oil and air-cooled heads.
Click here for Aussie pricing on the new R 1250 models.
They are chromed on the outside and have a similar fin design to the 1960s boxer engines from BMW.
BMW says: “Further details about the engine and its possible future use will be communicated at a later point in time.”
The custom R18 project is pretty wild and we don’t expect BMW to produce a bike with such a small tank to go with a 1.8-litre engine.
Other confronting design elements include 21” and 26” wheels, solid aluminium girder forks, steel pipe swingarm or concealed Softail-style suspension.
However, the R18 follows the recent equally wild Nmoto Nostalgia based on the R nineT, so maybe BMW is developing some designer mojo.
That would be welcome considering BMW tends to lean toward more conservative designs.
Like the Nmoto, the R18 draws heavily on BMW models from early years.
Retro and nostalgia bikes are big business at the moment. Triumph is having enormous success with its Bonneville dozen-model range, Ducati’s Scrambler has become their top seller, Kawasaki has won hearts with its Z900RS and BMW has had enormous success with its R nineT.
Source: MotorbikeWriter.com
Five-year partnership comes to an end for the talented Superbike contender.
Image: Foremost Media.
Following yesterday’s 2019 team announcement from Kawasaki BCperformance, Kyle Buckley has confirmed he’s still shopping for a deal in next year’s Australian Superbike Championship (ASBK).
Buckley’s departure from BCperformance concludes a five-year partnership with the outfit, which saw him emerge through the Supersport 300, Supersport and Superbike categories with the New South Wales-based operation.
The number 83, who was ranked 12th in the 2018 ASBK championship standings, remains hopeful of landing an opportunity in the main game despite acknowledging there are a limited number of seats available.
“At the moment I don’t have anything solid, I’m just looking around – there’s a little bit happening, but I’m still just looking at this stage,” Buckley explained to CycleOnline.com.au. “It’s disappointing to leave the team, but it’s the way it is and I wish them the best for 2019.
“I’ve stepped back into 300s from 600s in the past, but it’s not something I want to do again. If nothing comes up, I suppose I’ll hang up the boots. I still think I’m fast enough to be in the game, but unfortunately it didn’t work out with BCperformance – there’s not much out there and it’s pretty cut-throat. I’m just sitting back and hoping an opportunity opens up.”
The 2019 ASBK field has taken shape over the last month, with Penrite Honda Racing, Yamaha Racing Team, Team Suzuki Ecstar and most recently Kawasaki BCperformance confirming their squads for the new year.
Source: CycleOnline.com.au