Victorian team considering Asian entry with triple Australian champion.
Image: Foremost Media.
Next Gen Motorsports will take its first step toward competing in the 2019 Asia Road Racing Championship (ARRC) when three-time Australian champion Glenn Allerton tests at Chang International Circuit in Thailand next week.
The Victorian-based BMW team has the intention of contesting the ARRC alongside their Australian Superbike Championship (ASBK) commitments from next year, as the Asian series introduces a 1000cc category for the first time.
A two-day tyre test will take place next Tuesday and Wednesday following the conclusion of this weekend’s ARRC final round. It will mark Allerton and the Next Gen organisation’s first time on-track at Buriram, also due to adapt from Pirelli to Dunlop tyres in the regional experiment.
“I’m really excited to be heading to the Chang International Circuit, as it’s a new circuit for both the team and I,” said Allerton. “Not only is it a new circuit, being on the circuit with some of the best riders in Asia combined with what looks like to be a great circuit will be a fantastic challenge.
“We have two days to try and get familiar with different tyres, which will also be another challenge to overcome. In saying that, I’m sure the team and I will get a good base setting overall which will help us a lot.”
Next Gen Motorsports team manager Wayne Hepburn said that the team were looking forward to seeing how they would fair against the best riders and teams in Asia: “It has been a lot of hard work to get everything together after the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix and ship to Thailand.
“Shane Kinderis managed to fit our whole van and trailer contents into three flight boxes, which has been a huge task. “Only time will tell [if Chang will suit Allerton and the S 1000 RR]. Our set-up in Australia is based on Pirelli tyres, so we will have our hands full learning all about the Dunlop control tyre.”
At this stage the Next Gen Motorsports team are making all efforts from their side to contest the ARRC in 2019 and the final decision will come down to the partnerships that they secure to make it financially viable to take up a place on the grid.
The 2019 Ducati Panigale V4 R provides the technical platform for the official Ducati Superbikes that will compete in the 2019 WSBK season. It combines the essence of the Panigale V4 S with changes requested by Ducati Corse to make it race-competitive. The 1,103cc 90-degree V4 engine has been replaced with the 998cc Desmosedici Stradale V4 R, bringing it within the displacement limits established by WSBK championship rules. The bike features a modified front frame, a new fairing incorporating wings elements of MotoGP origin, race-caliber Öhlins suspension with mechanical adjustment and an aluminum swingarm with an adjustable four-position pin. Electronic controls borrowed from the Panigale V4 S have revised threshold levels to make them more compatible with pro rider requirements.
Every component on the Ducati Panigale V4 R is top-shelf: Öhlins suspension, Brembo brakes, Marchesini wheels, Pirelli tires and much more.
Unlike the 1,103cc V4, designed to provide fluid power delivery and excellent low-rev pulling power for optimal road use, the 998cc Desmosedici Stradale V4 R version offers more extreme performance with the track in mind. The V4 R features lighter internal components and greater air intake efficiency for faster engine rev-up and a higher redline. Claimed output is 221 horsepower at 15,250 rpm and 83 lb-ft of torque in a 379-pound machine (claimed dry weight).
The Ducati Panigale V4 R has MotoGP-inspired carbon fiber winglets to enhance stability.
In addition to racing-inspired livery, the Panigale V4 R features an eye-catching aerodynamics package requested by Ducati Corse, including a windscreen screen, nose fairing and side fairings to reduce drag as well as specially shaped air vents to keep things cool during intense racing use. GP16-derived carbon fiber wings augment stability at all times, reducing electronic control intervention and boosting rider confidence.
The shapely Ducati Panigale V4 R features a brushed aluminum fuel tank and a dead-sexy tail section.
Features of the 2019 Ducati Panigale V4 R:
Color: Ducati Red “R” livery with aluminum tank
90-degree Desmosedici Stradale V4, R version, 998cc, 221 hp at 15,250 rpm
Forged steel crankshaft with reduced stroke
Molded aluminum pistons with single compression ring plus oil ring
Titanium con rods
Titanium intake valves
Oval throttle bodies (Ø 56 mm equivalent) and aerodynamic throttle openings
Dedicated variable-height air intake horns
Exhaust manifolds of optimized length
Cylinder heads with larger intake ducts
High-permeability Sprintfilter P08 air filter
Lightened, optimized-stiffness aluminum alloy front frame
Pressurized Öhlins NPX 25-30 forks with manual adjustment
Öhlins TTX36 shock absorber with manual adjustment
Öhlins steering damper with manual adjustment
Single-sided aluminum swingarm with adjustable pivot height (4 positions)
Total Black Marchesini forged aluminum wheels
Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP tyres (rear 200/60)
Braking system with Brembo Stylema Monobloc calipers
Aero Pack with carbon fiber wings
16-litre aluminum fuel tank with racing lay-out
Carbon fibre front mudguard
Carbon fiber rear manifold heat guard
Dedicated seat
15/42 final transmission with 520 chain
Full-TFT 5-inch screen
Riding Modes (Race, Sport, Street)
Electronics package with 6-axis Inertial Measurement Unit (6D IMU) including: ABS Cornering Bosch Evo; Ducati Traction Control (DTC) Evo; Ducati Slide Control (DSC); Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC) Evo; Ducati Power Launch (DPL); Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) Evo; Engine Brake Control (EBC) Evo
The final test of the 2018 MotoGP test is in the books, with the riders and manufacturers heading back to their lairs and workshops until next February’s Sepang test. On the second day of the Jerez test, Takaaki Nakagami turned in the fastest lap on his LCR Honda, Marc Marquez was hot on his heels, Maverick Vinales rounded out the top three on his Yamaha – and Jorge Lorenzo was right behind him on his new factory Honda ride.
On the other factory Yamaha, though, Valentino Rossi reportedly remarked that his bike was good enough for fourth – if someone else crashes. Rossi finished 11th fastest on day two, 0.651 from Nakagami’s best lap. Rossi says Yamaha needs to find more if they expect him to have a shot next season, maybe his last one? Sounds like it’s crunch time in Hamamatsu.
If you’re curious about electric motorcycles, especially the Ego Corsa that will be used for the new MotoE series, come check out the Energica booth at the New York International Motorcycle Show this weekend.
Begin press release:
Energica Motor Company Inc. will be present at the New York IMS Show for the second year in a row.
“During the last year, Energica Motor Company Inc. has seen a significant expansion in the U.S. market,” stated Stefano Benatti, Energica Motor Company Inc CEO, “and we are posed to accelerate this in 2019, with the introduction of new models, new technology, and more dealers to represent our brand in the U.S.”
This year the news from Energica is significant, beginning with the new Ego Sport Black inspired by Energica’s selection as single manufacturer for the FIM Enel MotoE World Cup races in 2019, the introduction of new electronic features on all MY2019 motorcycles and in particular, a new pricing strategy for the U.S. market, taking advantage of the economies of scale, resulting from additional production to match increased worldwide sales.
At the IMS New York stand, four bikes will be displayed, the Ego Sportbike, winner of the MCN UK 2017 “Electric Bike of the Year” award, the Eva 107 Streetfighter and also the new Eva EsseEsse9 Retro Naked, which has just received the MCN UK 2018 “Electric Bike of the Year” award. The star of the stand will be the Energica FIM Enel MotoE Ego Corsa demo racebike.
This is the electric race bike tested throughout the year at demo laps during the MotoGP Calendar, and it is this prototype from which the inaugural FIM Enel MotoE World Cup Ego Corsa race bikes will be developed.
Sales Network and Pricing
In 2018 Energica Motor Company was able to establish a presence in important European and extra-European markets as well as growth in the United States. Currently the U.S. distribution network includes eight dealer locations in California, North Carolina and Texas, with Florida added last month. New dealers in New York State and Nevada are planned to open by the end of the year and an additional nine dealers in other states, by the end of 2019.
Energica is now able to announce an important price repositioning for all 2019 models. This is made possible thanks to improved DTC (Design-to-Cost) parameters, and new economies of scale generated by significant retail sales increases worldwide.
“Our turnover is growing and has increased by almost six times compared to June 2017. We have worked hard on the cultural promotion of our products and the entire electric vehicle sector and at the same time we have focused on technological development.” stated Livia Cevolini, CEO of Energica Motor Company S.p.A. “In the first quarter of 2018, thanks to close involvement in the MotoE project and the launch of our third model, the old-style Eva EsseEsse9, we were able to register an order portfolio already higher than the total sales of the previous year.”
U.S. Pricing for 2019 Models
From 2019 the MSRP for the Energica Ego Electric Sportbike will be on sale starting from $22,565; the Eva 107 Streetfighter starting from $21,656; and the new Eva EsseEsse9 Retro Naked starting from $20,930.
“This represents a strong commitment to the U.S. market and highly competitive, even preemptive, pricing versus other electric motorcycles that are claimed to be coming on line in 2019.” noted Stefano Benatti. “Above all, Energica remains the only electric sport motorcycle sold in the U.S. that is homologated for street use, so we see ourselves as the logical choice for fans of velocity looking for something completely different to ride.”
2019 Ego Corsa: Racing e-Motion
Countdown to the first world cup for electric motorcycle racing has officially started. There will be five stages of the inaugural FIM Enel MotoE World Cup, which starts in Spain next May on the beautiful 4.4 km circuit of Jerez-Ángel Nieto.
Energica Motor Company will be integral to this new era of motorsport as single manufacturer for the FIM Enel MotoE World Cup, which will debut in 2019.
At EICMA last week, Energica unveiled the Ego Corsa 2019, available for the 12 teams and 18 riders involved in the competition. The R&D Team worked intensively during these months with Official Tester Alessandro Brannetti: exhaustive trials were performed with an updated version of the 2019 Ego Corsa prototype, which had its World Premiere at EICMA 2018.
Thanks to the great feedback received from motorcycling legends like Colin Edwards, Tetsuya Harada, Max Biaggi, Mick Doohan and others, Energica has decided to satisfy its most demanding customers with a new racing kit inspired by Ego Corsa.
The Italian Manufacturer is preparing a new kit designed for closed circuit use only and named “Kit Corsa Clienti”.
Kit Corsa Clienti is inspired by the same performance-enhancing philosophy that has accompanied the development of the EGO CORSA motorcycles that will participate in the first FIM Enel MotoE World Cup. This new kit will take riding experience to another level, and give every customer the chance to achieve their Energica Ego’s complete potential on the racetrack.
Kit Corsa Clienti is available upon request only. Estimated delivery time = 3 months.
Energica Ego Sport Black: “Sport is the New Black”
The Ego Sportbike, selected in 2017 as MCN’s “Electric Bike of the Year”, is now offered with brand new graphics and color. With this new look, Energica has decided to honor the immense development activity that the technical team is carrying out for the upcoming FIM Enel MotoE World Cup, where Energica will be the Single Manufacturer. This racing experience will be a unique test bench for the ongoing development not only for these racing bikes but also for Energica road bikes for sale to the general public. Energica is the only electric motorcycle company in the world to have this competitive advantage.
The new color is inspired by the test prototype of the Ego Corsa 2019 and honors the partners who have supported Energica with such great enthusiasm.
Energica MY2019: Electronics and new features.
The 2019 model year line-up will have new important technical features, as follows:
Electronics: Standard for MY2019 Motorcycles.
– Traction Control: A sophisticated traction control system configurable for six levels of intervention will combine the existing eABS and the Bosch ABS for an even more exciting, yet safe riding experience.
– Cruise Control: Each Energica bike will be equipped with a sophisticated cruise control system that uses the electronic brake to maintain speed and increase braking energy.
– New Electronic Throttle Control: New command increases the (already high) safety standards present on Energica motorcycles and increases the linearity and precision of the torque control. The new system will be able to detect throttle rotations below 0.01 ° (one hundredth of a degree).
– New “Electric Beat” Light: The Energica MY2019 will keep the luminous “Electric Beat” that has always distinguished these Italian electric bikes, with one more feature: the “Electric Beat” now includes a new function indicating progress during the charge.
Optional on all MY2019:
– Heated Grips: New standard heated grips on MY2019 can be activated by a dedicated control on the right handlebar, with four different power levels shown on the dashboard (OFF + 3).
Software Upgrades: Available from January also for bikes already produced.
– Charge Interruption at a Pre-set Level: The vehicle can be configured to autonomously stop the charge at a certain level. The user can configure this function through the dashboard.
– Battery Charger: Improvements on the cooling management of the on-board charger. It will be possible to activate a “silent” charging mode.
– More Charge / Less Time: New software will increase the charge current in Fast Charge, so reducing the charging time by 15%. Energica is the only street motorcycle with Fast Charge capability as standard, currently allowing 0 – 85% charge in just 25 minutes – this will now be reduced by a further 15%.
Together with the electronic features listed above, all Energica MY2019 motorcycles will be on sale with Fast Charge, Dashboard TFT color display 4.3’’, four Engine Maps: Urban, Eco, Rain, Sport – four Regenerative Braking Maps: Low, Medium, High, Off – and Park Assistant as standard. This combination of standard features is unique and currently available on no other street motorcycle, electric or internal combustion, for sale in the world.
Availability
New 2019 models with the featured noted above will be available in the U.S. market beginning in February 2019.
Takaaki Nakagami (LCR Honda Idemitsu) was impressive on Day 1 of the Official Test at the Circuito de Jerez-Angel Nieto but the Japanese rider usurped the adjective on Thursday to not only impress, but go quickest. The Japanese rider’s 1:37.945 was unmatchable on Day 2 and he put in 66 laps on his 2018 Honda.
Takaaki Nakagami
“Of course, it was a great day and I’m really happy to finish with the top time. The time was good, today our target was to get into the high 37s and we did that. I’m really happy with my feeling on the bike and we are improving day by day. The lap time is at a good level, obviously only me and Marc (Marquez) did a 37. It’s a great way to finish for the season and now I’ll relax at home. But I’m already looking forward to the 2019 season and can’t wait to ride this bike again in Sepang.”
Takaaki Nakagami
Reigning Champion Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) was in close pursuit, however, ending the day just 0.025 off Nakagami’s best with a 1:37.970 – with Maverick Viñales (Yamaha Factory Racing) completing the top three and still within a tenth of the top.
At Honda, the devil was in the details – not just the logo on the number 99’s side of the garage – although there was a new airbox on show. Marquez said he was working more on refinements, as well as different tyres, with some good and some bad to report. Overall though it was a satisfied seven-time World Champion, happy with engine improvements. He did 56 laps – including a Marquez-style save – and says now focus will shift more towards the chassis.
Marc Marquez
Marc Marquez
“Today we worked more on the details of the setup and straight away this morning the feeling was very good. We spent time testing some medium and hard Michelin rear tyres and then we continued with testing new things. Some of the updates were very good and some less so, as is normal. We improved in the engine area but we have to continue working on this, and on the chassis area as well. We have a lot of information to analyse now. At the end of the day I put the soft tyre on for the first time and we did a good lap time, even though that wasn’t our main priority. We’re happy with how the test went and now it’s time to take a rest!”
Marc Marquez
New teammate Jorge Lorenzo was also a force to be reckoned with on the timesheets. He put in a 1:38.105 and was just 0.039 off Viñales in third, with the number 99’s fourth day on the Honda seeing him take P4 after 65 laps – the third Honda in the top five.
The leading Yamaha on Day 2 was Viñales after completing 78 laps, and he seems happy with 2019 development so far. Both he and teammate Valentino Rossi (Yamaha Factory Racing) have been testing two different engine specs, with Viñales clear as to which one they should go with. The Spaniard reflected after Day 2 by saying “overall we have a really competitive bike” and “the laps times were consistent” – positive from the now number 12, but what about Rossi?
Maverick Viñales
“So far, I think we’ve kept a really good rhythm, because we always got a lot out of used tyres, and I’m actually really happy because when I finally pushed for one lap, the bike responded quite well. I know we could improve the chassis quite a lot, now we’ve focused a lot on the engines, so for me it’s quite clear. Let’s see after the meeting what we decide to do. For sure, we always have to improve, but the important thing was to find the base, and now I think for Malaysia we have to improve the top speed, this will be important for the long tracks. I think over all we have a competitive bike.”
Maverick Viñales
While Viñales seems content, the nine-time World Champion wasn’t quite as happy after Day 1, saying that it was good enough for fourth – if they can capitalise on others’ misfortunes. On Day 2 though, Rossi finished 11th fastest after setting a quickest time of 1:38.596, 0.651 from Nakagami’s benchmark after completing 67 laps.
Valentino Rossi
Valentino Rossi
“Today was a good day because we worked more in detail and we improved. My pace was not so bad and the feeling with the bike was quite good. From the start we knew we had to decide on the engine spec and we have already decided. I think the situation is quite clear.”
Valentino Rossi
Rossi had already shared that he would be taking an in-depth look at the data to make a decision on the engine spec. After a total of 67 laps today, he has come to a clear decision on which direction to work in.
Massimo Meregalli – Yamaha MotoGP Team Director
“Though we weren’t able to use all of the available track time due to the cold temperatures in the morning on both days, the test proceeded well. After completing 60% of the programme earlier in Valencia, we had quite a full-on programme here in Jerez, because we intended to make a decision on the engine specs at the end of these two days. Both Maverick and Vale have given clear feedback and have agreed on a direction, so I think we‘re close to making a decision. There do remain some different points of view on certain aspects, which we will work on clarifying during the 2019 pre-season tests, but for now we have a sense of which base we should work with. We were looking for smooth power delivery and engine brake, which is especially something Maverick was asking for, because it suits his riding style. We also worked on improving the tyre life, which was a concern during the 2018 season. We‘ve made progress, but we need to keep working. The engineers in Italy and Japan will go over the data thoroughly to come up with further steps to try at the first upcoming test in Sepang, at the start of February, next year.”
Maverick Viñales
In the Petronas Yamaha SRT garage, it was another good day for both Franco Morbidelli and rookie Fabio Quartararo. For the former, a P6 finish after 68 laps and just 0.173 from the top sees him continue his quick adaptation from Honda to Yamaha.
Franco Morbidelli
“Today has been a very productive day. We have tried some different set-up configurations and managed to improve the race pace this morning and then the lap time this afternoon, so I am very happy about that. The two tests we have had with the team have been very positive and I feel very comfortable with the team and the people from Yamaha. We can say that we have started the preseason well, so over the winter we can study the information we have gathered and try to make the 2019 bike even better.”
Franco Morbidelli
For Quartararo, it was another vital 58 laps in the bag – and it was another hugely positive day. The Frenchman ended P12 on the timesheets after setting a fastest lap of 1:38.761, just over a tenth off Rossi’s fastest lap and under a second from P1.
Fabio Quartararo
“On this last day of the test we have improved the feeling and the lap time. We have taken a step forward and managed to try some things with the electronics, which up until now we had hardly touched. The biggest gain has been on the first contact with the throttle, in acceleration and also in corner entry. Today I could feel that the lap times were coming down and I felt fast, it was a really nice feeling. We knew that the more laps we could do with the Yamaha, the more we were going to improve. My objective today was a 1’38 lap and we did three of them. We are working on our pace, little by little, and gradually closing the gap to the fastest guys. I am really happy with how these few days have gone here in Jerez and this first phase of the 2019 preseason, so my thanks to all the team for the work they have done. Now I’m just looking forward to February!”
Fabio Quartararo
Wilco Zeelenberg – Team Manager
“We can say that I am a happy Team Manager. After just two tests everything is going pretty well for the team and in terms of the lap times we are competing with the fastest guys. To have Franco [Morbidelli] finish sixth and Fabio [Quartararo] twelfth is much more than we could have hoped for. In general, we are very satisfied with the results. There has been no pressure and no problems, and our riders are happy and fast. As far as this winter is concerned we have a lot to do to get ready for Sepang, because we are competing against teams with more than 25 years of experience in the paddock and we are still new. To be competitive you need a good bike and good riders and we have that, but we also need to grow as an organisation until we reach the maximum in every aspect.”
Meanwhile Ducati were the only manufacturer, according to Andrea Dovizioso (Ducati Team), who weren’t on engine duty – they were confirming, successfully, their results from the Valencia test. The Borgo Panigale factory were focused elsewhere, including some time working on a seat modification first seen on Day 1 ridden by test rider stand-in Alvaro Bautista.
Despite a tumble on Wednesday, Dovizioso put in 44 laps – saying he didn’t feel limited by the crash – with a fastest of 1:38.292 to put him in P8, and it was new teammate Danilo Petrucci who flew the flag highest in fifth, a 1:38.109 his fastest of 68 laps.
Danilo Petrucci
“After four days of testing at Valencia and Jerez, I’m very happy with the work that we have done. We tested many different solutions but my feeling with the bike has always been good and so I’m satisfied. For me this is the first time in a factory team, with a new way of working, but I’m really very happy with the atmosphere I found in the box. In these days we’ve collected a lot of important data to work with over the winter and develop the best solutions for next year.”
Danilo Petrucci
Andrea Dovizioso
“Luckily I’m OK physically and I didn’t have any problems with my hand, so we were able to carry out all the work programme, which was very important to develop the last aspects of the new material before the winter break. I’m pleased because we were able to understand the differences between the various solutions better than yesterday and we have ended these last two tests of 2018 at Valencia and Jerez with some good feedback. For the first time we have managed to put the 2019-spec bike on track in these end-of-year tests, and for us that’s a very important step forward: our speed is good and I’m very happy with the work we’ve done.”
Andrea Dovizioso
Álvaro Bautista
“Also today we tried a lot of different solutions and did a lot of laps as well as managing to complete the work schedule we had planned without any setbacks. This is always important to collect all the data necessary to develop the bike for next year. On my side I’m grateful to Ducati for the trust they’ve put in me and from tomorrow onwards I’ll be concentrating once again on Superbike, which is my new objective and which is a project that means a lot to me.”
Álvaro Bautista
Jack Miller (Alma Pramac Racing) had an impressive day on track, including a lot of time spent working on different setups that “seemed to work better and better” every time they made a change. He was fastest for a brief time in the afternoon, and ended the day in P7 overall after 57 laps, the best of which was a 1:38.207.
Jack Miller
Jack Miller
“We did a really good test. We have tried many different set ups and things on the bike working also on ergonomics. There are a lot of experiments and a lot of work to be done but the feelings are very positive. I am really satisfied with the way things went in the first two tests”.
Jack Miller
Miller’s rookie teammate Francesco Bagnaia, meanwhile, made for close company and was the quickest of the new kids on the grid. The Pramac duo were split by Dovizioso but ‘Pecco’ was only just over a tenth off Miller and the Italian debutant did 50 laps, just working on getting experience – especially on used tyres.
Pecco Bagnaia
Pecco Bagnaia
“I’m very happy because the feeling improves lap by lap. I am also very satisfied because we were able to improve the braking phase compared to the first day of testing. We still have a lot of room for improvement, but we are certainly on the right path. Next step? Enjoy the holidays. See you in Malaysia.”
Pecco Bagnaia
Tito Rabat was another impressive performer on Ducati machinery. The Spaniard, who is still coming back from his leg break sustained at Silverstone, managed 60 laps and ended the day in P13. The best lap from the recovering Reale Avintia Racing rider was a 1:38.876 – with teammate Karel Abraham putting in a 1:39.744 after 40 laps, taking P17.
Tito Rabat
“The test was very positive because we managed to finish within a second from the fastest rider and, considering my physical condition it is not so bad. I also understood my new bike better and I think we have a bike with a big potential. The team did a master job during the test and, with this bike and this team we have a very competitive package to be fighting for better results next season. Now we have to get stronger during the winter break.”
Tito Rabat
Karel Abraham
“I think it was a very good and productive two days of testing. Today we did manage to make another step forward to go faster and be more consistent, which is important for us. It was the last test of the season and I felt good, we were fast, we did not crash and everything we tried has worked in the right direction. Now holidays, that will be good to refresh and work to get back stronger for the first test of the year in Sepang.”
Karel Abraham
For Suzuki, Alex Rins (Team Suzuki Ecstar) was able to continue to test the new GSX-RR engine and chassis combinations, alongside test rider Sylvain Guintoli.
Davide Brivio – Suzuki Team Manager
“Today was another good day of testing, very intense and useful. Here we had different options of chassis and engine, together with some other items like the swingarm and some electronics, so we had to work hard to define which works better. It’s a tough job, pretty boring for the riders but absolutely crucial. We have to put together all the best pieces and compose the puzzle, especially for the engine we have to take a decision now that will affect the winter work and the whole new season. We have some pressure on for this, but that’s racing and the pressure is also our motivation. All Alex, Joan and Sylvain carried out this hard work, putting together lot of information that will now be useful for the engineers, and I’m happy that Alex could also put together a positive lap time. So we can go into this winter break feeling happy and hoping for a positive restart again in February in Sepang.”
Alex Rins
Rins was able to post the 10th quickest time on Day 2, his 1:38.522 0.577 off Nakagami’s pace as he completed 63 laps on Thursday.
Alex Rins
“These two days have been very positive because we tried everything – new chassis, new engine, and lots of comparisons. Yesterday I was more focused on the chassis, and today more focused on the engine. This morning we started with the 2018 chassis and the new engine spec. and we tried all the suggestions that the engineers made, it was very positive. We haven’t finalised yet, but the engineers will be working on this. We’ve been working very hard and we feel like we can have a very competitive bike.”
Alex Rins
For teammate Joan Mir, it was another 55 laps under his belt as he continues to impress, bouncing back extremely well from a fast crash on Day 1. P14 on the timesheets for the Spaniard and under a second from P1 shows the 2017 Moto3 World Champion is continuing to adapt well, and he also got to try the new Suzuki engine and chassis on Thursday.
Joan Mir
“It was a really tough day today. We were really focused on trying the new parts because we need to prepare everything for the winter so the guys in Japan can continue their work there. It’s been a pretty positive day, we tried a little bit of everything and did some comparisons and that was useful. We weren’t focused on lap times today, it was more for me to try the engine. We have a lot of good information to send to Japan. I feel that I’m improving with every session, I still need to get more used to riding the big bike but it’s gone well.”
Joan Mir
It was a tough test for Aprilia Racing Team Gresini with Aleix Espargaro missing the whole of Day 1 through illness, while also missing the morning of Day 2 to complete just 11 laps. In addition, after a crash on Day 1, Andrea Iannone (Aprilia Racing Team Gresini) was riding with an injured foot as the Italian completed 36 laps by the end of the second day to finish P18 on the timesheets. This left new test rider Bradley Smith with the majority of the testing duties, the British rider getting 59 laps done on Thursday, and Matteo Baiocco was also on circuit for the Italian factory once again – with 48 laps completed for the latter.
Bradley Smith
“Today we once again had to change our plans slightly since Aleix was unfortunately still debilitated. Our work focused on the comparison between two different engine types, a decision in anticipation of the 2019 season to try to find, above all, rideability and better power distribution. Our ideas are rather clear. During the two days of testing in Valencia and these tests, Aleix, Andrea and I had rather similar sensations and this is certainly helpful for development of the new Aprilia MotoGP bike.”
Bradley Smith
At KTM, Pol Espargaro (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) was once again the quickest Austrian machine as the Spaniard put in a best of 1:39.144 after 60 laps – putting him fifteenth on the timesheets.
Pol Espargaro
“It has been a busy, busy test and we tried the bike from bottom to top. Yesterday we mainly did longer runs with a used tyre and our pace is not bad but we struggled a bit today in making a single fast lap. I had a big list of things to try and it is difficult to make fast lap-times and be consistent with pace when the bike is changing so much and is ‘live’! We were trying different parameters in the engine and something for turning when the tyre drops. In the chassis we made some modifications, which I think will be an improvement for the future, and the swing arm also. The WP guys have been working quite a lot with suspension and they also have some ideas. The team will work for Malaysia and we’ll have some meetings now to see in what areas Johann wants to go as well so we can improve this bike together.”
Pol Espargaro
Work continued on many different parts of the RC16, with Espargaro testing what Team Manager Mike Leitner called “bigger items”.
Mike Leitner, Red Bull KTM Team Manager
“We came to Jerez to make a lot of base setting work so we started with the 2018 bike and brought many new items. We ‘loaded’ Pol a lot and he did a great job. We tried many aspects on the engine, chassis, aerodynamics and suspension. We have some good information now and will have to go home, work and bring the best mix to the next test in Sepang. Johann made a big step with his understanding of the bike and went into the ’39 lap-times with used tyres and that was positive. Also his feeling on the bike was getting better but for sure we still have a lot of work to do with him also. We’ll work during the winter now to be ready for Malaysia.”
Johann Zarco
Johann Zarco was getting to better grips with his switch to the machine – with Leitner confirming his adaptation to the bike and vice versa. The Frenchman was seven tenths off his teammate on Day 2.
Johann Zarco
“So, some more days with the KTM and I’m happy because I made a step that I was looking for. It gave confirmation for the technicians for which direction we have to go. We began today on a better level and I was improving my lap-time. We then moved to test different things and could not do so many laps. We are still working on my base setting. We are not working to be the fastest one out there but the base is coming better and better every time I go out, and I can see that because the lap-time is there and I can repeat it relaxed. It means this is the direction we need. This engine is giving a good feeling to go out of the corner. Even if you miss it the bike will go and this is still one of our strong points and when we go faster we will be able to use it even better.”
Johann Zarco
KTM Tech 3 Racing, meanwhile, had Hafizh Syahrin on a 1:40.520 and rookie teammate Miguel Oliveira with a best lap of 1:40.577 – only half a tenth off the Malaysian.
Hervé Poncharal-KTM Tech 3 Racing Team Manager
“The last two days of testing this year were important for everybody, but especially for KTM Tech3 Racing. We needed a lot of laps and fortunately the weather was on our side this time. We could do many kilometres. The crew together with KTM, who is helping us tremendously well are acting more and more like a KTM race team, we improve our understanding of the bike. Still, we have only one bike, so each operation in the garage takes some time, but we are happy. We feel better and better, more and more comfortable with the KTM bike. I think both Hafizh and Miguel improved their feeling and of course also improved their lap times. Obviously, the positions are not great, but we’ve been going faster almost every single run. For sure the lap time is the main point of reference at the end of the day, but the confidence both Hafizh and Miguel are having on the bike is very important, because without that confident feeling, you can’t push and this is what we’ve been working on without changing the tyres too often, without chasing the lap time, as we are not at that stage yet. I believe this was a very productive test and everybody is going to think a lot about what we have to do, what we have to improve – the riders on their side, they have a lot of things to digest. Meanwhile the whole team is going to KTM to schooling and assembling before Christmas time. I believe this is going to be a very important week as well. At the end of the day, I would like to thank the team again, because the season has been long and tough, but everybody has been working hard with a positive frame of mind all the time. I would like to thank KTM for their trust and support, because we know how important the MotoGP project is and we feel proud to be part of it. Plus, I would like to thank Hafizh Syahrin and Miguel Oliveira, obviously, as they did a good job. I’m really pleased to see Miguel with a small smile on his face at the end of this test. It’s always very interesting to take a rookie coming from Moto2 and helping to discover the MotoGP, which is what we’ve been doing again and I think it’s working. Now there is a break, everybody has to rest and we see everyone in Sepang with a positive attitude and full charged batteries.”
The KTM Tech 3 Racing duo in 54 and 61 laps respectively as they both switch machinery – the former from Yamaha and the latter from Moto2.
Hafizh Syahrin
“For me today has not been too easy. To be honest, we expected to improve our lap time a bit more, but we still need more rear grip to find decent traction. At the moment, I feel very good with the front tyre, which is really stable, but at the same time the rear is spinning. We tried many things, but didn’t find the ideal solution yet. Now we need to think about it to find something for the next test. Overall, the two days of testing were very positive, but we are a bit far from the top. Anyway, we work hard and try to improve step by step in 2019.”
Hafizh Syahrin
Miguel Oliveira
“On the last day of testing this year I was able to make a very big step compared to yesterday regarding the lap time, more than a second, so I’m happy for that. Again we understood more about the bike, about what is missing and I’m just glad that the team and me are going home with a clear idea of what we need to do on the bike and I think this is the biggest positive we took out from today. Merry Christmas!”
Miguel Oliveira
So that’s a wrap on official track action in 2018! The Sepang test is next to welcome bikes back on track in February.
Jerez MotoGP Test- November 2018 Day Two Times
NAKAGAMI Takaaki 30 JPN LCR Honda 1:37.945
MARQUEZ Marc 93 SPA Repsol Honda Team 1:37.970 / 0.025
VINALES Maverick 12 SPA Yamaha Factory Racing 1:38.066 / 0.121
LORENZO Jorge 99 SPA Repsol Honda Team 1:38.105 / 0.160
PETRUCCI Danilo 9 ITA Ducati Team 1:38.109 / 0.164
MORBIDELLI Franco 21 ITA Petronas Yamaha SRT 1:38.118 / 0.173
MILLER Jack 43 AUS Alma Pramac Racing 1:38.207 / 0.262
DOVIZIOSO Andrea 4 ITA Ducati Team 1:38.292 / 0.347
BAGNAIA Francesco 63 ITA Alma Pramac Racing 1:38.333 / 0.388
RINS Alex 42 SPA Team Suzuki Ecstar 1:38.522 / 0.577
ROSSI Valentino 46 ITA Yamaha Factory Racing 1:38.596 / 0.651
QUARTARARO Fabio 20 FRA Petronas Yamaha SRT 1:38.761 / 0.816
RABAT Tito 53 SPA Reale Avintia Racing 1:38.876 / 0.931
MIR Joan 36 SPA Team Suzuki Ecstar 1:38.931 / 0.986
ESPARGARO Pol 44 SPA Red Bull KTM Factory Racing 1:39.144 / 1.199
BAUTISTA Alvaro 19 SPA Angel Nieto Team 1:39.338 / 1.393
ABRAHAM Karel 17 CZE Reale Avintia Racing 1:39.744 / 1.799
IANNONE Andrea 29 ITA Aprilia Racing Team Gresini 1:39.826 / 1.881
ZARCO Johann 5 FRA Red Bull KTM Factory Racing 1:39.864 / 1.919
ESPARGARO Aleix 41 SPA Aprilia Racing Team Gresini 1:40.156 / 2.211
SMITH Bradley 38 GBR Aprilia Racing Test Team 1:40.325 / 2.380
GUINTOLI Sylvain 50 FRA Team Suzuki Ecstar 1:40.498 / 2.553
SYAHRIN Hafizh 55 MAL Red Bull KTM Tech 3 1:40.520 / 2.575
OLIVEIRA Miguel 88 POR Red Bull KTM Tech 3 1:40.577 / 2.632
BAIOCCO Matteo 15 ITA Aprilia Racing Test Team 1:41.907 / 3.962
Jerez MotoGP Test- November 2018 Combined Day1-2 Times
The pathway to World Championship Grand Prix racing as become a little easier for aspiring young Oceania talent, with Dorna having just announced that the bLU cRU Oceania Junior Cup has now been afforded Road to MotoGP status alongside the two other main Grand Prix feeder series such as the Idemitsu Asia Talent Cup and Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup. Riders competing in bLU cRU Oceania Junior Cup – and in spirit with the ‘Road to MotoGP’ effort now have a direct path to Motorcycle Grand Prix Racing.
Riders from the Oceania Junior Cup will also be given the chance to attend the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup Selection Event in 2019. This has been made possible by the continued support provided by Motorcycling Australia, the Federation Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) and FIM Oceania, the regional representatives of the FIM.
Dorna’s talent programs bearing fruits. Red Bull Rookies cup rider’ Can Oncu debuted in Moto3 via a wildcard in and won at 15, setting a new record.
Born from the desire to develop exceptional Australian motorcycle road racing talent, this announcement is particularly great news for juniors looking for a structured pathway to Grand Prix Motorcycle Racing. As is the excitement and interest, the bLU cRU Oceania Junior Cup received many applications from an impressive array of junior competitors from across the country, hailing from nearly every motorcycling discipline including Road Race, Motocross, Dirt Track, Enduro and Speedway. Included in the line-up is a strong representation from four Australian States, two female contenders and a representative from New Zealand also.
Peter Goddard
Peter Goddard, Motorcycling Australia President:
“For Dorna to endorse the Oceania Junior Cup under the Road to MotoGP program is an exciting opportunity for all involved and adds a substantial level of credibility to what we are trying to achieve. Such an important partnership cements the key criteria of the program, creating a clear progression plan between the Oceania Junior Cup and the world stage. The development of the next World Champion from our region has received a huge boost today.”
Carmelo Ezpeleta
Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of Dorna Sports:
“We are delighted to welcome another series to our Road to MotoGP program. The Road to MotoGP is going from strength to strength and has an incredibly successful record in finding and promoting talent. The bLU cRU Oceania Junior Cup will be an asset to the program and perfectly complements our aims for the Oceania region. We’re excited to begin this new collaboration.”
After careful consideration, MA would like to introduce you to the 26 bLU cRU Oceania Junior Cup finalists, for the class of 2019!
Rider
First Name
Surname
State
11
Natalie
Barbati
VIC
12
Reece
Oughtred
VIC
14
Jacob
Hatch
QLD
15
Zak
Pettendy
NSW
17
Hunter
Diplock
NSW
18
Tom
Connors
NSW
21
Carter
Thompson
NSW
22
Lincoln
Knight
NSW
24
Jamie
Port
VIC
26
Dominic
Fletcher
NSW
27
Toby
James
VIC
28
Cormac
Buchanan
NZ
31
Max
Gibbons
QLD
32
Jai
Russo
NSW
36
Angus
Grenfell
VIC
37
Patrick
Bognar
VIC
39
Glenn
Nelson
QLD
42
Cros
Francis
NSW
44
Pyper
Kent
WA
46
Marianos
Nikolis
NSW
53
Alex
Kenworthy-Jones
NSW
55
Varis
Fleming
VIC
58
Lucas
Quinn
QLD
59
Tom
Drane
NSW
69
Archie
McDonald
NSW
74
Jacob
Roulstone
NSW
The maiden season kicks off with the Official ASBK Test at Phillip Island in February 2-3, before racing commences for Round 1 at Wakefield Park Raceway in Goulburn, New South Wales, on March 22-24. Running alongside the Australian Superbike Championship (ASBK) for 5 of the 6 rounds, the program will introduce the finalists to the highest level of Australian road race competition and exemplify the focus and mentality required to become a true champion.
2019 bLU cRU Oceania Junior Cup Calendar
Official ASBK Test – Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit – Phillip Island, VIC
2 – 3 Feb
1
Wakefield Park Raceway (ASBK) – Goulburn, NSW
22 – 24 Mar
2
Broadford State Motorcycle Complex (MotoStars) – Broadford, VIC
6– 7 Apr
3
Morgan Park Raceway (ASBK) – Warwick, QLD
5 – 7 Jul
4
Winton Motor Raceway (ASBK) – Benalla, VIC
6 – 8 Sep
5
Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit (ASBK) – Phillip Island, VIC
4 – 6 Oct
6
Round 6 – Sydney Motorsport Park (ASBK) – Eastern Creek, NSW
In three short years, the DirtDaze Adventure Bike Rally has become one of the largest adventure events in the U.S. In 2019, it will move to a new, larger venue and will take place later in the riding season.
For DirtDaze’s first three years it was held in Lake Lucerne, New York, during the first week of June–at the same time and just a few miles away from the Americade touring rally in Lake George.
The Northeast rally will continue to offer extensive guided and unguided rides, demo rides, rider training and camping/lodging.
“We’re very excited about this change,” said Christian Dutcher, the rally’s director. “We’ve narrowed the potential new location to two different regions, both of which offer incredible riding. And, the new dates will allow our staff to do even more with the event, which the attendees are going to love. We’re hoping to unveil the new location and dates by January 1st.”
The DirtDaze Adventure Bike Rally is a fun, adventurous and educational multi-day festival for dual-sport and adventure motorcycles. The event offers on-site demos and vendors, world-class rider training, dual-sport rides to far-off destinations with lunch, fun night time activities, riding games and contests.
“Everything is going good,” begins the Brit, with the first port of call his injury and recovery. “I’m in California, recovering well, doing my best. Sepang? I don’t know, I’ll do my best to be there. Obviously you know the extent of the injury to my tibia, fibia and talus bone in the ankle. It was a big one, a very very big one, I had fantastic surgery and a fantastic surgeon who put it back together very well. I’ve got good movement in the ankle so far, about four or five weeks ahead of a normal schedule. It’s going good, don’t get me wrong it’s going good, I am aiming to be back in Sepang there’s no doubt about that. But if it was next week there would be no chance, I know that!”
Meanwhile Ducati were the only manufacturer, according to Andrea Dovizioso (Ducati Team), who weren’t on engine duty – they were confirming, successfully, their results from the Valencia test. The Borgo Panigale factory were focused elsewhere, including some time working on a seat modification first seen on Day 1 ridden by test rider stand-in Alvaro Bautista. Despite a tumble on Wednesday, Dovizioso put in 44 laps – saying he didn’t feel limited by the crash – with a fastest of 1:38.292 to put him in P8, and it was new teammate Danilo Petrucci who flew the flag highest in fifth, a 1:38.109 his fastest of 68 laps.
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World Cup races in 2019, the introduction of new electronic features on all MY2019 motorcycles and in particular, a new pricing strategy for the U.S. market, taking advantage of the economies of scale, resulting from additional production to match increased worldwide sales.
