Factory team launches fresh livery at Jakarta presentation.
Image: Supplied.
The new-look Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team has launched its 2019 campaign with a team presentation in Jakarta, Indonesia, showcasing a stunning new livery that will grace the YZR-M1s of Valentino Rossi and Maverick Vinales.
Monster Energy has increased its presence on the Yamaha contender, coming on board as the naming rights partner of the team for the 2019 MotoGP World Championship that will kick off on 10 March at Losail International Circuit in Qatar.
“I saw the bike and it’s beautiful,” Vinales stated. “Normally I try to start and feel prepared. It doesn’t matter how last year went, it’s a new start. We’ve seen many changes within the team, Stefan will enable me to do my best.
“I feel like I have really good experience with my people, with all the changes I think I can do it. All the athletes I cheer for have Monster. I feel really proud and now incorporating Monster on the bike, it feels really good.”
Valentino Rossi added: “Yeah you know, in this moment you are always very excited. It’s a shame because the holidays have finished, but we are ready. We have to work hard because in the last period our opponents made a good step.
“In modern MotoGP the key is the tyres, we always work to save the tyres. It’s a difficult job, it’s very precise, you have to work on your style and work hard with your engineers. his is the objective this year.
“For me it’s a long time with Monster and I always feel very comfortable. I like the colours, the green and black are good with the blue of our Yamaha – it’s aggressive, we’re like Men in Black. I’m very proud, it’s important to have Monster as a main sponsor.”
The duo will be out on track this week at Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia for the first pre-season test of the year.
“With any team structure, there are always changes that need to be made. In Japan we have seen there’s a new organisation, headed by Kouichi Tsuji. Another change that is important is the interaction between Japan and Europe. We are expanding in Europe, in Italy, and that interaction will be important. I’m confident with the technical, personnel and riders, along with the partners we have, we’ll have a good season.
Marquez targeting full-fitness for Qatar MotoGP opener
Reigning world champion set for Sepang test this week.
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After undergoing shoulder surgery during the off-season, reigning champion Marc Marquez is targeting to be at full-fitness for the opening round of the MotoGP World Championship in Qatar on 10 March.
The Spaniard took to the track last week aboard a practice bike, his first time back on a motorcycle since the operation, however his first real test will be this week at Sepang’s official test in Malaysia, where he’ll complete three days of riding aboard his RC213V.
“I needed this,” said Marquez after his first ride back. “I touched my elbow on the ground! Riders in general need to have their minds clear. At least on the trip to Malaysia, which is 14 hours long, I will be thinking I have ridden a bike, got on the brakes, felt the throttle and the clutch.
“We have done a few laps that have helped me to see where things are. This week we have to work on it. It was pretty much what I expected, the large force under braking – especially left-handers, where I have to support my left shoulder was problematic. That is where we have to continue working, have patience in Malaysia and get to March at full fitness.”
A recurring dislocation of the Repsol Honda rider’s left shoulder was the reason he underwent surgery throughout the off-season, which presented the only opportunity for it to be repaired.
Altherm JCR Yamaha contender second at Taranaki opener.
Image: Supplied.
Kirk Gibbs has declared he isn’t settling for mediocre results and performances in his New Zealand MX Nationals title defence after finishing second at the weekend’s opener in Taranaki.
The Altherm JCR Yamaha rider won the opening encounter before accepting second place moto scores in races two and three, granting him runner-up honours behind eventual winner Cody Cooper (Honda Racing) as Yamaha teammate Kayne Lamont closed out the podium.
“It was a bit of a day of ‘what ifs’ but we were right there,” Gibbs admitted. “I’ll need to push the boys – we are not going to settle for mediocre. We want to be going for wins not podiums, it’s just what we expect.
“In the opening race I got a good start and got the hole-shot. Cody was on me the whole race but I withstood the pressure. I felt like a rode good but not a hundred percent, as I really had to protect my lines.
“In the final race I got slammed coming out of the gate. When I went over the first table top I got sideways and fell over. I managed to charge up to second behind Cody at the end.”
Defending MX2 champion Hamish Harwood (CML Motorex KTM Team) captured victory in the quarter-litre class over Australian champion Wilson Todd (DPH Motorsport Husqvarna), who completed the day with a race win to his name, while Maximus Purvis (Altherm JCR Yamaha) rounded out the podium. Aussie contender Morgan Fogarty (KTM) wound up seventh overall.
The New Zealand MX Nationals heads to Rotorua in two weeks’ time, scheduled for 17 February.
Cube Racing talent drawing confidence from Phillip Island outing.
Image: Russell Colvin.
Oli Bayliss has impressed in his first official Supersport outing at Phillip Island’s Australian Superbike Championship (ASBK) test last weekend.
The Cube Racing rider, son of three-time superbike world champion Troy Bayliss, lodged the third fastest time in the category aboard a Yamaha YZF-R6, winding up just over two seconds off title favourite and pace-setter Tom Toparis (Yamaha), offering a boost of confidence to the Queenslander.
“It was great to get on the bike this weekend and put some laps in,” Bayliss explained. “Supersport is such a different style of racing to Supersport 300, but I’m loving it. I managed to be in the top group in all my sessions, so I’m feeling pretty confident that with some more time riding the bike, I can be competitive.”
Cube Racing team manager Ben Henry praised Bayliss for his efforts, commending him on his mature take to transitioning from the Supersport 300 division.
“It was a great weekend for Oli,” said Henry. “He used his head, riding to the conditions and learning as he circulated to put in some great times. I think he gained some confidence out there, and as he keeps improving his skills and feedback to the team, he’ll keep progressing through the season with some great results.”
Bayliss will make his Supersport racing debut on 21-24 February at Phillip Island for the opening round of ASBK, which will run in conjunction with the FIM Superbike World Championship opener.
Kawasaki pilot earns third main event victory in San Diego mudder.
Image: Supplied.
Adam Cianciarulo says he’s at ease after gaining the 250SX West points lead as the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship heads east, resulting in a month-long break in the western regional category.
The Pro Circuit Monster Energy Kawasaki ace claimed his third main event victory on Saturday night at San Diego’s mud-filled fifth round of the championship, which ultimately granted him the points lead.
The youthful talent encountered issues at both Anaheim stops, and was only able to capitalise in the points standings at the weekend when former red-plate holder Colt Nichols (Monster Energy Yamalube Star Racing Yamaha) wound up in 10th.
“It feels good going into the break and [the points lead] kind of puts the mind at ease,” Cianciarulo explained. “I haven’t had the red-plate basically since I was a little kid, so that feels good.
“I think when you have a stressful day like this in the mud – there are a lot of unknowns that can happen – it definitely felt better than usual. I’m excited to keep building on this – we’re only halfway through, so we’ve got a couple of weeks to get back to work.”
The number 92 has managed to stretch an eight-point lead over Shane McElrath (TLD Red Bull KTM), as the 250SX West class returns for the first East/West Shootout on 2 March at Atlanta. This weekend’s sixth round of the AMA Supercross series will see Australian Hunter Lawrence (Geico Honda) make his debut in the 250SX East category at Minneapolis.
Yamaha pilot supremely quick at Phillip Island ASBK testing.
Image: Russell Colvin.
After topping the Supersport times at the weekend’s official Australian Superbike Championship (ASBK) test in Phillip Island, Tom Toparis has declared intentions to extract more from his package at the grand prix circuit’s Supersport World Championship (WorldSSP) test on 18-19 February ahead of his wildcard appearance.
In his first official outing aboard the Yamaha YZF-R6, the youthful talent was supremely quick in both sessions, clocking up a fast-time of 1m35.295s – almost two seconds clear of his nearest competitor.
“It’s awesome to be on the Yamaha this year, I’m really grateful for the opportunity to ride the R6,” Toparis stated. “[It’s been a] good couple of days, my first real time at the island on the R6, so I’m super comfortable after the two days and really looking forward to getting to the races.
“We’re doing the world supersport wildcard this year, so we’ll have two days of testing down here during that week, and I think we’ll be able to find a little bit more. Hopefully we can repeat the weekend we had here last year.”
The WorldSBK opener will run in conjunction with round one of the ASBK, meaning both Toparis and Herfoss will undertake double duties in their respective classes throughout the weekend.
Australia’s Evans endures challenging weekend in Italian motocross championship.
Image: Supplied.
Multi-time world champion Antonio Cairoli has remained undefeated in the Internazionali D’Italia despite battling illness at Ottobiano’s second round at the weekend.
The Red Bull KTM Factory Racing rider dominated the MX1 outing in extremely cold conditions, fending off a challenge from Romain Febvre (Monster Energy Yamaha Factory Racing) in second, followed by Tim Gajser (Honda HRC) in third.
The Italian ace maintained his dominance in the Superfinal, which sees the top 20 riders from MX1 and MX2 combined, claiming the win over Gajser and MX2 world champion Jorge Prado (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing).
“A very difficult race because the track was tricky with a lot of ruts,” Cairoli explained. “I was feeling okay today but it was a difficult week. I had a fever until Friday night and only started to feel a bit better on Saturday. I had a good rhythm in the first moto and could take home the win.
“I started well in the second moto with a holeshot but Tim [Gajser] was riding really well. I made a small mistake with a lapper and had to give everything with three laps to go to get him back. I’ve had two good results and we’re close to being champion again in the Italian series. That will be a great accomplishment for me.”
The MX2 class was topped by Prado, as Australian Mitch Evans (Team Honda 114 Motorsports) charged through the demanding conditions to wind up 24th, putting him out of contention for the Superfinal. Compatriot Caleb Grothues (SDM Corse Yamaha) didn’t line-up for the MX2 encounter despite completing the qualifying session.
Alex Rins & Joan Mir all set for Malaysian MotoGP Test
Team Suzuki Ecstar’s Alex Rins and Joan Mir are heading to Malaysia for the first test of 2019, as the riders debut the all new livery for 2019 on their GSX-RRs.
Joan Mir
The winter break has been used by the team to prepare an advanced version of the technical package that will be available to the Factory Riders from the beginning of the season. The main goal was finding increased power without losing traction, as well as improving the behaviour of the bike in corner entry and exit.
Alex Rins
As already announced, the lineup will be composed of the two young Spaniards, a choice designed to continue Suzuki’s philosophy of bringing on and growing young talent.
Joan Mir
Shinichi Sahara – Project Leader
“We are approaching the true beginning of this new season with renewed enthusiasm and positivity. The tests at the end of last year gave us important direction, and my expectation is to find ourselves at a competitive level. We have been working on many aspects of the GSX-RR and with the contribution of all our riders – Rins, Mir and the test rider Guintoli – we have been able to improve our technical package. For us, 2019 will be an important season: from one side we will have Alex Rins, who is still young in terms of age but is already experienced with our team and our machine, he has the tools to take the victory we long for. On the other hand we’ll start a new training programme with a young talent in the form of Joan Mir, with no pressure on him and all our efforts going towards his development. Last year we have also reinforced our test team and Guintoli is a true part of the squad who can give us important feedback, without forgetting the hard work done behind the scenes by Japanese test riders in Hamamatsu. I’d say we have a good and solid set up as a team, and we hope for a positive 2019 season.”
Alex Rins
With two seasons aboard the GSX-RR already, Alex Rins will be the “experienced” rider in the garage, having achieved 5 podiums during the 2018 season. He will have the clear target of getting to the top step of the podium as soon as possible.
Alex Rins
“Finally winter is over and I can go back riding! This winter break has felt so long and I can’t wait to be back riding again. After the last test in November I left clear feedback for the engineers to work on, as far as I know the improvements we will try in Sepang will not be drastic but many small improvements in many areas, which is totally the Suzuki philosophy. We know what we were missing on the bike, so I believe the R&D in Japan will deliver a package which will help us to improve further. My winter has been very intense, with successful recovery and intense training programme. This is an important year, because in 2018 we were able to show that we can consistently fight for podium positions, and now it’s time to go for the bigger prize: the victory.”
Alex Rins
Debutant Joan Mir has already proven that he is not daunted by the top class, showing solid performances in the November tests in Valencia and Jerez. He can rely on a solid team around him, who have plenty of experience in managing young riders. And with no pressure on his shoulders, this year will be a learning phase in his partnership with Team SUZUKI ECSTAR.
Joan Mir
Joan Mir
“Needless to say, I am very excited to get back on my bike. This winter has been very long without riding but I focused on my physical training, which has given positive results so far. Of course I still need many more hours on the bike, there are so many things I still need to understand to be even more effective, but I feel very supported by the team and I will rely on their wealth of experience to improve, and also to contribute my own improvements to my bike. It will be a whole package, me and the bike, that will hopefully develop step by step. I don’t have any pressure, but for sure my clear objective will be to end the season with a smaller gap to the winner when compared to the first race.”
Joan Mir
Davide Brivio – Team Manager
“We are about to start an interesting season. Last year we surprised everybody with our progress and a quick come back to the podium positions. Having Alex Rins continue with us is very important when trying to improve our team performances. He has the mental freshness of the young guys, but also the consistency and wise head from his experiences of the two last years. This has been further cemented by the good results he achieved in 2018, with a great end to the season. He has already demonstrated his talent and now we have to work hard to take the next step with him, being very much aware of how strong our competitors are too. In addition, we’re starting a project with Joan Mir, the newcomer who will make his debut in the top class. This is the third time we’ve taken on a rookie, and we will work hard to continue the positive trend we’ve had with bringing on young riders. We strongly believe that he has great talent, and it’s up to the team now to bring out all his potential with the Suzuki GSX-RR.”
Kawasaki becomes naming rights partner for ASBK premier category
Manufacturer increases support in the Australian championship.
Image: Russell Colvin.
Kawasaki Motors Australia has placed its support behind the Australian Superbike Championship (ASBK), becoming the naming rights partner for the premier Superbike category.
The newly-titled Kawasaki Superbike class will headline the Australian championship as it tours the country for seven rounds, with the manufacturer well represented as title contender Bryan Staring (Kawasaki BCperformance) leads the charge alongside Lachlan Epis (Kawasaki BCperformance), Matt Walters (Kawasaki) and Glenn Scott (GSR Kawasaki).
“Kawasaki Motors is very happy to be supporting the ASBK in 2019 by taking in the naming rights to the Superbike class” said Robert Walker, national sales and marketing manager of Kawasaki Motors Australia.
“The series is as strong and competitive as it has been for several years and it’s good to see all of the manufacturers supporting racing in Australia. Entry level racing through to Superbike racing is having a revival under the new directions of Motorcycling Australia.”
Motorcycling Australia CEO Peter Doyle commented: “It’s fantastic to have Kawasaki’s renewed commitment to ASBK as both a sponsor and a manufacturer. The support of manufacturers like Kawasaki has helped to drive the resurgence of ASBK, meaning we’re able to provide a stronger championship than ever with bigger fields, stronger teams, and most importantly – great racing.”
Last weekend the ASBK completed a two-day test at Phillip Island, the venue that will host the season-opener on 21-24 February in conjunction with the FIM Motul Superbike World Championship (WorldSBK).
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