World champion’s recovery time still to be determined.
Image: Supplied.
Reigning MXGP world champion Jeffrey Herlings has suffered a foot injury while training in Spain, forcing him to undergo surgery in Belgium at the weekend.
Red Bull KTM Factory Racing confirmed the news via social media, releasing a statement that ensured his operation to repair the damage was successful.
“The MXGP world champion Jeffrey Herlings had an operation on his right foot in Belgium last night after a training crash in Spain yesterday afternoon. All went well for the number 84 and more details about his recovery and rehab will be posted at the beginning of the week. Get fit fast champ.”
It’s unclear how long the Dutchman will be sidelined for, however the injury will impact his preparations for the season-opener, scheduled for 3 March at the MXGP of Patagonia Argentina.
First Malaysian MotoGP Team Petronas Yamaha Sepang
Petronas Yamaha Sepang will become the first Malaysian MotoGP team to compete across the MotoGP, Moto2 and Moto3 classes in 2019. The team was officially presented at the Petronas Twin Towers in Malaysia this week amongst high hopes for a promising 2019 MotoGP season.
Franco Morbidelli and Fabio Quartararo
MotoGP riders Franco Morbidelli and Fabio Quartararo lined up with their 2019 Yamaha YZR-M1 machines alongside Petronas Sprinta Racing riders Khairul Idham Pawi (Moto2), and Ayumu Sasaki and John McPhee (Moto3).
It all started during the 2018 Grand Prix of Spain, in the first week of May. Rumours that two slots might become available on the MotoGP grid for 2019 reached Razlan Razali and he wasted no time in contacting with Carmelo and Carlos Ezpeleta, at which point the door to the elite category creaked open – albeit only slightly.
The historic moment in Malaysian motorsport took place in the Dewan Filharmonik Petronas Foyer.
Petronas are not newcomers to motorcycle racing and have a long history in Formula1, obtaining sensational results with Mercedes, including the last five F1 World Championship titles. Noor Afiza M Yusof, Head of Brand Management of Petronas, sees their success on four wheels as the model to follow in MotoGP.
Team Director Johan Stigefelt, meanwhile, went about the task of putting the first – and for him the most important – piece of the jigsaw in place – the recruitment of Wilco Zeelenberg.
Johan Stigefelt – Team Director
“Yamaha’s help during the team’s first steps was fundamental. If they didn’t help us out in the way they did for the Valencia test, with the engineers, technicians, material… we wouldn’t have been able to do that test or even Jerez. You can have the biggest budget and the best material but you need a good human group. If you don’t have that, the team spirit and the team itself will never be the same. I am really happy to be able to present the team and riders today alongside Petronas, and it is a great feeling to show everybody our new colours. I am proud that the riders in all three categories will have the same look, which was the objective for us – that everybody sees us as a united structure. I also want to take the opportunity to thank all of the partners who have made it possible for this project to move forward. We will be back to work on track very soon, at our home circuit, the Sepang International Circuit. We will start with the MotoGP riders, who will be able to enjoy their new bikes and new material from Yamaha. We have planned an extensive programme of tests, even though the riders already have a little experience on the Yamaha. The conditions will be demanding at Sepang and we have a lot of work to do, so it will be a big challenge for Franco [Morbidelli] and Fabio [Quartararo].”
2019 Petronas Yamaha Sepang MotoGP Team officially presented
The new Team Manager of Petronas Yamaha SRT remembers his own excitement when he was first told about the project and reveals the clear objective he has set.
Wilco Zeelenberg – Team Manager of Petronas Yamaha SRT
“I feel excited to start this new role and I think that the longer everybody is together, the better we will do. We want to become the best satellite team on the grid and become the go-to team for any promising young rider looking to make the step up to MotoGP.”
Petronas Yamaha Sepang MotoGP launch
One of the most important factors on the sporting side was of course to secure the signatures of two top riders for the new project.
2018 Rookie of the Year Franco Morbidelli and the man who will look to relieve him of the title, Fabio Quartararo, makes the step up from Moto2. The team will be Yamaha’s only satellite representation on the grid, receiving top level material and factory support thanks to the magnificent working relationship between the team and Yamaha Motor Co. Ltd.
“I feel like one of the people within this project that has the duty to make it a success. I don’t feel that I have more or less responsibility than anybody else – we are all the same – but each of us has to do their job to the best of their ability to make Petronas, Yamaha, the sponsors and the fans proud. This is my second team presentation as a MotoGP rider and my first with this ambitious team. To be honest it has been really impressive, everybody is very excited and committed to the team. I came to KLCC before but it never fails to impress. To make the presentation here, to see the colours on my Yamaha for the first time and to enjoy the moment with the people of Malaysia has been fantastic. This is a great day for PETRONAS Yamaha SRT! I love how the bike has turned out and the whole look with the leathers and helmet. I am looking forward to debuting it next week in the first test at the Sepang International Circuit. We all have a lot of work ahead so I am looking forward to getting back on the bike and joining up with the team to continue our progress and preparation for the start of the season in Qatar.”
Franco Morbidelli
Fabio Quartararo – MotoGP
“When my manager told me about it for the first time I didn’t believe him. Honestly, I didn’t think that I would get such a good opportunity to move up to MotoGP this season. But once the first contact had been made, we knew that this team would be immediately fighting to be the best satellite team, that it would have a very professional technical staff and a very positive atmosphere, so I had no doubts in accepting the challenge. I am very excited to have unveiled the new design of the bike and to have presented the whole team here at home, in Malaysia. I love it! Now I am really excited to get back on the bike at the Sepang International Circuit in the three-day test we have ahead. I am happy to be starting the new season there because it is one of my favourite tracks. We will try to give our best to learn as much as possible. We have six days of tests before the first race in Qatar, so I will do everything possible to be ready for the opening Grand Prix. The goal for any rider moving up from Moto2 is to become Rookie of the Year, so we will work hard to achieve it.”
Fabio Quartararo in testing
In the intermediate category, the Petronas Sprinta Racing outfit heads into its second season with a new face on board – Malaysia’s two-time Grand Prix winner Khairul Idham Pawi.
Khairul Idham Pawi – Moto2
“It has been a dream presentation; for me it is something incredible to unveil the team’s new colours in Kuala Lumpur, my home, because I have never done anything like this here before. To see so many people together at the Petronas Twin Towers was very exciting. I love the new bike that the team have put together for the 2019 season and I am very much looking forward to getting back into action soon.”
Khairul Idham Pawi
Meanwhile in Moto3, Ayumu Sasaki welcomes a new team-mate in John McPhee, forming a new pairing ready to fight for the positions of honour at the front of the pack.
Ayumu Sasaki – Moto3
“It was an incredible day. It was very nice to have all five of the team’s riders here – it has been very exciting. I also love how the bikes look, so now I want to see what they’re like on track! I am very keen to get back on the bike, meet up again with my technical staff and complete some laps at the Sepang International Circuit. I hope to understand the bike as soon as possible and come back to my riding style after almost three months without riding. I’m really looking forward to Sepang and also the Jerez Test. Our target for this season will be really high. McPhee will be the best team-mate I can ask for and together we will try to be as fast as possible and fight for the podium when we can.”
Ayumu Sasaki
John McPhee – Moto3
“What an amazing day here in Kuala Lumpur! To have the Petronas Sepang Racing Team launch at the Petronas Twin Towers was something special. The new livery looks great and now I’m really excited to get the season underway. Now we head to the Sepang International Circuit to start our new season. My aim is to make the most of the next three days to kick off our season in our best possible way. We’ve got an exciting year ahead with lots to look forward to.”
Ayumu Sasaki & John McPhee
2019 MotoGP Calendar
10 March Qatar*, Losail International Circuit
31 March República Argentina, Termas de Río Hondo
14 April Americas, Circuit of the Americas
05 May Spain, Circuito de Jerez
19 May France, Le Mans
02 June Italy, Autodromo del Mugello
16 June Catalunya, Barcelona – Catalunya
30 June Netherlands, TT Circuit Assen
07 July Germany, Sachsenring
04 August Czech Republic, Automotodrom Brno
11 August Austria, Red Bull Ring – Spielberg
25 August Great Britain, Silverstone Circuit
15 September San Marino, Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli
22 September Aragón, MotorLand Aragón
06 October Thailand, Chang International Circuit
20 October Japan, Twin Ring Motegi
27 October Australia, Phillip Island
03 November Malaysia, Sepang International Circuit
17 November Comunitat Valenciana, Circuit Ricardo Tormo
Australian contender to join Hutchinson aboard CBR1000RR Fireblade SP2.
Image: Supplied.
David Johnson will join Ian Hutchinson at Honda Racing for the 2019 International North West 200 and Isle of Man TT, where the duo will contest the Superbike and Superstock 1000 classes aboard the CBR1000RR Fireblade SP2.
Johnson made his debut at the TT in 2010 aboard Honda machinery where he claimed the accolade of fastest newcomer that year. The Australian has since racked up three fourth place finishes at the mountain course and was close to a podium last year in the Superbike race. His best result at the Ulster GP has been third, while his North West 200 placing is seventh.
“I am really happy to join the Honda Racing team for this season,” Johsnon stated. “Over the years they have been incredibly successful on the roads and won a lot at the TT – I feel that I will gel with the Fireblade, so I’m very excited to get started and ride the bikes.
“With Hutchy getting fitter from his injuries I think we’ll work together well and I will have some great people around me in the team. I can’t wait to get back to the UK and start testing.”
Honda Racing team manager Jonny Twelvetrees commented: “I’m really pleased to have ‘Davo’ with the team for this season, he’s been a strong contender since his debut in 2010 and I know it won’t be long before he’s on the TT podium. He had a good season last year with two 4th places at the TT and a podium at the Ulster, so I’m excited to see what he can do on the Fireblade this year.”
The Honda Racing team will now embark on a comprehensive testing programme before tackling the road circuits, starting with the North West 200 in May.
Scheduled date remains unchanged for rounds one and two.
Image: John Pearson.
Motorcycling Australia (MA) has revealed the opening rounds of the Yamaha Australian Off-Road Championship (AORC) have been relocated to Toowoomba, Queensland, on 9-10 March.
The season-opener was initially set to take place at Gympie in Queensland, however MA has cited unforeseen circumstances as the reason behind the decision to change venues.
To ensure the least amount of disruption to riders and teams, the event has been amended to continue successfully incorporating the state of Queensland into the Championship whilst also making a conscious effort to minimise the necessary distance to travel.
Moving slightly south to Toowoomba, riders will be presented with picturesque backdrops contrasted by the challenges of the Great Dividing Range and its western slopes. Both days will still feature continuous sprints where riders will race against the clock as they race to come out on top.
Lowes second fastest as WorldSBK newcomer Bautista takes third.
Image: Supplied.
The final two-day European pre-season test before the 2019 Motul FIM Superbike World Championship (WorldSBK) kicks off at Phillip Island next month has been completed in Portimao, Portugal, where four-time champion Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team) once again topped the timesheets.
A stronger wind blew at the Portuguese rollercoaster race track, but riders didn’t back down and aware of the importance of every single hour of testing available, they took to the track early in the morning to make their final arrangements ahead of the WorldSBK season opener.
Both the days saw stiff competition with many riders and four different manufacturer bikes contending the top spot till the very last minute of on-track activity, showing off similar paces.
But in the end, it was reigning champion Rea who came out on top at the end of the two days, despite suffering a small crash on the final minutes of on-track activity. Working on finding a good base setup for his Kawasaki ZX-10RR, the Northern Irishman was happy with the improvement made with his crew during the off-season, and he now looks forward to Australia to see where they really stand.
On the other side of the garage, Leon Haslam was more than pleased in ending the European Winter test in fourth position. Returning to the WorldSBK championship after four years, the British rider was able to find back his confidence with the WorldSBK machine over the four days of testing at Jerez and Portimao.
Bringing on the fight to Rea and the green machines, Alex Lowes (Pata Yamaha WorldSBK Team) continued with his stunning pace also on Day Two at Portimao, as he closed in second position 0.959s behind Rea. Together with his teammate Michael van der Mark, who finished fifth, the Pata Yamaha WorldSBK Team riders successfully completed their program, as they worked on confirming the new parts tested during the days before.
In the Aruba.it Racing – Ducati garage Chaz Davies and Alvaro Bautista were able to make consistent progress working on the base setup of the all-new Ducati Panigale V4 R. Testing different tyres and many aspects of his new bike, Alvaro Bautista set an outstanding fastest lap time of 1m41.934s, taking the third spot of the timesheets, on a race track with such unique features, that he barely knows.
Team-mate Chaz Davies who was still struggling with back pain put in 42 laps on the V4 R today and finished a tough test in 11th position. But it wasn’t just the green, blue and red machines to impress at Portimao. BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team rider Tom Sykes put in a sensational lap today, conquering the sixth spot in 1m42.246s.
The British rider was surprised by how close they were, considering they are still in their development phase. Also, Markus Reiterberger, who worked on the geometry of the bike and on testing different tyres, completed a positive test finishing tenth overall. After their sixth day on track with the new BMW S1000RR, which colours were revealed today live on their social media channels, the BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team can now head to Australia with a lot of confidence after their positive work.
Continuing to adapt to the WorldSBK bike, 2018 WorldSSP World Champion Sandro Cortese (GRT Yamaha WorldSBK) set the seventh fastest lap time, while teammate Marco Melandri closed eighth overall.
Toprak Razgatlioglu (Turkish Puccetti Racing) had a strong pace on both days as he closed in ninth position. The Turkish rider worked on improving his feeling on board the Kawasaki ZX-10RR that will only be updated into the 2019 version at Phillip Island. Working also alongside a new crew chief, it was a positive two-day test for the young rider and his team.
It was a tally two-day test for Independent team riders Michael Rinaldi (BARNI Racing Team) and Eugene Laverty (Team Goeleven), both working on the development of their Ducati Panigale V4 R. The Italian rider closed in 12th position, while Laverty, who still have a lot of work to do with his new team, finished 13th.
Developing the new Honda CBR1000RR, 2019 WorldSBK rookie Alessandro Delbianco finished fourteenth after two days trying to get acquainted with the WorldSBK machine. The next test will be at Phillip Island in Australia, scheduled for 18-19 February.
Final European shakedown before WSBK hits Australia
Images by 2snap/GeeBee
Portimao hosted the final two-day European pre-season test ahead of the 2019 Motul FIM Superbike World Championship season getting underway in Australia over the weekend of February 22-24 at Phillip Island.
The new race format being introduced for 2019, that adds a 10-lap Sunday morning sprint race to the weekend schedule, saw riders get to test a new Pirelli SCX rear tyre at Portimao this week.
Some riders also slotted in a qualifying tyre for their outright time attack style lap and on Q rubber Jonathan Rea set a 1m40.885 to street the field. Rea also fell on his last lap of the day but was uninjured in the tumble.
Jonathan Rea
Jonathan Rea
“It has been a super-positive test. We came from the Jerez and I was still understanding the bike and the asphalt there. It made it difficult to understand the work we had done over the winter. But coming here we had quite a neutral platform to work with and a lot of data. Although the temperatures did not get into a perfect operating window it gave us a consistent effort over two days. We confirmed the chassis items we tested at Jerez, and electronically we worked a bit better. We started to work on our race performance. I was really happy with how I felt with a lot of laps on the tyre compared to last this time last year. I got to try a qualifier at the end of the day and that felt quite good and I was really fast with it. This test ticked every box, just a couple of little items we could have re-checked and gone over. But the priorities were done and we got to try some new Pirelli tyres as well.”
Jonathan Rea
Pere Riba, Crew Chief for Jonathan Rea
“I am really happy because we have been improving since yesterday morning. Here we confirmed some items that were on the list, mainly with the balance of the chassis. The new engine has a small difference in the character on corner entry or corner exit, and the revs are different, which also changes the character a bit. This also affects the chassis and we tried to put it all together. Honestly speaking we made a step forward and Johnny was flying. On the race tyres we made a lot of laps and after many laps it was we were still doing very strong times. The tyre wear was good and overall everything was very good.”
Jonathan Rea and Crew Chief Pere Riba
Haslam’s best lap of the test was also set on a qualifying tyre but the Briton was halted on his final attempt for a time by a red flag incident on track. Haslam’s 1m42.144 best lap on Q rubber only a tenth quicker than he had managed on race tyres.
Leon Haslam
Leon Haslam
“A good test for us and we made a step with the lap time. I made a 1’42.2 with a race tyre, which I was really happy with. I did not get any benefit from using the soft tyre mainly because with the first chance to go faster there was a red flag and for the second one I got rained on. I never really got a chance to go for one lap again. That was a little bit frustrating but on the race tyre times I was really happy. I made some good steps and tried a few things, including a different front tyre for the first time, which I felt was a bit better. We only had one of them so I could not put it toward an even better lap time. But I was consistently in the 1’42s, so I am pretty happy with things.”
Leon Haslam
Taking the fight to Rea and the green machines, Alex Lowes (Pata Yamaha WorldSBK Team) continued his recent impressive pace and he closed the test second fastest.
Alex Lowes
“It’s been a really positive test for me here in Portimão, a track at which I’ve struggled a little previously on the Yamaha. During this test we’ve found some strong, consistent pace and my fastest lap came on the sprint race tyre as I ran into traffic on the qualifier, so I know there’s more to come. But it’s not the one-off fast lap time that’s important. What’s made me happy is the fact that I posted a lot of fast and consistent laps on every run, we managed to complete the whole test program and we’re now in a good position ahead of the test and race in Phillip Island. We’ve had a really strong winter, put the hard work in, made no mistakes and, hopefully, we can reap the reward with a strong start to the season in Phillip Island next month.”
Alex Lowes
Together with his teammate Michael van der Mark, who finished fifth, the Pata Yamaha WorldSBK Team riders worked on evaluating new parts.
Michael van der Mark
“It’s been quite a difficult test for me here in Portimão. We struggled to find the right feeling with the bike on the first day, despite trying many things in the search for improvement. On the second day we started again, making some big changes on the bike and, immediately, I felt so much more comfortable. It was also difficult with the weather today, as it was quite cold with a lot of wind. We worked really hard to try many things, but there are still a couple of areas where I am missing a bit, so there is still some work to do. This is where we need to focus our efforts ahead of the next test in Phillip Island, an amazing track where I really enjoy riding. I’m confident we can make another step forward there and that we’ll be ready for the first race of the season.”
Michael van der Mark
In the Aruba.it Racing – Ducati garage Chaz Davies and Alvaro Bautista were able to make consistent progress working on the base setup of the all-new Ducati Panigale V4 R.
Testing different tyres and many aspects of his new bike, Alvaro Bautista set a fastest lap time of 1’41.934, taking the third spot of the timesheets. This was promising for both Bautista and the new V4R, as the Spaniard has little experience at Portimao compared to most of his competitors.
Álvaro Bautista
“For me these days testing at Portimão have been positive. Yesterday was a bit more difficult than today because it was my first time ever here at Portimão, a very difficult circuit to learn and full of ups and downs, so I struggled a bit, but today I felt a lot better on the bike and managed to improve. It’s the last time we test the V4 R before leaving for Australia, so I wanted to do as many laps as possible to get to know the bike better. We are confident because we’ve found a good base even though we know there’s still a lot of work to do.”
Álvaro Bautista
Team-mate Chaz Davies was still struggling with back pain from a crash earlier in the month but the Welshman managed 42 laps on the V4 R on Monday.
Chaz Davies
“It’s been a couple of testing days in more ways than one! Physically I’m not really recovered from the twinge in the back I picked up in the Jerez test, so it hasn’t been the most comfortable time for me. On the flip side I’m very happy to have finished the test because I didn’t think it was going to be possible, but I did some good physio between the tests that allowed me to lap. Portimão is really important because it’s another track where we need to find a good base set-up for the V4 R, while I try and get fully acquainted with the bike. We’re not there yet and we’ll keep on working but I’m confident and looking forward to getting to Phillip Island for the opening round.”
Chaz Davies
BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team rider Tom Sykes was sixth quickest on the all new BMW S 1000 RR. The British rider somewhat surprised by how close they were considering they are still in their development phase.
Tom Sykes
Team-mate Markus Reiterberger worked on the geometry of the bike and tyre testing to finish tenth overall.
BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team – Markus Reiterberger
Continuing to adapt to the WorldSBK bike, 2018 WorldSSP World Champion Sandro Cortese (GRT Yamaha WorldSBK) set the seventh fastest lap time.
Sandro Cortese
“Overall this was a very productive test. Portimão is a new track for me with the Yamaha YZF-R1 and we started more or less from zero here. We came with the base set up from Jerez, where we were quite happy, but we had to adapt the bike a lot for Portimão, which is a very special circuit with the changes in elevation. So the first job was to learn the circuit on this bike and only then could we start work on refining the set up. Over the two days we made some big improvements and, day by day, I learnt more about the riding style that these bikes require. It’s a learning process but it is progressing well and we ended with a relatively good feeling. I know what I need to work on over the next two weeks and the team have a clear direction in which to work also ahead of the third and final test in Phillip Island.”
Sandro Cortese
Teammate Marco Melandri was eighth overall and not happy with his progress.
Marco Melandri
“This was a very difficult test for me. I came here expecting a little bit more, but it looks like we’re going around the real problem, unable to find a solution. For me it’s very difficult at the moment to brake how I want; the bike doesn’t respond well to my riding style under braking and on entry to the corner. We tried everything we could here in Portimão, but it looks like it’s not enough. Now we need to try some different options in Phillip Island, go a different way with the set up, in order to find a solution ahead of the first race of the season.”
Marco Melandri
Toprak Razgatlioglu (Turkish Puccetti Racing) had a strong pace on both days as he finished in ninth position. The Turkish rider worked on improving his feeling on board the Kawasaki ZX-10RR that will only be updated into the 2019 version at Phillip Island. Working also alongside a new crew chief, it was a positive two-day test for the young rider and his team.
Toprak Razgatlioglu
Independent team riders Michael Rinaldi (BARNI Racing Team) and Eugene Laverty (Team Goeleven), both worked on the development of their Ducati Panigale V4 R. The Italian rider closed in twelfth position, while Laverty was thirteenth.
Michael Rinaldi
Developing the new Honda CBR1000RR, 2019 WorldSBK rookie Alessandro Delbianco finished fourteenth after two days trying to get acquainted with the WorldSBK machine. The official Honda backed squad were again missing in action…
Jules Cluzel (GMT94 Yamaha) set the fastest lap time among the WorldSSP riders who were also out testing in Portugal. The Frenchman closed 0.573 secs ahead of the MV Agusta F3 675 of Italian rider Raffaele De Rosa (MV AGUSTA Reparto Corse) and 0.879 ahead of Frenchman Lucas Mahias (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing).
The next track sessions for most competitors will be during the official organisers’ tests at Phillip Island in Australia ,on Monday the 18th and Tuesday the 19th of February, shortly before the first round of the championship at Phillip Island on the weekend of February 22-24.
WorldSBK Portimao Test Day Two Unofficial Times
Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing WorldSBK Team) 1’40.855
Alex Lowes (Pata Yamaha WorldSBK Team) 1’41.814 +0.959
Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) 1’41.934 +1.079
Leon Haslam (Kawasaki Racing WorldSBK Team) 1’42.144 +1.289
Michael van der Mark (Pata Yamaha WorldSBK Team) 1’42.191 +1.336
Tom Sykes (BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) 1’42.246 +1.391
Moto News Wrap for January 29, 2019 by Darren Smart
Proudly brought to you by Dunlop Geomax
Smarty’s Weekly Moto News Wrap proudly brought to you by Dunlop Geomax
Moto News Latest
Cooper and Cianciarulo Win in Oakland AMA SX
Cairoli and Prado Win in Italy
Haaker Wins SuperEnduro in Madrid
Gibbs Second at Woodville GP
Herlings Injured
Anderson Injured
Wil Ruprecht to EnduroGP
2019 Australian FIM Speedway Grand Prix Abandoned
2019 AORC Rounds 1 & 2 relocated to Toowoomba
Cooper and Cianciarulo Win in Oakland AMA SX
On a rut infested layout Cooper Webb and Adam Cianciarulo have won 450SX and 250SX classes respectively at the fourth round of the 2019 Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship which was held in Oakland last weekend.
AMA Supercross 2019
Round Four – Oakland Coliseum
450SX Report
KTM started the 450 main event 1-2-3 with Webb leading Marvin Musquin and Justin Bogle and after 20 minutes of action packed racing KTM ended the round with 1-2-3 finishes with Webb taking his second win over a fast finishing Musquin and the tireless Blake Baggett.
Cooper Webb
“Oakland was a great day for me. It was a perfect race – I was able to lead from start to finish. I had some pressure from Marvin at the end but I held on and was able to get a win, so I’m stoked. Two-in-a-row and the first time I’ve had the red plate in my career is pretty amazing, so hopefully we can keep it going. We’ve got a long season ahead but it’s been a great two weekends so we’ll get back to work on Monday. Thank you to the Red Bull KTM Team for believing in me and getting me back here. It was awesome to see KTM dominate tonight with 1-2-3 finishes and 1-2 for me and Marv the last two weekends.”
Cooper Webb
With Webb’s win and Roczen back in 5th, Webb jumped to the top of the points standings, with a slender two-point lead over Roczen who now sits on 81 points, followed by Tomac on 80 points and Musquin on 79.
Marvin Musquin
“It was super intense and physically it’s tough out there, I’m definitely getting better. This week I was able to ride all week so I’m getting better and better. That track was definitely difficult for everyone and especially those whoops but I figured it out in the Main and I was able to pass some guys. It’s frustrating, I rode really well, I’m really happy but it could have been mine tonight but it happens, no excuses. I went down but I was the fastest and I was able to pass those guys and be a little more consistent. I’m a little bit bummed, finishing right behind cooper is not fun but it’s good, I’m making progress. Second place is good, it’s a lot of points but I want to win for sure.”
Marvin Musquin
Blake Baggett didn’t get the best start but battled his way around a stack of riders including Roczen and Tomac to earn the final podium spot.
Blake Baggett
“I am wrapped to be on the podium because I was buried off the start, got a really bad start and didn’t think I was even going to get to fifth so I pulled through from that.”
Blake Baggett
Eli Tomac charged into contention after a poor start but the Kawasaki rider struggled to get his rhythm going and had to settle for fourth.
Eli Tomac
“We’re in a good position, not only in the point standings but also for the season. I’m healthy and consistently finishing in the top five. I’ll get back to work with the entire Monster Energy Kawasaki crew and continue to improve each week. It’s all a process and I feel good about this season.”
Eli Tomac
Like Tomac, Roczen was in a prime position to land on the podium but as he admits below that he struggled when the whoops became rutted which forced the Honda start to drop back to 5th and lose the red plate.
Ken Roczen
“Oakland started off pretty good. I felt super good in practice and was super-happy with the bike. I was confident going into the night show and happy to have first gate pick. We had a decent heat race, finishing in second. We had to do some little bike adjustments, just as the track changed. I didn’t have a great start at all but fought my way up to second for a bit. I was struggling in the whoops and started feeling uncomfortable and unfortunately, I went back to fifth. That’s not ideal but we’re leaving healthy. We lost the points lead but only by a couple points; it’s a long season, so if we can take this as our worst race, that’s pretty good. It’s time to regroup and hopefully get back on the podium in San Diego.”
Ken Roczen
Justin Barcia managed a bruised tail bone to bring his Yamaha home in credible seventh place to keep himself in the championship hunt to sit just 11 points behind Webb.
Justin Barcia
“Wow. What a day. I had to be really mentally tough. I rode through a lot of pain, but made the best of it. Coming in I knew it would be difficult, but I was pretty optimistic about what I could handle. It was a crazy race for me. It was a difficult track, pretty rough, and I just had to push through the pain. It could have been a lot worse. After last weekend’s crash, I thought I wasn’t going to be able to race but I salvaged some points tonight. I feel like I just need to keep moving forward. Hopefully this week I can work on my body and keep feeling better. We’ll be back at it next weekend in San Diego.”
Justin Barcia
Aaron Plessinger crashed out of fifth place in the sand pit and Joey Savatgy’s KX450F simply stopped while the rookie was in a podium position and as for Australia’s Chad Reed his ninth place came on the back of the Aussie working his way through the field after yet another poor start and getting tangled in Plessinger’s downed Yamaha.
Chad Reed
“I really liked the Oakland track layout. There were nice whoops and ruts. Unfortunately, I again struggled with one-lap speed, but I felt like I would be okay for the heat race and main event. I had a decent start in the heat race and finished fourth. I was really enjoying the main event and began to find a rhythm. I was going to try and make some moves forward. Then I landed on Plessinger’s bike when he crashed in a blind spot. I fought back to ninth. I’m entering a new week with confidence. I have the pieces, but I need to start out the day better and carry that into the night show. We’re heading to one of my favourite races of the series this weekend. San Diego has always been a solid hunting ground for me.”
Chad Reed & Ken Roczen
Aaron Plessinger
“Oakland Supercross was a pretty tough one. I was kind of struggling all day. I felt good in the last practice even though the times didn’t really show. In the main, I got a good start but then stalled it on the wall jump. I had to jump off, then someone landed on my bike and bent it all up. I had to pull in twice to straighten it out. I’m still happy with the way I rode and the progress we made on my starts, but stuff happens. We’ll move forward. Now that I know I can run with those guys, just need to keep the pace and keep working.”
Oakland 450 Main Events Results
Cooper Webb
Marvin Musquin
Blake Baggett
Eli Tomac
Ken Roczen
Dean Wilson
Justin Barcia
Justin Brayton
Chad Reed
Justin Bogle
Cole Seely
Oakland AMA SX 450 Podium – Webb, Baggett, Musquin
450SX Points after 4 of 17 Rounds
Cooper Webb – 83
Ken Roczen – 81
Eli Tomac – 80
Marvin Musquin – 79
Justin Barcia – 72
Dean Wilson – 69
Blake Baggett – 66
Cole Seely – 56
Justin Brayton -52
Aaron Plessinger – 49
Chad Reed – 47
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250SX Report
In the 250 West Class Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Adam Cianciarulo became the first repeat winner of the year after he claimed a start to finish win despite getting plenty of attention championship leader Colt Nichols early in the race and Dylan Ferrandis late in the race.
Oakland AMA SX 250 Start
Adam Cianciarulo
“We got it done tonight and it feels so good. I wasn’t feeling the best throughout the day, but I was able to turn it around for the main and make it a solid night. I’m so grateful and proud of the entire Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki team and we’re all looking forward to keeping this momentum going.”
Adam Cianciarulo
Ferrandis has proved to be one of the fastest riders on the track but the Frenchman can’t get a decent start in the finals to content for the win BUT he is only five points back from his Yamaha teammate Nichols in the championship.
Dylan Ferrandis
“The YZ250F was awesome as always this season. It was also another demanding track this weekend, but I was feeling really good, really comfortable. My speed was great, but for sure with better starts it will be easier to win. I want more than second place, and that has had me frustrated, but I had some issues this week and didn’t train a lot. So, I’m happy to be on the box here in Oakland.”
Nichols keeps the championship points lead for another week albeit a narrow one with only five points separating the top four riders.
Colt Nichols
“The track was just really rutty and really demanding. The heart rate was really high, so that’s what made it tough to do consistent laps. A solid podium though, can’t ever complain about that, but of course always want more. Once you’ve won that’s all you want to do, but I’ll take a third for tonight, that’s all I had and move on to the next weekend.”
Colt Nichols
Cameron McAdoo continues to impress with the Honda pilot battle throughout the final to end up in fifth position.
Cameron McAdoo
“Last night was a great step in the right direction for me, leading the heat race until the last lap, and starting and running up front in the main is exactly what I need. The track was so tough, you had to be on your toes at all times. I tightened up about lap six of the main, but with some more time up front running that pace I’m confident I can stay there!”
Cameron McAdoo
Australia’s Tomas Ravenhorst finished 10th in his heat race, missing a direct transfer by just one position then in the LCQ the Victorian was once again in contention to qualify through to the main until rear brake problems ended his night.
Oakland 250SX Main Event Results
Adam Cianciarulo
Dylan Ferrandis
Colt Nichols
Shane McElrath
Jacob Hayes
Cameron Mcadoo
Michael Mosiman
Garrett Marchbanks
Chris Blose
Sean Cantrell
250SX Main Event Results
Adam Cianciarulo – Kawasaki 17 Laps
Dylan Ferrandis – Yamaha +02.570
Colt Nichols – Yamaha +04.609
250SX Points after Round 4
Colt Nichols – 91
Adam Cianciarulo – 88
Shane Mcelrath – 87
Dylan Ferrandis – 86
RJ Hampshire – 67
Cameron Mcadoo – 58
Chris Blose – 58
Jacob Hayes – 55
Michael Mosiman – 55
James Decotis – 52
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Cairoli and Prado Win in Italy
Antonio Cairoli and Jorge Prado have kicked off their 2019 season with moto wins in the MX1 and MX2 motos respectively before finishing first and third in the Superfinal at the opening round of the Italian Motocross Championship held in Sardina last weekend.
Tony Cairoli – Italian MX Championship – Round 1, Riola Sardo
Cairoli won the MX1 moto from Tim Gajser, Romain Febvre, Gautier Paulin and Arminas Jasikonis while Prado earned the MX2 moto win ahead of Mikkel Haarup and Mattia Guadagnin with the Aussie duo of Mitch Evans and Caleb Grothues coming home sixth and seventh.
Tim Gajser & Jorge Prado – Italian MX Championship – Round 1, Riola Sardo
The Superfinal started with Jasikonis going down in the first corner but Cairoli snuck through taking the lead from Prado, Gajser, Paulin, Ivo Monticelli, Alessandro Lupino and Evans.
Cairoli edged away from the field while Gajser finally caught and passed Prado for second place in the final laps of the moto so it was victory for Cairoli well ahead of Gasjer and Prado who finished third and top 250 rider ahead of Paulin, Febvre, Monticelli and Evans who was the second MX2 rider on track. Gothues ended the moto in 36th.
“It is always good to race in Riola. We spend a lot of time testing around here. I’m really happy with how the bike is working at the moment and my feeling with it. This is just the first race of the year and we have another two to prepare ourselves before we are ready. It also means we have three races in the sand so we cannot test too much on hard-pack but overall I think we have a good bike.”
Tony Cairoli – Italian MX Championship – Round 1, Riola Sardo
Jorge Prado
“A very good first race and I felt great from the timed practice. We made a great bike this winter and it worked really well for me all-day; better than we expected. In the first moto I had a decent start and took seven laps to get to the front as a struggled a bit with my rhythm. Coming into the Superfinal I knew the start was super-important. I didn’t have the best jump but I made a good pass into the first corners and was second behind Tony. He was pushing a lot and I tried to keep his rhythm. With three laps to go I made a mistake through the lappers and Tim came past me. I finished third and I’m very happy. This is all good preparation for the world championship.”
“It feels good to be behind the starting gate again. This weekend in Sardinia I had a good feeling on the bike and I’m happy I showed the speed is there. In the MX1 moto I didn’t manage to get a good start but kept my head down to finish fifth. I struggled a bit with arm pump in the closing part of the race but I tried not to let that slow me down. Going into the Supercampione final I felt ready to show my speed again. Unfortunately, I went down in the first corner and that made it all harder for me. I got up and did a few more laps but I felt some pain in my right leg and had to pull out of the race. I’ll give my body some time to heal and prepare for round two of the series next weekend in Ottobiano.”
Interestingly, in the deep sand of Riola Sardo in Sardinia, Cairoli, Febvre, Gajser and Prado were all using Pirelli Scorpion MX3 Mid Soft front and the Scorpion MX Soft rear tyres and the second round of the championships at Ottobiano next weekend will have very similar conditions.
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Haaker Wins SuperEnduro in Madrid
Colton Haaker has earned the overall victory ahead of Cody Webb and Alfredo Gomez to not only win round three of the FIM SuperEnduro World Championship in Madrid, Spain but he also moved to the top of the series standings.
Colton Haaker – Image by Future7Media
Haaker dominated the first of three finals to take the win over Taddy Blazusiak and Webb but the reverse order start for the second race caused chaos after Haaker became entangled in a multi-bike collision on the opening lap leaving him in near last place.
Haaker blitzed the technical layout and moved up to second place behind Webb but he becoming stuck on the final rocky corner which resulted in a three-way fight to the finish line where Haaker and Blazusiak tangled as they approached the finish line jump ending with both riders losing control of their machines.
Alfredo Gomez
Haaker was lucky to walk away unscathed in third behind Webb and Pol Tarres while Blazusiak was deemed a non-finisher.
Despite being bruised a battered Haaker refocused for race three and delivered arguably his best performance of the night with a win by 26-seconds over Gomez and David Leonov while a broken chain on lap four forced Webb to stop and make trackside repairs to resolve the issue and despite his best efforts to re-join the race, he wasn’t classified as a finisher but still ended his night as the overall runner-up.
Colton Haaker
“It’s feels great to come away tonight with the overall win and also become the new point’s leader in the championship. I really wanted to push for the victory tonight and race my way back into title contention and I definitely feel like I did that out there, despite what was a very eventful night on the track. We’ve Budapest in two weeks’ time and I’m looking forward to going there with the leader’s red plate.”
Colton Haaker – Image by Future7Media
For Webb he saw his championship lead vanish on the night but still has not given up by any means and remains in second, only thirteen points off the lead.
Cody Webb
“It was a tough night for me tonight, but I’m happy to take second overall. The first race went well, I struggled to get into a good rhythm but I was pleased with third and knew what I had to do to improve for race two. I got away well in the second race and was able to control the pace from the front and take a clean win. I was probably riding my best of the whole evening in race three. Colton was in front but I was confident I could match his speed and fight for the win. Unfortunately, after a reasonably hard landing, I damaged the bike. I tried my best to fix it in time but it wasn’t quite enough. It’s upsetting but this is SuperEnduro and anything can happen. I’m looking forward to the next race and will try to win back the overall lead.”
Cooper Webb
Deciding to return to racing following an elbow injury last time out in Germany, Gomez hoped for a top-five result but thanks to feeling better than expected, the Spaniard raced his way into podium contention as the evening progressed.
Alfredo Gomez
“I can’t honestly believe that I’ve managed to finish third overall tonight, two days ago I wasn’t sure if I would ride because I’m still recovering from an elbow injury that I sustained last time out in Germany. I did some training laps and decided I should try to race. I was aiming for top five at best. But this is my home race and I guess that just makes you want to deliver the best result you can. I rode safe in race one for ninth and then did better in race two for fifth. I got into a good position in race three and with other riders having problems, suddenly I was in second. After that I tried to remain calm and focused and control the position to the finish. Third overall is an amazing result and I have to thank everyone who’s helped me during these last few weeks to get to this position – behind the scenes it’s been a real team effort.”
Alfredo Gomez – Image by Future7Media
For Taddy Blazusiak, the third stop of the SuperEnduro series was challenging due to a series of crashes that ended with an injury to his knee.
Taddy Blazusiak
“I collided with Colton Haaker and went down hard, I was banged and bruised pretty good, but lucky to walk away from it relatively unscathed and able to focus on the final moto. In race three I got a great start but then stalled in the rocks and accidentally put my left foot down into a hole. As I fell over, with the bike on top of me, my foot became trapped in the hole and twisted my knee. As yet I don’t know how serious things are until I see my doctor to get it checked out but I will do my best to be ready for round four in Budapest.”
Taddy Blazusiak – Image by Future7Media
The 2019 FIM SuperEnduro World Championship continues with round four in Budapest, Hungary on February 9.
Results: Madris – Round 3
Heat 1
Colton HAAKER
Taddy BLAZUSIAK
Cody WEBB
Diogo VIEIRA
Blake GUTZEIT
Xavi LEON SOLE
Pol TARRES
Kevin GALLAS
Alfredo GOMEZ
Cristobal GUERRERO
Heat 2
Cody WEBB
Pol TARRES
Colton HAAKER
Diogo VIEIRA
Alfredo GOMEZ
Blake GUTZEIT
Xavi LEON SOLE
Cristobal GUERRERO
Kevin GALLAS
Jose Maria JUAN BERNABEU
Colton Haaker celebrates – Image by Future7Media
Heat 3
Colton HAAKER
Alfredo GOMEZ
David LEONOV
Blake GUTZEIT
Xavi LEON SOLE
Pol TARRES
Cristobal GUERRERO
Diogo VIEIRA
Jose Maria JUAN BERNABEU
Kevin GALLAS
Prestige Class — Overall
Colton Haaker (USA) Husqvarna – 58
Cody Webb (USA) KTM – 37
Alfredo Gomez (ESP) Husqvarna – 34
Pol Tarres (ESP) Husqvarna – 34
Blake Gutzeit (RSA) Husqvarna – 33
Provisional Standings
Colton HAAKER 159pts
Cody WEBB 146pts
Taddy BLAZUSIAK 128pts
Pol TARRES 90pts
Alfredo GOMEZ 80pts
Diogo VIEIRA 76pts
Kevin GALLAS 76pts
Blake GUTZEIT 74pts
Xavi LEON SOLE 59pts
Cristobal GUERRERO 55pts
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Gibbs Second at Woodville GP
The Manawatu-Orion Motorcycle Club Inc. (MOMCC) hosted the 58th annual Woodville GP which was once again recognised as an FIM Oceania event and saw 600 riders converge on the popular North Island venue.
Kirk Gibbs – Woodville GP 2019
The 2015 Australian MX1 motocross champion Kirk Gibbs, who joins the Altherm JCR Yamaha team for this prestigious race weekend and also to defend his title in the four-round 2019 New Zealand Motocross Championship, described it as “a very crazy day weather-wise and the worst wind I have ever ridden in.”
Kayne Lamont – Woodville GP 2019
Despite the conditions Gibbs managed to score two second place finishes behind Kiwi veteran and multi Woodville winner Cody Cooper. Gibbs says he got a great start in the first race, “which put me second around the first turn and right behind Cody Cooper. I kept him honest most of the race and got a little arm pump just from the lack of racing for me lately.”
He describes the second moto as a full mud race and although he got a great start, the conditions forced him to take it easy.
Maximus Purvis – Woodville GP 2019
Kirk Gibbs
“I leaned back off down the straight because it was slippery and I wheeled and got sideways, so I had to back it down. I got into second behind Cody Cooper early and it was just trail riding because the track was really deep, one-lined and skatey. Sometimes in those conditions it’s better to play it smart. The aim is to win. Cody Cooper is such a great rider and knows how to win but I think I am in a good spot to do battle with him. It will be a battle every round because I know he wants that number 1 plate back over here and I don’t want to let it go. Also I know Kayne Lamont will be keen to get in the mix.”
The New Zealand Motocross Championship kicks off in Taranaki this weekend and Gibbs believes he is ready to take on Cooper and defend his 2018 crown.
2019 MNZ MX National Championship
Round 1 – Sunday 3rd February – Taranaki
Round 2 – Sunday 17th February – Rotorua
Round 3 – Sunday 24th February – Pukekohe
Round 4 – Sunday 10th March – Taupo
Herlings Injured
Red Bull KTM Factory rider Jeffrey Herlings has broken his foot while testing in Spain and according to the team he immediately underwent surgery in an effort to get the injury in shape for the opening round of the 2019 World Motocross Championship in Argentina in 5 weeks’ time.
Jeffrey Herlings – Image by Jeff Kardas
Below is KTM’s brief official announcement
“Waiting time now for the #mxgp champion. Jeffrey Herlings suffered a crash yesterday (Friday) while training and underwent an operation on his right foot the same evening. Apparently there is no major damage to his ankle but more details and the expected recovery time for the injury will be known in the next 1-2 days. Get well soon #84.”
Anderson Injured
During a routine practice day leading up to the fourth round of the AMA Monster Energy Supercross Championship at Oakland, Jason Anderson has broken his arm in two places, as well as a fractured rib after crashing his Husqvarna.
The injury required surgery and has an expected recovery time of at least eight weeks and at the time of writing his return to racing is yet to be determined.
Jason Anderson
Jason Anderson
“I am really bummed to have to say that I am out for an injury, I was struggling to find my groove but had high hopes of pushing forward to the podium in all of the upcoming rounds. I will be back stronger. Thank you for the support.”
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Wil Ruprecht to EnduroGP
Australian Wil Ruprecht will join reigning World E2 Champion Eero Remes in the new look Johansson MPE Yamaha Enduro Team that will contest the 2019 World Enduro Championship (EnduroGP).
With Yamaha Racing officially abandoning their Outsiders Yamaha Team, which had represented the company in World Enduro, the Johansson MPE Yamaha Enduro Team will be Yamaha’s unofficial representative for the 2019 season.
Wil Ruprecht
The multi-national team will be headlined by Finlands Eero Remes along with Aussie Ruprecht, Brit Alex Walton and Estonian Priit Biene in the Junior category while Swede Marcus Adielsson and Finn Hugo Svärd will make up the Youth team and Swede Patrik Andersson will be the teams World Cup Senior rider.
Joakim Johansson
“We are very happy and incredibly proud to be able to present Finnish triple and reigning world champion Eero Remes as a rider in the GP-class. We have not decided class yet, the tests of the various Yamaha models are on right now. By his side he will have Australian junior rider Wil Ruprecht who is a strong candidate in the junior-class. Wil was with us already at the last race in Germany in 2018, where he took a victory on his first day.”
The 2019 Enduro World Championship begins on 22-24 March in Germany.
2019 Australian FIM Speedway Grand Prix Abandoned
BSI Speedway has announced that the Australian FIM Speedway Grand Prix (SGP) will not be taking place in 2019 after ‘unforeseen circumstances’ forced PSE (Paul Sergeant Events) to pull out of staging the event.
The date and venue for the Australian event, which had been provisionally scheduled as the final round of the 2019 FIM Speedway Grand Prix series, was yet to be confirmed so the 2019 season will now culminate at the Torun FIM Speedway Grand Prix of Poland on October 5.
BSI Speedway remains committed to bringing the event back to Australia, and is actively seeking a new local promoter to help stage the event in future years.
Torben Olsen – BSI Speedway Managing Director
“While we were eager to run an Australian SGP in 2019, we decided that we should only do so when we are confident we can deliver the quality experience expected by our SGP riders, fans and community. We were in dialogue with multiple venues for the 2019 event, and look to continue further discussions with Ipswich in particular with a view to hopefully bringing a fantastic SGP event back to Australia as soon as possible.”
2019 AORC Rounds 1 & 2 relocated to Toowoomba
Motorcycling Australia (MA) has advised all competitors and teams entered into the 2019 Yamaha Australian Off-Road Championship (AORC) racing season that the location of Round 1 and 2 at Gympie, Queensland (QLD) will be relocated.
Due to unforeseen circumstances the opening rounds of the 2019 Championship have been relocated to Toowoomba, QLD and will be held March 9-10. To ensure the least amount of disruption to riders and teams alike, the competition has been amended to continue successfully incorporating the state of QLD into the Championship whilst also making a conscious effort to minimise the necessary distance to travel.
AORC Dungog
Moving slightly South to Toowoomba, riders will be presented with picturesque backdrops contrasted by the challenges of the Great Dividing Range and its Western slopes. Both days will still feature continuous sprints where riders will race against the clock as they race to come out on top. Further information on the round and accommodation can be found on the competitor information page of the AORC website.
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Webb and Gomez complete the podium in Spain’s third round.
Image: Supplied.
Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Colton Haaker has gained control of the 2019 FIM Maxxis SuperEnduro World Championship after claiming victory at Madrid’s third round at the weekend in Spain.
The American put on a thrilling performance with a 1-3-1 scorecard, granting him the overall win by 21 markers over former points leader Cody Webb (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing).
Alfredo Gomez (Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing) closed out the first three, just three points behind Webb, while top five was completed by Pol Tarres (Husqvarna) and Blake Gutzeit (Husqvarna).
Haaker now leads Webb by 13 points heading into the penultimate round at Budapest in Hungary on 9 February, while Taddy Blazusiak (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) holds down P3 in the standings after a damaging night in Spain.
Overnight Tom Sykes and Markus Reiterberger lifted the covers on the brand new BMW S 1000 RR machines that they will campaign in the 2019 WorldSBK Championship.
BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team
With swathes of red and blue running through the matte white finish machine it has been designed along the lines of traditional BMW M Motorsports liveries.
BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team
Sykes and Reiterberger also tested alongside their WorldSBK combatants at Portimao yesterday with Sykes finishing sixth fastest, 1.391-seconds behind the WSBK benchmark set at the test by Jonathan Rea on qualifying tyres.
BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team
Sykes was surprised by how close they were with the new bike, considering they are still in their development phase.
BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team – Tom Sykes
Markus Reiterberger, who worked on the geometry of the bike and on testing different tyres, and finished tenth overall.
BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team – Markus Reiterberger
After their sixth day on track with the new BMW S1000RR, the BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team next head to Australia for further tests ahead of the WorldSBK Championship season opener at Phillip Island on the weekend of February 24.
It has been a super-positive test. We came from Jerez and I was still understanding the bike and the asphalt there. It made it difficult to understand the work we had done over the winter. But coming here we had quite a neutral platform to work with and a lot of data. Although the temperatures did not get into a perfect operating window it gave us a consistent effort over two days. We confirmed the chassis items we tested at Jerez, and electronically we worked a bit better. We started to work on our race performance. I was really happy with how I felt with a lot of laps on the tyre compared to last this time last year. I got to try a qualifier at the end of the day and that felt quite good and I was really fast with it. This test ticked every box, just a couple of little items we could have re-checked and gone over. But the priorities were done and we got to try some new Pirelli tyres as well.
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