Alongside the new Panigale V4 R, Ducati also announced the new Hypermotard 950, which will be available both in a standard and a more up-spec 950 SP edition.
2019 Ducati Hypermotard 950 SP on stage at EICMA
Updates include revised ergonomics and chassis, an updated powerplant, extensive electronics and of course the special SP edition includes Ohlins suspension, forged Marchesini wheels, unique graphics, and the DQS system as standard.
2019 Ducati Hypermotard 950
2019 Hypermotard 950 features
937 cc Ducati Testastretta 11° engine
114 hp at 9000rpm
80% of peak torque (9.8 kgm) available at 3000 rpm
Twin under-seat silencers
Trellis frame with tapered tubing
Rear Trellis sub-frame
45 mm Marzocchi forks, fully adjustable, 170 mm of wheel travel
Adjustable Sachs shock absorber, 150 mm of wheel travel
Cast aluminium wheels with three Y-spokes
Pirelli Diablo Rosso III tyres
Brake and hydraulic clutch with radial pumps and separate fluid reservoirs
Colour TFT instrumentation
Latest-generation electronics package – 6-axis Inertial Measurement Unit (6D IMU)
Bosch Cornering ABS EVO with Slide by Brake function
Ducati Traction Control EVO (DTC EVO)
Ducati Wheelie Control EVO (DWC EVO)
Riding Modes (Sport, Touring and Urban)
Daytime Running Light (DRL)
Front and rear LED auto-off indicators
Fuel tank capacity 14.5 litres
Kerb weight 200 kg (-4 kg vs previous model)
2019 Ducati Hypermotard 950 SP
937cc Testastretta 11° engine
The heart of the new Hypermotard 950 is a revised 937cc Testastretta 11° twin with greater pulling power and new electronics to ensure smoother control. With 114 hp at 9000 rpm and a torque of 9.8 kgm – of which 80 per cent is available at 3000 rpm.
2019 Hypermotard 937cc Testastretta 11° engine
Improved performance stems from new pistons with a high 13.3:1 compression ratio (as opposed to 12.6:1 on the previous version), new exhaust cam profiles and a new exhaust system with under-seat silencers.
2019 Ducati Hypermotard 950 SP
New 53 mm throttle bodies feeds the fuel to the Testastretta 11° while a new engine control unit and Ride-by-Wire throttle help manage the power delivery.
Both the Hypermotard 950 and the SP version also benefit from new, lighter clutch and alternator covers, a lighter gear shift drum, an aluminium (rather than steel) chain tensioner and magnesium cam covers.
2019 Hypermotard 937cc Testastretta 11° engine
The self-servo wet slipper clutch can now be operated with less on-lever effort thanks to the new hydraulic control system. The 937 cc Ducati Testastretta twin cylinder engine also has lengthy maintenance intervals: oil changes are required every 15,000 km while a Desmo Service is needed every 30,000 km.
Updated ergonomics & chassis
A revised riding position maximises control, thanks to wider handlebars, slimmer sides and a new seat that smooths movement during riding and ensures feet can be placed firmly on the ground thanks to an inner leg curve measurement that is now 53 mm shorter, with an 870 mm seat height on the standard version.
2019 Hypermotard 950 – Rear Trellis subframe and flat seat
The seat on the new Hypermotard 950 is flat and long with a slightly raised passenger zone for greater comfort. On the SP version, instead, the flatness is more motard style to ensure even better longitudinal movement during riding. Again with an eye to maximising control, the handlebar tips are opened up by 7-degrees.
2019 Hypermotard 950 – Revised Trellis frame
A new steel Trellis frame with tapered tubing, reduces weight by one kilogram compared to the previous model. With 25° of rake, 104 mm of trail and a 30 mm offset, control is claimed to be safe and stable but without compromising the characteristic agility of the bike.
2019 Ducati Hypermotard 950 SP
A generous steering lock of 70° assists handling, while the 1493 mm wheelbase (1498 mm on the SP version) maximises high speed stability. A 14.5L fuel tank gives the Hypermotard 950 reasonable range. The Hypermotard 950 features a single-sided aluminium swingarm.
Tapered aluminium handlebars mount radial pumps with separate front brake and clutch fluid reservoirs (a hydraulic clutch replaces the previous cable-operated one); while the design and interface of the colour TFT display take their cue from the panel on the Panigale V4.
Brake and clutch lever-handlebar gaps are adjustable. Passenger foot pegs are removable. The seat features a passenger grip strap which can be hidden when not in use. The Hypermotard 950 also has an under-seat USB socket.
Suspenders & stoppers
The Hypermotard 950 mounts new, fully adjustable 45 mm Marzocchi forks with aluminium fork bodies/tubes which give a wheel travel of 170mm. This set-up is half a kilo lighter than the unit mounted on the previous version.
2019 Ducati Hypermotard 950
The rear of the 950 is suspended by an adjustable Sachs shock with a wheel travel of 150 mm.
2019 Hypermotard 950 – fully adjustable 45 mm Marzocchi forks
Front braking is managed by a pair of Brembo M4.32 4-piston radial monobloc calipers, actuated by the radial brake pump and 5-position adjustable lever. Front discs have a diameter of 320 mm and aluminium flanges (saving a total of 600 grams), while the rear sports a single 245 mm disc gripped by a Brembo caliper.
2019 Ducati Hypermotard 950 SP Ohlins forks and Brembo brakes
Hypermotard styling
The Ducati Hypermotard is characterised by the beak, which is joined by a compact headlight with Daytime Running Light (DRL).
2019 Ducati Hypermotard 950
The design of the Hypermotard 950 includes twin under-seat tailpipes and a minimalist structure, ensuring features like the rear Trellis sub-frame – are kept in clear view.
An overall weight saving of 4 kg (the engine alone accounts for a 1.5 kg saving) has been made compared to the previous model.
Weight savings have been achieved thanks to the new frame made up of tubes of varying diameter, new rims, brake discs with aluminium flanges and lightweight Marzocchi forks with aluminium fork bodies/tubes.
2019 Ducati Hypermotard 950 – Marchesini wheels
The light, compact headlight assembly features a Daytime Running Light (DRL), while at the rear, a LED strip acts as both tail light and stop light. Auto-off LED indicators have been incorporated into the hand guards to keep the lines of the Hypermotard 950 clean.
Extensive electronics
Performance is kept under control by the modern electronics which uses a Bosch 6-axis Inertial Measurement Unit (6D IMU) to detect the bike’s roll, yaw and pitch angles instantly.
2019 Ducati Hypermotard 950 SP
The Hypermotard 950 electronics package includes Bosch Cornering ABS with the Slide by Brake function (with setting 1), Ducati Traction Control EVO (DTC EVO), Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC) EVO and Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) Up and Down EVO (as standard on the 950 SP version and available as an accessory on the 950).
2019 Ducati Hypermotard 950
Ride Modes
The performance-oriented Sport Riding Mode settings – suited to sports-style riding on both track or twisting roads – unleash the full 114 hp of the twin-cylinder Ducati engine. DTC is set to level 3, DWC to level 3 and ABS to level 2.
2019 Ducati Hypermotard 950 SP
Touring Riding Mode is ideal for inner city hops or out-of-town runs or simply for those who prefer a fluid riding style. It still uses the full 114 hp of the Ducati twin-cylinder engine but delivers it more gently thanks to more safety-oriented electronic settings. That why DTC is set to level 4, DWC to level 5 and ABS to level 3.
Urban Riding Mode is intended for daily around-town use or when road conditions offer little grip. This Mode limits the power of the twin-cylinder Testasretta to 75hp and all electronic settings are dialled towards maximum safety. DTC is set to level 6, DWC to level 6 and ABS to level 3.
2019 Ducati Hypermotard 950
Ducati Traction Control (DTC) EVO
The DTC EVO on the Hypermotard 950 is based on an algorithm that ensures faster, more precise intervention. The DTC EVO interfaces with the Bosch Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU), constantly measuring the lean angle and using it to accurately calculate the degree of intervention needed to ensure suitable rear wheelspin (according to the DTC EVO level setting).
Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC) EVO
The Hypermotard 950 is also equipped with the latest version of Ducati Wheelie Control EVO (DWC EVO). Using the data feed from the Bosch 6D IMU, this system keeps wheelies in check while maximising acceleration and safety. DWC EVO provides more accurate wheelie readings; offering more precise control to ensure the bike responds faster to rider input.
2019 Ducati Hypermotard 950 – Includes Ducati Wheelie Control
Hypermotard 950 SP
For those who want a bike with even higher performance there’s the Hypermotard 950 SP. With dedicated graphics giving it an even sportier look, the SP version features a flat seat, increased-travel Öhlins suspension (+15 mm at the front and +25 mm at the rear) that increases the lean angle (+3°), Marchesini forged wheels and Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) Up and Down EVO.
2019 Ducati Hypermotard 950 SP
The Hypermotard 950 SP mounts lightweight forged Marchesini wheels with three Y-spokes that have a cross-section of 3.5’’ at the front and 5.5’’ at the rear. The SP mounts Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP tyres, 120/70 ZR7 at the front and 180/55 ZR177 at the rear.
2019 Ducati Hypermotard 950 SP – Carbon-fibre and Ohlins
Suspension as mentioned features fully adjustable 48mm Öhlins fork (185mm travel) while a fully adjustable Öhlins shock gives a rear wheel travel of 175mm.
Ducati Quick Shift up/down (DQS) EVO
The DQS EVO with up/down function, developed as an accessory for the Hypermotard 950 (as standard on the SP version), uses lean angle data to maximise bike stability when shifting gears on bends. In addition to minimising shift times, the DQS EVO allows clutchless down-changes, making hard braking more effective than ever.
2019 Ducati Hypermotard 950 SP – DQS EVO
2019 Hypermotard 950 SP features
SP colour scheme with red frame and black wheel rims
Fully adjustable 48 mm Öhlins fork, with 185 mm of wheel travel
Fully adjustable Öhlins shock absorber with 175 mm of wheel travel
Forged Marchesini wheels with three Y-spokes
Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) Up and Down EVO
Flat seat
Carbon fibre components: front mudguard, belt covers
Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP tyres
Inner leg curve 1,980 mm (-53 mm vs previous model)
Seat height 890 mm
Lean angle 47°
Kerb weight 198 kg (-3 kg vs previous model)
2019 Ducati Hypermotard 950 SP
Multimedia ready
The Hypermotard 950 can mount the Ducati Multimedia System (DMS). This lets riders connect the bike to a smartphone and manage key multimedia functions (incoming calls, text messaging, music) via switchgears, and display the relative information on the TFT instrument panel.
Round 1 – WSBK – Phillip Island, VIC February 21 – 24
Round 2 – Wakefield Park, Goulburn NSW March 22 – 24
Round 3 – The Bend, Tailem Bend, SA April 26 – 28
Round 4 – Morgan Park, Warwick, QLD July 5 – 7
Round 5 – Winton, Benalla, VIC September 6 – 8
Round 6 – Phillip Island, VIC October 4 – 6
Round 7 – SMP, Eastern Creek, NSW November 1 – 3
2019 ASBK Calendar
ASBK
2018 was a great year for the revitalised Yamaha Motor Finance Australian Superbike Championship and in 2019 organisers aim to raise the bar even higher.
The ASBK season will be kicking off in February for the Official ASBK Pre-Season Test at the world-famous Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit on the first weekend in February.
The Championship will then start in earnest back at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit from 21 – 24 February in conjunctuion with the opening round of the FIM Superbike World Championship (WSBK).
Phillip Island
ASBK then returns to its first standalone round of the year as riders and fans head North to Wakefield Park Raceway in New South Wales for Round 2, from 22 – 24 March.
Wakefield Park
After an excellent maiden voyage in 2018, ASBK returns to The Bend Motorsport Park in South Australia for Round 3 in late April.
Some of the rooftop crowd at The Bend in 2018
ASBK will then venture up to Queensland for Round 4 in early July for the poopular round at Morgan Park near Warwick.
Morgan Park
ASBK then returns to Victoria for rounds 5 and 6. Winton on the weekend of September 8 before the penultimate round of the 2019 ASBK Championship at Phillip Island on the first weekend in October.
Winton
It is a long time since ASBK hosted a season finale at Sydney Motorsports Park but 2019 will see ASBK back in Sydney for what will be the season finale over the first weekend in November.
Supersport 300 | Seth Curmp #57 – Oli Bayliss #86 – Hunter Ford #20 – Dylan Whiteside #32
Syahrin recovers for emotional top 10 at home Malaysian GP
First-ever Malaysian MotoGP riders put on incredible display at Sepang.
Source: Supplied.
Following a disastrous qualifying session that saw him wind up on the last row, Monster Energy Tech3 Yamaha’s Hafizh Syahrin put on an incredible display in front of 103,000 Malaysian fans at the weekend’s penultimate round of the 2018 MotoGP World Championship as he fought his way to 10th position.
Syahrin navigated his way to P12 on the opening lap, maintaining his place at the middle of the field until completing the 20-lap encounter for his third top 10 of the season.
The entire weekend was an emotional one for the number 55, being the first ever Malaysian rider to represent the nation in the premier class, while also being his first home grand prix while contesting the MotoGP category.
“It’s just unbelievable!” Syahrin stated. “First of all, I want to say thank you very much to my team, because they always believe in me and give me great motivation. Yesterday has been a disaster for us, but we made up for it. In the starting grid, I saw my father and was just emotional and had to hug him.
“I want to thank everybody that came here. To arrive in the top 10 for my home GP was my target, but to be honest, I didn’t believe it was possible. But in the end, we did it, which is incredible. I want to thank everybody – I love my family and my fans. I’m so happy!”
Team manager Herve Poncharal praised the youthful talent’s efforts, highlighting his top 10 placing in front of a home crowd as a dream for the KTM-bound outfit.
“I was feeling very sorry last night after qualifying for Hafizh, because I know how important this Malaysian grand prix was for him,” said Poncharal. “I know the effort he put in to reach MotoGP and finally for his first home GP he was so disappointed, so sad. I tried to cheer him up this morning, I tried to cheer him up on the grid and – I don’t know if there is a link in between what I told him and what he did, but the start was unreal.
“Maybe one of the best starts I’ve ever seen, at least this season and from that moment he was fighting with Miller, Petrucci and even Vinales at some stage. He finished the race in 10th position, which is a dream for us and for him and I’m so happy, because Hafizh is not only an incredible team player, but he is a charming young man and he is the best ambassador Malaysia could have in MotoGP.”
Syahrin sits 16th in the championship standings with one round remaining, while he’s 10 points shy of Franco Morbidelli (EG 0,0 Marc VDS) in the race for Rookie of the Year honours.
Ducati has unveiled its 2019 collection of motorcycles ahead of EICMA in Milan this week, revealing three all-new models in the Panigale V4 R, Diavel 1260 and Hypermotard 950.
Compared to previous R versions, the Panigale V4 R is now even more specialised and bristles with technology taken directly from MotoGP. The modifications extend far beyond the engine and suspension set-up – they also include the fairing, designed and developed by Ducati Corse in close collaboration with the Ducati Style Centre to improve aerodynamic efficiency.
The new fairing also incorporates the aerofoil appendages developed for the MotoGP prototypes. Made of carbon fibre, they increase stability throughout the ride, to allow for reduced reliance on electronic controls, boosting confidence for the pinnacle of rider performance
The Panigale V4 R is, to all intents and purposes, a road-legal WorldSBK category competition bike and constitutes the technical foundation for the official Ducati Superbikes that will compete in the world championship as from the 2019 season.
The Desmosedici Stradale 1103cc engine has been replaced with the 998cc Desmosedici Stradale R to comply with displacement limits set by WorldSBK rules. Unlike the larger V4 – designed to provide fluid power delivery and excellent low-rev pulling power for optimal road use – the 998cc powerplant offers more extreme performance as power delivery has been designed with the track in mind.
Moreover, it’s characterised by lighter internal components which reduces the overall bike weight by 2kg compared to the Panigale V4S, bringing the kerb weight down to just 193kg. Greater air intake efficiency allows faster engine ‘rev-up’ and shifts the rpm red zone higher to ensure improved acceleration.
The result is 221hp (162kW) of power at 15,250rpm (EU homologation values), 2,250rpm higher than the point of peak power on the 1103cc V4. These impressive figures can be taken even higher by fitting the full-racing Ducati Performance exhaust by Akrapovic, which boosts maximum power to 234hp (172kW) at 15,500rpm. In short, it’s the most powerful Ducati factory motorcycle ever!
Source: Supplied.
Another major development unveiled is the new Diavel 1260. Unconventional, unique and absolutely unmistakeable – as soon as it was launched at EICMA 2010 the Diavel stunned with its personality, design, sport naked handling and thoroughbred engine.
The second-generation Diavel 1260 remains faithful to the original spirit of that incredibly special bike, drawing on its key styling elements and putting a decidedly more contemporary slant on them: it now offers more assertive outlines and higher performance, is more fun on mixed-road routes and offers greater comfort for rider and passenger alike.
Its sport naked soul is evident in the Testastretta DVT 1262 engine, capable of delivering 159hp (117kW) at 9,500rpm and 129Nm (13.1kgm) at 7,500rpm. An immensely satisfying torque curve ensures both breath-taking acceleration and a low-rev smoothness that’s ideal for everyday riding or touring.
An upgraded chassis set-up makes the Diavel 1260 more responsive on mixed-road routes while top-drawer technology and electronics provide braking performance on a par with that of a sport bike and user-friendly engine performance control.
The excellent riding position and ‘power cruiser’ ergonomics that helped make this motorcycle so successful remain unaltered – what has changed is the chassis set-up, characterised by a new tubular steel trellis frame that goes perfectly with another Diavel hallmark, the 17-inch rear wheel with its 240mm wide tyre.
A sportier S version of the Diavel 1260 is also available, featuring fully-adjustable Ohlins suspension at both front and rear, dedicated wheels and an even higher-performance braking system. The S version mounts Ducati Quick Shift up and down Evo (DQS) as standard to allow clutchless shifting.
Source: Supplied.
The new Hypermotard 950 is now racier, more adrenalin-packed and rider-friendly. The Ducati ‘fun bike’ par excellence has been given a full-blown makeover – the new look takes its cue from the supermotard race world, the completely overhauled ergonomics ramps up the fun and riders can now count on an ultra-advanced chassis set-up and electronics package.\
A full 4kg lighter than the previous model, the new Hypermotard 950 mounts a renewed 937cc Testastretta 11-degree engine with a more muscular 114hp, combining greater pulling power with new electronics to ensure smoother control. The Hypermotard 950 electronics package includes Bosch Cornering ABS with the Slide by Brake function, Ducati Traction Control EVO (DTC EVO), Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC) EVO and Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) Up and Down EVO (as standard on the 950 SP version and available as an accessory on the 950).
Now even higher-performing and with racing overtones, the Hypermotard 950 SP features a flat seat, increased-travel Ohlins suspension to ensure an acuter lean angle, Marchesini forged wheels and Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) Up and Down EVO. Pricing and availability for all three in Australian are yet to be determined.
998c Desmosedici Stradale R 234hp at 15,500 rpm – 193kg
2019 Ducati Panigale V4 R
Ducati have unveiled the headline act of the new 2019 model line-up at EICMA, with the Panigale V4 R breaking cover.
2019 Ducati Panigale V4 R
This is the machine designed to take on World Superbike and that will also likely hit the racetracks of Australia in the hands of Ducati legend Troy Bayliss.
2019 Ducati Panigale V4 R
Josh Brookes will also be lighting up the tracks of British Superbike in 2019 onboard this new Desmo demon.
2019 Ducati Panigale V4 R – 221hp and 193kg kerb weight
For this road registrable homogolation special the Desmosedici Stradale 1103cc engine of the regular Panigale V4 is downsized to a 998cc version. This is to comply with race regulations and is tuned to a higher state of competition readiness.
2019 Ducati Panigale V4 R
A host of lighter internal engine components reduce weight by 2kg to bring the Panigale V4R down to 193kg wet.
2019 Ducati Panigale V4 R
Greater air intake efficiency also allows for more rapid engine rev-up, with a higher rpm ceiling along with peak power being moved 2250rpm higher than on the 1103cc V4.
2019 Ducati Panigale V4 R
A staggering 221hp is on offer at 15,250rpm, while a full-racing Ducati Performance exhaust by Akrapovič boosts power to 234hp at 15,500rpm.
2019 Ducati Panigale V4 R
Alongside the race specific engine, and modified suspension set-up the 2019 V4 R also boasts a new fairing designed by Ducati Corse in collaboration with the Ducati Style Centre, further improving aerodynamic efficiency.
2019 Ducati Panigale V4 R
Particularly notable is the inclusion of the aerofoil appendages that stem from the MotoGP prototypes, with carbon-fibre construction for increased stability, with Ducati claiming they further help reduce the reliance on electronic controls, while also aiding rider confidence.
The new Panigale V4 R includes the MotoGP aerofoils
Claudio Domenicali introduced Ducati’s most powerful factory motorcycle, with the brand boasting this new machine as a road-legal WSBK category competition bike, which will constitute the technical foundation for the official Ducati Superbikes that will compete in the World Championship from the 2019 season.
Claudio Domenicali with the new Panigale V4 R
Claudio Domenicali – CEO of Ducati Motor Holding
“Ducati has achieved a striking degree of maturity. It is a global flag bearer of some of the best aspects of Made in Italy excellence. Based on core values of Style, Sophistication and Performance, our company now offers a range as broad as it is state-of-the-art. This year sees the first major overhaul of the entire Scrambler range since its inception, plus a complete renewal of the Diavel and Hypermotard, two bikes that are firm favourites with Ducatisti. Today, safety and rider-friendliness have hit new heights, yet the brand’s sporting soul is as evident as it has ever been. The Panigale V4 R, in fact, is the most powerful factory motorcycle ever built by Ducati. We’re also delighted with our online presence, an area that has enjoyed excellent growth, thus confirming the extraordinary appeal of the entire Ducati product range.”
2019 Ducati Panigale V4 R
2019 Ducati Panigale V4 R Specifications
2019 Ducati Panigale V4 R compared to V4 Speciale
2019 Ducati Panigale V4 R Technical Specifications
“It was a hard race, first of all because I was starting from seventh place. I didn’t get a perfect start, and then my first lap was good but not one of the best of my career. Step by step, I overtook some riders and got to second place. I saw that Valentino was pushing and I started to chase him, lapping at qualifying pace! But in the process, I overheated the rear tyre; the front was also warming up quickly and the feeling wasn’t good. So for a few laps, I just tried to cool down and in so doing I began to feel better and better. I saw I was getting closer to Valentino and honestly that gave me extra motivation. At that moment, it was just a matter of instinct and pushing, something that you can do when you’ve already got the Championship. Unfortunately, he made a little mistake in turn one, which is a shame as it would have been nice to see how the duel would have ended. Anyway, when I saw him crash, I just cooled down and focused on finishing the race. We won, and that was the best way to seal the Constructors Championship. I would also like to congratulate Jorge Martin and “Pecco” Bagnaia for taking Championships. We’ll celebrate together in Valencia.”
Marc Marquez and Repsol Honda celebrate the win and the constructor’s championship
Alex Rins – P2
“I feel very happy because our race pace was strong and I was able to close the gaps to the other riders and pass them during the race. I still had very good pace even in the last few laps because I was able to manage the tyres well, but I lost time earlier in the race so that made it more difficult. We’re working really hard and we have found important things and learned more for next year. I’m very excited to go to Valencia, especially as we are feeling very strong with the bike now, and Suzuki deserve to end the season on a high.”
Alex Rins
Johann Zarco – P3
“I’m pretty happy, it was a fantastic race! But also difficult like usually in Malaysia. I was tired at the end, but the energy is coming back already. I think the key for that podium was the beginning of the race. I was thinking about overtaking Valentino (Rossi), but he was fast and it was good to be behind him. I could go away, but did a little mistake, when Marc overtook me. I tried to stay behind Marc, had a little gap, but was able to keep a good pace and then Valentino crashed, so I was second. I thought I can control, but four laps to the end Alex (Rins) was faster than me. Even if I was controlling the race well, when I tried to push a little bit more on the last laps, but I just got three tenths faster, which was not fast enough to keep the gap. He overtook me on the last lap. I tried to fight again, but I didn’t have any rear grip anymore. Anyway, the third place is a good finish.”
Johann Zarco
Maverick Vinales – P4
“I already said yesterday that we lost the race in qualifying. This morning I went out in the wet again and I finished first. Everything in MotoGP is so close now, so you have to start at the front. The tyre wear also gets worse when you’re fighting your way up from the back, you destroy the tyres. I was close to the podium, but with four laps to go the tyre dropped a lot and I couldn’t do anything about it. The team worked very well this weekend, they provided me with a really good bike. I think that, if I had started from the front, I would have been fighting for the race. I’m actually really happy that at three different tracks I was in contention to win. I think there are still many things that we can improve on, but things are better compared to before, and now I can be more consistent. I think Valencia will be a good track for us, I really like the track, it’s good for my riding style, so let’s see.”
Maverick Vinales
Dani Pedrosa- P5
“Today I focused a lot on the start because I was very far back on the grid. The start itself wasn’t perfect, but then I was able to recover a few places in the first corner. Unfortunately, I lost some ground with Dovi and Marc just a couple of turns later. Anyway, the feeling at the beginning of the race was good enough and I was able to stay there close to the front. On the other hand, toward the end I began struggling with grip again and I was passed by Rins and Viñales. All in all it was a little bit better race than usual. I would like to congratulate Martin for his title. He was able to overcome some difficulties this year, an injury and other issues, and he had a strong race today. He totally deserves this result.”
2018 Malaysian MotoGP
Andrea Dovizioso – P6
“I have to admit that today I’m disappointed because I wasn’t able to do the race I expected and suffered a lot with a lack of grip. As I said on Thursday, I had hoped for a dry race because we have always gone well in testing and practice in these conditions, but today I really struggled a lot and now we have to understand exactly what happened. In the end, thanks to Rossi’s error, we succeeded in taking home second place overall both in the Riders’ and Constructors’ standings, and I’m happy with this result even though this year we weren’t really able to oppose Marquez. I wish to thank the team because we have managed to do a great job, especially from mid-season onwards, but it’s not enough and we will still have to continue to work with commitment.”
Andrea Dovizioso
Álvaro Bautista – P7
“I struggled quite a lot with rear grip, I was losing a lot of traction on the exits of the corners and the bike was sliding around and running wide. I was quite limited with what I could do but I gave the maximum I could. We have finished as the second Ducati, four seconds behind Dovizioso on the factory bike, which I think is a good result and it keeps up my recent run of top ten finishes. It has been a good spell for us here in Asia.”
Álvaro Bautista
Jack Miller – P8
“We chose to use the medium tyre at the rear to try to do something different than the others. But we didn’t get the results we hoped for. From the beginning, I felt a lot of vibrations that didn’t allow me to have a competitive race pace. Honestly I expected more from this race”.
Jack Miller
Danilo Petrucci – P9
“I’m not happy with the way things went today. We had a good pace throughout the weekend but today I couldn’t manage the tyres and I struggled since the start. I tried to do my best but the temperature didn’t help. Conditions will be different at Valencia and I hope to get a good result to finish the season”.
Danilo Petrucci
Hafizh Syahrin – P10
“It’s just unbelievable! First of all, I want to say thank you very much to my team, because they always believe in me and give me great motivation. Yesterday has been a disaster for us, but we made up for it. In the starting grid, I saw my father and was just emotional and had to hug him. I want to thank everybody that came here. To arrive in the top 10 for my home GP was my target, but to be honest, I didn’t believe it was possible. But in the end, we did it, which is incredible. I want to thank everybody; I love my family and my fans. I’m so happy!”
Hafizh Syahrin
Aleix Espargaro’ – P11
“This was certainly one of the three most physically demanding races of my entire career. I started very badly and lost a lot of positions on the first turn, so I had to make up ground. After a few passes, a gap formed behind my brother, Pol. I managed to overtake him after a good battle. At that point, I was making up ground on the tenth place rider, but there were only a few laps left. Today’s result is positive, but we want to do more and we know we can, so we need to keep working and preparing our 2019 season as best we can.”
Aleix Espargaro’
Franco Morbidelli – P12
“I am happy with this result, it was a nice recovery to gain so many positions after starting from 19th on the grid. I am very satisfied with the work the team did this weekend and now I am really looking forward to the final race in Valencia.”
Malaysian MotoGP
Stefan Bradl – P13
“I’m happy, we finished in the points and that was my target. Of course, it was a tough race as I’d not ridden the bike in almost two months and then I arrived here in Malaysia and the conditions were unbelievably hot. Also the weather was inconsistent, so overall I think we did a good job and I’m happy with the team because they helped me a lot. As soon as I started with them this weekend it felt like I was back home, so I have to thank Lucio (Cecchinello) and the guys in the garage who did an incredible job. A big thanks to HRC as well as they built up a test schedule this year which allowed me this opportunity. Also I want to wish Cal (Crutchlow) a speedy recovery, I hope he’s recovering well and can come back as strong as he was before.”
Malaysian MotoGP
Takaaki Nakagami – P14
“The race was a bit of a struggle. The track temperature was quite good, although the condition wasn’t perfect. We chose a medium tyre for the front and a soft for the rear and I think that was the correct choice for us. But we couldn’t find the same kind of performance as in FP3 when we had a strong pace, around 2’01 laps. I wasn’t able to do that in the race and for me it was difficult to find the rear grip. The team did a great job all weekend and hopefully we can get our best result of the season in the last race in Valencia.”
Takaaki Nakagami
Bradley Smith – P15
“We were lacking performance all race with some technical issues which meant I couldn’t set my normal lap-times. I could still finish the race and took a point, which was a positive and there are just five points between Pol and me going into the last race. Five points is difficult to gain but it is still fun to be going into that situation. We worked well all weekend and the guys clearly know what they need to do and what they need to fix. I’m quite excited about Valencia. It will be my last Grand Prix and it is a track I enjoy. We’ll go there optimistic and keen to finish this chapter with KTM in a positive way.”
Bradley Smith
Tom Luthi – P16
“It was a hot race and I was struggling a little for the first two laps with rear edge grip and I nearly went down at the final corner. But then I found a good pace and felt good on the bike but later I struggled again with rear grip and I lost time which cost me a chance of some points. I was very close and so a pity that again I am in sixteenth place.”
2018 Malaysian MotoGP
Xavier Simeon – P17
“I knew that it would be a difficult race in dry conditions. Even though my start was better than in Australia, it still wasn’t good and I lost all the advantage I had with my starting position. But all in all, I am still satisfied with the outcome of the race, because I hadn’t felt comfortable in dry conditions before and in the race, my pace has been quite consistent and similar to the riders that finished close to the Top 10. Considering this, I am a little frustrated, because I did most of the things right to achieve another place within the point rankings, but I still struggle to put all the pieces of the puzzle together. In MotoGP, everything needs to be perfect and little details can make all the difference. Apart from that, the team has done a great job once again and I reduced the gap to the front runners a lot. In fact, I didn’t expect to be that close. Now we have to wait and see what will happen at Valencia. I hope Tito can ride again and for myself, I hope to enjoy my last race in MotoGP with the team.”
Xavier Simeon
Valentino Rossi – P18
“It was a great shame because this was my best race of the season. I felt comfortable, I had a good pace, I pushed, and I had the chance to win, but unfortunately with four or five laps to go I fell – I don’t understand what happened. I made a mistake, because I crashed. It’s such a pity, but it still remains a good weekend, because we improved the setting of the bike. I think we have to do some more work, but it looks like we were able to use the bike in a better way in the last few races. This is good, but we have to see if we’re also strong in Valencia. It’s a difficult track for us in general, but we have to try.”
Valentino Rossi
Scott Redding – P19
“Unfortunately, my race today ended after six laps. We had problems with grip throughout the weekend and as soon as the tyres began to wear a bit, it was impossible for me to push. Riding very aggressively, the improvement in times was minimum, so I was forced to set my sights on just finishing the race.”
2018 Malaysian MotoGP
Michele Pirro – DNF
“The fact that I only did one session on a dry track, with the race today being dry, for sure put me at a bit of a disadvantage. I started quite well and bit by bit was making up places when I lost the front at the last corner, probably because I pushed a bit too hard, and I crashed. I didn’t expect that to happen because I was trying to do a consistent race. I’m sorry for the team, and it’s a pity to finish the race in this way, because I could have got into the top 10 and instead I wasn’t able to bring home any points for the team.”
Michele Pirro
Andrea Iannone – DNF
“I’m a bit disappointed because we had the chance to take another podium, but I don’t want to focus on what happened today. I always try to think positively, and the good things are that I had strong pace and I had a really good feeling with the bike after the team and I worked hard together. So I’ll just remain focused on the last race of the season and I will give my all to have a good result there.”
Andrea Iannone
Pol Espargaro – DNF
“I was losing power while I was eleventh and we don’t know at the moment what the problem was, the guys are checking. It has been a tough couple of weeks: we didn’t have a good feeling in Japan and in Australia we were fast but the tyre blew and now we’ve had this issue. It has a been a tough end to the season but we’ll go to Valencia looking to finish things in a good way before we already think about 2019.”
Pol Espargaro
Karel Abraham – DNF
“It is incredible how much bad luck we have had this weekend. We had a technical problem on the first day, I had a crash as soon as it started raining yesterday and that left me in pain for today, when we had an electronic problem that shut the bike down and wouldn’t restart. I was feeling better this morning and I was close to the top ten in warm-up. I didn’t get a great start in the race but I had passed a couple of riders and was closing on Nakagami, who ended up fourteenth, when the bike stopped. We will work out the problem but I am disappointed because I think we could have repeated the performance from Japan and picked up some points, but unfortunately we go home with nothing.”
Karel Abraham
Team Managers
Herve Poncharal – Tech3 Yamaha Team Manager
“What an unbelievable day today here in Sepang Malaysia. I think the race direction took the right decision to move everything forward two hours. We had great sunshine, a beautiful race and regarding Monster Yamaha Tech3, I’m very proud. For Johann, after getting that great pole position last night, he got a great start, put his head down, followed Valentino (Rossi) for quite a few laps, then Marc (Marquez) came into that group and this trio has been almost leading the race for two thirds, then Johann dropped a little bit, but he was always in contention for that so dearly awaited podium, where we haven’t been since Jerez. I feel very sorry for Valentino, but he crashed, although I think he was doing a great race. At that moment we thought, the podium is almost in the bag and second position was quite easy and then we saw Rins coming from nowhere, doing incredible lap times. Congratulations to him. He passed us, but we are anyway very happy with the podium, a really strong weekend. It was a tough day today with the heat, with managing the body for the riders and also the tyres, so this is great. We are now leading the independent riders’ championship, which is the main target for us now – in fifth, joint with Alex Rins, so Valencia is going to be something to challenge for us. But of course, this is only one part of the garage. On the other side, I was feeling very sorry last night after Qualifying for Hafizh, because I know how important this Malaysian Grand Prix was for him. I know the effort he put in to reach MotoGP and finally for his first home GP he was so disappointed, so sad. I tried to cheer him up this morning, I tried to cheer him up on the grid and – I don’t know if there is a link in between what I told him and what he did, but the start was unreal. Maybe one of the best starts I’ve ever seen, at least this season and from that moment he was fighting with Miller, Petrucci and even Viñales at some stage. He finished the race in 10thposition, which is a dream for us and for him and I’m so happy, because Hafizh is not only an incredible team player, but he is a charming young man and he is the best ambassador Malaysia could have in MotoGP. I could feel how disappointed he was to see all the people coming to support him and him not delivering. Finally he did deliver and this is the cherry on the cake. We are going to fly back home after five weeks on the road, but we go home happy, positive in mind and ready to challenge what we have to do in Valencia.”
Johann Zarco
Massimo Meregalli – Yamaha Team Director
“For sure this is not the ending we had hoped for this weekend. The final results don‘t do justice to the pace of our riders, because they both had really strong form this weekend. Maverick had to start from the fourth row and make up a lot of ground. If he had started a bit more towards the front, he would have been a top contender today, because his pace matched Vale‘s. Valentino did exactly what he needed to do at the start. He was leading the race perfectly, so it‘s a great shame it ended the way it did. Nevertheless, we can take some positives from these last three races, as we made a step with the bike and were consistent in our performance. Today we were competitive at a circuit that doesn‘t necessarily play to our bike‘s strengths. So, with that in mind, we head to Valencia eager to fight at the front again during the season finale.”
Valentino Rossi
Ken Kawauchi – Suzuki Technical Manager
“Finally everything was OK and we did a good job. Today is a bitter sweet feeling because both riders had great pace but sadly Andrea couldn’t finish the race – I’m sure he would’ve also fought for the podium. But Alex managed to achieve 2nd and we’re so happy because it’s our third consecutive podium and we’ve had two second places in a row. I really want to thank everyone involved in this project, this season has been so positive. In the final race we hope to achieve that one thing we’ve been missing…”
Alex Rins and Team Suzuki celebrate
Davide Brivio – Suzuki Team Manager
“Of course we’re very happy! We took another podium, our eighth of the season! It’s great that our riders have had four podiums each, it’s good news for us and for all of Suzuki. I want to congratulate Alex for keeping his head down and fighting until the end to take 2nd position, it was excellent. I’m very sorry for Andrea because he could’ve been fighting for the podium too but he incurred in a very unlucky crash. I would like to say a big thank you to all the Team staff that are working very hard on improving our level and of course to all the Japanese guys back in the factory. We are living a positive moment and now we look forward to the last race of the year!”
Alex Rins and Team Suzuki celebrate
Mike Leitner – KTM Team Manager
“Disappointing today. Pol had good pace in the middle of the race and was going for tenth place but then we had a technical problem and we are still looking into the cause. Bradley got one point and while we cannot be happy with that we know that he gave his best. We’ll keep our motivation up for Valencia and look towards our next chapter in 2019. I think moments like these and the difficult first seasons are part of the learning process; it is a challenge, and we chose to be here. In Moto2 and Moto3 we were fighting until the end for the titles but it didn’t happen and we’ll look at things this winter and see what we can do better for next year.”
Pol Espargaro and Bradley Smith
Piero Taramasso – Michelin
“This has been another Grand Prix where we have seen the tyres tested to extremes. The weekend began with lower temperatures than expected for Sepang on Friday – although still quite high – and the tyres performed really well and some very fast lap-times were set. This continued on Saturday morning and it looked like we were in a position to break the outright record in qualifying, but then it rained very heavily. This meant the MICHELIN Power Rain tyres were used in anger for one of the few times this year and again they gave excellent results in the difficult conditions. The times were quick and the grip was really good and it produced an exciting qualifying. Today then saw temperatures rise to more than we had seen all weekend and with the information the teams had and with the assistance from their respective technicians, the best tyres were chosen. This produced a fast race which saw us break the duration record, this is one of the most important time benchmarks for us, as it shows the durability and consistency over race distance. There were also three different manufacturers on the podium, which is again a very important marker for Michelin, as it shows performance for all types of bikes. This has been a long trip, but we have had some very good results, learned a lot about the overall performance of the slick and wet tyres and the different compounds in many changeable conditions. We now head back to Europe for the final round and then get ready to start testing for 2019.”
Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) claimed his 70th career win after taking victory at the Shell Malaysian Motorcycle Grand Prix. The 2018 Champion looked set to lock horns with nine-time World Champion Valentino Rossi (Movistar Yamaha MotoGP) in the final stages, but the race would end in disaster for ‘The Doctor’ as he crashed out with four to go.
Marc Marquez and Repsol Honda celebrate the win and the constructor’s championship
Alex Rins (Team Suzuki Ecstar) and Johann Zarco (Monster Yamaha Tech 3) completed the podium at Sepang International Circuit, the latter from pole, and home hero Hafizh Syahrin (Monster Yamaha Tech 3) stormed from the back of the grid to the top ten in a race to remember in Malaysia.
2018 Malaysian MotoGP
When the lights went out it was Rossi who got a stellar launch from P2, with pole man Zarco slightly sluggish off the line and ‘The Doctor’ getting a comfortable holeshot ahead of the the Frenchman, who managed to brake late to slot into P2. Jack Miller (Alma Pramac Racing) was able to leapfrog Andrea Iannone (Team Suzuki Ecstar) into P3 at the start, with Marquez making up one position into P6.
2018 Malaysian MotoGP
The premier class riders then settled, but this came after Marquez and teammate Dani Pedrosa (Repsol Honda Team) exchanged paint on the opening lap. The 2018 Champion would soon start to make his way forward though, despite a hairy last corner moment at the end of the opening lap that led to Iannone crashing out directly behind the seven-time Champion.
2018 Malaysian MotoGP
Back at the front, Rossi and Zarco were off as Yamaha had a 1-2 in the opening exchanges, but Marquez hunted them down after making his way past Miller. The Honda rider was on the exhaust of Zarco’s M1 machine and soon enough he managed to slice his way through. Turn 14 was the chosen destination after a slight error from the number 5 machine, with arch-rival Rossi now in his sights. But the number 46 was in an excellent rhythm at the front as the gap between the duo hovered at 3/4s of a second, with Zarco beginning to lose touch at the halfway stage of the race as Rossi continued to press on. 1.1 seconds was the gap to Marquez as 10 laps ticked over at Sepang.
2018 Malaysian MotoGP
With eight to go, Rossi was still pumping in the lap times to keep the gap above a second to Marquez, with Zarco now over three seconds behind his fellow Yamaha rider. However, the gap then dipped below the one-second barrier with seven to go and the seven-time Champion was hunting down the nine-time Champion. As ever, Marquez was pushing the limit and there was a slight scare for the number 93 at Turn 5; a ‘mini Marquez moment’, let’s say.
Valentino Rossi
With five to go at Sepang, the gap was just 0.7, as we set ourselves for a grandstand finish between two of the sport’s all-time greats. But then, disaster struck ‘The Doctor’. A return to victory after 26 races went begging as he lost the front of his YZR-M1 at Turn 1 with four laps to go and he picked up his stricken Yamaha in front of the Rossi grandstand, leaving Marquez with a lonely ride home to the win. The result also sealed the Constructors’ crown for Honda, adding yet more to celebrate for the number 93 and his factory.
Marc Marquez
The battle for P2 and P3 between Zarco and Rins was far from finished, however. As the last lap began, Zarco led but Rins was soon past, with the Frenchman having no answer for the Suzuki and the Spaniard crossing the line to take his fourth podium of the season. Zarco took his first since Jerez in third, not able to quite strike back but completing a top weekend for both.
Sepang MotoGP Race Results 1 – Marc Marquez (SPA) HONDA 40’32.372 2 – Alex Rins (SPA) SUZUKI +1.898 3 – Johann Zarco (FRA) YAMAHA +2.474
After a less than impressive start, Maverick Viñales (Movistar Yamaha MotoGP) recovered to string together a strong latter half of the Grand Prix to finish P4, with Pedrosa crossing the line P5 on his final racing visit to the Sepang International Circuit. It was a subdued race for one of the pre-race favourites Andrea Dovizioso (Ducati Team), however, as the winner here for the last two seasons couldn’t replicate those results and took P6. After Rossi’s crash though, the Italian has sealed P2 in the Championship.
Andrea Dovizioso
Angel Nieto Team’s Alvaro Bautista was P7 in his penultimate MotoGP race and he led fellow Desmosedici rider Miller as the Australian slipped down to P8 after a good start. P9 was his teammate Danilo Petrucci, but arguably ride of the day went to a certain Malaysian: Hafizh Syahrin (Monster Yamaha Tech 3).
Hafizh Syahrin
Starting P23, the home hero was able to get a stunning start as he got himself up to P12 on the opening lap, eventually claiming P10 to close Franco Morbidelli (EG 0,0 Marc VDS) down in the battle for ‘Rookie of the Year’. Emotional before and after the race, it was the first time a Malaysian had ever competed in the premier class and Syahrin marked the occasion in style – even heading out onto the main straight to throw his gloves into a deservedly adoring crowd.
Morbidelli took P12 to limit some of that damage in the standings and remains ahead, just behind Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing Team Gresini). LCR Honda Castrol replacement rider Stefan Bradl claimed P13 and points, the German finishing just ahead of teammate Takaaki Nakagami (LCR Honda Idemitsu), with Bradley Smith (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) completing the points.
A scorching encounter in Sepang ends with Marquez on top once more, with Rossi left to ponder on what could have been. Valencia in a couple of weeks’ time brings to 2018 Championship to a close.
2018 MotoGP Sepang Results
Pos
Rider
Team
Laps
1.
Marquez M.
Repsol Honda
40:32.372
2.
Rins A.
Team Suzuki Ecstar
+1.898
3.
Zarco J.
Monster Tech 3
+2.474
4.
Vinales M.
Movistar Yamaha
+4.667
5.
Pedrosa D.
Repsol Honda
+6.190
6.
Dovizioso A.
Ducati Team
+11.248
7.
Bautista A.
Angel Nieto Team
+15.611
8.
Miller J.
Alma Pramac Racing
+19.009
9.
Petrucci D.
Alma Pramac Racing
+22.921
10.
Syahrin H.
Monster Tech 3
+26.919
11.
Espargaro A.
Aprilia Racing Team Gresini
+29.503
12.
Morbidelli F.
Marc VDS Racing Team
+30.933
13.
Bradl S.
LCR Honda
+35.322
14.
Nakagami T.
LCR Honda
+37.912
15.
Smith B.
Red Bull KTM Factory Racing
+39.675
16.
Luthi T.
Marc VDS Racing Team
+41.820
17.
Simeon X.
Reale Avintia Racing
+43.978
18.
Rossi V.
Movistar Yamaha
+58.288
19.
Redding S.
Aprilia Racing Team Gresini
+1:00.191
DNF
Espargaro P.
Red Bull KTM Factory Racing
Retired
DNF
Pirro M.
Ducati Team
Accident
DNF
Abraham K.
Angel Nieto Team
Retired
DNF
Iannone A.
Team Suzuki Ecstar
Accident
Marc Marquez and Repsol Honda celebrate the win and the constructor’s championship
2018 MotoGP Sepang Standings
Pos
Rider
Team
Points
1.
Marquez Marc
Repsol Honda Team
321
2.
Dovizioso Andrea
Ducati Team
220
3.
Rossi Valentino
Movistar Yamaha MotoGP
195
4.
Vinales Maverick
Movistar Yamaha MotoGP
193
5.
Rins Alex
Team Suzuki Ecstar
149
6.
Zarco Johann
Monster Yamaha Tech 3
149
7.
Crutchlow Cal
LCR Honda
148
8.
Petrucci Danilo
Alma Pramac Racing
144
9.
Iannone Andrea
Team Suzuki Ecstar
133
10.
Lorenzo Jorge
Ducati Team
130
11.
Pedrosa Dani
Repsol Honda Team
106
12.
Bautista Alvaro
Angel Nieto Team
105
13.
Miller Jack
Alma Pramac Racing
91
14.
Morbidelli Franco
Marc VDS Racing Team
50
15.
Espargaro Aleix
Aprilia Racing Team Gresini
44
16.
Syahrin Hafizh
Monster Yamaha Tech 3
40
17.
Rabat Tito
Reale Avintia Racing
35
18.
Espargaro Pol
Red Bull KTM Factory Racing
35
19.
Smith Bradley
Red Bull KTM Factory Racing
30
20.
Nakagami Takaaki
LCR Honda
23
21.
Redding Scott
Aprilia Racing Team Gresini
15
22.
Abraham Karel
Angel Nieto Team
10
23.
Kallio Mika
Red Bull KTM Factory Racing
6
24.
Bradl Stefan
Honda Racing Corporation
3
25.
Nakasuga Katsuyuki
Yamaha Factory Team
2
26.
Simeon Xavier
Reale Avintia Racing
1
27.
Pirro Michele
Ducati Team
1
28.
Luthi Thomas
Marc VDS Racing Team
0
29.
Torres Jordi
MV Agusta Reparto Corse
0
30.
Jones Mike
Reale Avintia Racing
0
31.
Guintoli Sylvain
Pata Yamaha Official WSBK Team
0
32.
Ponsson Christophe
Ponsson C.
0
Marc Marquez and Repsol Honda celebrate the win and the constructor’s championship
MotoGP Team Standings
Pos
Team
Points
1.
Repsol Honda Team
427
2.
Movistar Yamaha MotoGP
388
3.
Ducati Team
363
4.
Suzuki MotoGP
282
5.
Alma Pramac Racing
235
6.
Monster Yamaha Tech 3
189
7.
LCR Honda
174
8.
Angel Nieto Team
102
9.
Red Bull KTM Factory Racing
65
10.
Aprilia Racing Team Gresini
59
11.
Estrella Galicia 0,0
50
12.
Reale Avintia Racing
36
Francesco Bagnaia (Sky Racing Team VR46) clinched the 2018 Moto2 World Championship at the Shell Malaysia Motorcycle Grand Prix after finishing P3 at Sepang, with title rival Miguel Oliveira (Red Bull KTM Ajo) just up the road in second. Bagnaia’s teammate Luca Marini made it an even more memorable day for Sky Racing Team VR46 as he secured his maiden Grand Prix victory in style after coming so close on a number of occasions.
As the lights went out, both of the Championship rivals got off to a flyer but it was Marini who led coming out of Turn 1 after a messy opening corner for his fellow front row starters; Fabio Quartararo (MB Conveyors – Speed Up) and Alex Marquez (EG 0,0 Marc VDS) both running in hot. This allowed Bagnaia and Oliveira to slip through up the inside to get into P2 and P3; pretty much the perfect getaway for ‘Pecco’, who slotted in behind teammate Marini.
Marini then got himself into a rhythm at the front, with Bagnaia and Oliveira battling away for P2 – the title firmly in Bagnaia’s hands at this early stage of the race, even with Oliveira making a pass stick at Turn 4 with 12 laps to go. The Portuguese rider then locked his radar on race leader Marini, who now had a one second lead, with Bagnaia starting to slip into the clutches of compatriot Mattia Pasini (Italtrans Racing Team). Polesitter Marquez and Lorenzo Baldassarri (Pons HP40) were also in hot pursuit of the Championship leader.
Oliveira had reeled in Marini 11 laps remaining, with a win for the KTM rider enough to take the title chase down to Valencia if Bagnaia dropped below the podium positions. With six to go, it seemed the battle for the win was between Marini and Oliveira, with both Baldassarri and Marquez losing touch in the fight for the final podium spot – and Pasini still 0.4 behind countryman Bagnaia.
In sweltering Sepang conditions, Marini was being made to sweat by Oliveira as the continued to look strong for a first Grand Prix win. But the Italian was on rails as he soaked up the pressure from the KTM behind and with two to go, a 0.7 gap had appeared. Going into the final lap, Marini had the biggest lead he’d had for a while, with Bagnaia sitting comfortably in a Championship clinching P3 – and with over a second cushion back to Pasini.
As the chequered flag was waved it was double delight for Sky Racing Team VR46 as Marini took a magnificent maiden Grand Prix victory, with Bagnaia coming home third to seal the 2018 Moto2 World Championship. Oliveira didn’t go down without a fight as he took P2 at the Sepang International Circuit – and his 11th podium of the season, but it wasn’t quite enough.
Pasini crossed the line in P4, with Quartararo rounding out the top five after getting the better of sixth place Baldassarri and seventh place Marquez in the latter stages. Australian GP winner Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Ajo) took P8 in Malaysia after struggling with grip, with Marcel Schrötter (Dynavolt Intact GP) and Joan Mir (EG 0,0 Marc VDS) rounding out the top ten in P9 and P10 respectively.
Remy Gardner looked set for a top six finished until a crash with thirteen laps to go.
Remy Gardner
“I was really pushing but just didn’t have the grip and was sliding all over from the very first corners. Marquez made a clean pass but it put me onto the dirty part of the track and I tucked the front. Another unlucky incident but I’m proving that I have the speed to race with the top guys which is encouraging for the final race and for next year. I can take the positives from the weekend after qualifying fourth. Big thanks to all the tweets and support from everyone around the globe. See you in Spain!”
Remy Gardner #87
Just like the lightweight class, the 2018 intermediate class crown was decided in Malaysia and it went the way of ‘Pecco’. A stunning season for the Italian, with teammate Marini continuing his fantastic 2018.
2018 Moto2 Sepang Results
Pos
Rider
Team
Time
1.
Marini L.
Sky Racing Team VR46
38:25.689
2.
Oliveira M.
Red Bull KTM Ajo
+1.194
3.
Bagnaia F.
Sky Racing Team VR46
+3.020
4.
Pasini M.
Italtrans Racing Team
+4.497
5.
Quartararo F.
Beta Tools-Speed Up Racing
+5.250
6.
Baldassarri L.
Pons HP40
+5.305
7.
Marquez A.
Estrella Galicia Marc VDS
+7.690
8.
Binder B.
Red Bull KTM Ajo
+8.943
9.
Schrotter M.
Dynavolt Intact GP
+9.687
10.
Mir J.
Estrella Galicia Marc VDS
+18.547
11.
Vierge X.
Dynavolt Intact GP
+18.816
12.
Locatelli A.
Italtrans Racing Team
+19.739
13.
Navarro J.
Federal Oil Gresini
+21.177
14.
Aegerter D.
Kiefer Racing
+21.960
15.
Lowes S.
SWI
+26.875
16.
Corsi S.
Tasca Racing Scuderia Moto2
+28.515
17.
Pawi K. I.
Idemitsu Honda Team Asia
+28.802
18.
Roberts J.
NTS RW Racing GP
+29.791
19.
Raffin J.
Garage Plus Interwetten
+30.557
20.
Pons E.
Pons HP40
+31.069
21.
Odendaal S.
NTS RW Racing GP
+38.430
22.
Danilo J.
SAG Team
+42.930
23.
Pratama D. E.
Federal Oil Gresini
+57.507
24.
Vinales I.
Forward Racing Team
+57.910
25.
Fuligni F.
Tasca Racing Scuderia Moto2
+1:03.737
26.
Sucipto R. T.
QMMF Racing Team
+2:04.066
DNF
Fernandez A.
Pons HP40
Accident
DNF
Tuuli N.
SIC Racing Team
Accident
DNF
Nagashima T.
Idemitsu Honda Team Asia
Retired
DNF
Gardner R.
Tech 3 Racing
Retired
DNF
Cardelus X.
Team Stylobike
Retired
DNF
Lecuona I.
SWI
Retired
Francesco Bagnaia
Moto2 Championship Standings
Pos
Driver
Team
Points
1.
Bagnaia Francesco
Sky Racing Team VR46
304
2.
Oliveira Miguel
Red Bull KTM Ajo
272
3.
Binder Brad
Red Bull KTM Ajo
201
4.
Baldassarri Lorenzo
Pons HP40
162
5.
Marquez Alex
Estrella Galicia Marc VDS Team Moto2
157
6.
Mir Joan
Estrella Galicia Marc VDS Team Moto2
155
7.
Marini Luca
Sky Racing Team VR46
147
8.
Schrotter Marcel
Dynavolt Intact GP
138
9.
Vierge Xavi
Dynavolt Intact GP
131
10.
Quartararo Fabio
Beta Tools-Speed Up Racing
128
11.
Pasini Mattia
Italtrans Racing Team
128
12.
Lecuona Iker
Swiss Innovative Investors
60
13.
Navarro Jorge
Federal Oil Gresini Moto2
58
14.
Lowes Sam
Swiss Innovative Investors
49
15.
Corsi Simone
Tasca Racing Scuderia Moto2
47
16.
Locatelli Andrea
Italtrans Racing Team
45
17.
Aegerter Dominique
Kiefer Racing
42
18.
Fernandez Augusto
Pons HP40
37
19.
Gardner Remy
Tech 3 Racing
29
20.
Nagashima Tetsuta
Idemitsu Honda Team Asia
23
21.
Fenati Romano
Marinelli Snipers Team
14
22.
Barbera Hector
Pons HP40
10
23.
Raffin Jesko
Garage Plus Interwetten
9
24.
Manzi Stefano
Forward Racing Team
8
25.
Kent Danny
Beta Tools-Speed Up Racing
8
26.
Vinales Isaac
Forward Racing Team
7
27.
Roberts Joe
NTS RW Racing GP
5
28.
Bendsneyder Bo
Tech 3 Racing
2
29.
Pawi Khairul Idham
Idemitsu Honda Team Asia
1
30.
Pons Edgar
Pons HP40
1
31.
Odendaal Steven
NTS RW Racing GP
1
32.
Tuuli Niki
SIC Racing Team
1
33.
Warokorn Thitipong
APH PTT The Pizza SAG
0
34.
Granado Eric
Forward Racing Team
0
35.
Danilo Jules
SAG Team
0
36.
Garzo Hector
Garzo H.
0
37.
Tulovic Lukas
Kiefer Racing
0
38.
Fuligni Federico
Tasca Racing Scuderia Moto2
0
39.
Staring Bryan
Go & Fun Honda Gresini
0
40.
Cardelus Xavi
Team Stylobike
0
41.
Pratama Dimas Ekky
Federal Oil Gresini Moto2
0
42.
Medina Alejandro
SAG Team
0
43.
Morais Sheridan
Willirace Racing Team
0
44.
Perolari Corentin
Promoto Sport
0
45.
Khairuddin Zulfahmi
SIC Racing Team
0
46.
Sucipto Rafid Topan
QMMF Racing Team
0
47.
Tangre Cedric
Yohan Moto Sport
0
Jorge Martin (Del Conca Gresini Moto3) was crowned the Moto3 World Champion at the Shell Malaysia Motorcycle Grand Prix after claiming a stunning Sepang International Circuit victory, with main Championship rival Marco Bezzecchi (Redox PruestelGP) slipping down to P5 on the final lap to hand the title to the Spaniard. Leopard Racing teammates Lorenzo Dalla Porta and Enea Bastianini completed the podium after another hard-fought contest in Malaysia.
It was Martin who got the best launch off the line from pole position but with a long run down into Turn 1, Bezzecchi was able to get in his slipstream and brake later to get the holeshot. A tentative lap followed for the Spaniard, who dropped down to P5 by the end of the first lap and at the end of Lap 2, the Championship leader was P8. Bezzecchi, meanwhile, was heading the pack…
The latter then lost the lead of the race at the start of Lap 4, with fellow KTM rider Darryn Binder (Red Bull KTM Ajo) getting aggressive heading into Turn 1, forcing Bezzecchi out wide and dropping him to sixth, just ahead of Martin. Meanwhile, Fabio Di Giannantonio (Del Conca Gresini Moto3) had got past his teammate as the duo battled for P8 – and Martin dropped to P10 at the end of Lap 5.
You could cut the tension with a knife and on Lap 6 there was a nerve-wracking moment between Bezzecchi and fellow Italian Tony Arbolino (Marinelli Snipers Team) as they came together on the exit of Turn 6, both – thankfully – staying upright. Then, with 10 laps to go, Martin started to make progress and at the final corner, a phenomenal late lunge underneath race leader Bezzecchi from P6 almost paid off. The slipstream down the straight, though, did pay off as Martin took the lead of the race. Was this his time to pull the pin?
The answer was yes, but he couldn’t break away. Bezzecchi was back through with nine to go at the final corner and then, with eight laps to go, contact between the two main title leaders at Turn 1. Aron Canet (Estrella Galicia 0,0) then took the baton and started to create a gap but suddenly, at Turn 1, the Spaniard tucked the front and crashed out of contention – rider ok. The gloves were now off at the front with a huge seven laps remaining and a title on the line.
The hustle and bustle at the front kept on going in true Moto3™ style. But then in true Martin style, with three laps of the race to go and the Championship firmly in the balance, the pin was definitely pulled this time. The Spaniard hit the front and suddenly there was a 0.8 second lead appearing, with Bezzecchi unable to get past Lorenzo Dalla Porta (Leopard Racing) and Arbolino. This gap continued to grow as it looked increasingly difficult for Bezzecchi to get the better of Martin, and the Italian’s attention firmly switched to keeping his title aspirations alive.
On the prowl behind Bezzecchi were a gaggle of hungry Moto3 riders. Di Giannantonio, Dalla Porta, Arbolino, Albert Arenas (Angel Nieto Team), Tatsuki Suzuki (SIC58 Squadra Corse), Enea Bastianini (Leopard Racing) and Binder were all there in the hunt for P2. The last lap started and at Turn 4, Bezzecchi was out on the curb and down to P5 – a Championship losing position. Could the Italian recover? The answer was no, Bezzecchi pushed all he could but would cross the line P5. Despair for the Italian, and jubilation for Martin who took the victory by an impressive 3.5 seconds.
Dalla Porta crossed the line in P2 for his fifth podium of the season, with teammate Bastianini recovering in the latter stages to grab a podium that means he becomes the most successful Moto3 rider in history on rostrum count.
Sepang Moto3 Race Results 1 – Jorge Martin (SPA) HONDA 38’34.799 2 – Lorenzo Dalla Porta (ITA) HONDA +3.556 3 – Enea Bastianini (ITA) HONDA +3.757
Australian GP winner Arenas missed out on a podium by 0.038, with Bezzecchi pipping ‘Diggia’ on the line – and the duo now have P2 in the Championship to fight for in Valencia. Binder ended the race in P7, Arbolino was eighth, Suzuki P9 and teammate Niccolo Antonelli securing a top ten on his return from injury.
Starting from the pitlane, home hero Adam Norrodin (Petronas Sprinta Racing) produced a stunning comeback rider to get himself into the lead group. But with little over two laps to go, the Malaysian rider crashed out at the final corner. John McPhee (CIP – Green Power), Dennis Foggia (SKY Racing Team VR46) and Alonso Lopez (Estrella Galicia 0,0) all crashed at Turn 9, with Celestino Vietti (SKY Racing Team VR46) also crashing in a separate incident at the same place.
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