Tag Archives: Competition

Competition, Motorcycle News, News

Moto2 test at Jerez concludes with Luthi atop the charts

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News 22 Feb 2020

Moto2 test at Jerez concludes with Luthi atop the charts

Section: Competition

Moto3 benchmark set by Ogura following three days in Spain.

Image: Supplied.

The third and final day of the official Moto2 and Moto3 Jerez Test saw lap records tumble.

In the intermediate class it was the experienced Tom Luthi (Liqui Moly Intact GP) who took top honours with a 1m40.326s.

Marco Bezzecchi’s (SKY Racing Team VR46) Thursday time saw the Italian take P2, 0.122s behind Luthi, with Federal Oil Gresini Moto2’s Nicolo Bulega completing the top three across the combined three days.

Also on Day 3, Speed Up were seen testing a new front aero package, a big change to what we’ve seen from Speed Up in the past. Characteristically their riders have always suffered in terms of top speed, so it’s likely we’ll be seeing this breaking cover a lot more at the Qatar Test in one week’s time.

It was Red Bull KTM Ajo’s Tetsuta Nagashima who claimed P4, the Japanese rider improving on the final day to sit 0.344s off Luthi’s benchmark. The impressive Aron Canet (Aspar Team) rounded out the top five as the Spanish rookie continues to seamlessly acclimatise to life as a Moto2 rider.

Ai Ogura (Honda Team Asia) left as the man to beat in Moto3 as the Japanese rider, John McPhee (Petronas Sprinta Racing) and Gabriel Rodrigo (Kommerling Gresini Moto3) set scintillating 1m44s in Andalucia.

The final day in southern Spain saw the riders go into time attack mode as they aimed to see what their one-lap qualifying pace was like.

The top three all set their 1m44s in the opening session of Friday, along with 14 other riders as Honda riders locked out the top five, Tatsuki Suzuki (SIC58 Squadra Corse) and Sergio Garcia (Estrella Galicia 0,0) sitting 0.5s off Ogura’s time.

The Moto2 and Moto3 riders and teams will be putting in more testing over in Qatar on 28 February-2 March, before the season proper gets underway on the 6-8 March at the Losail International Circuit.

Source: CycleOnline.com.au

Competition, Motorcycle News, News

All-new Aprilia RS-GP unleashed ahead of 2020 season

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News 22 Feb 2020

All-new Aprilia RS-GP unleashed ahead of 2020 season

Section: Competition

Suspended Iannone joined by Espargaro and Smith at team presentation.

Image: Supplied.

Aprilia Racing has launched its brand new RS-GP MotoGP contender ahead of its 2020 campaign, presenting a revamped livery with Team Gresini.

With Andrea Iannone currently provisionally suspended due to an anti-doping violation, he and teammate Aleix Espargaro were joined by factory test rider Bradley Smith at the launch.

A significant commitment from Piaggio Group will see Aprilia – winner of 54 world titles – take another step forward with its premier class project this season.

Aprilia Racing has produced a prototype that is optimised in every aspect, beginning with the refined aerodynamics, which combine with a new V90 engine. The package is completed by the exclusive seamless gearbox developed in-house and a double rail frame in aluminium – the same material used for the swingarm.

The electronics department also received great attention, supported by an in-house Aprilia Racing organisation that was strengthened throughout last season.

“This has been the longest winter of recent years for Aprilia Racing,” commented Aprilia Racing CEO Massimo Rivola. “The guys and girls in the racing department put forth a truly incredible effort. Arriving in Sepang with two prototypes was already a small victory for us.

“In the first test, the new RS-GP showed good signs, so we need to pick up from there to build our new season. We will most likely have a complicated early part of the season with an bike that is very much still wet behind the ears.

“But I am certain that from mid-season, we will be able to see the true value of the hard work done in Noale. Hopefully Andrea we’ll have Andrea with us soon and be able to complete, along with Aleix and Bradley, our trio of riders.”

Aprilia Racing technical director Romano Albesiano said: “For Aprilia Racing, the 2020 RS-GP represents and unique technical challenge. The new bike was created by taking the cardinal concepts of the racing department and reworking them in light of the experience accumulated in recent seasons.

“It is an innovative prototype in many aspects, beginning with the clearly visible ones, and this confirms the attitude of Aprilia Racing, which boasts technological innovation as its primary value. As with any redesign, it will take a period of refinement. I am absolutely satisfied with the result achieved.”

The structure of the team, with the exception of a few new additions, remains substantially unchanged. Working alongside Rivola will be Albesiano and team manager Fausto Gresini.

Source: CycleOnline.com.au

Competition, Motorcycle News, News

Factory Honda WorldSBK entry uncovered for 2020 campaign

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News 21 Feb 2020

Factory Honda WorldSBK entry uncovered for 2020 campaign

Section: Competition

Striking new HRC CBR1000RR-R race bike of Haslam and Bautista launched.

Image: Supplied.

The brand new Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) team of Leon Haslam and Alvaro Bautista has been launched ahead of the 2020 Motul Superbike World Championship (WorldSBK), introducing the all-new CBR1000RR-R.

Officially back in WorldSBK with the experienced pairing for the first time in near two decades, Honda’s striking new Fireblade will debut at Phillip Island’s opening round next weekend.

“I am happy to be a part of Honda once again and HRC,” commented Team HRC manager Jaume Colom. “I would like to thank them for this project. It is a new team with a new machine and we know that at the beginning is not easy.

“Our clear target is to bring the bike to the top positions in the new future. This is a new challenge for Honda, the riders and the team and we will fight with our passion, motivation and courage.”

Haslam added:“To be a part of this project is a dream come true. To be here in Tokyo, the effort HRC are putting in with the brand new Fireblade, I’ve been smiling from the very first laps I did and I cannot wait to start in Australia next week.”

Bautista said: “For sure, this is a very special moment for me. It will be a really good project and we are looking forward to starting the season. It will be difficult as we have to develop the new bike, but I am sure that together with Honda we can reach our target – that is to win.”

The MIE Racing Althea Honda Team were also launched at the event, with Japanese rider Takumi Takahashi on stage, while their second rider was confirmed as talented Spaniard Jordi Torres.

Honda’s most recent win came with the late Nicky Hayden at Sepang in 2016. The brand’s last title came with Britain’s James Toseland back in 2007, but as a factory team, there’s been no success since 2002 and Colin Edwards’ historic second WorldSBK crown at Imola.

Source: CycleOnline.com.au

Competition, Motorcycle News, News

Second day of Jerez Moto2 test led by Bezzecchi

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News 21 Feb 2020

Second day of Jerez Moto2 test led by Bezzecchi

Section: Competition

Rodrigo sets benchmark in combined Moto3 sessions.

Image: Supplied.

The second day of official Moto2 and Moto3 testing at Jerez saw Marco Bezzecchi storm to the top in the intermediate class, with Gabriel Rodrigo claiming P1 in the lightweight division.

In Moto2, Bezzecchi set the timing screens alight in the second session to set a new lap record.

The Italian’s 1m40.448s was enough to beat an incredible performance from rookie Aron Canet (Aspar Team) by 0.262s on Thursday, with the injured Jorge Martin (Red Bull KTM Ajo) claiming P3.

Both Bezzecchi and Canet beat Remy Gardner’s (ONEXOX TKKR SAG Team) new lap record time set on day one, the Australian finishing 13th on the second day of action. Fourth on Thursday was the experienced Tom Luthi (Liqui Moly Intact GP) as both the Swiss rider and Spaniard Jorge Navarro (Speed Up Racing) dipped below the 1m41s barrier.

In Moto3, Rodrigo set his 1m45.170s in the final session, just pipping John McPhee (Petronas Sprinta Racing) to the post as the Scotsman was second fastest for the second day in a row, only 0.005s off. Ai Ogura (Honda Team Asia) was up the sharp end again to finish third on Thursday.

Unfortunately for Niccolo Antonelli (SIC58 Squadra Corse), his day would end during the morning as the Italian suffered a dislocated shoulder after a crash at turn nine. The test continues for a final day on Friday.

Source: CycleOnline.com.au

Competition, Motocross, News

Arlington Triple Crown schedule welcomed by Roczen

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News 21 Feb 2020

Arlington Triple Crown schedule welcomed by Roczen

Section: Competition

Team Honda HRC rider takes momentum into Texas’ three-race format.

Image: Octopi Media.

A second Triple Crown round of the year has been welcomed by Team Honda HRC’s Ken Roczen entering Arlington after he was able to clean-sweep the earlier outing this season in Glendale.

Roczen won all three 450SX finals at in round four of the Monster Energy Supercross season and it’s put him in a positive frame of mind for the unique schedule.

“I’m personally stoked just to go to Dallas and having another Triple Crown race,” Roczen said. “The last one treated me well and I like that it’s a lot of racing – I’ve been feeling pretty good. So, I can’t wait. Obviously every time we go to a Triple Crown it is a lot of racing – a lot more than with a heat race and main event – but I do like that a lot.”

The premier class point-standings are currently led by Monster Energy Kawasaki rider Eli Tomac since his win last week in Tampa, with Roczen trailing him by four points in the standings going into round eight of 2020.

Source: MotoOnline.com.au

Competition, Motorcycle News, News

HRC extends Marquez contract through 2024 season

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News 21 Feb 2020

HRC extends Marquez contract through 2024 season

Section: Competition

Six-time MotoGP world champion to remain at Repsol Honda.

Image: Supplied.

Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) has re-signed MotoGP world champion Marc Marquez to a four-year contract extension through the 2024 season in a landmark agreement between the pair.

With this year still remaining on his existing deal, 27-year-old Marquez has been locked into Repsol Honda for at least the next five seasons. He first joined the factory squad as a rookie in 2013.

“We are happy to announce that, after the end of the current season, Marc will stay in the Honda family for four more years,” HRC president Yoshishige Nomura stated. “We started talking a few months ago, as both parties wanted to stay together and continue winning.

“Marc started his career in the premier class in 2013 and with him we have won six of the last seven MotoGP titles. As a unique champion, he deserves a unique deal. I am very confident in this partnership and I wish everyone involved continued success.”

Marquez added: “I am very proud to announce my renewal with Honda Racing Corporation for the next four years. Honda gave me the opportunity to arrive in the MotoGP class with a factory bike in 2013.

“Since the first year we have achieved success together, I am very happy to continue being part of the Honda family. HRC gives me the confidence to extend this partnership to obtain our common goal and continue our story of success.”

To date, Marquez has claimed 56 victories, 95 podiums and 62 pole positions with the RC213V in the premier class, earning six of the last seven MotoGP championships. His sole loss came in 2015 when Jorge Lorenzo and Valentino Rossi went 1-2 in the standings for Yamaha ahead of Marquez in third.

Source: CycleOnline.com.au

Competition, Motorcycle News, News

Maxwell set to unveil Boost Mobile-backed livery at Phillip Island

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News 20 Feb 2020

Maxwell set to unveil Boost Mobile-backed livery at Phillip Island

Section: Competition

Telecommunications company continues support for upcoming season.

Image: Russell Colvin.

Wayne Maxwell will unveil an exciting new Boost Mobile-backed livery on his pair of Ducati Panigale V4 Rs next weekend at Phillip Island’s opening round of the 2020 Mi-Bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship (ASBK).

The McMartin Racing operated squad, who hosted Jamie Stauffer with Boost backing at a selection of rounds in 2019, will be formally known as Boost Mobile Racing with K-Tech this season.

Boost Mobile branding remained on Maxwell’s Ducatis at Phillip Island’s official ASBK test last month, where he dominated the timesheets across both days, going beneath the Australian Superbike lap-record.

“Craig has a good relationship with Jason from Boost Mobile,” Maxwell explained to CycleOnline.com.au. “He’s been able to continue that relationship, and they know they’re in a good position to get some great exposure. Hopefully we can continue to deliver that throughout the season.

“I’m definitely proud to have Boost Mobile continue their involvement with the team – I’m proud to not only be sponsored by them, but also the whole team – they’ve done such an amazing job to put it all together, and I’m excited about unveiling the bike when we get to Phillip Island next week.”

The opening round of ASBK, which will run in conjunction with the Motul FIM Superbike World Championship, is scheduled for 28 February-1 March.

Source: CycleOnline.com.au

Competition, Motorcycle News, News

Consistency vital in bid for sixth-straight WorldSBK title says Rea

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News 20 Feb 2020

Consistency vital in bid for sixth-straight WorldSBK title says Rea

Section: Competition

Five-time reigning champion level-headed as round one approaches.

Image: Supplied.

Kawasaki Racing Team’s Jonathan Rea believes consistency will be more important than ever in 2020 as he makes a bid for a sixth-straight Motul FIM Superbike World Championship.

After being forced to come back from 60 points down in his successful 2019 campaign, Rea’s approach as the season commences next week at Phillip Island is somewhat of a conservative one, the Irishman looking to exit the Australian venue with a strong base in the title fight.

“Last year, I was super excited at the start of the season, but the wind was then knocked out of my sails a little bit in those first four races,” continued Rea, referring to Bautista’s early season dominance.

“Of course I’d love to leave Phillip Island with three race wins, but it’s a 39-race championship and it’s more important that I leave Australia healthy and with a platform for the rest of the year.

“More than ever, consistency is going to a vital asset in 2020. I’ll just continue to focus on myself, and after the first 4-5 rounds, everyone will eventually find their place. I had to come from behind to win the 2019 championship, and that was a valuable lesson in just focussing on my own form and not worrying about everyone else.”

Phillip Island’s opener is scheduled for 28 February-1 March at the Victorian location.

Source: CycleOnline.com.au

Competition, Motocross, News

Off-season relocation to improve 2020 form believes Styke

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News 20 Feb 2020

Off-season relocation to improve 2020 form believes Styke

Section: Competition

Factory Yamaha rider moves back to New South Wales.

Image: Foremost Media.

Luke Styke believes relocating back to New South Wales in the off-season will only improve his form as the 2020 Yamaha Australian Off-Road Championship (AORC) kicks off this weekend at Toowoomba in Queensland.

The two-time defending E1 champion moved to the Gold Coast in Queensland throughout the later stages of his motocross career, however the move back to Nowra comes as the Yamaha Active8 Yamalube Racing rider seeks added family support.

Styke, who says the relocation has opened up greater riding opportunities, is confident his refreshing environment will be on display in his results this season.

“I have made a few changes to the way I go about things, the biggest is moving back from Queensland to Nowra where I can get more riding and training done and have the support of my family around me,” Styke explained.

“Being an athlete can be selfish and with a wife and a toddler, we needed more support around them so the move back home was good and everyone has been really happy being back at Nowra.

“There is also so much more riding around here than where I was on the Gold Coast, so it’s been a win both on and off the bike and I expect that to show up in our results this season.”

Toowoomba’s opening stop of the AORC will mark rounds one and two of the series.

Source: MotoOnline.com.au

Competition, Motorcycle News, News

Gardner breaks Moto2 lap record on day one of Jerez test

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News 20 Feb 2020

Gardner breaks Moto2 lap record on day one of Jerez test

Section: Competition

Garcia the fastest amongst the Moto3 grid in Spain.

Image: Supplied.

2020 is up and running in Moto2 and Moto3 and it was Remy Gardner (Onexox TKKR SAG Team) who ended day one at the official Jerez test as the man to beat in the intermediate class, with Sergio Garcia (Estrella Galicia 0,0) taking the honour in the lightweight class.

In Moto2, Gardner set his scorching 1m40.848s in the final session of the day to top the timesheets, with an impressive Enea Bastianini (Italtrans Racing Team) slotting into second but 0.269s down. Perennial title challenger Tom Luthi (Liqui Moly Intact GP) was the only other rider to get within half a second of Gardner, taking P3.

Behind the quickest trio came reigning FIM CEV Moto2 European champion Edgar Pons (Federal Oil Gresini Moto2) to make it a Kalex top four lockout, the Spaniard sitting 0.587s off Gardner. After an impressive private test, rookie Aron Canet (Aspar Team) began the Official Test in fine form too as the Spaniard finished P5 on day one with a 1m41.439s – the top Speed Up and rookie.

Red Bull KTM Ajo’s Tetsuta Nagashima, who gets on the team’s new Kalex chassis with previous experience, was fifth, ahead of an impressive first run out for MV Agusta Forward Racing’s Simone Corsi, with the Italian veteran less than half a tenth off Nagashima, in P7. The second-fastest Speed Up on day one was 2019 Jerez podium finisher Jorge Navarro (Speed Up Racing) in P8, with Xavi Vierge (Petronas Sprinta Racing) splitting Navarro from his teammate Fabio Di Giannantonio, who was 10th.

Navarro is also the man whose pole lap from 2019 is the lap record time Gardner beat on day one, so there’s likely plenty to come from the field yet. But it was nevertheless a competitive start to the season for the intermediate class, with under two seconds splitting the top 25 riders.

In Moto3, it was Sergio Garcia who picked up where he left off in 2019. The Valencia GP winner topped the timesheets on Wednesday, although it wasn’t by much – with Petronas Sprinta Racing’s John McPhee just 0.060 in arrears. Ai Ogura (Honda Team Asia) impressed to complete the top three, another tenth and a half back.

2019 Jerez winner Niccolo Antonelli (SIC58 Squadra Corse) was fourth fastest overall, although he was just 0.011s ahead of Gabriel Rodrigo (Kommerling Gresini Moto3), the man who broke the lap record in private testing last week. Tatsuki Suzuki (SIC58 Squadra Corse) took P6, ahead of Jaume Masia (Leopard Racing) in seventh as the Spaniard seems to have quickly settled into life on the Honda.

The top KTM rider on day one was Albert Arenas (Aspar Team) just behind Masia, with Filip Salac (Rivacold Snipers Team) in P9 after a noteworthy day on the timesheets for the Czech rider.

Noteworthy was also apt for the man in 10th – Romano Fenati (Sterilgarda Max Racing Team). The veteran Italian was fastest Husqvarna on Wednesday as the marque return to Moto3 competition, making it all three manufacturers in the top 10 as 2020 begins.

Detailed results

Source: CycleOnline.com.au