Last moto of the day Magilligan MXPark, digging deep! Thanks Davey for keeping my head down and bikes turning! 📸 Maurice Montgomery
Source: Jonathan Rea On Facebook
Tag Archives: WSBK
Tom Sykes rides the new BMW S 1000 RR in Almeria
BMW WorldSBK Test at Almeria
The BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team has completed a successful first test with the new BMW S 1000 RR in Almeria, Spain, with riders Tom Sykes (GBR) and Markus Reiterberger (GER).
Sykes and Reiterberger had previously taken to the track with the Superstock version of the new RR at the end of November, in Miramas (FRA). The riders provided feedback about the ergonomics and their change requests regarding the handlebars, levers, footrests, seat, tank, windshield and instrument displays were then implemented in Munich.
Tom Sykes
“I am very happy with the test. Of course, it’s still early days and there is still a lot of things to come our way but like this I was very happy with my feeling for my BMW S 1000 RR. The general feedback was good. We certainly had two very productive days testing, we changed quite some parameters on the bike and really understood some key areas to work with. It was a very positive two-day test for me and I was really happy and quite impressed with the end result. It was the first time in that new environment, the whole team working with each other and the engineers from BMW Motorrad Motorsport. So it was a new experience for everybody and soon everybody was working together like a clockwork. So it seems that we are progressing very fast and I got a good feeling within the environment in the BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team.”
The first components developed specially for the WorldSBK, such as brakes and suspension elements, were used in Almeria. Both riders were able to complete a comprehensive programme of testing over two days without any problems. They developed a basis setup that will form the foundation for further work at the next tests in Jerez de la Frontera (ESP).
Markus Reiterberger
“The focus was on completing a roll-out with the new bike and for me to get used to the team and my new crew. It is all new for me: the team, the working methods and the Superbike version of the motorbike. The first outing with the new bike went very well. I felt right at home with the seat position and the handlebars from the word go. Our comprehensive programme of tests included a lot of work on the chassis, electronics, geometry and a host of setting options. We wanted to try everything out and pass on our experience to BMW Motorrad Motorsport and the team to allow them to work on preparation for the next tests. We are still at an early stage and our focus was on the functional tests. It was important to gather as much information as possible for the work that is still to come. We are very pleased with what we have achieved thus far and we are getting on well as a team. We are all working towards making progress together.”
BMW Motorrad Motorsport engineers and the team gathered valuable information for further development of the new race bike.
Shaun Muir, Team Principal BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team
“First of all, it was great to finally get the team together. We had two days at the circuit before the test, getting final material together, meeting and greeting and getting an understanding for the requirements of the test. The two days on the circuit proved to be very positive, too. Both riders did almost 100 laps each over the two days without any major issues. We worked our way through a very detailed test schedule. The key points for me were that the team are working together very well and that the comprehensive test of parts and material went very positively. We have a good base-setting for both riders and a good direction to go to Jerez. So overall we are very happy.”
BMW Motorrad Motorsport and the team also used the two test days in Almeria to get used to one another in the new team configuration.
Marc Bongers, BMW Motorrad Motorsport Director
“The objective of the testing in Almeria was a shakedown with the superbike. On the one hand, we were able to evaluate the modifications regarding the ergonomics and we have seen that both riders have a lot of confidence in the bike. We were also able to test the newly-developed WorldSBK components and we can see that we are moving in the right direction. We have gathered important experience for the next tests and we know what work we still have to do. Of course, after two days of testing the bike is still pretty much in its infancy but we are very pleased with the basics of the motorbike and with what the team has achieved in the last few months. At the next test in Jerez, we will encounter our competitors for the first time and will be able to see exactly where we stand. We are looking forward to this but we would also like to concentrate solely on our own tasks and will not get distracted by the competition.”
Source: MCNews.com.au
WSBK 2019 Form Guide | Who can knock off Jonny Rea..?
Here is your 2019 WorldSBK pre-season form guide ahead of Phillip Island’s kick-off of the Motul FIM Superbike World Championship next February 22-24.
The grid forecast for February is hot with a grid of seasoned pros going into battle against World Champions from the Grand Prix ranks, as well as a couple of hotshots returning to the production series for the Yamaha Finance backed season opener at Phillip Island.
The new three-race format also launches at the island, with the 10 lap Sunday morning sprint adding to the 2 x 22 lap traditional WorldSBK races.
A three-day ticket at $120* as it includes free Paddock Access and can be purchased at www.worldsbk.com.au or Ticketek.
Click Here for Phillip Island WSBK/ASBK weekend schedule
Led by reigning world champion Jonathan Rea, 10 riders on the 2019 WorldSBK grid have won a total of 181 races between them. Rea has a whopping 71 one of those, followed by Tom Sykes (34), Chaz Davies (29), Marco Melandri (22), Eugene Laverty (13), Leon Haslam (5), Ryuichi Kiyonari (5), Michael van der Mark (2), Alex Lowes (1) and Jordi Torres (1).
Haslam and Kiyonari return to the WorldSBK ranks in 2019 – the latter for the first time since 2009! – while the grand prix stars are Spaniard Alvaro Bautista and German Sandro Cortese. And they bring with them major firepower: Bautista was the 2006 125cc champion and went onto win 16 races in the lightweight and intermediate classes before moving into MotoGP, where he was a three-time podium finisher; while Cortese was the 2012 Moto3 champion and in 2018 clinched the world supersport title in his first attempt.
WorldSBK 2019 Form Guide
Four-time world champion Rea will remain at home with his Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK. But there’s been a change on the other side of the garage, as Haslam joins the squad. Signing a one-year deal, the British champion returns to WorldSBK for the first time in 2015 – although we have seen him every year since then during wildcard appearances.
It’s a similar story over in the Aruba.it Racing Ducati garage, with Davies remaining in the team for a sixth season as he rides the sensational new Panigale V4 R. But he will also have a new face on the other side of the garage, as Bautista joins the factory team for 2019. Davies has finished runner-up on three occasions in WorldSBK but will have his eyes on the world title. For Bautista, his pace in early testing has been impressive.
There will be no changes at the Pata Yamaha Official WorldSBK Team, as van der Mark and Lowes line up with their YZF-R1s for the third season in a row. Both riders took their first WorldSBK wins in 2018; van der Mark took the double victory around Donington Park, and Lowes followed with the race two win around Brno.
Welcoming the return of BMW as a factory support, the BMW Motarrad WorldSBK Team, run by Shaun Muir Racing, will be lining up on the grid with reigning STK1000 champion Markus Reiterberger and 2013 WorldSBK champion Sykes. Reiterberger, who dominated the STK1000 class on a BMW in 2018, has experience in WorldSBK, while Sykes boasts some of the most experience in the paddock.
Fielding a third Ducati Paniagle V4 R in 2019 will be the Barni Racing Team, which has signed Michael Ruben Rinaldi. The Italian already has one year of experience in the WorldSBK class under his belt. Joining the best independent team of 2018, who secured six podiums last season, his experience and relationship with Ducati will no doubt help to continue this into 2019.
Making the step up from the European Superstock 1000 Championship, Alessandro Delbianco will line up on the grid with the new Althea MIE Racing Team as it makes the switch to Honda in collaboration with the mighty Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) as it returns to the championship for the first time since 2002.
Still without an official team name, Althea will be collaborating with Moriwaki and HRC for 2019. British rider Leon Camier will stick with Althea and Honda after a tough season, while Japanese legend Kiyonari will ride for HRC.
Camier had a strong start to 2018 with but ended in 12th overall after being plagued by injury and bike problems. Kiyonari has 53 race starts to his name, with three wins overall and experience in many national superbike championships.
Yamaha will be offering a second factory supported team in 2019, with Cortese and Melandri lining up for the GRT Yamaha WSBK Team. Cortese is keen to adapt his riding style for the new season ahead. Bringing in Melandri to join him, the veteran heads back to Yamaha for the first time since 2011 and was a WorldSBK race winner in 2018, so the duo will soon find the right direction for the team.
Sticking with the same team for 2019 will be Toprak Razgatlioglu, who heads into his second season with Kawasaki Puccetti Racing. The young Turkish star was able to secure two podiums in 2018, as he continues to get to grips with the ZX-10RR. Securing the STK1000 title in 2017, Razgatlioglu has a natural speed which he is continuing to define with the WorldSBK machine.
Last but not least, Torres has recently announced he will be making his return to the WorldSBK paddock after a brief stint in MotoGP as a replacement rider. The Spanish rider is joining Team Pedercini Racing for 2019, and will make his debut on the Kawasaki machine, debuting on the ZX-10RR.
The full WorldSBK grid begins pre-season testing again in late January, with the final shakedown at Phillip Island on February 18-19 ahead of round one and the three-race formula debut, an 18-lap world supersport race and nine national support races in superbike, supersport and supersport 300 – the start of the 2019 Aussie title.
Tickets now on sale
As an extra bonus at WorldSBK, all three-day ticket holders are gifted free paddock access kids 15 and under^ are free.
A three-day general admission is $120* secured in advance, or $230* when you add camping to your purchase an available at www.worldsbk.com.au or Ticketek.
*All ticket prices quoted purchased in advance and subject to Ticketek service and handling fees. Book now and save on gate prices.
^Children 15 and under are free and must be accompanied by a paying adult.
Click Here for full weekend WSBK/ASBK Schedule
Source: MCNews.com.au
Triple Treat of World Superbike to launch at Phillip Island
World Superbike’s Triple-Treat of action launches at Phillip Island
The Phillip Island round of the 2019 Motul FIM Superbike World Championship from February 22-24 will be the first to host three races for the famed production bike series.
Schedule confirmation came in overnight from international organisers, Dorna and the FIM, with the expanded three-race formula (see below for full Phillip Island WSBK Schedule), for the island’s 2019 WorldSBK season opener, backed by Yamaha Finance. The agenda also features world supersport action and the launch of national championships for Australian superbike, supersport and supersport 300 categories.
Thirteen races will be held on Saturday and Sunday, with the extension of the WorldSBK platform for the first time since the title’s inception in 1988 delivering an exciting new frontier for teams and riders – as well as a boon for spectators. For tickets go to www.worldsbk.com.au or Ticketek.
The two 22-lap WorldSBK battles around the 4.45km circuit will remain – to be held at 3:00pm on Saturday and Sunday – but they will now sandwich a 10-lap sprint race at midday on Sunday.
And unlike the longer WorldSBK races at Phillip Island, where rear tyre conservation is always a major part of the strategic mix, the sprint race will be a no-holds-barred affair where the likes of defending champion Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki) and WorldSBK rookie Alvaro Bautista (Ducati) will be pushing at 100 per cent from start to finish.
Points will be allocated to the first nine finishers in the Tissot-backed sprint race, while, as per tradition, the top 15 across the line in the 22-lap races will put points in the bank.
As for the WorldSBK preliminaries, the number of practice sessions has been reduced from four to three across Friday and Saturday morning, and there will be just one Superpole qualifying session on Saturday afternoon – a structure that will also be replicated in world supersport.
Superpole results in WorldSBK will decide the grid for race one and the sprint. The sharp end of the field in race three will then be determined from the first nine positions in the sprint – and from 10th onwards based on Superpole performances.
Changes to the WorldSBK format will add an electrifying dimension to hostilities for one of the strongest grids in recent memory.
As well as Rea and MotoGP convert Bautista, the snarling pack of four-strokes will also include Chaz Davies (Ducati), Tom Sykes (BMW), Leon Haslam (Kawasaki), Marco Melandri (Ducati), Michael van der Mark (Yamaha), Alex Lowes (Yamaha), Leon Camier (Honda), Ryuichi Kiyonari (Honda), Marcus Reiterberger (BMW), Sandro Cortese (Yamaha), Eugene Laverty (Ducati), Jordi Torres (Kawasaki) and Michael Ruben Rinaldi (Ducati).
Moreover, both BMW and Ducati are fronting at Phillip Island with all-new bikes, while BMW and Honda have recommitted to the championship with factory-backed teams. It all adds up to a crackerjack weekend – and season – of WorldSBK racing!
Meanwhile, the 18-lap world supersport race will be held at 1:15pm on Sunday.
2019 Australian Superbike Championship opener
As well as the four world championship races, the Phillip Island WorldSBK round will also feature nine races across the Australian Superbike, Supersport and Supersport 300 categories – three each across Saturday and Sunday as the seven-round national series kicks off in earnest.
In superbike, that means the return of WorldSBK legend Troy Bayliss, who completed the 2018 domestic title at Phillip Island with some stunning front-running battles against Josh Waters and Wayne Maxwell.
However, it’s Troy Herfoss who’s the reigning Aussie superbike champion, and he’ll be out to kick off his defence in fine style at Phillip Island as well.
Non-stop action
Add all the practice, qualifying and racing elements together and that means a flurry of on-track action at Phillip Island from Friday to Sunday.
On Friday riders take to the track at 9:10am and finish at 4:45pm; on Saturday it’s a 8:45am to 5:45pm affair; and on Sunday the action commences at 8:15am before winding down at 4:45pm.
Tickets now on sale
As an extra bonus at WorldSBK, all three-day ticket holders are gifted free paddock access. For all ticket and racing information go to check below or visit Ticketek.
Source: MCNews.com.au
GeeBee Images
Not sure how it’s possible but GeeBee Images just gets better and better. Just like a fine wine. This is the best year book yet. Keep tuned for signed copies!
Many people have been asking and things are a little behind schedule but it is almost ready. Fingers crossed it will be at the printers and we should be taking orders this week. https://geebeeimages.bigcartel.com
Source: Jonathan Rea On Facebook
I feel honoured that my autobiography #DreamBelieveAchieve has been nominated for the Best…
I feel honoured that my autobiography #DreamBelieveAchieve has been nominated for the Best Autobiography of the Year at The Telegraph Sports Book Awards – in amazing company! http://po.st/DreamBelieveAchieve
Source: Jonathan Rea On Facebook
Fotografii din postarea lui Jonathan Rea
Very proud to be awarded an Honorary Doctorate from @ulsteruni for outstanding contribution to sport. Check out the details on my @thenoblesuitor suit! #doctorrea
Source: Jonathan Rea On Facebook
Jordan O’Keefe
Check out my buddy Jordan O’Keefe. Could listen to him all day! ⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️
I recorded this live video of my new single ‘Perfect For Me’ in The Pool, London (WATCH IN HD). Do the lyrics remind you of anyone? Tag ’em below 😂
Source: Jonathan Rea On Facebook
What a special chick my wife is! Amazing time together at #FIMawards after an incredible season!…
What a special chick my wife is! Amazing time together at #FIMawards after an incredible season! Love you @tatiarea 📸 Mark Walters
Source: Jonathan Rea On Facebook
Jordi Torres returns to WSBK with Pedercini Racing in 2019
Jordi Torres returns from MotoGP to WorldSBK in 2019
Having completed the latter part of the 2018 season in MotoGP with Avintia Racing, including earning his first championship point in the premier class, Jordi Torres will return to WorldSBK in 2019, with Team Pedercini Racing.
Torres has found success in every championship he has competed in, the 31-year-old arriving in WorldSBK back in 2015 with Aprilia, partnering Leon Haslam on the RSV4 RF and picking up a phenomenal race win at the final round in Qatar, as well as several podiums.
Torres continued competing in World Superbike after that, riding on a BMW in 2016 and 2017, before making the switch to MV Agusta machinery for 2018.
In late September this year, Torres moved over to the MotoGP paddock to replace the injured Tito Rabat at Reale Avintia Racing for the final races of the season.
A former Moto2 race-winner, the Spaniard adapted well to his new bike and picked up his first point at the season closer in Valencia.
Now Torres faces a new and exciting challenge in 2019 and the Spanish rider is ready ahead of his return to the WSBK championship.
Jordi Torres
“I’m happy to have found a historical Team of WorldSBK that runs with a winning bike. Kawasaki is the right bike for the WorldSBK Championship and I cannot wait to try it to express everything that this bike can give on the track. I believe that I and the Team will take away from us a lot of satisfactions. A special thanks to Lucio Pedercini for giving me this opportunity. I trust the team and I know that it has the experience to give me the weapons to fight and express my potential. It is a pride for me to be part of Team Pedercini and a I have a great desire to start working.”
Lucio Pedercini – Team Pedercini Racing Manager
“I am very satisfied with what is happening around the team, after a troubled year now I am sure I have a strong rider at the height of the vehicle we have. With Jordi we will certainly be competitive and ready to always be in competition to enter the top ten. I take this opportunity to invite all the fans to Verona at Motorbike Expo in January where we will present the whole team and the 2019 program and to thank Jordi for having agreed to live with us on 2019.”
Source: MCNews.com.au