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Author: David Bodapati
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MICHELIN Power Slick tyres, first in the history of MotoGP
The 2023 MotoGP World Championship explores new territories with, for the first time, a Grand Prix on Indian soil.
• Michelin Motorsport brings an extraordinary tyre package to a circuit where no Grand Prix motorcycle has yet ridden.
• The 13th round of the Championship will make history with the first lap times to be set on a track that’s known to be fastNew Delhi, 20 Sept. 2023: Inaugurated in October 2011, the Buddh International Circuit is located approximately 50 km southeast of the country’s capital, New Delhi. Designed by German architect Hermann Tilke, the recently revised circuit is 4.96 km long, and is expected to be fast, with its eight right turns and five left. Its one kilometre straight, as well as the mix of hard braking, acceleration and rapid curves will generate significant stress on the tyres. With a width of 12 metres, the Buddh International Circuit benefits from a configuration which will allow the riders to fully express themselves, and should produce exciting racing. After practice and qualifying, the Sprint race and the Grand Prix will offer a high-intensity spectacle relying on the consistent performance of Michelin tyres.
“The discovery of this circuit will be the same for our partners as it will be for us”, said Piero Taramasso, manager of Michelin two-wheel competition. “It’s a very interesting situation because everyone is starting from zero and the strategy adopted at the start of the event will be crucial. For our part, we carried out computer simulations to try to assimilate the thermal stresses and select the best compounds, but it is clear that physical tests will be essential to refine the set-up of the motorcycles. This is the only time this season that we will race without benefiting from any prior data. The analyses that we have made of this circuit show similarities with the Red Bull Ring, in Spielberg (Austria), or Buriram (Thailand). As a result, we expect very demanding conditions for the rear tyres, and particularly on the right side. As the regulations allow, we will bring an additional compound for the front and rear. To meet the expected demands, we have selected symmetrical tyres for the front, and asymmetrical at the rear – which will be reinforced on the right side. We can’t wait to get there and see the first bikes out on track!”
An extraordinary situation, an exceptional tyre allocation
The regulations for each race weekend allow the use of three tyre options for the front, and two for the rear. However, in the case of a circuit without any prior testing it is possible to increase the number of compounds offered. Thus, for this first Indian Grand Prix, Michelin Motorsport will provide its partners with front tyres that have a Soft, a Medium and two Hard compounds (instead of one), with one of the two having a slightly stiffer construction than the other. For the rear, three compounds – Soft, Medium and Hard – will be available instead of the usual two. With these options, the riders will benefit from the widest tyre choice to refine their settings. In the event of rain, the MICHELIN Power Rain range will be available in two compounds (Soft and Medium) for the front and rear, and all rear tyres will benefit from a reinforced right side due to the number of turns in that direction.
On the Buddh International Circuit, the Grand Prix motorcycles will take to the track on the morning of Friday 22 September for a first free practice session scheduled for 1 hour 10 minutes instead of the usual 45 minutes. A second session, again lasting 1h10 instead of an hour, will take place in the afternoon, and this session will allow the 10 fastest riders to progress directly into Q2. Saturday will start with a 30-minute free practice session in the morning, followed by Q1 and Q2 (15 minutes each), and these will be followed by the Sprint race (12 laps) in the afternoon. As usual, the Grand Prix (24 laps) will take place on Sunday afternoon, after a 10-minute warm-up in the morning.
About Michelin
Michelin’s ambition is to sustainably improve its customers’ mobility. The leader in the mobility sector, Michelin designs, manufactures, and distributes the tires best suited to their requirements and uses as well as services and solutions to improve transport efficacy. Michelin also puts forward offers that allow its customers to enjoy unique moments when traveling. Michelin also develops high-technology equipment intended for multiple fields. Based in Clermont-Ferrand, Michelin is present in 175 countries, employs 132,200 people and operates 67 tire factories that, together, produced approximately 167 million tires in 2022. (www.michelin.com).
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Balasubramaniam wins support race; Rain forces postponement of other races
Chennai, Sept 17: The races in the top classes for Super bikes failed to take off as rain played spoilsport and the remaining four races for Sunday were put off. The second round of the MMSC fmsci Indian National Motorcycle Drag Racing Championship 2023 which was truncated to just five races besides a few practice runs due to incessant rains at the Madras International Circuit here on Sunday.
The only race completed on Sunday was the Support Race, 165cc to 225cc class, which was won by local rider Balasubramaniam R. He clocked 14.054 seconds, beating city mate Badusha M (14.484s). Madhan Kumar R from Trichy clocked 15.037s to take the third spot.
A rider in action at the MIC on Sunday (It is not Madhan, as originally captioned, regret error.) Photo by Karan Ravi Hemanth Muddappa, Saimon Dalvi, Md Riyaz and others who were eager to ply their superbikes were disappointed and had to return without a single session. The third and fourth round will be held together in December.
Results:
Support Race – 165-225cc: 1. Balasubramaniam R (Chennai) (14.054s); 2. Badusha M (Chennai) (14.484s); 3. Madhan Kumar R (Trichy) (15.037s).
Balasubramaniam, centre, won the race. Photo by Sathya M Rain photo by INDIAinF1’s photo adviser Srinivasa Krishnan Drag Races at Madras International Circuit put off due to rain. Photo by Srinivasa Krishnan. -
Rivaan Dev Preetham bounces back and dominates Round 3
Bengaluru, 17 Sept. 2023: Ten-year-old talented driver Rivaan Dev Preetham bounced back with vengeance and won both the final and pre-final races of the Micro Max category in the Round 3 of the Meco fmsci Rotax Max National Karting Championship which concluded at the Meco Kartopia here on Saturday.
Rivaan Dev Preetham, springs back into contention in Micro Max class with a dominant show.
INDIAinF1.com Photo by Rahul ReghuRivaan Dev, son of former champion, Preetham Moses, was at his best clocking the fastest laps in both the races. Earlier in the qualifying session he also set a record of sort for the Micro Max category dipping under a minute, when he posted a stunning 59.478. His blistering pace in the qualies led both Danish Dalmiya and Rehan Khan too, to go under the 60-sec mark but in the races Rivaan is the only driver to clock under a minute. Six of his laps in the final were under the magic mark. After dominating the first round, Rivaan had an incident and lost a lot of points. Now, he is trailing by one point in second place in the championship table.
In the Finals of the Micro Max, Zephaan Ardeshir kept his Mumbai mate Danish Dalmiya behind to take the second spot and in the pre-final too he finished second but it was second round hero Yatharth Gaur of Faridabad, who came third.
In the Junior class, Ishaan Madesh saw a rare defeat an eventful pre-finals which was reduced to 11 laps after an incident. Hunner Singh of Gurugram came first and defending champion Nikhilesh Raju of Bengaluru came second in both races but in the final he docked a 10-sec penalty for ignoring yellow flags and lost the podium. Ishaan brought normalcy back winning the Final and Aarav Dewan of Gurugram who finished third behind Raju, moved up to second and Hunner came third. Raju clocked the best times in both the races.
In the Senior Max races, reigning champion Abhay M of Bengaluru won the final after losing the pre-final, where he redeemed a third place. Arjun Chheda of Pune won the pre-final and came second in the 16-lap final. Raiden Samervel of Mumbai was third in the final. Abhay clocked the fastest laps in both the races.
Round 3 was held on Friday and Saturday. Round 4 of the five round Karting Nationals will be held from October 20 to 22.
The results:
Senior Max – Final (16 laps): 1. Abhay M (Bengaluru, Birel Art India) (14mins, 51.497secs); 2. Arjun Chheda (Pune, Crest Motorsport) (14:53.072); 3. Raiden Samarvel (Mumbai, Rayo Racing) (14:58.639). Best lap: Abhay 55.029.
Pre-Final (14 laps): 1. Arjun Chheda (12:53.488); 2. Veer Rajwade (Pune, Crest Motorsport) (12:58.030); 3. Abhay M (12:58.199). Best lap: Abhay 54.894.
Junior Max – Final (14 laps): 1. Ishaan Madesh (Bengaluru, Peregrine Racing) (13mins, 04.584secs); 2. Aarav Dewan (Gurugram, Leapfrog Racing) (13:06.267); 3. Hunner Singh (Gurugram, Birel Art India) (13:07.561). Best lap: Nikhilesh 55.153.
Pre-Final (11 laps): 1. Hunnder Singh (11:30.527); 2. NikhileshRaju (Bengaluru, Peregrine Racing) (11:31.066); 3. Aarav Dewan (11:31.296). Best lap: Nikhilesh 55.005.
Micro Max – Final (12 laps): 1. RivaanDevPreetham (Chennai, MSport) (12:05.803); 2. ZephaanArdeshir (Mumbai, Peregrine Racing) (12:10.589); 3. Danish Dalmiya (Mumbai, Rayo Racing) (12:13.488). Best Lap: Rivaan 59.766.
Pre-Final (10 laps): RivaanPreetham (10:11.977); 2. ZephaanArdeshir (10:19.948); 3. DarshNawalgaria (Bengaluru, MSport) (10:20.364). Best Lap: Rivaan 59.944.
(Results were updated with the official final results on 17 Sept. 2023)
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Md Arfath, fastest rider on Day 1; Jagathishree wins girls’ race
Chennai, Sept. 16: Mohammed Arfath became the fastest rider on Day 1 in the second round of the MMSC FMSCI Indian National Drag Championship at the Madras International Circuit (MIC) here on Saturday.
Arfath, won the Super Sport 2-stroke 131cc to 165cc class and also bagged two more podium places on Saturday. Mohammed Fazil won the Super Sport Indian 4-stroke upto 165cc class and Abdul Shaik claimed the Super Sport 2-stroke upto 130cc class. All the three riders are from Team G1Racing and their bikes are tuned by Waseem Akram.
Mohammed Arfath, fastest rider In the Girls 4-stroke upto 165cc event, Jagathishree beat defending champion Lani Zena Fernandes to win the class.
“I am happy with the race. It is a big confidence booster for the upcoming Nationals. Want to come back stronger after a forgettable Round 2 and 3. I was recovering after a bad chicken pox attack. But having finished in the top-5 among 36 male riders in Nationals stock category as the only girl, I am looking forward to the next Sunday,” said Jagathishree.
Muddappa raring to go
Ten-time Indian National champion, Hemanth Muddappa of Mantra Racing will begin his campaign on Muddappa holds both the National records in ‘851 to 1050cc class’ and the ‘1051cc and above class’ which he bettered last season. Apart from these two classes, he will take part in the 550-850cc class, and re-introduced Unrestricted Open category. The 851 to 1050cc class is now a support category and will not count for the National championship.
On Sunday, the top four classes will be held. “We started well in the first round and we are well prepared as we aim to go for three National titles this year,” said a confident Muddappa of Mantra Racing team.
Saturday’s Provisional Results (Roud 2):
Girls 4-stroke upto 165cc: 1 Jagthishree 16.650 seconds; 2. Lani Zena Fernandes16.920; 3. Soundari A 16.949;
Super Sport 2-stroke upto 130cc: 1. Abdul Shaik 13.438; 2. Mohammed Arfath13.715; 3. R Sirajuddin 14.140;
Super Sport 2-stroke 131 to 165cc: 1. Mohammed Arfath 13.187; 2. Mustafa Siraj Khan 13.268; 3. Abdul Shaik 13.283;
Super Sport Indian 4-stroke upto 165cc: 1. Mohammed Fazil 14.327;2. Aravind Ganesh 14.335; 3. Mohammed Arfath 14.482.
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Indian Oil roped in as title sponsor for MotoGP Indian GP
National, 15 Sept. 2023: MotoGP Bharat has roped in IndianOil, the country’s leading diversified, integrated energy major as title sponsor for India’s first-ever MotoGP Grand Prix scheduled to take place at the Buddh International Circuit in Greater Noida from September 22 to 24.
Organized by FairStreet Sports in collaboration with Dorna Sports, the MotoGP Bharat promises to be a thrilling spectacle with 41 teams and 82 riders participating in the MotoGP, Moto2, and Moto3 categories, featuring renowned names like Francesco Bagnaia, Marc Marquez, Marco Bezzecchi, Brad Binder, Jack Miller, and Jorge Martin. With IndianOil as its title sponsor, the race is poised to reach even greater heights, igniting the passion and growth for motorsports across the nation.
Pushkar Nath Srivastava, Founder and Chief Operating Officer of FairStreet Sport, the promoters of MotoGP Bharat said: “We are thrilled to welcome IndianOil as our title sponsor for MotoGP™ Bharat. As we gear up for the country’s biggest racing event, this association with one of India’s energy giants adds a new layer of excitement to it. This association is a testament to IndianOil’s commitment to supporting sporting excellence in India and we believe that it will accelerate the growth of motorcycle racing in the country.”
Having established its presence in almost all the streams of oil, gas, petrochemicals, and alternative energy sources in the country, IndianOil stands as the nation’s highest-ranked Energy-PSU in the Fortune 500 of 2023. The brand has a rich legacy of championing various sports and tournaments and its association with MotoGP™ Bharat exemplifies its commitment to create a thriving sporting culture in India.
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KY Ahamed gets wild card to race in front of home fans at the BIC in Moto3 class
Bengaluru, 12 Sept. 2023: Multiple National champion KY Ahamed of Chennai is all set to make his debut in the MotoGP of India at the Buddh International Circuit from September 22 to 24. Ahamad will become the first Indian to race in the Moto3 class, according to information received here tonight.
However, S Sarath Kumar, another rider from Chennai, became the first Indian to race in the 125cc class in 2011, racing for the WTR Ten10 Racing Team.
KY Ahamed, the Petronas TVS racing star is given a wild card to take part in Moto3 race, according to MotoGP news.
This historic Indian Grand Prix will be made even more special for Indian fans as the local rider Kadai Yaseen Ahamed will compete alongside Malaysian Shahril Danial Syahmi as a wildcard for the Petronas MIE Racing Vision Track Racing team in the Moto3 category. The duo will be riding the Honda NSF250R.
“I am excited and thrilled to hear this wonderful news. It is a life-time opportunity to ride in Moto3, that too in front of my home crowd. It is the best news in my life. I thank Petronal TVS Rcing and MIE Racing Vision Track Racing team for this opportunity. I will try and give my best and I thank all my sponsors, family and supporters,” said KY Ahamed. “My special thanks are to fmsci and Madras Motor Sports Club, where I honed my skills. And finally with my mentor Jagan, I would not have reached this stage,” acknowledged Ahamed.
“When I started training him in 2012, the only goal is to ultimately take part in the World championship. It was delayed a bit but now we realised our dream. We were very much focused and trained hard for years, it didn’t happen all of a sudden. He came through a long process to achieve this. It’s a delight and really a Proud movement for me that a kid alongside me is now on the World Motorcycle Championship grid. Thanks to all who helped us through the whole journey,” said Jagan Kumar, Ahamad’s mentor and 10-time Indian National champion. “Congratulation Bhai, make our country proud,” he added.
Petronas and MIE Racing are once again proud to be able to bring two young athletes to the world stage, part of an effort to promote and publicise the values of motorsport such as dedication, passion and the continual pursuit of excellence, both human and technological.
The 21-year-old Shahril Danial Syahmi from Parit Buntar, Perak, Malaysia will be competing in the Moto3™ World Championship for the second time, following his debut in the category earlier this year during the Liqui Moly Motorrad Grand Prix Deutschland. The Malaysian raced for the MTHelmets – MSI Team as a replacement for compatriot Syarifuddin Azman, who sustained an injury at Mugello. Having competed in the Asia Talent Cup and Asia Road Racing Championship in recent years, in 2023 Danial is on track in both the FIM JuniorGP World Championship and the Red Bull Rookies Cup.
26-year-old K.Y. Ahamed from Chennai, India was crowned 2020 Indian National Champion in the Pro-Stock 400 class. Ahamed also has experience in other championships such as the Thailand Superbike 400 series and the Asia Cup Japan. 2023 sees the Indian compete in the Asia Road Racing Championship aboard the TVS Racing Team’s TVS RR310 OMC.
Midori Moriwaki: “I’m proud to collaborate with PETRONAS on another project designed to support young athletes, and to be able to do so on what is a very special occasion, as MotoGP makes its debut in India. This will be a real challenge, but it is one that we are ready to take on with passion and enthusiasm because it perfectly embodies the values that MIE Racing holds and bases its activities on.”
PETRONAS Senior General Manager of Group Strategic Relations and Communications, Datin Anita Azrina Abdul Aziz: “This collaboration with Midori is yet another platform for PETRONAS to contribute towards the development of the next generation of Malaysian talents in the two-wheels segment. This is also an opportunity for us to commercially elevate the PETRONAS brand in India as well as push the advancement of our fluid technology in motorsports, particularly within the FIM Grand Prix World Championship arena.”
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Harith Noah claims victory in B1 class at TransAnatolia rally, finishes Overall 4th
Imzir (Tureky), 11 Sept. 2023: Imzir (Turkey), 11 Sept. 2023: Dakar rider from TVS Factory Racing Team, Harith Noah, completed the grueling seven days of TransAnatolia Rally and came out in flying colours winning in the B1 class (bikes under 450cc), to pep-up his preparation for the Dakar Rally 2024. “It is nice to be on the top of the podium again. I am very happy as this is the first time I am winning an international rally-raid event,” said the RedBull athlete from Turkey.
Trans Anatolia Rally Raid, which was first held in 2010, ran this year with 122 competitors and 83 vehicles from 13 countries, including professional factory teams from Italy, Spain, Portugal, France, Netherlands, Iran, India and England. It ran from September 2 to 9. After 14 Special Stages and 2350kms, the rally concluded on Izmir’s Independence Day.
Izmir Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Tunç Soyer attended the award ceremony and he said that he was pleased to host the final ceremony of TransAnatolia.
Harith Noah, the veteran of four Dakar rallies chose TransAnatolia as preparation for the Dakar 2024 and put his Sherco TVS 450RTR on top in the B1 Motorcycles class for the single cylinder bikes of 450cc. Representing India, Harith Noah created history becoming the fastest rider at the almighty Dakar Rally, finishing in the top-20 in his second attempt in 2021.
The TransAnatolia race started at Samsun and finished at Imzir after seven days of tough action that saw many ups and downs. With the incessant rhythm of his navigational notes of very precise Road Books, Harith Noah conquered the rally-raid, finishing fourth overall clocking a cumulative time of 17 hours, 09 minutes and 55seconds and winning his class with confidence.
“Coming back from a wrist surgery, the goal was to finish and learn as much as possible as it was a rally raid with navigation. I was riding this bike for the first time with a new suspension setup the team has worked on. Overall, I was confident on the bike and the stages went well. I will be going to Morocco to test this bike again in the desert,” said Harith Noah, from TVS Racing, who was also supported by Stanley Tools.
On Day 5, he was 6th overall despite facing some technical problems but completed the two Special Stages and a Super Special on the Turkey Motocross GP circuit. Earlier, on Day 4, Noah had some drama in store. The small 25-km SS7 taught him some lessons. “If you ain’t focused you will lose. Yes, I lost a lot of time searching for the correct way. But in SS8 I pushed hard to make-up some time which I did,” he said. After starting on Day 1 with a lot of rain, Hairth Noah opened Stage 2, as stage 1 was cancelled. Day 2 and 3, he made some mistakes but recovered with grit and determination to stay in the hunt for the podium. “The new suspension on the bike is really good. Blessed to be here doing what I love,” said the five-time Indian Supercross champion from Turkey after Day 1.
Top class result:
In the Castrol POWER1 motorcycle category, Andorran biker Pol Tarres from Yamaha team took the first place in 16 hours 10 minutes 10 seconds. Italian Alessandro Botturi from Yamaha took second position with 16 hours 21 minutes 17seconds and Italian biker Jacopo Cerutti from Aprilla team took third place with 16 hours 23 minutes 00 second. Harith Noah of India came fourth in 17 hours, 09 minutes and 55seconds.
The Dakar 2024, the fifth edition at Saudi Arabia will be from January 5 to 19, 2024.
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Gaurav Gill displays brute speed, just 0.5 sec off the leaders: WRC Acropolis Rally
Delhi, 11 September 2023: JK Tyre backed, Indian rally ace, Gaurav Gill showcased impressive stage timings amid the tumultuous conditions at the Acropolis Rally of Greece. While the recce helped him develop a good strategy, the weather played a spoil sport from the start of the rally, throwing challenges on the go.
Showing characteristic tenacity, Gill was exceptional as he made his presence felt throughout all clean stages coupled with split times on the stages where he had breakdowns, his speed was off 0.5 to 1.0 seconds per kilometre of than WRC2 leader Andreas Mikkelsen.
Indian motorsport’s only Arjuna Awardee, Gill and his co-driver Barral Florian had gone into the hot, dusty, stages of the gruelling event expecting to be in their element. The pair were able to put up some wow moments in their Škoda Fabia R5.
Despite facing setbacks like torrential rain and dry weather which eventually cancelled the shakedown stage and curtailed few more stages. The route conditions further led to radiator issue in Gill’s Car. The Punctures picked up on the rock-strewn terrain further dashed his hopes of a strong result.
However, bouncing back strongly on the final day ending stage 13 and 14 at 10th and 8th positions in the WRC 2 classification, respectively. The rally seriously tested the mettle of the man and machine by throwing them off-guard with various trials.
On his experience at the Acropolis Rally, Gaurav Gill said, “It’s not called the ‘Rally of Gods’ for nothing! This rally is known for its treacherous conditions, the biggest challenge that you can ask for in the WRC in terms of climate, terrain and competitors. We didn’t get the result we hoped for but we were still able to mix it with the great champion drivers in terms of raw pace, despite it being our first rally of the year, which was incredibly encouraging. We also took away a lot in terms of learning and experience and I’m grateful to JK Tyre and Vamcy Merla for the opportunity. Our full focus now is on the Indonesian round of the APRC and bringing the title back to India.”
Gaurav Gill is also supported by the promoter Vamcy Merla.
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Jorge Martin wins Tissot Sprint; Bezzecchi second
Martin escapes Bezzecchi, Bagnaia fends off Pedrosa in blockbuster Sprint at Misano… The number 89 is unmatched to deny Bezzecchi a home win as the reigning Champion fights off a Legend and Binder throwns down with… everyone else…
Misano, 9 Sept. 2023: Pole position was converted into a Tissot Sprint victory for Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) at the Gran Premio Red Bull di San Marino e della Riviera di Rimini, with Marco Bezzecchi (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) the only rider able to run the Spaniard close on Saturday. Reigning World Champion Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) picked up his 10th Saturday podium of the season – and his most hard-fought yet – as the #1 fended off the two Red Bull KTM Factory Racing machines of MotoGP™ Legend Dani Pedrosa (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) and a charging Brad Binder for P3.
Martin unmatched as a magical podium fight unfolds
Martin got the exact launch he’d have wanted from pole as he grabbed the holeshot into Turn 1, as Bagnaia powered his way around the outside of Bezzecchi to grab an early P2. Pedrosa went P5 to P4 to get the better of Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing) as Binder didn’t get away well – the South African was outside the top 10.Martin immediately began to pull the pin. On Lap 2 his lead was up to 0.9s as Bagnaia made a small mistake to relinquish P2 to Bezzecchi. Meanwhile, Binder was responding in the only way he knows how: full attack mode. Midway around Lap 3 Binder was up to P6 and hounding Viñales, who by then was already nearly two seconds back from Pedrosa.
At the front, it quickly became Martin vs Bezzecchi. Lap 3 belonged to the latter, the Italian cut the gap by a sizeable 0.5s, with Bagnaia dropping to two seconds off the P1 fight. Binder vs Viñales was raging on and on Lap 6 of 13, a move finally stuck for the #33. Next on his radar: KTM stablemate Pedrosa.
With five laps to go, Martin’s gap to Bezzecchi was up to 0.8s as Pedrosa reeled in Bagnaia in by 0.4s. Binder was making ground but he wasn’t taking chunks out of the pair just up the road, the gap to try and bridge was hovering at around one second.
With two laps left in the Tissot Sprint, a two-horse race for P3 became a three-horse race. Binder was right with Bagnaia and Pedrosa, knowing gaining points on Pecco is absolutely crucial. Considering what happened less than a week ago, however, the reigning Champion was riding unbelievably to keep the KTMs behind as the last lap began.
Martin led by a second over Bezzecchi as we strapped in for a KTM vs Bagnaia scrap for the final podium place. Halfway around the lap, Pecco was holding on. Binder was out of shape; Pedrosa was waiting to pounce. A headshake down the back straight cost Pedrosa time and despite the efforts of the orange bikes, Pecco just held on to claim P3 behind Martin and Bezzecchi taking the chequered flag in P1 and P2 respectively.
The points scorers on Saturday
Behind the rostrum lock out for the top three in the title fight, a dream podium wasn’t to be on Saturday but Pedrosa rolled back the years again to claim a wonderful P4, with Binder crossing the line 0.159s off the ‘Little Samurai’ in P5 after a belting comeback. Viñales grabbed P6 ahead of Luca Marini (Mooney VR46 Racing Team), Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing) and Alex Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™), the latter in P9 picking up the final Sprint point in Misano. Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) initially got his elbows out in that fight but came home in P10, just missing out on a point.Will Martin complete the perfect weekend on Sunday?
Bagnaia’s heroic efforts haven’t stopped his title lead dropping to 45 points ahead of Sunday’s main event in Misano, with Martin eyeing up a pole-Sprint-race triple to bring himself right back into title contention. And what about Pedrosa? Tune in for more stunning action as the Grand Prix race goes green at 14:00 local time (GMT+2). -
Gaurav Gill to take part in WRC2 at Acropolis Rally of Greece
New Delhi, 5 Sept. 2023: Indian rally ace Arjuna Awardee Gaurav Gill, is all set for another World Rally Championship (WRC) outing in the 2023 season as he is all set to take part in one of the world’s toughest rallies, the Acropolis Rally of Greece scheduled from September 7 to 10.
Widely hailed as the ‘Rally of Gods’, the event will cover a total distance of 1,235 km, including 15 special stages stretching across 307 km over four days this weekend. This year as well, the spectators will witness 72 teams fighting it out for their spot in the grueling event.
The only Indian among the world’s best rally drivers, Gill will compete in the 30-car WRC2 category in a specially-prepped Škoda Fabia R5 alongside his French co-driver, Florian Barral. Supported by a potent pit crew team of Italian team Delta Rally, Gill will try to set new benchmark for himself. The rally will also be featuring previous Acropolis winner and current WRC2 championship leader Andreas Mikkelsen along with title rivals Yohan Rossel and Sami Pajari.
The Skoda Fabia R5 Rally 2 spec car with a 5-speed, sequential, manual gearbox, that enables a driver to shift gears in milliseconds. The R5 is geared to touch a top speed of 200 km/h
Seven-time national champion and three-time APRC champion, Gill, will be in his element around the hot, dusty, and rock-strewn stages of the Rally Acropolis. Gill had put on a dazzling display of speed to finish sixth in a 35-car WRC 2 field last year.
On his participation this season,Gill said, “I’m really looking forward to driving in the Rally Acropolis. The sweltering heat, the dust, the rocky mountain passes and loose gravel all combine to make this one of the most punishing rallies on the calendar. This event is not for the faint-hearted but these conditions play to my strengths. I expect to be in my element this weekend and I’m going to give it everything to bring home a strong result.”
Last year, Gill, a master of gravel, finished his campaign just about 1 second per km behind WRC 2 leader E. Lindholm, while recording some of his best performances against seasoned WRC top category competitors, like T. Neuville. Putting himself and his car to the ultimate test in a low-visibility situation in the previous year, Gaurav is all set to take on the challenge this season as well.
The action starts post the ceremonial flag-off in Athens on Thursday as the teams will be ready to take on the brand new EKO Super Special Stage located in and around the city’s waterfront spanning 1.48kms. World’s top Rally drivers will run one at a time displaying their mean machines in front of thousands of fans.
Fans cheering for Gill can watch the event live on www.wrc.com
