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Author: INDIAinF1 Desk
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Cal Crutchlow and Dani Pedrosa on top; 15 riders within a second of each other!
Cal Cturchlow…..setting a hot pace. Photo: calcrutchlow.com Jerez,Ā 4 May 2018: Independent Team rider Cal Crutchlow (LCR Honda Castrol) ruled the roost in the Gran Premio Red Bull de EspaƱa as action ended on Friday at the Circuito de Jerez Angel Nieto as the Gran Premio Red Bull de EspaƱa got underway, with the Argentina GP winner taking to the top in FP2 and leader on the combined timesheets on Friday.
Dani Pedrosa. Photo: Honda Racing What does that mean? On a Friday as close as this, it means he was 0.028 clear of Dani Pedrosa (Repsol Honda Team) in P2, 0.091 ahead of Johann Zarco (Monster Yamaha Tech 3) and still not even a tenth in front of Andrea Iannone (Team Suzuki Ecstar) in fourth.
As well as the incredible equality of the top four within a tenth, the top 15 ended Day 1 within a second and the whole grid was covered by two seconds ā a tantalising prospect for race day if it remains the same.
The headlines didnāt stop there. The 2017 Jerez winner Pedrosa, who is still recovering from a broken wrist, put in a stunning performance once again to not only threaten the top but also show some key consistency with Zarco just behind him and top Yamaha.
Iannone kept his solid form rolling after his rostrum finish in Texas, just ahead of what was another key moment of the day: reigning Champion Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team), despite having shown awesome pace throughout both sessions, crashing outĀ towards the end of FP2 ā rider ok.
Marc Marquez shrugs off FP2 crash
Marc Marquez. Photo: Honda Racing It was 27 crashes in 2017 for Marquez, and the reigning Champion says that FP2 is the time to push and try and find the limit ā something that also rang a little true on Day 1 in Jerez this season. Fast all day but not fastest, the rider from Cervera took a tumble in the afternoon.
āI was on very used tyres,ā explained Marquez, quickly finding the silver lining, āBut even with a lot of laps on the front and rear, I had a good rhythm low 39s, which is more important. Then I braked too late and I crashed, but now I know for Sunday!ā
Thatās another recurring theme in āMarquez styleā ā finding the limit before the lights go out for the race. So crash aside, how does the number 93 debrief their first day on track?
āOn Day 1, the general feeling was very, very positive,ā he smiled. āI enjoyed it on the track and this is the most important thing. Iām happy with how I feel on with bike, and weāll see if we can improve or make another step tomorrow.ā
That includes some more tyre combinations to try, as the Repsol Honda rider explained the program so far: āThis morning, I tried soft front, soft rear, then in the afternoon I tried medium front, medium rear so tomorrow will be the time to try hard front, heard rear. I want to check everything, it will be important to choose the right tyre and to do that, you need to try everything!ā
Andrea Dovizioso sixth quickest
Andrea Dovizioso. Photo: Ducati The man right behind Marquez after Day 1 was Championship leader Andrea Dovizioso (Ducati Team), who went fastest in FP1, with his teammate Jorge Lorenzo taking seventh on Friday at the track at which he took his first podium in red in 2017.
Jack Miller (Alma Pramac Racing) was the top Independent Team Ducati rider in P8 overall after more solid top ten pace, with Valentino Rossi (Movistar Yamaha MotoGP) taking ninth overall after a late move up from outside provisional Q2 entry.
The man completing the top ten was Pol Espargaro (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing), after the Spaniard put in an incredible charge in FP1 to end that session in third and the day in tenth overall.
Maverick ViƱales (Movistar Yamaha MotoGP) was P12 and will have his sights set significantly further up the timesheets on Saturday, as will Alex Rins (Team Suzuki Ecstar), who was P14 but missed the Spanish GP in 2017 due to injury, turning a wheel in anger at the venue for the first time this year. Wildcard Mika Kallio, riding a first version of the 2019 machine for Red Bull KTM Factory racing, was P16 on Day 1.
Everythingās open, everythingās close and everythingās set up for a Saturday to remember.
Rossi searching for better balance on Saturday
Rossi. Photo: Movistar Yamaha MotoGP Rossi lamented the increase in track temperatures on Day 1 with the āDoctorā ending Friday P9 on the timesheets. The Movistar Yamaha team struggled more with lower grip at the Circuito de Jerez Angel Nieto last year, and it seems Rossiās difficulties in hotter temperatures could still be haunting him in 2018 ā despite him going quicker in FP2.
āIt was a difficult day, especially in the afternoon because in the morning I was not so bad with the cold, but unfortunately with the higher temperature we suffer more,ā explained the 39-year-old. āIām not happy with the balance of the bike, we need to improve, but also, we are in trouble with the tyres. After some laps, we lose grip and it looks like we slow down more than our opponents, so I think it will be difficult, but itās still Friday, we need to work and improve and try to understand better tomorrow.ā
Source: Motogp.com
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āFight until the final cornerā is the mantra; engines on at the #SpanishGP!
Andrea Dovizioso….all set for the European leg of the season. Photo: Ducati Jerez, 04 May 2018: MotoGPā¢ is back on European soil for the Gran Premio Red Bull de EspaƱa and the grid is very much ready to get down to business at Round Four, with only eight points separating the top five riders in the Championship.
As always, it was time to talk on Thursday, withĀ Championship leader Andrea Dovizioso (Ducati Team) joined in the Press Conference by reigning Champion Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team), Movistar Yamaha MotoGPās Maverick ViƱales, Team Suzuki Ecstarās Andrea Iannone, Ducati Teamās Jorge Lorenzo, Reale Avintia Racingās Tito Rabat and late addition Johann Zarco (Monster Yamaha Tech 3) after the Frenchman announced earlier in the day that he will beĀ racing for Red Bull KTM Factory RacingĀ from 2019.
Talk centered on the rider market, flashed back to Austin and looked forward to Jerez, with many taking stock as the European leg of the season gets in gear.
Dovizioso was the first to speak, and he was focused on the title fight. āIām a bit surprised, with the results in the last two races, to be leading the Championship! But not too much because we finished the season in a good way last year and we started this year in a good way. We were focused on trying to get the maximum in the last two races because we knew it wasnāt the best for our bike. The results were ok but not the speed if we want to fight for the Championship, because there are so many fast riders. But we got more points than last year so Iām happy about that.ā
The goal this weekend? The same as always ā the consistency that has become āDesmoDoviāās calling card: āWe have to fight for the podium if we really want to fight for the Championship.ā
Last year that fight for the title was against Marc Marquez and he, after a dramatic race in Argentina but a dominant bounce back in Texas, says itās something of a reset in Jerez.
Marc Marquez. Photo: Honda Racing āThe feeling was really good in Argentina and Austin, but now weāre in Europe itās completely different ā everything is more narrow, tight, everything is slower ā so we need to understand the base setup and understand our level, and that of our rivals,ā says Marquez. āAnd weāll see with the new track surface ā I think everyone will be very close. But we did a test here a month ago and it was good.ā
One key topic for Marquez was the track and his record at the Spanish GP, where heās only ever won once ā in 2014. āI only have one victory but on the other hand, Iāve finished on the podium every year and thatās important. But I like this track. Normally we arrive here in the first part of the season without the bike being quite perfect, but this year I feel better. The first target is the podium but if I have a small chance, I will try to win.ā
On domination and the style of win at the Americas GP, Marquez added itās natural to try and win like that. But if it comes to it? āNormally, you donāt have the chance for a race like that because everything is so tight. Weāll see here in Jerez, but if we can win like that I will try, Johann will try, Andrea will tryā¦but if not, Iāll fight until the final corner.ā
Vinales. Photo: Movistar Yamaha MotoGP Compatriot Maverick ViƱales is another who arrives fresh from a good result, finishing second in Texas after some more difficult races. With the Movistar Yamaha MotoGP team having had a more difficult race at the venue in 2017, a lot of eyes are on the Iwata marque and their progress.
āIām curious to see how the bike is working because for sure weāve improved a lot when thereās low grip,ā says ViƱales, referring to the unknown quantity of how the new asphalt will have changed the track. But first, he was very sure about something ā progress. āIn the second part of Qatar and Argentina, I was feeling good. We needed to improve the first part. But race by race weāre making steps and we can improve our level much more. From Qatar and in the next races weāre going to go up and up, I think we understand the way to go. I feel good on the bike and the team is really motivated.ā
Andrea Iannone. Photo: Twitter Andrea Iannone was another who returned to the podium last time out. Taking his first rostrum finish at Suzuki, the āManiacā is back ā and says theyāre still close. āFor us, itās a positive moment,ā says the Italian. āWe needed the result for sure, and itās good for us and everyone because we spent a lot of time and did a lot of work to arrive at this level. I think itās important to stay focused, but itās important weāve remained more or less close to the top riders.ā
Podium form is something Jorge Lorenzo had last season at Jerez. The five-time World Champion took his first
rostrum in red at the 2017 Spanish GP, and itās a venue at which the number 99 has had much success. āJerez has always been magic for me in the past few years,ā smiles the āSpartanā.
Jorge Lorenzo. Photo: Ducati āIāve had victories and last year I got my first podium at Ducati. Itās been a tough start to the year, but those tracks arenāt so good for our bike, so hopefully now weāre arriving at a good track for me and, now, for Ducati, where we had good winter tests and were fast, we can change the situation and I can demonstrate my value.ā
The start of the season has been a different story for Tito Rabat, however, and the Spaniard began with a smile. āIn these three races I think I enjoyed it more than the last two years! Weāve had a very good start to the season. I didnāt really expect to almost take three top-10s in a rowā¦this year I feel good with the bike and with the team, learning and learningā¦now at a home GP weāll see. Itās where I took my first win in 2013, so Iāll try to push to get a good result but as always thinking race by race and about improving.ā
Zarco. Photo: Monster Yamaha Tech 3 Finally, it was time for some words from Zarco after the Frenchmanās move to Red Bull KTM Factory Racing was announced earlier in the day. The key word for the 2017 Rookie of the Year? Challenge.
āIām happy we announced it this weekend,ā smiled the two-time Moto2ā¢ World Champion. āItāll be a great challenge for the future. European constructor with a European rider, I think if we get a great result and we develop the bike well, we can have a fantastic future. The way they were developing the bike last year makes me think something is possible. I went there because I want the challenge. Iām on a great wave and Iām enjoying it so much, the performance is good too and I hope we can stay on this level in the next two years.ā
The performance is good, the racing is close and itās now time for the first European carnival of the season at the Circuito de Jerez-Angel Nieto. The riders taste the new asphalt in FP1 on Friday for the first time, with the lights going out for the race on Sunday.
Source: Motogp.com
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Johann Zarco joins Red Bull KTM Factory Racing for 2019 and 2020 MotoGPā¢ seasons
Making moves…..Johann Zarco. Photo: Twitter Jerez, 4 May 2018: Johann Zarco, currently with Monster Yamaha Tech 3, has been announced asĀ Pol Espargaro’s teammateĀ at Red Bull KTM Factory Racing for 2019 and 2020, confirming the strong rumors that had surrounded the Frenchman’s ride for 2019 and beyond.
Zarco, who was crowned Rookie of the Year in 2017, has been a consistent frontrunner since his graduation to the premier class after his two Moto2ā¢ World Championships.
Johann Zarco. Photo: Twitter āThere has always been a good contact with Johann and since the Red Bull Rookies Cup,ā saysĀ Pit Beirer,Ā KTM Motorsports Director.Ā āWe supported the Moto2 project through WP and our Moto3 Team Manager Aki Ajo is a good friend of him. We also have a nice connection with his manager Laurent Fellon. It was a group effort to get this done.
āWe had to trust in our capability to build a winning bike and Johann would not come over if he did not see and feel that trust. We feel very responsible now to get that package strong enough so that he can continue on the level where he is. It is our big target.
āIt is clear that we want to take another step in MotoGP. The first two years were about building up the project and to get everything running. You always want to get the best possible riders on board and itās obvious with Johann beating the factory guys on satellite machinery and consistently qualifying on the front row means he is a strong fighter with a strong sprit. Iām convinced we can reach the next level with a rider like Johann with us.ā
Zarco said on his twitter account: āMy carreer will continue where everything begins, from RedBull Rookies Cup to the conquest of the MotoGP title. You understand it. I join @KTM Racing for the next two years. Iām very happy to ride this KTM, which we have the same ambitions: Ready to race! @Michelin Sport.ā
#VR46WorldLap: a milestone for Rossi in Jerez
Rossi…another milestone. Photo: Movistar Yahama MotoGP In his 369th Grand Prix, Valentino Rossi (Movistar Yamaha MotoGP) will be completing his 8730th overall lap on the 15thĀ ofĀ the Spanish GP, here this weekend. What is so special about that, more than the incredible longevity? Upon completing Lap 15, the āDoctorā will be reaching a remarkable milestone ā racing the equivalent distance of a lap of the World,Ā 40,075kms.
What kind of lap of the World? The circumference of the Earth; and it has taken Rossi 23 seasons to race it, in which heās taken 115 wins, 228 podiums and nine World Championships across four categories. A World of success ā quite literally!
Source: Motogp.com
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Aero changes to promote overtaking approved for 2019 Formula 1 season
Paris, 01 May 2018: Formula 1 aerodynamics are set to get simpler in 2019 with one simple purpose in mind: to promote closer racing and more overtaking. Following a presentation made to the F1 teams at the Bahrain Grand Prix regarding proposals aimed at promoting closer racing and more overtaking in the Formula 1 World Championship, the Strategy Group, the F1 Commission and the World Motor Sport Council yesterday approved a number of regulation changes for the 2019 season.The changes, approved by e-vote, are as follows:
- Simplified front wing, with a larger span, and low outwash potential
- Simplified front brake duct with no winglets
- A wider and deeper rear wing
The vote follows an intense period of research into the FIAās initial proposals, which were made with the support of the F1 Commercial Rights Holder, conducted by a majority of the F1 teams. These studies indicated the strong likelihood of a positive impact on racing and overtaking within F1 and as such have now been ratified for implementation in 2019.
The approved changes are separate to the ongoing work being undertaken in regard to defining Formula 1ās regulations for 2021 and beyond.
In addition to the aerodynamic changes ratified on Monday, the FIA is continuing to evaluate a range of other measures aimed at encouraging closer racing and boosting overtaking in F1.
A raft of other measures have already been put in place for 2019, including an increase in race fuel allowance to allow drivers to race at full power for longer, the separation of driver weight from car weight to end the disadvantage of heavier drivers, and the requirement that drivers wear biometric gloves.
Ross Brawn, Managing Director – Motorsports (F1) says: āOne of the key episodes of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix was theĀ collision between team-mates Daniel Ricciardo and Max Verstappen. I donāt want to comment on who might be held responsible or how a team should manage these issues during a race, but I do think the Stewardās decision to reprimand both drivers was the right course of action.
āBut I would like to highlight a technical point. Once Daniel had settled for his line, and Max had changed direction blocking that line, the Australian became a passenger. The downforce loss experienced by Ricciardo in the wake of Verstappenās car would have made it unstoppable. We often think of downforce applying in cornering, but the impact the extra grip has in braking is huge. Take away that grip in braking and what happened on Sunday was inevitable.
āWhilst this was a very severe example, it did highlight once more the need of finding a way to develop the rules to make the cars more raceable in these conditions.
āThe decision of the Strategy Group and the F1 Commission taken yesterday, sanctioned by the FIA World Motor Sport Council, to approve a number of aerodynamic modifications, aimed at promoting closer racing and more overtaking for the 2019 season is definitely an important step.
āItās also important to note that the decision has been taken after an intense period of research into the FIAās proposals, which were made with the support of Formula 1 and, conducted by a majority of the teams.Ā A good spirit, a good way of working together for a better and more spectacular Formula 1, which is what the FIA, Formula 1, the Teams, and most importantly, the fans want. Bravo.ā
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Arjun Maini scores first points in F2; Kush Maini notches win and a podium in F3
India’sĀ Kush Maini (centre) with the winner’s trophy. Baku, 29 April 2018: Haas Development driver Arjun Maini made an inspired comeback here at the weekend in the FIA Formula 2 Championship. Starting from P17, he made 11 overtakes to finish the race in P6. However, a post-race penalty to Sette Camara meant Arjun moved up to P5, scoring his first points in his debut season of the F2 championship.
Meanwhile, in Rockingham, UK, Arjunās younger brother, Kush Maini secured his first win in the BRDC British F3Ā Championship. The Lanan Racing driver won Race 2 at Rockingham and finished off with yet another podium inĀ Race 3 to end the weekend on a high.
Arjun began his race weekend with a P7 in qualifying, and showed some great promise at the start of the Race 1 when he moved swiftly into P4, but problems with the engine meant an early retirement from the race.
Arjun Maini in Baku. Photo: Sebastiaan Rozendaal / Dutch Photo Agency Looking to make up for his rather unlucky start to the weekend, the JK Racing and TVS Motorsport supported driver began Race 2, which he started from P17 on the grid, on the front foot. He moved up into P9 by the end of the first lap itself with some great driving. He followed this up with some gritty racing and eventually passed a few cars ahead, a difficult task in the tricky streets of Baku and finished ahead of his fellow Trident teammate Ferrucci.
ArjunĀ MainiĀ said: āItās nice to finish the weekend on a positive note and get my first points in the championship. After the disappointing end to Race 1, I felt it was important to come back strong and this race will hopefully give me and the team momentum going forward.ā
Speaking about Arjunās notable drive, Karun Chandok, Former F1 driver and Arjunās mentor said: āArjun did a great job all weekend. Racing for the first time in a new category on a street circuit can be quite daunting, but he coped with the challenge well.
Arjun Maini on a charge in Baku. Photo: Sebastiaan Rozendaal / Dutch Photo Agency āIt was a real shame that he had a car problem in the first race when running strongly in the top 5 and that sent him down the grid for the next race. However he showed on Sunday that heās got the speed and potential to mix it in the top 6 and thatās where weāre aiming to be going forward.ā
Talking about the next round of the championship he added: āHe knows the Barcelona circuit very well and won there in GP3 last year, so fingers crossed he can have some good reliability and deliver strong result.ā
Arjun will be in action at Barcelona shortly, as round 3 of the FIA F2 Championship is set to take place in a couple of weeks, between May 11-13. Itās the same track where he, last year, created history by becoming the first Indian to win a GP3 Series race.
Arjun also joined the thousands of people in India in demanding justice for Asifa, in his own way, by having a message on the side of his car throughout the race weekend to raise awareness through his sport.
KUSH MAINI WINS RACE 2 AT ROCKINGHAM
ROCKINGHAM: Kush Maini secured his first win in Round 2 of the BRDC British F3Ā Championship. The Lanan Racing driver won Race 2 and finished off with yet another podium inĀ Race 3 to end the weekend on a high.
Kush Maini’s determination to win finally paid off as he came from P5 to claim his maiden race win in the championship. Also combining his second consecutive podium in Race 3, this weekend’s results meant he acquired a considerable chunk of points towards the driver’s championship, putting him currently in fourth place with 113 points, just six points off third placed Gamble.
Kush Maini, who started off the weekend in the wet by qualifying in P6, was involved in an incident early on in Race 1, but fought back strongly to claim P7. As the track dried out over the next day, Kush started the race from P5, and won a couple of places off the start itself. He then chased down the front two, and was in the lead by the end of the first lap. A string of consecutive fastest laps helped him pull away from the rest of the pack as he ended the race with almost a 5-second gap back to the driver in P2.
In Race 3, Kush, starting from pole, couldn’t capitalise on his momentum from the previous race as he battled hard inĀ thrilling encounter.Ā Lundqvist and Kjaergaard got off the line quicker as Kush stayed right on their tail. However, a string of safety cars and yellow flags made it difficult for him to keep the pressure. Nevertheless, he managed hisĀ second consecutive Race-3 podium in a close race with the top 3 separated by justĀ 0.638s.
Kush said, “In race 2, itĀ was a case of keeping my nose cleanĀ the first lap. We knew from the start of the season, our pace in the dry is superior so as long as I could go the distance we could get a good result. It was disappointing to not win in Race 3 from pole, butĀ it was a good race and another load of points so I’m looking forward to the next round.ā
The next round of BRDC F3 Championship takes place at Snettorton at the end of May where Kush will be looking to make this momentum count.
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Rally Argentina: Tanak-Jarveoja snatch win for Toyota; double podium for Hyundai
Ott Tanak and Martin Jarveoja who scored a win for Toyota in Rally Argentina. Photo: FIA Villa Carlos Paz, 30 April 2018: Ott TƤnak and Martin JƤrveoja won the legendary Rally Argentina on Sunday after a weekend-long display of dominance in which they won 10 of the eventās 18 stages. The Estonians were able to manage their pace over the closing three stages to take their first victory with Toyota by 37.7 seconds. Last yearās winners Thierry Neuville and Nicolas Gilsoul were second and team-mates Dani Sordo and Carlos del Barrio made it a double podium celebration for Hyundai with third.
In the FIA World Rally Championship, Neuville has managed to close the gap to Championship leader Ogier to 10 points with TƤnak 18 points further adrift in the standings. Hyundaiās double podium also sees the Korean manufacturer extend its advantage over M-Sport FordĀ to 15 points. Toyota is third with Citroen trailing in fourth.
In the second run of El CĆ³ndor, counting towards all-important Power Stage points, TƤnak was able to control the pace and points for fourth fastest added to his Championship haul. Neuville was flat-out however and the Belgian set fastest time to add five points to his tally, his objective always to be ahead of Ogier. Sordo was happy with his Rally Argentina outing and the Spaniard finished well ahead of Ogier in the overall classification.
Ogier and Mikkelsen went into the stage fighting for fourth but the reigning FIA World Rally Champion managed to hold onto his position by just four seconds at the end of the event. Both Elfyn Evans and Kris Meeke moved up the standings into sixth and seventh respectively after Lappi dropped time with a puncture this morning. He finished eighth on his debut outing in Argentina, the Finn lamenting a huge amount of bad luck in Argentina. Teemu Suninen finished ninth, another debutant on the event.
Pontus Tidemand and Jonas Andersson snatched the FIA WRC 2 Championship category win after Å koda team-mate Kalle RovanperƤ rolled in the penultimate stage while leading. Tidemand beat Gus Greensmith by over seven minutes to take the lead in the Championship standings.
The sixth round of the FIA World Rally Championship takes the contenders back to Europe for Rally de Portugal (17-20 May).
Rally Argentina ā Final Unofficial classification (subject to scrutineering)
1 Ott TƤnak / Martin JƤrveoja Toyota Yaris WRC 3hr 43min 28.9sec 2 Thierry Neuville / Nicolas Gilsoul Hyundai i20 Coupe WRC 3hr 44min 06.6sec 3 Dani Sordo / Carlos del Barrio Hyundai i20 Couple WRC 3hr 44min 44.6sec 4 SĆ©bastien Ogier/Julien Ingrassia Ford Fiesta WRC 3hr 45min 27.5sec 5 Andreas Mikkelsen / Anders JƦger Hyundai i20 WRC 3hr 45min 31.5sec 6 Elfyn Evans / Daniel Barritt Ford Fiesta WRC 3hr 46min 35.2sec 7 Kris Meeke / Paul Nagle Citroen C3 WRC 3hr 46min 54.6sec 8 Esapekka Lappi / Janne Ferm Toyota Yaris WRC 3hr 48min 01.5sec 9 Teemu Suninen / Mikko Markkula Ford Fiesta WRC 3hr 49min 07.5sec 10 Pontus Tidemand / Jonas Andersson Å koda Fabia R5 3hr 55min 44.7sec -
Tidemand keeps nerve to win Rally Argentina; leads WRC 2 Championship
Pontus Tidemand (right) and co-driver Jonas Andersson celebrate Rally Argentina win. The Swediesh pair leads WRC 2 Championship standings. Photos: SKODA Motorsports Villa Carlos Paz, 29 April 2018: Reigning WRC 2 Champions Pontus Tidemand and co-driver Jonas Andersson from Sweden repeated their last yearās victory at Rally Argentina, the fifth round of the 2018 FIA World Rally Championship, here on Sunday. The Swedish pairing takes the lead in the WRC 2 championship standings from Å KODA teammate Jan KopeckĆ½ who did not compete in Argentina.
Å KODA factory-supported crews Tidemand and Andersson, and Finlandās Kalle RovanperƤ and Jonne Halttunen were leading the WRC 2 category going into the eventās last day. But in the penultimate stage, RovanperƤ went off the road close to the finish. Thanks to the safety package of the Å KODA FABIA R5, the crew was unhurt, but had to retire. Norwegians Ole Christian Veiby and Stig Rune SkjaermÅn, another duo of Å KODA juniors, finished second in RC 2 class, which includes the WRC 2 category.
On the final day of Rally Argentina, three more stages, covering 55.27 kilometres, had to be driven. Tidemand tried everything to catch their young Finnish teammate. With a tremendous effort on the opening āEl Condorā stage, he was 13.3 seconds quicker than RovanperƤ, reducing the gap to only 9.9 seconds.
Kalle RovanperƤ On the penultimate stage, the Rovanpera went off the road close to the end of the stage. Thanks to the safety package of their Å KODA FABIA R5, they escaped without injury, however. With the WRC 2 lead back in his hands, Tidemand drove cautiously in the last stage and won the category with the huge margin.
The Swedish crew moved as well into the lead of the WRC 2 championship standings. āSorry for Kalle. We had a tense fight and I always followed our Team instructions. I believed in my speed myself and obviously did not want to win this way,ā Tidemand said.
After two punctures on the Saturday stages, Å KODA junior Ole Christian Veiby managed to regain the third position in RC 2 class after a fast time on the opening Sunday stage. In the end, the Norwegian finished in second place.
Å KODA Motorsport boss Michal HrabĆ”nek commented: āAccidents are a part of the game. Luckily, the safety standards of modern rally cars like our Å KODA FABIA R5 are extremely high. So Kalle and Jonne escaped from that accident without being injured. Nevertheless, I want to thank both crews for the tremendous performance they delivered, the whole Å KODA Motorsport Team did an excellent job.ā
Final Result Rally Argentina (WRC 2): 1. Tidemand/Andersson (SWE/SWE), Å KODA FABIA R5, 03hrs, 55mins, 44.7 secs; 2. Greensmith/Parry (GBR/GBR), Ford Fiesta R5, +7:39.1 min; 3. Heller/Olmos (CHL/ARG), Ford Fiesta R5, +9:02.9 min; 4. Dominguez/Galindo (MEX/MEX), Hyundai i20 R5, + 15:49.6 min; 5. Solans/Ibanez (ESP/ESP), Ford Fiesta R5, +37:43.9 min.
Current standings WRC 2 (after 5 of 13 rounds): 1. Tidemand (SWE), Å KODA, 68 points; 2. KopeckĆ½ (CZR) Å KODA, 50 points; 3. Greensmith (GBR), Ford, 36 points; 4. Heller (CHL), Ford, 30 points; 5. Katsuta (JPN), Ford, 29 points.
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Alonso and McLaren hoping for another points-scoring race in Baku
Baku (Azerbaijan), 24 April 2018: Having finished among points in all three rounds so far this season, former double World champion Fernando Alonso (McLaren) was positive that he would continue his consistent performance in the Azerbaijan Grand Prix here this weekend.The Spanish ace also hoped that he would replicate his last yearās performance at this circuit when the team earned its first points of the 2017 season.
āLast yearās race in Baku was certainly a memorable one for us. It was a crazy Grand Prix and we scored our first points of the season there, so weāll naturally be looking to repeat that this weekend.
āEven though itās only been on the calendar for a short time, this circuit is already known among the drivers as a great racerās track. Itās the fastest street track of the year and also one of the longest, so itās pretty tough on the car and the driver, but thatās definitely part of the appeal.
āWe know our limitations and where we need to improve our package, and, although we bring parts to test to every race weekend, we arenāt anticipating a radical change in our performance in Baku. However, weāre learning more and more about the behaviour of our car each time we step into the cockpit, and in Azerbaijan weāll be maximising everything we have as usual to score as many points as possible,ā said Alonso.
Team-mate Stoffel Vandoorne said: āBaku City Circuit is a pretty tough, but also enjoyable track, and itās quite challenging for the drivers. You literally drive through the historic centre of the old town which was a really cool experience last year, and overtaking is tricky on the narrow streets.
āSaying that, we saw anything but a processional race last year and hopefully we can take advantage of any drama that this track throws at us next weekend. Last year was tough as the only real overtaking opportunity is at the end of the long straight, and itāll be tricky for us again, but weāll see whatās possible with the MCL33.
āAs well as making sure we set ourselves up on the right strategy, for me the start will be crucial on Sunday. Iāve not had the best starts over the last couple of races and with overtaking tough here we need to try to maximise our starting position. In China, we fought hard but I picked up some floor damage which made pushing ahead very difficult, so Iām looking forward to a tight battle in the midfield and progressing as much as we can in the race.ā
Eric Boullier, Racing Director, said: āOn a track where drama and action seem to have become almost par for the course in Baku given last yearās events, strategy will be a key factor in next weekendās race. We know our package tends to deliver more on Sundays, so the important thing will be to react quickly to anything that happens.
āWe must keep our heads down, push hard and take any and every opportunity that comes our way. Both of our drivers have raced brilliantly in the first grands prix of the season and I know theyāll be relishing the opportunity to maximise what they have underneath them in Baku.
āThis fast, challenging street circuit has already become a welcome and exciting location on the calendar and weāve witnessed some great battles. Overtaking is at a premium, so, while we donāt underestimate the importance of our starting grid slots for Sundayās race, weāre also looking forward to the challenge that racing through these historic city streets brings.ā
Focus pointsĀ
Straight-line speed and slow-corner grip: Downforce levels are the second-lowest of the year, after Monza, in an attempt to maximise top speeds along the pit-straight, where the cars are on full-throttle for 24s. The focus for the engineers is to shave off as much downforce as possible, while still working the tyres hard enough to keep them in their operating window.
Most demanding section:Ā Turns Eight to 12. This series of left-right flicks alongside the medieval wall of Bakuās Old Town is also the narrowest section of the track ā just 7.6m at its narrowest point. The drivers have to be very precise with their steering inputs and throttle application, which is made all the more difficult by incessant camber changes and a sharp incline in the road.
Unique difficulty:Ā The 2.1km/1.305-mile pit-straight produces the highest top speeds of the year. In 2016, Valtteri Bottas clocked 378kmph / 235mph here, although speeds were slightly slower last year due to the wider-format cars. At these speeds, the brakes cool dramatically, making braking for Turn One particularly difficult.
Braking:Ā There are six significant braking events around the lap, the hardest being into Turn One, where the cars slow from very high speed. The rest of the lap is relatively slow (there are nine third-gear corners) and itās a delicate balance to optimise brake cooling.
Power:Ā The cars use 2kg of fuel per lap, which is high, and without a Safety Car period, the cars are unable to complete the race without a degree of fuel saving. Itās also a demanding race for the ERS because there are long periods of full deployment.
Aero:Ā Despite being a street track, Baku is a low-downforce circuit. In terms of aero package, itās the second lowest downforce package of the season, after Monza.
McLaren Press Release
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Tidemand eyeing repeat win in Argentina and take WRC 2 championship lead
Pontus Tidemand seeking a repeat win in Argentina. Photo: SKODA AUTO MladĆ” Boleslav, 24 April 2018: With a repetition of their last yearās win at the upcoming Rally Argentina (26 ā 29 April), reigning WRC 2 Champions Pontus Tidemand and Jonas Andersson (SWE/SWE) could move into the championship lead again ahead of their SKODA Motorsport team-mates Jan KopeckĆ½ and Pavel Dresler (CZE/CZE) who won two of the four rounds so far.
Kalle RovanperƤ, the 17-year old Å KODA junior from Finland, is the youngest driver in the Rally Argentina entry list and together with co-driver Jonne Halttunen (FIN) proved his speed on the gravel tracks of the recent Rally Mexico. Norwegians Ole Christian Veiby and Stig Rune SkjaermÅn, another duo of Å KODA juniors, will contest Rally Argentina without being registered for WRC 2 championship points.
Rally Argentina, fifth round of the FIA World Rally Championship, will see Å KODA Motorsport competing with Tidemand and RovanperƤ. One year ago, Tidemand achieved a dominant win in Argentina for the Czech brand in the WRC 2 category.
Kalle Rovanpera. Photo: SKODA AUTO On the other hand, RovanperƤ and Veiby are newcomers to Rally Argentina. Veiby finished fourth at the recent Tour de Corse. In Argentina, he is not registered to score points for the WRC 2 championship.
Å KODA Motorsport boss Michal HrabĆ”nek says: āSo far, the 2018 Motorsport season is running very well for Å KODA. After winning in Monte Carlo, Mexico and Corsica we have a double lead in the WRC 2 championship standings. And the development program for our young drivers runs perfect as well. Kalle and OC have shown great performances on World Championship level.
āJuuso Nordgren made a good impression finishing on the podium with an excellent third place at the last round of the Czech Championship. We will see him during the 2018 season on selected events including some of WRC 2.ā
A strong pillar of the Å KODA motorsport programme is the activity with customer teams. The Å KODA FABIA R5 is currently the most successful car in its category and will do its best to keep its position after getting a recent engine upgrade.
āWeāre proud, that with no fewer than seven Å KODA FABIA R5 in Argentina. Weāre the strongest brand in WRC 2 and RC 2 category there. It absolutely proves that our strategy is working. With the presence of our works team we demonstrate the attractiveness and competitiveness of our rally car,ā says HrabĆ”nek.
In Argentina, around 360 Kms over 18 special stages, ranging from the Argentine prairie to altitudes of more than 2,000 metres, sandy tracks across flatlands and rutted mule trails high in the mountains, are waiting for the crews. Demanding tracks in the foothills of the Andes near Cordoba are quite similar to those of Rally Mexico.
The two Å KODA FABIA R5, the one that carried Tidemand to victory in Mexico and RovanperƤās car, were transported directly from Mexico to Cordoba. To a certain extent, they are already āacclimatisedā to the Argentine environment.
The Rally Argentina starts on the evening of Thursday, 26 April, with a spectacular show stage close to the service park in Villa Carlos Paz. The winner is expected on the podium at the shores of Lake San Roque on Sunday, 29 April.
SKODA AUTO Press Release
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āKingā Marquez extends COTA reign with another win; Dovi leads championship
Marc Marquez celebrates another win at COTA. Photo: Honda Racing Austin (Texas, US), 23 April 2018: Itās closer than ever as the flag falls at the end of the Americas GP, with Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) taking the win and Andrea Dovizioso (Ducati Team) the Championship lead as Texas shook up the standings. There are now five riders within eight points at the top of the title fight ā with Marquez a point off the top after his win, and Maverick ViƱales (Movistar Yamaha MotoGP) moving up to third after a second place finish at COTA.
Vinales. Photo – Movistar Yamaha MotoGP The Americas GP also made it back-to-back podium finishes for Suzuki, with Andrea Iannone (Team Suzuki Ecstar) putting in an impressive push from the front row to take third and his first rostrum finish of the season ā and first rostrum with the Hamamatsu factory.
It was also Iannone who got the holeshot from second on the grid, but Marquez also got a stunner from Row 2 ā slotting into second and on the chase behind the āManiacā. Making his move soon after and taking the lead, the number 93 started to pull a gap, but Iannone wasnāt done, and gave it everything for a late dive up the inside of the reigning Champion. Running a bit wide on the exit, Marquez took him back, then putting his head down.
From there on, the spectacular ballet of man and machine once more ruled the rodeo in Texas – with the victory making it 10 consecutive premier class wins for Marquez on US soil.
Andrea Iannone. Photo: Suzuki Racing Reflecting on his win, Marquez said: āThis weekend I really gave it my all. Today I was totally focused, as I wanted to remain perfect here at Austin. I don’t think that ever in my career have I had such a race, pushing so hard from the first lap. Today, I felt that this was the right way and was able to do it, in part because my bikeās setup helped me a lot, so thanks to everyone in my garage as theyāve worked really well and hard.
āYesterday, I was a bit ill, and even today I didnāt feel I had perfect energy, but it turned out to be a good race anyway – a lonely one, but sometimes it goes like that. Last night, when I was going to sleep, I thought about the strategy, and today, I followed it. Even in the warm-up, I tried to simulate the first laps of the race, going out on new tyres and with a full tank. That was in the plan.
āI told the team that I wanted to try to lead the race from the beginning and pull a gap. So in the first three or four laps, I pushed a bit more than usual, and then I managed the advantage. Today I had special motivation.
āThere was a lot of pressure, but I like the pressure, as it helps to keep focused. I felt a special feeling on the last lap, when I passed in front of Nickyās flag. So, Iām happy with the result and for recovering ground in the Championship, but now we go back to Europe, where we must be consistent, because look whoās leading the standings: Dovi, the most consistent rider! The feeling with my bike is very good, and the same has been true in Qatar and Argentina, so weāll try and continue this way.ā
Tight battle for podium spots
Championship leader Dovizioso. Photo: Ducati Behind, however, it was getting pretty tight. Valentino Rossi (Movistar Yamaha MotoGP) was pressuring teammate ViƱales for third as Iannone held firm in second. But lap-by-lap, ViƱales was able to ease away and stake his claim on P2, closing in on Iannone before a well-judged pass into Turn 1 saw the Spaniard able to get through and then pull away. Keeping it calm, he took his first podium of the season in second, and Iannone did the same in third.
Rossi came home fourth, with Dovizioso taking fifth after a particularly difficult weekend. Well-rewarded for a solid race, the 2017 runner-up is now the leader of the pack once again after his controlled performance, including a late race pass on Johann Zarco (Monster Yamaha Tech 3).
Rossi. Photo: Movistar Yamaha MotoGP Rossi said: āIt was a good weekend because we were always in the top five, but in the race, I hoped and expected to be a bit stronger to fight for the podium. I know that Marquez and Maverick were a bit stronger. I hoped Iād be fast enough to fight for the podium with Iannone, but Andrea was faster than me, so I was not able to arrive and attack.ā
Zarco was top Independent Team rider in P6, with former Championship leader Cal Crutchlow (LCR Honda Castrol) sliding out at the final corner when attacking the Frenchman earlier in the race. Alex RIns (Team Suzuki Ecstar) also then suffered a tumble soon after ā riders ok and Crutchlow able to rejoin.
Heroic ride by āLittle Samuraiā
Dani Pedrosa. Photo: Repsol Honda Meanwhile, Dani Pedrosa (Repsol Honda Team) followed up two stunning showings on Friday and Saturday to come home in a superhuman P7. Back on track and racing just over a week after surgery on his broken wrist sustained in the Argentina GP, the āLittle Samuraiā rode a heroic push through the pain barrier around the punishing, technical challenge of the Circuit of the Americas in a performance worthy of the history books, taking home nine points ahead of the Championshipās return to one of his best venues: Jerez.
There was a Borgo Panigale battle around three seconds behind three-time World Champion Pedrosa, with Tito Rabat (Reale Avintia Racing) impressively beating Jack Miller (Alma Pramac Racing) Ā to the line for eighth. Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing Team Gresini) completed the top ten, putting in an impressive push to keep Jorge Lorenzo (Ducati Team) behind him after a tough race for the five-time World Champion.
Danilo Petrucci (Alma Pramac Racing) took P12, ahead of some impressive points for Pol Espargaro and Red Bull KTM Factory Racing in P13. Takaaki Nakagami (LCR Honda Idemitsu) was top rookie in P14, ahead of Alvaro Bautista (Angel Nieto Team).
So there we have it. The rodeo is ridden and the points are given, and what a Championship we have on our hands as we head for Jerez: five riders within eight points, with āDesmoDoviā the man in the lead on the road to Europe. Marquez trails him by one point, ViƱales by five and Crutchlow by eight ā with Zarco equal on points with the Brit, back in P5 due to Crutchlow having a race win.
Now, itās carnival time. Packed grandstands, Spanish sun, the awesome Circuito de Jerez and one of the best atmospheres of the year ā with the Championship so close, thereās almost nothing in it!
Francesco Bagnaia (SKY Racing Team VR46) took the honours in Moto 2 ahead of Alex Marquez (EG 0,0 Marc VDS) and Miguel Oliveira (Red Bull KTM Ajo).
Jorge Martin (Del Conca Gresini Moto3) topped the Moto 3 field and he was followed home by Enea Bastianini (Leopard Racing) and Marco Bezzecchi (Redox Pruestel GP) in that order.
Source: motogp.com, Honda Racing Corporation
Paris, 01 May 2018: Formula 1 aerodynamics are set to get simpler in 2019 with one simple purpose in mind: to promote closer racing and more overtaking. Following a presentation made to the F1 teams at the Bahrain Grand Prix regarding proposals aimed at promoting closer racing and more overtaking in the Formula 1 World Championship, the Strategy Group, the F1 Commission and the World Motor Sport Council yesterday approved a number of regulation changes for the 2019 season.
Baku (Azerbaijan), 24 April 2018: Having finished among points in all three rounds so far this season, former double World champion Fernando Alonso (McLaren) was positive that he would continue his consistent performance in the Azerbaijan Grand Prix here this weekend.
