INDIA in F1

Category: Moto GP

Moto GP, the Motorcycle World Championship

  • Jorge Martin and Pecco Bagnaia arrive at BIC

    Jorge Martin and Pecco Bagnaia arrive at BIC

    New Delhi, 20 Sept. 2023: Jorge Martín of Prima Pramac Racing (Ducati) and reigning MotoGP world champion Francesco ‘Pecco’ Bagnaia have arrived in India on Wednesday and experienced the Buddh International Circuit and its vibrant paddock ahead of the first-ever IndianOil Grand Prix of India.

    The riders including Aleix Espargaro and Fabio Di Giannantonio are also gearing up for an exciting journey around Delhi, where they will also immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of Indian culture and heritage.
    Ducati Lenovo Team – Francesco Bagnaia (Italy)
    Francesco ‘Pecco’ Bagnaia arrived in MotoGP™ in 2019 having claimed the 2018 Moto2™ title. A debut MotoGP™ win came at Aragon in 2021 but a title charge ultimately slipped through his fingers. However, 2022 was a different story. Despite a slow start which saw him sit 91 points behind Quartararo, Bagnaia produced a stellar second half of 2022 to ultimately put him in a position to clinch the crown at the season finale. Sporting the #1 for the 2023 season, Pecco has been the rider to beat. Five Sunday victories, including three Sprint and Race doubles, sees the Italian lead the title race heading into the closing stage of the year.
    J Prima Pramac Racing (Ducati) – Jorge Martín Almoguera (Spain)

    Nicknamed the ‘Martinator’, Jorge Martin rose through Moto3™ – a title he won in 2018 – and Moto2™ as one of the brightest young talents in the sport. Martin claimed a podium in just his second MotoGP™ race and despite a huge crash in Portugal that saw him miss four races, the Spaniard claimed a debut win in the same year. 2022 was a winless year, but 2023 has seen Martin become a title contender again as he aims to chase down Ducati rival Bagnaia for the crown.

  • India becomes 30th country to host MotoGP: Pre-Grand Prix statistics

    India becomes 30th country to host MotoGP: Pre-Grand Prix statistics

    Welcome to India! For the first time, India will be hosting a Grand Prix motorcycle event. India will become the 30th different country to host a Grand Prix since 1949. India is one of the eight different Asian countries that have hosted a Grand Prix event (all solo classes) along with Indonesia, Thailand, Turkey, Japan, Malaysia, China and Qatar.

    Buddh International Circuit, designed by Hermann Tilke and inaugurated in October 2011, becomes the 13th different circuit to be used for GP racing in Asia so far. The track hosted three F1 Grands Prix from 2011 to 2013.

    The other circuits that have been used in Asia are: Motegi (66 Grand Prix races), Sepang (65), Lusail (59), Suzuka (56), Shah Alam (21), Shanghai (12), Istanbul Park (9), Buriram (9), Fisco/Fuji (8), Sentul (6), Johor (3) and Mandalika (3).

    Buddh International Circuit is the 74 th different circuit to hold a premier class Grand Prix, and the 31st circuit to hold a MotoGP race since the introduction of the class back in 2002.

    MotoGP winners at a new track (since 2002):

    Pertamina Mandalika Circuit (Indonesia) – 2022: Miguel Oliveira

    (KTM) Algarve (Portugal) – 2020: Miguel Oliveira (KTM)

    Buriram (Thailand) – 2018: Marc Marquez (Honda)

    Red Bull Ring (Austria) – 2016: Andrea Iannone (Ducati)

    Termas de Rio Hondo (Argentina) – 2014: Marc Marquez (Honda)

    Circuit of the Americas (Americas) – 2013: Marc Marquez (Honda)

    MotorLand Aragon (Aragon) – 2010: Casey Stoner (Ducati)

    Silverstone (UK) – 2010: Jorge Lorenzo (Yamaha)

    Indianapolis Motor Speedway (Indianapolis) – 2008: Valentino Rossi (Yamaha)

    Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli (San Marino) – 2007: Casey Stoner (Ducati)

    Istanbul Park (Turkey) – 2005: Marco Melandri (Honda)

    Laguna Seca (United States) – 2005: Nicky Hayden (Honda)

    Shanghai International Circuit (China) – 2005: Valentino Rossi (Yamaha)

    Lusail International Circuit (Qatar) – 2004: Sete Gibernau (Honda)

    What happens if…

    700 – If Marc Marquez wins the race on Sunday at the Indian GP, it will mark 700 days since his last GP win at the 2021 Emilia-Romagna GP. For context, there was a 581-day gap between his Valencia 2019 win, his last win prior to his arm injury sustained in Jerez in 2020, and his subsequent victory at the 2021 German GP.

    140 – If Marc Marquez finishes on the GP podium, he’ll move above MotoGP Legend Angel Nieto into fifth on the list of the riders with most GP podiums on 140. This will place him behind MotoGP Legend Jorge Lorenzo, in fourth on 152 podiums.

    53 – If at least one Ducati qualifies in the top three, it will be the 53 rd successive race that a rider starts from the front row on a Desmosedici (since Valencia 2020).

    39 – Ducati is on a streak of 38 GP races in a row with at least one rider on the podium. If they have another, they will extend their record to 39.

    9 – If a Ducati qualifies on pole, it will be the ninth successive pole for the Bologna factory, extending their longest sequence of pole positions in MotoGP™.

    9 – If Brad Binder finishes on the podium at the Indian GP, he will become the South African rider with the most premier class podiums.

    8 – If Johann Zarco, Alex Marquez, Raul Fernandez, Luca Marini, Fabio Di Giannantonio, Takaaki Nakagami, Pol Espargaro, or rookie Augusto Fernandez win, it will be their first premier class victory.

    3 – If Jack Miller or Maverick Viñales win the GP race, they will become the first rider to win on a bike from three different manufacturers since the start of the MotoGP™ era in 2002.

  • The Ducati Lenovo Team ready to tackle the first MotoGP Indian GP

    The Ducati Lenovo Team ready to tackle the first MotoGP Indian GP

    Greater Noida (Near Delhi), 20 Sept. 2023: The Ducati Lenovo Team will return to the track this weekend to take on the first Indian GP in MotoGP history. The event has been introduced on the calendar for the first time this year and will be held at the Buddh International Circuit, about 50 kilometres from the Indian capital, New Delhi. With its 4.96 kilometres, the track was inaugurated in 2011 and has hosted three editions of the Formula 1 Grand Prix and several rounds of the Asia Road Racing Championship.

    Francesco Bagnaia, fresh off the back of a third place in his home round in Misano despite still recovering from the nasty crash suffered in Barcelona, arrives in India determined to get more important points for the overall standings, which currently sees him leading with 36 lengths ahead of fellow Ducati rider Jorge Martín (Pramac Racing Team). Ducati test rider Michele Pirro will join him in India, to replace the still-injured Enea Bastianini.

    Track action will begin Friday at 11:15am (CEST 7:45am) with the first free practice session. The Sprint will be held Saturday at 3:30pm. local time over a 12-lap distance, while the Indian GP will be held on Sunday at 3:30pm (12:00pm in Italy) over a 24-lap distance.

    Francesco Bagnaia (#1, Ducati Lenovo Team) – 1° (283 points)
    “After the race in Misano, I rested, but I also worked hard to get back as fit as possible for the Indian and Japanese GPs that await us in these two weeks. Physically, I feel better, but India will be an unknown territory for everyone. We will work as always to try to arrive ready to face the Sprint and the GP on Sunday. Now begins a very intense and important period, so maintaining concentration and avoiding making mistakes will be crucial.”

    Michele Pirro (#51, Ducati Lenovo Team) – 25° (5 points)
    “After the Grand Prix of San Marino and the Riviera di Rimini, I am happy to participate in two more MotoGP events, although I feel sorry for Enea. His season is really turning out to be complicated, and I hope he can come back soon. In the San Marino GP, my feeling had been good, and I hope to be able to pick up from there. We are going to India, and we will race on a new track, so it will be a surprise for everyone, and only on Friday will find out the characteristics of this track. In any case, I am calm: I will do my best, and as always, it will be an honour to share the garage with the World Champion.”

    Circuit Information

    Country: India
    Name: Buddh International Circuit
    Track Length: 4,96 km
    Sprint distance: 12 laps (59,52 km)
    Race distance: 24 laps (118,97 km)
    Corners: 14 (5 left, 9 right)

    Rider Information

    Francesco Bagnaia
    Bike: Desmosedici GP
    Race Number: 1
    GP Starts: 183 (78 x MotoGP, 36 x Moto2, 69 x Moto3)
    First GP: Qatar 2019 (MotoGP), Qatar 2017 (Moto2), Qatar 2013 (Moto3)
    Wins: 26 (16 MotoGP + 8 Moto2 + 2 Moto3)
    Sprint Wins: 4
    First GP Win: Aragón 2021 (MotoGP), Qatar 2018 (Moto2), Netherlands 2016 (Moto3)
    Pole position: 24 (17 MotoGP + 6 Moto2 + 1 Moto3)
    First: Qatar 2021 (MotoGP), France 2018 (Moto2), Great Britain 2016 (Moto3)
    World Titles: 2 (MotoGP 2022, Moto2 2018)

    Michele Pirro
    Bike: Ducati Desmosedici GP
    Race Number: 51
    GP Starts: 113 (66 x MotoGP, 18 x Moto2, 29 x 125cc)
    First GP: Qatar 2012 (MotoGP), Aragón 2010 (Moto2), Italy 2003 (125cc)
    Wins: 1 (Moto2)
    Sprint Wins: –
    First GP Win: Valencia 2011 (Moto2)
    Pole Position: 1 (Moto2)
    First Pole: Valencia 2011 (Moto2)
    World Title: –

    Championship Information

    Riders’ Standings
    Francesco Bagnaia (#1 Ducati Lenovo Team) – 1º (283 points)
    Michele Pirro (#23 Ducati Lenovo Team) -25° (5 points)

    Constructors’ Standings
    Ducati – 1º (416 points)

    Teams’ Standings
    Ducati Lenovo Team – 3º (318 points)

  • Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Venture into Unknown Territory: Indian GP

    Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Venture into Unknown Territory: Indian GP

    New Delhi, 20 Sept. 2023: The Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team are full of motivation at the start of the Asian leg of the 2023 MotoGP World Championship. They kick off the busy period with a new addition to the MotoGP calendar: the Grand Prix of India, held at the Buddh International Circuit.

    The Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team are excited to start the next challenge: for the Grand Prix of India they will be competing at a for the MotoGP paddock ’new circuit‘. Fabio Quartararo and Franco Morbidelli are keen to get to grips with the Buddh International Circuit as fast as possible during Round 13 of the 2023 MotoGP World Championship.

    As there are eight rounds coming up within 2.5 months‘ time, Quartararo has made sure he is physically and mentally in top shape. He currently holds 11th position in the championship standings and is aiming for solid points this weekend. The Frenchman is curious to see how quickly he can adapt to the Buddh International Circuit, as he is keen to put on a good show for the ’motorcycle-crazy‘ Indian fans.

    After a one-week break, Morbidelli has recharged his batteries. The Italian is in 12th place in the championship standings and eager to make some steps this weekend. With his future in MotoGP secured, he is able to completely focus on the task ahead and getting good results. He aims to quickly find a good rhythm on the Friday, as that is vital to having a good weekend.

    Though only added to the MotoGP calendar this year, the Buddh International Circuit was officially inaugurated on 18 October 2011. It‘s situated in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India. The current FIM track layout consists of 4.96km with 8 right and 5 left corners, noticeable changes in elevation, and a very long main straight of 1.006km. As none of the MotoGP riders have previous experience at this circuit on a premier-class bike, the fans can look forward to a level playing field as they start the Indian GP FP1 session on Friday morning.

    Those who want a sneak preview of the Buddh International Circuit track layout can check out this week‘s MotoGP eSport video.

    The Grand Prix of India is held in the GMT +5:30 time zone. An extended FP1 will take place on Friday from 11:15 – 12:25 local track time and an extra-long Practice session will be held from 15:30 – 16:40. On Saturday, FP2 is from 10:40 – 11:10, and the qualifying sessions from 11:20 – 12:00, followed by the Sprint starting at 15:30. On Sunday, Warm Up is held from 11:10 – 11:20 and the Race starts at 15:30.

  • Repsol Honda Team ready for the new challenge: Grand Prix of India

    Repsol Honda Team ready for the new challenge: Grand Prix of India

    New Delhi, 20 Sept. 2023: India becomes the latest nation to host a MotoGP World Championship round, the Repsol Honda Team pairing of Marc Marquez and Joan Mir excited to meet their Indian fans in person.

    Round 13 of the 2023 MotoGP World Championship season lands in India at the Buddh International Circuit, a new venue and a new host country for the sport. With millions of motorcycles and scooters used daily in the world’s second most populous country, it’s safe to say India is full of motorcycle racing fans. The 4.96 kilometers of the Buddh International Circuit look set to produce another thrilling round of racing, a mix of long straights, tight hairpins and technical sections offering up a variety of overtaking opportunities.

    Marc Marquez has always been a quick study and will be aiming to get up to speed and understand the 13 corners of Buddh as soon as possible. The #93 arrives on the back of a progressive weekend in Italy which culminated in seventh place, continuing his steady progress across the year. With a new track to learn, the work of the weekend will need to be balanced between learning and continuing to work on making improvements to the Honda RC213V.

    On the other side of the garage, Joan Mir is hoping that a new venue will bring new fortunes after a tricky end to the San Marino GP. Despite the end, Mir was able to make steps forward in improving his feeling with the Honda RC213V. More track and bike time will be the key to continuing this trend and the intense schedule at the end of the year will provide exactly this to the #36.

    It’s set to be a history-making weekend in India no matter what. Teams, riders and fans won’t have to wait long for their next fix of MotoGP action as the paddock will fly directly to Japan for Honda’s home race: the Japanese GP. This starts an intense period of eight GPs in ten weeks as the championship charges into the end of the season

    Marc Marquez said: “I am really excited to meet all of the fans in India. It’s always a nice moment when we bring MotoGP to a new country, new people and new fans to share our sport and our passion. We will need to work a lot to understand everything about the track and about our own situation with the bike. The objective is to put together another weekend like Misano, build over each day and have a good pair of races. Let’s get ready for India and to meet everyone!“

    Joan Mir said: “Visiting a new place is always really exciting, you see a lot on social media how many fans there are from India so I think it’s really important and great to go see them. The track itself looks like it will be interesting with a lot of different elements. There are many things to understand when you go to a new circuit so it’s important to do every step well, from walking the track when we arrive to making the most of every session on track.”

    Location Info: Buddh International Circuit, India

    Length4.96 kmWidth12 mLeft Corners5Rights Corners8Longest Straight1,006 mCircuit RecordsPole PositionNEW CIRCUITRace LapNEW CIRCUITRace TimeNEW CIRCUIT2023 WinnerNEW CIRCUIT
  • MICHELIN Power Slick tyres, first in the history of MotoGP

    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 fast

    New 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).

  • KY Ahamed gets wild card to race in front of home fans at the BIC in Moto3 class

    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.”

  • 10 days to go: MotoGP India all set to produce top speeds

    10 days to go: MotoGP India all set to produce top speeds

    New Delhi, 12 Sept. 2023: The excitement is building up as the inaugural MotoGP Bharat is just about 10 days away and motorsport fans across the globe are waiting with bated breaths to witness the race at the track that hosted three Formula One races about a decade ago.  

    The MotoGP Bharat will be held at the Buddh International Circuit in Gautam Buddh Nagar from September 22-24. The homologation process has been completed and certain modifications have been made to make it suitable for mototrycle racing.  

    However, one of the most exciting prospects is that the top speed could touch 370 Kmph. This year, Brad Binder of Red Bull KTM set the high-speed record at 366.1 Kmph. This new expected top speed of 370 Kmph is due to the long back straight, measuring 1006 metres. This straight stretch is divided into two parts – the first segment is downhill, that will allow the riders to achieve maximum acceleration, while the latter part, which is uphill, will enable them to brake late and maintain top speed. 

    Amit Sandill, Director Racing, Fairstreet Sports, said, “MotoGP Bharat is poised to redefine speed in the world of motorcycle racing. The Buddh International Circuit has undergone remarkable modifications, and it will be breathtaking to see the riders achieve mind boggling speeds.” 

    The parabola or the stadium section at turns 9 and 10, is the perfect camber for riders to slingshot out of the turns and permits them to push their bikes to the limit. The track’s surface gives exceptional grip to the tyres, offering riders complete control over their machines. Meanwhile, safety measures have been bolstered with the installation of 1800 metres of new safety barricading. 

    Carlos Ezpeleta, Chief Sporting Officer of Dorna Sports, added, “The changes made to the Buddh International Circuit are truly remarkable. This track now stands witness to India’s commitment to hosting world-class motorsport events. We believe the circuit has the potential to register speed that could rewrite the MotoGP record books.” 

    With a track that is flowing, fast, and includes 13 challenging turns (8 right and 5 left), the race promises to be full of action.  

    Some of the biggest names from the racing world including Francesco Bagnaia of Ducati, Marc Marquez of Repsol Honda Team, Marco Bezzecchi of Mooney, Brad Binder and Jack Miller of Red Bull KTM, Jorge Martin of Prima among others, will participate in the race.  

    Currently, Ducati’s Bagnaia leads the championship standings.  

  • Jorge Martin doubles up to home in on Bagnaia

    Jorge Martin doubles up to home in on Bagnaia

    Martin and Bezzecchi pip Pecco to cut the Championship deficit as Pedrosa threatens to spoil the party at Misano

    Misano, 10 Sept. 2023: Pole position, Tissot Sprint win and a Sunday race victory. Jorge Martin’s (Prima Pramac Racing) weekend at the Gran Premio Red Bull di San Marino e della Riviera di Rimini couldn’t have gone any better as the Spaniard made no mistakes to take maximum points on his title rivals’ stomping ground. The winning margin over second place Marco Bezzecchi (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) was just 1.3s as Bez homed in though, with reigning World Champion Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) fighting through the pain to claim an important third. And Pecco was only just ahead of some familiar company at Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli: wildcard Dani Pedrosa (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing).

    Martin untouchable again as Pecco fends off Pedrosa
    Just like he did in the Tissot Sprint, Martin got a perfect launch and pocketed the holeshot as Bezzecchi and Bagnaia slotted in behind. Pedrosa got away well again and was up to P4, and the MotoGP™ Legend held on after a moment between Turn 1 and 2 looking for a way through on Bagnaia. But Bagnaia then picked his way past Bezzecchi at Turn 3 as the #1 immediately began to hound Martin.

    Unlike yesterday, Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) made good progress off the start and at the beginning of Lap 2, the South African was up to P4 and began to chase Martin, Bagnaia and Bezzecchi.

    A fascinating early race fight was unfolding at the front. Martin, Bagnaia and Bezzecchi were locked together, with Binder 0.7s adrift heading onto Lap 5. On Lap 6, Bezzecchi passed Pecco for P6 down at Turn 8 but just like he did a lap previous, the Italian was wide at Turn 10 to allow the Champion back through. That gave Martin a little bit of breathing room – if you can call 0.3s that – as Binder went quicker than the trio in front of him.

    Disaster then struck for Binder at Turn 14 on Lap 8. The KTM star was down at the tight right-hand hairpin as his podium hopes ended, handing Pedrosa the lead KTM baton. The #26 was 1.5s off the leaders, as KTM’s afternoon then got worse as Jack Miller (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) crashed out of contention after being involved in an incident with Michele Pirro (Aruba.it Racing).

    Elsewhere, on Lap 12 of 27, it was time to cue the jaws music. Who for? Pedrosa. The wildcard was beginning to close at a vast rate of knots and with 15 laps left, Pedrosa was just 0.6s off Bezzecchi’s rear wheel. Unbelievable. The Little Samurai was the only rider lapping in the 1:31s at this stage of the race.

    Pedrosa’s pace dropped off soon after but the gap remained at just over a second. At the front, with 10 laps to go, Martin’s lead grew to over a second for the first time as the #89 began to get the hammer down. Were the injuries to Bagnaia and Bezzecchi starting to take their toll or was Martin’s pace just too good? Bezzecchi was looking impatient behind VR46 compatriot Bagnaia, and a move came at Turn 8. By now though, Martin’s advantage was 2.2s.

    Bagnaia was fading. Pedrosa was coming. 0.7s split the double World Champion from the three-time World Champion, with Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing) and an extremely classy ride for Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) putting him a further four seconds back after initially closing on the number 12. A huge six laps beckoned, could Bagnaia hold on to what would be a very valuable and hard-earned 16 points?

    With four laps to go, Bagnaia was holding Pedrosa at bay by 0.6s. Bezzecchi was now under two seconds away from Martin but it was too little too late, with the latter controlling his advantage nicely as he powered towards completing the perfect weekend.

    With two to go, Pedrosa was right on Bagnaia’s coattails. Catching the Ducati rider was one thing but as he found out in the Sprint, passing was a whole different kettle of fish. In the end, Bagnaia did hold on to a crucial P3 as Martin made no mistake to cap off a sensational weekend. Bezzecchi bagged P2 despite his injured hand to gain ground in the title chase.

    The points scorers in Misano
    Just off the podium of Martin, Bezzecchi and Bagnaia, Pedrosa took the chequered flag just 0.6s away from the rostrum as the Little Samurai again demonstrates why he’s a three-time World Champion and a MotoGP™ Legend. Unreal from the popular Spaniard, who finished six seconds up the road from fifth place Viñales.

    Miguel Oliveira (CryptoDATA RNF MotoGP™ Team) was sixth ahead of Marc Marquez, who somehow bags a brilliant P7 after racing with a soft rear tyre. Raul Fernandez (CryptoDATA RNF MotoGP™ Team) takes home his best MotoGP™ finish in P8, as the Ducatis of Luca Marini (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) and Johann Zarco (Prima Pramac Racing) complete the top 10.

    Alex Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™), Catalan GP winner Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing), Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™), a recovering Binder and Franco Morbidelli (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) closed out the points in San Marino.

    Pol Espargaro (GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3) and Joan Mir (Repsol Honda Team) joined Miller and Pirro as the riders to notch up DNFs.

    36 points in it heading to India!
    A brand-new challenge awaits us next time out as India hosts MotoGP™ for the very first time. Martin’s perfect weekend sees the gap between him and Championship leader Pecco sit at 36 points as the flyaway tour of the season begins… for the first time in some time, it’s back below the 37 points on offer in one weekend. Don’t miss it!

  • Jorge Martin wins Tissot Sprint; Bezzecchi second

    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).