INDIA in F1

Category: WSBK

FIM Superbike World Championship, World SuperSport…

  • Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, Victoria, Australia

    The beautiful Phillip Island circuit on the Bass Straight, off the coast of Victoria in Australia, is one of the most iconic and exciting venues in world motorsport. WorldSBK™ first raced at Phillip Island in 1990, just after the first MotoGP™ visit in 1989.

    That Australia has produced so many stars of two-wheel racing, such as Wayne Gardner, Mick Doohan, Troy Bayliss, Troy Corser and Casey Stoner, is a testament to the country’s rich motorcycle racing heritage.

    Paddock Show

    Exclusive to WorldSBK, the Paddock Show is back bigger than ever before. With more opportunity to meet the riders, win official WorldSBK goodies and an all new SuperShow on Saturday. More than two hours of entertainment involving riders from all classes, you won’t want to miss any of the on-stage action and autograph sessions.

    Exclusive Paddock Party with SBK Singalong starring WorldSBK riders on Saturday at 18:00 h.

    Live Commentary for all sessions from Friday to Sunday & Chat Show with special guests. (Schedule subject to changes. Follow PA announcements.)

    Fan Guide

    For the first time ever All 3 Day Ticket Holders get FREE Paddock Access.

    BIKES RIDE IN the PARC FERME in the PADDOCK: Bikes will end up in the heart of the paddock as they ride through into the new parc ferme, right next to the unique Paddock Show stage.
    Saturday: End of WorldSBK Superpole 2 /// End of WordSSP Superpole 2 /// End of WorldSBK Race 1
    Sunday:    End of WorldSSP Race /// End of WorldSBK Race 1

    KIDS FREE SUPER ZONE: Superbikes are fun for everyone so if you need to keep the kids entertained the terminator, action racer inflatable slide and chair-o-plane will keep them very happy and it’s all FREE.
    Located in Gardner Straight near the Expo.

    FREE OSET ELECTRIC MOTORBIKE RIDES: Throw your leg over an Oset electric bike just near the Kid’s Super Zone.

    WorldSBK EXPO: A regular and very popular highlight over the weekend is the Superbike Expo, located in the exhibition building alongside Gardner Straight, opposite the pit garages. Admission is FREE to event patrons and opens from 9:00 to 18:00 h Friday, 8:00 to 18:00 h Saturday and 8:00 to 17:00 h Sunday.

    HELICOPTER SCENIC FLIGHTS: The ultimate bird’s eye view of the Phillip Island Grand Prix race track. Tickets can be purchased from the helipad located near the Expo.

    NEW GO KARTS ARE ON! Situated via the Visitor Centre alongside the Circuit and overlooking Bass Straight.

    RACE SIMULATOR & GP SLOT CAR: The Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit Visitor Centre is located near the Gate 7a.

    ITALIAN GP MOTORCYCLE COLLECTION: Magnificent display of 24 Grand Prix racing bikes. Located at the Visitor Centre.

    MERCHANDISING: Official Superbike World Championship merchandise outlets located at Gardner Straight, Lukey Heights, Siberia and the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit Visitor Centre.

    PIT WALK:
    Friday         11:35 – 12:05 h / Pit Lane gate closing time 11:50 h
    Saturday     11:40 – 12:10 h / Pit Lane gate closing time 11:55 h.
    Sunday       12:15 – 13:00 h / Pit Lane gate closing time 12:30 h.
    Access only with Pit Walk Pass that can be purchased from the Event Information Office located at the base of the pedestrian overpass on Gardner Straight.

    Source: WorldSBK
    eom/Posted by David Bodapati

  • Phillip Island test – Ready for the kick off: FIM Superbike World Championship

    Just under a week remains ahead of the opening round of the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship around the spectacular Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, and riders are set to be out on track from 19th – 20th February in the final test of the off-season. Providing riders with an opportunity to make any final changes ahead of the Yamaha Finance Australian Round, the traditional two-day test is always a telling and important opening to the season.

    Kawasaki head into the test ready for a battle and will no doubt have a confidence boost as the Japanese manufacturer has had a strong winter testing period. Kawasaki Racing Team’s Jonathan Rea and Tom Sykes have been working on their ZX-10RR’s in compliance with 2018’s regulations and have not come away feeling downbeat. Full of praise for the team’s hard work and their new steeds, they will certainly be the target for the test. Making his WorldSBK debut will be Toprak Razgatlioglu (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing), as the Turkish rider moves up from STK1000. Noted by many as a rider to watch for the upcoming season, his new team have notably put little pressure on the 21-year-old, and he will continue to work on understanding the Ninja machine. It’s not only Puccetti who will have new riders taking on the ZX-10RR this season, with Yonny Hernandez making the leap over from MotoGP™ joining Team Pedercini Racing and Leandro Mercado taking on the Orelac Racing Verd Natura team. The green machines will certainly be ones to keep an eye on throughout the two-day test.

    Aruba.it Racing – Ducati is preparing for the new season with the same duo on their bikes, and as Chaz Davies and Marco Melandri begin to adjust to the new regulations for 2018, they will be putting the new parts into practise for the Official Phillip Island Test. Undergoing a strong test and race around the Australian circuit in 2017, going one step further will be the goal for 2018 as they hope to give the Panigale R a stunning final season. Barni Racing Team will once again run with the Italian manufacturer, and Xavi Fores has been putting in the hard work over the winter. Finishing in the top five in last season’s official test, the Spanish rider will make the most of his time out on track Down Under as he looks at making the step back onto the podium in 2018.

    Pata Yamaha Official WorldSBK Team is preparing for what they hope is set to be a strong 2018 season, as Alex Lowes and Michael van der Mark set their sights high for the season ahead. Lowes has had a very strong pre-season so far and is set to confirm some of the changes ahead of the opening round, at a circuit where he battled for the victory around in 2017. Van der Mark is heading into the test with some work remaining to do, but feeling confident ahead of the season. Guandalini Racing continues with Ondrej Jezek on the YZF-R1 for 2018, who will make the most of the vital testing time offered around the 4.4km circuit. Yamaha will also welcome the Yamaha Racing Team onto the grid in Australia, with Daniel Falzon and Wayne Maxwell taking on the WorldSBK class – and will no doubt use the valuable testing sessions prior to impressing their home crowds.

    Leon Camier (Red Bull Honda World Superbike Team) has been one of the stars of the WorldSBK winter testing, impressing with his new team at each circuit so far. Continuing to make updates on the CBR1000RR whilst awaiting a new electronics package, the British rider will utilise the time on track to be in the best possible position for the season. Jake Gagne (Red Bull Honda World Superbike Team) is set to make his debut Down Under, a track he has hailed as the one he is most looking forward to riding. With a steady pace so far in testing, he will have a methodical two-day test to work through the issues on the Honda. Tackling the third Honda on the grid, PJ Jacobsen (TripleM Honda World Superbike Team) has a big season ahead of him as his team also makes the move up into the WorldSBK class. Working closely with the Red Bull squad, no doubt the American will have a busy and productive two-day test.

    Remaining with the same duo in 2018, Milwaukee Aprilia is now the lone RSV4 RF beasts on the grid and will continue to work to make it a podium finisher with Eugene Laverty and Lorenzo Savadori. The team underwent a tough start to their season in 2017 Down Under, but after some solid days over the winter, there is no doubt they will be working their hardest to get their Italian machines into the competitive times.

    Riding for new teams for 2018, Loris Baz (GULF Althea BMW Racing Team) and Jordi Torres (MV Agusta Reparto Corse) will be continuing to develop a relationship with their new teams in order to create a strong working atmosphere. With the two day test, they can work on their overall pace around the circuit as well as be getting to grips with the bike as a whole, meaning it will be a busy two days for the pair.

    eom/with inputs from WSBK

  • Our adventure is underway; We thank India: NRT Riders Thomas Gradinger & Jules Cluzel

    Our adventure is underway; We thank India: NRT Riders Thomas Gradinger & Jules Cluzel

    An NRT image of team riders for 2018 debut in Phillip Island

    The two riders, Thomas Gradinger & Jules Cluzel, of the new Indian outfit, Nerd Racing Team are excited and after reaching Australia they expressed goodwill about the Mumbai launch saying: “Our adventure is underway! We would like to thank India & all the people who supported us by their presence at the event (in India).”

    Ahead of the first Official test at Phillip Island, Jules and Thomas did a quick Q&A. Excerpts…⠀
    ⠀
    How do you feel going into the 2018 season without testing?⠀
    JC – Initially, I felt apprehensive but now I am very excited, I know the bike and team are completely new but I am sure we can work well together.⠀
    TG – Sure I would prefer to test, but I feel well prepared and I know the potential of the bike and my crew. We can stay focused and work well on the two test days, we will be well prepared for the race weekend.⠀
    ⠀
    What were your reasons for signing with NRT this year?⠀
    JC – The package was really exciting for me, having Marcus as our engine builder was very appealing. Also, I have known Gary for many years and I know he can lead a good team.⠀
    TG – It was always my dream to ride in WorldSSP and the team has faith in me. I worked well with Frank and Thomas last year, and the engines are built by Markus and Thomas, so this was also a big factor in my decision.⠀
    ⠀
    As this is a new team, what are your feelings about them as a package?⠀
    JC – I know that the whole team is very motivated and ready to show how well we can work together. I like the motivation that the team has, it is a very big thing for me. As a new team, we have a lot to prove, and we will prove it. ⠀
    TG – My feelings are very good, I have no doubt in the team and they are very motivated and experienced in what they do.⠀
    ⠀
    Do you feel any pressure for 2018?⠀
    JC – I don’t really feel any pressure, we have a test before the first race in Phillip Island, let’s see what that brings.⠀
    TG – No way. It’s my first year on the big stage and I will learn a lot from the team, and Jules as my teammate. I´m very motivated and can’t wait to race at Phillip Island.

    eom/NRT World Supersport FB page

  • Thomas Gradinger set for NRT debut: WorldSSP

    2017 IDM Supersport Championship winner, Thomas Gradinger, will step onto the world stage next season with NRT, it can now be announced.

    It was in November 2017, that Ride Scotland confirmed the arrival of Thomas Gradinger to the Indian team.

    Since his wildcard entry at Lausitzring WorldSSP round back in August, where he made a firm impression with Team Manager Gary Reynders, he has been in talks with the team boss and can now confirm the rumours that he has signed with the Indian backed team.

    Gradinger commented: “I am very happy and thankful to get the chance from NRT to race in WorldSSP, it was my dream since I began racing. My goal for this season is to learn as much as I can and improve every race. I can’t wait until the first race to work with my crew.”

    Gary Reynders: “I am very happy I have the opportunity to give a young Austrian rider the chance to compete in an FIM Supersport World Championship. His performance in Lausitzring was impressive and we hope he can continue to develop his skills with our team.”

    eom/Ride Scotland website

  • Cluzel ready for NRT debut at Phillip Island: World SSP

    Jules Cluzel – Rider #16 ⠀⠀
    ⠀⠀
    To many, Jules needs no introduction, to the few, he is already a World Class rider with many Victories, Podiums and Pole Positions to his name.⠀⠀
    ⠀⠀
    Riding MX from the age of 4, training in gymnastics & winning the local Go-kart Championship at age 12, his parents then bought a local motorcycle dealership and tempted Jules back onto 2 wheels again. He then realised his passion was to be on the tarmac. His first 125cc took him on to a very respectable 2nd place in the French Junior Cup back in 2004 and he’s moved and risen through the ranks ever since. His target for 2018 is to build on his strengths and he’s confident he can be stronger than ever. “I believe consistency is the key to good results. I’m sure that when we combine this with the package of an experienced team and competitive Yamaha R6, that we can produce some excellent results. I’m really looking forward to being part of NRT’s debut season, come along with us for the ride!”⠀⠀UAE based, Nerds Racing Team have secured the services of French World Supersport rider Jules Cluzel, for their debut into the World Supersport Championship for the 2018 season.

    Way back in October 2017, Cluzel was recruited by the Indian outfit NRT.

    Teaming up with another young star, Thomas Gradinger, who was recently confirmed, Cluzel is hungry for a Championship win.  After many  World supersport race wins and with total confidence in his future package and his highly-experienced team around him, Cluzel is aiming for the top spot on the podium.

    NRT Team Owner, Vafi Khan commented- “Nothing is impossible with vivid dreams and the right team.We are excited and also thankful that Jules has the confidence to join our new team. He has discussed at length the team’s aims and goals and is ready to give 100% in return.

    Jules Cluzel added: “I’m really excited to join this promising project. I know few people inside the Team and I’m pretty sure we will be ready to fight for the victory from Phillip Island 2018 opening round.

    ends/with inputs from NRT team

  • Honda Motor Europe appoints Chris Pike as new WorldSBK Operations Manager

    Honda Motor Europe appoints Chris Pike as new WorldSBK Operations Manager

    Chris Pike, Operations Head, Hond Motor Europe from 15feb2018 World SBK. HondaImage

    Honda Motor Europe has appointed Chris Pike as its new Operations Manager for the FIM World Superbike Championship (WorldSBK). Pike inherits the position vacated by Marco Chini last month and will manage Honda’s operational and technical support in the WorldSBK paddock, including the Red Bull Honda World Superbike Team and Triple M Racing Honda World Superbike Team squads.

    Pike brings to the role a wealth of technical experience in racing, having worked within the Honda family across a unique blend of championships including WorldSBK, MotoGP, Endurance World Championship and British Superbike. Pike’s time in WorldSBK dates back to the very first race at Donington in 1988 and he was part of Honda’s world championship winning campaigns in 1997, 2000 and 2002. More recently he worked with Honda as a crew chief in WorldSBK from 2012 to 2014 before making the move to MotoGP.

    Pike starts his new role with immediate effect ahead of the first round of the 2018 WorldSBK season opener at Phillip Island, Australia from February 23-25.

    Chris Pike – WorldSBK Operations Manager, Honda Motor Europe felt: “I am very happy to be stepping up to the role of Honda Motor Europe’s Operations Manager in World Superbike; a championship that holds many good memories for me. Although it is a return to a championship I know very well, this a fresh, new challenge for me and I’m looking forward to applying all that I’ve learned over the years to help Honda be a force in this very competitive series.”

    Robert Watherston, Head of Motorsport, Honda Motor Europe said: “Chris has been a part of the Honda Racing family for over twenty years and his vast and varied experience will be a real asset to our World Superbike operation. With Honda now having three CBR1000RR machines on the grid, expert oversight from both a technical and operational perspective is critical. In Chris, I believe we have the ideal candidate to move this project forward strongly and help us achieve our goals.”

    eom/Honda Racing press release

     

  • Andrea Ballerini, Crew Chief of Rider Jules Cluzel; WorldSSP Nerd Racing Team (NRT)

    Andrea Ballerini⠀
    Crew Chief – Jules Cluzel⠀
    ⠀
    The only Italian in the Nerd Racing Team!
    (They say they couldn’t cope with more than 1..!)
    Andrea has himself also competed on a professional level. ⠀
    In addition to the World Championship, he participated in the European Speed Championship in 1997, finishing in third place and in 2001, finishing second in the 125cc class behind Andrea Dovizioso.

    His first season in the World Championship dates back to 1995 on an Aprilia in the 125cc class. He continued to compete in this class until 2004 before moving on to the 250cc class and running another two years in this category.

    He took his first and only success in a Grand Prix in 2003 at the Australian GP, retiring from competitive action at the end of the 2006 season.

    He has then worked as a mechanic in both Moto2 and World Supersport for many years, and lately, he has been working as Crew Chief for some very successful riders such as Sam Lowes and Gino Rea.
    ⠀
    As with most of our other team members, Andrea’s out of work passion is also Motocross! ⠀
    eom/Inputs from NRT FB page
    #NRT #NRTWorldsupersport 
  • Circuit de Magny-Cours extends contract, to host WorldSBK until 2022

    Circuit de Magny-Cours extends contract, to host WorldSBK until 2022

    A file photo of SBK race by Dorna.
    Magny-Cours, 8 Feb 2018: Circuit de Magny-Cours and Dorna WSBK Organization are thrilled to announce a contract extension, which will see the French Circuit host the Motul FIM Superbike World Championship until 2022 following a press conference attended by Mr Saulnier (Chairman of the Board), Daniel Carrera (WorldSBK Executive Director), Marc Saurina (WorldSBK Commercial & Marketing Director) and Loris Baz (Gulf Althea BMW Racing Team).

    History was made at the ever-popular French Round in 2017, the stunning weekend saw Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team) crowned WorldSBK champion for the third time in succession, becoming the first rider to ever reach this feat.

    Providing fantastic racing, the Circuit of Magny-Cours has been home to the French round since 2003, with world-class facilities and welcoming racing passion not only from the French but from an international fanbase. The Circuit de Magny-Cours will continue to host WorldSBK racing action until 2022, which will come as a delight to many.
    Chairman of the Board of Magny-Cours Circuit, Serge Saulnier emphasizes “To secure the presence of WorldSBK over the next 5 years at Magny-Cours, is a mark of mutual trust towards the future of this discipline.”

    WorldSBK Executive Director Daniel Carrera explains: “Continuing to visit the French circuit of Magny-Cours was an easy decision to make, and one which will welcome stunning racing action for seasons to come. Hosting a world class event with fantastic facilities, passionate fans, and hard-working staff, we look forward to returning to France for the next five seasons.”

  • NRT World Supersport Racing team launched for WorldSSP 2018

    Thomas Gradinger Rider #36. An NRT image

    The Nerd Racing Team, backed by Indian owner Vafi Khan, are set to compete in this year’s FIM Supersport World Championship, a support race at WSBK. The team is set for entering a big world of racing. Jules Cluzels and Thomas Gradinger will be the team’s riders for 2018.

    INDIAinF1.com will profile the exploits of the Nerd Racing Team from today.

    On Saturday, February 3rd, the Team was launched

    Jules Cluzel joined NRT in Oct 2017.
    World SBK image

    at the Sofitel Hotel in Mumbai. The owner, along with Yasmeen Khan (CFO), riders and Team Manager, had a packed afternoon as the media fired over many questions, and the audience showed great interest.

    When asked his vision for the team, Vafi explained: “We hope to bring motorsport back into the hearts of the Indian fans”.

    ‘Befikre’ star Vaani Kapoor, present at the event, encouraged and supported the team, hoping for the best result for their debut season.

    The team of 15 are hopeful and confident of what is set to be a challenging and exciting year at WorldSSP. The 2018 season kicks off in Phillip Island, Australia, on 23-25 February, where they’ll be gunning for a victory on the world stage.

    Check Andrea Ballerini

    eom/source: NRT FB page

     

  • Pre-season progress continues for Red Bull Honda WSBK Team

    Pre-season progress continues for Red Bull Honda WSBK Team

    A Red Bull Honda World Superbike Team in action at the pre-season test in Portimao on Monday, 29 Jan 2018. A Red Bull World SBK team image

    The Red Bull Honda World Superbike Team continued its preparation for the 2018 WorldSBK season with two days of productive testing at the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve in Portimão, Portugal.

    Following on from a successful test at Jerez a few days earlier, Red Bull Honda World Superbike Team with riders Leon Camier and Jake Gagne were again in fine form, completing 189 laps between them, as they continued evaluating chassis and engine components for the Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade SP2 ahead of the 2018 WorldSBK season.

    After setting a scorching pace at Jerez, Camier once more showed a very fast turn of speed, setting a best lap time of 1’41.623 on the newly laid Portimão asphalt. For American rider Gagne, it was his first taste of the undulating Portuguese circuit and his continued improvement over the two days was unfortunately cut short with a crash. Medical checks revealed that he had suffered no serious injury, but he was forced to miss the rest of the day’s running.

    With a successful pre-season testing stint in Europe now complete, the Red Bull Honda World Superbike Team heads down under for the official WorldSBK pre-season test at Phillip Island, Australia from February 19-20.

     

    Leon Camier

    Leon Camier 2: It was a good test all in all, we made a lot of progress and smoothing things out as we go. We did some slightly longer runs as well to understand how the bike’s going to work towards the middle and end of the race, I was pretty comfortable with that. We still have some areas we’d like to work on to improve our race pace and lap time on the race tyre but it’s all progressing. We had a good feeling on the qualifying tyre as well so, as I said, all in all pretty happy and looking forward to getting to the first race and getting started.

    – Red Bull Honda World Superbike Team
    Jake Gagne

    Jake Gagne 45  First time here at Portimão and I like the circuit a lot, it was a lot of fun. I knew straightaway when I was walking it that I’d really enjoy it and that it would suit my style a lot more. We had a good day going yesterday, the first day on the track, I really enjoyed it; we made some progress with the bike and I made some progress with my riding. I felt a lot more comfortable than when we left Jerez, unfortunately we didn’t get the last couple of hours in yesterday which I think we could have made some good progress in. Today started off good, really happy with how we left yesterday, but unfortunately I had a little off and missed the rest of the day. It’s a shame because I think we had a lot of potential here at this track, but I’m actually really happy and I have a really good feeling with the bike. I’m riding it better and learning a lot so I’m ready to go to the Island, I’m ready for Australia.

    – Red Bull Honda World Superbike Team
    Kervin Bos

    Kervin Bos, Team Manager: I’m more than happy with the combination of the tests from Jerez and Portimão because we finished both tests in good positions, even today we had the second best time. This was on soft tyres but from Leon’s side we can see that we have a good pace. In my point of view we are really in the pack to fight for the top positions, of course it looks like the current champion Jonathan Rea and his teammate Tom Sykes are the ones to beat but behind them there are big possibilities. I’m more than happy with the total situation of the team as we have a really fast rider with Leon Camier and of course Jake Gagne who has a lot of potential and could be a dark horse in Australia. He has a good guy next to him in the box so he can learn from his data and from his adjustments. The Red Bull Honda World Superbike Team has had a really good, proper winter testing programme and I think we can say that we are more than ready for Australia.

    – Red Bull Honda World Superbike Team

    eom/posted by db