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  • 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

  • Hyundai Motorsport leads 1-2-3 after opening day’s action: WRC Round 2

    Hyundai Motorsport leads 1-2-3 after opening day’s action: WRC Round 2

    Torsby (Sweden) 16 Feb 2018: Hyundai Motorsport has completed a competitive opening day of action in Rally Sweden, round two of the 2018 FIA World Rally Championship, with its crews leading an incredibly close battle among the WRC field.

    At the end of Friday’s action, a total of 140km of tricky snowy stages, Thierry Neuville and co-driver Nicolas Gilsoul find themselves top of the table with a slender 4.9-second margin over their team-mates Andreas Mikkelsen/Anders Jæger in second and Hayden Paddon/Seb Marshall in third.

    Friday’s action consisted of three stages run twice – the 21.26km Hof-Finnskog, 24.88km Svullrya and 19.13km Röjden tests – and a shorter 9.56km stage in Torsby to finish the day. Stages crossed over the Sweden-Norway border, offering a home flavour for Mikkelsen and Jæger, with a lunchtime service in the Swedish service park at Torsby splitting the two loops.

    Fresh snowfall made life difficult for those running earlier on the road order, with few visible lines available to negotiate the treacherous stages. Still, conditions were tricky for everyone with most crews content to make it to the end of the day.

    The Hyundai Motorsport crews completed Friday’s itinerary in style with a stage 1-2-3 in Torsby, led by Paddon, the team’s first stage lockout with three cars since Rallye Monte-Carlo 2016. Each of the three crews had already registered a stage win earlier in the day with Neuville quickest in SS3, Mikkelsen in SS4 and Paddon in SS5.

    At this early stage in a notoriously difficult rally, the team is keeping its expectations in check and with its focus firmly on another trouble-free day on Saturday.

    Crew Notes: Neuville/Gilsoul (#5 Hyundai i20 Coupe WRC)

    • Stage win in SS3 (Svullrya) moved Belgians into the lead
    • Stayed in lead for rest of the day, gradually building up their advantage to 4.9 seconds

    Neuville said: “What a day! We have just tried to stay focused on the job and doing what we can from our middle road position. We set ourselves the goal being consistent and fast, not making any mistakes. The car has felt good, the settings were spot on and I have felt comfortable. The cars at the front have suffered a bit in the snowy conditions. Every time I pushed I felt that I was creating faster lines for the guys behind to follow, so it was a tricky balance. To have finished the day with all three Hyundai i20 Coupe WRCs in the top-three is a good morale boost, but we know there is a long way to go. We are trying to fight for victory here, but we’ll have to see what we can do tomorrow.” 

    Crew Notes: Mikkelsen/Jæger (#4 Hyundai i20 Coupe WRC)

    • Stage win in SS4 (Röjden), the Norwegian crews tenth in total for Hyundai Motorsport
    • Second overall between their team-mates as part of Hyundai Motorsport 1-2-3

    Mikkelsen said: “We have made a good start and for sure it’s great to see all three Hyundai Motorsport crews in the top-three at the end of Friday. We used the morning loop to build our confidence and rhythm. We were able to get better stage-by-stage, culminating in a stage win before lunchtime service. I have been really pleased with our progression. Of course, there is no question that the guys first on the road have a disadvantage, but it’s still tricky even for us running later. We took things a bit carefully in places. We have one notch in reserve if we need it, but that brings its own risks. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed driving at home with the stages in Norway today, and I hope that support can see us to a good result come Sunday afternoon.”

    Crew Notes: Paddon/Marshall (#6 Hyundai i20 Coupe WRC)

    • First WRC event for crew since scoring a podium in Australia 2017
    • Two stage wins (SS5/SS8) and top-three in classification, 12.1s from lead

    Paddon said: “It is great to be back for our first WRC event of 2018. Our objective today was to get the rhythm back. The conditions were not easy. We had to be conscious of keeping the car in the lines and adapting both the car and my driving to suit the stages. The ruts became really pronounced in the afternoon loop. If you go outside of the lines, you become a passenger in your own car, so we had to pull back a bit at times. The road position has helped but we wanted to have a sensible approach to the day, and a clean run, which we have had. There is room for improvement, but the positions are encouraging and there’ll be more to give tomorrow.”

    Three of a kind

    Team Principal Michel Nandan commented: “We have seen some tricky Rally Sweden conditions today and from our team’s perspective it has been a strong start to the weekend. We have to acknowledge that road position has played its part with the earlier cars disadvantaged compared to those running later in the order. Having said that, it was a challenging day for all crews regardless of starting position. We wanted to get all three of our cars to the end of Friday with no problems, and we’ve achieved that. The fact we are currently leading the rally with a 1-2-3 is an added bonus but not something we are getting carried away with. It has been incredibly close today and I expect that to continue. One bad stage and you can lose many positions on the standings, so we have to remain vigilant and keep concentrated on each stage as it comes.”

    Saturday’s itinerary at a glance

    • Eight stages will be contested on Saturday, including a repeat loop of the 19.68km Torntorp, 23.40km Hagfors, and 14.21km Vargåsen stages.
    • The highlight of the day’s action will be the thrilling Colin’s Crest jump in the Vargåsen stage, where crews will endeavour to record the furthest distance.
    • The final two stages of the day will be the shorter 1.90km Super Special in Karlstad, first run on Thursday evening, and the 3.43km Torsby Sprint.
    • All in all, a total of 120.31km of special stages will be held on a
      2018 FIA World Rally Championship
      Round 02, Rally Sweden
      15-18 February 2018
      Thierry Neuville, Nicolas Gilsoul, Hyundai i20 Coupe WRC
      Photographer: Austral
      Worldwide copyright: Hyundai Motorsport GmbH

      penultimate day with plenty more snowy action forecast.

    Classification after Day One

    1 T. Neuville N. Gilsoul Hyundai i20 Coupe WRC 1:16:13.1
    2 A. Mikkelsen A. Jæger Hyundai i20 Coupe WRC +4.9
    3 H. Paddon S. Marshall Hyundai i20 Coupe WRC +12.1
    4 C. Breen S. Martin Citroën C3 WRC +12.6
    5 M. Østberg T. Eriksen Citroën C3 WRC +13.2
    6 T. Suninen M. Markkula Ford Fiesta WRC +29.6
    7 E. Lappi J. Ferm Toyota Yaris WRC +38.5
    8 J. M. Latvala M. Anttila Toyota Yaris WRC +1:06.2
    9 O. Tänak M. Järveoja Toyota Yaris WRC +1:29.0
    10 K. Meeke P. Nagle Citroën C3 WRC +1:43.6
  • RAVENOL partners with Sahara Force India

    RAVENOL partners with Sahara Force India

    Image courtesy Sahara Force India F1 team
    Sahara Force India is pleased to announce a partnership with RAVENOL, the high-quality lubricants specialists.

    The Ravensberger Schmierstoffvertrieb GmbH based in Werther, Germany, manufactures and markets high-quality lubricants under the brand name “RAVENOL” since 1946. Their Research and Development Department, one of the most technically advanced in the world, is where some of the most innovative lubricants on the market today are developed – not only to meet, but often to exceed the requirements of even the most ambitious vehicle manufacturer and to comply with future regulations. Their high-quality lubricants will be supplied directly to the Force India development center in Silverstone.

    Vijay Mallya, Team Principal and Managing Director of Sahara Force India: “I’m delighted to welcome RAVENOL to the team as we prepare for the start of the 2018 season. Formula One represents a fantastic opportunity for RAVENOL to reach a huge global audience and increase awareness of its high quality products. We look forward to a successful partnership as we work with RAVENOL to achieve their marketing objectives.”

    RAVENOL’s Head of Motorsport, Martin Huning, sees the entry into Formula 1 as the next logical step in further developing a brand already respected in motorsport around the world. “We are committed to reducing fuel consumption and environmental impact by continually utilising the latest developments in lubrication technology to produce some of the most advanced lubricants available. To have been chosen as the Official Lubricants Partner of the Sahara Force India F1 Team serves to underline the quality of our products”.

    The partnership will see RAVENOL branding appear on the bargeboard of the team’s VJM11 car as well as on the drivers’ race suits.
     

    eom/SFI release
  • Buriram awaits as MotoGP testing heads for Thailand and the newest venue on the calendar

    Buriram awaits as MotoGP testing heads for Thailand and the newest venue on the calendar

    New country, new culture, new challenge…but the same incredible riders ready to take on the track. It’s time for Chang International Circuit in Buriram to debut in MotoGP™, with a three-day test giving the grid their first taste of the venue ahead of the first ever PTT Thailand Grand Prix in October.

    So where is Buriram? About five hours from Bangkok, in the north east of the country. The 4.6km track, built in 2014, has so far only challenged WorldSBK to its five right-and seven left-handers. That means it’s a total reset from Sepang – where Jorge Lorenzo (Ducati Team) was fastest, putting in the quickest ever laptime around the track – and there’s a new whole new set of records to be established.Ducati have begun 2018 very satisfied with their progress over the winter. Both Lorenzo and 2017 runner up teammate Andrea Dovizioso have good things to say about the GP18 and Team Manager Davide Tardozzi hinted at Sepang that there could be much more to see at Buriram, too. The Borgo Panigale factory were the pioneers of winglets and then aero-fairings in recent history – could there be another innovation ready to come out of hibernation at Sepang?

    For Honda, they have their own aero-fairing to investigate further but spent the first test focused largely elsewhere and on the engine, with reigning Champion Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) and teammate Dani Pedrosa joined by HRC test rider Cal Crutchlow (LCR Honda Castrol) on testing duty. There were a lot of positive reports at Sepang, and Pedrosa and Crutchlow made their presences routinely felt at the sharp end of the timesheets. Marquez ended Sepang a little lower down, but wasn’t concentrating on a time attack…

    Yamaha, meanwhile, will be hoping to use the heat of Buriram and the possible lower grip levels to their advantage. After two very positive first days testing at Sepang for both Maverick Viñales and Valentino Rossi, Day 3 was a little more difficult for the Iwata marque. As well as refining their new bike and attempting to fully eradicate any trace of low grip woes, Yamaha also had an aero fairing on track at Sepang and there were positive reports – will we see the same again, or another iteration of the idea?

    Team Suzuki Ecstar were also contributors to aero-watch – but more of the headlines were stolen by Alex Rins, who begins his second season fully fit and has shown some impressive pace. But it’s good reading for teammate Andrea Iannone, too – with the Hamamatsu factory looking like they’ve averted the mistakes of preseason last year and are ready to get back in the hunt nearer the front.

    Red Bull KTM Factory Racing were another with aero innovations in the first test and showed an incredible step forward as they begin their sophomore season. Despite Pol Espargaro sitting out Day 3 after a hard crash, the 2013 Moto2™ Champion was more than a second quicker than in 2017, and teammate Bradley Smith eight tenths further forward. At Buriram, there’s no 2017 marker against which to measure their ever-impressive progress – but there’s also no advantage for anyone else. Sadly, however, Espargaro will sit out the test in Thailand due to injury.

    In the Independent Team ranks, Monster Yamaha Tech 3 rider Johann Zarco remains locked into refining what he will run this season – and there will be a new face on the other side of the Tech 3 garage. Hafizh Syahrin will be testing at Buriram, with a view to taking on the seat vacated by Jonas Folger. The Malaysian rider, who has a number of podium finishes in Moto2™, has been consistently fast in the intermediate class and now becomes the first from his nation to take on MotoGP™. He’ll feel the pressure, but for the ‘Pescao’, the most important thing to show will be consistent progress.

    There are other four rookies already having tested their new steeds – reigning Moto2™ Champion Franco Morbidelli and teammate Tom Lüthi at EG 0,0 Marc VDS, Takaaki Nakagami (LCR Honda Idemistu) and Xavier Simeon (Reale Avinta Racing). Nakagami had the upper hand at Sepang and the Japanese rider has so far been the benchmark – but his fellow debutants will be pushing hard to hit back.

    Progress is also the buzzword for riders who have changed teams for 2018, too. Jack Miller (Alma Pramac Racing) has been a stunner so far as he takes to life on a Ducati and already seems on the pace with teammate Danilo Petrucci. Tito Rabat (Reale Avintia Racing) is another who seems happy in his new home. Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing Team Gresini), meanwhile, remains making progress at Aprilia, with searching for more power the name of the game over winter.

    Preparations for 2018 are now at full speed. So who will stake an early claim on Buriram? Find out from the 16th February for the first ever three days of MotoGP™ action in Thailand, from 9:30 to 17:30 local time (GMT +7). And on Friday and Saturday, the final fifteen minutes of the session are reserved for practice starts.

    Then, as always, there’s After the Flag rounding up all the action after the…flag!

    eom/MotoGP release

  • 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