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Bagnaia beats Marquez to take Mugello Pole… decided by 0.078 after close Q2
Less than a tenth of a second and one lengthy on-track debate decides pole in favour of Pecco, with MM93 second and Alex Marquez third fastest
Mugello, 10 June 2023: Another Saturday, another stunning Q2… and another portion of spice for the history books! At the Gran Premio d’Italia Oakley, Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) has beaten Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) to pole by another tiny margin, this time 0.078, and the two once again exchanged some words as the number 93 slotted in behind the reigning World Champion on track. In Q2, Alex Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) was third fastest despite having come through Q1, grabbing a front row for the Tissot Sprint right at the end, but he’ll serve his 3-place grid penalty on Sunday… bumping Luca Marini (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) up to a front row for the Grand Prix race.
Q1
As ever, there were some big names in Q1 looking for a spot in the top ten shootout, including Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™), Jack Miller (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing), Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing) and Alex Marquez. The number 73 set the benchmark early on and no one could get close – but it was a tense finale for the rest fighting over that second chance to move through.Initially it was held by Viñales before a late lap from Miller saw the Aussie steal it, but both the number 12 and Quartararo were still out there giving it one last shot. Viñales was close in the first two sectors before his time started to fade, and Quartararo the opposite as he started out of touch, got within two tenths, and then lost out over the line. So that was that: Alex Marquez led Miller through, Viñales loses out, and Franco Morbidelli (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) pips teammate Quartararo to P14.
Q2
Early on, Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo Team) was on a race to get back out after a crash, and Marc Marquez was making friends with a tow, this time slotted in behind Marco Bezzecchi (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) as they went to the top. Next, Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) took over on provisional pole and the stage was set for a fairly shot at the top.Then the fireworks really started. Marc Marquez came out of pitlane behind Bezzecchi but at a distance… and Bagnaia was heading down the main straight. As he headed round Turn 1 and saw the Repsol Honda ahead, the Italian immediately started gesticulating. He moved alongside the Honda and did the same, with Marquez not going anywhere, and then Pecco put the hammer down. The number 93 followed and the two shot off round Mugello.
That lap was a different kind of fireworks, with Pecco setting a new lap record and laying down the gauntlet, ignoring the Honda on his tail. Could Marquez do what he did in Portugal and nearly did in France, pipping the reigning World Champion at the post? Not this time. As the Repsol Honda crossed the line, it was into second place… by just 0.078. And what a show!
It wasn’t over there as Jack Miller (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) shot up into third, and Alex Marquez was on the move. The number 73 just shuffled his fellow Q1 graduate off the front row, and that seemed a wrap. Even after the session, however, came a change. After reviewing a suspected track limits infraction for Marini at Turn 5 that had seen the Italian’s lap cancelled, it was later reinstated – putting him fourth in the session.
THE GRID(S)
That makes it Bagnaia – Marquez, Marc – Marquez, Alex fronting the grid for the Tissot Sprint at Mugello, with Marini at the head of Row 2. The Italian has Miller and Martin alongside on Saturday.On Sunday, however, Alex Marquez has a 3-place grid penalty given in Le Mans, so the Grand Prix race grid will be Bagnaia, Marc Marquez and Marini on the front row, and Miller, Martin and Alex Marquez on Row 2.
Bezzecchi therefore heads up Row 3, joined by Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing) as he rode through the pain barrier into P8, just ahead of Johann Zarco (Prima Pramac Racing) and Alex Rins (LCR Honda Castrol). Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing), after a crash at Turn 11, will start 11th, looking for some immediate progress off the line. Bastianini rounds out Q2 as he couldn’t move up the order after that early crash.
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Bagnaia heads Bezzecchi by 0.063, Rins and Binder give chase
The top two in the title race end a scintillating P2 at the summit, with Marc Marquez IN and Quartararo out of Q2 despite stellar start.
Mugello, Friday, 09 June 2023: Caught your breath yet? We haven’t either! A scintillating end to MotoGP™ Practice 2 decided the automatic Q1 and Q2 places at the Gran Premio d’Italia Oakley, and it’s home hero Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) leading the way thanks to a 1:45.436 – but his advantage is slender. Title rival Marco Bezzecchi (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) is second and just 0.063s off his compatriot, with third quickest Alex Rins (LCR Honda Castrol) impressing, also within a tenth of Pecco’s effort.
Francesco Bagnaia (#1 Ducati Lenovo Team) – 1st (1:45.436)
“Luckily I’m feeling well. I’m having more pain walking than riding the bike, so it’s OK. Thanks to the boot, I don’t have any issue. I’m happy with the performance, we worked well today. We improved a lot compared to this morning, when we decided not to go with the soft rear, it didn’t rain so it was a good strategy. Also in terms of feeling with used tyres, I’m very happy and I feel prepared for the Sprint Race tomorrow. The time-attack went well in one of the most wonderful tracks in the calendar, so I’m happy about the first day. For sure we have to wait a bit because it looks like the conditions will change tomorrow with rain, but we are prepared for everything. I’m happy to be in Q2, and my goal is to do a smart race because in case of rain it’s important to be competitive and not take many risks.”A steady start
After struggling with a cycling injury he picked up on Thursday at the circuit and a crash in Practice 1, a limping Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing) was back on track for Practice 2 as the Spaniard and the returning Miguel Oliveira (CryptoDATA RNF MotoGP™ Team) were the only two riders to improve their morning times in the opening half an hour of the afternoon outing. Then, just ahead of the 15-minute remaining mark, Bagnaia joined them – but the reigning World Champion was only up into P15.A breathless finish
Then, the business end of the session commenced. Espargaro climbed to P15 – just 0.4s off – before Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) then climbed to P5. First shots fired, we then had 12 minutes to go to decide the Q1 and Q2 running order for Saturday morning’s qualifying.The first bit of drama saw Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) crash as he turned up the wick on fresh soft rubber, down unhurt at Turn 14 while the #93 was sat P9. How costly would that prove? Well, straight away, he was shoved to P11 as a quintet of riders pounced to P1, P2, P3, P4 and P5, with Bezzecchi then fronting the times with a 1:45.808. Joining the Italian in the top five were Martin, Bagnaia, Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) and Raul Fernandez (CryptoDATA RNF MotoGP™ Team) with six minutes to go, as the riders ventured out for their second time attacks. 0.7s split the top 18, it was time to strap in for a barnstorming end to Friday as Marc Marquez completed his sprint to the box to get back out.
Once he was, he slotted in just behind Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing) as his reference. And it was a great reference. Both were 0.2s under Bezzecchi’s time through the second split and coming across the line, Marc Marquez went P1! But not for long. First Rins and then Bagnaia stole top spot as MotoGP™ lit up magnificent Mugello. There was still more to come as, shadowing Bagnaia, Bezzecchi went P2, and in the blink of an eye Marc Marquez was shoved to P7.
Two late laps shuffled the order further after the chequered flag was waved. Binder fired his way up to P4 and the wounded Espargaro worked wonders to pinch a late P9, which subsequently pushed his teammate Viñales out of an all-important top 10.
That leaves a top three of Bagnaia, Bezzecchi and Rins, with Binder just 0.118s off in P4 and Martin a close P5. The returning Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo Team) shows us and Ducati what we’ve been missing with a classy P6, ahead of Johann Zarco (Prima Pramac Racing) in P7.
Marc Marquez takes P8 in the end, as Espargaro and Luca Marini (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) pull rabbits out the hat to claim P9 and P10 respectively, both riding through the pain barrier.
As we so often see, Q1 is brimming with stars. Practice 1 pacesetter Alex Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) ended up 0.4s off top spot in P13 as Viñales and Raul Fernandez miss out by a hairs width too. And Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™), after a storming P1 session, cut a frustrated figure at the end of Friday, having only managed P16. He sits behind Jack Miller (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) and Yamaha teammate Franco Morbidelli heading into qualifying.
SHOWTIME
And so, after an action-packed Friday, there’s no telling what’s yet to come at Mugello! The stage is set for Qualifying and the Tissot Sprint, and here’s when it all gets underway in GMT+2:All local circuit times:
MotoGP™ FP: 10:10
MotoGP™ Q1: 10:50
MotoGP™ Q2: 11:15
Tissot Sprint: 15:00. -
JK Tyre to launch TSD Ranger Odyssey at Coimbatore on June 10
New Delhi, June 09, 2023: JK Tyre, a leading global tyre manufacturer, announces the much-anticipated Ranger Odyssey, a family navigation event designed to celebrate the love for long drives and ignite the spirit of adventure in participants who are wild at heart. The maiden event will flag off on June 10th in Coimbatore and will be followed by events in five other cities- Pune, Hyderabad, Cochin, Chandigarh & Gurgaon. The rally will test the mettle of drivers and navigators as they traverse diverse terrain and routes, competing under the time, speed, and distance (TSD) format.
Motorsport fans treasure rallies for their thrilling mix of skill, precision, and teamwork. The Time-Speed-Distance (TSD) rally format specifically tests drivers and navigators on maintaining correct speed and timing while following a designated route using a roadbook. The inclusive nature of these events even allows family members to join, making it a fun family experience.
Mr. Srinivasu Allaphan, Director-Sales & Marketing, JK Tyre & Industries Ltd. said at the announcement of the RANGER ODYSSEY, “The Ranger Odyssey encapsulates the essence of adventure, inviting participants to embark on an extraordinary journey that blends adrenaline, competition, and camaraderie. Join us as we embark on this exhilarating adventure, fuelled by the pursuit of excellence and the unwavering commitment to deliver exceptional motorsport experiences.“
JK Tyre & Industries Ltd, ranked among the top 25 tyre manufacturers globally, has been a pioneer in introducing world-class motorsports to India. With a rich legacy spanning three decades, the company has been instrumental in creating an ecosystem that allows motorsport enthusiasts to participate and provides spectacles for fans across the nation.
About JK Tyre Motorsport:
JK Tyre has been closely associated with the world of motorsports for almost three decades. The company laid down a long-term plan to popularize and promote the sport in the country. Its first target was to change the notion that this was a sport for the elite. So, it packaged and redesigned it in a spectator-friendly way, drawing the masses to the sport. JK Tyre’s efforts started paying dividends in just a few years’ time, with the likes of Narain Karthikeyan and Karun Chandok going all the way to the F1 rung, the highest level of single-seat racing in the world. Since then, a number of stars emerged, including Armaan Ebrahim, the Maini brothers (Kush and Arjun), Anindith Reddy Konda, amongst many others. JK Tyre Motorsports is very proud of the role it has played in bringing women into motorsports in a big way. Apart from encouraging them to get into the sport through karting as kids, the company also gave them opportunities in various national championships. With a vision to promote women in motorsports, the company has curated women-centric events such as JK Tyre
WIAA Women’s Rally to Valley, JK Tyre Defence Wives Power Drive, JK Tyre-YFLO Women’s Power Drive, JK Tyre Times Women’s Drive apart from introducing an all-women’s team in the JK Tyre National Racing Championship to encourage women to take up to the sport.
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MRF Tyres helps Godspeed revive popular fmsci Dirt Track Nationals
Coimbatore, 8 June 2023: The MRF Dirt Track fmsci National Championship 2023 will be launched here on Sunday, June 11. Thanks to Godspeed, the Dirt Track Nationals are back after a gap of over a decade on the calendar of the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (fmsci). The Championship sponsored by MRF, with MX Store as associate, will run the first round at the open Codissia Park Grounds, Opposite to Jenneys Club on Sunday, the 11th of June, from 9.30 a.m.
Adding another off-road racing discipline under its umbrella, Godspeed Racing, Pune, now promotes three flagship Nationals, after gaining the National rights to organise all the three top off-road two-wheeler National Championships in India, namely National Supercross, National 2w Rally and Dirt Track Nationals.
With the aim of providing a safe and controlled environment for the new riders and upcoming rookies, Godspeed set up the platform to test their skills with a machine and again brought to life the forgotten but popular form of racing, the Dirt Track Nationals. The new event provides riders a safe platform for testing their speed, control, agility and bike-handling and gives them an avenue to push their adrenaline. “We will strictly adhere to all the strict guidelines and norms laid down by fmsci, the governing body of motorsports in India. We also have the ambulances and safety equipment in place and a fleet of trained officials and marshals, said Shyam Kothari, a seven-time National champion and the man behind the whole show.
“Unlike other motorsports, Dirt Track or flat track racing requires minimum modifications to the machine and therefore is more accessible to the masses and this in the racing language is referred to as ‘Group C’ where riders need to make a minimum change or alteration to their motorcycles in order to race,” added Shyam, who was instrumental in promoting many youngsters.
The Dirt Track Nationals will have six categories for Group C and will also have the premier four classes for Group A which are for foreign-made motorcycles, making it 10 classes in the National Championship. “Godspeed is introducing these10 categories to provide a chance to riders across the spectrum, to participate irrespective of the motorcycle they own, or their past experience, age and sex. Separate classes for children aged 8-plus, a scooter class, and an exclusive woman class are the highlights.
Worldwide, Dirt Track Racing or Flat Track Racing is identified as a stepping stone to graduate into serious form of racing disciplines like Supercross, Motocross and Rallying. Godspeed will help these riders to hone their skills, test their abilities and find their niche for the future.
The 900-meter track with 18 corners is prepared on Black Cotton soil. Coimbatore with its rich culture provides great conditions and has enthusiastic and knowledgeable people aware of the nuances of the competitive sport. The event will be one-make Tyre Championship and runs only on MRF Tyres. The scrutiny and admin checks will be on Friday and Saturday.
2023 Calendar (Dates and venues to be confirmed)
Round 1: Coimbatore, June 10 & 11.
Round 2: Bengaluru, July 1 & 2.
Round 3: Kolhapur, August 12 & 13.
Round 4: Satara, August 26 & 27.
Round 5: Pune, September 9 & 10.
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“We need to push to the limit. I’m ready to go!”: Thursday talking points at Mugello
Hear from Bagnaia, Bezzecchi, Viñales, Marc Marquez, Binder, Martin, Quartararo and Bastianini!
Mugello, Thursday, 08 June 2023: And we’re BACK! The Gran Premio d’Italia Oakley kicks off a triple header for MotoGP™ this weekend, with the stunning Mugello playing host. Ahead of track action, two press conferences covered some key talking points withe some key faces:
Francesco Bagnaia
The first comprised Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team), Marco Bezzecchi (Mooney VR46 Racing Team), Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing) and Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team), before the second saw Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) joined by Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing), Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) and the returning Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo Team).
Do you see this a big opportunity to take control of championship?
FRANCESCO BAGNAIA: “I’m very happy like always to start this race weekend because it’s one of my favourites at one of my favourite tracks. As an Italian it’s very important, very special, and I’m really looking forward to riding.”
On his ankle injury:
“Sincerely, I’m not 100% but I’m struggling more with walking, than riding because after four days without knowing that, I broke my ankle I was riding here just to train. I was feeling pain, but nothing that with a bit of focus was impossible to ignore and think just about the riding so I think that it will not affect my race weekend. Let’s see, but I’m quite sure that there will be everything OK.”
On MotoGP™ On Stage in Milan:
“It was great to be in a city where MotoGP has never been to. Looking at the stands and seeing many people cheering for us and being happy for us and supporting us was great. We had fun and maybe we’ll repeat it again!”
MARCO BEZZECCHI
MARCO BEZZECCHI: “Here, as Pecco said, is a fantastic track and very special for the Italian riders, so it will be fantastic to start the weekend after the long break to finally get back on the bike on this amazing track and I hope with a lot of fans!”
Tech updates for the bike this weekend?
“I don’t know. I think so but I don’t know because I still have the meeting with my team so I will let you maybe tomorrow.”
Must give you confidence Ducati are working to give you more support…
“Yeah Ducati are working very well and already before giving me any update they were supporting me a lot and also in Le Mans they helped me quite a lot before the race. I feel a lot of support from them, I feel good with them so I can’t complain about anything.”
Gigi told motogp.com Ducati will start talks about 2024, what’s plan A?
“For the moment my plan is to continue in this way, trying to improve each race and trying to get positive results. My dream is to step on a factory bike and if it’s a Ducati then it’s better because I already know the bike and I feel very good, but for the moment I don’t know what I can do.”
On MotoGP™ On Stage in Milan:
“I enjoyed it a lot. In the end, it was really nice to get in touch with a lot of our fans and to see them from very closely and also to give them the possibility to meet us and to get a signature, a picture and to spend some time with us. It was fantastic. So yeah also we were in a very beautiful place in Italy so I enjoyed it a lot!”
MAVERICK VIÑAL
MAVERICK VIÑALES: “These three weeks have been fantastic to understand. To internally process all the information received and all the potential we have. It’s been good to understand how to improve. Three weeks training hard, understanding and put my best version here for Mugello, which is an important track for Aprilia but it is important in any case because we need to push, we need to go on the limit, to fight at the front and I think this is what we are capable of. I work with this mentality and yeah I’m ready to go…honestly I’ve only worked these three weeks, I never stopped and I feel in really good shape!”
So what about the Aprilia at Mugello?
The bike is good at any track. At any track I’ve been to, in at least the lap times, to be fighting at the front of races. It doesn’t matter the track, we need to take the maximum out of the bike and to put up a performance and if we do we know we will be fighting for the victories and that’s what we are working to do.”
And how was MotoGP™ On Sttage in Milan?
“Obviously, I’m not an Italian but the crowd were fantastic! They cheered the riders a lot. We really like it. It’s nice to get in touch with people not involved in racing. Yeah, the place was unbelievable. I had never been there and it was such a nice moment.” -
Embarrassing for Iconic Ferrari, Merc to be belittled by Honda: Samtani surveys
By Harish Samtani
Formula 1 Column Barcelone, 4 June 2023: Isn’t it becoming embarrassing for the iconic Ferrari and Mercedes to be belittled regularly by Honda, a family car?
And headlines such as, ‘Red Bull or Max (Verstappen) wins again’ are certainly a cover-up job. Honda has brought it upon itself, to earn this by firmly deciding to quit F1, as it didn’t suit their DNA but yet supports Red Bull through the back door! Apparently they are looking for an engine partner even now. Why fix it, if it ain’t broke right?
Meanwhile, this iconic circuit purpose-built in 1991 is a venue not just for the popular event that can house 1.4 lakh (140000) spectators, most of them the ever-green passionate fans but is the go-to for pre-testing and also the iconic MotoGP. The Circuit de Catalunya which is located 30Km from Barca, is busy all year round… it is designed to be a multi-purpose commercial venue.
If one doesn’t have a VIP or Media access, it can be a torturous journey back and forth since it is not supported by a major highway system and long jams are a common sight! But honestly this is not an exception but almost the rule leading to most European circuits. Even if one were to use the efficient train system it would entail an hour’s walk to get there eventually!
The Spaniards were obviously rooting for their local boys Alonso and Sainz to give them reason to cheer but if qualifying was anything to go by the wrecker-in-chief Max Verstappen was certainly in no mood to oblige.
His arrogance may not win him too many fans but his sheer winning numbers and domination portray a rapidly-maturing driver on his way to making history. He’s a long way away to achieve Sir Hamilton’s record of Seven world championships but then we have to give this 25-year old, time. But will he have the patience is the moot question?
Let me not digress from the event itself. Hamilton found himself in the early part of the race in a position that he has been familiar with. The Top-3. Perez is having his frustrations increase by having to claw his way-up to make himself heard but his team mate is happily distancing himself, in leaps and bounds, not only in this GP but also in the overall points. Finishing behind the two Mercs today wouldn’t have helped his mood much either!
While the race at Catalunya wasn’t a nail-biting, action-packed one, the redeeming factor was the resurgence of Mercedes with both their drivers making the podium! That must have brought some relief to Toto Wolff the head honcho at the German outfit.
Am sure he knows that there is much work to be done considering the 24-sec gap at the finish line. And it will remain a mystery if Max had more, available under his belt to ward off any late challenge from Lewis.
In all a fun event for spectators and Red Bull fans who heaved a sigh of relief when the rain in Spain stayed away and didn’t dampen their party! (Fernando) Alonso and (Carlos) Sainz didn’t have any answers to the onslaught and it could be an uphill task for the 41-year-old Alonso to consistently stay in the top-3 going forward, now that other actors are coming into play.
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Nithila, Shreyas, Sartak… Young brigade on new path; Sethu, Mathana excel
Coimbatore, June 04, 2023: Rajiv Sethu, Mathana Kumar and Vignesh Goud notched a double apiece in their respective categories as the Rolon Round of the MRF MMSC fmsci Indian National Motorcycle Racing Championship 2023 concluded at the Kari Motor Speedway here on Sunday.
NextGen riders, Shreyas Hareesh, the India MiniGP 2022 champ, Nithila, the school girl from cycling fame, slowly demolishing the motorcycle world, and the MotoX magnet
Rajiv Sethu (RACR Castrol Power 1 Ultimate), determined to resurrect a sagging career, swept the honours in the premier Pro-Stock 301-400cc Open category while Mathana Kumar did much the same in the other top-end class, the Pro-Stock 165cc Open. Both had won Race-1 on Saturday quite comfortably and it was a virtual re-run in the second outing today.
Hyderabad’s 19-year-old Vignesh Goud (Race’ists Motorcycle Club) was equally commanding in the Novice (Stock 165cc) category as he won both the races this weekend while Puducherry’s Lani Fernandez (RACR Castrol Power 1 Ultimate) took the honours in the Girls (Stock 165cc) class after starting from P5 on the grid.
Sethu, 24, who moved from Honda to Yamaha this season by joining multiple champion Rajini Krishnan’s RACR Castrol Power 1 Ultimate team, immediately made his mark on debut in the 301-400cc category by winning both the races.
In fact, Sethu, who started from pole position, had more than enough straight-line pace as he again held off Pune’s upcoming teenager Sarthak Chavan who joined Petronas TVS Racing team this season, while Hyderabad’s Rahil Pillarisetty (KTM Gusto Racing) completed the podium for a repeat of yesterday’s Race-1.
“This double means a lot to me. I won just one race last season (in the Pro-Stock 165cc Open category). And now, I have started 2023 with two wins! In a way, this weekend could be a turning point in my career and I hope I will enjoy more success going forward,” said Sethu who has had an up-and-down career with forays at the Asian level fetching desired results. He went winless in the 2021 National championship season though finishing on podium in eight of the 10 races and scored just one win in 2020 that was in contrast to the six in 2019 when he ended second in the championship.
In the Pro-Stock 165cc Open race today, the Pacer Yamaha duo of Mathana and Prabhu Arunagiri, who had finished in that order in yesterday’s Race-1, looked poised for another 1-2 finish. However, Arunagiri packed up after nine of the 14 laps due to mechanical issue while Sarthak Chavan who was running second, also retired with clutch problem in the 11th. It left Mathana all on his own in the front as he finished a comfortable winner ahead of Bengaluru youngster Chiranth Vishwanath who did well to hold off his Petronas TVS Racing team-mate and the more experienced KY Ahamed.
Earlier, Vignesh Goud did as he pleased for another fine win in the Novice (Stock 165cc) category for a double. He enjoyed a good start from pole position and quickly opened up a handsome lead that kept increasing as the race progressed. He eventually spared almost four seconds to Mysuru’s Tasmai Cariappa (Pacer Yamaha) who was followed home by Savion Sabu (Axor Sparks Racing) from Bengaluru.
The fast-improving Puducherry rider Lani Fernandez rode a fine race to win quite handily after starting from P5 as she sliced through the top half of the field to hit the front and never looked back. Finishing second behind her was pole-sitter Ann Jennifer (Alpha Racing) and Jagathishree Kumaresan (One Racing) was third.
Petronas TVS One-Make Championship: Alwin Sundar (Chennai) started the day’s proceedings with a comfortable win in the 301-400cc Open (Apache RR310), starting from pole position. Finishing second behind him was Manoj Yesuadiyan (Chennai) who made five spots while Senthil Kumar C (Coimbatore) was third. Alwin went on to win Race-2 to also score a double with Senthil Kumar coming in second and Yesuadiyan third.
Bengaluru schoolboy Copperam Hareesh Shreyas also achieved a splendid double in the Rookie category with another comfortable victory. Fellow-Bengalurean Savion Sabu finished second ahead of Nandanan (Chennai).
Idemitsu Honda India Talent Cup: Chennai’s Kavin Quintal, for the second time this weekend, destroyed the NSF 250 field to complete a double. Having won the first race yesterday with great ease, Kavin’s dominance was even more pronounced in the second outing today over 14 laps. Finishing a distant second was Rakshith Dave (Chennai), while Prakash Kamath (Steel City) was third.
The results (Provisional):
National Championship – Pro-Stock 301-400cc Open (Race-2, 14 laps): 1. Rajiv Sethu (Chennai, RACR Castrol Power 1 Ultimate) (17mins, 10.905secs); 2. Sarthak Chavan (Pune, Petronas TVS Racing) (17:15.035); 3. Rahil Pillarisetty (Hyderabad, KTM Gusto Racing) (17:18.203).
Pro-Stock 165cc Open (Race-2, 14 laps): 1. Mathana Kumar S (Tiruchi, Pacer Yamaha) (18:16.308); 2. Chiranth Vishwanath (Bengaluru, Petronas TVS Racing) (18:18.409); 3. KY Ahamed (Chennai, Petronas TVS Racing) (18:18.812).
Novice (Stock 165cc) (Race-2, 10 laps): 1. Vignesh Goud (Hyderabad, Race’ists Motorcycle Club) (14:38.296); 2. Tasmai Cariappa PC (Mysuru, Pacer Yamaha) (14:42.038); 3. Savion Sabu (Bengaluru, Axor Sparks Racing) (14:45.305).
Girls (Stock 165cc) (8 laps): 1. Lani Fernandez (Puducherry, RACR Castrol Power 1 Ultimate) (11:49.553); 2. Ann Jennifer AS (Chennai, Alpha Racing) (11:52.201); 3. Jagathishree Kumaresan (Chennai, One Racing) (11:52.295).
Petronas TVS One-Make Championship – Open (Apache RR 310) (Race-1, 10 laps): 1. Alwin Sundar A (Chennai) (12:51.163); 2. Manoj Yesuadiyan (Chennai) (12:56.063); 3. Senthil Kumar C (Coimbatore) (12:58.807). Race-2 (10 laps): 1. Alwin Sundar (12:55.616); 2. Senthilkumar C (12:56.035); 3. Manoj Yesuadiyan (12:59.942).
Rookie (Apache RTR 200) (Race-2, 10 laps): 1. Copparam Hareesh Shreyas (Bengaluru) (13:58.187); 2. Savion Sabu (Bengaluru) (14:02.196); 3. Nandanan (Chennai) (14:02.500).
Media (Apache RTR 200) (8 laps): 1. Deepak Vishnu D (Kochi) (12:27.379); 2. Ananya Aswathi (Pune) (12:27.462); 3. Alshin K Thomas (Pune) (12:29.841).
Idemitsu Honda India Talent Cup (Open, NSF 250) (Race-2, 14 laps): 1. Kavin Quintal (Chennai) (17:11.908); 2. Rakshith S Dave (Chennai) (17:50.057); 3. Prakash Kamath (Steel City, Rourkela) (17:51.107).
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As MotoGP comes to India, #BookMyShow booked
New Delhi, June 1, 2023: FairStreet Sports led Indian Grand Prix, the ‘MotoGP Bharat’, announced a much-anticipated news on the upcoming India edition of FIM World Championship Grand Prix (MotoGPTM) in 2023. It is official now that BookMyShow, India’s leading entertainment destination, will partner with FairStreet Sports as the “official ticketing partner” for the upcoming MotoGPTM which is scheduled to make the Grand Prix’s first-ever appearance in the country. India is waiting in the wings to be one of the largest followers of this motorsport in the world.
Indian promoters of MotoGPTM, FairStreet Sports, have been instrumental in curating the historic and first ever global motorcycling event of this scale and stature which is scheduled to take place at the Buddh International Circuit, Greater Noida, from September 22-24. This strategic partnership between MotoGP Bharat and BookMyShow will enable motorsports fans across the country and the sub-continent with exclusive access to tickets, exciting offers and valuable benefits for them to live the adrenaline-fueled racing action to the fullest. Officials close to the development confirmed that the registration for tickets for the upcoming MotoGP Bharat is live now for early access and will be followed soon by sales, exclusively on BookMyShow.
Interestingly, it is also learnt that the promoters of FairStreet Sports are in advanced stages of discussions with various other partners and associates to organize this global event in a completely new perspective as a weekend destination, offering fans a memorable and exciting time.
Commenting on the news of this newly forged partnership, Pushkar Nath Srivastava, COO of FairStreet Sports, the India race promoters, said, “We are delighted to announce our exclusive partnership with BookMyShow as the official ticketing partner for this much awaited MotoGP event in India. This collaboration brings together two firms with the vision of delivering an unparalleled racing experience to Indian fans. By joining forces with BookMyShow, we will offer fans a seamless and convenient 360-degree experience. Together, we are committed to create an unforgettable MotoGP journey for all our fans, ensuring lasting memories and unparalleled excitement.”
Anil Makhija, COO – Live Entertainment, BookMyShow, the official and exclusive ticketing partners for the first ever MotoGP in India said, “We are glad to be able to begin this strategic partnership with MotoGP Bharat and start our journey together as the official and exclusive ticketing partner for the debut edition of the superbike Grand Prix in India. At BookMyShow, our aim has always been to enable access to and provide for unforgettable, entertainment experiences across the spectrum of sports, music, comedy, performances and beyond and bringing motorsport to India is a critical milestone in this journey for us. BookMyShow has always played an active role in the growth of Indian sports across formats & this strategic partnership is in line with that ambition to nurture and make accessible all forms of sport. We are excited about using our technological know-how effectively for our wide, loyal, digitally savvy consumer base to deliver an impeccable and seamless experience for Indian fans who are avid bike lovers, across the MotoGP Bharat journey with ticketing being the first step in this momentous ride for motorsport fans across the country.”
Expressing his resounding support to the India edition of the Championship, Akbar Ebrahim, President of The Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (FMSCI), said “The FMSCI would like to congratulate Fairstreet Sports Pvt Ltd (Indian Promoter), Dorna (Promoter & Rights Holder for the FIM World MotoGP Championship) & the FIM (World Governing Body for 2W Motorsport) for concluding the agreement to run a round of the FIM World MotoGP Championship in India in September 2023. The FMSCI would also like to wish Fairstreet Sports Pvt Ltd the very best for the opening of the ticket registrations for the event and wish them all success.”
BookMyShow, renowned for its reach and partnership with some of the biggest sports events in the country, is the largest entertainment and ticketing platform in India that offers a wide array of events across various entertainment genres, including sports, music, movies, performance, and more. Their exclusive partnership with FairStreet Sports marks a significant milestone for India’s motorsport industry as both organisations join forces to enhance the thrilling spectacle of MotoGP for fans across the country.
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Kush Maini highest ranked rookie as he garners 8 valuable points: F2
Monaco, 28 May 2023: Indian racing star Kush Maini of Campos Racing who garnered eight valuable points in the Feature Race finishing sixth is currently standing fourth in the FIA F2 championship ans the Indian champion is the highest ranked Rookie. Meanwhile, compatriot Jehan Daruvala, who came 2nd in the Sprint Race earlier on Saturday took eight points and remain on 40 as he failed to get into points on Sunday in the Feature race and is behind Kush Maini, who has 49 points.
Kush Maini got lucky with the safety car period and finished sixth after a poor starting position. Jehan Daruvala came 13th.
Vesti wins Feature Race
Frederik Vesti claimed a commanding Feature Race victory in Monte Carlo and the lead of the Drivers’ Championship with it. The Prema Racing driver led every lap of Sunday’s event after a Safety Car and Red Flag to take his second victory of the 2023 season.
Théo Pourchaire crossed the line second after teammate Victor Martins was handed a mid-race drive-through penalty. Zane Maloney rounded out the podium in third position for Rodin Carlin, his second podium of the year.
AS IT HAPPENED
Vesti maintained the lead from lights out, but Pourchaire had to defend third from a fast-starting Jack Doohan into Turn 1. Isack Hadjar squeezed his way past Jehan Daruvala for P9 on the way up the hill to make up a place in the initial phase.
Starting on the option tyres, Oliver Bearman made great progress in the first few corners from 16th on the grid. A move at the Turn 6 hairpin earned him 13th position from Clément Novalak and he wasn’t done there. Into Turn 12, a dive to the inside of Amaury Cordeel gave him P12 on a busy opening lap for the PREMA Racing man.
Daruvala was the first from the top 10 to make their mandatory stop, swapping supersofts for softs and rejoining in 16th place. Juan Manuel Correa also pitted, releasing Bearman who had been cooped up behind the Van Amersfoort Racing #23.
Iwasa and Hadjar were in from P8 and P9 on Lap 13 for their stops, while Bearman pitted on Lap 15 and rejoined the circuit ahead of Iwasa. The DAMS was right on his gearbox though and into the Turn 5 hairpin, the Japanese driver dived to the inside to make a crucial pass.
Enzo Fittipaldi’s race came to an end on Lap 19, with the Rodin Carlin pulling to the side of the track at Turn 12, bringing out the Virtual Safety Car. The VSC was withdrawn on Lap 21 to get back to racing with Vesti leading Martins by 5.2s.
That advantage was swiftly wiped away after Doohan hit the barriers at Turn 4 on Lap 22, resulting in a Safety Car. That brought the leaders in for their mandatory stops. Vesti rejoined in the lead with Martins second and Pourchaire third. Maloney managed to narrowly avoid Doohan’s stricken car on the racing line and made his mandatory stop along with Verschoor in fourth and fifth places.
Dennis Hauger was a big winner, making his mandatory stop and serving a five-second time penalty for gaining an advantage on the opening lap by cutting the track. The Norwegian rejoined in P6. Kush Maini, Roman Stanek, Jak Crawford and Iwasa completed the top 10 just as the Red Flag was thrown on Lap 24 in order to complete barrier repairs.
The race got back underway with a rolling restart entering Lap 27 as Vesti held the lead from the pair of battling ARTs behind. That battle was changed entirely after Martins was assigned a drive-through penalty for failing to slow under yellow flags behind the Safety Car. He was in to serve the sanction on Lap 31, coming back out in P8.
Following the Red Flag, the race went to time and Vesti completed Lap 33 to win the Monte Carlo Feature Race by 2.5s from Pourchaire.
Maloney finished a lonely third on the road ahead of Richard Verschoor in fourth, with Hauger an impressive fifth having started from 17th on the grid. Maini secured more points in P6 ahead of Stanek, who made up 15 places for Trident. Martins, Crawford and Iwasa in rounded out the top 10.
KEY QUOTE – Frederik Vesti, PREMA Racing
“P1 in the Feature Race in Monaco. What a day this is and what a weekend, pole position as well which is nice! We are leading the Championship as well, which is also nice. I want to thank Mercedes and PREMA for the support, the car is mega. Now, it’s time to keep pushing, we have a race weekend already next week in Barcelona. Let’s continue the form and continue pushing.”
THE CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS
Vesti’s victory moves him to the top of the Drivers’ Championship, rising to 89 points. Pourchaire stays within touching distance, now on 84 points in second. Iwasa falls to third having led the standings ahead of the Feature Race. The DAMS driver now has 69 points. Kush Maini remains as the highest-placed rookie so far this year, climbing to 49 points, one ahead of Dennis Hauger who is now fifth.
PREMA Racing extends its lead in the Teams’ Standings, now on 130 points. ART Grand Prix moves up to second with 108 points while DAMS is now third on 103.
UP NEXT
FIA Formula 2 returns right away with Round 7 from the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya in Spain from 2-4 June.
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Tanveer back on top; Rajendra docked road penalty; Tanika stars again: 2w Rally Nationals
Chikkamagaluru, 28 May 2023: Former National champion, Mysuru’s Abdul Wahid Tanveer of Petronas TVS Racing, who became the first Indian to win a class in an international rally, was in his elements once again as he conquered the premier class in the Rally of Chikmagalur, the second round of the MRF MoGrip fmsci National Rally Championship for 2-wheelers here on Sunday.
The TVS talent won the top Superbike Pro-Expert Group A class clocking a time of 54 minutes, 08.106 seconds as he relegated defending champion and teammate Rajendra RE of Shivamogga, who was docked a one minute, 10-second liaison penalty for the transport section, that did him in. Yuva Kumar, the celebrated Hero MotoSports is back on the podium after a long time as he took the third place. Abdul Tanveer won his class in the Merzouga Rally in 2019.
The Petronas TVS Racing team riders dominated the proceedings once again winning the top-four Overall places with Imran Pasha, who bagged victories in the first two rounds, in third Overall place followed by a superb ride from Sachin Ignatius D in fourth. However, T Arun of Hero MotoSports prevented a top-5 sweep in the overall honours, which is a norm for TVS of late. TVS riders won three classes. It was a stunning ride from Imran Pasha who punched above his weight on a humble bike but the TVS Apache became a tiger in his hands.
Tanika Shanbagh, another young Hero MotoSport talent, continued to fly the Women in Motorsports flag winning the Ladies class again. Tanika, who won the National Sprint Championship ladies title in 2022 is keen to add another National title this year to her kitty. Though, the daughter of former rally champion Shanbagh, was streets ahead, she lost stage win to former National champion (road racing) Ryhana Bee in Special Stage 3 and 6. But her Overall 40th place beating about 60 male riders is quite an achievement. Ryhana Bee came second followed by Fazeela U of Palakkad, who is supported by Vamcy Merla of Kalyani Group in Andhra Pradesh, a former Promoter of 4w INRC.
Fazeela U of Palakkad takes a start even as officials look on at Chikkamagaluru on Sunday. The VM Sports Foundation rider finished third. INDIAinF1 photo Tanika, the young talent from Satara, is now leading the championship winning both the rounds, thus far, in the Ladies class while others, also keeping their slate clean after two rounds are, Nataraj R in the Group A Superbike Expert class, Star of Karnataka Darpan Darshan of Shivamogga, TVS’ pair of Imran Pasha and Syed Asif Ali in Supersport 260cc and Scooter class, respectively, and the new-found talent from Kulu, Nitish Bharadhwaj in the Group D 450cc Super Stock class.
Defending Ladies champion Aishwarya Pissay moved to the top class and finished fourth among five Pro-expert bikes. Preparing for Dakar 2024, the 2019 World Baja winner beat 81 male riders. She was on a superior 450cc TVS Apache rally bike as she competed with men on equal footing.
In the Supersport 400cc Group B, Rohit Shinde of Baramati turned the tables on first-round winner Russel Jossey, who had to be content with a second place and Syed Aquib of Chikkamagaluru took the final spot on the podium.
In the Supersport 550cc Group B Class 6, Bengaluru’s Mohammed Zaheer won beating reigning champion Naresh “Bruce Lee” VS while Jeemon Anthony, the supercop from Kochi took a third place keeping himself in points. The first round winner Arun Joy logged a DNF in Stage 2.
In a fight between TVS teammates in the scooter class, traditionally dominated by TVS NTorq, Syed Asif Ali once again came on top with Karthik Naidu taking second place. Despite a 20-second penalty, Goutham N of Bengaluru took third place beating Aprilia JB Racing teammate Pinkesh Thakkar, who took a podium in the first round.
Chalass Bose of Kottayam, the defending champion in Super Sport 130 cc – Group B class shifted to 165 class as the SS 130cc event is replaced by a new class, as 2023 championship saw the introduction of a Super Stock class for upto 450cc Group D bikes, where Nitish Bharadwaj of Kulu in Himachal Pradesh took the honours in the second round repeating his success in the first round at Coorg.
The National Rally Championship for two-wheelers powered by time-keepers Zeitmesser, is meticulously organised by Motor Sports Club of Chikmagalur (MSCC), under the dynamic leadership of Farooq Ahmed, a three-time Overall winner of INRC for 4-wheelers and former Vice-President of the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (fmsci). Godspeed Racing of Pune headed by 7-time National champion Shyam Kothari are the Promoters. Dilip Jain, ably assisted by other team members pulled off another National event but the Club is famous for hosting the four-wheeler INRC for decades.
Vamcy Merla supports 25 riders, awards cash for podium stars
Many of the private riders were supported by Vamcy Merla, who also gave away cash prizes to those who made it to the podium in Chikkamagaluru on Sunday. Meanwhile, Vamcy Merla Sports Foundation has supported 25 riders and also awarded cash prizes for those who stood on the podium. Merla has also announced and supported riders for the first round held in Coorg. Vamcy Merla Sports Foundation is also in the process of supporting Aishwarya Pissay for Dakar 2024.
Second round Podium stars from the select group of 25 riders: Nataraj 1 st Group 1A Rs. 50,000; Nitish Bharadwaj 1st Group D Rs. 50,000; Ajin Abraham 2nd 165 class Rs.25,000; Challas Bose 3rd place Rs.15,000; Naresh VS 2nd 550 class Rs.25,000; Jeemon 3rd 550 class Rs.15,000; Russel Jossy 2nd 400 class Rs.25,000; Rehana 2nd Women’s class Rs.25,000; Fazeela 3rd Women’s Class Rs.15,000; Total Prize Money given away to nine riders is Rs.2,45,000.
Provisional Results:
Class 1: Superbike Pro-Expert Group A: 1. Abdul Waheed Tanveer (Petronas TVS Racing) (54 minutes, 08.106 seconds); 2. Rajendra RE (TVS) (55:35.192, including 1min, 10sec liaison/road penalty); 2. Yuva Kumar (Hero MotoSports) (57:19.377);
Class 2 Superbike Expert Group A: 1. Nataraj R (Bengaluru) (57:41.574); 2. Aman Pawde (Nagpur) (59:18.192); 3. Sinan Francis (Ernakulam) (59:20.892).
Class 10 Star of Karnataka: 1. Darpan Darshan (Shivamogga) (1:05:50.303); 2. Kiran Kumar S (Mysore) (1:06:56.178 incl. 10-sec penalty); 3. Madhusudhan Suresh (Shivamogga) (01:07:01.954).
Class 3 Supersport 165cc Group B: 1. Abrar Pasha (Shivamogga) (1:01:47.827); 2. Ajin Abraham (Kottayam) (1:02:46.695); 3. Chalass K Bose (Kottayam) (1:03:58.263).
Classs 4: Supersport 260 Group B: 1. Imran Pasha (TVS) (56:48.770); 2. Sachin Ignatius D (TVS) (57:04.271); 3. T Arun (Hero Motosports) (57:12.135);
Class 5: Supersport 400 Group B: 1. Rohit Shinde (Baramati) (1:02:04.453); 2. Russel Jossey (Mumbai) (1:03:17.438); 3. Syed Aquib (Chikkamagaluru) (01:04:48.101).
Class 6: Supersport 550 Group B: 1. Mohammed Zaheer (Bengaluru) (1:02:07.125); 2. Naresh VS (Bengaluru) (01:03:00.904); 3. Jeemon Anthony (Kochi) (01:03:16.858);
Class 7: Scooters up to 210cc Group B: 1. Syed Asif Ali (TVS) (1:05:12.797); 2. N Karthik Naidu (TVS) (1:05:24.794); 3. Goutham N (Aprilia JB Racing, Bengaluru) (1:09:42.098).
Class 8: Women’s Class Group B: 1. Tanika Shanbhag (Hero MotoSports, Satara) (1:06:10.932); 2. Rehana Bee A (Chennai) (1:07:18.812); 3. Fazeela U (Palakkad) (1:12:03.957).
Class 9: Super Stock up to 450cc Group D: 1. Nitish Bharadwaj (Kulu) (1:03:02.882); 2. Mohammed Arshad (Thrissur) (1:03:31.897); 3. Sabarish R (Coimbatore) (1:03:41.690).
