INDIA in F1

Tag: Circuit of the Americas

  • Bagnaia capitalises on Marc Marquez crash in drama-filled Americas GP

    Bagnaia capitalises on Marc Marquez crash in drama-filled Americas GP

    Rain, a delayed start and an end to the #93’s clean sweep in 2025 – Sunday in Austin had a little bit of everything as Alex Marquez becomes the new title chase leader…

    Austin (USA), 30 March 2025: Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) is a Grand Prix winner in 2025 after an immensely dramatic Red Bull Grand Prix of The Americas unfolded on a Sunday afternoon that saw COTA King, Marc Marquez (Ducati Lenovo Team), crash out of the lead. With another P2 finish, Alex Marquez (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) becomes the new MotoGP title chase leader, as Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) completed the podium in an absolutely unforgettable Round 3.


    RAIN (AND A QUICK-THINKING MM93) CREATES PRE-RACE CHAOS IN AUSTIN

    Talk about amplified drama. Rain before the start saw the riders face incredibly tricky conditions heading to the grid, as Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) proved. The Frenchman crashed on his sighting lap but managed to get back round to the grid, as we then saw something we very rarely see.


    Just before the three-minute board was signalled, Marc Marquez dashed off the grid. This led to Bagnaia, Di Giannantonio, Alex Marquez and more following suit, with riders and team members sprinting down pit lane to grab the spare bikes that were fitted with slick tyres. 


    Some though, including Luca Marini (Honda HRC Castrol), Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing), Ai Ogura (Trackhouse MotoGP Team) and Enea Bastianini (Red Bull KTM Tech3), opted to gamble on slick tyres from the get-go and remained on the grid – along with some other riders. However, in the chaos, the red flags were thrown. Below, is the reasoning from Race Director Mike Webb: “We called for a delay and then quick start procedure due to safety concerns. Given the number of riders, bikes and pit staff on the grid and in the pit lane area, it was impossible to start the warm-up lap. A new race start was the safest way to respond to the unprecedented circumstances at the start of the Grand Prix. We will analyse the situation together with the teams and revisit the regulations.”

    After a brief pause in proceedings, the updated information was a 14:10 pit lane green light and a quick start procedure, with original grid positions to be occupied by every rider. Then, it was time to try again – every rider now on slicks. But again, there was drama. Maverick Viñales (Red Bull KTM Tech3) had to be wheeled off the grid before we finally got the Grand Prix underway.


    LIGHTS OUT: Marc Marquez grabs early lead

    Marc Marquez launched well and grabbed the holeshot, with Alex Marquez holding off Bagnaia into Turn 1. Pecco was trying to wriggle his way past the Gresini rider, first at Turn 11, then at Turn 12, but both attempts failed. Meanwhile, Marc Marquez built a 1.1s lead at the end of Lap 1, with the top four – Marquez, Marquez, Bagnaia and Di Giannantonio – nearly two seconds up the road from Jack Miller (Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP Team), who was enjoying a good battle with Franco Morbidelli (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team).


    On Lap 4, Marc Marquez’s lead was up to 1.4s over Alex Marquez, who had Bagnaia and Di Giannantonio clinging onto his tailpipes. Then, at Turn 12, Bagnaia’s latest manoeuvre worked. The #63 was now in P2, so with clear air, could he reel in teammate Marquez?

    A 2:02.466 from #93 saw Marquez stretch his lead to 1.6s at the start of Lap 5, and then a 2:02.433 meant the gap was now up to the two-second mark. Meanwhile, further down the pack in the fantastic fight for P6, Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) crashed at Turn 1.


    MORE DRAMA: The #93’s first error of 2025


    Then, fancy another massive slice of drama? Because that’s what we got. Turn 4 was the place, and it was race leader Marc Marquez who was on the floor! The front end washed away as he clipped across the curb too far, hit a wet patch, and with that, the undefeated run was over. Marquez was able to remount in P18, but without a right foot peg, plus more damage to his GP25, there was no way back into the points for the #93 with both Viñales and Lorenzo Savadori (Aprilia Racing) passing the six-time MotoGP Champion.


    BOUNCING BACK: Bagnaia holds on for victory

    So where did that leave us? Bagnaia led Alex Marquez by 1.6s, with the latter 2.2s clear of Di Giannantonio. And on Lap 13, Marc Marquez called time on his 2025 Sunday outing at the Americas GP. The victory streak was officially over.

    On Lap 15 of 19, Bagnaia grew his advantage to three seconds. A lap later, it was a tenth more as Marquez continued to hold Di Giannantonio at arm’s length – 1.3s to be exact. Meanwhile, the fastest rider on track was Fermin Aldeguer (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) and the rookie, with two laps left, bullied his way past Miller for P5. However, a fantastic ride then ended in the gravel trap at Turn 15, and at a similar time, Zarco’s impressive display ended at Turn 12.

    Last lap time. Bagnaia simply had to bring it home, but 2.5s behind, Alex Marquez couldn’t relax as much. Diggia was prowling, a second split the two, so any slight error from the #73 could prove costly. In the end, it stayed as you were. Bagnaia bagged a massive 25 points to become the 10th rider in history to earn 30 MotoGP wins, as new World Championship leader, Alex Marquez, crossed the line in P2 for the sixth straight outing. Di Giannantonio’s efforts weren’t enough for P2, but nevertheless, a phenomenal P3 was pocketed for the Italian in Austin.

    POINTS SCORERS: Americas GP edition

    Morbidelli came home in P4, with Miller grabbing his best Yamaha result with a very classy P5. Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing) came from P13 on the grid to finish P6, Enea Bastianini (Red Bull KTM Tech3) rose to the occasion on a Sunday once more to fly the KTM flag highest in P7, as Marini, Ogura, and Quartararo completed the top 10.

    Alex Rins (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) was P11, Raul Fernandez leaves Trackhouse MotoGP Team’s home race with a P12, as Augusto Fernandez (Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP), Viñales and Savadori rounded out the points finishers in Texas.

    Well, MotoGP delivers again. Drama, drama and a bit more drama. Marc Marquez’s 100% record vanishes as a new Marquez sits atop the Championship – Alex. And how big will that victory be for Pecco? The double MotoGP World Champion will now be brimming with confidence heading to Qatar for Round 4. See you all there.

  • Marc Marquez clinches gold in blockbuster Austin Sprint

    Marc Marquez clinches gold in blockbuster Austin Sprint

    Marc MThe #93’s 100% win record remains intact, but it didn’t come easy as a brilliant Tissot Sprint unfolds in Texasarquez clinches gold in blockbuster Austin Sprint

    Austin (Texas, US), 29 March 2025: Stateside Tissot Sprint glory went the way of Marc Marquez (Ducati Lenovo Team) – but not without a decent slice of drama and fireworks thrown in along the way. The #93 eventually beat Alex Marquez (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) by less than a second in Austin to keep up his 100% victory record in 2025, as Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) – after leading on the first lap – brought home a bronze medal to set us up beautifully for Sunday.

    AN OPENING LAP SHOWDOWN: Marquez vs Bagnaia vs Marquez

    Without any shadow of a doubt, the opening lap of the Sprint was the best lap of the season – and it’ll take some beating too. Bagnaia, from P6, launched away superbly to grab the holeshot up the hill into Turn 1. Marc Marquez bit straight back at Turn 2 to retake the lead from his teammate, but at Turn 3, it was Pecco doing the overtaking again. It didn’t take long before Marquez decided to pounce back though, Turn 7 his chosen spot.So it was Marc Marquez leading Bagnaia and Alex Marquez. But at Turn 17, the #93’s Sprint very nearly came to a premature end. An almighty rear-end slide led to the six-time MotoGP Champion getting thrown out of the saddle, which cost the Championship leader P1 and P2. Thought we were done? Nope. Bagnaia and the Marquez brothers were locked together on the exit of Turn 19 and into Turn 20, the final corner, Marc Marquez passed both to retake the lead, with Alex Marquez slotting into P2. That’s worth several rewatches. 

    HOW THE SPRINT WAS WON

    That was some opening lap. But after hitting the front again and getting into a rhythm, Marc Marquez started to build a gap to Alex Marquez. It was 0.6s on Lap 3, as Bagnaia lost touch with the top two. The Italian had Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) swarming all over his rear tyre before the Frenchman had a huge moment on entry to Turn 15, which allowed Franco Morbidelli (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) to slide through. Now, Quartararo was in a VR46 sandwich, with Fabio Di Giannantonio sitting in P6.

    On Lap 5 of 10, Marc Marquez’s advantage had shrunk from just under a second to 0.4s. That did rise back up to 0.6s on the next lap though, as Pecco found pace. But was it too late to lock onto the rear end of Alex Marquez?

    Meanwhile, a ferocious battle was unfolding between the two VR46 Ducatis and Quartararo. The trio exchanged fourth with four laps to go as the Yamaha star dug deep to try and cling onto a chance of finishing P4 – and what a job he was doing.

    With two laps to go, Marc Marquez’s lead was up to 1.4s, while Alex Marquez was still holding Bagnaia at bay by just over a second. However, heading onto the last lap, Alex had reeled in Marc. It was 0.7s over the line, so could anything be done by the younger Marquez to end his brother’s early season momentum?

    The answer was no. Marc Marquez held firm to pick up his third Tissot Sprint win on the bounce, with Alex Marquez continuing his P2 streak. Bagnaia claimed an important P3, just under two seconds away from his teammate, but the 2022 and 2023 MotoGP World Champion will be wanting more in Sunday’s Grand Prix despite being pleased with the result.

    SATURDAY POINTS SCORERS IN AUSTIN

    After a phenomenal mid-race scrap, Di Giannantonio won the fight for fourth, with Morbidelli keeping Quartararo behind him as the former teammates clinch P5 and P6 respectively – a top effort from the Yamaha star. Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) collected seventh and acted as the lead KTM on Saturday, as Luca Marini (Honda HRC Castrol) earned two Sprint points with a hard-earned P8. That was a great ride from the Italian who flew the HRC flag in the points after teammate Joan Mir crashed out from the top nine early doors, with Honda again showing progress – and that was Marini’s first Sprint points with Honda too.

    Meanwhile, the final Sprint point went the way of rookie Ai Ogura (Trackhouse MotoGP Team) after a great late battle with Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing) and Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing).

    If that first lap and subsequent battles didn’t get the juices flowing for Sunday in Austin, then we’re not sure what will. Tune into the MotoGP Americas Grand Prix at 14:00 local time (UTC -5) to see who will collect COTA’s 2025 crown!

  • Marc Marquez takes history-making COTA pole, Diggia pips Alex Marquez to second in Texas

    Marc Marquez takes history-making COTA pole, Diggia pips Alex Marquez to second in Texas

    The #93 becomes the first rider ever to take eight poles at one venue, with Diggia and Alex Marquez denying Acosta the front row
    Austin (Texas), Saturday, 29 March 2025: Qualifying for MotoGP at the Circuit of the Americas was a rollercoaster, with history made and some late shuffles changing the front row once and then again. Having topped Friday afternoon and Saturday morning action, COTA master Marc Marquez (Ducati Lenovo Team) remains the rider to beat with his eighth pole at the circuit though, and that’s a new record for poles at one track in MotoGP.

    Second it’s Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) after he had a lap scrubbed and reinstated, with Alex Marquez (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP). 
    PRESSURE ON: the battle to ascend into Q2
    First up though, Q1 and the dogfight to get into the shootout of Q2; big names in abundance, there were always going to be headlining acts sidelined from a shot at pole. On his first flying lap, yellow flags were out due to a highside on the exit of Turn 9 for Raul Fernandez (Trackhouse MotoGP Team) after running marginally off the kerb. He was perfectly OK and after grabbing the nearest scooter, he rushed back to pitlane and hopped on his spare bike. Due to the yellow flags, the first laps were largely cancelled. After that, there was also a red flag due to the air-fence needing to be re-deployed.
    Following a brief stoppage, 08:36 remained on the clock, making for a second half of the session full of activity, including Fernandez’s return to the track. Luca Marini (Honda HRC Castrol) was the first rider to set a lap time, with the benchmark of 2:02.001 for everyone else to beat but after the first runs, nobody was able to; Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) found time and went up to P2 before making an impressive save at Turn 1. Despite other efforts, Marini and Quartararo sailed into Q2, leaving Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing) as one of the big disappointments, rooted to P13 with Aprilia out of Q2 for the first time since Thailand in 2022.
    POLE BATTLE: Q2 ignites in the USA
    First laps in, Marc Marquez set the benchmark of a 2:01.522, the fastest time of the weekend but on the second flying lap, plenty of riders were on course to better it. At Turn 11, the #93 had a big moment but escaped a fall, although the lap had now gone. With the first half of the session done, Di Giannantonio had moved into P2 ahead of Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team), whilst in P5, Joan Mir (Honda HRC Castrol) had saved a crash on his elbow at Turn 19 but a forced to be reckoned with inside the top five. He was just behind Alex Marquez who was up in P4.
    FIGHT UNTIL THE END: Marquez brothers in pole scrap
    The final five minutes were the deciding moments, with Marc Marquez leading Mir and thus giving his ex-teammate a good look at his lap at COTA. Just behind, Fermin Aldeguer (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) was trying to latch on but fell at Turn 1; he soon remounted whilst teammate Alex Marquez was on a storming lap and went provisional pole ahead of his brother. But the timing screens were alive with red sectors.

    Marc Marquez managed to respond to grab pole but behind, Di Giannantonio, who originally had his lap cancelled for yellow flags, had it reinstated for P2. Alex Marquez rounded out the front row whilst Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing), Franco Morbidelli (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) and Pecco completed the second row.
    Top Honda honours were swept away by Marini who heads up the third row ahead of teammate Mir, making it the first time in  and Jack Miller (Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP), with the latter two setting identical lap times. Maverick Viñales (Red Bull KTM Tech 3) took his first top ten with KTM, ahead of 2021 World Champion Fabio Quartararo and late crasher Aldeguer. 

  • Charles Leclerc leads Ferrari 1-2 at US GP: Formula 1

    Charles Leclerc leads Ferrari 1-2 at US GP: Formula 1

    Austin, 20 October 2024: Charles Leclerc took a dominant US Grand Prix win as Carlos Sainz followed the Monegasque driver to the flag to hand Ferrari a 1-2 finish at the Circuit of the Americas. Behind them Red Bull’s Max Verstappen took third place after a thrilling battle with title rival Lando Norris that ended with the McLaren driver getting a five-second penalty for passing Verstappen off the track. 

    At the start, polesitter Norris got away well but on the approach to Turn 1 Verstappen attacked on the inside and when both he and Norris went wide on exit, Leclerc slipped through to claim the lead ahead of Verstappen Sainz and Norris. 

    On lap 3 Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton spun off and with his car beached in a gravel trap, the Safety Car was released. Hamilton’s Mercedes was quickly recovered and the action resumed at the start of lap six. And though Verstappen stuck with the Ferrari driver on the restart, Leclerc was comfortably able to keep the Dutchman behind and once the initial threat was nullified, he was able to pull away across the remainder of an impressive first stint on Medium tyres. 

    Leclerc made his sole pit stop of the race on lap 26. He emerged behind the McLarens of Norris and team-mate Oscar Piastri, but after passing Piastri and then waiting for Norris to make his stop for Hard tyres, the Monegasque driver stretched his legs in the second stint to take a comfortable win. 

    Sainz, meanwhile, used his sole pit stop to undercut Verstappen and though stayed in touch with Leclerc, the Spanish driver settled for second and his 24th career podium finish. 

    While the Ferrari drivers’ drive to the podium was smooth, behind them a more turbulent contest was developing. 

    Verstappen was unhappy with his Hard tyres in his second stint, telling the Red Bull pit wall that he couldn’t “brake” or “attacke the corners”. And with Norris more comfortable on six-lap younger Hard tyres behind him it was only a matter of time before the McLaren driver reeled in the Dutchman. 

    After the pit stops, Norris rapidly chewed through a six-second deficit to Verstappen and hauled himself within DRS range of Verstappen by lap 45. He then began a relentless series of attacks, always pressing in Turns 1 and 12 to see if he could provoke a mistake. 

    Verstappen defended expertly, however, to keep Norris at bay with the result that on lap 52 Norris went for broke. 

    The McLaren driver tried to attack on the outside of Turn 12 but both drivers went wide and Norris overtook his rival off track to steal P3. Expecting a sanction he tried to press ahead and gain a five-second advantage over the Red Bull driver, but Verstappen was resolute and when they crossed the line he was just four seconds in arrears. The race Stewards had already delivered their verdict of a five-second for passing off-track and Verstappen made it onto the podium by just 0.9s.

    Oscar Piastri took fifth place in the second McLaren, 34 seconds clear of George Russell. The Mercedes driver put in a strong performance, starting from the pit lane and recovering from a five-second penalty in the race to power through to P6, passing Red Bull’s Sergio Pérez in the closing stages. 

    Nico Hulkenberg took eighth for Haas, while Liam Lawson delivered an equally strong race rising from 19that the start to claim P9 and two points on his return to F1. Franco Colapinto collected the final point for Williams. 

    2024 FIA Formula 1 United States Grand Prix – Race 
    1 Charles Leclerc Ferrari 56 1:35’09.639 
    2 Carlos Sainz Ferrari 56 1:35’18.201 8.562
    3 Max Verstappen Red Bull/Honda RBPT 56 1:35’29.051 19.412
    4 Lando Norris McLaren/Mercedes 56 1:35’29.993 20.354
    5 Oscar Piastri McLaren/Mercedes 56 1:35’31.560 21.921
    6 George Russell Mercedes 56 1:36’05.934 56.295
    7 Sergio Pérez Red Bull/Honda RBPT 56 1:36’08.711 59.072
    8 Nico Hülkenberg Haas/Ferrari 56 1:36’12.596 1’02.957
    9 Liam Lawson RB/Honda RBPT 56 1:36’20.202 1’10.563
    10 Franco Colapinto Williams/Mercedes 56 1:36’21.618 1’11.979
    11 Kevin Magnussen Haas/Ferrari 56 1:36’29.421 1’19.782
    12 Pierre Gasly Alpine/Renault 56 1:36’40.197 1’30.558
    13 Fernando Alonso Aston Martin/Mercedes 55 1:35’11.365 1 lap /1.726
    14 Yuki Tsunoda RB/Honda RBPT 55 1:35’17.851 1 lap /8.212
    15 Lance Stroll Aston Martin/Mercedes 55 1:35’26.622 1 lap /16.983
    16 Alexander Albon Williams/Mercedes 55 1:35’27.731 1 lap /18.092
    17 Valtteri Bottas Sauber/Ferrari 55 1:35’43.972 1 lap /34.333
    18 Esteban Ocon Alpine/Renault 55 1:35’51.751 1 lap /42.112
    19 Zhou Guanyu Sauber/Ferrari 55 1:35’58.879 1 lap /49.240

  • “Why not a win?”: Thursday talking points in Texas

    “Why not a win?”: Thursday talking points in Texas

    Austin, Thursday, 13 April 2023: From Termas we’ve landed in Texas and boy howdy is it great to be back! Two press conferences kicked us off on Thursday, the first comprising Marco Bezzecchi (Mooney VR46 Racing Team), Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team), and Johann Zarco (Prima Pramac Racing), and the second Alex Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP), Jack Miller (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing), Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) and Miguel Oliveira (CryptoData RNF MotoGP).

    Here are some key quotes:

    MARCO BEZZECCHI

    How special is it leading the championship for the first time?

    MARCO BEZZECCHI: “Yeah, it was a particular week for me at home. It was a very nice feeling to come back and to see all the love from my family, friends, and all fans at home. It was something that I didn’t expect honestly but it was fantastic. I feel good, and I feel happy but I also know it’s already time to race again so I also feel concentrated.”

    How many times did you watch that Termas race?

    “Many. I think more than 20. As soon as I had some time I put it on the TV, and when I ate whenever I was at home. It was fantastic!”

    What’s the message from the camp right now?

    Marco Bezzecchi at the Thursday MotoGP Press Conference. MotoGP image

    “Well, definitely to keep my feet on the ground because Matt, my dad, and everyone in the team is saying this to me, but it’s also what I think. We were already in this same way of thinking. To think about the championship, honestly, it’s very early so I’m not thinking about the championship I’m just enjoying the victory and in the end I arrive here how I arrived in Argentina, just being myself and trying to be fast.”

    FRANCESCO BAGNAIA

    We saw how frustrated you were in Termas after losing the lead and 20 points, but what did you learn?

    FRANCESCO BAGNAIA: “I understood that in the wet everything slips more than in the dry. We were looking with the team about what could have caused the crash and the truth is that there is no explanation. It’s difficult to explain, but in any case, we have to think about this weekend and focus on what we have to do.

    “This is not the time to think about the championship. It’s good not to take too many risks, but at that moment I was second and it was the first time I felt so competitive in the wet. I wasn’t thinking about staying calm or waiting, I just wanted to open a gap to Alex Marquez who was behind, but without taking too many risks. I didn’t do anything different, but I crashed.

    “Now we move on. We are in Austin, I love this circuit and I love this country. It’s one of the most demanding circuits, but we are ready.”

    Where can the strengths of the Ducati help you at COTA?

    Francesco Bagnaia of Ducati at the Thursday MotoGP press meet. Photo MotoGP

    “I think in the first sector, well, in the first two sectors we can be more competitive because the engine is more agile and it helps to line up better in sectors one and two. Last year I had problems, I was losing time under braking and that is something I will have to improve, but I think this year’s bike will help us.”

    What do you like most about Austin and the United States?

    “I love the atmosphere in America, it’s more relaxed. I love being here, going out, having a hamburger… I love walking around here. I’ve met a lot of people from the paddock around Austin, I think we all love it here.”

    Could Marco Bezzecchi be a title contender?

    “I think we all recognise Marco’s talent and speed, but it’s too early to be a title contender now. We are only in the third race, I don’t want to put my name on it either… we have to keep calm. There is plenty of time, but for sure Bezzecchi will be very competitive for the whole season and if I have to choose a rival I prefer it to be from Valentino’s Academy.”

    On the absence of Marc and Enea:

    “Honestly, Marc was one of the guys to beat here this year and Enea too, but it’s difficult to know because the level of the Honda’s is not the same as it was years ago and we have all moved on and grown. For Marc, it might have been more complicated to be competitive, but for sure he would have been there to fight, his way of interpreting this circuit is incredible. So is Enea. We have two fewer contenders, but the level of the other riders is very high.”

    JOHANN ZARCO

    How do you assess your start to 2023?

    JOHANN ZARCO: “I’m pretty happy overall with the two races. For me, the sprint race is good to prepare for Sunday, and I’ve always been well prepared for the Sunday and the big result came twice. I’m happy about it. Clearly, the conditions in Termas were almost my conditions to perform easier compared to the dry. I expected to win but Marco was too fast at the beginning and in the end, I had to recover the time that I lost. But being third at the beginning of the third weekend is a pleasure, and it’s a sign that many things are possible. I’m happy, and as Marco said everything is so early so we need to get focused on the weekend and try to get a good feeling. It’s a tough track here. I was fast last year but not very consistent. If I can find a good pace I can wish for good things.”

    Have you got any ideas on how to be more competitive in the opening laps?

    “It’s a way to ride the bike. It seems the way I ride it at the end of the race when the others have less grip, I’ve got an advantage, but when the tyres are pretty fresh I miss a few tenths. But when everybody is fast around you, it’s also very tough to fight. The starts have been much better than last year and this is useful even if I could not fight very well at the beginning of the race I didn’t lose time at the start and at the first corners. It’s small things, we cannot say that we have to change anything. We are always talking about feeling and trying to get his pure feeling that will help me to do whatever I want when I want.”

    ALEX MARQUEZ

    ALEX MARQUEZ: “I’m so happy with the level we’re showing, it’s much better than what I imagined before starting the season with Ducati and Gresini but we also need to be realistic, we’re not on the level of the best Ducati riders in the dry so we need to keep working, we are in constant progression going up and that’s good, but we need to be realistic and go step-by-step. Starting like this is really good for the team and also for me because I’m coming from two difficult years, especially the last one, so to start like this for my confidence and motivation is really good. We’re not on the level of the best Ducat riders but we need to do as we have until now, try to get points, and try to be there for the Championship. We have a lot of races and Sprints ahead, so we need to focus on those points and not take any 0s. To be there will be important this year. Every weekend it’ll be important for us to take steps forward.”

    The Marquez name is no stranger to the top step… could this be a chance to win?

    Alex Marquez, at the MotoGP press conference. A MotoGP image

    “If Marc comes to Austin, you know you only had half a chance to win. Without Marc here, maybe it becomes 85%! I don’t know, it’s a new track with this bike for me. I don’t know how it’ll come to us. We have quite clear ideas of what we need to improve, so we’ll try to do our best again and have a solid weekend. Why not win? But it’s not our objective at the moment, we need to be realistic. Our position is between 4th and 7th more or less, but if we have the chance to take a podium or try and win, for sure we’ll try, but realistic for the moment it’s 4th to 8th.”

    JACK MILLER

    It feels like this has the making of a first big result here for you with KTM, do you get that vibe?

    JACK MILLER: “Yeah for sure, I love coming back here to COTA. It’s definitely one of the Grand Prix that I look forward to most on the calendar, probably one of my favourites. The track is so different from everywhere else that we race. It has its positive points and its different points which are nice. I’m looking forward to it, I think with this KTM I’m excited to see what we can do around this track because the points that I’m finding myself strong on the bike generally play into the parts of this track. We’ll see what we can do this weekend, hopefully, we can get a decent crowd for both Saturday and Sunday and put on a decent show.”

    Is your front-end confidence with the KTM going to help at COTA, and where?

    “Yeah, I think we’ve managed to improve the braking performance of the bike, the decelerating performance. I think going into this Grand Prix this is one of the key factors you need with corners like corner 1, and whatever it is before the back straight, and then after the back straight, and the last corner as well. I think having a decent bike that’s performing well on the brakes is going to be key, also the way the bike changes direction is really precise and it’s giving me good feedback through the handlebars in terms of wanting the change direction so I think sectors 1 and 2 will definitely be pretty nice on this thing.”

    FABIO QUARTARARO

    Your position at the moment doesn’t feel like a true reflection of your potential or speed this season, is that how you see it?

    FABIO QUARTARARO: “Our potential in the wet in Argentina was great, the pace in the Sprint wasn’t the best but we’re not so far. Qualifying is the point we need to work on, and it’ll be key this weekend to have a great qualifying.”

    What’s missing in the M1 this year so far to make it feel like your bike?

    “It’s not so much, but everything is so tight that if you’re not 100% confident on the bike it’s still difficult. Portugal wasn’t too bad, but we had a test just before. We had to figure out in Argentina the conditions, every time we were going on track we were changing something and it was getting better and better. So hopefully we can find our base on this track, and especially in qualifying make a step forward.”

    On Toprak: “That’s not my thing… of course, it was a great opportunity for him to try the bike for two days, but I’ve never really talked to him about this test. Then the future of Yamaha, it’s not in my hands, we’ll see who my teammate is next year, it could be Franco or someone else.”

    Can you explain to us about your injury and recovery?

    MIGUEL OLIVEIRA: “Yeah well, the injury was just a tendon that was a little bit damaged, a couple of tendons in the hip. So basically the problem was that I couldn’t open my leg and swing my leg over the bike without pain so the traveling to Argentina was very long. I was in a lot of pain for three days, it was pretty tough but I had to take the decision to rest. It’s a shame that the first couple of races were back-to-back otherwise I think I could’ve raced the following weekend as we are doing now. From everything that happened Sunday, I’m very grateful for not having any major injuries out of that.”

    Your pace in Portimao should give you confidence with the Aprilia for the rest of the season.

    “Yes, Portimao was indeed a track that maybe was better suited to my style and not the areas that I was struggling with the Aprilia which was straight braking. Here in Texas, I think I will struggle a bit more to adapt to this area where I’m not really comfortable yet, but I think we have the opportunity from tomorrow to start working on this and being able to get more comfortable with the bike. We have time, it’s a long season and I just want to restart my season here again and hopefully score points in both races which will be important.”

    What are your expectations and hopes for the weekend?

    “Well, I think I have to see you tomorrow. I need to discover the track with this bike. I don’t see any specific reason why the Aprilias cannot be competitive here so we just need to start and make progress through the practices and the weekend as time goes on and we get more time with the bike to be fast which is the main target.”

    eom/david/14apr23

  • ‘King’ Marquez extends COTA reign with another win; Dovi leads championship

    ‘King’ Marquez extends COTA reign with another win; Dovi leads championship

    Marc Marquez celebrates another win at COTA. Photo: Honda Racing

    Austin (Texas, US), 23 April 2018: It’s closer than ever as the flag falls at the end of the Americas GP, with Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) taking the win and Andrea Dovizioso (Ducati Team) the Championship lead as Texas shook up the standings. There are now five riders within eight points at the top of the title fight – with Marquez a point off the top after his win, and Maverick Viñales (Movistar Yamaha MotoGP) moving up to third after a second place finish at COTA.

    Vinales. Photo – Movistar Yamaha MotoGP

    The Americas GP also made it back-to-back podium finishes for Suzuki, with Andrea Iannone (Team Suzuki Ecstar) putting in an impressive push from the front row to take third and his first rostrum finish of the season – and first rostrum with the Hamamatsu factory.

    It was also Iannone who got the holeshot from second on the grid, but Marquez also got a stunner from Row 2 – slotting into second and on the chase behind the ‘Maniac’. Making his move soon after and taking the lead, the number 93 started to pull a gap, but Iannone wasn’t done, and gave it everything for a late dive up the inside of the reigning Champion. Running a bit wide on the exit, Marquez took him back, then putting his head down.

    From there on, the spectacular ballet of man and machine once more ruled the rodeo in Texas – with the victory making it 10 consecutive premier class wins for Marquez on US soil.

    Andrea Iannone. Photo: Suzuki Racing

    Reflecting on his win, Marquez said: “This weekend I really gave it my all. Today I was totally focused, as I wanted to remain perfect here at Austin. I don’t think that ever in my career have I had such a race, pushing so hard from the first lap. Today, I felt that this was the right way and was able to do it, in part because my bike’s setup helped me a lot, so thanks to everyone in my garage as they’ve worked really well and hard.

    “Yesterday, I was a bit ill, and even today I didn’t feel I had perfect energy, but it turned out to be a good race anyway – a lonely one, but sometimes it goes like that. Last night, when I was going to sleep, I thought about the strategy, and today, I followed it. Even in the warm-up, I tried to simulate the first laps of the race, going out on new tyres and with a full tank. That was in the plan.

    “I told the team that I wanted to try to lead the race from the beginning and pull a gap. So in the first three or four laps, I pushed a bit more than usual, and then I managed the advantage. Today I had special motivation.

    “There was a lot of pressure, but I like the pressure, as it helps to keep focused. I felt a special feeling on the last lap, when I passed in front of Nicky’s flag. So, I’m happy with the result and for recovering ground in the Championship, but now we go back to Europe, where we must be consistent, because look who’s leading the standings: Dovi, the most consistent rider! The feeling with my bike is very good, and the same has been true in Qatar and Argentina, so we’ll try and continue this way.”

    Tight battle for podium spots

    Championship leader Dovizioso. Photo: Ducati

    Behind, however, it was getting pretty tight. Valentino Rossi (Movistar Yamaha MotoGP) was pressuring teammate Viñales for third as Iannone held firm in second. But lap-by-lap, Viñales was able to ease away and stake his claim on P2, closing in on Iannone before a well-judged pass into Turn 1 saw the Spaniard able to get through and then pull away. Keeping it calm, he took his first podium of the season in second, and Iannone did the same in third.

    Rossi came home fourth, with Dovizioso taking fifth after a particularly difficult weekend. Well-rewarded for a solid race, the 2017 runner-up is now the leader of the pack once again after his controlled performance, including a late race pass on Johann Zarco (Monster Yamaha Tech 3).

    Rossi. Photo: Movistar Yamaha MotoGP

    Rossi said: “It was a good weekend because we were always in the top five, but in the race, I hoped and expected to be a bit stronger to fight for the podium. I know that Marquez and Maverick were a bit stronger. I hoped I’d be fast enough to fight for the podium with Iannone, but Andrea was faster than me, so I was not able to arrive and attack.”

    Zarco was top Independent Team rider in P6, with former Championship leader Cal Crutchlow (LCR Honda Castrol) sliding out at the final corner when attacking the Frenchman earlier in the race. Alex RIns (Team Suzuki Ecstar) also then suffered a tumble soon after – riders ok and Crutchlow able to rejoin.

    Heroic ride by ‘Little Samurai’

    Dani Pedrosa. Photo: Repsol Honda

    Meanwhile, Dani Pedrosa (Repsol Honda Team) followed up two stunning showings on Friday and Saturday to come home in a superhuman P7. Back on track and racing just over a week after surgery on his broken wrist sustained in the Argentina GP, the ‘Little Samurai’ rode a heroic push through the pain barrier around the punishing, technical challenge of the Circuit of the Americas in a performance worthy of the history books, taking home nine points ahead of the Championship’s return to one of his best venues: Jerez.

    There was a Borgo Panigale battle around three seconds behind three-time World Champion Pedrosa, with Tito Rabat (Reale Avintia Racing) impressively beating Jack Miller (Alma Pramac Racing)  to the line for eighth. Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing Team Gresini) completed the top ten, putting in an impressive push to keep Jorge Lorenzo (Ducati Team) behind him after a tough race for the five-time World Champion.

    Danilo Petrucci (Alma Pramac Racing) took P12, ahead of some impressive points for Pol Espargaro and Red Bull KTM Factory Racing in P13. Takaaki Nakagami (LCR Honda Idemitsu) was top rookie in P14, ahead of Alvaro Bautista (Angel Nieto Team).

    So there we have it. The rodeo is ridden and the points are given, and what a Championship we have on our hands as we head for Jerez: five riders within eight points, with ‘DesmoDovi’ the man in the lead on the road to Europe. Marquez trails him by one point, Viñales by five and Crutchlow by eight – with Zarco equal on points with the Brit, back in P5 due to Crutchlow having a race win.

    Now, it’s carnival time. Packed grandstands, Spanish sun, the awesome Circuito de Jerez and one of the best atmospheres of the year – with the Championship so close, there’s almost nothing in it!

    Francesco Bagnaia (SKY Racing Team VR46) took the honours in Moto 2 ahead of Alex Marquez (EG 0,0 Marc VDS) and Miguel Oliveira (Red Bull KTM Ajo).

    Jorge Martin (Del Conca Gresini Moto3) topped the Moto 3 field and he was followed home by Enea Bastianini (Leopard Racing) and Marco Bezzecchi (Redox Pruestel GP) in that order.

    Source: motogp.com, Honda Racing Corporation

  • Marquez has company: the King of COTA overthrown on Friday by Iannone

    Marquez has company: the King of COTA overthrown on Friday by Iannone

    Andrea Iannone on a charge. Photo: Team Suzuki Ecstar

    Austin (Texas, US), 21 April 2018: Andrea Iannone (Team Suzuki Ecstar) left his best till last at the Red Bull Grand Prix of the Americas as the ‘Maniac’ slammed in a 2:04.599 to depose the ‘King of COTA’ Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) from the top on Friday.

    Marquez. Photo: Repsol Honda

    The gap between the two was just 0.056, and Marquez also suffered a crash on Friday – rider ok. Behind the number 93, the Movistar Yamaha duo of Maverick Viñales and Valentino Rossi completed the top four, within another couple of tenths as it tightened up at the top.

    With weather looking set to change on Saturday in Austin, the end of FP2 saw a mad dash to get into the top ten and secure provisional entry to Q2 qualifying. In that rush, Iannone was the last to strike big – and win – but there was another big headline, too: Johann Zarco (Monster Yamaha Tech 3) ending the day in P13 overall; heading for Q1 if the rain comes.

    Behind the four men at the top, the timesheets remained tight and it was Championship leader Cal Crutchlow (LCR Honda Castrol) locking out the top five as he aims to hold onto that advantage heading back from the US.

    Rossi. Photo: Movistar Yamaha MotoGP

    One of the men fighting him for the win last time out, Alex Rins (Team Suzuki Ecstar), was on his tail in P6 as the Spaniard got Texas off to a positive start – keeping compatriot Jorge Lorenzo (Ducati Team) just behind him by a mere three hundredths.

    Andrea Dovizioso (Ducati Team) was eighth, moving up late on in the day and securing a safe move through to Q2 if the skies changes on Saturday, with an impressive performance from Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing Team Gresini) seeing the Spaniard take ninth, just under a tenth off the 2017 Championship runner-up.

    Vinales. Photo: Movistar Yamaha MotoGP

    Dani Pedrosa (Repsol Honda Team), meanwhile, completed the top ten. The three-time World Champion found FP1 tough going as he rides just over a week after surgery on a broken wrist, but was back at it in FP2. Pedrosa also put in a representative amount of laps as he tested his fitness, as well as being able to take a stunning provisional place in Q2.

    So, will the skies change over COTA? Will the King take back his throne on Saturday? Or will the competition get even closer as we count down to Round 3…

    Miguel Oliveira (Red Bull KTM Ajo) topped the time sheets in both Free Practice sessions in Moto 2 as did Jorge Martin (Del Conca Gresini Moto3) in Moto 3.

    Source: motogp.com

  • We did a good job and deserve to be where we are at this moment, says Cal Crutchlow

    We did a good job and deserve to be where we are at this moment, says Cal Crutchlow

    Cal Crutchlow celebrating victory in Argentina. Photo: calcrutchlow.com

    Austin (Texas, US), 20 April 2018: Cal Crutchlow (LCR Honda Castrol), winner of the race in Argentina, asserted that he and his team deserved to be where they are at the moment, heading the MotoGP championship, though the positions can change after this weekend’s Red Bull Grand Prix of the Americas.

    Speaking at Thursday’s pre-event Press Conference, here, Crutchlow, backing up his words in parc ferme after his hard-fought win in Argentina, said: “I don’t know whether I’ve silenced any critics or not, but it’s true, don’t doubt me. I think we entered the season to do a good job, the team’s worked really well…sure, on Sunday or next race, maybe I’ll finish tenth and we won’t be leading, but I think at the moment we deserve it because we’ve done a good job. To be leading the rider and team standings is an honor for Lucio as well.”

    The Brit then mentioned how good it is for riders – like himself – to be able to compete with the factory teams. “It’s nice for us three guys to be sat here, knowing we’re competitive with the factory teams. In Qatar, we were competitive too. It’s great for the Championship.”

    Second in the Championship Andrea Dovizioso (Ducati Team) said: “We were very lucky in Argentina, we took a lot of points without good speed. Jack (Miller) showed there was a possibility to be faster during the race, so it means we didn’t work in a perfect way, but it was tricky conditions and a lot of riders struggling. We’re not happy about that weekend, but we’re in a good position in the championship.”

    The number 04 will be aiming to at least replicate his two podiums he has previously earned at the Circuit of the Americas, but the Ducati rider also acknowledged the increased level of competition this year.

    “We have to fight for the podium or the top five, and then wherever we can, fight for the victory. I think, this year will be different to last because there are a lot of very fast riders, you have to take it race by race.”

    Johann Zarco. Photo: Movistar Yamaha Tech 3

    After his second place in Argentina, Johann Zarco (Monster Yamaha Tech 3) was understandably in good spirits and the double Moto2™ World Champion is one of the ‘very fast riders’ Dovizioso was referring to. The Tech 3 rider comes into this weekend with the belief that he can take his first premier class victory.

    “It’s pretty nice to get a podium already in the second race, and being close to the victory. On the last lap I was very close to Cal and thinking what I could do to win the race but it was difficult so finishing second was the best solution, and it makes me happy to be third in the Championship.

    “I don’t want to say we’re just fighting for the podium. When you go racing you want to fight for victory. I need that mentality before the weekend. Why Marc is so fast here I don’t know, and I want to understand it throughout the weekend.”

    Maverick Vinales. Photo: Movistar Yamaha MotoGP

    Maverick Viñales (Movistar Yamaha MotoGP), after a difficult opening couple of rounds, is hoping he can replicate the speed he has had here previously.

    “It was important to stay on the bike and get points, then in the second half of the race I felt very strong. We need a better qualifying…but here in Austin I’ve been fast in the past so I’m excited to start and see if we can improve on Argentina.”

    The former Moto3™ World Champion then suggested that if they worked on a few areas, he and his M1 machine will be as competitive as they were at the start of 2017. “I started to feel good on the last laps in Qatar, so we have to keep working, I think if we improve just a few things we can be as strong as last year.”

    It’s a different story at the Team Suzuki Ecstar as the Hamamatsu factory has made big progress – and Alex Rins has taken his maiden MotoGP™ podium. There’s no doubt about how strong Rins looks this season, and the Spaniard spoke about his excellent weekend at Termas de Rio Hondo.

    “We are doing a good job, but from pre-season the bike has started to feel good. In Argentina we had a perfect weekend, more or less like Qatar but in Qatar I lost the front and crashed.”

    There were no such crashes in Argentina, and his podium confirmed his speed and competitiveness on the Suzuki in 2018. “We have a very competitive bike and we improved a lot from last year, also, I have more experience.”

    Moreover, the number 42 comes to COTA with the fond memories of his first Grand Prix win. A track then, he enjoys. “I’m excited to start because this is one of my favourite tracks. I have good memories here and we need to keep the same level, work hard from the beginning trying to be in the top ten for qualifying…and enjoy the race.”

    After his eventful weekend in South America, Jack Miller (Alma Pramac Ducati) began speaking about his race at Termas, and what he’s learnt from the race as a whole. The Australian was in the hunt for victory throughout, and despite ending up fourth, ‘Jackass’ showed he and his GP17 – along with the other Independent Teams – are very competitive this year, making for an exciting Championship.

    “I’m frustrated but semi-satisfied as well. Knowing my past record in previous years I wouldn’t have made it past the first lap with that much pressure! It was a positive weekend for us. I had the feeling back I had in Thailand and Malaysia.

    “There are so many guys on competitive bikes in the field, you can’t doubt anyone. Independent teams winning and nearly dominating the podium last week…it’s pretty impressive and it’s just going to get better and better as the year goes on.”

    The level of competition in MotoGP™ has certainly reached new heights this year, so can one of the Independent Teams – once again – take victory this weekend and end Marc Marquez’s (Repsol Honda Team) dominance at COTA?

    Source: motogp.com

  • Rivals Rossi and Marquez prefer to look ahead; Pedrosa declared fit to race in Austin

    Rivals Rossi and Marquez prefer to look ahead; Pedrosa declared fit to race in Austin

    Valentino Rossi. Photo: Movistar Yamaha MotoGP

    Austin (Texas, US), 20 April 2018: Here for the Red Bull Grand Prix of the Americas, arch rivals Valentino Rossi (Movistar Yamaha MotoGP) and Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) opted to look forward than back at the incident involving the two of them during the Argentina GP.

    Nine times World Champion Rossi said: “The only thing to do now is to look to the future and think about this weekend. I think it’s important to get back on track, ride the motorcycle, to try to get the maximum and work with the team. I’m very happy to be here. Also because this track is very difficult, so you have a lot of work, it’s very long with a lot of corners – so we have to think about that. Do our work, and try the maximum.”

    Then, when pressed on his comments at Termas de Rio Hondo, the ‘Doctor’ reaffirmed his opinion. “I watched the race. I think exactly what I said after the race in Argentina. But it’s better to look forward.” The door to talking through the issues with Marc Marquez, however, was left ajar. “Maybe it’s not yet time to talk, but maybe in the future.”

    I learn from my mistakes: Marquez

    It was a turbulent weekend in Argentina for reigning World Champion Marquez, and ahead of the Americas GP, the number 93, who was penalized thrice during the Argentina GP, said that it was a technical fault that saw him stall on the grid and that he focused on learning from the bad and taking the good from it.

    Marc Marquez. Photo: Repsol Honda

    “The race weekend in Argentina and especially Sunday was very tricky for the conditions and a lot of things happened during the race weekend,” said the Repsol Honda rider. “But I’m a rider and a person who likes to improve and especially learn from everything. And I think from that race day everybody can learn a lot.”

    It was a recurring theme for the number 93, who received three penalties during the race and was therefore eventually classified 18th. He also said he’s watched the race for precisely that reason – because it’s good to analyse the bad as well as the good.

    “In Argentina, I did and said everything I believed in at the time, and I continue believing that. I’m a rider and a person who likes to improve and learn from, in this case, mistakes. A lot of things happened. I made mistakes, I was penalised and I went to apologise.

    “We’re riders, we’re people and we all make mistakes. It’s a competition at the limit, and the track conditions were at the limit. So you learn from the bad and the good, and make sure it doesn’t happen again.”

    Finally, when asked about the current climate and discussions centered on Argentina, Marquez says it’s best to concentrate on what’s happening on track. “I’m concentrating on myself, being at 100% on track – everything else, I try to keep some distance from.”

    Pedrosa declared fit

    Dani Pedrosa. Photo: Repsol Honda

    Meanwhile, Dani Pedrosa (Repsol Honda Team) has been passed fit to head out on his RC213V at the Red Bull Grand Prix of the Americas, just one week after having surgery on a broken radius he sustained in his Argentina GP crash.

    The initial fears were that Pedrosa would have to sit out this weekend, a track that he’s done well at in the past. However, as was confirmed earlier this week, the three-time World Champion will attempt to ride – and thanked fans for their messages of encouragement.

    Source: motogp.com