INDIA in F1

Tag: MotoGP

  • Pacesetter: Quartararo just 0.010 off the lap record: Misano test final day

    Pacesetter: Quartararo just 0.010 off the lap record: Misano test final day

    Rookie steals the limelight once again to end testing nearly half a second clear

    Fabio Qartararo tops Misano test on Friday. the final day. A MotoGP image

    Misano, 30 August 2019: After only a second mistake of your rookie season in a race, what’s the best way to bounce back? Topping two days of testing at Misano, half a second clear on the final day and within 0.010 of the lap record ought to do the trick for Fabio Quartararo (Petronas Yamaha SRT). On Friday the rookie was once again top of the pile, this time ahead of the Ducati of Danilo Petrucci (Ducati Team) by nearly half a second, with Franco Morbidelli (Petronas Yamaha SRT) completing the top three after another impressive day for the Italian.

    Once more it was a scorcher on the Riviera de Rimini as the sun beat down on the Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli for the second and final day of the two-day test. And as Petronas Yamaha SRT continued their almost-dominance at the top, Yamaha overall continued their solid showing. For Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP, Valentino Rossi was seen leaving pitlane with what looked like a carbon covered front brake on one of his YZR-M1s. Teammate Maverick Viñales was on track with the double exhaust again today as well, seemingly doing a comparison with the ‘normal’ Yamaha exhaust. The Spaniard was also back to using the usual tail on both of his bikes on Friday as he ended the test P6, just under a second back from Quartararo. ‘The Doctor’ had climbed into the top three in the closing stages, only to be displaced by Petrucci’s late time attack to end the day fourth at his home track.

    Ducati shot up the timesheets on the second day with Petrucci. He and teammate Andrea Dovizioso were out testing with one of their two bikes having the swingarm attachment. In addition, the two Italians were both using the wheel covers on their GP19s, with test rider Michele Pirro displaying a slightly different looking Ducati belly pan. Pirro finished 15th on the timesheets, Dovizioso was 17th.

    Jack Miller (Pramac Racing), meanwhile, was the lunchtime leader and he even ended his test at midday, the Australian encountering an issue with his number one bike during the morning. The number 43 was mainly working on his race pace and stability in the high-speed corners, something he says he struggled with a bit at Silverstone. Miller also said he and the team had found a little bit of direction in that department; good news ahead of the Grand Prix weekend. Teammate Francesco Bagnaia was also mainly working on race setup, and the rookie had a positive-looking test on board his GP18 as the Pramac duo finished up fifth and seventh respectively. Tito Rabat (Reale Avintia Racing) also put his Ducati in P12 after a solid day’s work.

    Takaaki Nakagami (LCR Honda Idemitsu) was the fastest Honda rider at the Misano Test, the Japanese rider putting in his fastest laps towards the end of Day 2 to sit P8 on the timesheets. In the Repsol Honda garage, as well as having two Repsol liveried bikes, Championship leader Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) had HRC test rider Stefan Bradl’s bike at his disposal on Friday as he ended the test P10. Marquez rode a blacked-out Honda on Thursday and today it was the turn of Bradl to have a go, with Cal Crutchlow (LCR Honda Castrol) also having a black Honda on his side of the garage on Day 2. Five-time World Champion Jorge Lorenzo (Repsol Honda Team) didn’t ride on Day 2 as he continues to recover from injury.

    Meanwhile at Team Suzuki Ecstar, Joan Mir finished the test in P11 as the Spaniard continued to get back up to speed following his huge Brno Test crash. “Some new parts”, settings and grip was Mir’s main aim, and the rookie ended the test ahead of British GP winner Alex Rins, who had a low key time on the timesheets at least.

    Aprilia ended the second day in the top ten. Aleix Espargaro was ninth quickest on his Aprilia Racing Team Gresini machine as the Italian brand continue working towards 2020, although the Spaniard suffered two crashes during the morning session on Day 2. Teammate Andrea Iannone confirmed the team were working more in the direction of next year’s package and the Italian ended the test in P14.

    Some of the headlines, however, remain reserved for Red Bull KTM Factory Racing. MotoGP™ Legend Dani Pedrosa got a full day of testing done for Austrian factory KTM, with the three-time World Champion trying a tail unit that was similar to what Pol Espargaro and Johann Zarco used at the opening round of the season, something Pedrosa also used at the Barcelona Test earlier in the year. KTM did confirm they tested things they think they will use in the coming races and Pedrosa finished the day as the quickest KTM rider, with Dovizioso splitting him from Espargaro on the timesheets. Espargaro also crashed in the morning. Hafizh Syahrin (Red Bull KTM Tech 3) was behind the number 44, and his teammate Miguel Oliveira remains absent to recover from his Silverstone crash.

    That’s a wrap for testing at Misano, with plenty of talking points to take us into the next race at…Misano. In the meantime, whet your appetite for the Riviera di Rimini classic with all the interviews, full results and highlights from the test on motogp.com.

    Test Top Times: Fabio Quartararo* (FRA – Yamaha) 1:31.639
    Danilo Petrucci  (ITA – Ducati) +0.476
    Franco Morbidelli* (ITA – Yamaha) +0.614

    *Independent Team rider

  • #MotoGP2020: provisional 2020 calendar released

    Paris, 28 August 2019: Subject to an FIM Homologation, Finland will host a Grand Prix in 2020 in July, with the PTT Thailand Grand Prix provisionally moving from Round 14 to Round 2.

    A total of 20 races are scheduled for the year with Qatar opening the season on 8 March 2020.

     

     

    No. Date Grand Prix Circuit
    1 08 March 2020 Qatar* Losail International Circuit
    2 22 March Thailand Chang International Circuit
    3 05 April Americas Circuit of the Americas
    4 19 April Republica Argentina Termas de Rio Hondo
    5 03 May Spain Circuito de Jerez – Ángel Nieto
    6 17 May France Le Mans
    7 31 May Italy Autodromo del Mugello
    8 07 June Catalunya Barcelona – Catalunya
    9 21 June Germany Sachsenring
    10 28 June Netherlands TT Circuit Assen
    11 12 July Finland** KymiRing
    12 09 August Czech Republic*** Automotodrom Brno
    13 16 August Austria Red Bull Ring-Spielberg
    14 30 August Great Britain Silverstone
    15 13 September San Marino e della Riviera di Rimini Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli
    16 04 October Aragón MotorLand Aragón
    17 18 October Japan Twin Ring Motegi
    18 25 October Australia Philip Island
    19 01 November Malaysia Sepang International Circuit
    20 15 November Comunitat Valenciana Comunitat Valenciana-Ricardo Tormo

    2020 Pre-season MotoGP Tests:

    Date Test Circuit
    19/11/19 Valencia Comunitat Valenciana-Ricardo Tormo
    26/11/19 Jerez Circuito de Jerez – Ángel Nieto
    7/02/20 Sepang Sepang
    22/02/20 Qatar
    Losail International Circuit

     

  • Rins pips Marquez by milli-second at final corner in the Silverstone thriller: MotoGP

    Rins pips Marquez by milli-second at final corner in the Silverstone thriller: MotoGP

    A battle for the ages rages to the last in an incredible Suzuki vs Honda duel

    Rins pips Marquez at the post on Sunday in Silverstone. A MotoGP image

    Silverstone, 25 August 2019: Alex Rins (Team Suzuki Ecstar) became the sixth different winner at Silverstone in the last six races at the track in a stunning GoPro British Grand Prix, timing it to perfection to sweep past reigning Champion Marc Marquez at the final corner and make it two last-second defeats for the number 93 in as many races. A duel from almost the first to last, the race is the equal fourth closest premier class finish – and one very much written straight into the history books. Maverick Viñales (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) completed the podium and closed in in the latter stages, but the battle remained Marquez vs Rins to the line.

    Marquez got a storming start from pole, streaking away from the line as Valentino Rossi (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) slotted into second but some huge drama hit just behind. A crash for Fabio Quartararo (Petronas Yamaha SRT) saw the rookie slide out and unfortunately for the man behind him, Andrea Dovizioso (Ducati Team), the stricken bike was unavoidable. The Italian hit the Yamaha and both machines and men slid out into the run off, out of the British GP.

    That left Marquez, Rossi and Rins at the head of the race, and the number 42 wasted no time attacking the ‘Doctor’ for second, tagging right on to the rear of Marquez as soon as he was past. From there the two began to pull away, and Rossi was left with teammate Viñales to contend with as the number 12 plowed past Franco Morbidelli (Petronas Yamaha SRT) and started to cut down the gap.

    Then Rins ran wide and Viñales did just behind, leaving both men with a little more work to do. Heads back down though, they both set about getting back into the tow of the machines ahead. Rins got back on terms with Marquez, and with 14 to go Viñales was pulling alongside Rossi. Move made and cleanly past, the gap to the two ahead was now the key focus for ‘Top Gun’.

    Not long after, Rins attacked. Around the outside, the Suzuki rider swept past in a stunning move for the lead, and breath was held around the track. Was this a deciding moment? Ultimately it didn’t last long, however, and Rins even specified: “I let him back past, I didn’t want him to see my weaknesses.”

    And so it came down to a duel to the end, and what a duel it was. The two remained tagged together as the laps ticked down and everything was set up to perfection for a final lap showdown, although the Suzuki rider had a wobble at Turn 9 after a look behind to check on the approaching Viñales. Regrouping quickly, Rins then took another nibble on the penultimate lap, getting past Marquez for just about a corner before the reigning Champion struck back…and then came a dress rehearsal of sorts.

    Coming around the final corner to start the final lap, the Suzuki swept around the outside and was alongside Marquez as the two went elbow to elbow, but Rins ended up on the green stuff and Marquez held firm. The number 42 also lost a few metres with the move, and the pressure was on for the remaining five kilometers of the race. Was there time to catch and pass the man in such charge of the Championship?

    Through Maggots and Becketts, the Yamaha of Viñales was almost as close to Rins as Rins was to race leader Marquez, with the number 12 on the limit to try and get in the fight. As the corners passed, however, the Honda and Suzuki edged away – and Rins was more than simply hanging in there. With three corners left the Suzuki was Marquez’ shadow, but was there time? The dress rehearsal from a lap before gave us a clue of what was in store: it was going to go down to the final corner.

    Rins had showed some incredible speed there throughout the race, and the number 42 credited that as a big part of his being able to stay with Marquez. That was now his ace, and as the Honda rider tried to defend, the Suzuki unleashed its awesome corner speed as Rins ran wider and then cut back, barrelling alongside Marquez towards the line. And, by hundredths, coming out on top.

    The win was the fourth closest in premier class history, Rins’ second of the season and the first time the gloves have come off for the number 42 in a last lap fight for a premier class victory. 40 years since Sheene vs Roberts was split by 0.030, Rins beat Marquez by just 0.013. For the reigning Champion, it was also a second final corner defeat in a row.

    Viñales, then, was forced to spectate around the final sector, but the 2016 Silverstone winner said he got the maximum from the machine for his 60th podium in third. Teammate Valentino Rossi took fourth and the top Yamaha results continued as Morbidelli completed the top five. The number 21 was also the top Independent Team rider.

    He stole that honour from home hero Cal Crutchlow (LCR Honda Castrol) as the Brit took P6, crossing the line half a second ahead of Danilo Petrucci (Ducati Team), with Jack Miller (Pramac Racing) and Pol Espargaro (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) not too far behind either as they took P8 and P9 respectively. Andrea Iannone (Aprilia Racing Team Gresini) completed the top ten after a solid Sunday showing from the Italian.

    Francesco Bagnaia (Pramac Racing), Sylvain Guintoli (Team Suzuki Ecstar), Hafizh Syahrin (Red Bull KTM Tech 3), Jorge Lorenzo (Repsol Honda Team) and Karel Abraham (Reale Avintia Racing) completed the points.

    Johann Zarco (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) didn’t finish after he came into contact with Miguel Oliveira (Red Bull KTM Tech 3) and they both went down, the Frenchman subsequently penalised with three grid positions at his next race. Takaaki Nakagami (LCR Honda Idemitsu) and Tito Rabat (Reale Avintia Racing) crashed but rejoined, Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing Team Gresini) suffered an issue and, of course, neither Quartararo nor Dovizioso saw the flag. Dovizioso, after examination, was given the all clear and returns home from the UK as normal, although he and Quartararo will need to be declared fit in Misano having suffered concussion.

    That’s it from Silverstone, with six different winners in the last six races at the track made a reality by Alex Rins after a truly history-making stunner of a showdown. Next it’s Misano and Marquez’ advantage has increased once again, but it’s twice in a row the reigning Champion has been pipped to the post on race day. Will it continue on the Riviera di Rimini? Find out in three weeks time.

    Alex Rins: “Unbelievable, unbelievable! I’ve beaten two legends: Valentino in Texas, Marquez here in Silverstone. It was so crazy. I beat him today but now I need to continue; I know it will be difficult. I made some mistakes, I nearly crashed at the first corner – I had a big moment. Two laps to the end I crossed the line very close to Marc and I thought the race was over but then I saw one lap remaining and thought: ‘wow, Alex, come on you need to keep pushing’. I was able to cut a lot of time in the first and second sectors and then in the last sector Marc was much stronger than me. Into Turn 16 he was able to brake really hard. The last lap was unique though and it was possible for me to overtake.

    “I have a lot of confidence with my Suzuki right now. We work so hard during the practices to get the feeling right and I was able to play with my bike to brake harder.”

    Top three MotoGP Results: 1 – Alex Rins (SPA- Suzuki) 40’12.799
    2 – Marc Marquez (SPA – Honda) +0.013
    3 – Maverick Viñales (SPA – Yamaha) +0.620

    Top Independent Team rider:
    5 – Franco Morbidelli (ITA – Yamaha) +13.109

  • Marquez vs Rossi vs Miller: a three-man freight train fights for Silverstone pole

    Marquez vs Rossi vs Miller: a three-man freight train fights for Silverstone pole

    High-speed chess in Q2 sees the reigning Champion emerge ahead in the final dash for the line

    Marquez takes Silverstone pole on Saturday. A MotoGP image

    Silverstone, 24 August 2019: Repsol Honda Team’s Marc Marquez took pole number 60 of his career to steal P1 in a Q2 Silverstone stunner, with everything going down to the wire and a three-man freight train of Marquez, Valentino Rossi (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) and Jack Miller (Pramac Racing) fighting it out in the final seconds of the session.

    Over the line it was Marquez who took the upper hand, with Rossi set to start P2 after taking his first front row since Austin and Miller alongside the two men on the front row in third. Turn 1 is going to be a stunner.

    It was Andrea Dovizioso (Ducati Team) and Alex Rins (Team Suzuki Ecstar) who made it through from Q1 after finding themselves outside the top ten on Saturday morning, with the number 04 ultimately topping the session by 0.246 to set himself up for an assault on Q2. That Q2 didn’t disappoint, with the grid in the air until the final few seconds.After the first run it was Free Practice pacesetter Fabio Quartararo (Petronas Yamaha SRT) who was on provisional pole, but the Frenchman came under threat once the final assault began.

    Rossi needed a lap time after having his maiden lap cancelled for track limits and ‘The Doctor’, Marquez and Miller came out of pitlane at the same time as a cat and mouse game proceeded on the out-lap, with no one wanting to lead. After they’d almost ground to a halt on the Wellington Straight, it had to be go-time and needing a lap time the most, Rossi had to bolt. The ones that want to get freight services can visit MyUSAddress`s official website for help.

    Marquez and Miller slotted into the tow, and all three were up in the first sector. And the second…and then the third – but Marquez was the man with the biggest margin, the reigning Champion a few tenths under Quartararo’s time by the final sector.As the three barrelled round the final corner, Rossi was first over the line to take over at the top, before being deposed by Marquez just behind him. A split second later Miller stole third, leaving Quartararo relegated to fourth and a Marquez-Rossi-Miller front row.As it transpired, an alarm on the dash had caused the Frenchman to switch to his number two bike and there wasn’t time to change the front tyre.

    So Q2 may have been out of reach, but El Diablo’s FP4 pace says he’ll be guns blazing on Sunday afternoon… Alongside Quartararo on the second row is Rins after a solid session despite the Suzuki rider’s journey through Q1, with Maverick Viñales (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) slotting into sixth after he’s shown good speed all weekend at the track that saw him take his first premier class win. Dovizioso, who topped Q1, will line up seventh and will be gunning for another characteristic stunner of a start, although the Italian’s fastest laptime was identical to that of Viñales.

    Franco Morbidelli (Petronas Yamaha SRT) was eighth fastest and starts just ahead of Cal Crutchlow (LCR Honda Castrol) after the home hero suffered a crash in Q2, with his teammate Takaaki Nakagami (LCR Honda Idemitsu) completing the top ten.Danilo Petrucci (Ducati Team) had a tough day at the track where he took his first podium and was P11, ahead of Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing Team Gresini) and the Red Bull KTM Factory racing duo of Pol Espargaro and Johann Zarco.

    Red Bull KTM Tech 3’s Miguel Oliveira was only just off the factory duo in P15.A Q2 treat sees Marquez vs Rossi take centre stage, but there’s plenty of challengers waiting in the wings. The man who set the pace all weekend is certainly one of them, but a good eight riders will fancy their chances of a win or assault on the podium, so it looks like we’re set up for another Silverstone stunner.

    Tune in for the race LIVE at 13:00 local time (GMT+1) on Sunday afternoon​.

    Qualifying results: 1 – Marc Marquez (SPA – Honda) 1’58.168
    2 – Valentino Rossi (ITA – Yamaha) +0.428
    3 – Jack Miller* (AUS – Ducati) +0.434

    *Independent Team rider

  • Quick out the blocks: Quartararo crucifies the lap record on Day 1

    Quick out the blocks: Quartararo crucifies the lap record on Day 1

    Marquez forced to end up 2nd on Friday at Silverstone. A MotoGP image

    French rookie in a class of his own on Friday as we see scorching times set at Silverstone

    Silverstone, 23 August 2019: Fabio Quartararo’s (Petronas Yamaha SRT) savage 1:59.225 was allowed to stand to give the rookie phenomenon the advantage on Friday at the GoPro British Grand Prix with a brilliant new lap record, after the lap was initially disallowed before a photo review. The Frenchman was also fastest in FP1 to make it a full house on Friday, with a significant advantage in both sessions. Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) sits as Quartararo’s closest challenger, 0.251 back, with Maverick Viñales (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) completing the top three as Yamaha stormed the timesheets.

    FP1 started under cloudy Silverstone skies as the MotoGP™ riders got their first taste of the new asphalt, and it was Quartararo who came into FP2 with a half-second advantage over the rest. Marquez was again his nearest rival in the opening session and it was the number 93 who instantly led FP2, cutting Quartararo’s advantage to two-tenths on the overall timesheets. Other early improvers were home hero Cal Crutchlow (LCR Honda Castrol), the British rider dipping into the 2:00s, while Pol Espargaro (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing), Miguel Oliveira (Red Bull KTM Tech 3) and Crutchlow’s teammate Takaaki Nakagami (LCR Honda Idemitsu) climbed into the top 10 as well.

    Temperatures in England – believe it or not – were soaring and it seemed the riders were struggling to improve their times from FP1 at first, with Marquez’ benchmark putting him over seven tenths clear of the field for the first half of FP2. However, it wasn’t plain sailing for the seven-time Champion as at the Vale complex, Marquez crashed for the first time since Le Mans Q2 – but rider instantly up and ok. FP1 P4 finisher Alex Rins (Team Suzuki Ecstar) then moved into second in the session, but then came Quartararo to cut the gap.

    With eight minutes left, the timesheets lit up as fresh Michelin rubber was slotted in for a thrilling time attack. Riders like Jack Miller (Pramac Racing) – 10th in FP1 – had slipped down to the lower ends of the timing screens, but the Australian soon jumped up to fourth overall and the two Yamahas were on barnstormers. Valentino Rossi (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) looked set to go top overall and he did so with a new lap record, but ‘The Doctor’ didn’t stay there long as rookie Quartararo then hammered in his stunning 1:59.225: the quickest ever lap we’ve seen around Silverstone.

    Viñales then got overhauled by Marquez as he beat his compatriot with a 1:59.476, with Rossi’s time putting him in fourth. Crutchlow and Andrea Dovizioso (Ducati Team) moved up into fifth and sixth respectively, with Franco Morbidelli (Petronas Yamaha SRT) strong on fresh tyres to end the day seventh on the combined times.

    Oliveira once again impressed to lead the KTM charge in P8, the Portuguese rider improving from P16 in the opening 45 minutes, with Miller’s aforementioned time enough to give him ninth overall. Danilo Petrucci (Ducati Team) took tenth.

    Takaaki Nakagami, another who had their laptime reinstated, ended the day in P11, just ahead of Aleix Espargaro. Espargaro just missed out after the laptime reinstatements despite managing to get back out on his Aprilia Racing Team Gresini machine after first one completely cut out heading into Brooklands corner, and he ends the day in P12. Pol Espargaro, teammate Johann Zarco and Alex Rins (Team Suzuki Ecstar) completed the fastest fifteen.

    A fast and furious couple of sessions on Friday now sets us up nicely for Saturday. FP3 should be dry, so there’s still time for the top 10 to change ahead of qualifying. Tune in for a crucial session at 09:55 local time (GMT+1).
    Friday’s fastest:
    1 – Fabio Quartararo* (FRA – Yamaha) 1’59.225
    2 – Marc Marquez (SPA – Honda) +0.251
    3 – Maverick Viñales (SPA – Yamaha) +0.540
    4 – Valentino Rossi (ITA – Yamaha) +0.712
    5 – Cal Crutchlow* (GBR – Honda) +0.768*Independent Team rider
  • `Everything is very fast’: riders prepare to take on Silverstone: MotoGP

    `Everything is very fast’: riders prepare to take on Silverstone: MotoGP

    The pre-event Press Conference and the Day of Champions kick off the GoPro British Grand Prix

    Top photo L-R: Crutchlow, Quartararo, Dovizioso, Marquez, Rossi, Miller, Lorenzo. A MotoGP image

    Silverstone, 22 August 2019: Before go-time for the GoPro British Grand Prix, we had a full house of seven riders in the pre-event Press Conference, with reigning Champion Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) joined by Andrea Dovizioso (Ducati Team), Valentino Rossi (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP), Fabio Quartararo (Petronas Yamaha SRT), Jack Miller (Pramac Racing), Cal Crutchlow (LCR Honda Castrol) and the returning Jorge Lorenzo (Repsol Honda Team). The new surface, the competitive field and what to expect in the weekend ahead meant there was plenty to talk about.

    Marquez spoke first. “Yeah, of course, looking forward to the Silverstone GP and this weekend because as you know I have some good luck, and I was unlucky some years. Anyway, we’ve had great races, it’s a circuit I like, one of our weak points on this race track was the bumps but looks like they’ve resurfaced in a good way, it looks nice from a bicycle! But tomorrow we will check on the bike and yeah apart from that try to concentrate, stay focused and try to fight on Sunday for the best position.”

    And is the number 93 expecting tough competition? Most definitely. “Especially here, we saw last year in practice Viñales was fast, all the Yamaha riders were fast, but we weren’t far away. I think this year with the new surface it will be different, we need to understand the tyres, the grip, the level of our bike…we have a better engine this year and here it will be a small help. Of course, Dovi will be there, he’s second in the Championship and will try to push, but our target is to finish on the podium and get points for the championship. The forecast looks nice so we’ll keep going!”

    Dovizioso was next on the mic, with the Italian actually the most recent winner at Silverstone given his victory in 2017. And he’s the most recent winner overall after that stunner in Spielberg.

    “Yes for sure the last race was amazing, a really nice battle from the first lap to the end with Marc, so we are so happy about that, we needed that victory. I’m happy to be here, I think it’s one of the best races in the Championship, the track is really nice. Hopefully, without bumps, it will be even nicer so I’m excited to try the new asphalt.”

    So is it the British weather that Dovizioso has had on his side in the UK? His first premier class win came at Donington and since he’s had a fair few successes…

    “I don’t like the weather so much! But I have always had good luck in this country, I’ve been pretty fast in England most of the time, I don’t know why. Donington was a special track and a special first victory but in Silverstone I’ve always felt good, it’s a really difficult track but I enjoy riding here.”

    Rossi is another of the long list of previous winners at Silverstone. Incidentally, he also took his first premier class win in the UK at Donington as well, and after a tougher run of things in 2019, the ‘Doctor’ seems to be back on track.

    “Yeah for us in the last two races from Brno we start in a better way. After we did another step, we worked well and we were quite competitive in the race. Considering Austria on paper is one of the worst tracks for us, it was quite good. We arrive here, hope to continue in that way because anyway Austria was not so bad, but I wasn’t fast enough to find the podium so we need to continue to work. Silverstone is a fantastic track. It’s a great track, it’s a big track, everything is very fast and technical. Everybody is waiting for the asphalt tomorrow. If they’ve done a good job with fewer bumps and good grip, it will be very fun to ride here. And also we wait for the weather because in 2017 it was a fantastic weekend, a great weekend. Last year, unfortunately, it was a lot more difficult. We hope it’s similar to 2017!

    “In the past, I had good races and arrived on the podium, so this is the target. About the top speed we know we’re not fantastic but on paper, in Austria, it’s more important than here. The important thing is to find a good feeling with the bike, a good balance, and be ready for Sunday.”

    Rookie Fabio Quartararo, meanwhile, also showed there’s more to Austria than just being the fastest in a straight line. After his podium there, the vibes are good on the way into Silverstone.

    “I’m really happy about arriving here at a track that I really like. As Valentino said, I think everybody is waiting for the new tarmac, I think it should be a good track for us. Suits us better than Austria so I can’t wait for tomorrow.

    “The goal is to be top Rookie, we’re leading but the Championship isn’t over. Now we’re improving every race, we’re learning, so that’s still the main goal for this year. But in Austria the goal was to be in front but we didn’t expect to be on the podium, so if we have the opportunity to be on the podium we’ll fight for it.”

    Quartararo is top rookie and he’s also leading the Independent Team rider standings at the moment, ahead of the next man to talk: Jack Miller. The Australian spoke about the weekend ahead, and how it feels to arrive with a new contract in his pocket.

    “I’m definitely coming into this weekend with a different mindset that’s for sure. This Thursday has been easier, let’s just say that. It’s been nice you know, the Day of Champions has been really nice to see all the fans but no it’s good to be back, like you say I had a chance to make it back to back podiums last weekend, I had really strong pace all weekend but threw it away a bit too early. Had a good feeling this weekend last year, hopefully, this year is a lot better and as the boys said the asphalt should be amazing, we’ve heard some decent reviews about the asphalt so I’m looking forward to getting out there tomorrow and I think it’s shaping up to be a great weekend.”

    It has sometimes been a more difficult track for the Australian, however, including a high-profile crash with then-teammate Cal Crutchlow a few years ago. But this year Miller is positive ahead of the weekend.

    “As long as I don’t have any British road blocks in my way I should be alright! It’s not the best track for me to be honest, I always hated it until last year, with the new asphalt it was like a different track and I loved it. And I’m looking forward to it now with the reviews it’s had, I can’t wait to get out there. Should be a good weekend.”

    Home hero Crutchlow was the next man on the mic, and the weekend is a fitting landmark: it’ll be his 150th Grand Prix start on Sunday.

    “I only got told at the last race that it would be my 150th Grand Prix start – I didn’t think I’d done 150 Grands Prix and I definitely haven’t finished 150! I’m looking forward to it, Silverstone is a good race for me, I’ll give my all for the 20-lap race.”

    Crutchlow was also asked about the visit he paid to Chelsea F.C. on Wednesday and dabbled a bit in the beautiful game before.

    “It was was good! I’ve been to a few football stadiums in my time so to go back when I wasn’t playing or watching a game…it was nice to go round Stamford Bridge and get taken around by Kepa…he’s a big MotoGP fan, obviously, he supports the Spaniards but it was a really good day.”

    Finally, it was time to welcome back Jorge Lorenzo. After a long period of recovery after his crash in which he cracked vertebrae and got sidelined, he’s ready to race.

    “I’m happy to be back. Finally, after a long time. A very long time, no? I’ve never spent so long out of racing competition for about the 17 years I’ve been here. I’m back. What was very difficult at the beginning, the first two weeks were very difficult, I wasn’t recovering fast, it was slow. Luckily after three weeks, the recovery has been faster, I have been able to do some physical training again. With some pain after the work during the night, every time the pain was less and less. I think this is the right moment to come back to the bike because you can lose a lot of speed, a lot of pace if you stay so much time out of the competition.

    “Honestly with my injury theoretically you need three months to recover completely, I’m about two months on now from the crash and obviously I still have some pain, but I feel ready to ride again and to try. I’m not here to fight for the win or podium or top five, but as soon as I go on the bike I want to start getting the pace I need to get good performances again like I started to show before the crash.”

    That he did, and it’s a good venue for the number 99 to return to. He’s got three wins at Silverstone and was on pole last season, and although it’s about getting back up to speed, the venue is certainly one the five-time World Champion knows his way around.

    Lorenzo rejoins the field on track from Friday morning, with the race on Sunday at 13:00 (IST 5.30pm)

  • Moto2 and Moto3 back on track for Spielberg test

    Moto2 and Moto3 back on track for Spielberg test

    The intermediate and lightweight classes put in a few more laps on Monday at the Red Bull Ring

    Brad Binder was back on track the day after his win and birthday. A MotoGP image

    Spielberg, 12 August 2019: After an action-packed myWorld Motorrad Grand Prix von Österreich, 23 Moto2 and six Moto3 riders were back on track to put in a day of testing on a sunny Monday at the Red Bull Ring, with most working on gearing up for the remainder of the season.

    Moto2™ Championship leader Alex Marquez (EG 0,0 Marc VDS) was one of the key names putting in the work and the Spaniard had an evolution chassis from Kalex to test for the 2020 season. Key rival Tom Lüthi (Dynavolt Intact GP) and his teammate Marcel Schrötter were also there, working on race setup in Austria after a tougher than expected weekend for both.

    Fellow Kalex rider Sam Lowes (Federal Oil Gresini Moto2), who had a tricky weekend in Austria, was also out and able to find the setup he was looking for all weekend on Monday. Luca Marini (Sky Racing Team VR46) and teammate Nicolo Bulega were in testing action too. Compatriot Enea Bastianini (Italtrans Racing Team) was meant to be, but the Italian is still hurting from Sunday’s Turn 9 crash with the same Marini.

    Elsewhere, Austrian GP race winner Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Ajo) was getting more laps under his belt ahead of the rest of the campaign, with teammate Jorge Martin having a 3D printed front air intake to try, as well as having a different fairing to Binder. Both Martin and Red Bull KTM Tech 3’s Marco Bezzecchi were trying the front air intake, which had the same look as the original 2019 version, but without a split in the middle. Bezzecchi was also given the new KTM from Brno to test. Fellow KTM rider Iker Lecuona had a few bike issues at the start of the day as the American Racing KTM team were also out testing with Lecuona and Joe Roberts.

    Beta Tools Speed Up’s Jorge Navarro and Fabio Di Giannantonio gave a new, leaner front fairing a go. Simone Corsi was out testing Steven Odendaal’s NTS RW Racing GP bike with the aim of helping the South African out, with Odendaal also trying teammate Bo Bendsneyder’s bike for setup comparison as NTS continue their development. MV Agusta Temporary Forward were likewise focused on development for the rest of 2019. A few of the Moto2™ riders also tried Dunlop’s new front tyre for 2020.

    In the Moto3™ class, fourth-place Austrian GP finisher and rookie Celestino Vietti (Sky Racing Team VR46) did a fair amount of work on the 2020 KTM, and the young Italian seemed to be the only rider testing it. The new bike had a full carbon fairing. Can Öncü, meanwhile, stayed in Austria to continue his work on the 2019 Red Bull KTM Ajo machine as he aims for more rookie success.

    Jakub Kornfeil (Redox PrüstelGP) was joined by FIM CEV Repsol Moto3™ Junior World Championship rider Jason Dupasquier as he had a run out on a World Championship level machine for the first time, and BOE Skull Rider Mugen Race riders Kazuki Masaki and Makar Yurchenko were on track, too.

    The riders now have a weekend off before heading to Silverstone in under two weeks’ time for the GoPro British Grand Prix.

  • Dovizioso unleases incredible overtaking move on Marquez at the final corner for another stunner

    Dovizioso unleases incredible overtaking move on Marquez at the final corner for another stunner

    Andrea Dovizioso stuns Marc Marquez at the last corner in the Austrian GP on Sunday. A MotoGP image

    Spielberg, 11 August 2019: Do not adjust your set: that was Andrea Dovizioso (Ducati Team) slicing past Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) at the final corner as the Italian turned the tables on the reigning Champion, the hunted turning hunter to keep Ducati’s 100% winning record at the Red Bull Ring intact. After all-out war in Austria, ‘DesmoDovi’ became the first repeat winner since the venue’s return to the calendar in 2016, with the gloves coming off early as a vintage Dovi vs Marquez duel lit up the Red Bull Ring. The Italian has won most of them, but in Spielberg he didn’t play defence. Fabio Quartararo (Petronas Yamaha SRT) completed the podium after another impressive ride from the rookie, equalling Yamaha’s best result at the track.

    Polesitter Marquez was lightning off the start but so was Dovizioso as the two pre-race favourites headed into Turn 1 already locked together, despite Jack Miller (Pramac Racing) heading in slightly hot and almost clipping the number 4 Ducati ahead of him. But all’s well that ends well and this was just the beginning, with the Italian and Spaniard even making slight contact on the run into Turn 3 at 300km/h. Marquez was on the inside and Dovi on the outside, but the number 93 went in hot and ran wide, the Ducati then also forced to sit up. That let Quartararo sweep through to lead, with Miller and Team Suzuki Ecstar’s Alex Rins then also pouncing on the exit and Marquez having another wobble as he gassed it to try and slot back into the pack.

    Dovizioso was behind Marquez after the shuffle, but he was back past into Turn 4 as Quartararo started putting the hammer down in the lead. The Frenchman was 0.5 ahead onto Lap 2, but Dovizioso and Marquez started to make up ground as they recovered from a frantic opening lap. Dovi was soon back up to second, with Miller holding off Marquez – for the time being – and fast-starting Valentino Rossi (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) not far off, ‘The Doctor’ climbing his way up to fifth from P10 in the opening exchanges and initially in the battle for the podium.

    Before long, Marquez had dispatched Miller and the top three started to edge away from the number 43, Rossi and Rins. Then on Lap 7, Quartararo was under serious attack: Dovizioso blasted past into the lead, before Marquez shot past the Yamaha moments later. The two were back in front, and the duel was just getting started.

    The pin wasn’t yet pulled, however, with the top five remaining within a second and a half before heartbreak struck for Miller as the Australian slid out at Turn 9. Just metres ahead on track, Marquez struck for the lead at the final corner, too, and then the duo started to pull clear. Not by a massive margin each lap, but Quartararo couldn’t match the pace of the Ducati and Honda as another almighty Austrian battle started to take shape.

    Marquez threatened to stretch away but the gap didn’t rise above 0.4 seconds, with the number 93 strong in the first half of the lap and Dovizioso the stronger in the second part. The laps ticked by and there was nothing between them, Dovizioso shadowing the reigning Champion. Then, out of nowhere, a move was made with nine to go. Dovizioso powered alongside Marquez, and the number 93 even looked across at the Italian heading into Turn 1. But the Ducati made the pass stick and it was now the 2017 Austrian GP winner in control.

    Tensions were bubbling to boiling point for the next five laps, with Marquez trailing Dovi by 0.1, 0.2. The question was not if, but when and where. Then, with three to go, we found out. Turn 7 was the unlikely location as Marquez stuck it underneath Dovizioso to take back the lead, and it settled back into strategic chess until Turn 1 on the penultimate lap as the number 04 went for it. Could he make it stick? Not quite, Dovizioso running wide and Marquez straight back through.

    Onto the last lap, there was nothing separating the leaders and again, Dovi went for it at Turn 1 but ran wide, so it was Marquez who led going down into Turn 3. The Italian was close but not close enough around the final lap, and it started to look like the Borgo Panigale factory’s stranglehold on the Red Bull Ring could be under threat. But it was far from over as down to the last sector, with the two glued together once again as the Ducati powered up the hill out of Turn 8. He was close, but no pass came at Turn 9. It was going down to the wire.

    Heading into the last corner, the Ducati pulled out from behind the Honda as Dovizioso pulled a Marquez – pushing his machine into the gap and on the verge of creating space rather than using it. It was roles reversed from 2017 as the Italian lunged down the inside, keeping it perfectly pinned to deny Marquez and power towards the line ahead for his second win of the season. With no chance to strike back, Marquez was forced to settle for second.

    Behind the duel, Quartararo took the chequered flag in a lonely third to claim his third MotoGP™ rostrum and bank another huge haul of points in his impressive 2019, coming home top rookie, top Independent Team rider and top Yamaha – equalling the Iwata factory’s best result at the track from 2016.

    Just behind him, Rossi had been caught by teammate Maverick Viñales and  Suzuki rider Rins as the trio battled for fourth, with Rossi ultimately able to pull a tenth or two clear of Viñales as three Yamahas sat in the top five at a tougher track for them. Rins, meanwhile, was only 0.021 off the number 12, the number 42 running it close and only just fended off.

    Behind the Yamaha train, Francesco Bagnaia (Pramac Racing) took P7 and a big haul of points after a much more positive weekend, finishing just ahead of fellow rookie Miguel Oliveira (Red Bull KTM Tech 3). The Portuguese rider finished as the best KTM on the Austrian factory’s home turf, taking a sensational P8 and some serious scalps.

    Danilo Petrucci (Ducati Team) will be disappointed with P9 on a Ducati-friendly circuit, with compatriot Franco Morbidelli (Petronas Yamaha SRT) completing the top 10 ahead of Takaaki Nakagami (LCR Honda Idemitsu) and the second KTM of Johann Zarco (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing).

    Cal Crutchlow (LCR Honda Castrol), meanwhile, crashed out of contention on Lap 2 at Turn 3, the British rider hitting the back of Tito Rabat’s Reale Avinita Racing Ducati after the Spaniard had to take avoiding action after a problem for Pol Espargaro’s (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) bike.

    The 2019 Austrian GP will live long in the memory after another breathtaking Dovizioso vs Marquez battle, and it’s the Italians who emerge victorious again. Can they repeat the feat in Silverstone next time out? Two weeks will tell us.

    Andrea Dovizioso: “I think this is my best victory, for many reasons…we didn’t have Marc’s speed, we had to make a good strategy, we had to fight aggressively in the first few laps and the last four…and we’re struggling a lot to fight for the Championship so this gives us a lot of energy for the future. And the work in the practice paid off in the race because at the end I had more grip, giving me the possibility to fight until the last corner.

    “To win in this battle at the last corner in the opposite way to normal is so exciting, so nice…and when you have your friends there after the first corner, seeing them go crazy, screaming, it’s so nice!”

    MotoGP Top-3 results:

    1 – Andrea Dovizioso (ITA – Ducati) 39’34.771
    2 – Marc Marquez (SPA – Honda) +0.213
    3 – Fabio Quartararo* (FRA – Yamaha) +6.117

    *Independent Team rider

  • Marquez becomes undisputed qualifying king

    Marquez becomes undisputed qualifying king

    Championship leader surpasses Mick Doohan to take MotoGP pole number 59, a Yamaha and Ducati join him on the front row in Austria

    Front row L-R: Quartararo, Marquez and Dovizioso. A MotoGP image

    Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) claimed premier class pole position number 59 to surpass MotoGP™ Legend Mick Doohan’s record as the Championship leader was in formidable form in Q2 at the myWorld Motorrad Grand Prix von Österreich to head Fabio Quartararo (Petronas Yamaha SRT) and Andrea Dovizioso (Ducati Team) on the front row.

    Maverick Viñales (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) was the fastest rider after the first flying laps at the Red Bull Ring, with the Spaniard doing his first stint on the medium tyres. They were clearly working for Viñales though as he went nearly four-tenths quicker than the field on his second fast lap, with teammate Valentino Rossi (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP), Cal Crutchlow (LCR Honda Castrol) and Quartararo all exchanging the second position as Viñales’ advantage was chopped.

    But, surprise surprise, a Repsol Honda was taking the bull by the horns. Marquez has been the man to beat all weekend in Austria and soon enough, the number 93 was back at the summit. Marquez’ time was 0.269 better than Viñales’ as the reigning Champion sat on provisional pole after the first set of flying laps.

    Just seven-tenths covered the top 12 as the riders came out on fresh Michelin rubber for their second qualifying stints, with Viñales switching to a soft rear tyre this time. And ‘Top Gun’ went quicker to cut Marquez’ advantage to 0.164 as Dovizioso then ramped up his pace to slot himself onto the provisional front row behind the two Spaniards. The red sectors were lighting up and that was for one man: Marquez. The Spaniard had Doohan’s premier class pole record well in his sights, and he also had a 1:22 on his radar. Marquez came round to complete his lap, however, it wouldn’t be the 1:22 he was aiming for. No matter, a 1:23.027 was the fastest ever lap we’ve seen around the Red Bull Ring as the relentless 26-year-old went 0.496 better than anyone else.

    The front row wasn’t quite decided there though. Dovizioso was able to improve his time to dip 0.008 ahead of Viñales and on his final qualifying lap, rookie revelation Quartararo beat the pair of them to stick his M1 on the front row for the sixth time in 2019. The Frenchman was overjoyed with another quality Saturday display, but Marquez’ gap to the rest still stood at over four-tenths.

    Dovizioso will be hoping to use Ducati’s launch control to get underneath both Marquez and Quartararo into Turn 1 on Sunday, while Viñales will be hoping he can get a good launch from the front of row two. Sitting alongside the Yamaha in fifth is Q1 graduate Francesco Bagnaia (Pramac Racing), the reigning Moto2™ World Champion had a cracking Q2 to claim his best MotoGP™ grid slot – can ‘Pecco’ mix it at the front on Sunday from P5? Takaaki Nakagami (LCR Honda Idemitsu) continued his solid weekend to set the sixth-fastest time in Q2, the Japanese rider was just 0.017 off Bagnaia to claim his best Q2 result as three different manufacturers line up on the first and second rows in Austria.

    The same happens on the third row, Team Suzuki Ecstar’s Alex Rins leads Jack Miller (Pramac Racing) and Q1’s fastest man Crutchlow in seventh, eighth and ninth respectively, with P10 going the way of Valentino Rossi (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP). Behind ‘The Doctor’, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Pol Espargaro will launch from P11 to try and claim a good result for the Austrian team on home soil, while a late crash for Danilo Petrucci (Ducati Team) at Turn 4 ended a disappointing Q2 for the Italian – P12 for ‘Petrux’, rider ok.

    Can anyone beat a superlative Marquez on Sunday afternoon? Well, he’s qualified on pole twice in Austria before and has yet to win, so all is not lost for the chasing pack. Dovizioso looks set to be his closest rival, so will Ducati keep up their 100% Red Bull Ring record? A cagey encounter awaits and you don’t want to miss it. 14:00 local time (GMT+2) is when you need to tune in!

    Q2 results:
    1. Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) – 1:23.027
    2. Fabio Quartararo (Petronas Yamaha SRT) + 0.434
    3. Andrea Dovizioso (Ducati Team) + 0.488
    4. Maverick Viñales (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) + 0.496
    5. Francesco Bagnaia (Pramac Racing) + 0.625
    6. Takaaki Nakagami (LCR Honda Idemitsu) + 0.642
    7. Alex Rins (Team Suzuki Ecstar) + 0.654
    8. Jack Miller (Pramac Racing) + 0.661
    9. Cal Crutchlow (LCR Honda Castrol) + 0.727
    10. Valentino Rossi (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) + 0.790
    11. Pol Espargaro (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) + 0.839
    12. Danilo Petrucci (Ducati Team) + 0.937

  • MotoGP to race at the Red Bull Ring until 2025, announces Dorna Sports

    MotoGP to race at the Red Bull Ring until 2025, announces Dorna Sports

    Contract extension keeps the stunning Austrian venue on the calendar for at least a further five years

    Dietrich Mateschitz (Left), CEO of Red Bull, with Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of Dorna Sports. A Dorna Sports image

    Spielberg, 10 August 2019: Dorna Sports is delighted to announce that the Red Bull Ring will remain on the MotoGP™ calendar until at least 2025. Previously confirmed until 2020, a contract extension secures the future of one of the most spectacular venues of the season from 2021-2025.

    In 2016, motorcycle Grand Prix racing returned to Austria and the Red Bull Ring for the first time since 1997 and the event was voted the best Grand Prix of the year. Set in the hills of Styria, the incredible scenery and facilities make Spielberg a highlight of the season both on- and off-track – and MotoGP™ is now confirmed to return for at least another six Grands Prix.

    Dietrich Mateschitz, CEO of Red Bull: “For me, MotoGP is the most attractive racing series in the world. It offers motorsport in its purest form. MotoGP has been coming to the Red Bull Ring for four years now and the excitement and enthusiasm for it remains unchanged. It’s our pleasure to welcome motorcycle Grand Prix racing for a further five years beyond 2020.

    “Securing the experience for the fans on site at the racetrack, as well as for the viewers of ServusTV, the contract extension is our long-term commitment to this fascinating sport and an expression of personal appreciation for Carmelo Ezpeleta.”

    Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of Dorna Sports: “It makes me very happy to announce that we will be returning to this track until at least 2025. I think everyone would agree it’s one of the most beautiful circuits in the world and it’s a pleasure for us to race here. Being KTM’s home track, it’s also an important weekend for our newest manufacturer and for Austrian motorsport. The facilities and organisation are excellent, the grandstands are packed and the atmosphere is really unique here in Spielberg – I look forward to many more years working together.”

    Tune in for this year’s spectacular myWorld Motorrad Grand Prix von Österreich this weekend, with the premier class going racing on Sunday 11th August at 14:00 local time (GMT +2).