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Tag: MotoGP

  • MotoGP ready for battle in Barcelona as it celebrates 70 years

    MotoGP ready for battle in Barcelona as it celebrates 70 years

    From Left: Espargaro, Petrucci, Dovizioso, Marquez, Rins, ViƱales, Canet. A MotoGP image

    Barcelona, 13 June 2019: Before bikes on track it’s always time to talk about the weekend ahead, and on Thursday at the Gran Premi Monster Energy de Catalunya, the 7th round of the MotoGP World Championship, it was a packed pre-event Press ConferenceĀ featuring no less than seven riders: Championship leader Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) was joined byĀ Andrea Dovizioso (Mission Winnow Ducati), Alex Rins (Team Suzuki Ecstar), Danilo Petrucci (Mission Winnow Ducati), Maverick ViƱales (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP), Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing Team Gresini) and Moto3 Championship leader Aron Canet (Sterilgarda Max Racing Team).

    Even as MotoGP celebrates 70 years, Marquez was first to speak. “Of course I’m happy to arrive in this way to our home GP and yeah after Mugello, you know we arrive in a great moment because normally in Mugello we struggle, this year we struggled but we were there so weā€™ll see here. In the last years, Ducati were very fast, so they will be fast again this year! But weā€™ll try to do our best and the target is try to work in our garage and on Sunday try to be on the podium. If we have a small chance at the victory weā€™ll try.

    ā€œFor me, both the Ducati riders are contenders in the Championship, strong and good opponents, Dovizioso is only 12 points behind me, Danilo 33, everything is very tight, including Rins. We need to keep going try to push and work in the same way as this first part of the season because I feel really good and really confident.ā€

    Next came Dovizioso, who won at the venue two years ago and is, as Marquez says, just 12 points behind him. “For sure 12 points behind Marc at this moment is really positive, we have more points than last year, weā€™ve been consistent, but we want to get back to winning because if you want to fight with Marc you have to win some races. Heā€™s always there and on a bay day heā€™s still on the podium and he’s able to try and win the race.

    ā€œWe are there, we are close but we want something more and we’re working really hard. Iā€™m happy to be here in Montmelo, itā€™s a really nice track and I think we can be competitive, but as in other years the temperature on the ground and the tyres have more effect than other places, so we will see. The tyres are bit different to the past and I’m confident but we’ll see.ā€

    Rins, as third in the Championship, spoke next. “Well for sure we had an incredible race. When I finished I was veryā€¦I thought I was able to win! I fought with all the Ducatis and Hondas but we already knew we would suffer. Positive is we finished less than oneĀ second off the win, I enjoyed it a lot, overtaking these guys a lot and it was very fun.”

    The man who did eventually take the win in Mugello, however, was Danilo Petrucci, who first talked through the incredible weekend there.

    “Fortunately, the celebrating has been not so crazy. I was sleeping at my mothers house so it was importantĀ to come back on Sunday in a conscious way!Ā Itā€™s been very nice to win in Mugello after a good race. I wasnā€™t 100%, this was more special but yeah, the feeling after on Monday on Tuesday was to try again because the feeling after crossing the finish line was amazing. I just started to think that Mugello was the first of good racing. The last three races we always fought for the podium and we want to continue like this. I think here will be more difficult than Mugello, we are fourĀ maybe six riders who can fight for the win every race.”

    Next, the Italian also clarified some of his post-race comments about helping his teammate to win the title.

    “As always the media just took the second part of my thoughts. I already say Andrea give me a lot of help in the winter, especially on the mental side. I want to put in a nice level, helping one another in competition in training and at home. We speak a lot, if I have the chance to win I will try, there are no team orders, but I can maybe give to Andrea a better version of me, be calmer and more relaxed. This was the meaning of helping Andrea. Be there fighting for the podium, two Ducatis, will be very important for me.”

    ViƱales took over from there; honest ahead of track actionĀ although also optimistic.Ā ā€œItā€™s the same problems. In practice we can show our speed and potential, like in Mugello, then in races sometimes we lost more than a second. Itā€™s frustrating because we prepare the bike well and at race time it changes so much, but I hope for good grip here in Montmelo. Itā€™s a track I really like and last year wasnā€™t too bad actually and I think this year we have a bit more potential, so I will try and give my best as always, cross our fingers to have good grip in the race and to be able to show our potential. If we can achieve a good result for us itā€™s important. As an objective, itā€™s to improve on Mugello.ā€

    He also spoke about his experience at the pre-event, riding a 1970s two-stroke Yamaha up Tibidabo. ā€œIt was a different experience, it was a really long time since I rode a two-stroke and I stalled it first time! The bike was strange to ride, skinny and long, so very different to what weā€™re riding now but it was a great experience. So thanks to MotoGP for the opportunity!ā€

    It was Aleix Espargaro who spoke next, at a true home Grand Prix for the Granollers-born rider.Ā ā€œPol and myself were born just 5km from here, so itā€™s always great to come to our home track.Ā I hope we can enjoy a good weekend, the weather looks fine and the track will be full with the crowd. Weā€™re aiming for a good weekend, trying to be a bit closer to the top guys because weā€™ve been struggling at the start of the season but I hope the positive vibes of the home crowd will help a little bit.

    ā€œItā€™s not enough, my 100%, but itā€™s the maximum I can do. I try to give everything I have from FP1 to the end of the race but this year itā€™s not enough, to get in the top ten is very difficult. We need help from Aprilia but I know in Noale they are working hard, so I need to be patient, do my part the best possible, and work hard and wait for new parts to come to improve the bike.ā€

    Finally, Canet took to the mic. Heading into his second home GP of the season he’s three points clear in the Championship, so it’s as close as ever in the lightweight class. “Itā€™s a really difficult fight for Championship, the gap is small with Dalla Porta but weā€™ll try to do our best possible to fight for the victory this weekend. Itā€™s difficult because young riders, on every lap we fight for the lead, and thatā€™s more difficult. Normally I like to stay at the rear of the group, but in Mugello for example for me it was really difficult to follow the pace of those guys and in the end the position was positive but we need to improve a bit this weekend.ā€

    That’s it from Thursday at the Gran Premi Monster Energy de Catalunya, exactly 70 years since the Championship began. Tune in for the rest of the weekend with track action beginning on Friday morning and lights out for the MotoGPā„¢ race on Sunday at 14:00 (GMT +2).

  • #MotoGP70: statistics from 70 years of Grand Prix racing from 1949

    #MotoGP70: statistics from 70 years of Grand Prix racing from 1949

    The Honda at Camp Nou, the FC Barcelona ground, joined by the Mondial. A MotoGP image

    Barcelona, 13 June 2019: Today marks not only the start of the Gran Premi Monster Energy de Catalunya, but also the 70th anniversary of the very first race that counted towards the World Championship classification ā€“ the 350cc race at the Isle of Man TT in 1949, won by British rider Freddie Frith on a Velocette. Frith went on to win all five races in the inaugural 350 World Championship and took the title, and then he retired from racing. The very first 500 World Champion was Les Graham on an AJS, the first 250 Champion was Bruno Ruffo on a Moto Guzzi, and Nello Pagani took the honours in the 125 class on a Mondial.

    Here are some facts and statistics covering the history of the sport from those first laps to now…

    ā€¢ So far,Ā 929Ā Grand Prix events have been staged since the start of the World Championship in 1949.

    ā€¢ At these events, a total ofĀ 3114Ā races for solo classes of Grand Prix racing have been held since the very first at the Isle of Man back in 1949.

    ā€¢Ā 117Ā different riders have clinched at least one world title in any solo class of Grand Prix racing. The rider with most world titles is Giacomo Agostini with 15, followed by Angel Nieto (12+1), Mike Hailwood (9), Valentino Rossi (9) and Carlo Ubbiali (9).

    ā€¢ A total ofĀ 372Ā different riders have stood on the top step of the podium across all solo classes of Grand Prix racing. The rider with most GP wins is Giacomo Agostini with 122 victories, followed by Valentino Rossi (115), Angel Nieto (90), Mike Hailwood (76) and Marc Marquez (73).

    ā€¢ Among these 372 winners, a total ofĀ 111Ā different riders have won only one GP race since 1949, the most recent of which is Danilo Petrucci in Italy this year.

    ā€¢ A total ofĀ 718Ā different riders have finished on the podium in all solo classes of Grand Prix racing. Valentino Rossi is the rider with most podium finishes on 234, followed by Giacomo Agostini (159), Dani Pedrosa (153), Jorge Lorenzo (152) and Angel Nieto (139).

    ā€¢ The winners in solo classes have come fromĀ 29Ā different nations. Italy leads with 811 wins, followed by Spain (609), Great Britain (383), Germany (191), including East and West Germany, and Australia (180).

    ā€¢ Since the very first season in 1949,Ā 30Ā different countries have hosted a Grand Prix race. Spain leads, with 400 races contested, followed by Italy (347).

    ā€¢ Honda is the most successful manufacturer in Grand Prix racing (solo classes) withĀ 776Ā wins, followed by Yamaha (502), Aprilia (294), MV Agusta (275) and Suzuki (157).
  • ViƱales takes centre stage as MotoGP celebrates 70th anniversary

    ViƱales takes centre stage as MotoGP celebrates 70th anniversary

    ViƱales takes centre stage as some of Barcelona’s most stunning sights host 70th-anniversary celebrations on 12 June 2019. A MotoGP image

    Barcelona 12 June 2019: The Gran Premi Monster Energy de Catalunya is more than simply Round 7. This season, the Thursday ahead of track action marks 70 years since the first race in the motorcycle racing World Championship back in 1949,Ā so to celebrate the beginning, the evolution, and what it is today, MotoGPā„¢ went on tour around Barcelona, displaying machinery past and presentĀ ā€“ with a starring roleĀ forĀ Maverick ViƱales (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP).

    In one of the most visited cities in the world, there’s no shortage of landmarks and so, at sixĀ emblematic locations, a bike representing each MotoGPā„¢ manufacturer was on display ā€“ partnered up with one of the machines that took glory in the first ever World Championship. The 350cc Velocette, the 250cc Moto Guzzi and the 125cc Mondial took centre stage alongside 2019 machines from Honda, Ducati, Suzuki, Yamaha, KTM and Aprilia, showcasing the roots of MotoGPā„¢ and its evolution.

    That’s not all. As well as the displays around the city, Maverick ViƱales stole the show at Tibidabo. The highest of the Collserola mountains that border Barcelona to the north and home to one of the most spectacular views in Catalonia, Tibidabo is topped by theĀ Temple Expiatori del Sagrat CorĀ (Expiatory Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus) and the famous Tibidabo amusement parkĀ ā€“ which ViƱales reached on a 1975 Yamaha TZ 350.

    With a stop off at the fabulous Mirador de SarriĆ  viewpoint on the way up to the top, ViƱales got a taste of a very different machine as he arrivedĀ at Tibidabo in style. There, he has reunited with his bike ahead of the race weekendĀ ā€“ ready to add another chapter to the incredible history of MotoGPā„¢.

    Stay tuned throughout the Grand Prix for more 70th anniversary celebrations!

    Maverick ViƱales:Ā “It’s aĀ different way of riding! I honestly enjoyed it a lot, it was amazing to be back on the two-stroke, this old skool bike is something unbelievable. The wheels are slimmer, it’s totally different. I have to say, they had big balls in the past! The bike isn’t that easy. So we enjoyed it a lot and arrived at Tibidabo where the views are amazing. It was a pleasure, I’m really motivated and I can’t wait to be back on my bike and get the most from the race.”

     

  • Petrucci keeps a marauding Marquez at bay for maiden win: Oakley Italian GP

    Petrucci keeps a marauding Marquez at bay for maiden win: Oakley Italian GP

    Petrucci wins Italian GP on 2nd June 2019. A Mission Winnow Ducati image

    Mugello, 2 June 2019:Ā There’s a new Grand Prix winner in town:Ā Danilo Petrucci (Mission Winnow Ducati), on his 124th startĀ in the premier class, has taken to the top step for the first time after a near-perfect performance to give Ducati their third win in a row at Mugello, holding off reigning Champion Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) to cross the line just 0.043 clear at the chequered flag. Andrea Dovizioso (Mission Winnow Ducati) completed the podium in his 300th Grand Prix.

    Danilo Petrucci (#9 Mission Winnow Ducati) ā€“ 1st
    “I really wanted this victory and when I realized the pace at the front wasn’t too fierce and I was able to manage my rhythm in the leading group, I told myself it was the right time to go for it. I tried to control the race by staying in the lead to avoid the risk of losing too many positions in the battle, dictating the pace to preserve the energies and the tyres for the final rush. I was a bit worried about the slipstream as we entered the final lap, but I managed to brake really deep and find a small gap between Andrea and Marc to retake the lead, then I simply pushed as hard as I could until the checkered flag. A good chunk of this win came thanks to Andrea, who took me under his wing this winter and gave so many precious tips. Now we’ll keep fighting together for the championship.”

    It was Marquez who took the holeshot from pole, but the headline-grabberĀ as the lights went out was Dovizioso as the Italian shot off the line from P9 with a perfect start and was into a stunning third ā€“ behind Cal Crutchlow (LCR Honda Castrol) ā€“ into Turn 1. Petrucci dropped to fifth, the two Petronas Yamaha SRTs of Fabio Quartararo and Franco Morbidelli also lost out, and Jack Miller (Pramac Racing) moved up. Alex Rins (Team Suzuki Ecstar) was also on the move, threading his way into the fight at the front after starting in 13th. At the front though, it only took one lap for Dovizioso and Petrucci to tag onto the back of Marquez as they swooped through on Crutchlow in quick succession.

    The question was, could the reigning Champion bolt? And the answer was no. It remained a train of riders at the front, with nine within two seconds, but home eyes were also trained elsewhere asĀ Valentino Rossi (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) ran on, as did rookie Joan Mir (Team Suzuki Ecstar), and the two were forced into a quick trip across the gravelĀ ā€“ rejoining at the back. The race was on and Mir would recover for points, but it endedĀ early for the ‘Doctor’ as he then slid out of contention at Turn 9Ā ā€“ a tough end to a tough weekend.

    Back at the front though, the fight was feisty and slowly but surely, a front quintet of Petrucci, Marquez, Dovizioso, Miller and Rins were able to pull away. Drama then hit Miller though as he suddenly crashed out ā€“Ā not long after teammate Francesco Bagnaia had done the sameĀ ā€“ and then there were four.

    That was how it would remain, with Takaaki Nakagami (LCR Honda Idemitsu) the next man down the road but the Japanese rider unable to close in. With five laps to go there was nothing between the foursome, and despite the chopping and changing, it was Petrucci who’d been at the front since Lap 11 to assert some authority on his charge at the win ā€“ withĀ ‘DesmoDovi’ then taking over from Marquez in second. Sure enough, the number 04 struck against his teammate at Turn 1 with four to go, but he couldn’t pull awayĀ ā€“ and Petrucci soon hit back. He held on in the lead next time around into San Donato too, and again, until the high speed chess game arrived at the final lap.

    Dovizioso slipstreamed past his teammate on the final full speed dash down the straight, but Marquez did one better and managed to take both, the Honda man ahead into Turn 1 for the final time. But he headed a little wide andĀ Dovizioso took the inside lineĀ ā€“ but he was wide as well. Enter Petrucci, with the number 9 spotting the gap and slicing past both as Dovi had to then sit up and cedeĀ second to Marquez. The task for ‘Petrux’ was then easier said than done: defend the lead of his first home Grand Prix in factory colours from the most notorious last lap lunger. But that’s what he did.

    He needed the lap of his life and that’s exactly what he delivered, just out of reach of Marquez and emerging from the final corner still ahead as Dovi tried to find a way past Marquez. But there wasn’t one, and the Turn 1 shuffle would prove decisive as Petrucci escaped Marquez who escaped Dovi on the run to the lineĀ ā€“ and the number 04 Ducati even came under threat from Rins into the final corner. But the Suzuki man couldn’t stick with the Borgo Panigale power, and one of the races of the season saw Petrucci make some history, Marquez gaining a little ground in the Championship and Dovizioso forced to settle for third on his 300th Grand Prix start. For all his help and support, however, Petrucci did dedicate the win to his compatriot.

    Behind Rins’ stellar ride to fourth, Nakagami pulled out an ace on race day to take his best ever premier class finish as he completed the top fiveĀ ā€“ and as top Independent Team rider to boot. Maverick ViƱales (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) gained some ground late on to claim sixth, with wildcard Michele Pirro (Mission Winnow Ducati) a late mover as well as he came home seventh. Crutchlow slipped to eighth, with Pol Espargaro (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) taking P9 after another impressive weekend that included KTM’s highest finish in a Free Practice session and direct entry into Q2.

    Fabio Quartararo, who lost out after his stunning qualifying session, crossed the line tenth but once again took home a good little haul of points to keep his supreme run in the fight for Rookie of the Year, with Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing Team Gresini) taking P11 on Noale factory home turf. Mir recovered to 12th and got past Jorge Lorenzo (Repsol Honda Team), with Karel Abraham (Reale Avintia Racing) and Andrea Iannone (Aprilia Racing Team Gresini) completing the points.

    That’s it from the stunning Mugello, with Petrucci now a Grand Prix winner and arriving into the next race with his place in the Ducati history books secured. The mission now for the Mission Winnow Ducati teammates? Stop Marquez.Ā But it’s the reigning Champion’sĀ turf up next and he arrives 12 points clear…don’t miss the Gran Premi Monster Energy de Catalunya in two weeks.

    Top-10 results:

    1. Danilo Petrucci (Mission Winnow Ducati)
    2. Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) + 0.043
    3. Andrea Dovizioso (Mission Winnow Ducati) + 0.338
    4. Alex Rins (Team Suzuki ECSTAR) + 0.535
    5. Takaaki Nakagami (LCR Honda IDEMITSU) + 6.535
    6. Maverick ViƱales (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) + 7.481
    7. Michele Pirro (Mission Winnow Ducati) + 13.288
    8. Cal Crutchlow (LCR Honda Castrol) + 13.937
    9. Pol Espargaro (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) + 16.533
    10. Fabio Quartararo (Petronas Yamaha SRT) + 17.994.

    Source: MotoGP.com

  • Thrilling Moto3 race sees Arbolino take first-ever win at Mugello

    A slipstream battle right to the final lap, Arbolino fought ahead of Dalla Porta to take an elusive first win

    Mugello, 2 June 2019:Ā 

    In what was one of the best Moto3ā„¢ race of the season, Tony Arbolino took his first win in a frantic, hair-raising last lap slipstreaming contest with countryman Lorenzo Dalla Porta and Spanish youngster, Jaume Masia. The race, which saw over half a dozen different leaders and many hard passes, went down to the very last lap in traditional Moto3ā„¢ style.

    With lights out, it was a great start from second on the grid by Gabriel Rodrigo (Kƶmmerling Gresini Moto3), who got ahead of Tony Arbolino (VNE Snipers) on the run to Turn 1. It was a great start from Tatsuki Suzuki (SIC58 Squadra Corse) as he climbed to third from ninth on the grid, whilst John McPhee (Petronas Sprinta Racing) was also a big improver, up to sixth from 17th. The first crasher was Kazuki Masaki (BOE Skull Rider Mugen Race) – rider OK.

    Having lead a race in every race since COTA, Suzuki soon got himself to the lead, passing Rodrigo and pole-sitter Arbolino. At the end of the lap, a big moment for the Japanese rider coming on to the straight meant he was pushed back down the order. Work to do for Suzuki, although he remained in the leading group.

    One rider who didnā€™t stay in the leading group was Rodrigo, who crashed out of the leading positions at Turn 4. It was a bitter end to the Italian Grand Prix for the Argentine rider, having topped the morning Warm Up and looked strong.

    Out front, Lorenzo Dalla Porta (Leopard Racing) had worked his way to the front of the field and a well set-up Honda meant that he began to edge clear of his pursuers. Even in the slipstream, Dalla Porta looked untouchable. However, as the race unfolded, small mistakes started to appear. Behind, Darryn Binder (CIP Green Power) had also made a bright start and was a demon later-braker.

    With ten laps left to run, the chasing pack had caught Dalla Porta and put him under pressure into Turns 11 and 12. Arbolino was able to get ahead but Dalla Porta looked to have him back at the Correntaio corner, almost hitting him, and running wide, losing four more positions. From leading to sixth, Dalla Portaā€™s hard work hadnā€™t paid off just yet. However, it was an incredible pass at the final corner from the Italian rider which saw him surge back into the lead.

    The following laps ensued, and positions chopped and changed, with slipstreaming and late-braking meaning many riders dropped back before elevating back up the order. However, with the action heating up, mistakes happened, and crashes occurred.

    The first notable crash was with five laps to go, when Andrea Migno (Bester Capital Dubai) and Romano Fenati (VNE Snipers) tangled at the final corner ā€“ two previous winners at Mugello down in the gravel. The, half a lap later, Kaito Toba (Honda Team Asia) and Ayumu Sasaki (Petronas Sprinta Racing) suffered a big crash on the exit of Turn 3. All riders were OK, with nothing but their championship hopes taking a blow.

    In the closing laps, it really was a lottery. Jaume Masia (Bester Capital Dubai) had replaced Binder as the challenging KTM, whilst fellow KTM rider Aron Canet (Sterilgada Max Racing Team) was placed towards the rear end of the leading group of eight. One rider who had been steadily working away was Niccolo Antonelli (SIC58 Squadra Corse), up from his 18th place grid start and, with the slipstreaming down the straight, often found himself a brief race leader. The Italian was positioned perfectly to fight for the last lap.

    As the final lap unfolded, it was an incredible spectacle, as Tony Arbolino lead for the majority of it before a pass at Correntaio from Dalla Porta looked like it would go the way of the Leopard Racing rider ā€“ who had a strong top end advantage over his competitors. With a great slingshot out of the final corner, Arbolino slipstreamed Dalla Porta perfectly, the pack weaving across the track all the while to try and halt the slipstream. However, Arbolino had got it right and beat Dalla Porta to the line by a just 0.029s. Jaume Masia was third, whilst Antonelli and Denis Foggia (SKY Racing Team VR46) completed the top five ā€“ Foggia having a relatively quiet race, but nonetheless securing good points.

    John McPhee took a well-fought sixth place, ahead of Canet and Suzuki, whilst Celestino Vietti (SKY Racing Team VR46) was the first rider home from outside of the leading group, in ninth. Darryn Binder came home in tenth.

    Moto3ā„¢ top ten:

    1. Tony Arbolino (VNE Snipers)
    2. Lorenzo Dalla Porta (Leopard Racing) + 0.029
    3. Jaume Masia (Bester Capital Dubai) + 0.078
    4. Niccolo Antonelli (SIC58 Squadra Corse) + 0.156
    5. Dennis Foggia (SKY Racing Team VR46) + 0.267
    6. John McPhee (Petronas Sprinta Racing) + 0.403
    7. Aron Canet (Sterilgarda Max Racing Team) + 0.559
    8. Tatsuki Suzuki (SIC58 Squadra Corse) + 0.595
    9. Celestino Vietti (SKY Racing Team VR46) + 1.566
    10. Darryn Binder (CIP Green Power) + 1.597

    Source: MotoGP.com

  • Marquez snatches pole from Quartararo at Mugello, shatters lap record: Italian GP

    Marquez snatches pole from Quartararo at Mugello, shatters lap record: Italian GP

    Marquez, the number 93 takes a last dash pole in enemy territory as fast Fabio once again unleashes some serious speed

    Marc Marquez (centre) takes Italian GP pole from Fabio Quartararo on Saturday. A MotoGP image

    Mugello, 1 June 2019:Ā Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) played qualifying to perfection in the Gran Premio dā€™Italia Oakley as the reigning Champion struck late to take his second pole position at Mugello and reassert some authority over ever-impressive rookie Fabio Quartararo (Petronas Yamaha SRT), setting a new lap record in the process. Nevertheless, Frenchman Quartararo will start his first premier class race at Mugello from second as both top Yamaha and top Independent Team rider, with Danilo Petrucci (Mission Winnow Ducati) completing the front row and flying theĀ TricoloreĀ after a difficult day for a couple of his compatriots on home turf.

    It was a star-studded Q1 to begin deciding the grid, with Valentino Rossi (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP), Andrea Dovizioso (Mission Winnow Ducati) and Jorge Lorenzo (Repsol Honda Team) all fighting it out to move through, and it was a nail-biter of a finale – for Dovizioso at least. On his final flying lap, it was all or nothing for the 2017 Mugello winner, but he made it count to top wildcard and teammate Michele Pirro by just thousandths – knocking out Alex Rins (Team Suzuki Ecstar), who therefore starts 13th. But that’s better reading than it is for Lorenzo and Rossi, who line up in P17 and P18 respectively after not making it out of Q1Ā – 13 premier class wins at Mugello on Row 6.

    In Q2 then, Dovizioso had another shot – but it was Marquez who was back in the driving seat. After getting followed by Pirro the reigning Champion decided to turn the tables on Ducati in the latter half of the session and actually followed key rival Dovizioso on what would turn out to be his record-breaking pole lap – getting a good tow from the Borgo Panigale machine as the flag came out and able to depose Quartararo. The Frenchman topped FP4 but couldn’t quite eke out those final two tenths, and he didn’t get a tow to the line…

    Petrucci then is the sole home hero on the front row, and he’s had some serious pace all weekend. Searching for his first win and with previous podium experience at the venue, he could be one to watch and will be joining Quartararo on the mission to overtake Marquez off the line and convert pace into podium.

    Franco Morbidelli (Petronas Yamaha SRT) heads an all-Independent Team Row 2 ahead of Jack Miller (Pramac Racing) and Cal Crutchlow (LCR Honda Castrol), with Maverick ViƱales (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) in P7 and Friday’s fastest, rookie Francesco Bagnaia (Pramac Racing), having a solid qualifying in P8 – just ahead of Dovizioso, who enjoyed a less solid day at the office. ‘DesmoDovi’ will need quite a start to try and get in the fight at the front from the off on Sunday – and it’s his 300th Grand Prix.

    Takaaki Nakagami (LCR Honda Idemitsu) locks out the top ten, ahead of Pol Espargaro (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) after another automatic graduation to Q2 for the impressive Spaniard. Pirro slots into 12th as he starts his 100th GP, just ahead of the aforementioned Rins – one of many big names looking to launch forward quick style when the lights go out.

    Mugello is always an incredible event, but with such a tantalising grid and a mix of searing ambition and veteran experience on every row, 2019 will surely be something special. Don’t miss the premier class race at 14:00 local time (GMT+2).

    Top-3 Qualifying results:

    1 – Marc Marquez (SPAĀ – Honda)Ā 1’45.519Ā Ā  Ā 
    2 – Fabio Quartararo* (FRAĀ – Yamaha)Ā +0.214
    3 – Danilo PetrucciĀ (ITAĀ – Ducati)Ā +0.362

    *Independent Team rider

  • Schrƶtter beats LĆ¼thi to pole: Moto2

    Dynavolt Intact GP dominate Moto2 qualifying for a 1-2, with Marquez in third and Baldassarri and Pasini facing a fight back

    Mugello, 1 June 2019: Marcel Schrƶtter (Dynavolt Intact GP) heads up the Moto2ā„¢ grid at the Gran Premio dā€™Italia Oakley after another record-breaking day, with the German taking his third career pole position by an infinitesimal 0.040 ahead of teammate Tom LĆ¼thi. Alex Marquez (EG 0,0 Marc VDS) completes the front row, qualifying in the same P3 from which he took his first win of the year last time out and the third man of six to break the previous lap record. Championship leader Lorenzo Baldassarri (Flexbox HP 40), meanwhile, had a difficult day at the office and will start his home Grand Prix from P15.

    Baldassarri was also one of four riders who moved through from Q1, with the Italian graduating just behind rookie Jorge Martin (Red Bull Ajo KTM) andĀ Xavi Vierge (EG 0,0 Marc VDS) but marginally ahead of compatriot Nicolo Bulega (SkyĀ Racing Team VR46) as a few famous faces had initially failed to make the cut in the morning.

    Bulega would go on to play a big role in the final grid, however,Ā and he heads up Row 2 afterĀ his best qualifying in the class. He’s the top home rider and ahead of man of the moment Jorge Navarro (MB Conveyors Speed Up), with Friday’s fastest man, Luca Marini,Ā makingĀ it both SkyĀ Racing Team VR46 bikes on the second row as he ended the session in P6.

    Tetsuta Nagashima (ONEXOX TKKR SAG Team) got the better of Sam Lowes (Federal Oil Gresini Moto2) to take P7, with the Brit down in eighth after a crash in FP3. Augusto Fernandez (Flexbox HP 40) is inĀ ninth after he topped FP3 but failed to repeat the feat in the afternoon, withĀ Remy Gardner (ONEXOX TKKR SAG Team) completing the top ten despite still recovering from a broken collarbone.

    Baldassarri down in P15 will be one to watch on race day as he pushes to come back through the back, as will Mattia Pasini (Petronas Sprinta Racing) down in P18 – can the Championship leader and the 2017 Mugello winner strike back on Sunday? Donā€™t miss the intermediate class in action 12:20 local time (GMT+2).

    Moto2 Qualifying Results:

    1 – MarcelĀ SchrƶtterĀ (GERĀ – Kalex)Ā 1:51.129
    2 – TomĀ LĆ¼thi (SWI – Kalex)Ā +0.040
    3 – Alex Marquez (SPAĀ – Kalex)Ā +0.217

  • Arbolino holds the aces on home turf: Moto3

    Italian plays his cards to perfection to set a new lap record and take Mugello pole

    Mugello, 1 June 2019:Ā Home hero Tony Arbolino (VNE Snipers) will start his home Gran Premio d’Italia Oakley from his third career pole at Mugello, setting a stunning new lap record in qualifying to end Saturday nearly seven tenths clear of the competition. That competition is led by Gabriel Rodrigo (Kƶmmerling Gresini Moto3), 0.673 down in second, with Lorenzo Dalla Porta (Leopard Racing) the last man within a second of pole to lockĀ out the front row.

    After a frantic Q1 that saw rookie Raul Fernandez (Sama Qatar Angel Nieto Team) lead the way ahead of Marcos Ramirez (Leopard Racing), Darryn Binder (CIP – Green Power) and Andrea Migno (Bester Capital Dubai), the stage was set for a showdown in Q2 and, as always in Moto3ā„¢, there was plenty of action packed in.

    After the first run it was Friday’s fastest manĀ Tatsuki Suzuki (SIC58 Squadra Corse) who led the way and Arbolino hadn’t even set a time, but there was drama for both Suzuki and teammate Antonelli as they’d left pitlane before the lights went green – something that would later affect their grid positions immensely. Rodrigo was the first to move the goal posts and take over at the top at that point though, and the Argentine lowered his lap time again next time around. But then came Arbolino and the new lap record on his final lap of the session,Ā with the Italian celebrating even before popping out from behind the bubble.

    Rodrigo was thereforeĀ forced to settle for second, with Dalla Porta the man who’ll start alongside him in third after having moved up into the mix in the final few minutes. Andrea Migno was another late improver, the 2017 winner taking P4 at the flag to head the second row – an impressive feat after coming through Q1. SuzukiĀ and teammate Niccolo Antonelli were fifth and sixth fastest at the flag, but their first lap times were then cancelled after they were deemed to have gained an unfair advantage due to their earlier infraction – so it’sĀ Ā 2014 Mugello winner Romano Fenati (VNE Snipers) who starts fifth, with Qatar GP winner Kaito Toba (Honda Team Asia) set to start alongside him in P6. After ending Day 1 outside the top twenty, the turnaround from the Japanese rider is an impressive one.

    RamirezĀ took P7Ā and heads up the second row, ahead ofĀ Championship leader Aron Canet (Sterilgarda Max Racing Team) after a more difficult session, withĀ  Suzuki’s fastest allowed lap putting him in P9 to complete Row 3. Alonso Lopez (Estrella Galicia 0,0) completes the top ten.

    Will qualifying prove to matter that much at Mugello, where the slipstream rules all? The likes of Celestino Vietti (Sky Racing Team VR46)Ā ā€“Ā 16thĀ ā€“Ā and Le Mans winner John McPhee (Petronas Sprinta Racing)Ā ā€“Ā 17thĀ ā€“Ā will joinĀ Antonelli, down in 18th, in hoping it doesn’t and that race day shuffles the pack once again.

    The lights go out for the Moto3ā„¢ race at 11:00 (GMT +2), don’t miss one of the spectacles of the season.

    Moto3 Qualifying Results:

    1 – Tony Arbolino (ITAĀ – Honda)Ā 1’56.407
    2 – Gabriel Rodrigo (ARG – Honda) +0.673
    3 – Lorenzo Dalla Porta (ITAĀ – Honda) +0.869

  • Flash: Marquez shatters lap record on way to Italian GP pole: A Honda view

    MugelloĀ  1 June 2019: Blistering pace under the Tuscan sun saw Marc Marquez take his fourth pole of 2019 as Lorenzo prepares for a comeback from 17thĀ on the grid.

    Having finished third fastest in both Free Practice 3 and Free Practice 4, Marc Marquez headed into Q2 confident of challenging for at least a front-row start. A busy session saw Marquez working hard for track position during his first run, setting a best time of 1ā€™46.291 before a perfectly planned and executed second run had the reigning World Champion take his fourth pole of 2019.

    Marquezā€™s 1ā€™45.519 is a new lap record at the Mugello Circuit, Marquez one of only four riders ever to complete a 1ā€™45 lap. This is Marquezā€™s second premier class pole in Mugello, his first coming in 2014 when he took six straight pole positions.

    Saving fresh tyres for Saturday looked to pay off for Jorge Lorenzo in Free Practice 3, immediately able to go a full second faster as soon as a fresh rear was fitted. Eventually setting a 1ā€™46.893, Lorenzo finished the session 12th. He continued to work on his pace for the race throughout Free Practice 4 and spent the session lapping consistently. Unable to improve his time as he had in FP3, Lorenzo will start 17thĀ on the grid with a 1ā€™47.135.

    Marc Marquez –Ā 1stĀ Ā 1’45.519

    ā€œIt was a difficult Qualifying because it was different to other races and a bit hard to find space. With the first tyre I was ready to attack straight away but then Dovi slowed down so I overtook him and I lost some time there. Pirro was also trying to follow me for the slipstream so tactics were needed. With the second tyre we just followed our strategy and I found a good space with slipstream and I calculated the space to Dovi perfectly. The pole position is important but the most important part is being on the front row. There are a lot of opponents for tomorrowā€™s race!ā€

    Top Results Qualifying MotoGP Mugello 2019:
    1. Marc Marquez (ESP), Honda 1:45.519
    2. Fabio Quartararo (FRA), Yamaha +0.214
    3. Danilo Petrucci (ITA), Ducati +0.362
    4. Franco Morbidelli (ITA), Yamaha + 0.440
    5. Jack Miller (AUS), Ducati +0.510

    Top-3Ā  Results Qualifying Moto2:Ā 
    1. Marcel Schrotter (GER) Kalex 1:51.129
    2. Thomas Luthi (SUI) Kalex +0.040
    3. Alex Marquez (ESP) Kalex +0.177

    Top-3 Results Qualifying Moto3:Ā 
    1. Tony Arbolino (ITA) Honda 1:56.407
    2. Gabriel Rodrigo (ARG) Honda +0.673
    3. Lorenzo Dalla Porta (ITA) Honda +0.869

    TheĀ Gran Premio Dā€™Italia Oakley is scheduled for 14:00 local time on Sunday, June 01.

  • Rookie invasion: Bagnaia and Quartararo rule Mugello on Friday

    Rookie invasion: Bagnaia and Quartararo rule Mugello on Friday

    …with Petrucci on the chase and KTM in the top four

    Francesco Bagnaia (Pramac Racing) tops Friday times at Mugello. A MotoGP image

    Mugello, 31 May 2019: Francesco Bagnaia (Pramac Racing) and Fabio Quartararo (Petronas Yamaha SRT) stole the headlines on Friday in the Gran Premio d’Italia Oakley, the sixth round of the MotoGP World Championship.

    The rookies took a 1-2Ā and were split by just 0.046 at the top – making it the first time since Qatar 2008 qualifying, when Jorge Lorenzo took his debut pole ahead of Brit James Toseland, that two rookies have topped a full session.Ā Their closest competition came from Danilo Petrucci (Mission Winnow Ducati) as the Italian was just under a tenth in arrears in P3, with some big names outside the top ten: Andrea Dovizioso (Mission Winnow Ducati), Valentino Rossi (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) and Jorge Lorenzo (Repsol Honda Team).

    Conditions were a stark contrast to Le Mans as the sun shone over the stunning Tuscan countryside in Mugello, and as the clock ticked down, every rider apart from LCR Honda Idemitsuā€™s Takaaki Nakagami and Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing Team Gresini) had improved on their FP1 times with just under 20 minutes to go. As is oft the case in MotoGPā„¢ FP2, however, most of the chopping and changing came in the final ten minutes.

    FP1 leader Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team)Ā was sat at the top of the times for most of FP2, followed byĀ a quintet of Ducatis,Ā beforeĀ Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGPā€™s Maverick ViƱales then jumped into the top four and fellow Yamaha rider Quartararo movedĀ up into P3 as the timing screens lit up with red sectors. Danilo Petrucci (Mission Winnow Ducati) was the next to strike as he took over at the top,Ā before Red Bull KTM Factory Racingā€™s Pol Espargaro stuck in the first 1:46 of the weekend to take P1Ā and impress once again.

    Petrucci and Quartararo then exchanged fastest times at the top, but with seconds to go there was another Italian on the march:Ā Bagnaia, who improvedĀ drastically from a P17 in FP1 to delight the home crowd. That pushed Quartararo down to second, but only by half a tenth, with Petrucci in P3 and Pol Espargaro keeping hold of his top four.

    ViƱales didn’t lose too much ground to end the day in fifth after a more difficult FP1 down the timesheets, with Marquez down in P6 as he looks to take his third win in a row. Key rival Alex Rins (Team Suzuki Ecstar), pushing to recover from a tougher French GP, was seventh quickest on Friday, ahead ofĀ LCR Honda Castrolā€™s Cal Crutchlow inĀ eighth. Jack Miller (Pramac Racing) took P9 after a late crash forĀ the Australian that dropped him out the running, withĀ italianĀ Franco Morbidelli (Petronas Yamaha SRT) completingĀ the top ten and list of provisional automatic graduates to Q2.

    So who’s missing? DoviziosoĀ is in P11 so not far off, with Johann Zarco (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) just behind him despite a big off for the Frenchman – rider ok. But Rossi is P18 and Lorenzo P20 after Day 1,Ā and two have a combined total of 13 premier class wins at Mugello. FP3 will be pivotal for both,Ā  but there’s no need to panic just yet: with good weather forecast it should provide a thrilling time-attack from the whole grid and they’re sure to play a part on Saturday morning.

    Tune in from 9:55 (GMT +2) local time as FP3 decides those heading straight through to Q2, before qualifying from 14:10 to gives us the grid for another absolute stunner at Mugello.

    Top-6 Friday’s fastest in MotoGP – from Combined Free Practice classification

    1 – Francesco Bagnaia* (ITA – Ducati)Ā 1’46.732
    2 – Fabio Quartararo* (FRA – Yamaha)Ā +0.046
    3 – Danilo Petrucci (ITAĀ – Ducati)Ā +0.131
    4 – Pol Espargaro (SPAĀ – KTM)Ā +0.234
    5 – Maverick ViƱales (SPA – Yamaha)Ā +0.241

    6. Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda) +0.330

    *Independent Team riders