2014 Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix

Check out the video of the 48th running of the Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix.

great news website

2 wheelin' fans, yours truly has found a great news resource for all things about road racing on motorcycles.  I have cited articles from MCN: Motorcycle News UK before.  But, when you delve extensively into the website, you'll find tons of information on all sorts of racing.  Below, I am posting links, to all the different sections.  Check them out at your leisure.  I think you'll like what you see.  There are also sections on motorcycling as a hobby, and new bikes.

Go to the Sport section, to find anything to do with racing.  Here are all the individual sections, that you can click on.

All Sport
http://www.motorcyclenews.com/sport/

MotoGP
http://www.motorcyclenews.com/sport/motogp/

World Superbikes
http://www.motorcyclenews.com/sport/world-superbikes/

British Superbikes
http://www.motorcyclenews.com/sport/british-superbikes/

TT & road races
http://www.motorcyclenews.com/sport/tt-road-races/

MotoGP Classics: Laguna Seca, 2005

Lets go back a decade, and check out the 2005 edition of the MotoGP United States Grand Prix at Laguna Seca Raceway.  American riders Nicky Hayden and Colin Edwards, battle with the likes of Valentino Rossi, Max Biaggi, Sete Gibernau, and others.  Click on the link in the video, watch it on YouTube, and enjoy.

MotoGP in the media

Click over to this page.  There is a brief update as Alex Hofmann will move from Aprilia (having been a test rider for them for seven years), to KTM.  Hofmann will develop KTM's new MotoGP bike that is going to hit the series in 2017.

http://www.motogp.com/en/MotoGP+in+the+Media

MotoGP Classics: Barcelona Catalunya 2007

Another classic (yet more recent), MotoGP race, at the Circuit de Catalunya, featuring a duel between Valentino Rossi for Yamaha, and Casey Stoner for Ducati.  Check out the 2007 running of the Spanish Grand Prix.  Click over to YouTube, and watch the race.

Dunlop extends contract as Official Tyre Supplier to Moto 2 and Moto 3

Moto 2 and Moto 3 teams will continue to race using Dunlop tires for the foreseeable future.  A new deal was just signed with Dorna Sports that will make Dunlop the sole tire supplier for the two MotoGP feeder series.

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/Dunlop+extends+renews+contract+as+Official+Tyre+Supplier+to+Moto2+and+Moto3

Rookies set to thrill and learn again in 2015

A large contingent of riders has assembled for what will be the ninth season of the Red Bull Rookies' Cup, to allow up and coming riders a chance to break into the big leagues of international motorcycle road racing.

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/Rookies+set+to+thrill+and+learn+again+in+2015

2014 Ulster Grand Prix highlights

Check out these highlights of the Ulster Grand Prix.  Yes, it's those amazing Irish road racing motorcycle maniacs, riding bikes as only they can.  Fearless, on the limit, and, on a two lane country road, in a village!

http://www.motorsport.com/bike/video/main-gallery/ulster-grand-prix-2014-highlights

MotoGP news update

More news from the world of MotoGP during the off season.

Shell Advance Asia Talent Cup 2015 calendar announced
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/Shell+Advance+Asia+Talent+Cup+2015+calendar+announced

Marquez brothers attend 2014 RACC Awards
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/RACC+Motor+Sport+Awards

Hayden: My main objective for 2015 is to enjoy riding again
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/Hayden+My+objective+for+2015+is+to+enjoy+riding+again

Rest required for Aleix Espargaro after knee ligament injury
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Aleix+Espargaro+injury+update

Changes for the FIM CEV Repsol 2015
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/Changes+for+the+FIM+CEV+Repsol+2015

Grand Prix Commission approves 2016 electronics development process
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/Grand+Prix+Commission+approves+2016+electronics+development+process

Laverty on joining Aspar and preparing for 2015
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/Laverty+An+opportunity+I+have+been+waiting+a+long+time+for

more coverage wrapping up the Superprestigio event

AMA Pro Racing's website has a few more wrap up insights on the Superprestigio event.  Check out these stories from the website's Flat Track section.

Shayna Texter poised to take next step in her career, starting with Superprestigio appearance
http://www.amaproracing.com/ft/news/index.cfm?cid=61889

Mees, Marquez, thrill international audience in Superprestigio flat track event
http://www.amaproracing.com/ft/news/index.cfm?cid=61891

Social Soundoff: Wrapping up thoughts from this weekend's Superprestigio
http://www.amaproracing.com/ft/news/index.cfm?cid=61904

Making headlines: Roundup of coverage of the Superprestigio
http://www.amaproracing.com/ft/news/index.cfm?cid=61909

Back home, Mees, Texter, and Baker give their thoughts on the Superprestigio
http://www.amaproracing.com/ft/news/index.cfm?cid=61917

Yes, that's a Lamborghini V12 in a motorcycle

Prepare for your jaw to hit the floor, when you see, THIS.

http://www.roadandtrack.com/car-culture/videos/a24546/this-hero-put-a-lamborghini-v12-in-a-motorcycle/

Swedish racer breaks record for fastest motorcycle wheelie on ice

A 100 meter wheelie, on a production based racing motorcycle, on ice.  Watch this!  Absolutely amazing.

http://www.visordown.com/motorcycle-news-videos/swedish-racer-breaks-record-for-fastest-motorcycle-wheelie-on-ice/26023.html

Emotional Marquez responds to Andorra critics

Marc Marquez gave an emotional speech to critics, explaining why he will move to Andorra, but also clarifying that he will continue to pay taxes in his native Spain.

http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/212571/1/emotional-marquez-responds-to-andorra-critics.html

Lorenzo triumphs in Abu Dhabi endurance event

Jorge Lorenzo has proven he is just as good on four wheels as he is on two, winning the Gentleman Trophy category in this past weekend's 12 Hours of Abu Dhabi GT race at Yas Marina circuit in Abu Dhabi, sharing a Ferrari 458 Italia with Liam Talbot, Marco Zannuttini, and Jacques Duyver.

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Lorenzo+shines+in+the+endurance+test+in+Abu+Dhabi

Mees, Marquez thrill international audiences in Superprestigio flat track event

Even more coverage of the Superprestigio event from last weekend, as the AMA Pro Racing website, has a story about it in their Flat Track racing coverage section.

http://www.amaproracing.com/ft/news/index.cfm?cid=61891

MotoGP Classics: Catalunya 1997

Click over to YouTube, and watch another classic 500cc Grand Prix race.  This is the thirteenth round of the 1997 500cc world championship, at Catalunya in Barcelona, Spain, in 1997.

2000 FIM 500cc Australian Grand Prix at Philip Island

More MotoGP memories.  Watch a three-way fight for the win in the 2000 Australian Grand Prix 500cc main event, between three Italian riders who would later become legends of the sport.  Loris Capirossi, Valentino Rossi, and, Max Biaggi.

500cc Grand Prix, Donington Park, England 1989

Another classic motorcycle race.  This is the 1989 British Grand Prix 500cc race at Donington Park in Leicestershire, England.

more MotoGP news

Some of the latest off track (and on track) headlines, from the world of MotoGP, including the dirt track Superprestigio event in Barcelona, Spain.

Tech3's Espargaro meets ecstatic Indonesian fans
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Tech3s+Espargaro+meets+ecstatic+Indonesian+fans

Lorenzo to participate in endurance event in Abu Dhabi
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/endurance+race+for+lorenzo+in+Abu+Dhabi

Baz helmet being auctioned for Alessia Polita foundation
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/Baz+helmet+being+auctioned+for+Alessia+Polita+foundation

Marquez on move to Andorra
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/marc+marquez+on+his+relocation+to+Andorra

...and last, but certainly not least, here is the preview of the Superprestigio event in Barcelona.

All set for Superprestigio DTX Barcelona 2014  Hint.  Click the link to watch the video on YouTube.

Bruce Anstey breaks the Isle of Man TT Superbike lap record

Take a wild ride with multiple champion of the Isle of Man TT, Bruce Anstey, as he breaks the lap record on the legendary course for Superbikes.  Anstey is one of the riders who has become a legend on the Isle of Man in recent years.  They call him, "Bruce Almighty" for a reason.  Hold on tight for this one.  Anstey and his Honda Fireblade motorcycle absolutely fly.

500cc Grand Prix: Assen, 1992

In the coming days and weeks, yours truly will revisit some of the classic MotoGP races from years gone by.  Both from the 500cc Grand Prix era, and the MotoGP era.  Let's start with the 1992 Dutch TT at Assen in Holland.  You will be able to watch the video, via YouTube.  Click on the link, when you open the video.  More classic MotoGP races, soon, folks.

Cortese reviews 2014 and looks ahead to forthcoming season

Read this interview, with 2012 Moto 3 champion, Sandro Cortese, of Germany, who moved up to the Moto 2 division this past season.

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/Cortese+reviews+2014+and+looks+ahead+to+forthcoming+season

Sic Supermoto Day 2014: Dovizioso finishes second on Saturday

Read all about the annual Sic Supermoto Day, to honor the late, great MotoGP rider, Marco Simoncelli.  There were several races, and rememberances of Simoncelli, as well as Doriano Romboni, a Grand Prix motorcycle racer who was tragically killed at the Supermoto Day, last year.  Rest In Peace Marco Simoncelli, and Doriano Romboni. 

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Sic+Supermoto+Day+2014

2015 Isle of Man TT Preview

It is not even the new year yet, and here we are, already anticipating the 2015 Isle of Man TT.  But, check out the preview.  This is very moving.

MotoGP in the media

Go HERE to find out some of the stories aired in other print media about MotoGP. 

http://www.motogp.com/en/MotoGP+in+the+Media

Some of these, are from when the season was still underway, while others, are more recent.  Take note of the story from MCN (Motorcycle News), about Marc Marquez wanting his brother Alex (who is this year's Moto 3 champion), to be his team mate.

Miller: 'The greatest experience I've had on a motorbike'

An interview with Jack Miller, after his shoulder injury that was updated in the latest news briefing.  He says he was amazed by riding a MotoGP bike for the first time.

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Miller+The+greatest+experience+Ive+had+on+a+motorbike

MotoGP news

Another update from all three classes of MotoGP competition, as we look ahead, and gear up for 2015.

Danny Kent on 2014, new challenge and Moto 2 agreement
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Danny+Kent+on+2014+new+challenge+and+Moto2+agreement

Brad Binder's 'golden opportunity' in 2015
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Brad+Binders+golden+opportunity+in+2015

*A story that is a few weeks old, but is still worth mentioning.

Jimenez opens new chapter as crew chief to Kallio
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/Jimenez+to+Moto2+with+Italtrans+racing

Honda to continue to power Moto 2 racing through 2018
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Honda+to+continue+to+power+Moto2+racing+through+2018

Brivio: 'We have two motivated and ambitious riders'
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/Davide+Brivio+interview

*Some incentive, to maybe include more coverage of the FIM CEV Repsol series, next year.

A new FIM CEV Repsol in 2015
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/A+new+FIM+CEV+Repsol+in+2015

Miller undergoes shoulder surgery in Barcelona
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Miller+undergoes+shoulder+surgery+in+Barcelona

Petrucci: 'I'm happy to be back with Ducati'
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/Danilo+Petrucci+interview

*More incentive, for covering the junior championships as the Shell Advance Asia Talent Cup 2015 lineup can be found, HERE:

Shell Advance Asia Talent Cup 2015 rider line-up announced
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/Shell+Advance+Asia+Talent+Cup+2015+rider+lineup+announced

1993 MotoGP 500cc Year In Review

Let's take a look at the entire season of 1993 in 500cc Grand Prix motorcycle racing.

1993 FIM European Grand Prix

Another MotoGP flashback.  This is actually during the remarkable 500cc World Grand Prix era.  All three major classes at that time, (125cc, 250cc, and the awesome 500cc motorcycles), are represented.  The 1993 running of the European Grand Prix at Circuit de Catalunya in Barcelona, Spain.  Check it out.

Lorenzo: 'I can fight Marquez in 2015'

Jorge Lorenzo has renewed optimism that next year, he can fight Marc Marquez for the MotoGP World Championship. 

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Lorenzo+I+can+fight+Marquez+in+2015

2014 SBK Kawasaki Racing Team - Onboard Action!

Neat video, showing on board camera footage from all three riders for "Team Green", (Kawasaki Racing Team), in FIM World Superbike, including Tom Sykes, Loris Baz, and, David Salom.

Rabat thanks 'superb' Kallio for title fight

Tito Rabat thanks his Marc VDS Moto 2 team mate Mika Kallio, for a "superb", well fought title battle, for the whole of 2014.

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Rabat+thanks+superb+Kallio+for+title+fight

Track action continues in Jerez

Suzuki, Aprilia, Ducati, and the NGM Forward Racing Team, are currently, or will soon be, testing at the Jerez de la Frontera circuit in Jerez, Spain.  Here are all the details.

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/MotoGP+private+test+at+jerez+circuit

Miller's first taste of 2015 bike at Sepang

Jack Miller tests the LCR Honda team's MotoGP bike at Sepang circuit in Malaysia.  As a rookie, he has first crack at getting on the bike, and feeling it out.  Here's the story.

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Miller+continues+testing+in+Malaysia

Jorge Martinez 'Aspar' inducted as FIM legend

Rider turned team owner, Jorge Martinez 'Aspar' is the latest MotoGP legends inductee.

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Jorge+Martnez+Aspar+named+an+FIM+Legend+for+2014

Alex Marquez: 'I didn't lose my nerve in Valencia'

Alex Marquez (brother of double MotoGP world champion, Marc Marquez), talks about how he became the 2014 Moto 3 world champion.

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Alex+Marquez+I+didnt+lose+my+nerve+in+Valencia

Rossi versus youngsters in '100 kilometres of The MotoRanch'

Valentino Rossi invited lots of young, aspiring motorcycle riders to his annual '100 kilometers of the MotoRanch', and here's what happened.

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/Valentino+Rossis+Ranch+Competition+2014

Champions awarded at 2014 FIM Gala

A story about the FIM awards gala in Jerez, Spain, where the champions in all three of the MotoGP divisions, were crowned officially.

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/Champions+awarded+at+2014+FIM+Gala

Vito Ippolito wins a third term as FIM President

Venezuela's Vito Ippolito, was elected to a third term as President of the French motorcycle racing governing body, the FIM, (Federation International de Motorcyclisme).

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Vito+Ippolito+wins+a+third+term+as+FIM+President

Ajo pleased with initial progress of new lineup

Red Bull Team Ajo welcomes Miguel Oliviera and Brad Binder into their Moto 3 operation for 2015, and team boss Aki Ajo is impressed with what he sees thus far in testing.

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/Ajo+pleased+with+initial+progress+of+new+lineup

MotoGP testing activity to conclude for 2014 with Sepang and Jerez dates

Testing is banned in January for MotoGP.  But, in the month of December, sessions will be held at Sepang in Malaysia, and Jerez, in Spain.

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/MotoGP+testing+activity+to+conclude+for+2014+with+Sepang+and+Jerez+dates

Comparing engine usage in 2014

Lets review the engine usage amongst teams in MotoGP from this past season.  It was a big deal, and the terms 'Factory' and 'Open' were definite buzzwords through the whole year.

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Comparing+engine+usage+in+2014

Giugliano tops the timesheets to end two-day Aragon test on a high

Here's the recap of the second day of testing at the Algarve circuit in Portugal, for the FIM World Superbike championship.  There is more news, that will come, including, a provisional 2015 race schedule, for the championship.  Stay tuned.

http://www.worldsbk.com/en/news/2014/Giugliano+tops+the+timesheets+to+end+twoday+Aragon+test+on+a+high

Rea debuts on the Ninja as factory Ducati duo end Day 1 at Aragon on top

A report on the first day of FIM World Superbike Championship testing at Motorland Aragon in Aragon, Spain.

http://www.worldsbk.com/en/news/2014/Factory+Ducati+riders+end+first+day+of+testing+at+Aragon+with+quickest+times

Last day of testing @ Valencia & other news

Stories from the final day of testing at Circuit Ricardo Tormo in Valencia, Spain.

Rossi reflects on solid 2014 progress
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/Rossi+reflects+on+solid+2014+progress

CWM LCR Honda's Crutchlow ready for winter training after surgery
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/CWM+LCR+Hondas+Crutchlow+ready+for+winter+training+after+surgery

Rabat top again as Valencia test concludes on Tuesday
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/Rabat+top+again+at+Valencia+test+concludes+on+Tuesday

Antonelli looking good on second and final day
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Antonelli+top+valencia+test+on+tuesday

There is also, more off-track news, aside from testing.  Take a look at some of these stories, from around MotoGP, Moto 2, and Moto 3.

Dorna endorse MotoDNA academy in Australia
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/Dorna+endorse+motoDNA+academy+in+Australia

Crowds grow as MotoGP pulls in close to 2.5 million fans at 2014 Grands Prix
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/Crowds+grow+as+MotoGP+pulls+in+close+to+25million+fans+at+2014+Grands+Prix

Liqui Moly becomes official oil supplier to Moto 2 and Moto 3
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/LIQUI+MOLY+becomes+official+oil+supplier+to+Moto2+and+Moto3

More Valencia testing news

More news from Valencia testing for MotoGP from last week.

Successful first test for Team Estrella Galicia Marc VDS
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/Successful+first+MotoGP+test+for+Team+Estrella+Galicia+Marc+VDS

Jerez to host three-day test for smaller classes
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/Jerez+to+host+three+day+test+for+smaller+classes

***

Here are stories, relating to those tests for Moto 2 and Moto 3.

Folger fastest of Moto2 riders on rain affect day at Jerez
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/Moto2+Jerez+test+day+2+report

Krummenacher top as conditions improve towards the end of Jerez test
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/Moto2+Jerez+test+day+3+report

Bagnaia completes MAPFRE Aspar Team revolution for 2015
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/Bagnaia+completes+MAPFRE+Aspar+Team+revolution+for+2015

Mahindra looks forward to exciting new Moto 3 challenge
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/Mahindra+looks+forward+to+exciting+new+Moto3+challenge

Moto 3 riders begin three-day test in Jerez
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/Jerez+Moto3+test+day+1+report

Rookie Martin fastest of Moto 3 riders in mixed conditions
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/Moto3+Jerez+test+day+2+report

Last day in south of Spain sees Bagnaia ahead of the rest
.motogp.com/en/news/2015/Moto3+Jerez+test+day+3+report

Hanika quickest of Moto 3 riders at Ricardo Tormo circuit
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/Moto3+test+Valencia+Day1+Hanika

Quartararo: 'My strength is that I like working hard'
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/fabio+quartararo+moto3+interview+1

MotoGP 2014 crash report - the analysis

Analyzing the wicked crashes of the 2014 MotoGP season.

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/falls+report+2014

Grand Prix Commission announce updates to Sporting Regulations

Updates have been issued in MotoGP to the sporting regulations, as directed by The Grand Prix Commission made up of the FIM, IRTA, MSMA, and, Dorna.

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/Grand+Prix+Commission+announce+updates+to+Sporting+Regulations

MotoGP Valencia testing news (continued)

Further stories from the post-season test sessions for MotoGP at Circuit Ricard Tormo in Valencia, Spain.

Repsol Honda pair satisfied with results from final 2014 test

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/Repsol+Honda+pair+satisfied+with+results+from+final+2014+test

Last Valencia testing session wraps up 2014 season for Yamaha
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/valencia+motogp+test+day+3+movistar+yamaha

Espargaro and Smith on performance boosting test in Valencia
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/Espargaro+and+Smith+on+performance+boosting+test+in+Valencia

Suzuki pleased with progress at Valencia test
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/Suzuki+pleased+with+progress+at+Valencia+test

Aprilia's Albesiano: 'We are satisfied with these first tests'
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/Aprilias+Albesiano+We+are+satisfied+with+these+first+tests

Crutchlow and Miller content with first CWM LCR Honda workouts
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/Crutchlow+and+Miller+content+with+first+CWM+LCR+Honda+workouts

FIM World Superbike Round 11: Qatar (season finale) & 2014 series champions

In the season finale of the 2014 FIM World Superbike Championship, Sylvain Guintoli and Aprilia, swept both races.  Kawasaki team mates Loris Baz (departing for MotoGP next year), and Tom Sykes, finished on the podium in race one, while in race two, Johnny Rea came in second, with Sykes, third.  Tom Sykes is already a two-time FIM World Superbike champion.

In the World Supersport season finale at Losail, it was Dutchman Michael van der Mark, winning yet another race ahead of Thailand's Ratthapark Wilairot, and, Jules Cluzel of France.

World Superbike race 1: #50 Sylvain Guintoli     FRA.      Aprilia Racing Team Aprilia RSV4 Factory

World Superbike race 2: #50 Sylvain Guintoli     FRA.      Aprilia Racing Team Aprilia RSV4 Factory

World Supersport race: #60 Michael van der Mark  NLD.  PATA Honda World Supersport Team
                                                                                              Honda CBR600RR

Champions have also been crowned, now that the season has indeed come to a close.  Sylvain Guintoli takes the FIM World Superbike Championship, (his first), from Tom Sykes, by a mere six points.  Michael van der Mark is FIM World Supersport champion... a first, for the Dutchman, just as it's a first for Guintoli in Superbike.  Ducati mounted Argentinian Leonardo Mercado, is Superstock 1000 champion.  Marco Faccani, of Italy, riding a Kawasaki ZX-6-R- is champion in the Superstock 600 division.

That's a wrap of the 2014 FIM World Superbike Championship.  We'll see you next year, in 2015, for more exciting racing, with race reports, from every round of the championship.  So long, for now, fans.





             

MotoGP testing news from Valencia

Updates on all of the stories, that came out of MotoGP testing at Valencia, after the season finale, with many riders, debuting for their new teams.

Bradl and Baz make their debuts on board Forward Yamaha
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/Bradl+and+Baz+make+their+debut+on+board+of+the+Forward+Yamaha

Champion Alex Marquez enjoys MotoGP test with brother Marc
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/alex+Marquez+first+experience+in+a+MotoGP+bike

Huge interest as Miller gets MotoGP work underway
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/Miller+gets+first+taste+of+MotoGP+with+CWM+LCR+Honda

Miller Makes MotoGP Debut at Valencia Test
http://www.speedcafe.com/2014/11/11/miller-makes-motogp-debut-valencia-test/

Hayden rides new RC213V-RS in wet as incoming team mate Laverty continues work
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/Drive+M7+Aspar+Valencia+test+2+day+review

Factory Ducati pair wrap up Valencia work
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/Factory+Ducati+pair+wrap+up+Valencia+work

Torrential rain affects second day of MotoGP Valencia test
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/Torrential+rain+affects+second+day+of+MotoGP+Valencia+test

Petrucci happy to gather Ducati wet experience despite crash
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/Petrucci+happy+to+gather+Ducati+wet+experience+despite+crash

Marquez on top as Miller improves
http://www.speedcafe.com/2014/11/13/marquez-top-miller-improves/

Zarco marks fastest time of Moto2 Wednesday Jerez test
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/jerez+moto2+test+day+1+report

Marquez brothers team together in MotoGP test: Sign of things to come?

HRC gave Alex Marquez the gift of being able to ride alongside his brother, Marc Marquez on a factory Honda MotoGP bike.  Could the brothers be team mates in the not too distant future?  We'll see.

http://www.foxsports.com/motor/story/marquez-brother-ride-together-in-motogp-test-sign-of-things-to-come-111014?cmpid=tsmfb:fscom:speed

Moto 2 & Moto 3: Valencia (season finale races & 2014 champions)

The 2014 season also ended for Moto 2 and Moto 3 competitors in Valencia, Spain, last weekend.  Tom Luthi won the race followed on the podium by Tito Rabat, and Johann Zarco.  With his second place finish, Tito Rabat is the 2014 Moto 2 World Champion!

#12 Tom Luthi     SWI.     Suter

Luis Salom and Xavier Simeon round out the top five in the race classification.  In sixth through tenth, it was Dominique Aegerter, Sam Lowes, Marcel Schrotter, Anthony West, and Lorenzo Baldassari.  28 bikes out of 35 starters, were classified as finishers.  Mattia Pasini, Lucas Mahias, Julian Simon, Axel Pons, and Maverick Vinales (who is moving to MotoGP next year with Suzuki), did not finish the race.

Sadly, two other Moto 2 stalwarts, shockingly, did not even turn a lap.  Mika Kallio and Sandro Cortese, were out of the race before it even began.

Champion: #53 Esteve "Tito" Rabat     ESP.    Kalex

In Moto 3, Jack Miller, won the race, and the championship.  The Australian, will skip Moto 2 altogether, and go straight to MotoGP in 2015.  Isaac Vinales, and Alex Marquez finished second and third, and with his podium placing, Alex Marquez is the 2014 Moto 3 World Champion!  He is following in the footsteps of his older brother, two-time MotoGP champ, Marc Marquez, for sure.

Completing the top five were Danny Kent and Alex Rins.  While, in sixth through tenth, it was Efren Vazquez, Niccolo Antonelli, Miguel Oliviera, Brad Binder, and Karel Hanika.  Once again, 28 of 34 riders in the field were classified finishers.  Niklas Ajo, Jorge Navarro, Scott Deroue, Jules Danilo, Gabriel Rodrigo, and Philipp Oettl, were DNF's.

#8 Jack Miller     AUS.     KTM

Champion: #12 Alex Marquez     ESP.     Honda

So, the season is now over, for 2014, in all three major classes.  MotoGP, Moto 2, and Moto 3.  Looking forward to 2015.  We'll see you next year, for more awesome motorcycle racing action right here on 2 Wheelin', and keep updates coming, on MotoGP news and testing through the off season.  So long, for now.

MotoGP round 18: Valencia (season finale)

We have made it, to the final MotoGP race of the season at the Circuit Ricardo Tormo in Valencia, Spain.

No country on earth offers more rounds of the motorcycle world championship, than Spain.  They have four races each year.  It's the season finale at Circuit Ricardo Tormo.  Marc Marquez wants the new single season win record.  Valentino Rossi wants second in the championship, having won pole for the race, and who is the oldest MotoGP pole winner.  This is our last race report of the season, folks. 

Marc Marquez, if he wins today, can break Mick Doohan's single season win record, of twelve.  He could potentially win thirteen races in a season, today.  Valentino Rossi is pulling a margin out over team mate Jorge Lorenzo, for second place in the points standings.  They are separated by 12 points.  From sixth through tenth, and eleventh through 20th, there's lots of points on hand.  We are learning more about the Bridgestone tires.  Lots of changes for the 2015 grid.

Suzuki are back as a wildcard and a full factory operation.  Randy de Puniet, will race today.  But, he will be with Suzuki in World Superbike, next year.  Pol Espargaro has had therapy to help his broken foot.  Yonny Hernandez rejoins Pramac Ducati.  Hiroshi Aoyama will be Honda's test rider.  Aoyama will be running his last race with his current team.  Casey Stoner, has also been testing the new bike on both Bridgestone, and Michelin tires.  25 entries for next year, with sixteen factory options.

Five manufacturers will be on the grid.  Aprilia and Suzuki, join Honda, Yamaha, and Ducati.  This track is named for two-time 50cc titlist, Ricardo Tormo, who ran, and won championships, in the late 1970s and early '80s in the 50cc and 125cc classes.  For the first time since France in 2010, Valentino Rossi, will start from pole.  Jorge Lorenzo is behind Rossi.  Marc Marquez can break another record, as mentioned above, for the modern era single season victory record.

Nick Harris has called MotoGP for 35 years.  He's seen lots of champions.  But, Marc Marquez is as good as anyone he's ever seen.  There have been some wonderful races.  Dani Pedrosa broke the unbeaten run of ten wins, after winning at Brno.  Jorge Lorenzo had to wait for his first win, but it came in the 800th premier class GP at Aragon, Spain.  Valentino Rossi, at age 35, with a new contract at Yamaha, won at his home race, at Misano, in Italy.  Testing starts tomorrow.  But, the race is going to be a sizzler.

We've got fifteen minutes before the race starts, folks.  Valencia, is the third largest city in Spain.  This track was built in 1999, as the Circuito Communitat Valencia.  The track has 150,000 seats.  Dani Pedrosa has won six races in all three classes, at this circuit, that has been on the calendar since 1999.  The bikes spend lots of time in the corners, here at Valencia, as we ride along, with Marc Marquez.  If you watch the MotoGP broadcasts on Fox Sports, you know what a fabulous sound these motorcycles make, with their monster, 1,000cc, four cylinder engines, howling at full speed around the race track.

Marquez ran a 1:31.7, less than a second off of Valentino Rossi's pole time.  Stefan Bradl made it through to Q2.  In the shootout, six tenths of a second, separated the top eleven riders.  That's close!  Pol Espargaro starts sixth, ahead of Tech 3 Yamaha team mate Bradley Smith, as Cal Crutchlow outqualifies Andrea Dovizioso.  Marc Marquez slid off the road.  Andrea Ianonne is second.  Valentino Rossi, is on pole, for the first time in over four years. 

Each of the fifteen previous race winners at Valencia, has come from the front row of the grid.  This race sees Stefan Bradl in his last event for Honda, as well as the last for Cal Crutchlow and Andrea Dovizioso, as team mates, and at Ducati.  Keep your edge, watch out for tire selection, and get a good start.  Can Marc Marquez complete the Honda title sweep?  Can he win a 13th race?  We're about to find out.  Stand by for the start.

This race, is for bragging rights, for sure.  The bikes are on track.  We're ready, for the start.  Freddie Spencer, is also joining Nick Harris, Gregory Haines, and Dylan Gray in the commentary booth.  101,000 fans here today.  30 laps the distance.  Go!  At the start, Rossi gets a good start, and Andrea Ianonne takes the lead.  Marc Marquez is on the inside.  The Ducati has great power off the line, and we see Andrea Ianonne in the lead.  Valentino Rossi and Marc Marquez are going for it.  Marquez wants to put his two crashes behind him.

Is there rain?  Let's hope not.  They run through turn twelve as Randy de Puniet is pushing the new Suzuki hard already.  There are spots of rain, but nothing serious.  Marc Marquez's spare bike is out in pit lane.  They have to change the bikes over to wets tires.  Race Director Mike Webb is giving riders a choice.  We know what happened earlier in Aragon when Pedrosa and Marquez crashed.  Crutchlow sits up, and almost wrecks.  The rain is getting heavier.

Work quickly.  Get the wet bikes ready.  This is critical for the crews.  The riders are not too concerned yet.  In practice, with the sun out, there was concern about the asymmetric tires.  We see Andrea Dovizioso and Cal Crutchlow battle for fifth.  Crutchlow is ahead of Dovizioso.  It is now pouring with rain.  Crutchlow is pushing.  Are they ready?  Not yet.  The spare bikes need another minute.  This is a tough call.  Valentino Rossi runs second.  The rain is now starting to subside a bit.  Lets hope the race settles down.

Jorge Lorenzo is hesitant.  He seems rattled by the conditions.  That makes sense.  A rider cannot be comfortable thinking, "oh great!  I have to make up time, on a wet track!"  Now, it has stopped raining.  We start lap five as Marc Marquez runs fastest lap.  Rossi is a second up the road.  Fast lap is in the 1:53 range.  Will Jorge Lorenzo pick up the pace?  He did OK in qualifying.  Not great.  Lorenzo is trying to push.  Lorenzo had selected the asymmetric tires, but then, changed his mind.

Rossi resets fast lap at 1:32.437.  There's a long way to go yet.  Aleix Espargaro, Bradley Smith, and Scott Redding run in the back half of the top ten.  Dani Pedrosa moves ahead of Cal Crutchlow and he's a fraction quicker than Marc Marquez in the Grand Prix so far.  Marquez steals fast lap.  Dovizioso passes Crutchlow.  Scratch that.  Dovizioso passes again.  You always want to beat your team mate.  That's motorsport.  Competition all the way.  Bradley Smith passes Aleix Espargaro.  Here comes Jorge Lorenzo.  He's sixth.

They run into turn fourteen.  No rain yet.  Andrea Ianonne wants a win.  He's looking for win number one, leading now.  He's going to push like no tomorrow, and see what happens.  Marc Marquez is about to set a new lap record.  Rossi and Marquez are almost right on Ianonne's tail.  Andrea, look out.  You are being hotly pursued, sunshine, by two of the best in the business.  The rain is now gone.  We can get down to business, and just race now, it seems. 

Ianonne has an injured left arm.  But, he's going really well.  Marquez slides under Rossi for second as Jorge Lorenzo passes Andrea Dovizioso.  His tires are fading.  Freddie Spencer says, "don't change anything.  Let the race come to you.  Be patient."  This is exactly what Ianonne has done.  Now, Marc Marquez is giving him all he can handle.  These two blokes fought for the Moto 2 title a few years ago.  Ianonne is not giving up.  He has beaten Marc Marquez in Moto 2.  This is hot racing, for sure.  It just tightens up, and then, there's a gap.

Charge.  Push like no tomorrow.  But, don't rule out Dani Pedrosa.  Yonny Hernandez is out.  He had similar problems, with tires, as in Brno, Czech Republic, back in August.  Marquez pulls out a lead.  Oh!  Valentino Rossi passes Ianonne.  Wow.  These guys are going for it.  Sparks are flying off the rider's boots.  This is world championship motorcycle racing, at it's best.  Dani Pedrosa goes inside and passes Ianonne.  Pedrosa has won Valencia races, three times. 

The gap is 1.1 seconds.  At the end of the lap, it could change.  Valentino Rossi picks up 5/10ths of a second.  Rossi is applying the blowtorch to Marquez.  Marquez can tend to make mistakes, if he's pushed hard.  Watch your pit board.  Oh no.  Randy de Puniet is out of this race.  A fraught return for Suzuki.  But, they'll be back next year, with two bikes.  We have sixteen laps left.  The rain has disappeared now.  We're not even halfway through this race yet, chaps.  Ooh.  This is close racing between Lorenzo and Ianonne.  No visible damage to Randy de Puniet's Suzuki.  But, it's going to be a hard road.

Next year, Maverick Vinales and Aleix Espargaro, will ride the bikes.  Jorge Lorenzo passes Andrea Ianonne.  He makes really clean passes.  The bike is very stable, as he smoothly hits the brakes, and settles the bike down.  There's still a long way to go.  Bradley Smith runs eighth.  Marc Marquez ekes out the gap.  It's 1.2 seconds.  We're past halfway on lap 16 of 30.  Stefan Bradl, Alvaro Bautista, Scott Redding, and Nicky Hayden, are the remaining points scoring riders.

Ianonne is off the road.  He overshoots the corner, and plows through the gravel trap as long as the bike isn't busted.  Valentino Rossi and Dani Pedrosa are scrapping.  A shame for Ianonne as he drops down to seventh place.  These lean angles are amazing.  This track at Ricardo Tormo, demands that you as a rider, are easy on the throttle.  You have to be very deliberate.  You can't carry speed to make it up.  Precision is a huge part of riding this course.  Rossi is still being pursued by Pedrosa.  He thinks about it.  But he can't get there.  Marc Marquez leads by 2.1 seconds on lap 18. 

Jorge Lorenzo is almost three seconds behind Dani Pedrosa.  Replay shows the rain.  But thankfully, it went away.  Oops.  No way.  We're back with more rain.  False alarm.  It's spitting with rain again.  Marquez and Rossi remain 1-2.  Drama in pit lane!  Jorge Lorenzo and Andrea Ianonne are going to switch bikes.  We have more rain.  False alarm indeed!  Rossi is now 1.3 seconds behind Marquez.  He's coming.  The Ducati's run fourth and fifth.  Dani Pedrosa is running on his own at the moment.  Lorenzo and Ianonne rejoin the race togethe.r  But, Lorenzo and Ianonne are 16th and 19th, respectively.

The conditions are starting to settle down again.  The rain has now arrived.  There are other wet parts of the track.  But, time is of the essence.  We have ten laps left.  Jorge Lorenzo runs a 2:09 lap.  He follows Alex de Angelis.  Marquez has a gap over Rossi, but Dani Pedrosa is losing time to Rossi.  Dovizioso and Crutchlow will battle as team mates for nine more laps, before they go their separate ways.  Who will get fourth spot?  Crutchlow really wants to beat Dovizioso.  He's a real determined chap.  But, he finished on the podium in the rain, at Aragon in Spain.  Rain in Spain.  Say what?

Lorenzo is nine seconds slower than Marquez.  Ugh.  This isn't good for Lorenzo.  Aleix Espargaro flies in sixth spot.  Pol Espargaro is running behind his brother.  Stefan Bradl is also racing in his final event for LCR Honda.  Scott Redding and Michele Pirro are ninth and tenth.  Pirro, is on a third factory Ducati.  Lorenzo is coming.  He's going to have to go by Michael Laverty.  The wet tire option is softer.  Problem for Lorenzo, is, he's going to trash his tires.  Crutchlow and Dovizioso still scrap for fourth.

This is a fair old dust up.  Hector Barbera is running his last race on a Honda.  But, Hiroshi Aoyama and Karel Abraham will both get the new bike in the test session, tomorrow.  Danilo Petrucci is coming.  He'll be on a Pramac Ducati next year.  More rain is coming.  It is getting marginally heavier now.  Rossi's spare, wet weather bike is ready.  But, it might not be necessary.  Five laps remain now, in the 2014 MotoGP season.  Rossi is 2.2 secodns behind.  Jorge Lorenzo pits again, but, he is going a lap down, with the shredded tire.  Lorenzo, straight into the garage.  Game over.

The rain tire gets obliterated in the dry.  It doesn't last for two or three dry laps.  The Espargaro brothers are still scrapping.  Ianonne is in the race.  But, he's 22nd... caboose on the field.  Marc Marquez is still stronger.  Rossi can't catch him.  Rossi will be the runner up to Marc Marquez in the world championship.  Years ago, that wouldn't have been dreamed of, while Rossi was having a fraught time, riding for Ducati.  The factory Ducati's still battle each other.

Crutchlow is not on the upgraded bike, as Dovizioso is, for obvious reasons.  Three laps to go in the season.  Marc Marquez will be the first rider in history, to win 13 races in a season in the whole, 65 year history, of MotoGP.  Whoops.  We've got more fighting for fourth, between the Ducati team mates.  Dani Pedrosa has faded.  Pol Espargaro leads Aleix Espargaro.  This is sixth and seventh in the championship.  Bradley Smith will be eighth.

Dovizioso moves ahead of Crutchlow.  We're almost done with this race, and with this season.  Freddie Spencer does not mind his records being broken by Marc Marquez.  He has always raised his game in the races this year.  What could have Marc Marquez had done on a 500cc bike?  That would have been fun, with riders like Freddie Spencer, Wayne Rainey, Kevin Schwantz, and others.  Marc Marquez passes Mike DiMeglio and Broc Parkes.  Parkes won't be back in MotoGP next year.  Half a lap to go in the season.

In 66 years of MotoGP, Marc Marquez will be the first rider, to win 13 races.  Valentino Rossi gets another 20 points.  But, he'll be second to Marquez.  One corner to go for the world champ.  He's winning his 13th rac!  Marquez does it!

#93 Marc Marquez     ESP.    Honda

Dovizioso nips Cal Crutchlow in the Ducati battle for fourth.  ...And so, the 2014 MotoGP season, comes to a close.  Marquez is the winner, and the world champion.  Marc Marquez passes Mick Doohan, for the single season win record.  It's burnout time for Marc Marquez!  He lights up the rear tire.  The season is now complete.  So long, everyone.  See you next year.  2015 should be awesome!  We'll see you, at the races.

More MotoGP news, headed into Valencia finale

Here are the many stories, being followed, headed into tomorrow's final race of the 2014 MotoGP season in Valencia, Spain.

 

HRC announce Aoyama as test rider for 2015

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/HRC%20announce%20Aoyama%20as%20test%20rider%20for%202015

 

Marquez and Miller have the last word on title showdown

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Marquez%20and%20Miller%20have%20the%20last%20word%20on%20title%20showdown

Bridgestone to make asymmetric front available for final round

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Bridgestone+to+make+asymmetric+front+available+for+final+round

Brivio previews Suzuki's MotoGP return at Valencia

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Brivio+previews+Suzukis+MotoGP+return+at+Valencia

 

Lorenzo and Rossi to do battle for runner-up spot at season finale

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/2014+Valencia+Yamaha+Preview

Chapter ending for Bautista and Redding with new challenges ahead

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Chapter+ending+for+Bautista+and+Redding+with+new+challenges+ahead

MotoGP frontrunners joined by wild card De Puniet in Valencia preview

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/MotoGP+frontrunners+joined+by+wild+card+De+Puniet+in+Valencia+preview

De Angelis and Alt with Iodaracing for next year

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Alex+De+Angelis+with+Iodaracing+from+2015+season

How Rossi returned to the front of the grid for the first time in over four years

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Movistar+Yamaha+Valencia+QP+review

 

MotoGP to return to Austria in 2016

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/MotoGP+to+return+to+Austria+in+2016