Monday, March 31, 2014
1986 Daytona 200
Check out the 1986 Daytona 200, which was won by Eddie Lawson, on a factory Yamaha Superbike. This was the first of two wins for Lawson at the 200. The other, in 1993, has already been posted. Check that race out, too.
Saturday, March 29, 2014
1993 Daytona 200
More old school motorcycle racing to check out. This is the 1993 Daytona 200, which marked the second of two wins in the race, for Eddie Lawson. The first of those, came in 1986. There is video of the '86 Daytona 200, too, and yours truly, will post it, soon.
Thursday, March 27, 2014
Kenny Roberts rides his 1980 Yamaha YZR 500 at Laguna Seca
Watch this video from a few years ago, when the first, and greatest American World Grand Prix motorcycle racing champion, Kenny Roberts, is reunited with his championship winning 1980 Yamaha YZR 500 motorcycle at Laguna Seca Raceway in Monterey, California.
Wednesday, March 26, 2014
video race report of the 2014 Daytona 200
Instead of doing the full race report for the Daytona 200, yours truly will just show you the video of the race as it happened. Here it is. Enjoy.
The next races for the AMA competitors, will be at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, coming up at the end of May/beginning of June.
The next races for the AMA competitors, will be at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, coming up at the end of May/beginning of June.
Tuesday, March 25, 2014
AMA Superbike, Daytona (race 2)
Here's race two for the AMA Superbikes from Daytona. Highlights, and a video of the Daytona 200, will come soon. Stay tuned. But, for now, enjoy the Superbikes, everyone.
AMA Superbike, Daytona (race 1)
Let's watch the American Superbike races at Daytona. Race one, is in this entry. Race two, coming next.
Monday, March 24, 2014
Moto 2 & Moto 3: Qatar
In the season opening race for the Moto 2 class in Qatar, victory went to Esteve "Tito" Rabat, who now partners Mika Kallio at Marc VDS Racing.
#53 Esteve Rabat ESP Kalex
Here's the finishing order. Mika Kallio and Thomas Luthi filled out the podium. New American Moto 2 rider, Josh Herrin, who moves over from AMA Superbike, did not have a good race at all. Former FIM World Supersport rider Sam Lowes finished sixth. Moto 3 graduates like Maverick Vinales, Luis Salom, and Maverick Vinales had good races.
http://www.motogp.com/en/Results+Statistics
In Moto 3, Australia's Jack Miller took his KTM bike to victory, over the Honda's of Spaniard's Alex Marquez (Marc's younger brother), and Efren Vazquez. Other usual names completed the top six finishers, including Miguel Oliviera, Alex Rins, and Jakub Kornfeil. Alexis Masbou, Isaac Vinales, Niccolo Antonelli, and Francesco Bagnaia, rounded out the top ten.
#8 Jack Miller AUS KTM
The next races for Moto 2 and Moto 3, will be in the United States, as they, and the whole MotoGP tour, runs their second ever race at Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas. Yours truly will surely keep an eye on all those events, as it is the first of two visits for MotoGP to the U.S. this season, and it will take place in two weeks.
#53 Esteve Rabat ESP Kalex
Here's the finishing order. Mika Kallio and Thomas Luthi filled out the podium. New American Moto 2 rider, Josh Herrin, who moves over from AMA Superbike, did not have a good race at all. Former FIM World Supersport rider Sam Lowes finished sixth. Moto 3 graduates like Maverick Vinales, Luis Salom, and Maverick Vinales had good races.
http://www.motogp.com/en/Results+Statistics
In Moto 3, Australia's Jack Miller took his KTM bike to victory, over the Honda's of Spaniard's Alex Marquez (Marc's younger brother), and Efren Vazquez. Other usual names completed the top six finishers, including Miguel Oliviera, Alex Rins, and Jakub Kornfeil. Alexis Masbou, Isaac Vinales, Niccolo Antonelli, and Francesco Bagnaia, rounded out the top ten.
#8 Jack Miller AUS KTM
The next races for Moto 2 and Moto 3, will be in the United States, as they, and the whole MotoGP tour, runs their second ever race at Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas. Yours truly will surely keep an eye on all those events, as it is the first of two visits for MotoGP to the U.S. this season, and it will take place in two weeks.
Sunday, March 23, 2014
MotoGP round 1: Qatar
Fans, it's finally here! MotoGP 2014 gets underway, today at the Losail circuit, in Doha, Qatar. Results of Moto 2 and Moto 3 will also be highlighted throughout the season. However, yours truly is not sure if they will be highlighted from the TV broadcasts, or, from the results sheets on www.motogp.com. We'll see. There are new riders in MotoGP this year, or, familiar riders, in some new places, while other familiar riders, have stayed put with their respective teams.
Qatar was the first nighttime MotoGP race and it was first run in 2008. The riders and teams of the oldest motorcycle racing series. Marc Marquez is trying to defend his world championship from last year. Marquez won six races, and nine poles last year, and he had sixteen podium finishes. Rookies are here, and veterans also want a piece of the action. Can Marquez win his second championship? He broke his leg over the winter, and had a problem during testing.
Dani Pedrosa is in the last year of his current contract with the factory Honda team. What can he do? Jorge Lorenzo has been strong, but he had some concerns over tires in testing. Can Valentino Rossi warrant himself to continue to race? Broc Parkes, Scott Redding, Pol Espargaro, and Mike Di Meglio, are the four rookies. We have new regulations, too, with the new Open division, that replaces the CRT (Claiming Rules Teams), bikes, that was explained on this blog.
Nicky Hayden switches to Honda, after running for Ducati for a number of years. These are the main changes to watch throughout the season, and yours truly, will be keeping an eye on things. Nicky Hayden and Aleix Espargaro will run Open bikes. Refer back to an article posted on the blog, a while ago, to find out what an Open class bike is all about. Let's look at qualifying. Some contenders struggled, and others, went real well.
Yonny Hernandez crashed in turn two. Pol Espargaro and Cal Crutchlow went through to Q2. Jorge Lorenzo cracked the top five. Aleix Espargaro crashed two bikes! He'll start ninth. Bradley Smith is on the front row, so is Alvaro Bautista. But, Marc Marquez has pole. 22 laps are scheduled. Bradley Smith has his first front row start. Aleix Espargaro sank, after dominating qualifying. Scott Redding is the tallest rider in MotoGP at 6'1". The factory bikes are quicker than the Open bikes.
Watch out for tires. The bikes carry a liter less of fuel. Watch the start. Marquez will have to control the race, even though he has a broken leg. We're getting ready to race. Can the Open class bikes keep up with the factory bikes? This track is over 3.3 miles, with 16 turns. Let's race. The bikes are on their warmup lap. Most riders will use the same tires. But, Marquez usually uses a harder compound rear tire. The bikes form up for this 22 lap race. Here we go.
At the start, Bradley Smith gets the lead and now, Lorenzo takes the lead. Stefan Bradl and Marc Marquez are yp there, too. Andrea Ianonne makes a good start as Dani Pedrosa moves back. Into turn seven, Aleix Espargaro made a slow start. Alvaro Bautista got swamped. Lorenzo is down! He's out on the first lap of the 2014 season! Wow! Stefan Bradl now leads. Marc Marquez goes by Bradley Smith. Lorenzo has won Qatar the last two years. So, there will be a different winner this year.
Andrea Dovizioso is up to fourth on the Ducati. Valentino Rossi is fifth and he'll be aware of whjat has happened to his factory Yamaha team mate. Michael Laverty gets a ride through penalty. Jorge Lorenzo's bike is still in the gravel trap at turn fifteen as Andrea Ianonne crashes! Two riders. Two bikes, gone! Marc Marquez is still running decently. Ianonne rejoins the race. Now, take a deep breath, and let this race settle down. Stefan Bradl is now ahead. It's LCR Honda vs. Repsol Honda.
Marquez leads a race for the first time since Laguna Seca last year. Marquez wants by Bradl. He wants to get back into the lead. Bradley Smith is now in third spot. We're three laps into this on e. Bautista runs fast lap at 1:55.712. 2.7 seconds cover the top nine bikes. Hot stuff. Dani Pedrosa runs ahead of Andrea Dovizioso. Bradl still leads Marquez as Bautista passes Smith and resets fast lap of the race. Pol Espargaro is now in the top ten, behind his brother Aleix.
Hiroshi Aoyama is way down in 16th spot. Honda runs 1-2-3. Bradley Smith and Valentino Rossi battle. But Rossi makes the pass, saying, "let me show you how this is done, sunshine." Now, Marquez slides wide and Bradl gets around him. Marquez is under pressure from Alvaro Bautista. Bautista is second now. Bradl is ahead at the moment. Trying to keep up with everything, folks. Kind of hard to hear commentators Nick Harris and Gregory Haines, over the roar of the 1000cc MotoGP engines.
Moments ago, Alvaro Bautista runs wide, and of course, Marc Marquez got back by. Now, Valentino Rossi continues to push. Working lap seven. Fifteen to go. Four away from halfway. Don't look at lap times. If you ar watching this, it's amazing. Rossi moves to second spot. Dani Pedrosa is still in it, too. Marquez comes back. Rossi is going for it, and now, Bradl crashes! Ugh! Marquez leads over Rossi, and Smith. Turn six is calamity corner on this Doha track in Qatar.
Aleix Espargaro battles with both Ducati's of Cal Crutchlow and Andrea Dovizioso. Now, Valentino Rossi takes the race lead from Marc Marquez. Remember, Rossi won in a popular victory last year at Assen in Holland. Aleix Espargaro gets around Dovizioso. Scott Redding and others are up into the top ten. Redding, and Aleix Espargaro. Espargaro is actually seventh now. We're one lap from halfway in this one, folks.
Could the harder rear tire help in the second half? Now, Marquez wants by Rossi, in a big way. Two of the top riders, spar for the lead in the Qatar Grand Prix. Keep in mind, Valentino Rossi is a nine-time world champion. He's a legend. Alvaro Bautista passes Bradley Smith. Aleix Espargaro continues to battle, and so do his brother Pol Espargaro, and Colin Edwards. Pol Espargaro races for Tech 3 Yamaha of course. Dani Pedrosa wants in on the Rossi/Marquez scrap.
Eleven laps to go. Marquez looks back at Pedrosa. When the medium compound tire sdrops off, the soft tire, might come into it's own. We might not se any differences in times as tires drop off. Bradley Smith hangs by a thread in fifth, to keep up with the top four. Marquez is going for it. Pol Espargaro wants by Cal Crutchlow. Marc Marquez takes the lead back with nine laps left. Valentino Rossi stays with him. Can Rossi, Pedrosa, and Bautista, stay with him?
Rossi trails Marquez, but not by much. Jorge Lorenzo has a damaged left elbow, and he can only watch after his crash. Eight laps remain in round one of MotoGP for 2014. Seven laps remain now. It's still Marquez vs. Rossi. Is it mnore exciting to watch the racing, or, leaders who get in trouble and fall off? We've lost two leaders in turn six. Jorge Lorenzo, and Stefan Bradl of course. Alvaro Bautista battles with Dani Pedrosa. Pedrosa lies ahead of Bautista. This race isn't over yet.
Valentino Rossi is absolutely pushing Marc Marquez. Has Pedrosa got anything left in the locker? Or, has he realized he can't catch the leaders? Alvaro Bautista is really going for it, though, and still wants by Pedrosa. Rossi will not lose sight of Marquez. Bradley Smith will get a top five out of this race, starting his second season in MotoGP. Jorge Lorenzo says that he simply made a mistake, and that's why he crashed. Alvaro Bautista is now hounding Dani Pedrosa, with just four laps left in the race.
Pol Espargaro is out, and understandably, frustrated. Bradley Smith crashes! Ugh! Both Tech 3 Yamaha's are out of this one, as Smith ditches the bike. Pol Espargaro is in the pits. Game over for Tech 3 Yamaha. Rossi continues pushing Marquez to the limit, and they're side by side! Marquez slams the door. Into turns four and five, Rossi tries forcing Marquez into a mistake. Now, Cal Crutchlow is not running well on the Ducati. Could he be out, too? Alvaro Bautista is losing ground.
Here comes Rossi. They're side by side again. Marquez wants to get back in the lead, and Rossi is sizing him up for a lunge at the finish. Oh no! Alvaro autista has crashed. Now, Rossi is ahead of Marquez. A lap and a half left. Marquez comes back on Rossi! These two are going for it. Rossin comes back, but he can't make it. Marquez is now leading. We're on the final lap on this 3.3 mile Losail track. They come to the start/finish straight.
One lap left, folks. Rossi will need a mistake from Marquez to capitalize. Cal Crutchlow is back to sixth, getting around Scott Redding. Rossi is close to Marquez. Is there anywhere Rossi can find a passing spot with half a lap left? He's closing up/. This is well and truly it. Rossi tries to get closer, into the tire tracks of Marquez. It's Honda vs. Yamaha. Marquez does it!
#93 Marc Marquez ESP Honda
What an opening race for MotoGP 2014! The next race in MotoGP, is the first of two in the United States. It is at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas, and will occur in three weeks.
Qatar was the first nighttime MotoGP race and it was first run in 2008. The riders and teams of the oldest motorcycle racing series. Marc Marquez is trying to defend his world championship from last year. Marquez won six races, and nine poles last year, and he had sixteen podium finishes. Rookies are here, and veterans also want a piece of the action. Can Marquez win his second championship? He broke his leg over the winter, and had a problem during testing.
Dani Pedrosa is in the last year of his current contract with the factory Honda team. What can he do? Jorge Lorenzo has been strong, but he had some concerns over tires in testing. Can Valentino Rossi warrant himself to continue to race? Broc Parkes, Scott Redding, Pol Espargaro, and Mike Di Meglio, are the four rookies. We have new regulations, too, with the new Open division, that replaces the CRT (Claiming Rules Teams), bikes, that was explained on this blog.
Nicky Hayden switches to Honda, after running for Ducati for a number of years. These are the main changes to watch throughout the season, and yours truly, will be keeping an eye on things. Nicky Hayden and Aleix Espargaro will run Open bikes. Refer back to an article posted on the blog, a while ago, to find out what an Open class bike is all about. Let's look at qualifying. Some contenders struggled, and others, went real well.
Yonny Hernandez crashed in turn two. Pol Espargaro and Cal Crutchlow went through to Q2. Jorge Lorenzo cracked the top five. Aleix Espargaro crashed two bikes! He'll start ninth. Bradley Smith is on the front row, so is Alvaro Bautista. But, Marc Marquez has pole. 22 laps are scheduled. Bradley Smith has his first front row start. Aleix Espargaro sank, after dominating qualifying. Scott Redding is the tallest rider in MotoGP at 6'1". The factory bikes are quicker than the Open bikes.
Watch out for tires. The bikes carry a liter less of fuel. Watch the start. Marquez will have to control the race, even though he has a broken leg. We're getting ready to race. Can the Open class bikes keep up with the factory bikes? This track is over 3.3 miles, with 16 turns. Let's race. The bikes are on their warmup lap. Most riders will use the same tires. But, Marquez usually uses a harder compound rear tire. The bikes form up for this 22 lap race. Here we go.
At the start, Bradley Smith gets the lead and now, Lorenzo takes the lead. Stefan Bradl and Marc Marquez are yp there, too. Andrea Ianonne makes a good start as Dani Pedrosa moves back. Into turn seven, Aleix Espargaro made a slow start. Alvaro Bautista got swamped. Lorenzo is down! He's out on the first lap of the 2014 season! Wow! Stefan Bradl now leads. Marc Marquez goes by Bradley Smith. Lorenzo has won Qatar the last two years. So, there will be a different winner this year.
Andrea Dovizioso is up to fourth on the Ducati. Valentino Rossi is fifth and he'll be aware of whjat has happened to his factory Yamaha team mate. Michael Laverty gets a ride through penalty. Jorge Lorenzo's bike is still in the gravel trap at turn fifteen as Andrea Ianonne crashes! Two riders. Two bikes, gone! Marc Marquez is still running decently. Ianonne rejoins the race. Now, take a deep breath, and let this race settle down. Stefan Bradl is now ahead. It's LCR Honda vs. Repsol Honda.
Marquez leads a race for the first time since Laguna Seca last year. Marquez wants by Bradl. He wants to get back into the lead. Bradley Smith is now in third spot. We're three laps into this on e. Bautista runs fast lap at 1:55.712. 2.7 seconds cover the top nine bikes. Hot stuff. Dani Pedrosa runs ahead of Andrea Dovizioso. Bradl still leads Marquez as Bautista passes Smith and resets fast lap of the race. Pol Espargaro is now in the top ten, behind his brother Aleix.
Hiroshi Aoyama is way down in 16th spot. Honda runs 1-2-3. Bradley Smith and Valentino Rossi battle. But Rossi makes the pass, saying, "let me show you how this is done, sunshine." Now, Marquez slides wide and Bradl gets around him. Marquez is under pressure from Alvaro Bautista. Bautista is second now. Bradl is ahead at the moment. Trying to keep up with everything, folks. Kind of hard to hear commentators Nick Harris and Gregory Haines, over the roar of the 1000cc MotoGP engines.
Moments ago, Alvaro Bautista runs wide, and of course, Marc Marquez got back by. Now, Valentino Rossi continues to push. Working lap seven. Fifteen to go. Four away from halfway. Don't look at lap times. If you ar watching this, it's amazing. Rossi moves to second spot. Dani Pedrosa is still in it, too. Marquez comes back. Rossi is going for it, and now, Bradl crashes! Ugh! Marquez leads over Rossi, and Smith. Turn six is calamity corner on this Doha track in Qatar.
Aleix Espargaro battles with both Ducati's of Cal Crutchlow and Andrea Dovizioso. Now, Valentino Rossi takes the race lead from Marc Marquez. Remember, Rossi won in a popular victory last year at Assen in Holland. Aleix Espargaro gets around Dovizioso. Scott Redding and others are up into the top ten. Redding, and Aleix Espargaro. Espargaro is actually seventh now. We're one lap from halfway in this one, folks.
Could the harder rear tire help in the second half? Now, Marquez wants by Rossi, in a big way. Two of the top riders, spar for the lead in the Qatar Grand Prix. Keep in mind, Valentino Rossi is a nine-time world champion. He's a legend. Alvaro Bautista passes Bradley Smith. Aleix Espargaro continues to battle, and so do his brother Pol Espargaro, and Colin Edwards. Pol Espargaro races for Tech 3 Yamaha of course. Dani Pedrosa wants in on the Rossi/Marquez scrap.
Eleven laps to go. Marquez looks back at Pedrosa. When the medium compound tire sdrops off, the soft tire, might come into it's own. We might not se any differences in times as tires drop off. Bradley Smith hangs by a thread in fifth, to keep up with the top four. Marquez is going for it. Pol Espargaro wants by Cal Crutchlow. Marc Marquez takes the lead back with nine laps left. Valentino Rossi stays with him. Can Rossi, Pedrosa, and Bautista, stay with him?
Rossi trails Marquez, but not by much. Jorge Lorenzo has a damaged left elbow, and he can only watch after his crash. Eight laps remain in round one of MotoGP for 2014. Seven laps remain now. It's still Marquez vs. Rossi. Is it mnore exciting to watch the racing, or, leaders who get in trouble and fall off? We've lost two leaders in turn six. Jorge Lorenzo, and Stefan Bradl of course. Alvaro Bautista battles with Dani Pedrosa. Pedrosa lies ahead of Bautista. This race isn't over yet.
Valentino Rossi is absolutely pushing Marc Marquez. Has Pedrosa got anything left in the locker? Or, has he realized he can't catch the leaders? Alvaro Bautista is really going for it, though, and still wants by Pedrosa. Rossi will not lose sight of Marquez. Bradley Smith will get a top five out of this race, starting his second season in MotoGP. Jorge Lorenzo says that he simply made a mistake, and that's why he crashed. Alvaro Bautista is now hounding Dani Pedrosa, with just four laps left in the race.
Pol Espargaro is out, and understandably, frustrated. Bradley Smith crashes! Ugh! Both Tech 3 Yamaha's are out of this one, as Smith ditches the bike. Pol Espargaro is in the pits. Game over for Tech 3 Yamaha. Rossi continues pushing Marquez to the limit, and they're side by side! Marquez slams the door. Into turns four and five, Rossi tries forcing Marquez into a mistake. Now, Cal Crutchlow is not running well on the Ducati. Could he be out, too? Alvaro Bautista is losing ground.
Here comes Rossi. They're side by side again. Marquez wants to get back in the lead, and Rossi is sizing him up for a lunge at the finish. Oh no! Alvaro autista has crashed. Now, Rossi is ahead of Marquez. A lap and a half left. Marquez comes back on Rossi! These two are going for it. Rossin comes back, but he can't make it. Marquez is now leading. We're on the final lap on this 3.3 mile Losail track. They come to the start/finish straight.
One lap left, folks. Rossi will need a mistake from Marquez to capitalize. Cal Crutchlow is back to sixth, getting around Scott Redding. Rossi is close to Marquez. Is there anywhere Rossi can find a passing spot with half a lap left? He's closing up/. This is well and truly it. Rossi tries to get closer, into the tire tracks of Marquez. It's Honda vs. Yamaha. Marquez does it!
#93 Marc Marquez ESP Honda
What an opening race for MotoGP 2014! The next race in MotoGP, is the first of two in the United States. It is at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas, and will occur in three weeks.
Saturday, March 22, 2014
MotoGP qualifying in Qatar
OK, folks. Any of you who may be on Facebook, I urge you to go to the MotoGP Facebook page and check out all the stories of qualifying for the season opener in Qatar tomorrow.
https://www.facebook.com/MotoGP
Marc Marquez grabs pole. Who's your favorite to win? Will have the race report, right here, tomorrow afternoon.
https://www.facebook.com/MotoGP
Marc Marquez grabs pole. Who's your favorite to win? Will have the race report, right here, tomorrow afternoon.
Thursday, March 20, 2014
MotoGP news & notes from Qatar
Here are a ton of stories from day one of free practice in Qatar, prepping for the opening round of MotoGP this weekend.
Shell Advance Asia Talent Cup prepares for liftoff
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Shell+Advance+Asia+Talent+Cup+prepares+for+lift+off
Opening run sees Kallio in charge under floodlights
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Qatar+Moto2+Kallio+FP1
Espargaro sets the pace as action commences
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Qatar+MotoGP+Espargaro+FP1
Fenati fastest in first day at Losail
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Fenati+fastest+on+first+day+at+Losail+Moto3+FP2
Marquez returns from injury in 11th place
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Marquez+returns+from+injury+in+11th+place
Late lap from Nakagami puts him clear
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Late+lap+from+Nakagami+puts+him+clear
Pacesetter Espargaro: 'It's a great start, and it's a good feeling'
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Alex+Espargaro+Qatar+FP1+Review
Shell Advance Asia Talent Cup prepares for liftoff
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Shell+Advance+Asia+Talent+Cup+prepares+for+lift+off
Opening run sees Kallio in charge under floodlights
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Qatar+Moto2+Kallio+FP1
Espargaro sets the pace as action commences
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Qatar+MotoGP+Espargaro+FP1
Fenati fastest in first day at Losail
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Fenati+fastest+on+first+day+at+Losail+Moto3+FP2
Marquez returns from injury in 11th place
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Marquez+returns+from+injury+in+11th+place
Late lap from Nakagami puts him clear
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Late+lap+from+Nakagami+puts+him+clear
Pacesetter Espargaro: 'It's a great start, and it's a good feeling'
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Alex+Espargaro+Qatar+FP1+Review
Wednesday, March 19, 2014
Movistar Yamaha MotoGP unveil 2014 livery
The article title says it all. Click the link to see the paint/graphics scheme on the factory Yamaha's for 2014, to be ridden by none other than Jorge Lorenzo and Valentino Rossi.
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Movistar+Yamaha+MotoGP+unveil+2014+livery
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Movistar+Yamaha+MotoGP+unveil+2014+livery
Tuesday, March 18, 2014
MotoGP Open Class rules
2Wheeled Racing News And Views, on Facebook, has details of the rules for the MotoGP open class, with the season starting, this weekend. Here they are.
***
MotoGP news
MotoGP/Open rules finally worked out.
Just days before the start of the 2014 season, MotoGP has finally revealed its solution to Ducati's planned move from the Factory to Open class. The big news is that MotoGP will have a standard ECU - hardware and software - from the start of 2016. This has been Dorna and the FIM's long-held goal and clears the way for greater control over electronic costs and potentially new limits on rider aids, such as traction control.
Until 2016 Honda and Yamaha will continue to develop their own bespoke software for use with the standard ECU hardware, mandatory for all from this season. Honda and Yamaha riders will face the previously stated 20 litres of race fuel, five engine changes for the year and a ban on in-season engine development. Meanwhile Ducati - being "the only [factory] manufacturer without a win in the previous season" - is to stay as a Factory class entry, but be allowed all of the concessions of the Open class until it
achieves a certain number of top three results.
By continuing to be listed in the Factory class, Ducati will not even need to use the Open class ECU software. However if Ducati riders claim a race win, two second places or three podium places in dry conditions this season, they will have their race fuel reduced from 24 to 22 litres. Should Ducati win three races this season they will also lose the right to use the softer tyres available to the Open class.
This Factory-Open scenario will also apply for any new manufacturer, meaning Suzuki in 2015. The other Open class concessions - twelve engine changes for the season, no engine development ban and looser
testing restrictions - will be unaffected regardless of results. The full statement from the Grand PrixCommission can be seen below:
"1. The Championship ECU and software will be mandatory for all entries with effect from 2016. All current and prospective participants in the MotoGP class will collaborate to assist with the design and development of the Championship ECU software. During the development of the software a closed user web site will be set up to enable participants to monitor software development and to input their suggested modifications.
"2. With immediate effect, a Manufacturer with entries under the factory option who has not achieved a win in dry conditions in the previous year, or new Manufacturer entering the Championship, is entitled to
use 12 engines per rider per season (no design freezing), 24 litres of fuel and the same tyres allocation and testing opportunities as the Open category. This concession is valid until the start of the 2016 season.
"3. The above concessions will be reduced under the following circumstances:
Should any rider, or combination of riders nominated by the same Manufacturer, participating under the conditions of described in clause 2 above, achieve a race win, two second places or three podium places in dry conditions during the 2014 season then for that Manufacturer the fuel tank capacity will be reduced to 22 litres. Furthermore, should the same Manufacturer achieve three race wins in the 2014 season the manufacturer would also lose the right to use the soft tyres available to Open category entries.
"In each case the reduced concessions will apply to the remaining events of the 2014 season and the whole of the 2015 season." Without a win since 2010 and without a podium since 2012, Ducati had applied to
move from the Factory to Open class to avoid increasing restrictions on machine development - especially harmful for a manufacturer that isn't competitive. The Open move was technically possible simply by running the standard ECU software.
Opposition came not just from remaining Factory participants Honda and Yamaha, but also from the other Open teams - which, unlike Ducati, do not have the expertise to use the latest software update. The only performance disadvantage for the Open class is compulsory use of the standard ECU software. However the latest version is much closer to Factory level.
Last year the new Magneti Marelli-built Dorna electronics (then optional) were the least effective on the grid. Now, apparently due to Ducati-inspired modifications, they had taken a huge leap. For the other Open teams it was a case of 'be careful what you wish for': While the new electronics offer greater performance, in turn they are far more complicated. So complicated they can't use them.
It is probably for this reason that Ducati has been allowed to keep its own factory software, while the Open teams are expected to remain on the more basic system for the remainder of this year. Ducati running Open-based rules but with a potential reduction in fuel and engines was the predicted outcome for last week's original Grand Prix Commission meeting, although Ducati was expected to be moved into a separate 'Factory 2' class. However the announcement of a standard ECU for 2016 is the biggest surprise, given the previous level of opposition from Honda, which had threatened to quit MotoGP if such a scenario arouse. Honda see their MotoGP software development as a crucial part of road bike R&D, along with tight fuel limits and long-life engines.
Although Ducati met the requirements for Open simply by switching to the Dorna software, Honda made its displeasure clear. Honda believes Open was intended for cheaper, less sophisticated machines, run by independent teams and highlighted the massive software upgrade that coincided with Ducati's planned class
change.
It is not clear if Ducati's Open entry could have been blocked within the Grand Prix Commission - comprising Dorna, FIM, teams' association IRTA and manufacturers' association MSMA - but
Ducati would not have made the application unless they had been advised it would succeed. Since Ducati's Open move would bring the standard ECU one step closer, it was sure to have the support of at least Dorna and the FIM. Therefore, as soon as Ducati applied for the Open class the writing was arguably on the wall for the present Factory rules.
Given the list of performance perks for Open vs Factory, the clock would be ticking in terms of how long Honda and Yamaha could hold out in the Factory class, or why any new MotoGP manufacturer would not join Ducati in seeking the Open option. Those that will be most pleased with the revised - and unanimously approved - rules are thus Ducati (which has retained the 'Factory' moniker and almost all the benefits of the Open class) Dorna and the FIM (which have finally achieved their goal of a standard ECU for all) and also
the Open class teams (which will continue to enjoy some extra perks relative to Ducati).
By contrast it is difficult to see what Honda and Yamaha have gained from the renegotiation, other than technically keeping Ducati out of the Open class and ensuring some performance penalties are in place should Ducati become too successful. Meanwhile, one of the biggest unanswered questions is whether the
satellite Honda and Yamaha teams will be prepared to wait until 2016 to race under the same Open-style rules as Ducati (and Suzuki). Presumably there is nothing to prevent the satellite teams fitting the control ECU to their factory machines and entering them under the Open class rules for next year, roughly as Forward Racing are doing this year.
Either way, Honda is justified in feeling frustrated at having gone to the effort and expense of building a new Production Racer for the Open class - only to find it is danger of being made obsolete by Factory machinery entering the category from Ducati and Yamaha. Unlike the Pramac Ducati and Forward Yamaha bikes, the Honda RCV1000R is sold rather than leased. This means the most expensive and secretive technology
from the title-winning RC213V is not included, making the bike far closer in spirit (and performance) to the previous privateer Claiming Rule Team machines.
However Ducati recently revealed that it is also planning to make an Open machine available for sale from 2015. In order for such 'for sale' machines to be competitive, there will always be a need for some 'balancing' concessions, even in a single ECU championship.
The use of factory ECU software was due to remain in place until at least the end of 2016.
Via Crash.net
***
MotoGP news
MotoGP/Open rules finally worked out.
Just days before the start of the 2014 season, MotoGP has finally revealed its solution to Ducati's planned move from the Factory to Open class. The big news is that MotoGP will have a standard ECU - hardware and software - from the start of 2016. This has been Dorna and the FIM's long-held goal and clears the way for greater control over electronic costs and potentially new limits on rider aids, such as traction control.
Until 2016 Honda and Yamaha will continue to develop their own bespoke software for use with the standard ECU hardware, mandatory for all from this season. Honda and Yamaha riders will face the previously stated 20 litres of race fuel, five engine changes for the year and a ban on in-season engine development. Meanwhile Ducati - being "the only [factory] manufacturer without a win in the previous season" - is to stay as a Factory class entry, but be allowed all of the concessions of the Open class until it
achieves a certain number of top three results.
By continuing to be listed in the Factory class, Ducati will not even need to use the Open class ECU software. However if Ducati riders claim a race win, two second places or three podium places in dry conditions this season, they will have their race fuel reduced from 24 to 22 litres. Should Ducati win three races this season they will also lose the right to use the softer tyres available to the Open class.
This Factory-Open scenario will also apply for any new manufacturer, meaning Suzuki in 2015. The other Open class concessions - twelve engine changes for the season, no engine development ban and looser
testing restrictions - will be unaffected regardless of results. The full statement from the Grand PrixCommission can be seen below:
"1. The Championship ECU and software will be mandatory for all entries with effect from 2016. All current and prospective participants in the MotoGP class will collaborate to assist with the design and development of the Championship ECU software. During the development of the software a closed user web site will be set up to enable participants to monitor software development and to input their suggested modifications.
"2. With immediate effect, a Manufacturer with entries under the factory option who has not achieved a win in dry conditions in the previous year, or new Manufacturer entering the Championship, is entitled to
use 12 engines per rider per season (no design freezing), 24 litres of fuel and the same tyres allocation and testing opportunities as the Open category. This concession is valid until the start of the 2016 season.
"3. The above concessions will be reduced under the following circumstances:
Should any rider, or combination of riders nominated by the same Manufacturer, participating under the conditions of described in clause 2 above, achieve a race win, two second places or three podium places in dry conditions during the 2014 season then for that Manufacturer the fuel tank capacity will be reduced to 22 litres. Furthermore, should the same Manufacturer achieve three race wins in the 2014 season the manufacturer would also lose the right to use the soft tyres available to Open category entries.
"In each case the reduced concessions will apply to the remaining events of the 2014 season and the whole of the 2015 season." Without a win since 2010 and without a podium since 2012, Ducati had applied to
move from the Factory to Open class to avoid increasing restrictions on machine development - especially harmful for a manufacturer that isn't competitive. The Open move was technically possible simply by running the standard ECU software.
Opposition came not just from remaining Factory participants Honda and Yamaha, but also from the other Open teams - which, unlike Ducati, do not have the expertise to use the latest software update. The only performance disadvantage for the Open class is compulsory use of the standard ECU software. However the latest version is much closer to Factory level.
Last year the new Magneti Marelli-built Dorna electronics (then optional) were the least effective on the grid. Now, apparently due to Ducati-inspired modifications, they had taken a huge leap. For the other Open teams it was a case of 'be careful what you wish for': While the new electronics offer greater performance, in turn they are far more complicated. So complicated they can't use them.
It is probably for this reason that Ducati has been allowed to keep its own factory software, while the Open teams are expected to remain on the more basic system for the remainder of this year. Ducati running Open-based rules but with a potential reduction in fuel and engines was the predicted outcome for last week's original Grand Prix Commission meeting, although Ducati was expected to be moved into a separate 'Factory 2' class. However the announcement of a standard ECU for 2016 is the biggest surprise, given the previous level of opposition from Honda, which had threatened to quit MotoGP if such a scenario arouse. Honda see their MotoGP software development as a crucial part of road bike R&D, along with tight fuel limits and long-life engines.
Although Ducati met the requirements for Open simply by switching to the Dorna software, Honda made its displeasure clear. Honda believes Open was intended for cheaper, less sophisticated machines, run by independent teams and highlighted the massive software upgrade that coincided with Ducati's planned class
change.
It is not clear if Ducati's Open entry could have been blocked within the Grand Prix Commission - comprising Dorna, FIM, teams' association IRTA and manufacturers' association MSMA - but
Ducati would not have made the application unless they had been advised it would succeed. Since Ducati's Open move would bring the standard ECU one step closer, it was sure to have the support of at least Dorna and the FIM. Therefore, as soon as Ducati applied for the Open class the writing was arguably on the wall for the present Factory rules.
Given the list of performance perks for Open vs Factory, the clock would be ticking in terms of how long Honda and Yamaha could hold out in the Factory class, or why any new MotoGP manufacturer would not join Ducati in seeking the Open option. Those that will be most pleased with the revised - and unanimously approved - rules are thus Ducati (which has retained the 'Factory' moniker and almost all the benefits of the Open class) Dorna and the FIM (which have finally achieved their goal of a standard ECU for all) and also
the Open class teams (which will continue to enjoy some extra perks relative to Ducati).
By contrast it is difficult to see what Honda and Yamaha have gained from the renegotiation, other than technically keeping Ducati out of the Open class and ensuring some performance penalties are in place should Ducati become too successful. Meanwhile, one of the biggest unanswered questions is whether the
satellite Honda and Yamaha teams will be prepared to wait until 2016 to race under the same Open-style rules as Ducati (and Suzuki). Presumably there is nothing to prevent the satellite teams fitting the control ECU to their factory machines and entering them under the Open class rules for next year, roughly as Forward Racing are doing this year.
Either way, Honda is justified in feeling frustrated at having gone to the effort and expense of building a new Production Racer for the Open class - only to find it is danger of being made obsolete by Factory machinery entering the category from Ducati and Yamaha. Unlike the Pramac Ducati and Forward Yamaha bikes, the Honda RCV1000R is sold rather than leased. This means the most expensive and secretive technology
from the title-winning RC213V is not included, making the bike far closer in spirit (and performance) to the previous privateer Claiming Rule Team machines.
However Ducati recently revealed that it is also planning to make an Open machine available for sale from 2015. In order for such 'for sale' machines to be competitive, there will always be a need for some 'balancing' concessions, even in a single ECU championship.
The use of factory ECU software was due to remain in place until at least the end of 2016.
Via Crash.net
Monday, March 17, 2014
A family affair in the premier class
Aleix and Pol Espargaro, will race in MotoGP this year, but not for the same teams. The two, are brothers. But, their story, is not new. There have been a number of brother teams who have run together in MotoGP in the same season, albeit for different teams. Check out the story, to find out all about the competition between siblings.
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/A+family+affair+in+the+premier+class
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/A+family+affair+in+the+premier+class
Marquez begins title defence as new season kicks off
This weekend, marks the beginning of the 2014 MotoGP season in Qatar. Look for race highlights on the 2 Wheelin' blog. But, for now, here's a story about Marc Marquez, as the reigning MotoGP champion, looks to defend his title, and win two in a row, in 2014.
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/MotoGP+preview+Qatar
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/MotoGP+preview+Qatar
Sunday, March 16, 2014
Celebration Day: Eslick Wins 73rd Daytona 200
Still wondering if there will be an online archive video of the Daytona 200. Will highlight the whole race, if there is one. But, for now, the good news. Danny Eslick, and Triumph, win the 73rd running of the Daytona 200!
http://www.amaproracing.com/rr/news/index.cfm?cid=59308
News of the SuperBike and AMA Pro Supersport race outcomes are also in the article. If there is a way to access the video online, there will be further highlights. There's a long, two month break between races. The next events for Superbike and Daytona Sportbike, will be at the end of May/beginning of June, at another legendary track. That's Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin.
http://www.amaproracing.com/rr/news/index.cfm?cid=59308
News of the SuperBike and AMA Pro Supersport race outcomes are also in the article. If there is a way to access the video online, there will be further highlights. There's a long, two month break between races. The next events for Superbike and Daytona Sportbike, will be at the end of May/beginning of June, at another legendary track. That's Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin.
Friday, March 14, 2014
AMA news stories before the Daytona 200
Here are more stories, leading up to the Daytona 200, which is scheduled to run tomorrow.
KTM/HMC Factory Superbike Racing Team and Fillmore return for 2014
http://www.amaproracing.com/rr/news/index.cfm?cid=59300
Cameron Gish Secures Ride on Team RoadRace Factory/Red Bull With Help from Personal Sponsors
http://www.amaproracing.com/rr/news/index.cfm?cid=59276
Triumph Riders Jason DiSalvo and Danny Eslick Among The Fastest at Daytona International Speedway
http://www.amaproracing.com/rr/news/index.cfm?cid=59293
Tough Day of Practice for Nash in Daytona opener
http://www.amaproracing.com/rr/news/index.cfm?cid=59294
The Gold Standard: Yamalube/Westby Racing Challenge In Practice for 73rd Daytona 200
http://www.amaproracing.com/rr/news/index.cfm?cid=59295
Monster Energy/Graves/Yamaha SuperBike Rookie Beaubier On Provisional Pole In AMA Pro Superbike at Daytona
http://www.amaproracing.com/rr/news/index.cfm?cid=59296
Yamaha Extended Service/Monster Energy/Graves/Yamaha Rider Garrett Gerloff Earns Front-Row Start for Daytona 200; team mate J.D. Beach starts seventh
http://www.amaproracing.com/rr/news/index.cfm?cid=59299
P.S. To see the race, go online, to Fanschoice.tv. AMA, along with some other racing series, will be streamed online, instead of on TV this year.
KTM/HMC Factory Superbike Racing Team and Fillmore return for 2014
http://www.amaproracing.com/rr/news/index.cfm?cid=59300
Cameron Gish Secures Ride on Team RoadRace Factory/Red Bull With Help from Personal Sponsors
http://www.amaproracing.com/rr/news/index.cfm?cid=59276
Triumph Riders Jason DiSalvo and Danny Eslick Among The Fastest at Daytona International Speedway
http://www.amaproracing.com/rr/news/index.cfm?cid=59293
Tough Day of Practice for Nash in Daytona opener
http://www.amaproracing.com/rr/news/index.cfm?cid=59294
The Gold Standard: Yamalube/Westby Racing Challenge In Practice for 73rd Daytona 200
http://www.amaproracing.com/rr/news/index.cfm?cid=59295
Monster Energy/Graves/Yamaha SuperBike Rookie Beaubier On Provisional Pole In AMA Pro Superbike at Daytona
http://www.amaproracing.com/rr/news/index.cfm?cid=59296
Yamaha Extended Service/Monster Energy/Graves/Yamaha Rider Garrett Gerloff Earns Front-Row Start for Daytona 200; team mate J.D. Beach starts seventh
http://www.amaproracing.com/rr/news/index.cfm?cid=59299
P.S. To see the race, go online, to Fanschoice.tv. AMA, along with some other racing series, will be streamed online, instead of on TV this year.
further MotoGP updates
News is coming off the presses about MotoGP, like hotcakes. Here are more stories.
Bridgestone expecting rapid Qatar race pace
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Bridgestone+expecting+rapid+Qatar+race+pace
MotoGP in the Media
http://www.motogp.com/en/MotoGP+in+the+Media
KTM blog interviews Jack Miller
Freddie Spencer picks Marc Marquez as title favorite
Leitner says motivated Pedrosa, can win title
Nakagami faster still as Moto 2 testing ends
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/6test+Jerez+Moto2+Final+Day
Moto 3 testing ends with Miller quickest
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Test+Jerez+Moto3+Final+Day
Cortese forecasts very good Qatar result
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/cortese+review+moto2+jerez+test
Bridgestone expecting rapid Qatar race pace
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Bridgestone+expecting+rapid+Qatar+race+pace
MotoGP in the Media
http://www.motogp.com/en/MotoGP+in+the+Media
KTM blog interviews Jack Miller
Freddie Spencer picks Marc Marquez as title favorite
Leitner says motivated Pedrosa, can win title
Nakagami faster still as Moto 2 testing ends
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/6test+Jerez+Moto2+Final+Day
Moto 3 testing ends with Miller quickest
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Test+Jerez+Moto3+Final+Day
Cortese forecasts very good Qatar result
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/cortese+review+moto2+jerez+test
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
more MotoGP news
More news from the MotoGP paddock from both Tuesday, and Wednesday.
Fenati a tenth ahead on opening day at Jerez
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Fenati%20a%20tenth%20ahead%20on%20opening%20day%20at%20Jerez
Nakagami leads as final test begins
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Moto2+Test+Jerez+Day+1
Nakagami in front again on second day of final Jerez test
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Nakagami+in+front+again+on+second+day+of+final+Jerez+test
Fenati a tenth ahead on opening day at Jerez
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Fenati%20a%20tenth%20ahead%20on%20opening%20day%20at%20Jerez
Nakagami leads as final test begins
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Moto2+Test+Jerez+Day+1
Nakagami in front again on second day of final Jerez test
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Nakagami+in+front+again+on+second+day+of+final+Jerez+test
MotoGP news
A number of stories coming out of the MotoGP world as the start of the 2014 season draws nearer.
Aleix Espargaro on top as 2014 MotoGP preseason concludes
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Test%20Losail%20MotoGP%20Day3%20Report
Bautista with grip issues, Redding pleased with long run
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Bautista+with+grip+issues+Redding+pleased+with+long+run
Untimely accident for Pol Espargaro ahead of MotoGP debut
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Untimely+accident+for+Pol+Espargaro+ahead+of+MotoGP+debut
Marquez: "Defending the title is a new challenge for me"
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/marc+marquez+interview+ahead+Qatar+GP
New DRIVE M7 Aspar Team line up complete winter testing
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/New+DRIVE+M7+Aspar+Team+line+up+complete+winter+testing
...and
Ducati Team 2014 Project presented at Munich's Audi Forum
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Ducati+Team+2014+project+presented+at+Munichs+Audi+Forum
Aleix Espargaro on top as 2014 MotoGP preseason concludes
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Test%20Losail%20MotoGP%20Day3%20Report
Bautista with grip issues, Redding pleased with long run
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Bautista+with+grip+issues+Redding+pleased+with+long+run
Untimely accident for Pol Espargaro ahead of MotoGP debut
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Untimely+accident+for+Pol+Espargaro+ahead+of+MotoGP+debut
Marquez: "Defending the title is a new challenge for me"
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/marc+marquez+interview+ahead+Qatar+GP
New DRIVE M7 Aspar Team line up complete winter testing
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/New+DRIVE+M7+Aspar+Team+line+up+complete+winter+testing
...and
Ducati Team 2014 Project presented at Munich's Audi Forum
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Ducati+Team+2014+project+presented+at+Munichs+Audi+Forum
Tuesday, March 11, 2014
MotoGP injured riders
From 2Wheeled Racing News And Views on Facebook. This is not good. Some injured riders just before the MotoGP season begins. It's less than two weeks away.
MotoGP
Pol breaks collarbone
MotoGP rookie and reigning Moto2 champion Pol Espargaro faces a fight to be fully fit for the opening race after breaking his left collarbone on the final night of pre-season testing. According to the official MotoGP website the Monster Yamaha Tech 3 rider, set to finish tonight's Qatar test a close second fastest to older brother Aleix, will undergo surgery on Monday. The Qatar Grand Prix takes place at the same Losail circuit from March 20-23. Espargaro joins reigning MotoGP champion Marc Marquez on the injury list. Marquez has missed two pre-season tests due to a leg fracture.
MotoGP
Pol breaks collarbone
MotoGP rookie and reigning Moto2 champion Pol Espargaro faces a fight to be fully fit for the opening race after breaking his left collarbone on the final night of pre-season testing. According to the official MotoGP website the Monster Yamaha Tech 3 rider, set to finish tonight's Qatar test a close second fastest to older brother Aleix, will undergo surgery on Monday. The Qatar Grand Prix takes place at the same Losail circuit from March 20-23. Espargaro joins reigning MotoGP champion Marc Marquez on the injury list. Marquez has missed two pre-season tests due to a leg fracture.
Monday, March 10, 2014
AMA news
Lots of news on the AMA side of the motorcycle racing world with the Daytona 200 coming up this weekend. Check out some of these stories. Some of them are from quite a while ago.
Ryan Kerr Joins Kyle Wyman Racing for 2014 AMA Pro Vance & Hines Harley Davidson Series
http://www.amaproracing.com/rr/news/index.cfm?cid=59117
2014 Yamaha U.S. Road Racing Contingency Program Increases By 50% At The Club Level
http://www.amaproracing.com/rr/news/index.cfm?cid=59140
VETMotorsports Partners with Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson teams for 2014
http://www.amaproracing.com/rr/news/index.cfm?cid=59130
Celtic/HVMC Suzuki To Field Alexander And Farris For 2014 SuperSport
http://www.amaproracing.com/rr/news/index.cfm?cid=59153
Kyle Wyman Racing partners with Millennium Technologies for Daytona 200 debut
http://www.amaproracing.com/rr/news/index.cfm?cid=59158
...and
Ferreira to Race Opening AMA Pro SuperSport Round at Daytona with DMS Racing
http://www.amaproracing.com/rr/news/index.cfm?cid=59169
Ryan Kerr Joins Kyle Wyman Racing for 2014 AMA Pro Vance & Hines Harley Davidson Series
http://www.amaproracing.com/rr/news/index.cfm?cid=59117
2014 Yamaha U.S. Road Racing Contingency Program Increases By 50% At The Club Level
http://www.amaproracing.com/rr/news/index.cfm?cid=59140
VETMotorsports Partners with Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson teams for 2014
http://www.amaproracing.com/rr/news/index.cfm?cid=59130
Celtic/HVMC Suzuki To Field Alexander And Farris For 2014 SuperSport
http://www.amaproracing.com/rr/news/index.cfm?cid=59153
Kyle Wyman Racing partners with Millennium Technologies for Daytona 200 debut
http://www.amaproracing.com/rr/news/index.cfm?cid=59158
...and
Ferreira to Race Opening AMA Pro SuperSport Round at Daytona with DMS Racing
http://www.amaproracing.com/rr/news/index.cfm?cid=59169
Sunday, March 9, 2014
Bautista Moves Ahead on Day Two of Qatar Testing
Alvaro Bautista is on top of the time sheets in the second day of MotoGP testing in Qatar.
http://msn.foxsports.com/speed/motogp/motogp-bautista-moves-ahead-on-day-two-of-qatar-testing/
http://msn.foxsports.com/speed/motogp/motogp-bautista-moves-ahead-on-day-two-of-qatar-testing/
Saturday, March 8, 2014
Bike Road Racing Series Round 8: Macau (season finale)
This is the eighth and final race of the 2013 Bike Road Racing Series, the 47th running of the Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix. What follows, is not only a video, but also, the full race report. Check it out.
Watch the highlights, or, do it after you read the whole race report, even though, yes, yours truly kind of gave it away.
This track at Macau is pretty much flat out all the way around, especially from the R corner up through Fishermen's and also through Hotel Lisboa. We are ready for a start in the 47th Macau motorcycle Grand Prix, and 2013 marks the 60th anniversary of the event itself. Motorcycles have been racing at Macau since 1966. We're ready for a start.
Polesitter Ian Hutchinson gets the jump on the field. John McGuinness is also flying. These guys will need to, because this is only a 15 lap race. John McGuinness takes the lead as Ian Hutchinson falls down a few places. Michael Rutter is coming forward quickly, too. Jeremy Choy also has a good start. The field is three wide down a very bumpy straightaway.
Gary Johnson outbrakes Michael Rutter into the corner. Johnson is in the lead through Lisboa, but, a rider ditches their bike, too. Two riders are down. One of them is Horst Saiger on his Kawasaki. Saiger will be a familiar name to readers of this blog, because he's competed in the FIM World Endurance Championship for a long time. Hard to tell who the other motorcycle belongs to. Now, will this bring out a safety car? What will the marshals do about this wreck?
Will there be a full course yellow? Is a restart necessary? Three bikes were in that fracas. Maybe Horst Saiger got away unscathed. Davey Morgan was one rider who did manage to avoid the carnage. Meanwhile, Gary Johnson still leads this race over Michael Rutter. This was not expected at the start of the race. It might very well come down to a scrap between Johnson and Rutter, for the win. John McGuinness was running well. However, he got pushed back in a scramble for position into Lisboa.
Jimmy Storrar is also in another battle on track. He's another rider to look out for as the riders turn towards the hairpin at the sea wall. Rutter is right on Johnson's rear tire. Rutter is not close enough to Johnson, as we look at the full field rundown. 18 riders started this race, and here are the positions, with the bike number, and the rider's last name.
1. #5 Johnson
2. #1 Rutter
3. #4 Hutchinson
4. #2 McGuinness
5. #57 Toye
6. #18 Johnston
7. #15 Storrar
8. #40 Jessopp
9. #26 Grams
10. #11 Thompson
11. #8 Stamm
12. #48 Gantner
13. #20 Cooper
14. #10 Miller
15. #44 Hamilton
16. #54 Heneghan
17. #69 Shoesmith
18. #114 Pires
For Lee Johnston, he came to the 2012 Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix, but couldn't race. 2013 sees him in his first Macau motorcycle race. Rutter wants by Gary Johnson, but he can't get there, going once again, through Lisboa. The lap one wreck is cleared. We are only on lap two and a lot has happened already. The Macau Grand Prix also has car racing, and what it is, is really a mutual admiration society, because the bike racers love watching the car racers, while the car racers totally dig what the motorcyclists can do, too.
We watch from the onboard camera as Gary Johnson and Lee Johnston, battle each other. Check that. Johnston is sixth, right behind the #57 bike of Jeremy Toye, which carries the on board camera. Horst Saiger was the bike involved in the turn one, lap one crash. His bike is not on the timing screens at the moment. For Saiger, it's game over. Jimmy Storrar makes a pass on Lee Johnston through the Melco hairpin. Storrar is right behind Jeremy Toye now.
Johnson, Rutter, and Hutchinson, are the top three riders in the race at this stage. Rutter outbrakes Gary Johnson into the corner off the back straight at Fishermen's. Rutter slides the rear wheel. Gary Johnson wants to make a pass up St. Francisco Hill, but can't do it. Ian Hutchinson pushes into the next corner at Maternity, heading towards the Solitude Esses. Then, they come to a corner named for the founder of the Macau Grand Prix... Indonesian businessman Teddy Yip.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Teddy_Yip
Moorish Hill is the next obstacle after the Solitude Esses. The riders make their way into Donna Maria. This track is a big hill, or like a staircase. It just keeps going up on one side. Coming through the hairpin, the track begins it's descent. Michael Rutter, continues to lead this race. Ian Hutchinson continues to pursue Gary Johnson. Following those guys, it's Jeremy Toye and Jimmy Storrar. Ian Hutchinson does pass Gary Johnson, moving into second spot.
Ian Hutchinson is flying in this race, on his #4 Milwaukee Yamaha. The order after three laps, looks like this.
1. #1 Rutter
2. #4 Hutchinson
3. #5 Johnson
4. #2 McGuinness
5. #15 Storrar
6. #40 Jessopp
7. #57 Toye
8. #18 Johnston
9. #26 Grams
10. #11 Thompson
11. #10 Miller
12. #20 Cooper
This is the top dozen. Gary Johnson is falling behind Ian Hutchinson, and the gap is growing between second and third. The first sector times are very close. But, it's Michael Rutter who knows this track best. Rutter knows things like, where he can overtake, where his braking points are, where the bumps are. There is a big gap between Gary Johnson and John McGuinness. The bikes runs through Donna Maria, past the barriers, which are unavoidable at Macau.
There are no runoff areas on this course. Meanwhile, Ian Hutchinson is going for it. For the #68 bike of David Johnson, it's game over. Ian Hutchinson is, ever so slightly, catching Michael Rutter. Four laps done. Eleven to go. Each lap, we continue to look at the running order... the full field rundown.
1. #1 Rutter
2. #4 Hutchinson
3. #5 Johnson
4. #2 McGuinness
5. #15 Storrar
6. #40 Jessopp
7. #18 Johnston
8. #57 Toye
9. #26 Grams
10. #11 Thompson
11. #10 Miller
12. #114 Pires
13. #44 Hamilton
14. #20 Cooper
15. #48 Gantner
16. #54 Heneghan
17. #7 Harrison
18. #12 Lougher
19. #69 Shoesmith
20. #83 English
21. #47 Cretu
22. #77 Bitter
23. #60 Wylie
24. #111 McCormack
This is the top 24. We watch some of the runners in the lower half of the field. Andre Pires, Jamie Hamilton, Steve Heneghan, and others. Big names in this championship (Bike Road Racing), Dean Harrison, and Ian Lougher, are also back there, as is Davey Morgan. There are a number of other riders back here. They run through Police corner and back up the hill. Everything is different about the culture, the time, and the food, in Macau, plus the weather change.
The hill after Police corner, is really steep. Michael Rutter and Gary Johnson continue to battle for the top spot. But, for Davey Morgan, it's game over. Just as he was being talked about. It's the commentators curse! Gary Johnson runs third right now. However, it should be noted, the lead battle is hotting up again. Ian Hutchinson begins to close in on Michael Rutter, ever so slightly. Hutchinson is having a go for the race lead. Late on the brakes, Hutchinson does it!
He's in P1 now. Rutter will have to challenge. This race is 1/3rd complete. Five laps down. Ten to go. Hutchinson is 3/10ths of a second ahead of Rutter. That's the gap. Jimmy Storrar continues his solid run in fifth place. Storrar is eight seconds behind the leader, but has only a half a second gap before catching John McGuinness. Michael Rutter is losing time, though. Ian Hutchinson continues to outperform him, as he slightly brushes the wall with his shoulder, leaning into the corner.
It's game over for Steve Heneghan, though, on his #54 Quattro Plant Motorsports bike. There's a battle for seventh between Jeremy Toye and Martin Jessopp. Ian Hutchinson is 1.7 seconds ahead of Michael Rutter, and, he goes purple in the second sector, (fastest of all). Hutchinson is taking no prisoners in this race. He's pushing like there's no tomorrow. Six laps in, here's the standings.
1. #4 Hutchinson
2. #1 Rutter
3. #5 Johnson
4. #15 Storrar
5. #2 McGuinness
6. #40 Jessopp
7. #57 Toye
8. #18 Johnston
9. #26 Grams
10. #11 Thompson
11. #10 Miller
12. #114 Pires
This is the top twelve at the moment. Hutchinson, drags his toe when he walks. People thought something was wrong. It doesn't heart him on the bike. It's part of a past injury from a crash. Gary Johnson still wants by Michael Rutter. We are halfway through this race, working lap seven, of 15 scheduled. Jimmy Storrar makes a pass on John McGuinness. This is Jimmy Storrar's sixth Macau Grand Prix motorcycle race. This is Ian Hutchinson's seventh race at Macau.
Starting lap eight, Ian Hutchinson increases his lead to 2.3 seconds over Michael Rutter. Storrar and McGuinness continue their scrap as we look again, at the standings.
1. #4 Hutchinson
2. #1 Rutter
3. #5 Johnson
4. #15 Storrar
5. #2 McGuinness
6. #40 Jessopp
7. #57 Toye
8. #26 Grams
9. #18 Johnston
10. #11 Thompson
11. #10 Miller
12. #114 Pires
13. #44 Hamilton
14. #7 Harrison
15. #48 Gantner
16. #12 Lougher
17. #69 Shoesmith
18. #20 Cooper
This is the top eighteen. Now, the bikes head back into Lisboa. McGuinness is still going for it. Toye has gotten around Jessopp for the time being, into sixth spot. They brake for the Melco hairpin. McGuinness runs wide into Donna Maria, too. We're just past halfway as Ian Hutchinson continues to lead. Rutter is closing up, as the gap now, is 2.1 seconds. Gary Johnson seems to be fading. He's lost a load of time to the two leaders.
The leaders carry their front wheels, as we have yet another look at the running order in this one as the bikes go through Hospital corner.
1. #4 Hutchinson
2. #1 Rutter
3. #5 Johnson
4. #15 Storrar
5. #2 McGuinness
6. #57 Toye
7. #40 Jessopp
8. #26 Grams
9. #18 Johnston
10. #11 Thompson
11. #10 Miller
12. #114 Pires
13. #44 Hamilton
14. #7 Harrison
15. #48 Gantner
16. #12 Lougher
17. #69 Shoesmith
Can Jeremy Toye catch John McGuinness? Ian Hutchinson is on a Sunday cruise. Can Hutchinson win from pole, and make his comeback complete? Does Rutter have anything to mount a challenge? Hutchinson races towards R Bend. The gap is down under two seconds, starting lap ten. Five laps left now. Rutter is 3.7 seconds behind Hutchinson. Gary Johnson and Jimmy Storrar run third and fourth. Storrar is flying on his BMW S1000RR at the moment.
Here's the running order after nine laps, working lap ten.
1. #4 Hutchinson
2. #1 Rutter
3. #5 Johhson
4. #15 Storrar
5. #2 McGuinness
6. #40 Jessopp
That's the top six. Jimmy Storrar, actually had success in the 2013 British Superstock motorcycle championship. We are now 2/3rds through this one, folks. Ian Hutchinson ran a fast lap of 2:25.4 in qualifying. He's running in the 2:26 range right now, backing down the pace just slightly. Michael Rutter is 3/10ths of a second down, with a best lap of 2:25.7. The gap remains steady, going into the eleventh lap. 1.832 seconds between "Hutchy", and Rutter.
It's a further five and a half seconds between Rutter, and Gary Johnson. We are looking, further down the order, to find Jimmy Storrar, John McGuinness, Martin Jessopp, Jeremy Toye, Didier Grams, and Lee Johnston. Gary Johnson will likely find his way onto the podium. We watch Jeremy Toye, fending off Martin Jessopp. Toye is on the Penz13.com BMW S1000RR. Fans of the FIM World Endurance Championship, will recognize the Penz13 BMW team.
These guys, in the thick of their dust up, are running in the 2:27/2:28 bracket, as far as their lap times. We are starting lap twelve. Only three left to run in this race now. Is Rutter any closer to Hutchinson? Nope. He's 2.4 seconds down, losing a half a second more to the #4 Yamaha. 2:25.7 for Hutchinson. 2:26.3 for Rutter. Rutter wants his ninth win in the Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix. But, Hutchinson, has other ideas. Here's the running order as of lap 11.
1. #4 Hutchinson
2. #1 Rutter
3. #5 Johnson
4. #2 McGuinness
5. #15 Storrar
6. #57 Toye
Jessopp wants by Toye, going into Lisboa, and he'll make the pass. Put Martin Jessopp up one place. Flames fly from Jessopp's BMW's exhaust pipe. Now, these guys are negotiating lapped traffic. What will this do to their race? Scratch that. It's Hutchinson and the other leaders, dealing with the lapped motorcycles. Andre Pires of Portugal, and another lapped rider, move out of the way, obeying the passing flags.
Hutchinson is in the clear. He's sailing away from Michael Rutter. He goes through Donna Maria, towards the Melco hairpin. No sign of Michael Rutter anyplace. Gary Johnson loses time negotiating the traffic. Could it help John McGuinness pass James Storrar? Two laps remain in the Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix. He's got a 7.2 second lead. But, there's drama. Yellow flags are on the circuit, and a rider has crashed. The wreck is at Maternity corner. Not sure who the rider is, or what number bike it isCXHVFJFRITORIIGTOWe could see a full course yellow flag, or, a red flag, meaning stoppage, and an early conclusion to this Macau motorcycle race.
Hutchinson is approaching the scene of this crash. He goes around the stricken bike. But, will there be a way to retrieve the motorcycle that's down on course? There's a red flag out from pit wall. This race could very well be over. That's it. Have we gone the distance? Hutchinson is concerned. Have we done 75% race distance? Michael Rutter is already congratulating Hutchinson. Gary Johnson also says, "you'll win this one, man."
The race is over. The bikes are coming into the pits. Now, if they go straight to parc ferme, that's it. The race is done and dusted, and there will be a result. If they cruise up pit lane to the garages, then, there could be a restart for a two lap shootout to the end. Everyone thinks it's over. Watch your screen in the video when you click on it, later in the race, to see. Well, Hutchinson is getting congratulated by his crew in the pits. The race is over. Ian Hutchinson and Milwaukee Yamaha win it! Hutchinson does a burnout in the pits.
#4 Ian Hutchinson GBR Yamaha 1000
Now, the circuit will be returned to the city, and become public roads again. Incidentally, Ian Lougher, he finishes sixteenth in his last ever race, and his last Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix. The whole track is opened up, as it's a main thoroughfare for street traffic in the city of Macau. Check out the interview with the podium finishers at the end of the video. This concludes the 2013 Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix, and the 2013 Bike Road Racing Series season.
There will be more racing action this year in 2014. Yours truly, is not sure he'll be able to bring it to you on the blog. But, do check it out if you can find it. The Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix has been a good one. So long, for now.
Watch the highlights, or, do it after you read the whole race report, even though, yes, yours truly kind of gave it away.
This track at Macau is pretty much flat out all the way around, especially from the R corner up through Fishermen's and also through Hotel Lisboa. We are ready for a start in the 47th Macau motorcycle Grand Prix, and 2013 marks the 60th anniversary of the event itself. Motorcycles have been racing at Macau since 1966. We're ready for a start.
Polesitter Ian Hutchinson gets the jump on the field. John McGuinness is also flying. These guys will need to, because this is only a 15 lap race. John McGuinness takes the lead as Ian Hutchinson falls down a few places. Michael Rutter is coming forward quickly, too. Jeremy Choy also has a good start. The field is three wide down a very bumpy straightaway.
Gary Johnson outbrakes Michael Rutter into the corner. Johnson is in the lead through Lisboa, but, a rider ditches their bike, too. Two riders are down. One of them is Horst Saiger on his Kawasaki. Saiger will be a familiar name to readers of this blog, because he's competed in the FIM World Endurance Championship for a long time. Hard to tell who the other motorcycle belongs to. Now, will this bring out a safety car? What will the marshals do about this wreck?
Will there be a full course yellow? Is a restart necessary? Three bikes were in that fracas. Maybe Horst Saiger got away unscathed. Davey Morgan was one rider who did manage to avoid the carnage. Meanwhile, Gary Johnson still leads this race over Michael Rutter. This was not expected at the start of the race. It might very well come down to a scrap between Johnson and Rutter, for the win. John McGuinness was running well. However, he got pushed back in a scramble for position into Lisboa.
Jimmy Storrar is also in another battle on track. He's another rider to look out for as the riders turn towards the hairpin at the sea wall. Rutter is right on Johnson's rear tire. Rutter is not close enough to Johnson, as we look at the full field rundown. 18 riders started this race, and here are the positions, with the bike number, and the rider's last name.
1. #5 Johnson
2. #1 Rutter
3. #4 Hutchinson
4. #2 McGuinness
5. #57 Toye
6. #18 Johnston
7. #15 Storrar
8. #40 Jessopp
9. #26 Grams
10. #11 Thompson
11. #8 Stamm
12. #48 Gantner
13. #20 Cooper
14. #10 Miller
15. #44 Hamilton
16. #54 Heneghan
17. #69 Shoesmith
18. #114 Pires
For Lee Johnston, he came to the 2012 Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix, but couldn't race. 2013 sees him in his first Macau motorcycle race. Rutter wants by Gary Johnson, but he can't get there, going once again, through Lisboa. The lap one wreck is cleared. We are only on lap two and a lot has happened already. The Macau Grand Prix also has car racing, and what it is, is really a mutual admiration society, because the bike racers love watching the car racers, while the car racers totally dig what the motorcyclists can do, too.
We watch from the onboard camera as Gary Johnson and Lee Johnston, battle each other. Check that. Johnston is sixth, right behind the #57 bike of Jeremy Toye, which carries the on board camera. Horst Saiger was the bike involved in the turn one, lap one crash. His bike is not on the timing screens at the moment. For Saiger, it's game over. Jimmy Storrar makes a pass on Lee Johnston through the Melco hairpin. Storrar is right behind Jeremy Toye now.
Johnson, Rutter, and Hutchinson, are the top three riders in the race at this stage. Rutter outbrakes Gary Johnson into the corner off the back straight at Fishermen's. Rutter slides the rear wheel. Gary Johnson wants to make a pass up St. Francisco Hill, but can't do it. Ian Hutchinson pushes into the next corner at Maternity, heading towards the Solitude Esses. Then, they come to a corner named for the founder of the Macau Grand Prix... Indonesian businessman Teddy Yip.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Teddy_Yip
Moorish Hill is the next obstacle after the Solitude Esses. The riders make their way into Donna Maria. This track is a big hill, or like a staircase. It just keeps going up on one side. Coming through the hairpin, the track begins it's descent. Michael Rutter, continues to lead this race. Ian Hutchinson continues to pursue Gary Johnson. Following those guys, it's Jeremy Toye and Jimmy Storrar. Ian Hutchinson does pass Gary Johnson, moving into second spot.
Ian Hutchinson is flying in this race, on his #4 Milwaukee Yamaha. The order after three laps, looks like this.
1. #1 Rutter
2. #4 Hutchinson
3. #5 Johnson
4. #2 McGuinness
5. #15 Storrar
6. #40 Jessopp
7. #57 Toye
8. #18 Johnston
9. #26 Grams
10. #11 Thompson
11. #10 Miller
12. #20 Cooper
This is the top dozen. Gary Johnson is falling behind Ian Hutchinson, and the gap is growing between second and third. The first sector times are very close. But, it's Michael Rutter who knows this track best. Rutter knows things like, where he can overtake, where his braking points are, where the bumps are. There is a big gap between Gary Johnson and John McGuinness. The bikes runs through Donna Maria, past the barriers, which are unavoidable at Macau.
There are no runoff areas on this course. Meanwhile, Ian Hutchinson is going for it. For the #68 bike of David Johnson, it's game over. Ian Hutchinson is, ever so slightly, catching Michael Rutter. Four laps done. Eleven to go. Each lap, we continue to look at the running order... the full field rundown.
1. #1 Rutter
2. #4 Hutchinson
3. #5 Johnson
4. #2 McGuinness
5. #15 Storrar
6. #40 Jessopp
7. #18 Johnston
8. #57 Toye
9. #26 Grams
10. #11 Thompson
11. #10 Miller
12. #114 Pires
13. #44 Hamilton
14. #20 Cooper
15. #48 Gantner
16. #54 Heneghan
17. #7 Harrison
18. #12 Lougher
19. #69 Shoesmith
20. #83 English
21. #47 Cretu
22. #77 Bitter
23. #60 Wylie
24. #111 McCormack
This is the top 24. We watch some of the runners in the lower half of the field. Andre Pires, Jamie Hamilton, Steve Heneghan, and others. Big names in this championship (Bike Road Racing), Dean Harrison, and Ian Lougher, are also back there, as is Davey Morgan. There are a number of other riders back here. They run through Police corner and back up the hill. Everything is different about the culture, the time, and the food, in Macau, plus the weather change.
The hill after Police corner, is really steep. Michael Rutter and Gary Johnson continue to battle for the top spot. But, for Davey Morgan, it's game over. Just as he was being talked about. It's the commentators curse! Gary Johnson runs third right now. However, it should be noted, the lead battle is hotting up again. Ian Hutchinson begins to close in on Michael Rutter, ever so slightly. Hutchinson is having a go for the race lead. Late on the brakes, Hutchinson does it!
He's in P1 now. Rutter will have to challenge. This race is 1/3rd complete. Five laps down. Ten to go. Hutchinson is 3/10ths of a second ahead of Rutter. That's the gap. Jimmy Storrar continues his solid run in fifth place. Storrar is eight seconds behind the leader, but has only a half a second gap before catching John McGuinness. Michael Rutter is losing time, though. Ian Hutchinson continues to outperform him, as he slightly brushes the wall with his shoulder, leaning into the corner.
It's game over for Steve Heneghan, though, on his #54 Quattro Plant Motorsports bike. There's a battle for seventh between Jeremy Toye and Martin Jessopp. Ian Hutchinson is 1.7 seconds ahead of Michael Rutter, and, he goes purple in the second sector, (fastest of all). Hutchinson is taking no prisoners in this race. He's pushing like there's no tomorrow. Six laps in, here's the standings.
1. #4 Hutchinson
2. #1 Rutter
3. #5 Johnson
4. #15 Storrar
5. #2 McGuinness
6. #40 Jessopp
7. #57 Toye
8. #18 Johnston
9. #26 Grams
10. #11 Thompson
11. #10 Miller
12. #114 Pires
This is the top twelve at the moment. Hutchinson, drags his toe when he walks. People thought something was wrong. It doesn't heart him on the bike. It's part of a past injury from a crash. Gary Johnson still wants by Michael Rutter. We are halfway through this race, working lap seven, of 15 scheduled. Jimmy Storrar makes a pass on John McGuinness. This is Jimmy Storrar's sixth Macau Grand Prix motorcycle race. This is Ian Hutchinson's seventh race at Macau.
Starting lap eight, Ian Hutchinson increases his lead to 2.3 seconds over Michael Rutter. Storrar and McGuinness continue their scrap as we look again, at the standings.
1. #4 Hutchinson
2. #1 Rutter
3. #5 Johnson
4. #15 Storrar
5. #2 McGuinness
6. #40 Jessopp
7. #57 Toye
8. #26 Grams
9. #18 Johnston
10. #11 Thompson
11. #10 Miller
12. #114 Pires
13. #44 Hamilton
14. #7 Harrison
15. #48 Gantner
16. #12 Lougher
17. #69 Shoesmith
18. #20 Cooper
This is the top eighteen. Now, the bikes head back into Lisboa. McGuinness is still going for it. Toye has gotten around Jessopp for the time being, into sixth spot. They brake for the Melco hairpin. McGuinness runs wide into Donna Maria, too. We're just past halfway as Ian Hutchinson continues to lead. Rutter is closing up, as the gap now, is 2.1 seconds. Gary Johnson seems to be fading. He's lost a load of time to the two leaders.
The leaders carry their front wheels, as we have yet another look at the running order in this one as the bikes go through Hospital corner.
1. #4 Hutchinson
2. #1 Rutter
3. #5 Johnson
4. #15 Storrar
5. #2 McGuinness
6. #57 Toye
7. #40 Jessopp
8. #26 Grams
9. #18 Johnston
10. #11 Thompson
11. #10 Miller
12. #114 Pires
13. #44 Hamilton
14. #7 Harrison
15. #48 Gantner
16. #12 Lougher
17. #69 Shoesmith
Can Jeremy Toye catch John McGuinness? Ian Hutchinson is on a Sunday cruise. Can Hutchinson win from pole, and make his comeback complete? Does Rutter have anything to mount a challenge? Hutchinson races towards R Bend. The gap is down under two seconds, starting lap ten. Five laps left now. Rutter is 3.7 seconds behind Hutchinson. Gary Johnson and Jimmy Storrar run third and fourth. Storrar is flying on his BMW S1000RR at the moment.
Here's the running order after nine laps, working lap ten.
1. #4 Hutchinson
2. #1 Rutter
3. #5 Johhson
4. #15 Storrar
5. #2 McGuinness
6. #40 Jessopp
That's the top six. Jimmy Storrar, actually had success in the 2013 British Superstock motorcycle championship. We are now 2/3rds through this one, folks. Ian Hutchinson ran a fast lap of 2:25.4 in qualifying. He's running in the 2:26 range right now, backing down the pace just slightly. Michael Rutter is 3/10ths of a second down, with a best lap of 2:25.7. The gap remains steady, going into the eleventh lap. 1.832 seconds between "Hutchy", and Rutter.
It's a further five and a half seconds between Rutter, and Gary Johnson. We are looking, further down the order, to find Jimmy Storrar, John McGuinness, Martin Jessopp, Jeremy Toye, Didier Grams, and Lee Johnston. Gary Johnson will likely find his way onto the podium. We watch Jeremy Toye, fending off Martin Jessopp. Toye is on the Penz13.com BMW S1000RR. Fans of the FIM World Endurance Championship, will recognize the Penz13 BMW team.
These guys, in the thick of their dust up, are running in the 2:27/2:28 bracket, as far as their lap times. We are starting lap twelve. Only three left to run in this race now. Is Rutter any closer to Hutchinson? Nope. He's 2.4 seconds down, losing a half a second more to the #4 Yamaha. 2:25.7 for Hutchinson. 2:26.3 for Rutter. Rutter wants his ninth win in the Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix. But, Hutchinson, has other ideas. Here's the running order as of lap 11.
1. #4 Hutchinson
2. #1 Rutter
3. #5 Johnson
4. #2 McGuinness
5. #15 Storrar
6. #57 Toye
Jessopp wants by Toye, going into Lisboa, and he'll make the pass. Put Martin Jessopp up one place. Flames fly from Jessopp's BMW's exhaust pipe. Now, these guys are negotiating lapped traffic. What will this do to their race? Scratch that. It's Hutchinson and the other leaders, dealing with the lapped motorcycles. Andre Pires of Portugal, and another lapped rider, move out of the way, obeying the passing flags.
Hutchinson is in the clear. He's sailing away from Michael Rutter. He goes through Donna Maria, towards the Melco hairpin. No sign of Michael Rutter anyplace. Gary Johnson loses time negotiating the traffic. Could it help John McGuinness pass James Storrar? Two laps remain in the Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix. He's got a 7.2 second lead. But, there's drama. Yellow flags are on the circuit, and a rider has crashed. The wreck is at Maternity corner. Not sure who the rider is, or what number bike it isCXHVFJFRITORIIGTOWe could see a full course yellow flag, or, a red flag, meaning stoppage, and an early conclusion to this Macau motorcycle race.
Hutchinson is approaching the scene of this crash. He goes around the stricken bike. But, will there be a way to retrieve the motorcycle that's down on course? There's a red flag out from pit wall. This race could very well be over. That's it. Have we gone the distance? Hutchinson is concerned. Have we done 75% race distance? Michael Rutter is already congratulating Hutchinson. Gary Johnson also says, "you'll win this one, man."
The race is over. The bikes are coming into the pits. Now, if they go straight to parc ferme, that's it. The race is done and dusted, and there will be a result. If they cruise up pit lane to the garages, then, there could be a restart for a two lap shootout to the end. Everyone thinks it's over. Watch your screen in the video when you click on it, later in the race, to see. Well, Hutchinson is getting congratulated by his crew in the pits. The race is over. Ian Hutchinson and Milwaukee Yamaha win it! Hutchinson does a burnout in the pits.
#4 Ian Hutchinson GBR Yamaha 1000
Now, the circuit will be returned to the city, and become public roads again. Incidentally, Ian Lougher, he finishes sixteenth in his last ever race, and his last Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix. The whole track is opened up, as it's a main thoroughfare for street traffic in the city of Macau. Check out the interview with the podium finishers at the end of the video. This concludes the 2013 Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix, and the 2013 Bike Road Racing Series season.
There will be more racing action this year in 2014. Yours truly, is not sure he'll be able to bring it to you on the blog. But, do check it out if you can find it. The Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix has been a good one. So long, for now.
Friday, March 7, 2014
MotoGP news
More news from the world of MotoGP, just before the 2014 season begins.
Sachsenring to alter turn 11 for 2014
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Sachsenring+to+alter+turn+11+for+2014
Bridgestone introduces new slick tyre marking system
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Bridgestone+introduces+new+slick+tyre+marking+system
Marinelarena out of induced coma
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/marielarena+update
...And
Javier Alonso explains 'Factory 2' proposal
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Factory+2+explained+by+Javier+Alonso
Sachsenring to alter turn 11 for 2014
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Sachsenring+to+alter+turn+11+for+2014
Bridgestone introduces new slick tyre marking system
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Bridgestone+introduces+new+slick+tyre+marking+system
Marinelarena out of induced coma
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/marielarena+update
...And
Javier Alonso explains 'Factory 2' proposal
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Factory+2+explained+by+Javier+Alonso
Thursday, March 6, 2014
Qatar MotoGP test this weekend
2Wheeled Racing News And Views, (the motorcycle news Facebook page that I've pointed fans to), has all the info on the last preseason MotoGP test at the Losail circuit in Doha, Qatar, this weekend, before the first race of the season takes place there in a shade over two weeks.
***
MotoGP ready for last pre-season test for Satellite and Open class
The test, to be staged across three days from 16:00-23:00 local time, will come as a final opportunity for teams to try out new components and race simulation runs before the opening practice session of the Commercial Bank Grand Prix of Qatar on Thursday 20th March.
The official riders of factory outfits Repsol Honda Team, newly-named Movistar Yamaha MotoGP and Ducati Team will not be in action this time, following the Tyre Safety Test at Phillip Island at which they worked with various tyre combinations for Bridgestone. Instead, the Factory Option satellite riders will share the circuit with their Open counterparts.
Monster Yamaha Tech3’s Bradley Smith and Pol Espargaro, GO&FUN Honda Gresini’s Alvaro Bautista and LCR Honda MotoGP’s Stefan Bradl will be the only Factory Option representatives present, whereas the so-called ‘battle of the Opens’ will continue between the likes of NGM Mobile Forward Racing’s Aleix Espargaro and Colin Edwards, plus others such as Drive M7 Aspar pairing Nicky Hayden and Hiroshi Aoyama as well as Gresini’s Scott Redding.
PBM will return to action with Michael Laverty and Broc Parkes, having elected to miss the second Sepang test, whereas IodaRacing Project and Danilo Petrucci will make their first on-track appearance of 2014. In the case of Karel Abraham, the Cardion AB Motoracing rider will be hoping to endure less pain with his recovering left shoulder than he did last time out in Malaysia.
The challenge will be somewhat different for Pramac Racing, as Andrea Iannone and Yonny Hernandez are tasked with continuing Ducati’s work after the Italian manufacturer announced that all of its motorcycles will be racing under the Open banner this year. Iannone will arguably have the most critical job, as the Italian is the only one of the Pramac riders using the GP14 motorcycle which Ducati Team riders Andrea Dovizioso and Cal Crutchlow will also be racing this campaign.
Warm conditions are a certainty, although as ever sandstorms remain a threat at the desert-based facility which has featured on the MotoGP™ calendar since 2004.
Across the course of the test, live timing and frequent video features from the circuit and its surroundings will be available on motogp.com.
The Qatar MotoGP™ test will run to the following timetable:
Friday 7th March 16:00-23:00 (GMT +3 hours)
Saturday 8th March 16:00-23:00 (GMT +3 hours)
Sunday 9th March 16:00-23:00 (GMT +3 hours)
***
MotoGP ready for last pre-season test for Satellite and Open class
The test, to be staged across three days from 16:00-23:00 local time, will come as a final opportunity for teams to try out new components and race simulation runs before the opening practice session of the Commercial Bank Grand Prix of Qatar on Thursday 20th March.
The official riders of factory outfits Repsol Honda Team, newly-named Movistar Yamaha MotoGP and Ducati Team will not be in action this time, following the Tyre Safety Test at Phillip Island at which they worked with various tyre combinations for Bridgestone. Instead, the Factory Option satellite riders will share the circuit with their Open counterparts.
Monster Yamaha Tech3’s Bradley Smith and Pol Espargaro, GO&FUN Honda Gresini’s Alvaro Bautista and LCR Honda MotoGP’s Stefan Bradl will be the only Factory Option representatives present, whereas the so-called ‘battle of the Opens’ will continue between the likes of NGM Mobile Forward Racing’s Aleix Espargaro and Colin Edwards, plus others such as Drive M7 Aspar pairing Nicky Hayden and Hiroshi Aoyama as well as Gresini’s Scott Redding.
PBM will return to action with Michael Laverty and Broc Parkes, having elected to miss the second Sepang test, whereas IodaRacing Project and Danilo Petrucci will make their first on-track appearance of 2014. In the case of Karel Abraham, the Cardion AB Motoracing rider will be hoping to endure less pain with his recovering left shoulder than he did last time out in Malaysia.
The challenge will be somewhat different for Pramac Racing, as Andrea Iannone and Yonny Hernandez are tasked with continuing Ducati’s work after the Italian manufacturer announced that all of its motorcycles will be racing under the Open banner this year. Iannone will arguably have the most critical job, as the Italian is the only one of the Pramac riders using the GP14 motorcycle which Ducati Team riders Andrea Dovizioso and Cal Crutchlow will also be racing this campaign.
Warm conditions are a certainty, although as ever sandstorms remain a threat at the desert-based facility which has featured on the MotoGP™ calendar since 2004.
Across the course of the test, live timing and frequent video features from the circuit and its surroundings will be available on motogp.com.
The Qatar MotoGP™ test will run to the following timetable:
Friday 7th March 16:00-23:00 (GMT +3 hours)
Saturday 8th March 16:00-23:00 (GMT +3 hours)
Sunday 9th March 16:00-23:00 (GMT +3 hours)
Wednesday, March 5, 2014
Lorenzo sets fastest time of week as test concludes
The article title says it all. Jorge Lorenzo is fastest after the Philip Island MotoGP tire test.
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Phillip%20Island%20tyres%20test%20Day%203
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Phillip%20Island%20tyres%20test%20Day%203
Tuesday, March 4, 2014
MotoGP current top testing times at Philip Island (3-4-14/3-5-14)
From 2Wheeled Racing News and Views, on Facebook. These are the current top times with two hours left in day three testing at Philip Island.
MotoGP Moto2 Phillip Island 2014
Session 3 as of 15:11 - 05/03/2014 - Local Time
Pos Rider Team Fastest lap Lead. Gap Prev. Gap Laps Last lap
1 LORENZO, J Yamaha Factory Racing 1'29.363 22 / 49 PIT IN
2 PEDROSA, D Repsol Honda Team 1'29.458 0.095 0.095 18 / 18 PIT IN
3 ROSSI, V Yamaha Factory Racing 1'29.554 0.191 0.096 27 / 45 1'29.908
4 CRUTCHLOW, C Ducati Team 1'29.606 0.243 0.052 15 / 20 PIT IN
5 DOVIZIOSO, A Ducati Team 1'30.101 0.738 0.495 14 / 23 PIT IN
6 RABAT, E Marc VDS Racing Team 1'32.194 2.831 2.093 22 / 40 PIT IN
7 TORRES, J Mapfre Aspar Team Moto2 1'32.998 3.635 0.804 16 / 43
8 KALLIO, M Marc VDS Racing Team 1'33.149 3.786 0.151 25 / 61 PIT IN
9 TEROL, N Mapfre Aspar Team Moto2 1'34.443 5.080 1.294 28 / 50
MotoGP Moto2 Phillip Island 2014
Session 3 as of 15:11 - 05/03/2014 - Local Time
Pos Rider Team Fastest lap Lead. Gap Prev. Gap Laps Last lap
1 LORENZO, J Yamaha Factory Racing 1'29.363 22 / 49 PIT IN
2 PEDROSA, D Repsol Honda Team 1'29.458 0.095 0.095 18 / 18 PIT IN
3 ROSSI, V Yamaha Factory Racing 1'29.554 0.191 0.096 27 / 45 1'29.908
4 CRUTCHLOW, C Ducati Team 1'29.606 0.243 0.052 15 / 20 PIT IN
5 DOVIZIOSO, A Ducati Team 1'30.101 0.738 0.495 14 / 23 PIT IN
6 RABAT, E Marc VDS Racing Team 1'32.194 2.831 2.093 22 / 40 PIT IN
7 TORRES, J Mapfre Aspar Team Moto2 1'32.998 3.635 0.804 16 / 43
8 KALLIO, M Marc VDS Racing Team 1'33.149 3.786 0.151 25 / 61 PIT IN
9 TEROL, N Mapfre Aspar Team Moto2 1'34.443 5.080 1.294 28 / 50
MotoGP tyre testing stats (all classes)
Here are some combined times in recent tire testing for MotoGP before the season starts, as well as Moto 2 and Moto 3 I'm sure. From 2Wheeled Racing News and Views on Facebook.
MotoGP tyre testing day 2 - 1:30pm
1. Jorge Lorenzo ESP Yamaha Factory
Racing (YZR-M1) 1m 29.133s [23 laps /
335.4km/h top speed]
2. Dani Pedrosa ESP Repsol Honda Team
(RC213V) 1m 29.381s | +0.248s [24 /
332.3]
3. Andrea Dovizioso ITA Ducati Team
(Desmosedici) 1m 29.387s | +0.254s
[31 / 342.9]
4. Cal Crutchlow GBR Ducati Team
(Desmosedici) 1m 29.660s | +0.527s
[32 / 337.5]
5. Valentino Rossi ITA Yamaha Factory
Racing (YZR-M1) 1m 29.678s | +0.545s
[38 / 340.7]
6. Esteve Rabat ESP Marc VDS Racing
(Kalex) 1m 32.168s | +3.035s [38 /
281.3]
7. Mika Kallio FIN Marc VDS Racing
(Kalex) 1m 32.873s | +3.740s [36 /
282.7]
8. Nico Terol ESP Mapfre Aspar Team
(Suter) 1m 33.014s | +3.881s [34 /
282.7]
9. Jordi Torres ESP Mapfre Aspar Team
(Suter) 1m 33.160s | +4.027s [34 /
277.6]
There's more, too. Here are the final times from the test. Same riders.
1. Jorge Lorenzo ESP Yamaha Factory
Racing (YZR-M1) 1m 29.133s [42 laps /
335.4km/h top speed]
2. Dani Pedrosa ESP Repsol Honda Team
(RC213V) 1m 29.381s | +0.248s [58 /
332.3]
3. Andrea Dovizioso ITA Ducati Team
(Desmosedici) 1m 29.387s | +0.254s
[53 / 342.9]
4. Valentino Rossi ITA Yamaha Factory
Racing (YZR-M1) 1m 29.516s | +0.383s
[75 / 340.7]
5. Cal Crutchlow GBR Ducati Team
(Desmosedici) 1m 29.660s | +0.527s
[59 / 337.5]
6. Esteve Rabat ESP Marc VDS Racing
(Kalex) 1m 32.168s | +3.035s [101 / 282]
7. Mika Kallio FIN Marc VDS Racing
(Kalex) 1m 32.698s | +3.565s [79 /
282.7]
8. Nico Terol ESP Mapfre Aspar Team
(Suter) 1m 33.014s | +3.881s [62 /
282.7]
9. Jordi Torres ESP Mapfre Aspar Team
(Suter) 1m 33.160s | +4.027s [65 /
277.6]
MotoGP tyre testing day 2 - 1:30pm
1. Jorge Lorenzo ESP Yamaha Factory
Racing (YZR-M1) 1m 29.133s [23 laps /
335.4km/h top speed]
2. Dani Pedrosa ESP Repsol Honda Team
(RC213V) 1m 29.381s | +0.248s [24 /
332.3]
3. Andrea Dovizioso ITA Ducati Team
(Desmosedici) 1m 29.387s | +0.254s
[31 / 342.9]
4. Cal Crutchlow GBR Ducati Team
(Desmosedici) 1m 29.660s | +0.527s
[32 / 337.5]
5. Valentino Rossi ITA Yamaha Factory
Racing (YZR-M1) 1m 29.678s | +0.545s
[38 / 340.7]
6. Esteve Rabat ESP Marc VDS Racing
(Kalex) 1m 32.168s | +3.035s [38 /
281.3]
7. Mika Kallio FIN Marc VDS Racing
(Kalex) 1m 32.873s | +3.740s [36 /
282.7]
8. Nico Terol ESP Mapfre Aspar Team
(Suter) 1m 33.014s | +3.881s [34 /
282.7]
9. Jordi Torres ESP Mapfre Aspar Team
(Suter) 1m 33.160s | +4.027s [34 /
277.6]
There's more, too. Here are the final times from the test. Same riders.
1. Jorge Lorenzo ESP Yamaha Factory
Racing (YZR-M1) 1m 29.133s [42 laps /
335.4km/h top speed]
2. Dani Pedrosa ESP Repsol Honda Team
(RC213V) 1m 29.381s | +0.248s [58 /
332.3]
3. Andrea Dovizioso ITA Ducati Team
(Desmosedici) 1m 29.387s | +0.254s
[53 / 342.9]
4. Valentino Rossi ITA Yamaha Factory
Racing (YZR-M1) 1m 29.516s | +0.383s
[75 / 340.7]
5. Cal Crutchlow GBR Ducati Team
(Desmosedici) 1m 29.660s | +0.527s
[59 / 337.5]
6. Esteve Rabat ESP Marc VDS Racing
(Kalex) 1m 32.168s | +3.035s [101 / 282]
7. Mika Kallio FIN Marc VDS Racing
(Kalex) 1m 32.698s | +3.565s [79 /
282.7]
8. Nico Terol ESP Mapfre Aspar Team
(Suter) 1m 33.014s | +3.881s [62 /
282.7]
9. Jordi Torres ESP Mapfre Aspar Team
(Suter) 1m 33.160s | +4.027s [65 /
277.6]
Monday, March 3, 2014
Kevin Schwantz to race 2014 Suzuka 8 Hours with Yoshimura Japan
After a successful race there last year, former 500cc Grand Prix motorcycle racing world champion Kevin Schwantz, will return to race in the FIM World Endurance Championship Suzuka 8 Hours, again in 2014. This time, he will do so with Yoshimura Suzuki.
http://www.sportrider.com/news/146_1402_kevin_schwantz_tsujimoto_yoshimura_suzuki_2014_suzuka_8_hour_race/
http://www.sportrider.com/news/146_1402_kevin_schwantz_tsujimoto_yoshimura_suzuki_2014_suzuka_8_hour_race/
MotoGP testing at Phillip Island
Testing is underway for MotoGP at the Philip Island circuit in Victoria, Australia, where they'll race later in the year, towards the end of the season. Here are some of the stories from the first day of on track action.
Factory Teams Set For Phillip Island Test
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Phillip+Island+tyres+test+preview
Lorenzo quickest on busy first day at Phillip Island
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Lorenzo+quickest+on+busy+first+day+at+Phillip+Island+tyre+test
Pedrosa already noticing tyre differences
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Pedrosa+already+noticing+tyre+differences
Lorenzo hails improvement in tyre performance
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Lorenzo+hails+improvement+in+tyre+performance
Crutchlow learning from scares in Australia
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Crutchlow+learning+from+scares+in+Australia
Factory Teams Set For Phillip Island Test
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Phillip+Island+tyres+test+preview
Lorenzo quickest on busy first day at Phillip Island
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Lorenzo+quickest+on+busy+first+day+at+Phillip+Island+tyre+test
Pedrosa already noticing tyre differences
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Pedrosa+already+noticing+tyre+differences
Lorenzo hails improvement in tyre performance
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Lorenzo+hails+improvement+in+tyre+performance
Crutchlow learning from scares in Australia
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Crutchlow+learning+from+scares+in+Australia
Sunday, March 2, 2014
Daytona 200 entry lists
The 2014 AMA season is coming, in less than two weeks. Here are the entry lists for the Daytona 200 races. Four to six races, plus the Daytona 200 itself, for the Daytona Sportbike division. Click through the entry lists on the AMA website. Or, check out the links individually.
Daytona Sportbike/Daytona 200 entry list
http://www.amaproracing.com/rr/events/entrylist.cfm?year=2014&eid=2014011405&class=DS&class_sort=DS
...and
AMA Pro Superbike race entry list
http://www.amaproracing.com/rr/events/entrylist.cfm?year=2014&eid=2014011405&class=SB&class_sort=SB
Daytona Sportbike/Daytona 200 entry list
http://www.amaproracing.com/rr/events/entrylist.cfm?year=2014&eid=2014011405&class=DS&class_sort=DS
...and
AMA Pro Superbike race entry list
http://www.amaproracing.com/rr/events/entrylist.cfm?year=2014&eid=2014011405&class=SB&class_sort=SB
Saturday, March 1, 2014
MotoGP Sepang testing
Here are the testing times from last week's session at the Sepang circuit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from the 2Wheeled Racing News and Views Facebook page. They are for days two and three of the test.
MotoGP Sepang day2 12pm
1. Aleix Espargaro ESP NGM Mobile
Forward Racing (FTR-M1) 2m 0.581s
(Lap 11/16)
2. Valentino Rossi ITA Yamaha Factory
Racing (YZR-M1) 2m 0.605s | +0.024s
(9/27)
3. Andrea Dovizioso ITA Ducati Team
(Desmosedici) 2m 0.787s | +0.206s
(8/17)
4. Alvaro Bautista ESP Go&Fun Honda
Gresini (RC213V) 2m 0.823s | +0.242s
(5/22)
5. Stefan Bradl GER LCR Honda MotoGP
(RC213V) 2m 0.902s | +0.321s (4/23)
6. Pol Espargaro ESP Monster Yamaha
Tech 3 (YZR-M1) 2m 1.027s | +0.446s
(12/19)
7. Jorge Lorenzo ESP Yamaha Factory
Racing (YZR-M1) 2m 1.295s | +0.714s
(3/16)
8. Bradley Smith GBR Monster Yamaha
Tech 3 (YZR-M1) 2m 1.349s | +0.768s
(4/25)
9. Yonny Hernandez COL Pramac Racing
(Desmosedici) 2m 1.658s | +1.077s
(7/18)
10. Andrea Iannone ITA Pramac Racing
(Desmosedici) 2m 1.933s | +1.352s
(9/10)
11. Dani Pedrosa ESP Repsol Honda
Team (RC213V) 2m 2.050s | +1.469s
(4/15)
12. Colin Edwards USA NGM Mobile
Forward Racing (FTR-M1) 2m 2.453s |
+1.872s (11/22)
13. Hector Barbera ESP Avintia Blusens
(FTR-Kawasaki) 2m 2.491s | +1.910s
(3/14)
14. Cal Crutchlow GBR Ducati Team
(Desmosedici) 2m 2.562s | +1.981s
(5/16)
15. Nicky Hayden USA Drive M7 Aspar
(RCV1000R) 2m 2.677s | +2.096s
(14/17)
16. Katsuyuki Nakasuga JPN Yamaha
Test Rider (YZR-M1) 2m 3.094s |
+2.513s (8/20)
17. Scott Redding GBR Go&Fun Honda
Gresini (RCV1000R) 2m 3.412s | +2.831s
(12/16)
18. Randy De Puniet FRA Suzuki Test
Rider (XRH-1) 2m 3.485s | +2.904s
(8/21)
19. Hiroshi Aoyama JPN Drive M7 Aspar
(RCV1000R) 2m 3.812s | +3.231s
(13/21)
20. Mike Di Meglio FRA Avintia Blusens
(FTR-Kawasaki) 2m 4.002s | +3.421s
(13/24)
21. Michele Pirro ITA Ducati Test Rider
(Desmosedici) 2m 4.027s | +3.446s
(7/7)
22. Karel Abraham CZE Cardion AB
Motoracing (RCV1000R) 2m 5.198s |
+4.617s (4/18)
MotoGP Sepang day two 2pm
1. Aleix Espargaro ESP NGM Mobile
Forward Racing (FTR-M1) 2m 0.581s
(Lap 11/25)
2. Valentino Rossi ITA Yamaha Factory
Racing (YZR-M1) 2m 0.605s | +0.024s
(9/33)
3. Andrea Dovizioso ITA Ducati Team
(Desmosedici) 2m 0.787s | +0.206s
(8/23)
4. Alvaro Bautista ESP Go&Fun Honda
Gresini (RC213V) 2m 0.823s | +0.242s
(5/27)
5. Stefan Bradl GER LCR Honda MotoGP
(RC213V) 2m 0.902s | +0.321s (4/31)
6. Dani Pedrosa ESP Repsol Honda Team
(RC213V) 2m 0.928s | +0.347s (10/25)
7. Pol Espargaro ESP Monster Yamaha
Tech 3 (YZR-M1) 2m 1.027s | +0.446s
(12/27)
8. Jorge Lorenzo ESP Yamaha Factory
Racing (YZR-M1) 2m 1.049s | +0.468s
(30/32)
9. Andrea Iannone ITA Pramac Racing
(Desmosedici) 2m 1.173s | +0.592s
(23/25)
10. Bradley Smith GBR Monster Yamaha
Tech 3 (YZR-M1) 2m 1.349s | +0.768s
(4/35)
11. Yonny Hernandez COL Pramac Racing
(Desmosedici) 2m 1.658s | +1.077s
(7/24)
12. Colin Edwards USA NGM Mobile
Forward Racing (FTR-M1) 2m 1.996s |
+1.415s (25/30)
13. Cal Crutchlow GBR Ducati Team
(Desmosedici) 2m 2.267s | +1.686s
(19/25)
14. Hector Barbera ESP Avintia Blusens
(FTR-Kawasaki) 2m 2.491s | +1.910s
(3/28)
15. Nicky Hayden USA Drive M7 Aspar
(RCV1000R) 2m 2.677s | +2.096s
(14/32)
16. Randy de Puniet FRA Suzuki Test
Rider (XRH-1) 2m 2.870s | +2.289s
(25/36)
17. Katsuyuki Nakasuga JPN Yamaha
Test Rider (YZR-M1) 2m 3.094s |
+2.513s (8/23)
18. Hiroshi Aoyama JPN Drive M7 Aspar
(RCV1000R) 2m 3.100s | +2.519s
(40/41)
19. Michele Pirro ITA Ducati Test Rider
(Desmosedici) 2m 3.349s | +2.768s
(17/20)
20. Scott Redding GBR Go&Fun Honda
Gresini (RCV1000R) 2m 3.412s | +2.831s
(12/32)
21. Mike di Meglio FRA Avintia Blusens
(FTR-Kawasaki) 2m 4.002s | +3.421s
(13/38)
22. Karel Abraham CZE Cardion AB
Motoracing (RCV1000R) 2m 5.198s |
+4.617s (4/18)
MotoGP day 2 - 4pm
1. Aleix Espargaro ESP NGM Mobile
Forward Racing (FTR-M1) 2m 0.581s
(Lap 11/25)
2. Valentino Rossi ITA Yamaha Factory
Racing (YZR-M1) 2m 0.605s | +0.024s
(9/33)
3. Andrea Dovizioso ITA Ducati Team
(Desmosedici) 2m 0.787s | +0.206s
(8/23)
4. Alvaro Bautista ESP Go&Fun Honda
Gresini (RC213V) 2m 0.823s | +0.242s
(5/28)
5. Stefan Bradl GER LCR Honda MotoGP
(RC213V) 2m 0.902s | +0.321s (4/31)
6. Dani Pedrosa ESP Repsol Honda Team
(RC213V) 2m 0.928s | +0.347s (24/35)
7. Pol Espargaro ESP Monster Yamaha
Tech 3 (YZR-M1) 2m 1.027s | +0.446s
(12/27)
8. Jorge Lorenzo ESP Yamaha Factory
Racing (YZR-M1) 2m 1.049s | +0.468s
(30/37)
9. Andrea Iannone ITA Pramac Racing
(Desmosedici) 2m 1.173s | +0.592s
(23/30)
10. Bradley Smith GBR Monster Yamaha
Tech 3 (YZR-M1) 2m 1.349s | +0.768s
(4/35)
11. Yonny Hernandez COL Pramac Racing
(Desmosedici) 2m 1.658s | +1.077s
(7/29)
12. Colin Edwards USA NGM Mobile
Forward Racing (FTR-M1) 2m 1.996s |
+1.415s (25/30)
13. Cal Crutchlow GBR Ducati Team
(Desmosedici) 2m 2.267s | +1.686s
(19/25)
14. Hector Barbera ESP Avintia Blusens
(FTR-Kawasaki) 2m 2.491s | +1.910s
(3/28)
15. Nicky Hayden USA Drive M7 Aspar
(RCV1000R) 2m 2.677s | +2.096s
(14/39)
16. Michele Pirro ITA Ducati Test Rider
(Desmosedici) 2m 2.799s | +2.218s
(25/26)
17. Randy De Puniet FRA Suzuki Test
Rider (XRH-1) 2m 2.870s | +2.289s
(25/36)
18. Katsuyuki Nakasuga JPN Yamaha
Test Rider (YZR-M1) 2m 3.094s |
+2.513s (8/34)
19. Hiroshi Aoyama JPN Drive M7 Aspar
(RCV1000R) 2m 3.100s | +2.519s
(40/41)
20. Scott Redding GBR Go&Fun Honda
Gresini (RCV1000R) 2m 3.412s | +2.831s
(12/32)
21. Mike Di Meglio FRA Avintia Blusens
(FTR-Kawasaki) 2m 4.002s | +3.421s
(13/38)
22. Karel Abraham CZE Cardion AB
Motoracing (RCV1000R) 2m 5.198s |
+4.617s (4/18)
MotoGP day 2 final test times
1. Dani Pedrosa ESP Repsol Honda Team
(RC213V) 2m 0.039s (Lap 55/57)
2. Aleix Espargaro ESP NGM Mobile
Forward Racing (FTR-M1) 2m 0.320s |
+0.281s (39/41)
3. Alvaro Bautista ESP Go&Fun Honda
Gresini (RC213V) 2m 0.500s | +0.461s
(52/55)
4. Valentino Rossi ITA Yamaha Factory
Racing (YZR-M1) 2m 0.605s | +0.566s
(9 /60)
5. Andrea Dovizioso ITA Ducati Team
(Desmosedici) 2m 0.787s | +0.748s
(8 /48)
6. Stefan Bradl GER LCR Honda MotoGP
(RC213V) 2m 0.902s | +0.863s (24/30)
7. Cal Crutchlow GBR Ducati Team
(Desmosedici) 2m 0.952s | +0.913s
(12/52)
8. Pol Espargaro ESP Monster Yamaha
Tech 3 (YZR-M1) 2m 1.027s | +0.988s
(12/47)
9. Jorge Lorenzo ESP Yamaha Factory
Racing (YZR-M1) 2m 1.049s | +1.010s
(30/30)
10. Bradley Smith GBR Monster Yamaha
Tech 3 (YZR-M1) 2m 1.098s | +1.059s
(57/60)
11. Andrea Iannone ITA Pramac Racing
(Desmosedici) 2m 1.173s | +1.134s
(23/49)
12. Yonny Hernandez COL Pramac Racing
(Desmosedici) 2m 1.658s | +1.619s
(7 /50)
13. Colin Edwards USA NGM Mobile
Forward Racing (FTR-M1) 2m 1.996s |
+1.957s (25/45)
14. Nicky Hayden USA Drive M7 Aspar
(RCV1000R) 2m 2.088s | +2.049s
(55/59)
15. Randy de Puniet FRA Suzuki Test
Rider (XRH-1) 2m 2.139s | +2.100s
(59/39)
16. Hector Barbera ESP Avintia Blusens
(FTR-Kawasaki) 2m 2.149s | +2.110s
(43/45)
17. Scott Redding GBR Go&Fun Honda
Gresini (RCV1000R) 2m 2.652s | +2.613s
(38/24)
18. Hiroshi Aoyama JPN Drive M7 Aspar
(RCV1000R) 2m 2.786s | +2.747s
(70/72)
19. Michele Pirro ITA Ducati Test Rider
(Desmosedici) 2m 2.799s | +2.760s
(25/22)
20. Katsuyuki Nakasuga JPN Yamaha
Test Rider (YZR-M1) 2m 2.802s |
+2.763s (47/48)
21. Mike di Meglio FRA Avintia Blusens
(FTR-Kawasaki) 2m 3.946s | +3.907s
(50/51)
22. Karel Abraham CZE Cardion AB
Motoracing (RCV1000R) 2m 5.198s |
+5.159s (4 /25)
23. Nobuatsu Aoki JPN Suzuki Test Rider
(XRH-1) 2m 7.462s | +7.423s (19/20)
MotoGP Sepang day2 12pm
1. Aleix Espargaro ESP NGM Mobile
Forward Racing (FTR-M1) 2m 0.581s
(Lap 11/16)
2. Valentino Rossi ITA Yamaha Factory
Racing (YZR-M1) 2m 0.605s | +0.024s
(9/27)
3. Andrea Dovizioso ITA Ducati Team
(Desmosedici) 2m 0.787s | +0.206s
(8/17)
4. Alvaro Bautista ESP Go&Fun Honda
Gresini (RC213V) 2m 0.823s | +0.242s
(5/22)
5. Stefan Bradl GER LCR Honda MotoGP
(RC213V) 2m 0.902s | +0.321s (4/23)
6. Pol Espargaro ESP Monster Yamaha
Tech 3 (YZR-M1) 2m 1.027s | +0.446s
(12/19)
7. Jorge Lorenzo ESP Yamaha Factory
Racing (YZR-M1) 2m 1.295s | +0.714s
(3/16)
8. Bradley Smith GBR Monster Yamaha
Tech 3 (YZR-M1) 2m 1.349s | +0.768s
(4/25)
9. Yonny Hernandez COL Pramac Racing
(Desmosedici) 2m 1.658s | +1.077s
(7/18)
10. Andrea Iannone ITA Pramac Racing
(Desmosedici) 2m 1.933s | +1.352s
(9/10)
11. Dani Pedrosa ESP Repsol Honda
Team (RC213V) 2m 2.050s | +1.469s
(4/15)
12. Colin Edwards USA NGM Mobile
Forward Racing (FTR-M1) 2m 2.453s |
+1.872s (11/22)
13. Hector Barbera ESP Avintia Blusens
(FTR-Kawasaki) 2m 2.491s | +1.910s
(3/14)
14. Cal Crutchlow GBR Ducati Team
(Desmosedici) 2m 2.562s | +1.981s
(5/16)
15. Nicky Hayden USA Drive M7 Aspar
(RCV1000R) 2m 2.677s | +2.096s
(14/17)
16. Katsuyuki Nakasuga JPN Yamaha
Test Rider (YZR-M1) 2m 3.094s |
+2.513s (8/20)
17. Scott Redding GBR Go&Fun Honda
Gresini (RCV1000R) 2m 3.412s | +2.831s
(12/16)
18. Randy De Puniet FRA Suzuki Test
Rider (XRH-1) 2m 3.485s | +2.904s
(8/21)
19. Hiroshi Aoyama JPN Drive M7 Aspar
(RCV1000R) 2m 3.812s | +3.231s
(13/21)
20. Mike Di Meglio FRA Avintia Blusens
(FTR-Kawasaki) 2m 4.002s | +3.421s
(13/24)
21. Michele Pirro ITA Ducati Test Rider
(Desmosedici) 2m 4.027s | +3.446s
(7/7)
22. Karel Abraham CZE Cardion AB
Motoracing (RCV1000R) 2m 5.198s |
+4.617s (4/18)
MotoGP Sepang day two 2pm
1. Aleix Espargaro ESP NGM Mobile
Forward Racing (FTR-M1) 2m 0.581s
(Lap 11/25)
2. Valentino Rossi ITA Yamaha Factory
Racing (YZR-M1) 2m 0.605s | +0.024s
(9/33)
3. Andrea Dovizioso ITA Ducati Team
(Desmosedici) 2m 0.787s | +0.206s
(8/23)
4. Alvaro Bautista ESP Go&Fun Honda
Gresini (RC213V) 2m 0.823s | +0.242s
(5/27)
5. Stefan Bradl GER LCR Honda MotoGP
(RC213V) 2m 0.902s | +0.321s (4/31)
6. Dani Pedrosa ESP Repsol Honda Team
(RC213V) 2m 0.928s | +0.347s (10/25)
7. Pol Espargaro ESP Monster Yamaha
Tech 3 (YZR-M1) 2m 1.027s | +0.446s
(12/27)
8. Jorge Lorenzo ESP Yamaha Factory
Racing (YZR-M1) 2m 1.049s | +0.468s
(30/32)
9. Andrea Iannone ITA Pramac Racing
(Desmosedici) 2m 1.173s | +0.592s
(23/25)
10. Bradley Smith GBR Monster Yamaha
Tech 3 (YZR-M1) 2m 1.349s | +0.768s
(4/35)
11. Yonny Hernandez COL Pramac Racing
(Desmosedici) 2m 1.658s | +1.077s
(7/24)
12. Colin Edwards USA NGM Mobile
Forward Racing (FTR-M1) 2m 1.996s |
+1.415s (25/30)
13. Cal Crutchlow GBR Ducati Team
(Desmosedici) 2m 2.267s | +1.686s
(19/25)
14. Hector Barbera ESP Avintia Blusens
(FTR-Kawasaki) 2m 2.491s | +1.910s
(3/28)
15. Nicky Hayden USA Drive M7 Aspar
(RCV1000R) 2m 2.677s | +2.096s
(14/32)
16. Randy de Puniet FRA Suzuki Test
Rider (XRH-1) 2m 2.870s | +2.289s
(25/36)
17. Katsuyuki Nakasuga JPN Yamaha
Test Rider (YZR-M1) 2m 3.094s |
+2.513s (8/23)
18. Hiroshi Aoyama JPN Drive M7 Aspar
(RCV1000R) 2m 3.100s | +2.519s
(40/41)
19. Michele Pirro ITA Ducati Test Rider
(Desmosedici) 2m 3.349s | +2.768s
(17/20)
20. Scott Redding GBR Go&Fun Honda
Gresini (RCV1000R) 2m 3.412s | +2.831s
(12/32)
21. Mike di Meglio FRA Avintia Blusens
(FTR-Kawasaki) 2m 4.002s | +3.421s
(13/38)
22. Karel Abraham CZE Cardion AB
Motoracing (RCV1000R) 2m 5.198s |
+4.617s (4/18)
MotoGP day 2 - 4pm
1. Aleix Espargaro ESP NGM Mobile
Forward Racing (FTR-M1) 2m 0.581s
(Lap 11/25)
2. Valentino Rossi ITA Yamaha Factory
Racing (YZR-M1) 2m 0.605s | +0.024s
(9/33)
3. Andrea Dovizioso ITA Ducati Team
(Desmosedici) 2m 0.787s | +0.206s
(8/23)
4. Alvaro Bautista ESP Go&Fun Honda
Gresini (RC213V) 2m 0.823s | +0.242s
(5/28)
5. Stefan Bradl GER LCR Honda MotoGP
(RC213V) 2m 0.902s | +0.321s (4/31)
6. Dani Pedrosa ESP Repsol Honda Team
(RC213V) 2m 0.928s | +0.347s (24/35)
7. Pol Espargaro ESP Monster Yamaha
Tech 3 (YZR-M1) 2m 1.027s | +0.446s
(12/27)
8. Jorge Lorenzo ESP Yamaha Factory
Racing (YZR-M1) 2m 1.049s | +0.468s
(30/37)
9. Andrea Iannone ITA Pramac Racing
(Desmosedici) 2m 1.173s | +0.592s
(23/30)
10. Bradley Smith GBR Monster Yamaha
Tech 3 (YZR-M1) 2m 1.349s | +0.768s
(4/35)
11. Yonny Hernandez COL Pramac Racing
(Desmosedici) 2m 1.658s | +1.077s
(7/29)
12. Colin Edwards USA NGM Mobile
Forward Racing (FTR-M1) 2m 1.996s |
+1.415s (25/30)
13. Cal Crutchlow GBR Ducati Team
(Desmosedici) 2m 2.267s | +1.686s
(19/25)
14. Hector Barbera ESP Avintia Blusens
(FTR-Kawasaki) 2m 2.491s | +1.910s
(3/28)
15. Nicky Hayden USA Drive M7 Aspar
(RCV1000R) 2m 2.677s | +2.096s
(14/39)
16. Michele Pirro ITA Ducati Test Rider
(Desmosedici) 2m 2.799s | +2.218s
(25/26)
17. Randy De Puniet FRA Suzuki Test
Rider (XRH-1) 2m 2.870s | +2.289s
(25/36)
18. Katsuyuki Nakasuga JPN Yamaha
Test Rider (YZR-M1) 2m 3.094s |
+2.513s (8/34)
19. Hiroshi Aoyama JPN Drive M7 Aspar
(RCV1000R) 2m 3.100s | +2.519s
(40/41)
20. Scott Redding GBR Go&Fun Honda
Gresini (RCV1000R) 2m 3.412s | +2.831s
(12/32)
21. Mike Di Meglio FRA Avintia Blusens
(FTR-Kawasaki) 2m 4.002s | +3.421s
(13/38)
22. Karel Abraham CZE Cardion AB
Motoracing (RCV1000R) 2m 5.198s |
+4.617s (4/18)
MotoGP day 2 final test times
1. Dani Pedrosa ESP Repsol Honda Team
(RC213V) 2m 0.039s (Lap 55/57)
2. Aleix Espargaro ESP NGM Mobile
Forward Racing (FTR-M1) 2m 0.320s |
+0.281s (39/41)
3. Alvaro Bautista ESP Go&Fun Honda
Gresini (RC213V) 2m 0.500s | +0.461s
(52/55)
4. Valentino Rossi ITA Yamaha Factory
Racing (YZR-M1) 2m 0.605s | +0.566s
(9 /60)
5. Andrea Dovizioso ITA Ducati Team
(Desmosedici) 2m 0.787s | +0.748s
(8 /48)
6. Stefan Bradl GER LCR Honda MotoGP
(RC213V) 2m 0.902s | +0.863s (24/30)
7. Cal Crutchlow GBR Ducati Team
(Desmosedici) 2m 0.952s | +0.913s
(12/52)
8. Pol Espargaro ESP Monster Yamaha
Tech 3 (YZR-M1) 2m 1.027s | +0.988s
(12/47)
9. Jorge Lorenzo ESP Yamaha Factory
Racing (YZR-M1) 2m 1.049s | +1.010s
(30/30)
10. Bradley Smith GBR Monster Yamaha
Tech 3 (YZR-M1) 2m 1.098s | +1.059s
(57/60)
11. Andrea Iannone ITA Pramac Racing
(Desmosedici) 2m 1.173s | +1.134s
(23/49)
12. Yonny Hernandez COL Pramac Racing
(Desmosedici) 2m 1.658s | +1.619s
(7 /50)
13. Colin Edwards USA NGM Mobile
Forward Racing (FTR-M1) 2m 1.996s |
+1.957s (25/45)
14. Nicky Hayden USA Drive M7 Aspar
(RCV1000R) 2m 2.088s | +2.049s
(55/59)
15. Randy de Puniet FRA Suzuki Test
Rider (XRH-1) 2m 2.139s | +2.100s
(59/39)
16. Hector Barbera ESP Avintia Blusens
(FTR-Kawasaki) 2m 2.149s | +2.110s
(43/45)
17. Scott Redding GBR Go&Fun Honda
Gresini (RCV1000R) 2m 2.652s | +2.613s
(38/24)
18. Hiroshi Aoyama JPN Drive M7 Aspar
(RCV1000R) 2m 2.786s | +2.747s
(70/72)
19. Michele Pirro ITA Ducati Test Rider
(Desmosedici) 2m 2.799s | +2.760s
(25/22)
20. Katsuyuki Nakasuga JPN Yamaha
Test Rider (YZR-M1) 2m 2.802s |
+2.763s (47/48)
21. Mike di Meglio FRA Avintia Blusens
(FTR-Kawasaki) 2m 3.946s | +3.907s
(50/51)
22. Karel Abraham CZE Cardion AB
Motoracing (RCV1000R) 2m 5.198s |
+5.159s (4 /25)
23. Nobuatsu Aoki JPN Suzuki Test Rider
(XRH-1) 2m 7.462s | +7.423s (19/20)
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