It is round three of the Moto 3 World Championship at the Autodromo Termas de Rio Hondo. All over South America, fans have come to see these races. Can Jack Miller win three races in a row after winning in Qatar, and at Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas last time out. Efren Vazquez, and Danny Kent, will start second and third.
21 laps are scheduled for this Moto 3 contest. Brad Binder and Alexis Masbou crashed in practice, as did other riders towards the back of the grid, including Dutchman Scott Deroue. Grand Prix motorcycle racing returns to Argentina, for the first time, in 15 years. We're ready for a start in Moto 3. Go! At the start, Vazquez and Danny Kent take the lead. Jakub Kornfeil crashes immediately as another rider stalls. Jack Miller might try to get away. Jakub Kornfeil is out. Andrea Locatelli and Karel Hanika both crash.
Romano Fenati is leading this race right now. Miguel Oliveira had his clutch go sour. Fenati leads Miller, Vazquez, and Danny Kent. Jakub Korneil is back in this race. Kornfeil made contact with Francesco Bagnaia. Danny Kent wants to get by via the draft. Miller wants to pull away, but, he can't quite do it. It's KTM vs. Honda. Arthur Sissis and Andrea Locatelli also got caught up in that earlier mess. John McPhee is starting to move up, too.
Fenati and Miller battle for the lead. McPhee tries passing Bagnaia, and makes the pass stick. Efren Vazquez is new and improved in his riding style, being more patient. Miller sweeps by Fenati. Fenati tries to get by Bagnaia. Alex Marquez sets fast lap, but he has to catch the leaders. John McPhee runs fifth, having come from 13th on the grid. Into turn nine, Miller and Fenati continue their scrap. This is the front of the field, and it's anyone's race right now.
Alex Rins makes a move on Francesco Bagnaia. Bagnaia battles Niccolo Antonelli. Efren Vazquez is still waiting. He wants to pounce. Kent was dropped by Miller and McPhee, down the order. Where's Alex Rins? He's still going for it behind Kent and McPhee. Rins is on the outside line. Isaac Vinales is now in the top five. Miller, Fenati, and Vazquez, are still 1-2-3. Some of these riders are beginning to get desperate with 14 laps to go.
Rins comes from eighth spot on the grid. Miller and Fenati still lead. Nothing has changed. Rins is going for it, but John McPhee falls in turn two. Fenati and Miller are swapping places at every turn. McPhee is out of this one. The Scotsman will not finish this race. Miller passes Romano Fenati. We aren't even half way through this race yet, folks.
Efren Vazquez still wants to win. But, again, he knows better, and is able to be patient. Fenati passes Miller. Vazquez still can't quite make a pass. Francesco Bagnaia has fallen, although, he does rejoin the action. Niccolo Antonelli crashes, too. He rejoins as well, but, these guys seem to be dropping like flies. Vazquez has made his move on Jack Miller. Will he try Fenati? He does. He takes the lead for a little while, as Fenati and Miller push their way by.
The old Efren Vazquez would be pushing like no tomorrow. The new Efren Vazquez, is much more patient. Alex Marquez makes a move on Danny Kent. Fenati leads this one. Vazquez is close by Jack Miller. Vazquez takes the lead again. But, only briefly. It's funny how the Honda's have the power over the KTM's, but Vazquez still has trouble keeping the advantage, in the race lead.
Marquez and Rins are pushing to the front with only nine laps left in this race. It's three Honda's vs. two KTM's. Fenati and Vazquez are trying to pass. Fenati actually takes the lead from Vazquez. Vazquez runs wide and allows Miller to sweep by. Vazquez has to cool it a little bit, and restore himself back to the patient rider he was for most of this race. Livio Loi and Danny Kent battle for sixth. Livio Loi is celebrating his 17th birthday, and he might get a sixth place finish out of this one.
It's KTM vs. Honda. Fenati continues to lead this one. Moto 3 never lets you down. Can Jack Miller win three races in a row? Efren Vazquez runs wide and Alex Rins goes side by side. He has to sit up. Alex Marquez has been running well for this whole race. Vazquez and other knows they have the potential to win this. Miller continues to lead, with Romano Fenati second... shades of Austin, Texas, last time out. Alex Marquez needs points.
Six laps remain on this 2.9 mile track. Can Vazquez close up again? Vazquez is trying to come back. But, the three at the front, extend their lead. Just four laps to go. If you're going to make a move, make it now. Livio Loi is closing up on the front of the field as Alex Marquez leads this race. Jack Miller and Romano Fenati are still pushing. Livio Loi is still closing. He's 9/10ths of a second behind. If the leaders get in trouble, he could be close enough to capitalize.
Rins wants a podium place. Fenati leads. Three laps left. Livio Loi is closing up. What a birthday celebration if he could get on the podium, or win. Fenati and Miller contiue to battle, and there's now a three way fight as Miller takes the back! Fenati runs wide. He retians second. Marquez is closing on Fenati. Karel Hanika crashes again, and he high sides the bike. Game over. Miller still leads. But Livio Loi is flying in fourth place.
Miller wants his third consecutive win. Fenati wants his first win in two years. Three wide, and who is bravest on the brakes. Marquez takes the lead. Miller and Fenati almost touch. Loi is closing up. He's playing the patience game. A lap and a half remains. Livio Loi is being patient. Fenati leads starting the final lap. Marquez tries to get inside but he can't as they go through turn one and into turn two. Watch for turn five at the end of the 1.1 kilometer back straight.
This is the fastest part of the track. Miller goes up the inside. Miller trakes the lead, runs wide, and now, Marquez takes the lead back. Fenati is third. Watch for him. Miller leads, and here comesd Marquez up ofver the rise. Contact between Miller and Marquez. Loi is coming, too. He's third. Fenati pushes Miller out of the way, and wins! Wow! Fenati is delighted, winning for Valentino Rossi's team as Danny Kent crashes right at the end of the race!
#5 Romano Fenati ITA. KTM Ascoli Piceno
Now, will Fenati be demoted from his win because of the contact at the end of the race? The results are under scrutiny. The results are provisional at this moment. Race control is still investigating the last lap fracas. Ah. No worries. The podium remains the same, and Fenati, keeps his victory. The next race for Moto 3 is the Spanish Grand Prix at the Jerez de la Frontera circuit in Jerez, Spain, happening this weekend.
Wednesday, April 30, 2014
Tuesday, April 29, 2014
Moto 2: Argentina
It's now time for the Moto 2 race from Argentina and the Autodromo Termas de Rio Hondo. This is round three of the championship.
Xavier Simeon, Johann Zarco, and Tito Rabat, are on the front row. Rabat, has pole. Nico Terol and Thomas Luthi are at the back of the grid. Anthony West is one of two riders who has experience in Argentina, as he ran the 250cc race in 1999. Track temperatures are going up. Johann Zarco is the only rider to go with a softer rear tire in the heat. Everyone else in this race, seems to be on hard tire compounds on the rear, and also, the front.
We're ready for the first ever Moto 2 race in Argentina. Go! Xavier Simeon has a good start, and so do Jonas Folger and Maverick Vinales as Tito Rabat leads. They stream onto the one kilometer back straight. Simeon leads. Luis Salom is fifth and Johann Zarco is losing spots. The Caterham team needs to finish and needs points. Everyone seems to be through the opening corners cleanly. One lap done and dusted in this 22 lap race.
Dominik Aegerter had a good start, too, as Mattia Passini runs wide. Richard Cardus also runs wide. Tom Luthi has fallen to caboose on the field. Rabat runs a good pace at the front. Simone Corsi is fifth. Maverick Vinales and Jonas Folger are pushing. Alex de Angelis runs seventh. This is very close racing for the 600cc bikes. Tito Rabat continues to lead. Check the race distance. 23 laps. Mika Kallio is 12th in his 200th motorcycle Grand Prix.
Luis Salom passes Simone Corsi. Maverick Vinales was caught by surprise. Xavier Simeon passes Maverick Vinales, too. Rabat leads. Richard Cardus has crashed. Game over. Luis Salom sets fastest lap. Johann Zarco is eleventh after running wide at the start. Rabat, Simeon, Salom... the top three. Cardus did indeed fall off the bike. Salom wants to pass Simeon. Oh rats! Maverick Vinales is out of this race! Disaster for the Spaniard!
Salom passes Simeon, and runs wide. Rabat continues to lead this one. The race is just five laps old. Mika Kallio is up to eighth place. Mika Kallio is flying, but he won't be in contention. Sam Lowes is up to twelfth spot. Game over for Maverick Vinales. Simone Corsi runs fourth. There's still 17 laps left. Corsi runs fast lap of the race. Not sure of the time. Sam Lowes is chasing Jordi Torres. Sandro Cortese (the first Moto 3 champion), is still running well.
Mika Kallio continues to run ahead of Sandro Cortese. Tito Rabat is still pushing. He concentrated on race pace in qualifying, and it seems to be working. Takaaki Nakagami is now ahead of Johann Zarco, who is plummeting down the order. Nico Terol passes Johann Zarco. Franco Morbidelli is also in this battle. Nakagaami and Terol battle. Nakagaami is pushing Zarco, who is on softer tires. But, that is not helping. He's sinking down the order.
Corsi passes Salom for third. Xavier Simeon is the quickest bike in this race, running second. Simeon is coming, and fast. Simeon runs fast lap at 1:44.358. Dominik Aegerter is fifth, closing on Luis Salom as Mika Kallio has passed Jonas Folger. Sandro Cortese rounds out the top ten. Rabat responds to Simeon. Rabat is in control of the pace right now. Dominik Aegerter is running a good race so far, too. We're halfway through this race. Gino Rea runs caboose on the field.
Luis Salom is trapped behind Simone Corsi. Tom Luthi is moving up somewhat, passing Randy Krummenacher. Salom is being held up by Corsi right now. Tito Rabat continues to lead. Kallio is trying to catch Alex de Angelis, having broken away from Anthony West. Ten laps remain. Tito Rabat has dominated this race so far. Alex de Angelis is sixth as West, Cortese, and Folger, battle. Nico Terol, Sam Lowes, and Marcel Schrotter are in a battle of their own.
Lowes battles West, and Nico Terol has passed them both. Sam Lowes hurt his ankle in practice. Lowes has not had a good start to his Moto 2 career, after winning the championship last year in FIM World Supersport. Rabat wants his second win of the year, after winning in Qatar, and finishing second in Austin, Texas at Circuit of the Americas. Salom passes Corsi through turn seven. Corsi comes back, saying, "no way, buddy."
Dominik Aegerter is coming, too. Eight laps left. Cortese, Folger, Lowes, Torres, Schrotter, and West, all scrap. Meanwhile, Corsi and Salom still scrap. Luis Salom needs speed into turn six. He's not close enough. Dominik Aegerter might get on the podium. Tom Luthi is moving up, into 21st place. Franco Morbidelli is running well, and he might get into the points, after almost doing so last year in Valencia, as a wildcard rider.
Tito Rabat is in control of this race. Just six laps remain in this race. Rabat leads Simeon by a second and a half. Five laps left. Xavier Simeon has had a great race. Sam Lowes, Marcel Schrotter, Jordi Torres, and Marcel Schrotter, are also in that group. Tito Rabat runs fast lap at 1:44 flat, with four laps left. Corsi, Salom, and Aegerter, could all be in contention for the final podium spot. Luis Salom passes Simone Corsi, but Salom runs wide.
Corsi, Salom, and Aegerter, are still in this fight. Rabat leads by 1.9 seconds, and he's still running fastest, in the 1:44 range. Corsi runs wide and Salom passes. He's trying to go for it, and get Salom back. Dominik Aegerter, watches all this. Salom is up to third, as Tito Rabat has dominated. He's going to win this race, getting his second victory of 2014 in Moto 2, and his fifth Moto 2 victory. Aegerter is right on top of Simone Corsi now.
Corsi isn't giving up. This is the last lap of the race. Rabat has a 2.2 second lead. Dominik Aegerter wants to pass Simone Corsi. But, odds are, he might not be able to. Tito Rabat will win his second Moto 2 race of 2014.
#53 Esteve Rabat ESP Kalex Barcelona
The next Moto 2 race is in Spain at the Jerez de la Frontera circuit, coming up this weekend.
Xavier Simeon, Johann Zarco, and Tito Rabat, are on the front row. Rabat, has pole. Nico Terol and Thomas Luthi are at the back of the grid. Anthony West is one of two riders who has experience in Argentina, as he ran the 250cc race in 1999. Track temperatures are going up. Johann Zarco is the only rider to go with a softer rear tire in the heat. Everyone else in this race, seems to be on hard tire compounds on the rear, and also, the front.
We're ready for the first ever Moto 2 race in Argentina. Go! Xavier Simeon has a good start, and so do Jonas Folger and Maverick Vinales as Tito Rabat leads. They stream onto the one kilometer back straight. Simeon leads. Luis Salom is fifth and Johann Zarco is losing spots. The Caterham team needs to finish and needs points. Everyone seems to be through the opening corners cleanly. One lap done and dusted in this 22 lap race.
Dominik Aegerter had a good start, too, as Mattia Passini runs wide. Richard Cardus also runs wide. Tom Luthi has fallen to caboose on the field. Rabat runs a good pace at the front. Simone Corsi is fifth. Maverick Vinales and Jonas Folger are pushing. Alex de Angelis runs seventh. This is very close racing for the 600cc bikes. Tito Rabat continues to lead. Check the race distance. 23 laps. Mika Kallio is 12th in his 200th motorcycle Grand Prix.
Luis Salom passes Simone Corsi. Maverick Vinales was caught by surprise. Xavier Simeon passes Maverick Vinales, too. Rabat leads. Richard Cardus has crashed. Game over. Luis Salom sets fastest lap. Johann Zarco is eleventh after running wide at the start. Rabat, Simeon, Salom... the top three. Cardus did indeed fall off the bike. Salom wants to pass Simeon. Oh rats! Maverick Vinales is out of this race! Disaster for the Spaniard!
Salom passes Simeon, and runs wide. Rabat continues to lead this one. The race is just five laps old. Mika Kallio is up to eighth place. Mika Kallio is flying, but he won't be in contention. Sam Lowes is up to twelfth spot. Game over for Maverick Vinales. Simone Corsi runs fourth. There's still 17 laps left. Corsi runs fast lap of the race. Not sure of the time. Sam Lowes is chasing Jordi Torres. Sandro Cortese (the first Moto 3 champion), is still running well.
Mika Kallio continues to run ahead of Sandro Cortese. Tito Rabat is still pushing. He concentrated on race pace in qualifying, and it seems to be working. Takaaki Nakagami is now ahead of Johann Zarco, who is plummeting down the order. Nico Terol passes Johann Zarco. Franco Morbidelli is also in this battle. Nakagaami and Terol battle. Nakagaami is pushing Zarco, who is on softer tires. But, that is not helping. He's sinking down the order.
Corsi passes Salom for third. Xavier Simeon is the quickest bike in this race, running second. Simeon is coming, and fast. Simeon runs fast lap at 1:44.358. Dominik Aegerter is fifth, closing on Luis Salom as Mika Kallio has passed Jonas Folger. Sandro Cortese rounds out the top ten. Rabat responds to Simeon. Rabat is in control of the pace right now. Dominik Aegerter is running a good race so far, too. We're halfway through this race. Gino Rea runs caboose on the field.
Luis Salom is trapped behind Simone Corsi. Tom Luthi is moving up somewhat, passing Randy Krummenacher. Salom is being held up by Corsi right now. Tito Rabat continues to lead. Kallio is trying to catch Alex de Angelis, having broken away from Anthony West. Ten laps remain. Tito Rabat has dominated this race so far. Alex de Angelis is sixth as West, Cortese, and Folger, battle. Nico Terol, Sam Lowes, and Marcel Schrotter are in a battle of their own.
Lowes battles West, and Nico Terol has passed them both. Sam Lowes hurt his ankle in practice. Lowes has not had a good start to his Moto 2 career, after winning the championship last year in FIM World Supersport. Rabat wants his second win of the year, after winning in Qatar, and finishing second in Austin, Texas at Circuit of the Americas. Salom passes Corsi through turn seven. Corsi comes back, saying, "no way, buddy."
Dominik Aegerter is coming, too. Eight laps left. Cortese, Folger, Lowes, Torres, Schrotter, and West, all scrap. Meanwhile, Corsi and Salom still scrap. Luis Salom needs speed into turn six. He's not close enough. Dominik Aegerter might get on the podium. Tom Luthi is moving up, into 21st place. Franco Morbidelli is running well, and he might get into the points, after almost doing so last year in Valencia, as a wildcard rider.
Tito Rabat is in control of this race. Just six laps remain in this race. Rabat leads Simeon by a second and a half. Five laps left. Xavier Simeon has had a great race. Sam Lowes, Marcel Schrotter, Jordi Torres, and Marcel Schrotter, are also in that group. Tito Rabat runs fast lap at 1:44 flat, with four laps left. Corsi, Salom, and Aegerter, could all be in contention for the final podium spot. Luis Salom passes Simone Corsi, but Salom runs wide.
Corsi, Salom, and Aegerter, are still in this fight. Rabat leads by 1.9 seconds, and he's still running fastest, in the 1:44 range. Corsi runs wide and Salom passes. He's trying to go for it, and get Salom back. Dominik Aegerter, watches all this. Salom is up to third, as Tito Rabat has dominated. He's going to win this race, getting his second victory of 2014 in Moto 2, and his fifth Moto 2 victory. Aegerter is right on top of Simone Corsi now.
Corsi isn't giving up. This is the last lap of the race. Rabat has a 2.2 second lead. Dominik Aegerter wants to pass Simone Corsi. But, odds are, he might not be able to. Tito Rabat will win his second Moto 2 race of 2014.
#53 Esteve Rabat ESP Kalex Barcelona
The next Moto 2 race is in Spain at the Jerez de la Frontera circuit, coming up this weekend.
Monday, April 28, 2014
MotoGP round 3: Argentina
For the first time in 15 years, MotoGP races in Argentina at the Autodromo Termas de Rio Hondo. This is the Grand Prix of Argentina, in the northwestern part of the country. In qualifying, Jorge Lorenzo qualified scond. Stefan Bradl high sided his bike and got woosy, so he sat out the rest of the session. But, Marc Marquez starts on pole at 1:37.683. Tire management will be big, and the track layout will be a major factor, as it was redesigned last year, by track owner, and architect Jarno Zaffelli.
This track is flat, just under three miles, and has 14 turns. Michele Pirro sits in for Cal Crutchlow in this race, at Ducati. Pirro, is the Ducati test rider. Marc Marquez brings an unblemished record into this race, having won two in a row. This is the eleventh race for MotoGP in Argentina. Cal Crutchlow will return for the next race next weekend. Jorge Lorenzo says that his jumped start in Texas last time out, was because of mosquitoes in his helmet, bugging him. No pun intended. Watch the action through turns 9, 10, and 11 in this race. We're ready to race, now. The bikes are on their warmup lap. We're ready for a start.
Go! At the start, Jorge Lorenzo leads as Dani pedrosa passes Marc Marquez and here comes Andrea Ianonne as this 26 lap race gets underway, and the bikes fly down the 1.1 kilometer back straightaway. Ianonne runs wide and Alvaro Bautista and Danilo Petrucci, crash. Dani Pedrosa leads. But, poor old Alvaro Bautista. Three races... nil points. Valentino Rossi now leads but in a three wide battle, he loses out to Lorenzo and others. The two Yamaha's sandwiched out Pedrosa as Aleix Espargaro crashes!
Is this Moto 3 or MotoGP? Cool it, boys. Alexis Espargaro recovers. Ianonne is coming back as Lorenzo leads this one so far. Into turn five. Marquez is ahead of Pedrosa as Bradley Smith and Pol Espargaro are up there for Tech 3 Yamaha. Loprenzo runs fast lap. Not sure of the time. Ianonne is second, behind Lorenzo, passing Andrea Dovizioso. Lorenzo ekes out a 7/10ths of a second gap. Stefan Bradl is also moving up.
Dovizioso has to sit up as Marc Marquez makes a pass and now, Marquez is back up in the top five after sinking at the start. Marquez is inside Bradl now, carving his way through the field like a knhife through butter. Valentino Rossi is now coming up to second. The factory Yamaha's are 1-2. Marquez is in Ianonne's slipstream. Stefan Bradl wants a piece of this. Rossi runs wide. Marc Marquez comes to second. Rossi fights back. Ianonne is trying to go through, too. But Marc Marquez is loving this, because he can pull away.
Jorge Lorenzo still leads. Everything we've seen is that Marquez is going to catch Lorenzo. Marquez runs fast lap. Three bikes are out of this race. Rossi and Marquez are using the harder compound tire as Rossi runs wide in turn five and loses spots! That's a rough ride for Rossi. Give him a rest. He's a veteran. This is superb racing. Alvaro Bautista is down the order. Marquez is into the 1:40 range. Scott Redding runs ahead of Nicky Hayden. Aleix Espargaro is still in this race, but is behind.
We're now working lap seven. Lorenzo still leads, but Marquez is coming. Lots of position shuffling right now. Pedrosa, Bradl, and Rossi battle each other. Lorenzo moves off the racing line slightly as Pedrosa passes Ianonne. Stefan Bradl is also in the top five. Lorenzo will have to go for it. What can he do to rough up Marc Marquez? Aleix Espargaro crashed out on lap two of course. He qualified well, so, it's disappointing.
Rossi and Marquez have hard front tires, while Dani Pedrosa and Jorge Lorenzo are on medium tires while Stefan Bradl passes Andrea Ianonne. We've got a real fight on our hands, early on in this race. Lorenzo moves off the racing line, slightly. Pedrosa passes Ianonne. We are looking back down the order and Cal Crutchlow's super sub, Michele Pirro, is fifteenth. Rough up Marc Marquez. That's the only way he'll be beaten.
We watch a replay of Aleix Espargaro's crash. Giacomo Agostini was the last rider to win three races in a row, from pole. Agostini of course, is a 15 time MotoGP champion. Marquez is on a medium front tire, Lorenzo on hard. Both riders are using the harder rear tire from Bridgestone. 15 laps left. Rossi passes Ianonne and is looking fror Bradl and Pedrosa. Stefan Bradl and Dani Pedrosa are also putting in their best laps. Meanwhile, it's Lorenzo vs. Marquez for the lead between turns six and seven on the course.
Lorenzo knows Marquez is there. We're on lap 12 of 26. One lap to halfway. Andrea Dovizioso is challenged by Bradley Smith who has left team mate Pol Espargaro behind. Yonny Hernandez is hanging in there as Bradley Smith fends off Dovizioso's challenge. Nicky Hayden and Hiroshi Aoyama also are behind as Valentino Rossi passes Stefan Bradl. Bradl crashed in qualifying of course. Down the long back straight, Rossi continues to hold his position over Bradl, but, he runs wide, again.
This is the halfway mark in the race. Marquez got a bad start as he was pushed out by Pedrosa and Lorenzo. Dovizioso had a big wobble and Colin Edwards didn't get the best start. Lorenzo leads. But, Marquez wants it. Lorenzo wants to force Marc Marquez into a mistake as we work lap 14. Aleix Espargaro has passed Broc Parkes. Parkes had a decent qualifying run, even though he's caboose on the field.
Pedrosa and Rossi are third and fourth, and Pedrosa is slightly quicker. Ten laps to go now. Marquez is pouring on the steam at the moment. Marquez closes on Lorenzo onto the back straight. Will Marquez outbrake Lorenzo into turn five? No. He ran too deep into turns three and four. Turn six is the second longest corner on this Rio Hondo track. This is the second fastest track for MotoGP, after only Philip Island in Victoria, Australia, where the bikes will race in the fall.
Anything can happen with tire degradation. Lorenzo, Marquez, and Pedrosa are 1-2-3. Pedrosa has shaken up Valentino Rossi, and he's trying to push his rivals (Marquez and Lorenzo). Here comes Marquez, and he shoves Lorenzo out of the way. Will Marc Marquez win three in a row? Eight laps remain in Argentina. This race will be decided in the next two laps. Can Pedrosa do anything about this battle? Not really. He wants to make it a Repsol Honda 1-2. But, there's now just six laps to go.
Michael Laverty passes Mike di Meglio. Aleix Espargaro has passed Colin Edwards, and di Meglio. Six laps remain now. Dani Pedrosa normally struggles with a medium tire towards the end of the race. He's also having trouble with a hard tire. We've got battles all over the speedway, with Nicky Hayden, Hiroshi Aoyama, Karel Abraham, and others. Jorge Lorenzo and Dani Pedrosa are very close to each other right now. Three laps to go.
Pedrosa could be up with the leaders. But, that's not to be. Nicky Hayden moves into the top ten. Michele Pirro will pick up points for Cal Crutchlow with two laps left, with an advantage over Hector Barbera. Jorge Lorenzo does not want to be beaten by Dani Pedrosa. Pedrosa closes up. Will he have a go? There's 3/10ths of a second between them over the line. Down the 1.1 kilometer back straight, here comes Pedrosa, who wants by Lorenzo.
Dani Pedrosa is still struggling to get by Lorenzo. Just a lap and a half to go now. Pedrosa goes up and passes Lorenzo in turn 13. Has Lorenzo got anything left in the locker? Not today. No lucky superhero outfit for Lorenzo here. Marc Marquez wins three in a row, just as the great Giacomo Agostini did to start the 1971 MotoGP season. As a footnote, Hiroshi Aoyama nabs Nicky Hayden for tenth. The team mates, might not be too happy with each other.
But, Repsol Honda gets three straight wins in a season. He's the first rider, in 43 years, to do that. He's rewriting Grand Prix motorcycle racing's history books, folks. This kid is going places. He's already got one championship, of course.
#93 Marc Marquez ESP Honda
The next race in MotoGP is in Spain at the Jerez de la Frontera circuit in Jerez, Spain. It happens, this weekend. Stay tuned, for a race report.
This track is flat, just under three miles, and has 14 turns. Michele Pirro sits in for Cal Crutchlow in this race, at Ducati. Pirro, is the Ducati test rider. Marc Marquez brings an unblemished record into this race, having won two in a row. This is the eleventh race for MotoGP in Argentina. Cal Crutchlow will return for the next race next weekend. Jorge Lorenzo says that his jumped start in Texas last time out, was because of mosquitoes in his helmet, bugging him. No pun intended. Watch the action through turns 9, 10, and 11 in this race. We're ready to race, now. The bikes are on their warmup lap. We're ready for a start.
Go! At the start, Jorge Lorenzo leads as Dani pedrosa passes Marc Marquez and here comes Andrea Ianonne as this 26 lap race gets underway, and the bikes fly down the 1.1 kilometer back straightaway. Ianonne runs wide and Alvaro Bautista and Danilo Petrucci, crash. Dani Pedrosa leads. But, poor old Alvaro Bautista. Three races... nil points. Valentino Rossi now leads but in a three wide battle, he loses out to Lorenzo and others. The two Yamaha's sandwiched out Pedrosa as Aleix Espargaro crashes!
Is this Moto 3 or MotoGP? Cool it, boys. Alexis Espargaro recovers. Ianonne is coming back as Lorenzo leads this one so far. Into turn five. Marquez is ahead of Pedrosa as Bradley Smith and Pol Espargaro are up there for Tech 3 Yamaha. Loprenzo runs fast lap. Not sure of the time. Ianonne is second, behind Lorenzo, passing Andrea Dovizioso. Lorenzo ekes out a 7/10ths of a second gap. Stefan Bradl is also moving up.
Dovizioso has to sit up as Marc Marquez makes a pass and now, Marquez is back up in the top five after sinking at the start. Marquez is inside Bradl now, carving his way through the field like a knhife through butter. Valentino Rossi is now coming up to second. The factory Yamaha's are 1-2. Marquez is in Ianonne's slipstream. Stefan Bradl wants a piece of this. Rossi runs wide. Marc Marquez comes to second. Rossi fights back. Ianonne is trying to go through, too. But Marc Marquez is loving this, because he can pull away.
Jorge Lorenzo still leads. Everything we've seen is that Marquez is going to catch Lorenzo. Marquez runs fast lap. Three bikes are out of this race. Rossi and Marquez are using the harder compound tire as Rossi runs wide in turn five and loses spots! That's a rough ride for Rossi. Give him a rest. He's a veteran. This is superb racing. Alvaro Bautista is down the order. Marquez is into the 1:40 range. Scott Redding runs ahead of Nicky Hayden. Aleix Espargaro is still in this race, but is behind.
We're now working lap seven. Lorenzo still leads, but Marquez is coming. Lots of position shuffling right now. Pedrosa, Bradl, and Rossi battle each other. Lorenzo moves off the racing line slightly as Pedrosa passes Ianonne. Stefan Bradl is also in the top five. Lorenzo will have to go for it. What can he do to rough up Marc Marquez? Aleix Espargaro crashed out on lap two of course. He qualified well, so, it's disappointing.
Rossi and Marquez have hard front tires, while Dani Pedrosa and Jorge Lorenzo are on medium tires while Stefan Bradl passes Andrea Ianonne. We've got a real fight on our hands, early on in this race. Lorenzo moves off the racing line, slightly. Pedrosa passes Ianonne. We are looking back down the order and Cal Crutchlow's super sub, Michele Pirro, is fifteenth. Rough up Marc Marquez. That's the only way he'll be beaten.
We watch a replay of Aleix Espargaro's crash. Giacomo Agostini was the last rider to win three races in a row, from pole. Agostini of course, is a 15 time MotoGP champion. Marquez is on a medium front tire, Lorenzo on hard. Both riders are using the harder rear tire from Bridgestone. 15 laps left. Rossi passes Ianonne and is looking fror Bradl and Pedrosa. Stefan Bradl and Dani Pedrosa are also putting in their best laps. Meanwhile, it's Lorenzo vs. Marquez for the lead between turns six and seven on the course.
Lorenzo knows Marquez is there. We're on lap 12 of 26. One lap to halfway. Andrea Dovizioso is challenged by Bradley Smith who has left team mate Pol Espargaro behind. Yonny Hernandez is hanging in there as Bradley Smith fends off Dovizioso's challenge. Nicky Hayden and Hiroshi Aoyama also are behind as Valentino Rossi passes Stefan Bradl. Bradl crashed in qualifying of course. Down the long back straight, Rossi continues to hold his position over Bradl, but, he runs wide, again.
This is the halfway mark in the race. Marquez got a bad start as he was pushed out by Pedrosa and Lorenzo. Dovizioso had a big wobble and Colin Edwards didn't get the best start. Lorenzo leads. But, Marquez wants it. Lorenzo wants to force Marc Marquez into a mistake as we work lap 14. Aleix Espargaro has passed Broc Parkes. Parkes had a decent qualifying run, even though he's caboose on the field.
Pedrosa and Rossi are third and fourth, and Pedrosa is slightly quicker. Ten laps to go now. Marquez is pouring on the steam at the moment. Marquez closes on Lorenzo onto the back straight. Will Marquez outbrake Lorenzo into turn five? No. He ran too deep into turns three and four. Turn six is the second longest corner on this Rio Hondo track. This is the second fastest track for MotoGP, after only Philip Island in Victoria, Australia, where the bikes will race in the fall.
Anything can happen with tire degradation. Lorenzo, Marquez, and Pedrosa are 1-2-3. Pedrosa has shaken up Valentino Rossi, and he's trying to push his rivals (Marquez and Lorenzo). Here comes Marquez, and he shoves Lorenzo out of the way. Will Marc Marquez win three in a row? Eight laps remain in Argentina. This race will be decided in the next two laps. Can Pedrosa do anything about this battle? Not really. He wants to make it a Repsol Honda 1-2. But, there's now just six laps to go.
Michael Laverty passes Mike di Meglio. Aleix Espargaro has passed Colin Edwards, and di Meglio. Six laps remain now. Dani Pedrosa normally struggles with a medium tire towards the end of the race. He's also having trouble with a hard tire. We've got battles all over the speedway, with Nicky Hayden, Hiroshi Aoyama, Karel Abraham, and others. Jorge Lorenzo and Dani Pedrosa are very close to each other right now. Three laps to go.
Pedrosa could be up with the leaders. But, that's not to be. Nicky Hayden moves into the top ten. Michele Pirro will pick up points for Cal Crutchlow with two laps left, with an advantage over Hector Barbera. Jorge Lorenzo does not want to be beaten by Dani Pedrosa. Pedrosa closes up. Will he have a go? There's 3/10ths of a second between them over the line. Down the 1.1 kilometer back straight, here comes Pedrosa, who wants by Lorenzo.
Dani Pedrosa is still struggling to get by Lorenzo. Just a lap and a half to go now. Pedrosa goes up and passes Lorenzo in turn 13. Has Lorenzo got anything left in the locker? Not today. No lucky superhero outfit for Lorenzo here. Marc Marquez wins three in a row, just as the great Giacomo Agostini did to start the 1971 MotoGP season. As a footnote, Hiroshi Aoyama nabs Nicky Hayden for tenth. The team mates, might not be too happy with each other.
But, Repsol Honda gets three straight wins in a season. He's the first rider, in 43 years, to do that. He's rewriting Grand Prix motorcycle racing's history books, folks. This kid is going places. He's already got one championship, of course.
#93 Marc Marquez ESP Honda
The next race in MotoGP is in Spain at the Jerez de la Frontera circuit in Jerez, Spain. It happens, this weekend. Stay tuned, for a race report.
Sunday, April 27, 2014
FIM World Superbike round 3: Assen, Holland
In round three of FIM World Superbike today at the Assen TT circuit in Assen, Holland, different winners emerged. Winning race one was Sylvain Guintoli on his factory Aprilia RSV4. Johnny Rea and PATA Honda emerged victorious in race two. The win in the Supersport race, went to Michael van der Mark, as the Dutchman wins on home soil, on his #60 Honda CBR600RR. Likewise, Dutchman Kevin Valk took his #18 MTM Racing Kawasaki ZX-10R to victory in the Superstock 1000 race, while in Superstock 600, the win went to Finland's Niki Tuuli, on his #18 Yamaha YZF R6 for Kallio Racing.
World Superbike race 1: #50 Sylvain Guintoli FRA. Aprilia Racing Team Aprilia RSV4 Factory
World Superbike race 2: #65 Jonathan Rea GBR. PATA Honda World Superbike Team
Honda CBR1000RR
World Supersport
race: #60 Michael van der Mark NLD
PATA Honda World Supersport Team
Honda CBR600RR
Superstock 1000 race: #18 Kevin Valk NLD MTM Racing Kawasaki ZX-10R
Superstock 600 race: #18 Niki Tuuli FIN Kallio Racing Yamaha YZF R6
So, PATA Honda wins two races, and several teams see success in Holland. The next race on the schedule will be in Imola, Italy, at the Autodromo Enzo E Dino Ferrari, in two weeks, over Mother's Day weekend.
World Superbike race 1: #50 Sylvain Guintoli FRA. Aprilia Racing Team Aprilia RSV4 Factory
World Superbike race 2: #65 Jonathan Rea GBR. PATA Honda World Superbike Team
Honda CBR1000RR
World Supersport
race: #60 Michael van der Mark NLD
PATA Honda World Supersport Team
Honda CBR600RR
Superstock 1000 race: #18 Kevin Valk NLD MTM Racing Kawasaki ZX-10R
Superstock 600 race: #18 Niki Tuuli FIN Kallio Racing Yamaha YZF R6
So, PATA Honda wins two races, and several teams see success in Holland. The next race on the schedule will be in Imola, Italy, at the Autodromo Enzo E Dino Ferrari, in two weeks, over Mother's Day weekend.
Saturday, April 26, 2014
MOTOGP: Dominant Marquez Secures Argentina Pole
Marc Marquez starts from pole for the MotoGP Grand Prix of Argentina tomorrow, (Sunday). Yours truly, will have the full race report. Looking forward to another great MotoGP race.
http://msn.foxsports.com/speed/motogp/motogp-dominant-marquez-secures-argentina-pole/
http://msn.foxsports.com/speed/motogp/motogp-dominant-marquez-secures-argentina-pole/
Friday, April 25, 2014
MotoGP news from Argentina
News you can use, about the opening sessions for all three classes in Argentina, before race day on Sunday. Check out these stories as the top times in practice, have been thrown from one rider to another, like a volleyball, in all three classes.
First premier class run sees rapid Lorenzo in front
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Argentina+MotoGP+FP1+Lorenzo
Miller tops delayed opening session in Argentina
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Argentina+Moto3+FP1+Miller
Folger sets the pace at Termas de Rio Hondo
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Argentina+Moto2+FP1+Folger
Marquez dominates second practice in Argentina
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Argentina+MotoGP+FP2+Marquez
Zarco the top man in later Friday practice
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Argentina+Moto2+FP2+Zarco
Dovizioso in top five despite engine problem
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Dovizioso+in+top+five+despite+engine+problem
First premier class run sees rapid Lorenzo in front
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Argentina+MotoGP+FP1+Lorenzo
Miller tops delayed opening session in Argentina
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Argentina+Moto3+FP1+Miller
Folger sets the pace at Termas de Rio Hondo
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Argentina+Moto2+FP1+Folger
Marquez dominates second practice in Argentina
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Argentina+MotoGP+FP2+Marquez
Zarco the top man in later Friday practice
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Argentina+Moto2+FP2+Zarco
Dovizioso in top five despite engine problem
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Dovizioso+in+top+five+despite+engine+problem
Thursday, April 24, 2014
Cameron Beaubier Enjoying Early Success in First AMA Pro SuperBike Season
A story about Cameron Beaubier becoming successful right out of the box in AMA Superbike, after dominating the AMA Daytona Sportbike division for the last few seasons.
http://www.amaproracing.com/rr/news/index.cfm?cid=59725
http://www.amaproracing.com/rr/news/index.cfm?cid=59725
Wednesday, April 23, 2014
MotoGP news
More MotoGP news stories to follow and peruse at your leisure, leading into the round in Argentina this weekend.
Brivio says Suzuki have not yet started rider negotiations
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/brivio+on+rider+options+for+2015
A chance to bounce back for Gresini pair
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/A+chance+to+bounce+back+for+Gresini+pair
Lorenzo: 'I'm quite confident we can revert the situation'
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Lorenzo+Im+quite+confident+we+can+revert+the+situation
Brivio says Suzuki have not yet started rider negotiations
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/brivio+on+rider+options+for+2015
A chance to bounce back for Gresini pair
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/A+chance+to+bounce+back+for+Gresini+pair
Lorenzo: 'I'm quite confident we can revert the situation'
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Lorenzo+Im+quite+confident+we+can+revert+the+situation
A history of Grand Prix racing in Argentina
Though this is the first time World Grand Prix motorcycles have raced in Argentina in 15 years, by no means is the rest of that history, a blank slate. World championship motorcycle racing in Argentina dates back to 1961, however, there was a hiatus between 1964 and 1980, with a return in 1981/'82. Then, after a four year layoff, racing came back in 1987, and also in the mid 1990s in 1994 and '95. Here's the whole history.
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/A+history+of+Grand+Prix+racing+in+Argentina
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/A+history+of+Grand+Prix+racing+in+Argentina
Tuesday, April 22, 2014
Hayden excited to race at new venue
Nicky Hayden is very much looking forward to MotoGP's return to Argentina. MotoGP has not raced there, in 15 years.
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Hayden+excited+to+race+at+new+venue
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Hayden+excited+to+race+at+new+venue
Monday, April 21, 2014
MotoGP stories to watch going into Argentina
A couple more stories to keep an eye on as MotoGP heads to Argentina this weekend. Can anyone catch Marc Marquez?
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/motogp+argentina+GP+preview
...And, after his crash in Austin, Texas, last time out at Circuit of the Americas, Cal Crutchlow will miss the race in Argentina. He fractured a finger in the incident, and doctors say it has not healed enough for him to race. So, Ducati's super sub, Michele Pirro, will ride in his place at Autodromo Termas de Rio Hondo this weekend.
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Pirro+to+substitute+for+Crutchlow+in+Argentina
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/motogp+argentina+GP+preview
...And, after his crash in Austin, Texas, last time out at Circuit of the Americas, Cal Crutchlow will miss the race in Argentina. He fractured a finger in the incident, and doctors say it has not healed enough for him to race. So, Ducati's super sub, Michele Pirro, will ride in his place at Autodromo Termas de Rio Hondo this weekend.
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Pirro+to+substitute+for+Crutchlow+in+Argentina
Sunday, April 20, 2014
In memoriam: Daijiro Kato
Remembering former MotoGP champion, Daijiro Kato, who was tragically killed in a MotoGP race in his native Japan at the Suzuka Circuit, where, he also won the Suzuka 8 Hours endurance race, winning it twice, in 2000 with Tohru Okawa, and in 2002 with Colin Edwards. Sadly, after running in MotoGP and the 500cc class before that, for a few years, and doing well, Kato was killed in a crash at his home track in Suzuka, Japan, in 2003.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daijiro_Kato
Rest In Peace, Daijiro Kato.
http://instagram.com/p/nBgjjBPN6p/#
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daijiro_Kato
Rest In Peace, Daijiro Kato.
http://instagram.com/p/nBgjjBPN6p/#
Friday, April 18, 2014
FIM World Superbike round 2: Aragon, Spain
Last weekend in round two of the FIM World Superbike Championship, Tom Sykes, continued his domination, sweeping both races held at Motorland Aragon in Aragon, Spain. In the 600 Supersport event, it was Kenan Sofuoglu taking the win. The Superstock classes, also began their respective racing seasons last weekend. In Superstock 1000, Argentina's Leandro Mercado was the race winner. ...And, in Superstock 600, Marco Faccani of Italy, won that race.
World Superbike race 1: #1 Tom Sykes GBR Kawasaki Racing Team Kawasaki ZX10R
World Superbike race 2: #1 Tom Sykes GBR Kawasaki Racing Team Kawasaki ZX10R
World Supersport race: #54 Kenan Sofuoglu TUR MAHI Racing Team India Kawasaki ZX6R
Superstock 1000 race: #36 Leandro Mercado ARG Barni Racing Team Ducati 1199 Panigale R
Superstock 600 race: #5 Marco Faccani ITA San Carlo Team Italia Kawasaki ZX6R
The next WSBK race happens a week from this Sunday, (April 27th), at the legendary Assen circuit in Assen, Holland. Stay tuned for those results when they are received.
World Superbike race 1: #1 Tom Sykes GBR Kawasaki Racing Team Kawasaki ZX10R
World Superbike race 2: #1 Tom Sykes GBR Kawasaki Racing Team Kawasaki ZX10R
World Supersport race: #54 Kenan Sofuoglu TUR MAHI Racing Team India Kawasaki ZX6R
Superstock 1000 race: #36 Leandro Mercado ARG Barni Racing Team Ducati 1199 Panigale R
Superstock 600 race: #5 Marco Faccani ITA San Carlo Team Italia Kawasaki ZX6R
The next WSBK race happens a week from this Sunday, (April 27th), at the legendary Assen circuit in Assen, Holland. Stay tuned for those results when they are received.
Thursday, April 17, 2014
Suzuki concludes test session in Austin
One more story. Suzuki has concluded a successful test at Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas. Here are the reactions, from test rider Randy de Puniet, and Suzuki Team Director/Project Manager, Satoru Terada.
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Suzuki+concludes+test+session+in+Austin
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Suzuki+concludes+test+session+in+Austin
Additional stories from Moto 2 and Moto 3
Yours truly has so much info on this blog, it is hard to cover the stories unfolding from the other two main classes highlighted in race reports for each meeting, (Moto 2 and Moto 3). For news on Moto 2 and Moto 3, I urge you to go to these links on the MotoGP webpage.
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/Moto2
...and
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/Moto3
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/Moto2
...and
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/Moto3
MotoGP stories
Some stories from the world of MotoGP as the series transitions continents, from North America to South America. We move from Austin, Texas, to the next race in Argentina, taking place, not this weekend, but next weekend, on the 27th of April.
Laverty denied a point on final lap
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Laverty+denied+a+point+on+final+lap+Austin+PBM+race+review
A glimpse of the podium for Ianonne in Texas
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/A+glimpse+of+the+podium+for+Iannone+in+Texas
The surname is Sheene and he rides for fun
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/The+surname+is+Sheene+and+he+rides+for+fun
Point for Barbera on a tough weekend for Avintia
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Avintia+Racing+texas+race+review
Too early for contract renewals says Suppo
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Too+early+for+contract+renewals+says+Suppo
Movistar increases MotoGP presences with Aragon title sponsorship
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/movistar+title+sponsor+of+Aragon+GP
Bridgestone reflect on results from Austin race
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Bridgestone+Austin+Race+Review
Schwantz joins Suzuki MotoGP test in Austin
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Schwantz+joins+Suzuki+MotoGP+test+in+Austin
Laverty denied a point on final lap
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Laverty+denied+a+point+on+final+lap+Austin+PBM+race+review
A glimpse of the podium for Ianonne in Texas
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/A+glimpse+of+the+podium+for+Iannone+in+Texas
The surname is Sheene and he rides for fun
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/The+surname+is+Sheene+and+he+rides+for+fun
Point for Barbera on a tough weekend for Avintia
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Avintia+Racing+texas+race+review
Too early for contract renewals says Suppo
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Too+early+for+contract+renewals+says+Suppo
Movistar increases MotoGP presences with Aragon title sponsorship
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/movistar+title+sponsor+of+Aragon+GP
Bridgestone reflect on results from Austin race
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Bridgestone+Austin+Race+Review
Schwantz joins Suzuki MotoGP test in Austin
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Schwantz+joins+Suzuki+MotoGP+test+in+Austin
Wednesday, April 16, 2014
Danny Eslick Eyeing Fourth AMA Pro Road Racing Championship
After winning the Daytona 200, Danny Eslick is aiming for a higher goal, of winning his fourth consecutive AMA Pro Road Racing championship.
http://www.amaproracing.com/rr/news/index.cfm?cid=59697
http://www.amaproracing.com/rr/news/index.cfm?cid=59697
Tuesday, April 15, 2014
MOTOGP: Dovizioso Defends Ducati's Decision
Andrea Dovizioso, battling the flu bug, gave Ducati a good finish in the MotoGP race at Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas, last Sunday, and he also is in favor of his team's and manufacturer's decision to be running their motorcycle in the new Open class configuration. Here's the story.
http://msn.foxsports.com/speed/motogp/motogp-dovizioso-defends-ducatis-decision/
http://msn.foxsports.com/speed/motogp/motogp-dovizioso-defends-ducatis-decision/
MotoGP: Lorenzo title hopes in meltdown
A mere two races into the 2014 MotoGP season, and things are not looking good at all, for Jorge Lorenzo. Lorenzo wasted no time in firing back at his critics.
http://msn.foxsports.com/speed/motogp/motogp-lorenzo-title-hopes-in-meltdown/
http://msn.foxsports.com/speed/motogp/motogp-lorenzo-title-hopes-in-meltdown/
Monday, April 14, 2014
Austin test for Suzuki as they plan 'Factory' 2015 MotoGP return
Ahead of coming back to MotoGP next year, Suzuki conducted a test at Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas, site of yesterday's racing action. Here's the scoop on that test session.
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Austin+test+for+Suzuki+as+they+plan+Factory+2015+MotoGP+return
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Austin+test+for+Suzuki+as+they+plan+Factory+2015+MotoGP+return
Problems at Austin for Lorenzo and Rossi
As you are no doubt aware from the race report yesterday, the weekend at Circuit of the Americas will be one for the factory Yamaha squad to erase from their memory bank.
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Movistar+Yamaha+Austin+race+review
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Movistar+Yamaha+Austin+race+review
2014 FIM World Endurance Championship race schedule
Sorry for being so late with this one. But, in less than two weeks, the FIM World Endurance motorcycle racing championship will get underway. There are some changes to this years schedule, including a return to the Losail International Circuit in Doha, Qatar, which becomes the season finale, replacing the 24 Hours of Le Mans in that capacity, which is now the fourth of five rounds. Also, the race in Qatar, has been extended in it's duration, from eight, to 12 hours.
The full schedule is at the link, and, it's below it as well.
http://www.fim-live.com/en/sport/endurance/events/
Race 1: 4/26 & 4/27 Bol D'or Circuit de Nevers Magny Cours, France 24 Hours
Race 2: 7/27 Suzuka 8 Hours Suzuka Circuit Suzuka, Japan 8 Hours
Race 3: 8/23 Oschersleben 8 Hours Motorsport Arena Oschersleben Oschersleben, Saxony, Germany
8 Hours
Race 4: 9/20 & 9/21 24 Hours of Le Mans Bugatti Circuit Le Mans, France 24 Hours
Race 5: 11/14 & 11/15 12 Hours of Doha Losail Circuit Doha, Qatar 12 Hours
Brief reports of these races might be highlighted. If there is video footage, that will also be here. But, yours truly is not sure. Stay tuned for results and information on the 2014 FIM World Endurance Championship.
The full schedule is at the link, and, it's below it as well.
http://www.fim-live.com/en/sport/endurance/events/
Race 1: 4/26 & 4/27 Bol D'or Circuit de Nevers Magny Cours, France 24 Hours
Race 2: 7/27 Suzuka 8 Hours Suzuka Circuit Suzuka, Japan 8 Hours
Race 3: 8/23 Oschersleben 8 Hours Motorsport Arena Oschersleben Oschersleben, Saxony, Germany
8 Hours
Race 4: 9/20 & 9/21 24 Hours of Le Mans Bugatti Circuit Le Mans, France 24 Hours
Race 5: 11/14 & 11/15 12 Hours of Doha Losail Circuit Doha, Qatar 12 Hours
Brief reports of these races might be highlighted. If there is video footage, that will also be here. But, yours truly is not sure. Stay tuned for results and information on the 2014 FIM World Endurance Championship.
Sunday, April 13, 2014
MotoGP round 2: U.S.A. (Circuit of the Americas)
It's time for the big boys and the big toys. The preliminaries at COTA are over. Circuit of the Americas will now rock to the 1000cc thunder of the most technically advanced motorcycles on the planet. MotoGP is on, now!
So far, so good. The sun will likely come out for MotoGP. We're going to be in store for a great race. Will it be a battle between Marc Marquez and Dani Pedrosa? Marquez is going to have to stop himself. Fox Sports' Jonathan Green interviewed Marquez at the Wild Bubba's barbecue shop for a burger. Wild Bubba's serves many kinds of meat for their hamburgers. Now, to the interview. Marquez knew he'd made a mistake earlier in the season.
Marquez won all the American races. He feels good about having American fans. He wants to repeat. He is amazed that he's won the championship. Motorbikes are his life, and have been since age four. Texas rattlesnake sausage. Will that make Marquez go faster? Hmmm. He's fearless. The records have been broken. He won the old 125cc class and two Moto 2 championships. Mick Doohan won his titles on a Repsol Honda bike. Can Marquez continue to do so?
It's time for opening ceremonies as the National Anthem (the Star Spangled Banner), is being sung by Kimberly Dunn. In ten minutes, the lights will go out. The engines have been fired. We're ready to race. Get a good start. Make it tough for Marquez, and watch out for your tires. Marquez was on fire in qualifying yesterday. He ran a 2:02.7 for pole position. He had to keep going. Dani Pedrosa wants and needs a win. Stefan Bradl is third.
Aleix Espargaro rolls off fourth. Jorge Lorenzo is fifth. Valentino Rossi, sixth. Three Yamaha's on the second row. Nicky Hayden has struggled. The Grand Prix of the Americas, is ready for a start. We're into the warmup lap, coming to the grid. What a race this could be, and it's only round two of the championship. Let's race!
At the start, Jorge Lorenzo, jumps the start! He'll be penalized for that. Into turn two. 21 laps scheduled. Valentino Rossi is moving past Bradley Smith. Lorenzo has a ride through penalty at 60 kilometers an hour. That's 37 miles per hour. Gunslingers are hard men. Marquez is second and could get the lead. Valentino Rossi didn't get the best start either. He's buried in the pack. Can he pass Bradley Smith? Lorenzo comes in, and must be gutted.
Now, it's time for a scrap between the Repsol Honda's. These two ran together last year. Marquez leads. In third and fourth, it's Ducati, with Andrea Ianonne and Cal Crutchlow. Aleix Espargaro sank like a stone on the start. Honda is pulling away now towards turn 12. The three Open class factory Ducati's are going for it as Valentino Rossi wants by Andrea Dovizioso. Dovizioso says, "no way!" Stefan Bradl is running well, too.
Bradl wants points and doesn't want to crash. Marquez runs 2:03.6. Ianonne is at 2:04.1.. Brad Smith, Aleix Espargaro, and others, are towards the rear of the top ten. Now, Lorenzo has to catch up. He has to pass Broc Parkes in 22nd spot. The Doctor is in the house. Rossi wants by Stefan Bradl. Watch for Cal Crutchlow, too. He's going for it, in his first race for Ducati at COTA. Rossi wants through, and he does it. Rossi wants it. But, the Ducati's are fast!
Rossi still says, "you can't get by me, sunshine." Last year, it was Honda's race. Yamaha is strong, though. Rossi is much more competitive. He flies past Crutchlow. Rossi tries hanging off the bike so he gets more corner speed and less lean angle. It's hard to do. Stefan Bradl passes Cal Crutchlow. Watch the Tech 3 Yamaha's. Andrea Dovizioso is coming quick, too. These bikes are on full tanks. The Open class Ducati's are allowed more fuel.
The gap is 4.1 seconds to Andrea Ianonne. Alvaro Bautista is up to tenth place. Rossi pulls away. Bradl wants by Rossi. Colin Edwards is 16th, Nicky Hayden 14th, and Scott Redding, 12th. Dani Pedrosa doesn't want to be messed with. He has to be aggressive. Marquez is pushing. But, will Pedrosa step up to the plate? The Doctor is calling, and Rossi runs 2:04.3, and is faster than Ianonne on the third Ducati. Colin Edwards will retire. But, Valentino Rossi will keep racing.
Yamaha doesn't have the same pace as the Honda's. No rain right now. It might not come. We might get this race in, chaps. Valentino Rossi is right on the rear wheel of Andrea Ianonne. Ducati is coming back to the fore with the Open class entry and new personnel on the team. The gap is about 1.3 seconds between the two Repsol bikes. Now, what's going on with Cal Crutchlow? Is his bike busted? Has he had a problem? Lap six. 2:03.4 is quick lap for Ducati. Marquez leads Pedrosa, Ianonne, Rossi, Bradl, and Dovizioso.
Nicky Hayden is 13th, Colin Edwards, is 16th. Thirteen laps to go. Jorge Lorenzo might actually be coming back into the points. Colin Edwards is a great motorcycle racing ambassador. But, he will retire, because he's already 40 years old. A great ambassador, and a great champion on two wheels. He's a two-time World Superbike champion, too. Lorenzo is still digging. Supercross champion Chad Reed is in the pits. Reed was a fan of Mick Doohan and Wayne Gardner.
Cal Crutchlow pitted for tires. He's not having the best race. But, watch Rossi and Bradl. Stefan Bradl is going for it. But, Rossi might have tire trouble. Alvaro Bautista, is out. Andrea Ianonne runs wide, and Andrea Dovizioso passes Rossi. What ahppened to Bautista? Marquez had problems with the front tire. It's still a 2013 spec tire and not a new one. The gap is 2.3 seconds. Marquez is consistent in the 2:03.9 range, and half a second quicker than Dani Pedrosa.
Wow. Jorge Lorenzo is up to 14th. Colin Edwards is now up to 15th. Eleven laps remain now, folks. Rossi has to watch out. Bradley Smith is coming and so is Pol Espargaro. Rossi has issues. Espargaro and Smith are all over him. He's got no fight in the Yamaha for the rest of this race. Aleix Espargaro is sixth and Bradley Smith is up to eighth or so. Check that, ninth. Yonny Hernandez tenth, Nicky Hayden twelfth. Rossi has trouble with his front tire.
The gap is three seconds. Is it game over Red Rover, for the rest of the field? Nicky Hayden is having an OK run. He's struggled. Now, MotoGP doesn't stop. The riders will pit and change to their spare motorcycles. Will this happen? Marquez leads Pedrosa and Ianonne, with Dovizioso, and Bradl, completing the top five. Uh oh! Cal Crutchlow has a wickedly bad crash in the esses. It's probably in turn seven after changing tires. Ianonne and Bradl battle. Rain could come. If that happens, remember, they've got their spare bikes. They will have to be quick pitting for the spare bike.
The gap is 3.8 seconds between the two Repsol Honda's. Pile on the power. Dani Pedrosa leads. Jorge Lorenzo is now 12th, running a 2:05.8. Bradl runs a 2:05.6. Nicky Hayden has Jorge Lorenzo behind. Hayden is struggling with his new team. But, he'll keep pushing. Hayden pulls away from his team mate Scott Redding. Yonny Hernandez runs behind Jorge Lorenzo. Now, Stefan Bradl is challenging for third. He's pushing Andrea Ianonne.
Ianonne might have a good race. But, here's, wow. Bradl passes. 210 miles an hour down the back straight. These guys are flying. Lorenzo wants by Nicky Hayden. He has. Side by side action into the triple apex corner towards turn 19. Dovizioso is going well, passing Bradl. Stefan Bradl is running out of time. Only five laps to go, as Dovizioso wants a podium. Now, Bradley Smith has come out of nowhere, and he might be up at the sharp end.
He's gained 2.7 seconds over the space of a year. Jorge Lorenzo is now in the top ten. Aleix Espargaro is ninth. Valentino Rossi, eighth. Espargaro is six seconds behind Rossi. Marc Marquez is the only rider on the hard compound tire, and most are on medium compound at the front, according to Fox Sports' pit reporter, Greg White. We watch Stefan Bradl against the Ducati of Andrea Dovizioso, for the final step on the podium. Bradley Smith is also there, running a 2:05.4.
There's four laps to go. Marquez runs a 2:04 across the line. The gap is 5.2 seconds. Pedrosa needs to catch up. Pedrosa would be world champ if it wasn't for his pesky star team mate. Dovizioso runs a 2:06.1. The Ducati's are much slower than the Honda's. Three laps left now. No question... Bradley Smith is booking it. Colin Edwards has retired from this race with mechanical issues. He wanted to finish. But, not today.
Karel Abraham is up into the points. Two laps to go. Marc Marquez is doing it again. He has had it his own way, and might win his second consecutive Grand Prix at COTA. Marquez is the whole package. Fearless, confidence, and a factory backed team, with Honda. Bradley Smith sweeps around Bradl. Bradl won't have it. Bradl will fight to the bitter end. He needs points with a lap and a half to go. Bradl carries the wheel, and there's synchronized wheelies, with wheelie control on the bike.
Pedrosa is not going to have enough for Marquez. But, Smith still wants by Bradl. Darn it. Rossi has crashed. This is bad for Valentino Rossi. Well, he's back in it now. He's eighth, having run a 2:08. He's three seconds behind. But, thankfully he's back. It's the last lap. Marc Marquez is going to win a second race here in Austin, Texas. He's beaten his team mate by five and a half seconds. He's not phased, and still going for it. Holy cow! He wiggles and saves the bike! The winner, Marc Marquez! Back-to-back for Marc Marquez in Texas, and for the season!
#93 Marc Marquez ESP Honda
The next race is in South America. It will be in Argentina, at the Autodromo Termas de Rio Hondo, in the province of Santiago del Estero, in Rio Hondo, Argentina, in two weeks.
So far, so good. The sun will likely come out for MotoGP. We're going to be in store for a great race. Will it be a battle between Marc Marquez and Dani Pedrosa? Marquez is going to have to stop himself. Fox Sports' Jonathan Green interviewed Marquez at the Wild Bubba's barbecue shop for a burger. Wild Bubba's serves many kinds of meat for their hamburgers. Now, to the interview. Marquez knew he'd made a mistake earlier in the season.
Marquez won all the American races. He feels good about having American fans. He wants to repeat. He is amazed that he's won the championship. Motorbikes are his life, and have been since age four. Texas rattlesnake sausage. Will that make Marquez go faster? Hmmm. He's fearless. The records have been broken. He won the old 125cc class and two Moto 2 championships. Mick Doohan won his titles on a Repsol Honda bike. Can Marquez continue to do so?
It's time for opening ceremonies as the National Anthem (the Star Spangled Banner), is being sung by Kimberly Dunn. In ten minutes, the lights will go out. The engines have been fired. We're ready to race. Get a good start. Make it tough for Marquez, and watch out for your tires. Marquez was on fire in qualifying yesterday. He ran a 2:02.7 for pole position. He had to keep going. Dani Pedrosa wants and needs a win. Stefan Bradl is third.
Aleix Espargaro rolls off fourth. Jorge Lorenzo is fifth. Valentino Rossi, sixth. Three Yamaha's on the second row. Nicky Hayden has struggled. The Grand Prix of the Americas, is ready for a start. We're into the warmup lap, coming to the grid. What a race this could be, and it's only round two of the championship. Let's race!
At the start, Jorge Lorenzo, jumps the start! He'll be penalized for that. Into turn two. 21 laps scheduled. Valentino Rossi is moving past Bradley Smith. Lorenzo has a ride through penalty at 60 kilometers an hour. That's 37 miles per hour. Gunslingers are hard men. Marquez is second and could get the lead. Valentino Rossi didn't get the best start either. He's buried in the pack. Can he pass Bradley Smith? Lorenzo comes in, and must be gutted.
Now, it's time for a scrap between the Repsol Honda's. These two ran together last year. Marquez leads. In third and fourth, it's Ducati, with Andrea Ianonne and Cal Crutchlow. Aleix Espargaro sank like a stone on the start. Honda is pulling away now towards turn 12. The three Open class factory Ducati's are going for it as Valentino Rossi wants by Andrea Dovizioso. Dovizioso says, "no way!" Stefan Bradl is running well, too.
Bradl wants points and doesn't want to crash. Marquez runs 2:03.6. Ianonne is at 2:04.1.. Brad Smith, Aleix Espargaro, and others, are towards the rear of the top ten. Now, Lorenzo has to catch up. He has to pass Broc Parkes in 22nd spot. The Doctor is in the house. Rossi wants by Stefan Bradl. Watch for Cal Crutchlow, too. He's going for it, in his first race for Ducati at COTA. Rossi wants through, and he does it. Rossi wants it. But, the Ducati's are fast!
Rossi still says, "you can't get by me, sunshine." Last year, it was Honda's race. Yamaha is strong, though. Rossi is much more competitive. He flies past Crutchlow. Rossi tries hanging off the bike so he gets more corner speed and less lean angle. It's hard to do. Stefan Bradl passes Cal Crutchlow. Watch the Tech 3 Yamaha's. Andrea Dovizioso is coming quick, too. These bikes are on full tanks. The Open class Ducati's are allowed more fuel.
The gap is 4.1 seconds to Andrea Ianonne. Alvaro Bautista is up to tenth place. Rossi pulls away. Bradl wants by Rossi. Colin Edwards is 16th, Nicky Hayden 14th, and Scott Redding, 12th. Dani Pedrosa doesn't want to be messed with. He has to be aggressive. Marquez is pushing. But, will Pedrosa step up to the plate? The Doctor is calling, and Rossi runs 2:04.3, and is faster than Ianonne on the third Ducati. Colin Edwards will retire. But, Valentino Rossi will keep racing.
Yamaha doesn't have the same pace as the Honda's. No rain right now. It might not come. We might get this race in, chaps. Valentino Rossi is right on the rear wheel of Andrea Ianonne. Ducati is coming back to the fore with the Open class entry and new personnel on the team. The gap is about 1.3 seconds between the two Repsol bikes. Now, what's going on with Cal Crutchlow? Is his bike busted? Has he had a problem? Lap six. 2:03.4 is quick lap for Ducati. Marquez leads Pedrosa, Ianonne, Rossi, Bradl, and Dovizioso.
Nicky Hayden is 13th, Colin Edwards, is 16th. Thirteen laps to go. Jorge Lorenzo might actually be coming back into the points. Colin Edwards is a great motorcycle racing ambassador. But, he will retire, because he's already 40 years old. A great ambassador, and a great champion on two wheels. He's a two-time World Superbike champion, too. Lorenzo is still digging. Supercross champion Chad Reed is in the pits. Reed was a fan of Mick Doohan and Wayne Gardner.
Cal Crutchlow pitted for tires. He's not having the best race. But, watch Rossi and Bradl. Stefan Bradl is going for it. But, Rossi might have tire trouble. Alvaro Bautista, is out. Andrea Ianonne runs wide, and Andrea Dovizioso passes Rossi. What ahppened to Bautista? Marquez had problems with the front tire. It's still a 2013 spec tire and not a new one. The gap is 2.3 seconds. Marquez is consistent in the 2:03.9 range, and half a second quicker than Dani Pedrosa.
Wow. Jorge Lorenzo is up to 14th. Colin Edwards is now up to 15th. Eleven laps remain now, folks. Rossi has to watch out. Bradley Smith is coming and so is Pol Espargaro. Rossi has issues. Espargaro and Smith are all over him. He's got no fight in the Yamaha for the rest of this race. Aleix Espargaro is sixth and Bradley Smith is up to eighth or so. Check that, ninth. Yonny Hernandez tenth, Nicky Hayden twelfth. Rossi has trouble with his front tire.
The gap is three seconds. Is it game over Red Rover, for the rest of the field? Nicky Hayden is having an OK run. He's struggled. Now, MotoGP doesn't stop. The riders will pit and change to their spare motorcycles. Will this happen? Marquez leads Pedrosa and Ianonne, with Dovizioso, and Bradl, completing the top five. Uh oh! Cal Crutchlow has a wickedly bad crash in the esses. It's probably in turn seven after changing tires. Ianonne and Bradl battle. Rain could come. If that happens, remember, they've got their spare bikes. They will have to be quick pitting for the spare bike.
The gap is 3.8 seconds between the two Repsol Honda's. Pile on the power. Dani Pedrosa leads. Jorge Lorenzo is now 12th, running a 2:05.8. Bradl runs a 2:05.6. Nicky Hayden has Jorge Lorenzo behind. Hayden is struggling with his new team. But, he'll keep pushing. Hayden pulls away from his team mate Scott Redding. Yonny Hernandez runs behind Jorge Lorenzo. Now, Stefan Bradl is challenging for third. He's pushing Andrea Ianonne.
Ianonne might have a good race. But, here's, wow. Bradl passes. 210 miles an hour down the back straight. These guys are flying. Lorenzo wants by Nicky Hayden. He has. Side by side action into the triple apex corner towards turn 19. Dovizioso is going well, passing Bradl. Stefan Bradl is running out of time. Only five laps to go, as Dovizioso wants a podium. Now, Bradley Smith has come out of nowhere, and he might be up at the sharp end.
He's gained 2.7 seconds over the space of a year. Jorge Lorenzo is now in the top ten. Aleix Espargaro is ninth. Valentino Rossi, eighth. Espargaro is six seconds behind Rossi. Marc Marquez is the only rider on the hard compound tire, and most are on medium compound at the front, according to Fox Sports' pit reporter, Greg White. We watch Stefan Bradl against the Ducati of Andrea Dovizioso, for the final step on the podium. Bradley Smith is also there, running a 2:05.4.
There's four laps to go. Marquez runs a 2:04 across the line. The gap is 5.2 seconds. Pedrosa needs to catch up. Pedrosa would be world champ if it wasn't for his pesky star team mate. Dovizioso runs a 2:06.1. The Ducati's are much slower than the Honda's. Three laps left now. No question... Bradley Smith is booking it. Colin Edwards has retired from this race with mechanical issues. He wanted to finish. But, not today.
Karel Abraham is up into the points. Two laps to go. Marc Marquez is doing it again. He has had it his own way, and might win his second consecutive Grand Prix at COTA. Marquez is the whole package. Fearless, confidence, and a factory backed team, with Honda. Bradley Smith sweeps around Bradl. Bradl won't have it. Bradl will fight to the bitter end. He needs points with a lap and a half to go. Bradl carries the wheel, and there's synchronized wheelies, with wheelie control on the bike.
Pedrosa is not going to have enough for Marquez. But, Smith still wants by Bradl. Darn it. Rossi has crashed. This is bad for Valentino Rossi. Well, he's back in it now. He's eighth, having run a 2:08. He's three seconds behind. But, thankfully he's back. It's the last lap. Marc Marquez is going to win a second race here in Austin, Texas. He's beaten his team mate by five and a half seconds. He's not phased, and still going for it. Holy cow! He wiggles and saves the bike! The winner, Marc Marquez! Back-to-back for Marc Marquez in Texas, and for the season!
#93 Marc Marquez ESP Honda
The next race is in South America. It will be in Argentina, at the Autodromo Termas de Rio Hondo, in the province of Santiago del Estero, in Rio Hondo, Argentina, in two weeks.
Moto 2 U.S.A.: (Circuit of the Americas)
Moto 2 is up next. Remember, this is the intermediate class. The machines are smaller and less powerful. They have Honda 600cc motors. Maverick Vinales and others moved up from Moto 3. Tito Rabat won last time out in Qatar. Watch Thomas Luthi and Maverick Vinales. Mentioned his name in Moto 3. But, he's here in Moto 2. Watch Johann Zarco, too. It's going to be a stormer. Josh Herrin, American champion, is in Moto 2.
Herrin says he's enjoying this. He was homesick at first. But, he's liking it, and having fun. Herrin crashed in Qatar. He says he's better at racing. But, his confidence is being boosted. Watch Josh Herrin in Moto 2. He ran well, winning the AMA Superbike championship last year. He's got a tall order to try and win. Now, it's starting to rain in Texas. Will it continue? The Moto 2 bikes are forming up on the grid. Let's hope it doesn't downpour. Tito Rabat has pole, with Johann Zarco, and Dominik Aegerter, alongside.
Last year at COTA, Nico Terol won his first Moto 2 race. Freddie Spencer, Valentino Rossi, and Marc Marquez have all won in intermediate class races and championships. Josh Herrin wants to get points and is ready should the rain come. We've got showers on the track. There are some riders to watch in this one, in a 34 bike field. Now, the storm hasn't come. We'll see. Ready for a start.
Go! At the start, Tito Rabat goes off the line well. Up the inside, ooh. There's the wreck already at the back. Josh Herrin was in the wreck! Darn it! Well, let's see here chaps. These guys are pushing already, with Johann Zarco third. Leading it's Julian Simon. Luis Salom is out. Herrin, Nico Terol, and Sam Lowes were all involved in the crash. Lowes is last year's FIM World Supersport champ. Tito Rabat runs fourth, having started from pole.
Dominik Aegerter leads, with Takaaki Nakagami second. This is lap two of 20. Nil points for #81 Jordi Torres. He was involved in that shunt on lap one, turn one. Oh no! Another wreck! It's Team Caterham and Johann Zarco and Josh Herrin. Their team is AirAsia Caterham Moto Racing. Josh Herrin is back in this race. Now, watch Tom Luthi. He's 12th. Into turn 12, how sideways do you want your motorcycle? Don't sit around. Rabat is going for it with Xavier Simeon. Johann Zarco is out. Mika Kallio vs. Maverick Vinales. Xavier Simeon gets the lead. Kallio has fast lap at 2:11.2. Sixteen laps to go.
Xavier Simeon leads Dominik Aegerter. But, Josh Herrin has crashed again. Ouch! What a tumble! This is not what he or AirAsia Caterham wanted. Kevin Schwantz is an ambassador for COTA, and is in the booth with Jonathan Green and Scott Russell. Two champs, on the commentary team. Aegerter is pushing it. He's inside, outside, and everywhere. Simeon runs a 2:11 flat. Aegerter is quicker at 2:10.6. A replay of the start. Turn one is amazing, but, Herrin dive bombed up the inside, and went in way too hot.
Sam Lowes was right in the middle of this mess. Turn in, and boom! Down he goes! Air Asia, crash lands. Ker-runch! Ten laps to go. Kevin Schwantz got to ride the track last week and loves the circuit. It's probably the most physically difficult track MotoGP races on as there's another close call! Yours truly is typing lots of accidental letters trying to call this one. It's a fast, hot race. Watch turn 19. The paint probably got wet.
Tito Rabat is fast, at 2:10.4 on bike #53 with Simone Corsi next. Tom Luthi is up to tenth spot. Takaaki Nakagami is not having a good rac. Scott Russell and Kevin Schwantz raced together just once at the 1988 Daytona 200. Schwantz won it. Russell took over from Schwantz in the same team. But, these two in the booth, are both legends. Wayne Rainey is also here. He's another racing legend of course. Nine laps to go in Moto 2.
Xavier Simeon is going for it and so is Dominik Aegerter. The bikes are pretty stable as we watch the super slow motion pictures. Josh Herrin says he admittedly made a mistake trying to pass where he couldn't and it was too late, on a wet curb. He'll be back for the next race in Argentina. Don't cry for me, Argentina. I'll be back. Seven laps to go in Moto 2. Mika Kallio, Anthony West, and others are running well. Everyone has upped the pace. Fast lap is a 2:10.7.
These blokes are running qualifying lap times. How will this one end? Four laps left. A lead change. Xavier Simeon went off the road. He ran wide. Right now, it's Maverick Vinales leading. Vinales is going for it. Tito Rabat is up there, too. Vinales is taking full advantage, setting sail, with a two second gap. He's pushing hard. Dominik Aegerter, and Mika Kallio are third and fourth. Anthony West is coming. This one is winding down, folks.
Vinales runs fast lapo at 2:10.1. Vinales is in the zone. The s curves are very trick at COTA, before the climb into turn ten, onto the brow of the hill, and down again. Tito Rabat is pushing. Vinales has posted a new lap record for Moto 2 at COTA. Xavier Simeon makes up a spot. Into turn twelve, it's three laps left, and everyone is sideways, including Aegerter. These bikes are all rider. Nico Terol, out. He's not too happy.
Moto 2 has no electronics. It's all rider, unlike Moto 3 or MotoGP. These are the bikes to ride. Now, two laps left. Tito Rabat is still pushing. He's got to keep his head in the game and score points. The s curves are confusing to some riders. Push, push, push. Where's Aegerter? He's got distance behind Rabat. Brake late, but don't overcook the entrance of the corner. Xavier Simeon might still get the podium./ Tom Luthi is being pressured by Anthony West.
West is going for it. Through the triple apex corner and across the line. Maverick Vinales is followed by Tito Rabat, 2.7 seconds behind. Oops! Once again, a wreck. Xavier Simeon crashes. He's out of it. Rabat is not doing well. Don't get mad because you let your rival get away. Just run your race. Dominik Aegerter is third. He'll still get a podium. Vinales is flying, and he could get his first Moto 2 win after winning the Moto 3 title last year.
Maverick Vinales does it all! He does a wheelie, and wins!
#40 Maverick Vinales ESP Kalex Figueres
The Moto 2 race is complete. Coming up, MotoGP! Stay tuned.
Herrin says he's enjoying this. He was homesick at first. But, he's liking it, and having fun. Herrin crashed in Qatar. He says he's better at racing. But, his confidence is being boosted. Watch Josh Herrin in Moto 2. He ran well, winning the AMA Superbike championship last year. He's got a tall order to try and win. Now, it's starting to rain in Texas. Will it continue? The Moto 2 bikes are forming up on the grid. Let's hope it doesn't downpour. Tito Rabat has pole, with Johann Zarco, and Dominik Aegerter, alongside.
Last year at COTA, Nico Terol won his first Moto 2 race. Freddie Spencer, Valentino Rossi, and Marc Marquez have all won in intermediate class races and championships. Josh Herrin wants to get points and is ready should the rain come. We've got showers on the track. There are some riders to watch in this one, in a 34 bike field. Now, the storm hasn't come. We'll see. Ready for a start.
Go! At the start, Tito Rabat goes off the line well. Up the inside, ooh. There's the wreck already at the back. Josh Herrin was in the wreck! Darn it! Well, let's see here chaps. These guys are pushing already, with Johann Zarco third. Leading it's Julian Simon. Luis Salom is out. Herrin, Nico Terol, and Sam Lowes were all involved in the crash. Lowes is last year's FIM World Supersport champ. Tito Rabat runs fourth, having started from pole.
Dominik Aegerter leads, with Takaaki Nakagami second. This is lap two of 20. Nil points for #81 Jordi Torres. He was involved in that shunt on lap one, turn one. Oh no! Another wreck! It's Team Caterham and Johann Zarco and Josh Herrin. Their team is AirAsia Caterham Moto Racing. Josh Herrin is back in this race. Now, watch Tom Luthi. He's 12th. Into turn 12, how sideways do you want your motorcycle? Don't sit around. Rabat is going for it with Xavier Simeon. Johann Zarco is out. Mika Kallio vs. Maverick Vinales. Xavier Simeon gets the lead. Kallio has fast lap at 2:11.2. Sixteen laps to go.
Xavier Simeon leads Dominik Aegerter. But, Josh Herrin has crashed again. Ouch! What a tumble! This is not what he or AirAsia Caterham wanted. Kevin Schwantz is an ambassador for COTA, and is in the booth with Jonathan Green and Scott Russell. Two champs, on the commentary team. Aegerter is pushing it. He's inside, outside, and everywhere. Simeon runs a 2:11 flat. Aegerter is quicker at 2:10.6. A replay of the start. Turn one is amazing, but, Herrin dive bombed up the inside, and went in way too hot.
Sam Lowes was right in the middle of this mess. Turn in, and boom! Down he goes! Air Asia, crash lands. Ker-runch! Ten laps to go. Kevin Schwantz got to ride the track last week and loves the circuit. It's probably the most physically difficult track MotoGP races on as there's another close call! Yours truly is typing lots of accidental letters trying to call this one. It's a fast, hot race. Watch turn 19. The paint probably got wet.
Tito Rabat is fast, at 2:10.4 on bike #53 with Simone Corsi next. Tom Luthi is up to tenth spot. Takaaki Nakagami is not having a good rac. Scott Russell and Kevin Schwantz raced together just once at the 1988 Daytona 200. Schwantz won it. Russell took over from Schwantz in the same team. But, these two in the booth, are both legends. Wayne Rainey is also here. He's another racing legend of course. Nine laps to go in Moto 2.
Xavier Simeon is going for it and so is Dominik Aegerter. The bikes are pretty stable as we watch the super slow motion pictures. Josh Herrin says he admittedly made a mistake trying to pass where he couldn't and it was too late, on a wet curb. He'll be back for the next race in Argentina. Don't cry for me, Argentina. I'll be back. Seven laps to go in Moto 2. Mika Kallio, Anthony West, and others are running well. Everyone has upped the pace. Fast lap is a 2:10.7.
These blokes are running qualifying lap times. How will this one end? Four laps left. A lead change. Xavier Simeon went off the road. He ran wide. Right now, it's Maverick Vinales leading. Vinales is going for it. Tito Rabat is up there, too. Vinales is taking full advantage, setting sail, with a two second gap. He's pushing hard. Dominik Aegerter, and Mika Kallio are third and fourth. Anthony West is coming. This one is winding down, folks.
Vinales runs fast lapo at 2:10.1. Vinales is in the zone. The s curves are very trick at COTA, before the climb into turn ten, onto the brow of the hill, and down again. Tito Rabat is pushing. Vinales has posted a new lap record for Moto 2 at COTA. Xavier Simeon makes up a spot. Into turn twelve, it's three laps left, and everyone is sideways, including Aegerter. These bikes are all rider. Nico Terol, out. He's not too happy.
Moto 2 has no electronics. It's all rider, unlike Moto 3 or MotoGP. These are the bikes to ride. Now, two laps left. Tito Rabat is still pushing. He's got to keep his head in the game and score points. The s curves are confusing to some riders. Push, push, push. Where's Aegerter? He's got distance behind Rabat. Brake late, but don't overcook the entrance of the corner. Xavier Simeon might still get the podium./ Tom Luthi is being pressured by Anthony West.
West is going for it. Through the triple apex corner and across the line. Maverick Vinales is followed by Tito Rabat, 2.7 seconds behind. Oops! Once again, a wreck. Xavier Simeon crashes. He's out of it. Rabat is not doing well. Don't get mad because you let your rival get away. Just run your race. Dominik Aegerter is third. He'll still get a podium. Vinales is flying, and he could get his first Moto 2 win after winning the Moto 3 title last year.
Maverick Vinales does it all! He does a wheelie, and wins!
#40 Maverick Vinales ESP Kalex Figueres
The Moto 2 race is complete. Coming up, MotoGP! Stay tuned.
Moto 3: U.S.A. (Circuit of the Americas)
We're ready for race one in a triple header for MotoGP in Austin, Texas, at the Circuit of the Americas. Moto 3 is first up. Usually, these races are blogged only from the results. But today, yours truly is going to blog and post each race, as they happen. So, let's go racing in Moto 3, first. Moto 2 and MotoGP will follow.
Rain threatens for all the races. Jack Miller has pole in Moto 3. These are the young guns of the sport with single cylinder, 250cc 4 stroke motors. Remember, last year, Maverick Vinales won the championship. Aussie Jack Miller beat Alex Marquez in the first race, with Efren Vazquez in third. The weather is changing quickly. Jack Miller is on pole, after winning last time out. He says it'll be an interesting race. In qualifying, Eric Granado had a crash. Alex Rins won this race last year and qualified third. Efren Vazquez is second. Jack Miller, is on pole.
The bikes form up on the grid. It's been really windy all weekend. Here we go. At the start, Jack Miller has a good start, but Alex Rins did not. 18 laps scheduled. Two riders have crashed. That happenbs in a really right first corner. They sweep uphill towards turns eight and nine, going downhill into turns ten and eleven. It's Honda vs. KTM. Andrea Locatelli and Arthur Sissis are the two riders who went down. Sissis didn't race at Qatar, as he was ill with tonsilits.
Rins and Marquez battle. Vazquez and Marquez are pulling out a lead. It's going to be tense for third between Jakub Kornfeil and Alex Marquez. Rins tries to go up the inside. Can Vazquez make a move? Miller started in Motocross. These Moto 3 bikes are all about corner speed, not straight line speed. The gap has gone down a little bit. Miller continues to lead up the 133 foot hill to turn one. Alex Marquez breaks away from Alex Rins.
Maverick Vinales passes Jakub Kornfeil. Brad Binder is up to 13th. Stay in tight behind the windscreen. These bikes are all about corrner speed with a single cylinder motor. Marquez runs a 2:16.8 lap time. We are just a little ways into the race with 16 to go. Down goes, ouch! That's Malaysian rider Zulfahmi Khairuddin. He nearly got run over by another motorcycle! But, he'll be OK. The battle is starting to heat up.
Miller still leads as Maverick Vinales slides off the road in turn 19. Miller is still in the clutches of Alex Marquez. He's flying. He's passed for second as Brad Binder is out of this one. Game over. Romano Fenati is doing well, too, riding for Valentino Rossi's team. Marquez and Vazquez are being slowed down by their battle, running 2:16 and 2:17 laps. Miller runs a 2:17 flat, and Marquez is fastest at a 2:15.3. Eleven laps left. Miller, Vazquez, Marquez. Rins is fourth. These guys are flat through turn two, into the esses. Make a move in turn six, and go down the gearbox.
Niccolo Antontelli crashes. He's caught out at turn 19. It's calamity corner. Marquez is now up to second. Everyone says the Honda's have improved, and they have. Alex Marquez is coming. Efren Vazquez is going for it. Ales Marquez won the Moto 3 race in Japan last year. Nine laps to go. Can Alex Rins repeat his win from last year? The wind gusts are really tossing these tiny bikes around.
Use the draft. Down the striahgt into turn 12, Miller is neatly thgrough the corner, and his competition follows him through. Just sit there and keep going. Honda has 250 wins in MotoGP. Amazing! Australia and the U.S. both need star riders. Jack Miller could be the next motorcycle star from Down Under, like his countrymen Casey Stoner, Wayne Gardner, and Mick Doohan... all legends. Miller is going for it and we're getting closer to the end of this one.
Four laps to go in Moto 3. Jack Miller continues to lead, after starting from pole. Romano Fenati is now right in this fight! We've got a doozy of a battle here, blokes. All these guys are on soft tires. The tire wear is good. Fenati goes right around into second place. Wow. It's slick, going over the paint. Fenati was two or three seconds down, in the second pack. He's right behind Jack Miller now. Fenati is the only man in the2:16 bracket right now.
Three laps left. Miller has dominated this race. Can he go two for two? The KTM's have dropped the other two FTR Honda's. Miller now has Fenati all over him like a rash. Watch Fenati. He passed two riders in the paint last time by. Here comes, Efren Vazquez! He almost has the lead, but no! They're touching, almnost. Fenati wants it. Miller stays in P1. Through the triple apex turn 15. Another triple apex corner, downhill into the last corner. Stay in line, hold the bike straight up. Two to go.
Vazquez runs a 2:16.6. He's running Harry Flatters. Translation... flat out. Marquez might not have time toi catch up. He's fourth, but running on pace. Miller is focused and has the hammer down. He can't see other riders coming. No mirrors. Vazquez runs wide and goes to the lead! Whoa! Miuller ius up the inside with Fenati following him through. Vazquez back to second. Fenati leads it.
One more lap after this one. Don't look back, mate. Keep pushing. Watch turn 19. No worries. Alex Rins is fifth, three and a half seconds behind. He won't win this year. Last lap. Who is going to get it? Vazquez wants second. Fenatti won't have it. No dice. Miller is loving this. He can pull out a gap. He's going to go two for two. Fenati wants to make it happen. Into turn eleven, how do you make your move? Fenati was being muscled. Efren Vazquez passes Miller for the lead. Three wide! Miller holds on! Marquez was in the lead for a second.
Miller makes a mistake, but covers the inside. Who's going to do it? Miller leads with two laps left. Oh no! Marquez ditches the bike! Jack Miller wins it! Jack be nimble! Jack be quick! Jack Miller... that was sick! Miller wins!
#8 Jack Miller AUS KTM
Moto 3, done and dusted. The next race, is in Argentina, in two weeks. Catch your breath, folks. We've got two races to go today. Moto 2, coming at you, next!
Rain threatens for all the races. Jack Miller has pole in Moto 3. These are the young guns of the sport with single cylinder, 250cc 4 stroke motors. Remember, last year, Maverick Vinales won the championship. Aussie Jack Miller beat Alex Marquez in the first race, with Efren Vazquez in third. The weather is changing quickly. Jack Miller is on pole, after winning last time out. He says it'll be an interesting race. In qualifying, Eric Granado had a crash. Alex Rins won this race last year and qualified third. Efren Vazquez is second. Jack Miller, is on pole.
The bikes form up on the grid. It's been really windy all weekend. Here we go. At the start, Jack Miller has a good start, but Alex Rins did not. 18 laps scheduled. Two riders have crashed. That happenbs in a really right first corner. They sweep uphill towards turns eight and nine, going downhill into turns ten and eleven. It's Honda vs. KTM. Andrea Locatelli and Arthur Sissis are the two riders who went down. Sissis didn't race at Qatar, as he was ill with tonsilits.
Rins and Marquez battle. Vazquez and Marquez are pulling out a lead. It's going to be tense for third between Jakub Kornfeil and Alex Marquez. Rins tries to go up the inside. Can Vazquez make a move? Miller started in Motocross. These Moto 3 bikes are all about corner speed, not straight line speed. The gap has gone down a little bit. Miller continues to lead up the 133 foot hill to turn one. Alex Marquez breaks away from Alex Rins.
Maverick Vinales passes Jakub Kornfeil. Brad Binder is up to 13th. Stay in tight behind the windscreen. These bikes are all about corrner speed with a single cylinder motor. Marquez runs a 2:16.8 lap time. We are just a little ways into the race with 16 to go. Down goes, ouch! That's Malaysian rider Zulfahmi Khairuddin. He nearly got run over by another motorcycle! But, he'll be OK. The battle is starting to heat up.
Miller still leads as Maverick Vinales slides off the road in turn 19. Miller is still in the clutches of Alex Marquez. He's flying. He's passed for second as Brad Binder is out of this one. Game over. Romano Fenati is doing well, too, riding for Valentino Rossi's team. Marquez and Vazquez are being slowed down by their battle, running 2:16 and 2:17 laps. Miller runs a 2:17 flat, and Marquez is fastest at a 2:15.3. Eleven laps left. Miller, Vazquez, Marquez. Rins is fourth. These guys are flat through turn two, into the esses. Make a move in turn six, and go down the gearbox.
Niccolo Antontelli crashes. He's caught out at turn 19. It's calamity corner. Marquez is now up to second. Everyone says the Honda's have improved, and they have. Alex Marquez is coming. Efren Vazquez is going for it. Ales Marquez won the Moto 3 race in Japan last year. Nine laps to go. Can Alex Rins repeat his win from last year? The wind gusts are really tossing these tiny bikes around.
Use the draft. Down the striahgt into turn 12, Miller is neatly thgrough the corner, and his competition follows him through. Just sit there and keep going. Honda has 250 wins in MotoGP. Amazing! Australia and the U.S. both need star riders. Jack Miller could be the next motorcycle star from Down Under, like his countrymen Casey Stoner, Wayne Gardner, and Mick Doohan... all legends. Miller is going for it and we're getting closer to the end of this one.
Four laps to go in Moto 3. Jack Miller continues to lead, after starting from pole. Romano Fenati is now right in this fight! We've got a doozy of a battle here, blokes. All these guys are on soft tires. The tire wear is good. Fenati goes right around into second place. Wow. It's slick, going over the paint. Fenati was two or three seconds down, in the second pack. He's right behind Jack Miller now. Fenati is the only man in the2:16 bracket right now.
Three laps left. Miller has dominated this race. Can he go two for two? The KTM's have dropped the other two FTR Honda's. Miller now has Fenati all over him like a rash. Watch Fenati. He passed two riders in the paint last time by. Here comes, Efren Vazquez! He almost has the lead, but no! They're touching, almnost. Fenati wants it. Miller stays in P1. Through the triple apex turn 15. Another triple apex corner, downhill into the last corner. Stay in line, hold the bike straight up. Two to go.
Vazquez runs a 2:16.6. He's running Harry Flatters. Translation... flat out. Marquez might not have time toi catch up. He's fourth, but running on pace. Miller is focused and has the hammer down. He can't see other riders coming. No mirrors. Vazquez runs wide and goes to the lead! Whoa! Miuller ius up the inside with Fenati following him through. Vazquez back to second. Fenati leads it.
One more lap after this one. Don't look back, mate. Keep pushing. Watch turn 19. No worries. Alex Rins is fifth, three and a half seconds behind. He won't win this year. Last lap. Who is going to get it? Vazquez wants second. Fenatti won't have it. No dice. Miller is loving this. He can pull out a gap. He's going to go two for two. Fenati wants to make it happen. Into turn eleven, how do you make your move? Fenati was being muscled. Efren Vazquez passes Miller for the lead. Three wide! Miller holds on! Marquez was in the lead for a second.
Miller makes a mistake, but covers the inside. Who's going to do it? Miller leads with two laps left. Oh no! Marquez ditches the bike! Jack Miller wins it! Jack be nimble! Jack be quick! Jack Miller... that was sick! Miller wins!
#8 Jack Miller AUS KTM
Moto 3, done and dusted. The next race, is in Argentina, in two weeks. Catch your breath, folks. We've got two races to go today. Moto 2, coming at you, next!
Thursday, April 10, 2014
Colin Edwards' retirement
MotoGP rider, and all around motorcycle racing great, Colin "The Texas Tornado" Edwards, is retiring from the sport at the end of the season, according to MotoGP on Twitter.
great quote from Valentino Rossi
2Wheeled Racing News and Views, on Facebook, has a great quote from Valentino Rossi, as to how to treat a MotoGP bike.
"The most important thing is to have a good relationship with the bike... you have to understand what she wants. I think of a motorcycle as a woman, and I know that sounds silly, but it's true."
-Valentino Rossi
"The most important thing is to have a good relationship with the bike... you have to understand what she wants. I think of a motorcycle as a woman, and I know that sounds silly, but it's true."
-Valentino Rossi
Wednesday, April 9, 2014
MotoGP stories ahead of round 2 @ Circuit of the Americas
Stories to watch ahead of round two of MotoGP at Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas.
Marquez fitness improving ahead of return to Austin
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Repsol%20Honda%20Austin%20Preview
Smith & Espargaro head west for Texas showdown
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Smith+and+Espargaro+head+west+for+Texas+showdown
Rossi motivation to improve on 2013 Austin result
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Rossi+motivation+to+improve+on+2013+Austin+result
Saudades brings the Doctor back to Brazil
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Saudades+brings+the+Doctor+back+to+Brazil
Marquez fitness improving ahead of return to Austin
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Repsol%20Honda%20Austin%20Preview
Smith & Espargaro head west for Texas showdown
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Smith+and+Espargaro+head+west+for+Texas+showdown
Rossi motivation to improve on 2013 Austin result
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Rossi+motivation+to+improve+on+2013+Austin+result
Saudades brings the Doctor back to Brazil
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Saudades+brings+the+Doctor+back+to+Brazil
Tuesday, April 8, 2014
Video: How to, and how not to, win at COTA
Watch this video montage of crashes from last year's MotoGP races at Circuit of the Americas. Pay particular attention to the last clip in the montage. Whatever you do, don't be in a scenario where, you as the rider, fall off the bike, and have a runaway motorcycle which seems to move down the racetrack as if being guided by remote control, before...while you are sliding on your back in the other direction, your bike is going... going... going... gone, as it wallops the Armco barrier. Ker-runch!
http://msn.foxsports.com/speed/motogp/video-how-to-and-how-not-to-win-at-cota/
http://msn.foxsports.com/speed/motogp/video-how-to-and-how-not-to-win-at-cota/
more MotoGP news
More news from MotoGP headed into this weekend's action at Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas.
Rabat confidence high as Austin looms
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Rabat+confidence+high+as+Austin+looms
Jorge Lorenzo visits Colombia and Mexico
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Jorge+Lorenzo+visits+Colombia+and+Mexico
Moto3 returns to Rins' happy hunting ground
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Moto3+returns+to+Rins+happy+hunting+ground
Crutchlow optimism raised by Jerez test
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Ducati+Team+Austin+Preview
Hayden looking forward to racing in front of fans
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Nicky+Hayden+Austin+Preview
Bridgestone prepare material for slow and fast COTA corners
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Bridgestone+prepare+material+for+slow+and+fast+COTA+corners
Rabat confidence high as Austin looms
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Rabat+confidence+high+as+Austin+looms
Jorge Lorenzo visits Colombia and Mexico
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Jorge+Lorenzo+visits+Colombia+and+Mexico
Moto3 returns to Rins' happy hunting ground
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Moto3+returns+to+Rins+happy+hunting+ground
Crutchlow optimism raised by Jerez test
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Ducati+Team+Austin+Preview
Hayden looking forward to racing in front of fans
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Nicky+Hayden+Austin+Preview
Bridgestone prepare material for slow and fast COTA corners
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Bridgestone+prepare+material+for+slow+and+fast+COTA+corners
Monday, April 7, 2014
FIM World Superbike news (testing)
Lots of news to catch up on in the realm of World Superbike, as the series heads into it's second round in Aragon, Spain, this weekend.
Giugliano makes the most of private testing at Jerez
http://www.worldsbk.com/en/news/2014/Giugliano+makes+the+most+of+private+testing+at+Jerez
Testing complete for KRT at Jerez
http://www.worldsbk.com/en/news/2014/Testing+complete+for+KRT+at+Jerez
Voltcom Crescent Suzuki complete important Jerez test
http://www.worldsbk.com/en/news/2014/Voltcom+Crescent+Suzuki+complete+important+Jerez+test
May returns to action as Team Hero EBR prepare for second round
http://www.worldsbk.com/en/news/2014/May+returns+to+action+as+Team+Hero+EBR+prepare+for+second+round
WSBK returns to Spain for the 25th consecutive year
http://www.worldsbk.com/en/news/2014/WSBK+returns+to+Spain+for+the+25th+consecutive+year
Giugliano makes the most of private testing at Jerez
http://www.worldsbk.com/en/news/2014/Giugliano+makes+the+most+of+private+testing+at+Jerez
Testing complete for KRT at Jerez
http://www.worldsbk.com/en/news/2014/Testing+complete+for+KRT+at+Jerez
Voltcom Crescent Suzuki complete important Jerez test
http://www.worldsbk.com/en/news/2014/Voltcom+Crescent+Suzuki+complete+important+Jerez+test
May returns to action as Team Hero EBR prepare for second round
http://www.worldsbk.com/en/news/2014/May+returns+to+action+as+Team+Hero+EBR+prepare+for+second+round
WSBK returns to Spain for the 25th consecutive year
http://www.worldsbk.com/en/news/2014/WSBK+returns+to+Spain+for+the+25th+consecutive+year
The hunt for Marquez continues as MotoGP heads to Texas
A preview of this weekend's MotoGP Grand Prix of the Americas at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas... the first of two rounds of the championship to be held in the United States.
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/The%20hunt%20for%20Marquez%20continues%20as%20MotoGP%20heads%20to%20Texas
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/The%20hunt%20for%20Marquez%20continues%20as%20MotoGP%20heads%20to%20Texas
Sunday, April 6, 2014
Albesiano On Aprilia's Plans To Return To MotoGP For 2016
Yours truly can't remember if he posted a story on this last week. Therefore, the news must be broken now. Aprilia intends to return to MotoGP in 2016 as a factory outfit. Here are the details, from Romano Albesiano, Aprilia's Sporting Director, in an interview with MotoGP.com, posted by Fox Sports.
http://msn.foxsports.com/speed/motogp/albesiano-on-aprilias-plans-to-return-to-motogp/
http://msn.foxsports.com/speed/motogp/albesiano-on-aprilias-plans-to-return-to-motogp/
FIM CEV Repsol: Quartaro, Raffin and Noyes dominate at Jerez
The FIM CEV Repsol junior championship ran at the Jerez de la Frontera track in Spain, yesterday. Here's a story about those races.
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/FIM+CEV+Repsol+Jerez+qp
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/FIM+CEV+Repsol+Jerez+qp
Friday, April 4, 2014
AMA news update
Some stories to keep an eye on in AMA Pro Road Racing. Check these out.
Michael Barnes To Race MV Agusta F3 675 for Veloce Racing
http://www.amaproracing.com/rr/news/index.cfm?cid=59609
Ryan Kerr Reflects on Strong AMA Pro Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson Series Debut
http://www.amaproracing.com/rr/news/index.cfm?cid=59611
Kyle Wyman Dominates at Daytona, Looks to Carry Momentum into Road America
http://www.amaproracing.com/rr/news/index.cfm?cid=59682
Broaster Chicken Racing Debuts 2014 Team at Daytona
http://www.amaproracing.com/rr/news/index.cfm?cid=59686
Michael Barnes To Race MV Agusta F3 675 for Veloce Racing
http://www.amaproracing.com/rr/news/index.cfm?cid=59609
Ryan Kerr Reflects on Strong AMA Pro Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson Series Debut
http://www.amaproracing.com/rr/news/index.cfm?cid=59611
Kyle Wyman Dominates at Daytona, Looks to Carry Momentum into Road America
http://www.amaproracing.com/rr/news/index.cfm?cid=59682
Broaster Chicken Racing Debuts 2014 Team at Daytona
http://www.amaproracing.com/rr/news/index.cfm?cid=59686
more news from MotoGP
Valentino Rossi is committed to race motorcycles for the long haul.
Rossi: "As Long As I Can, I'll Be Racing Bikes"
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Valentino+Rossi+SKY+Studio+Interview+part+2
Aprilia will make their return to the MotoGP grid in 2016.
Albesiano on Aprilia's plans to return to MotoGP for 2016
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Romano+Albesiano+on+2016+Aprilia+Return+Interview
...and
An interview with Marc Marquez, who says he's more comfortable ahead of the races this season.
Marquez "more comfortable" ahead of races this year
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Marquez+more+comfortable+ahead+of+races+this+year
Rossi: "As Long As I Can, I'll Be Racing Bikes"
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Valentino+Rossi+SKY+Studio+Interview+part+2
Aprilia will make their return to the MotoGP grid in 2016.
Albesiano on Aprilia's plans to return to MotoGP for 2016
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Romano+Albesiano+on+2016+Aprilia+Return+Interview
...and
An interview with Marc Marquez, who says he's more comfortable ahead of the races this season.
Marquez "more comfortable" ahead of races this year
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Marquez+more+comfortable+ahead+of+races+this+year
Thursday, April 3, 2014
Ducati Team testing at Jerez conditioned by bad weather
A routine test session for the Ducati MotoGP team at Jerez de la Frontera in Spain, was cut short, by inclement weather, as they were preparing for MotoGP round two, coming up at Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas, next weekend.
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Ducati+Team+testing+at+Jerez+conditioned+by+bad+weather
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Ducati+Team+testing+at+Jerez+conditioned+by+bad+weather
Abraham regaining confidence after injury lay-off
Czech rider Karel Abraham is coming back to MotoGP in good health.
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Abraham+regaining+confidence+after+injury+layoff
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Abraham+regaining+confidence+after+injury+layoff
Wednesday, April 2, 2014
FIM World Superbike legends
A photo from the official Facebook page of Colin Edwards, back in 1999, in his days racing in FIM World Superbike, lined up with his team mate Aaron Slight, as well as rivals Carl Fogarty, and Ben Bostrom. Legends, all.
MotoGP news & notes
More news from the world of MotoGP, via their Facebook page, and official website.
Yoshishige Nomura introduced as new HRC President
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Yoshishige+Nomura+introduced+as+new+HRC+President
Broc Parkes on a lengthy Qatar Adventure
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Broc+Parkes+on+a+lengthy+Qatar+adventure
Insights from 3-time MotoGP champion, Freddie Spencer.
Spencer on Marquez, Rossi, Open and the future
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Spencer+on+Marquez+Rossi+Open+and+the+future
A Qatar 1-2 pleases Michael Bartholemy
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/A+Qatar+12+pleases+Michael+Bartholemy
Cortese training for Austin at full speed
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Cortese+training+for+Austin+at+full+speed
Iannone: 'I want to fight with Marquez again'
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Iannone+Pramac+Racing+post+Qatar+interview
...and yes, the April Fools joke, has been put to rest.
Rossi hints at contract renewal with Yamaha
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Valentino%20Rossi%20SKY%20Studio%20Interview%20on%20his%20renewal
Yoshishige Nomura introduced as new HRC President
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Yoshishige+Nomura+introduced+as+new+HRC+President
Broc Parkes on a lengthy Qatar Adventure
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Broc+Parkes+on+a+lengthy+Qatar+adventure
Insights from 3-time MotoGP champion, Freddie Spencer.
Spencer on Marquez, Rossi, Open and the future
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Spencer+on+Marquez+Rossi+Open+and+the+future
A Qatar 1-2 pleases Michael Bartholemy
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/A+Qatar+12+pleases+Michael+Bartholemy
Cortese training for Austin at full speed
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Cortese+training+for+Austin+at+full+speed
Iannone: 'I want to fight with Marquez again'
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Iannone+Pramac+Racing+post+Qatar+interview
...and yes, the April Fools joke, has been put to rest.
Rossi hints at contract renewal with Yamaha
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Valentino%20Rossi%20SKY%20Studio%20Interview%20on%20his%20renewal
Tuesday, April 1, 2014
Bike Changes Helped Redding Beat Hayden In Debut
Now, enough with fun and games, and back to real stories. Scott Redding has gotten his career as a MotoGP rider off to a good start with a solid finish in Qatar, as the leading Honda rider to finish the event.
http://msn.foxsports.com/speed/motogp/motogp-bike-changes-helped-redding-beat-hayden-in-debut/
http://msn.foxsports.com/speed/motogp/motogp-bike-changes-helped-redding-beat-hayden-in-debut/
Valentino Rossi to quit MotoGP effective immediately
April Fool's joke. Valentino Rossi quitting MotoGP? Say what? I don't think so. Yours truly was scared half to death by this one. But, read the statement at the end of the article about sour grapes and humble pie, and you might get it. Happy April Fools Day!
http://motegp.com/en/news/2014/Valentino+Rossi+Quits/
http://motegp.com/en/news/2014/Valentino+Rossi+Quits/
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