Simoncelli Honored As MotoGP Legend

The late Marco Simoncelli, will be posthumously inducted into the MotoGP Hall of Fame.  A great, and well deserved honor.  Rest In Peace, 'Supersic'.

http://msn.foxsports.com/speed/motogp/simoncelli-honored-as-motogp-legend/?cmpid=tsmfb:fscom:speed

Espargaro and Smith raring to go at round six

Tech 3 Yamaha and their riders, Pol Espargaro and Bradley Smith, are aiming for a good finish in Italy this weekend.

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Espargaro+and+Smith+raring+to+go+at+round+six

300 races later: Rossi's stats put Marquez on toes entering Mugello

More about Valentino Rossi's amazing record in World Grand Prix motorcycle racing.  Marc Marquez should NOT let down his guard, to say the least.

http://msn.foxsports.com/speed/motogp/300-races-later-rossis-stats-put-marquez-on-toes-entering-mugello/?cmpid=tsmfb:fscom:speed

AMA Pro SuperBike rolls into Road America for Round 2 of AMA Pro Road Racing

A preview of this weekend's AMA Superbike action at the legendary four mile layout at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin.

http://www.amaproracing.com/rr/news/index.cfm?cid=60100

Rossi: 'Victory at Mugello is a matter of honour'

It is a home race for not only Valentino Rossi, but also, his Movistar Yamaha MotoGP team, racing in Tuscany, in Italy this weekend, at the Mugello circuit.

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Rossi+Victory+at+Mugello+is+a+matter+of+honour

Mugello's great history of Grand Prix racing

The Mugello track in Italy has been a very good venue for world Grand Prix motorcycle racing.  Here are the facts and figures on that history, which has seen consistent and consecutive races since 1991, while the first world championship event was held at the track in 1976.

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Mugellos+great+history+of+Grand+Prix+racing

Marquez mission to maintain perfect start

Going into this weekend's MotoGP race at Mugello, Marc Marquez wants to continue his truly dominant start to the 2014 season.

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Marquez+mission+to+maintain+perfect+start

Kallio chases Rabat as title battle gathers momentum

The Moto 2 battle is going to intensify going into this weekend's action in Italy at Misano Adriatico.  So far, the championship has been all about the inter-team rivalry at Marc VDS Racing between Mika Kallio, and Tito Rabat.

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/moto2+GP+Italia+preview

Rossi ready to battle with Marquez at 300th Grand Prix

Valentino Rossi is definitely all set to make his 300th appearance in a world Grand Prix motorcycle race, this coming weekend, where he will renew his rivalry with Marc Marquez as MotoGP heads to the Mugello circuit in Italy.

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Rossi+ready+to+battle+with+Marquez+at+300th+Grand+Prix

FIM World Superbike round 5: Donington Park... Leicestershire, England

Tom Sykes sweeps both FIM World Superbike races in round five of the series at the Donington Park circuit in Leicestershire, England. Michael van der Mark continued his winning ways in the World Supersport 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: #60 Michael van der Mark   NLD    
                                                                                PATA Honda World Supersport Team
                                                                                Honda CBR600RR

Neither of the Superstock classes (1000cc or 600cc) competed in races at Donington Park.  The next race on the calendar for the World Superbike teams will be outside Europe, in Asia.  Specifically, they will travel to Malaysia, and the Sepang International Circuit, for a race that is slated to be run in two weeks.  Stay tuned for a rundown of the results from that event after it happens.

New AMA Pro SuperBike Final Qualifying Procedure to be Implemented at Road America

AMA Pro Racing has adopted a new three round, knockout qualifying system, very similar to Formula One, and will debut the new procedure next weekend at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin.

http://www.amaproracing.com/rr/news/index.cfm?cid=60043

Michelin to become MotoGP Official Tyre Supplier

It didn't take long for MotoGP to find a new official tire supplier.  Michelin, steps up to the plate.

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Michelin+to+become+MotoGP+Official+Tyre+supplier

MotoGP news update

More news from MotoGP, just after the middle of the week, including interviews with some key team members.

Cuzari: "In Mugello we'll race with new chassis"
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Giovanni+Cuzari+NGM+Forward+interview

Dall'Igna: "Lots of steps in the right direction"
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Gigi+DallIgna+interview

GP Commission allows 340mm brake discs at all tracks
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/GP+Commission+allows+340+mm+braking+discs+at+all+tracks

Valentino Rossi on Marc Marquez' domination

This comes from the Facebook page, 2Wheeled Racing News And Views.

MotoGP

Valentino Rossi insists Marc Marquez's total 2014 MotoGP
domination isn't a 'big problem' for him personally.
The 21-year-old reigning champion has won all five races from pole
position, including a fight back from tenth place to beat Rossi at Le
Mans on Sunday.
It marked the third time that Rossi has finished runner-up to the
young Repsol Honda star this year.
“Personally I'm in a situation where, for sure I want to win, but it's
not a big problem for me [that Marquez is unbeaten],” said Rossi,
who re-joined Yamaha from Ducati last season.
“Because I come from last year, and especially two and three years
ago, where my results were a lot worse. So, I'm so happy about my
work,” added the 35-year-old Italian, currently third and the top
Yamaha rider in the world championship standings.
Rossi's only regret is that he can't turn back the clock and take on
Marquez as a 22-year-old - when Rossi won the first of his seven
premier-class titles in the former 500cc class.
“You know, Marquez is clearly at the top. I understood this already
last year. I say, 'F**k it's difficult, I have to fight with him when I
was 22!',” Rossi smiled. “But anyway it's also good motivation
because the level is so high and if you want to try to beat him you
have to give more than 100 percent.”
Referring to Rossi's upcoming home event, Marquez responded: “In
these five races I had the level, but I think in Mugello Valentino will
be 22 years old again! He will again be so fast and will push a lot.
“Of course now we are in a very good moment, but we cannot forget
we are in the best championship with the best riders. It looks easy
from the outside, but inside the pit box we know how we need to
work and we push a lot every practice.”
Marquez holds a 42 point championship lead over Dani Pedrosa
heading to Mugello, with Rossi two points further behind.
Rossi was unbeaten at his home race from 2002-2008, with team-
mate Jorge Lorenzo winning the Italian round for Yamaha for the
last three years.
Marquez suffered his only race fall of last season at Mugello,
costing him a safe second place. The rookie had already suffered
three accidents in practice - most notably in FP2, when he lost
control at the end of the 200mph home straight, leaving him with an
injured shoulder and damaged chin.
  

MotoGP: Rookie Pol Espargaro Delighted With Fourth in Le Mans

Pol Espargaro, is extremely happy about his fourth place finish at Le Mans last weekend, and why shouldn't he be.  Last year's Moto 2 champion, is improving steadily, as a MotoGP rider.

http://msn.foxsports.com/speed/motogp/motogp-rookie-pol-espargaro-delighted-with-fourth-in-le-mans/

Colin Edwards: Forward chassis debut at Mugello MotoGP?

Colin Edwards will test new parts at the next round of the MotoGP world championship at Mugello in Italy.

http://www.crash.net/motogp/news/204658/1/colin-edwards-new-forward-chassis-at-mugello.html

Celtic/HVMC Suzuki's Alexander Visits Dr. Ting With Broken Collarbone

AMA Pro Supersport points leader, Corey Alexander had a training accident in which he broke his collarbone.  He has visited renowned sports surgeon Dr. Arthur Ting.  Ting says Alexander will recover in a short period of time.

http://www.amaproracing.com/rr/news/index.cfm?cid=60026

MotoGP news after Le Mans

Some news items of importance, after the Le Mans round of the world championship.

Rossi content with consistent podium form
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Rossi+content+with+consistent+podium+form

Bradl: 'Seventh is not what we expected'
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Bradl+Seventh+is+not+what+we+expected

Bautista storms to first podium of the year
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Bautista+post+Le+Mans+review

Marquez continues record-breaking run
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Marquez+continues+recordbreaking+run

Espargaro delighted with best result yet
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Espargaro+delighted+with+best+result+yet

Lorenzo reflects on Le Mans race performance
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/lorenzo+le+mans+france+gp+review

Moto 2 & Moto 3: France

Moto 2 at Le Mans was won by Mika Kallio for Marc VDS Racing, ahead of Simone Corsi and Tito Rabat.  Maverick Vinales, Luis Salom, Jonas Folger, Dominik Aegerter, Tom Luthi, Sam Lowes, and Franco Morbidelli, completed the top ten.  26 riders finished the race.  Xavier Simeon did not start.  Julian Simon, Luis Rossi, Alex de Angelis, Johann Zarco, and Mattia Passini, were among the major non finishers in Moto 2 in France.

#36 Mika Kallio     FIN     Kalex

http://www.motogp.com/en/Results+Statistics

In a sizzling Moto 3 race, Jack Miller ended up winning the Moto 3 race at Le Mans just barely beating Alex Rins.  Efren Vazquez was the star of the race until late in the going before falling to sixth place.  One of the top runners, Romano Fenati, ended up not being classified as a finisher.

#8 Jack Miller     AUS     KTM

http://www.motogp.com/en/Results+Statistics

The next race for Moto 2 and Moto 3 will be in Italy, at the Mugello circuit in Mugello, Italy, coming up in two weeks.



 

MotoGP round 5: France

Marc Marquez, is going for six wins in a row in the MotoGP World Championship, as the teams and riders head to France, and specifically, to Le Mans, and the Bugatti Circuit.  Le Mans is famous for the sports car race.  But, for the 27th year, motorcycles race here, and also, for the 15th consecutive race for the two wheelers. The first race was held 45 years ago in 1969.  Marc Marquez destroyed team mate Dani Pedrosa's lap record.

Pol Espargaro qualified second.  The plan is, get a good jump.  14 corners are on this course.  28 laps scheduled.  The track at Le Mans (unlike the car track called Circuit de la Sarthe, which is very long), for the motorcycles, is short, with no place for riders to relax.  The track is 2.6 miles long.  Part of this track is of course, the Circuit de la Sarthe.  Honda has won five races here in the four stroke era.  Valentino Rossi and Jorge Lorenzo have also won here for Yamaha.

Rain sometimes is a factor at Le Mans in motorcycle races.  But, for today's race, the sky is French blue, and the weather should be great.  Marc Marquez is unbeatable so far, winning four straight races, from pole.  Marc Marquez has six poles (after winning the last race last year).  He's got six consecutive wins, and also, Marquez could have as many wins in MotoGP as Giacomo Agostini in 1972.

Valentino Rossi could sign another two year contract to keep racing with Yamaha.  Many surgeries have happened to riders for arm pump, as reported here.  Jorge Lorenzo could sign with Yamaha again.  Dani Pedrosa and Andrea Dovizioso, could be linked to rides with Suzuki when they enter the series.  Or, they could stay with their respective teams.  Neither Danilo Petrucci or Luca Scassa will race today, as both, are injured.

The irony is, Scassa, was to replace Petrucci while he heals from his injuries, and Scassa, hurt himself, too.  There was a one day test after the Spanish GP, and Ducati also did another two day test.  In qualifying, Andrea Ianonne was good at first, but ended up eleventh after overshooting a chicane.  Jorge Lorenzo will start ninth.  Stefan Bradl qualified fourth.  Marc Marquez has pole.  The last time anyone won six poles straight, it was Casey Stoner, in 2008.

Can anyone beat Marc Marquez?  22 bikes will start this race.  Again, the weather is gorgeous.  If Marquez wins today, he'll be the youngest rider to win five races in the premier class.  He would beat Mike Hailwood's record, which has stood since 1962, for over fifty years.  The start is crucial.  Go!  At the start, Andrea Dovizioso gets a good start and Marquez is now losing ground.  Andrea Dovizioso and the Yamaha's are going for it.  But, Nicky Hayden is down and out!

We've got Stefan Bradl going for it, and Valentino Rossi is also pushing.  But, Marc Marquez is falling behind!  This isn't good.  He's under huge pressure between Garage Vert and the blue esses.  Dovizioso leads on the Ducati.  Where is Marc Marquez?  He's way down in tenth.  Lorenzo, Pedrosa, and Marquez, are all down the order.  Riders run wide in La Chapelle.  Andrea Ianonne had a good start, but he's falling down the order.

They run  into the Chemaine au Boeuf esses.  Hector Barbera, is out.  He's crashed.  Marquez and Lorenzo ran wide at the start.  Valentino Rossi is beginning to push.  Andrea Dovizioso won the 125cc class race here a decade ago and won the 125cc world championship in 2004.  Ianonne is out.  Stefan Bradl is under pressure from Valentino Rossi.  "The Doctor" is coming.  Marc Marquez is going to have to book it.  The last time Rossi won at Le Mans, was in 2008.

Marquez has a real challenge on his hands.  He's in seventh.  But he runs the fastest lap, too.  Rossi comes back into the lead.  Here comes Dovizioso.  He holds the advantage.  Into Museum corner, Rossi leads and runs wide.  Stefan Bradl smells blood.  They come to Garage Vert.  Rossi leads and the crowd goes nuts!  Into Chemaine aux Boeufs again.  Pol  Espargarop flies into third past Stefan Bradl.  Two former Moto 2 champions.

Marquez runs another fast lap.  But he'll have to push.  Bradley Smith is attacked by Jorge Lorenzo.  Smith runs wide.  Marquez wants by.  This is a hot race.  Marquez may have a better run out of the corner.  Valentino Rossi leads Andrea Dovizioso.  Into the blue esses, Marquez passes Smith.  Alvaro Bautista and Dani Pedrosa are coming, too.  Marquez is really flying.  Bautista and Smith are scrapping, on lap six.  Twenty two laps left.

Valentino Rossi is running well as Stefan Bradl passes Andrea Dovizioso into Museum.  Lorenzo runs wide again.  The action is sizzling now.  Pedrosa is stuck behind Bradley Smith.  Marquez and Lorenzo ran wide.  They both ran right off onto the runoff area.  Marquez is attacking Lorenzo now.  He slides past the Yamaha going down to La Chapelle.  Everyone is on the limit of their Bridgestone tires.  Marquez attacks Andrea Dovizioso.  So, we'll see if Marquez can get to the front.

Rossi is at the end of his contract with Yamaha.  He wants a new two year deal.  Marquez is now up to fourth.  Rossi still leads.  Valentino Rossi has to get away.  But, Marquez is 6/10ths quicker per lap than anyone else on track.  Marquez sweeps past Stefan Bradl.  Marquez is up to third, he runs through the corner in second gear.  Marquez and Pol Espargaro are old sparring partners.  This is Espargaro's fifth race. 

Valentino Rossi is not moving away at the front.  Marquez is ready to pounce, though.  He's booking it, seriously, closing in on the Yamaha on Pol Espargaro, and wham!  He's by.  Espargaro had to give up.  Seventeen laps left.  Rossi leads.  But he has to know Marquez is flying.  This is going to be a classic race.  But it's going to be hard for Marquez to get by "The Doctor".  He wants his fourth MotoGP race win at Le Mans. 

Into La Chapelle, Bradl and Espargaro are scrapping big time.  Other riders are on target for points paying finishes.  Marquez is keeping Rossi in his sites.  He has lots of time.  It's a matter of when as opposed to if.  Bradl loses a spot to Alvaro Bautista.  Bradley Smith and Andrea Dovizioso are battling, but, we watch Rossi and Marquez.  They race through Garage Vert, nearing halfway of this race.  Of course, after this race, we'll be 1/4 of the way through the season, too.

Marquez sweeps by Rossi into the lead.  Now, whatr will happen?  Marquez made the pass in the Blue Esses.  There's a gap already.  Wow.  We knew this would happen.  Did Rossi make a mistake?  Yes.  He ran too wide.  Marquez is giving Rossi a taste of his own medicine, pushing hard, and forcing Rossi into a mistake.  What will Lorenzo and Pedrosa do?  They're stuck in sixth and seventh, and losing points to Marc Marquez hand over fist.  Nicky Hayden's crash earlier, may have been from contact with Andrea Ianonne.

Cal Crutchlow also had a good start.  Ianonne did make contact with Nicky Hayden, and it was game over for them both.  Marquez is opening a gap.  Hayden isn't hurt, fortunately.  Everyone is on soft tires on both front and rear for this race.  Lorenzo passes Bradl for fifth.  Dani Pedrosa is coming, too.  Shades of Laguna Seca last year.  Alvaro Bautista is flying, and Pol Espargaro is in danger of being passed by him.  Lorenzo and Pedrosa are just being eaten alive by Marquez in the points standings as Smith and Dovizioso pass.  But Bradl and Smith lose spots, while Dovizioso is one to gain.

Marquez rides through the Dunlop chicane and towards La Chapelle.  He's going to have a chance at winning five in a row.  He's matching, or establishing records in every race.  He's aiming for both Giacomo Agostini, and Mike "The Bike" Hailwood's records.  Folks... those two, are absolute legends of MotoGP.  Now, Marquez can carve his name in the same realm.  Marquez leads by 1.4 seconds.  Alvaro Bautista is now third, and could finish on the podium, passing Pol Espargaro, as we race to the checkers. 

Dani Pedrosa wants by Jorge Lorenzo.  But these two blokes are battling for fifth... not the lead!  Marquez leads Rossi now by 1.8 seconds.  Pedrosa wants to pass in the Blue Esses.  Not now.  Into Museum corner, Dani Pedrosa passes Jorge Lorenzo, headed into Garage Vert.  Marquez now leads by two seconds.  He's checking out... again.  Can Dani Pedrosa catch Pol Espargaro?  Valentino Rossi will get his second straight second place finish.

Cal Crutchlow runs down the escape road at Chemaine aux Boeufs.  Rossi is five seconds, and four spots, ahead of Jorge Lorenzo as we look at seven laps remaining.  Rossi will score his tenth Le Mans podium.  Pol Espargaro has to hold down fourth.  It's likely that he will.  Pedrosa is in Lorenzo's sites, still.  These two need to catch Pol Espargaro to gain more points.  Pol Espargaro's brother Aleix Espargaro is up to eighth.  Hiroshi Aoyama, and Colin Edwards, will finish in the points.  Not so for Karel Abraham. 

Just five laps remain now.  Marquez has incredible lean angle on the motorcycle.  He's doing things with his motorcycle that not too many other riders can.  Marquez carries the wheel, and the wheelie control sets in to avoid danger.  The super slow motion pictures, are amazing.  Andrea Dovizioso re-passes Pol Espargaro.  Cal Crutchlow is falling behind, too.  Yonny Hernandez, Hiroshi Aoyama, and Colin Edwards, fill out the last three points paying spots.  Scott Redding is now 12th, and is running well.

Marc Marquez is a lot like Sebastian Vettel from Formula One last year, where he just gets out in front easily, and never looks back.  Freddie Spencer did the same thing when he came to MotoGP in the 1980s.  But, his impact was nowhere near the level of Marquez.  Marquez's brother, and Moto 3 racer, Alex Marquez, looks on.  Bradley Smith chases Aleix Espargaro and others.  Valentino Rossi will make his 300th start in MotoGP in the next race.  He also will get another podium. 

Just a lap and a half remains.  Espargaro is not close enough to gain on third.  It is the last lap.  Marc Marquez is going to make more history.  He's unbeatable right now, headed into the next event in Italy.  Pol Espargaro has also had a great ride.  Alvaro Bautista is going to be on the podium.  So is Valentino Rossi.  But, with half a lap to go into the Chemaine aux Boeufs esses, for the final time, the man, Marc Marquez rides the wheels off his motorcycle, and is going to win ANOTHER race!

Marquez wins five in a row, and breaks Mike Hailwood's record of being the youngest rider ever to win five straight MotoGP races!

#93 Marc Marquez     ESP     Honda

Marc Marquez is shaking the championship to the core.  He is also the first rider to win five straight races, from pole, since Mick Doohan did it in 1997.  The next MotoGP race, is in Italy, at the Mugello circuit, coming up in two weeks.

Pole man Vazquez ready for round five race

Efren Vazquez snatches up pole in Moto 3 in France.

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Le+Mans+Moto3+QP+Vazquez

Marquez on the trail of Hailwood, Agostini, Doohan, and other greats

Marc Marquez could be well on his way to breaking EVEN MORE MotoGP records, if he qualifies on pole in France.

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Marquez+on+the+trail+of+Hailwood+Agostini+Doohan+and+other+greats

MotoGP news from Le Mans

Here are the stories being followed as MotoGP heads into their race in France at the Bugatti Circuit at Le Mans, tomorrow.

Honda Racing Corporation renew with Marquez until end of 2016
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Honda+Racing+Corporation+renew+with+Marc+Marquez+until+end+of+2016

Rossi looking for more success with new chassis
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Rossi+Le+Mans+preview

Vinales on top in opening Le Mans run
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Le+Mans+Moto3+FP1+Vinales

Marquez in charge on Friday morning in France
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Le+Mans+MotoGP+FP1+Marquez

Jorge Lorenzo's two finger braking technique
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10152537545390769

Pace setter Rabat quick out of the blocks
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Le+Mans+Moto2+FP1+Rabat

Alex Marquez sets down a marker in second practice
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Le+Mans+Moto3+FP2+Marquez

Marquez pushing to find the limits in FP2 in France
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10152537842955769&set=vb.58201805768&type=2&theater

Marquez on the pace on Friday afternoon
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Le+Mans+MotoGP+FP2+Marquez

Salom too quick for the rest at Le Mans
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Le+Mans+Moto2+FP2+Salom

Smith fastest Yamaha man despite crash
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Tech3+le+Mans+FP+Review

Bautista third fastest on opening day
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/GOFUN+Gresini+Le+Mans+FP+review

Vazquez leads the way on Saturday morning
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Le+Mans+Moto3+FP3+Vazquez

Lorenzo fastest in third practice run
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Le+Mans+MotoGP+FP3+Lorenzo

Quick Rabat outshines competitors in final French practice
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Le+Mans+Moto2+FP3+Rabat

History of GP Racing at Le Mans, What You Need to Know

Check out the 411 on motorcycle Grand Prix racing at Le Mans.

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/history+of+GP+racing+at+Le+Mans

Plus, here are the facts and figures going into the race.

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/French+Grand+Prix+racing+numbers

MOTOGP: Yamaha aims to catch Marquez in Le Mans

Much like Valentino Rossi, the whole factory Yamaha team has it's sites set on Marc Marquez, going into this weekend's French Grand Prix at Le Mans.

http://msn.foxsports.com/speed/motogp/motogp-yamaha-aiming-to-catch-marquez-in-le-mans/

MOTOGP: Rossi to race on; wants to beat Marquez

Valentino Rossi is determined to continue racing, and adding to his currently tally of 80 MotoGP victories.  He is also determined to beat his Honda mounted rival, Marc Marquez.

http://msn.foxsports.com/motor/story/motogp-rossi-to-race-on-wants-to-beat-marquez-051514

Strong International Lineup Heads to Road America for Round 2 of AMA Pro Road Racing

Several international riders from nations such as Colombia, Argentina, and Canada, will be in the field through the balance of this year's AMA Pro Road Racing season, and they are sure to show their racing skills, coming up in the next event at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, which is set to run in just over two weeks.

http://www.amaproracing.com/rr/news/index.cfm?cid=60011

MOTOGP: Marquez Signs Two-Year Extension With Honda

The inevitable has happened, as Marc Marquez will stay with Honda in MotoGP, signing a two year contract extension.

http://msn.foxsports.com/speed/motogp/motogp-marquez-signs-two-year-extension-with-honda/

MotoGP news update

More news from the world of MotoGP.

SAATC: Toba victorious at Sentul, Date still leads championship
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Shell%20Advance%20Asia%20Talent%20Cup%20Sentul%20race

Five out of five for Marquez at Le Mans?
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Five+out+of+five+for+Marquez+at+Le+Mans

Ducati Team completes day of testing at Mugello
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Ducati+Team+complete+one+day+of+testing+at+Mugello+in+preparation+for+Italian+GP

ART-Aprilia test day for Biaggi
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/First+test+day+for+Max+Biaggi+on+the+ARTAprilia

Scassa injured, unable to sub for Petrucci
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Scassa+crash+on+Aprilia+ART

Pedrosa all set for Le Mans after operation
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Pedrosa+allset+for+Le+Mans+after+operation

FIM World Superbike round 4: Imola, Italy

Johnny Rea, riding his PATA Honda CBR1000RR swept both of the FIM World Superbike races at round four at the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari in Imola, Italy.  Italian Lorenzo Zanetti was victorious in the Supersport race

World Superbike race 1: #65 Johnny Rea     GBR.     PATA Honda World Superbike Team
                                                                                 Honda CBR1000RR                                                                              
World Superbike race 2: #65 Johnny Rea     GBR.    PATA Honda World Superbike Team
                                                                                 Honda CBR1000RR                                                  

World Supersport race:   #26 Lorenzo Zanetti  ITA.   PATA Honda World Supersport Team
                                                                                 Honda CBR600RR

Superstock 1000 race:    #69 Ondrej Jezek     CZE.  Barni Racing Team Ducati 1199 Panigale R

Superstock 600 race:      #5 Marco Faccani     ITA.  San Carlo Team Italia Kawasaki ZX-6-R-

Next on the schedule for the World Superbike teams it is the Donington Park circuit in the English midlands and that race will be in two weeks, on Sunday, May 25th. 

In memoriam: Penny Nicolai

Motorsports journalist and PR consultant Penny Nicolai, has passed away.  Nicolai worked in all forms of motorsports, but spent the last few years doing public relations work for the American Motorcyclist Association.  May she Rest In Peace.

http://www.amaproracing.com/ft/news/index.cfm?cid=59894

Hayden provides update on condition

Nicky Hayden provides an update on how his re-injured wrist is feeling, going into the next MotoGP race in France, next weekend, at the Bugatti circuit, at Le Mans.

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Hayden+provides+update+on+condition

Elena Myers Looks to Continue Hot Streak at Road America

Elena Myers is in only her third year of AMA racing.  But, her career is surely going in the right direction.

http://www.amaproracing.com/rr/news/index.cfm?cid=59939

MotoGP news

Another day, another news update from MotoGP.

Dr. Xavier Mir shares update on Pedrosa
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Doctors+confident+Pedrosa+fit+for+Le+Mans

Bridgestone to develop until end of 2015
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Bridgestone+to+develop+until+end+of+2015

Shell Advance Asia Talent Cup continues in Indonesia
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Shell+Advance+Asia+Talent+Cup+Sentul+preview

Petrucci to miss Le Mans after operation
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Petrucci+IodaRacing+surgery

Arm pump surgery for Bradl in Germany

Stefan Bradl, is another rider who has suffered ill effects with his arm after last weekend's race in Spain for MotoGP.  Dani Pedrosa went through the same issue.  But, it looks like Bradl will make a full recovery as the procedure was precautionary more than anything else.

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Arm+pump+surgery+for+Bradl+in+Germany

AMA news update

News from the AMA Pro Racing circuit before their next race happens at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, at the end of this month.

Kawasaki becomes title sponsor of Sept. 13-14, 2014 AMA Pro Road Racing weekend at New Jersey Motorsports Park
http://www.amaproracing.com/rr/news/index.cfm?cid=59790

AMA Pro Road Racing Round 2 at Road America Right around the Corner
http://www.amaproracing.com/rr/news/index.cfm?cid=59843

AMA Pro Road Racing Announces Second Season of Roadracing World Young Gun Of The Year Award
http://www.amaproracing.com/rr/news/index.cfm?cid=59815

GEICO Motorcycle rider Zemke sets goals high for 2014 SportBike season
http://www.amaproracing.com/rr/news/index.cfm?cid=59860

Update: Road America Less Than One Month Away
http://www.amaproracing.com/rr/news/index.cfm?cid=59899

MotoGP news

Another MotoGP news briefing.  Here are the latest headlines.

Rossi delights to return to Jerez podium
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Jerez+MotoGP+race+reaction+Rossi

Dovizioso content with fifth whilst Crutchlow unhappy with brake problem
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Ducati+Team+Jerez+Race+review

Hayden: 'Best race so far' in 2014
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Hayden+Best+race+so+far+in+2014

Points on the board for relieved Bautista
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Points+on+the+board+for+relieved+Bautista

Marquez on top again following day of testing
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Marquez%20on%20top%20again%20following%20day%20of%20testing

Hayden aggravated by pain in wrist
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Hayden+aggravated+by+pain+in+wrist

Rossi focuses on pace, Lorenzo on Soft tyre
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Rossi+focuses+on+onelap+speed+Lorenzo+on+Soft+tyre

Corsi on first taste of MotoGP
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Corsi+on+first+taste+of+MotoGP+bike

Pedrosa undergoes arm surgery in Spain
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/pedrosa%20injured

Moto 2 & Moto 3: Spain

Yours truly was following races of the four wheeled variety, so, I missed the Moto 2 and Moto 3 races from Jerez, Spain.  But, here's the news of who won.  In Moto 2, it was Mika Kallio and Marc VDS Racing emerging victorious over Dominique Aegerter (who is an ever improving rider), and Jonas Folger.  Tito Rabat, Maverick Vinales, Luis Salom, Xavier Simeon, Johann Zarco, Sandro Cortese and Tom Luthi, completed the top ten.  Falling by the wayside were riders like Sam Lowes, Takaaki Nakagami, Simone Corsi, Marcel Schrotter, Louis Rossi, and Lorenzo Baldassari, who ended up caboose on the field.

#36 Mika Kallio     FIN     Kalex

In the Moto 3 race, Romano Fenati scored another race win, with Efren Vazquez and Alex Rins, completing the podium.  It's only a matter of time, before (at least yours truly, thinks), Efren Vazquez will undoubtedly score his first Moto 3 win.  Completing the top ten were Jack Miller, Isaac Vinales, Jakub Kornfeil, Alex Marquez, Francesco Bagnaia, Enea Bastianini, and Niklas Ajo.  A lot of other notable riders finished the race.  Here are the results in full.

http://www.motogp.com/en/Results+Statistics

*Click on the Moto 3 tab.

#5 Romano Fenati     ITA     KTM

Livio Loi, Brad Binder, Niccolo Antonelli, Arthur Sissis, and Eric Granado, were among the unclassified riders who didn't finish the race.  Next up for all three classes on the MotoGP circuit, is the race in France, at Le Mans, on the Bugatti circuit, which is the layout of the track for motorcycles, inside of the Circuit de la Sarthe, which is the car racing track, specifically for the 24 Hours of Le Mans.  The French Grand Prix, is in two weeks.  See you then, for more Grand Prix motorcycle racing, fans.

MotoGP round 4: Spain

Round four of the MotoGP World Championship, brings the riders and teams, to Spain, for their first European race of the year.  The venue is the Jerez de la Frontera circuit in Jerez, Spain.  Jerez is one of the crown jewel races in MotoGP.  Marc Marquez wants to go four for four in MotoGP this season.  Who will step up and stop Marc Marquez?  Stay on the pace, and keep an eye on tires.  Protect your line, and watch out.  Recall that here, last year, Marc Marquez, and Dani Pedrosa collided with each other.

The action will go to the last lap, and the last corner.  The last corner at Jerez saw Mick Doohan and Alex Criville have a dust up in 1996, Sete Gibernau and Valentino Rossi make contact in 2005, and Marc Marquez and Jorge Lorenzo, collide last year.  Since last year, this corner is called Jorge Lorenzo corner.  Jorge Lorenzo turns 27 today, and, runs his 200th world Grand Prix motorcycle race.  Mick Doohan, was the last rider to win four MotoGP races in a row, in 1992.  Coming up, an update on qualifying, and then, it's time to turn 'em loose for the race.

Nicky Hayden and Hiroshi Aoyama topped the first session.  Aleix Espargaro crashed.  Marc Marquez makes it four poles consecutively, with Jorge Lorenzo, and Dani Pedrosa, second and third.  We're ready for a start at Jerez, ladies and gentlemen.  The weather is perfect for racing, while the pavement, is hot, at 118 degrees.  Tires will be a big issue.  It's a packed house.  Marc Marquez makes his 100th Grand Prix start.  Can he win five in a row?

The bikes form up on the grid.  27 laps scheduled.  Here we go.  Go!  At the start, Jorge Lorenzo wheelies and gets swamped.  Andrea Dovizioso steams into the lead.  Bradley Smith and Stefan Bradl move up.  Honda, Yamaha, Ducati, as now, Marquez leads.  Here comes Lorenzo into the Sito Pons corner.  Rossi leads into Dry Sac on lap one.  Can the Yamaha's do anything with Marquez in his 100th GP race?  The fans are going berserk as they run into the Alex Criville and Ferrari corners.

Into Lorenzo corner, Marquez leads again over his rivals.  Yes, Jorge Lorenzo has a corner on this track named for him.  Rossi takes the lead and Marquez is coming back already.  Dani Pedrosa passes Dovizioso.  Back into Dry Sac again.  Marquez comes back to the lead as Pedrosa wants by Lorenzo.  He's pushing hard at first.  Honda, Yamaha, Yamaha, Honda.  Rossi on the inside, can't pass Marquez.  He's quickest.  Marquez runs fast lap in the 1:39 bracket.

Marquez opens a gap.  Karel Abraham is off the road.  He retires from this race.  Game over.  Can anyone do anything with Marquez?  He wants a win here.  Rossi, has won Jerez, eight times.  Pedrosa must get by the Yamaha's.  Jorge Lorenzo has won Jerez four times, and Dani Pedrosa, three times, as Michele Pirro is now out, too.  Two bikes... out of this one.  Rossi is on the harder front tire.  Aleix Espargaro passes Bradley Smith for sixth spot.

Another fast lap for Marquez.  1:39.9.  Jorge Lorenzo has won here on a MotoGP bike, and on the old 250cc and 125cc machinery.  Andrea Dovizioso is caught by Aleix Espargaro.  Marquez has a 9/10ths of a second advantage, and another fast lap, as Dani Pedrosa remains fourth.  Smith struggles, trying to stay ahead of Andrea Ianonne.  But, the big question is, can anyone stop Marc Marquez?  Marquez's lead is 1.6 seconds.  Marquez has run 22 tracks in MotoGP, and has won at 19.  But, Jerez is one of three he hasn't won yet.

Andrea Ianonne's race is pear shaped.  He rejoins, but he ended up ditching the bike in error, with no damage.  Marquez is amazing, because he's leaving established World Champions, in his dust.  We are seven laps in, working lap eight of 27.  Lorenzo knows Rossi's tire choice, and also knows Pedrosa is there.  Marquez is going to pull away, as long as these three other blokes are scrapping with each other.  If Marquez wins, he'll have won at every track on the current MotoGP calendar.

Into Criville and Ferrari corner.  Lorenzo almost runs into his team mate.  Yikes!  That would have been catastrophe!  Pedrosa and Dovizioso are separated by 5.6 seconds.  Down the back straight.  Can Rossi make a pass?  He runs wide at Dry Sac.  Marquez leads by 2.5 seconds.  Lorenzo gains on Rossi.  Marquez is checking out.  We've seen riders like Jarno Saarinen, and Freddie Spencer.  But. Marc Marquez, is one of a kind.

He could become the first rider to win the opening four MotoGP races, since Rossi did it back in 2002.  Cal Crutchlow is having issues with the brake.  He's got braking issues, that could be mechanical, or, could be attributed to his injured hand.  Mike DeMeglio pits, too.  He might retire.  DeMeglio is changing a tire, and he'll get back into the race because he didn't enter the garage.  Marc Marquez still leads his 100th Grand Prix.  DeMeglio is back in the race.  Alvaro Bautista, Bradley Smith, and others battle.  Stefan Bradl makes a pass.

But, for Karel Abraham, it's well and truly, game over.  He's out.  Stefan Bradl hangs it out in the last corner.  He's right up behind Bradley Smith, or, Alvaro Bautista.  Not sure who.  Dani Pedrosa is trying to reel in Jorge Lorenzo.  Pedrosa looks for Lorenzo to pass Rossi.  They run through Michelin corner... turn two.  Back through Pons and Dry Sac.  Lorenzo is still being hounded by Pedrosa.  He's not close enough into Dry Sac.  Pedrosa runs too wide.  Rossi will pull away.  Marquez extends his lead, saying, "adios, y'all."

He's riding into the sunset.  Marquez leads Rossi by 4.7 seconds working lap 15.  So, we're past halfway, folks.  Alvaro Bautista passes Bradley Smith for seventh.  Smith fights back and steals the spot.  Bautista retakes the spot.  It's a good scrap.  Stefan Bradl is behind these two.  Bautista runs wide at Dry Sac, but in passing, Smith wobbles, tooi.  Be careful.  Bradl runs wide at Dry Sac, and so does Pol Espargaro.  The battle will be for second, and also, further back between Aleix Espargaro, and Andrea Dovizioso.  Marquez is on another planet right now.

Pedrosa can't get by the Yamaha factory bikes.  Nine laps to go.  Dovizioso and Aleix Espargaro tussle for fifth.  It's Ducati vs. Open class Yamaha.  Espargaro chases Bradl.  Stefan Bradl has dropped from seventh to tenth.  Can Lorenzo do anything about Rossi?  Can Rossi do anything about Pedrosa?  Marquez runs wide back into Dry Sac, watching Marquez from his onboard camera.  Lorenzo made an error in the lead in 2012 at Jerez, trying to pass James Ellison.  Marquez cannot make a similar mistake.

The gap increases to 4.9 seconds.  It's now five seconds advantage for Marquez.  Pedrosa gains on Lorenzo with six laps left.  Pedrosa passes Lorenzo, on the brakes.  He wants another podium.  Dani Pedrosa is on the podium.  Six laps left now.  The gap comes down as Rossi is warned about Pedrosa.  Scott Redding and Hiroshi Aoyama are battling on their customer Honda's.  The gap is reduced between Rossi and Pedrosa.  Honda wants a third straight 1-2 finish.

The gap is dropped at the front to 4.8 seconds.  Dovizioso is fifth, 24 seconds behind the leader.  Hector Barbera is running well after qualifying issues, and warmup issues.  He takes the last points paying spot away from Colin Edwards.  Pedrosa wants to have a last go at Rossi.  Side by side between Aleix Espatgaro and Andrea Dovizioso.  Espargaro passes the Ducati, but Dovizioso uses the horsepower of the Ducati, to get back by.  But, Alvaro Bautista is also coming.  Andrea Ianonne pits.  Into Dry Sac, the battle for fifth continues.

Ianonne is done for this race.  Rossi is reeling in Dani Pedrosa.  He wants another second place finish.  He did that in Qatar in the opener back in March.  Now, we see Dovizioso retaining fifth and Aleix Espargaro runs wide and gets passed by Bautista.  He almost went into the gravel trap.  Bradley Smith is also in that battle.  Both Espargaro brothers are in that battle.  Marc Marquez is totally focused.  The 170,000 Spanish fans, will go berserk if their hometown hero, wins.

Danilo Petrucci crashed in qualifying and hurt himself.  So, he didn't start.  Bautista is past Andrea Dovizioso.  We're on the next to last lap, as Rossi and Pedrosa still fight.  Rossi is ahead.  Rossi is back to his old self, even though he's not in contention for the win.  Dovizioso passes.  Rossi is on the harder compound front tire.  He has a tire that is better under braking.  Pedrosa closes on Rossi.  He'll have one shot, at Dry Sac.  The Honda has more power.  The Yamaha, has better brakes.

Pedrosa has to get a drive out of the Pons corner.  Rossi fends him off.  Pedrosa can't pass.  No change in the top two.  Jorge Lorenzo will languish in fourth.  This is the final lap.  Marc Marquez will win his home Grand Prix.  Can Pedrosa pass Rossi?  Marquez wins in his 100th GP.  But, Rossi gets second, with Pedrosa third, and Lorenzo, fourth.  He cannot get a birthday present for hiimself.  Dovizioso gets fifth over Bautista, Espargaro, and Smith.

#93 Marc Marquez     ESP     Honda

The next MotoGP race, is the French Grand Prix at the Bugatti circuit at Le Mans, in France, coming up in two weeks.      

More MotoGP headlines going into Spain

More headlines as the action begins in Spain for this weekend's MotoGP race.

Rain affects Suzuki MotoGP Argentina test
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Rain+affects+Suzuki+MotoGP+Argentina+test

Vinales outpaces rivals in early session
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Jerez+Moto3+FP1+viales

Rabat ahead of rivals despite practice crash
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Jerez+Moto2+FP1+Rabat

Marquez quickest in later run, Espargaro Friday's fastest
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Jerez+MotoGP+FP2+Marquez

Simeon quickest in final session whilst Rabat best on combined times
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Jerez+Moto2+FP2+Simeon

Lorenzo scheduled to make 200th Grand Prix start
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Lorenzo+scheduled+to+make+200th+Grand+Prix+start
...and
https://www.snappytv.com/tc/229094?autoplay=true&h=244&ss=&w=435

Dovizioso happy with pace and Crutchlow pleased to be back
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Dovizioso+happy+with+pace+and+Crutchlow+pleased+to+be+back

MotoGP news update

Lots of news to cover from the MotoGP paddock, including the possibility, of a new tire supplier.

Best premier class result for Ianonne
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Argentina+MotoGP+race+reaction+Iannone

'Tough race' for Dovizioso and Pirro
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Argentina+MotoGP+race+reaction+Dovizioso

Fenati thanks team after returning to winning ways
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Fenati+thanks+team+after+returning+to+winning+ways

Rivals aim to pin back Rabat in Spain
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Rivals+aim+to+pin+back+Rabat+in+Spain

Lorenzo: "I hope to take one big final step forward as a rider"
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Lorenzo+interview+Icon+Magazine

Bridgestone to withdraw from after the 2015 season
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Bridgestone+to+withdraw+from+MotoGP+after+the+2015+season

Rossi anticipates special visit to Jerez
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Rossi+on+rostrum+goal+for+spanish+gp

Marc VDS considering move to MotoGP
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Marc+VDS+considering+move+to+MotoGP

Official Tyre Supplier to MotoGP Tender
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Official+Tyre+supplier+to+MotoGP+Tender

Crutchlow in Jerez and ready to remount Desmosedici GP14
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Crutchlow+in+Jerez+and+ready+to+remount+Desmosedici+GP14

Collective excitement for riders as MotoGP hits Europe
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Collective%20excitement%20for%20riders%20as%20MotoGP%20hits%20Europe