After his nasty crash in the MotoGP race at Aragon last Sunday, Valentino Rossi will be just fine, and be able to race in the final three events of the season. That's great news!
http://www.speedcafe.com/2014/09/30/rossi-given-clear-aragon-crash/
Tuesday, September 30, 2014
Monday, September 29, 2014
Moto 2 & Moto 3: Aragon
Maverick Vinales won the Moto 2 race at Aragon in Spain, with Tito Rabat second, and Johann Zarco in third. Tom Luthi and Franco Morbidelli completed the top five. In sixth through tenth places it was Dominique Aegerter, followed by Mika Kallio, Jordi Torres, Sam Lowes, and Marcel Schrotter. 30 of 34 bikes finished the Moto 2 race. Veterans Anthony West and Xavier Simeon were retirements, as were American wildcard rider Kenny Noyes and Axel Pons.
#40 Maverick Vinales SPA. Kalex Figueres
In the Moto 3 race at Aragon, Romano Fenati got to the checkered flag first. He was followed home by Alex Marquez and Danny Kent. Alex Rins and Jakub Kornfeil, completed the top five. In sixth through tenth, it was the ever improving Enea Bastianinni, Miguel Oliviera, Brad Binder, Niccolo Antonelli, and Alexis Masbou. All these riders, are improving. 27 bikes finished the race. But the attrition rate in Moto 3 was higher.
The retirements included John McPhee, Andrea Migno, Philipp Oettl, Jorge Navarro, Alessandro Tonucci, Juanfran Guevara, and Scott Deroue. Matteo Ferrari was caboose on the field, after he didn't even start the race.
#5 Romano Fenati ITA. KTM
Four races remain in Moto 2 and Moto 3 as well as MotoGP. The teams will return to Europe and to Spain for the season finale in November. But, the next three races, will on the Pacific Rim in Asia, and Australia. Japan is the next one, at the Twin Ring Motegi circuit in Motegi, Japan, coming up in two weeks.
#40 Maverick Vinales SPA. Kalex Figueres
In the Moto 3 race at Aragon, Romano Fenati got to the checkered flag first. He was followed home by Alex Marquez and Danny Kent. Alex Rins and Jakub Kornfeil, completed the top five. In sixth through tenth, it was the ever improving Enea Bastianinni, Miguel Oliviera, Brad Binder, Niccolo Antonelli, and Alexis Masbou. All these riders, are improving. 27 bikes finished the race. But the attrition rate in Moto 3 was higher.
The retirements included John McPhee, Andrea Migno, Philipp Oettl, Jorge Navarro, Alessandro Tonucci, Juanfran Guevara, and Scott Deroue. Matteo Ferrari was caboose on the field, after he didn't even start the race.
#5 Romano Fenati ITA. KTM
Four races remain in Moto 2 and Moto 3 as well as MotoGP. The teams will return to Europe and to Spain for the season finale in November. But, the next three races, will on the Pacific Rim in Asia, and Australia. Japan is the next one, at the Twin Ring Motegi circuit in Motegi, Japan, coming up in two weeks.
Sunday, September 28, 2014
Valentino Rossi taken to local hospital after being knocked unconscious in Aragon crash
Valentino Rossi was taken to the hospital briefly after his big wreck in the MotoGP race at Aragon today. But, he should be OK.
http://www.foxsports.com/motor/story/valentino-rossi-taken-to-local-hospital-after-aragon-crash-092814
http://www.foxsports.com/motor/story/valentino-rossi-taken-to-local-hospital-after-aragon-crash-092814
MotoGP round 14: Aragon, Spain
We are in the northeast corner of Spain. Auto racing has happened in this part of Spain since the 1960s. The racing has been for motorcycles since 2010. So, we're ready for the Grand Prix of Aragon.
It is foggy, and will be the 800th MotoGP race, ever. Marc Marquez has his eleventh pole of 2014. The Yamaha's are sixth and seventh with grip issues. The Ducati's are the evo chassis bikes. Andrea Ianonne will start from the front row. Rain might be in the cards, and it is cool outside. Tires will be a big deal. Soft tires will be needed by Yamaha for race pace, and Ducati uses them because they are Open class bikes.
We're going to see lots of tire degradation throughout the race. Hopefully, no tire changes will be necessary. The 800th race is at a relatively new venue. It was supposed to be a temporary venue, but it became permanent. 17 turns on this track, with a long straight. 23 laps scheduled. It's still dry, but rain, could come. This is the 800th MotoGP race. Valentino Rossi has the longest winning record in MotoGP, taking the record away from his buddy, and fellow Italian, Loris Capirossi.
Yamaha has not won at Motorland Aragon. Jack Miller will step right up to MotoGP from Moto 3 next year. He will skip Moto 2 completely, running an Open class bike. Alex de Angelis is recovering from a wrist injury. Mike Dimeglio also had hand surgery. Nicky Hayden is back. Avintia will race Ducati's, starting now. Today is the day. Hector Barbera crashed in practice. Alvaro Bautista will race with Aprilia. Suzuki is coming, and so is KTM, in 2017.
Let's review how qualifying went. It was a dramatic session for the 800th race since the world championship was formed in 1949. Valentino Rossi ran well, and so did Hector Barbera on his new Ducati. Marc Marquez was quickest in Q2 until Dani Pedrosa went to pole. Andrea Dovizioso qualified ninth. Jorge Lorenzo will be only seventh. Pol Espargaro is the leading Yamaha. Andrea Ianonne is third.
The modified Ducati is narrower and easier to set up. Dani Pedrosa and Marc Marquez will start 1-2. If Marquez wins today, he could tie Mick Doohan's record of 12 wins in a season. Doohan set that record in 1997. This will be a dry race, fortunately. We're ready to go in Aragon. The morning warmup was delayed. There's still a threat of rain. Marquez could win the world championship at the next race in Japan.
Here we go. 23 laps. Go! At the start, Pedrosa leads as Marc Marquez falls behind. Inaonne passes, and Jorge Lorenzo is up there. Marc Marquez grabs second. Andrea Ianonne leads on the Ducati, and here comes Lorenzop at the top of the circuit into the Aragon Corkscrew. Down through turns eleven and twelve. There's some damp space on the road. Andrea Ianonne leads with Marquez second, and Pol Espargaro third.
Fourth. Check that. Pedrosa is third. Marc Marquez comes through and tries to pass Ianonne. Here comes Lorenzo, too. He's coming. What a start! These guys are flying. This is a real humdinger into turns eight and nine, through The Aragon Corkscrew again. Oh! Ianonne slides off the road and ditches the bike! The bike tumbles! But, Ianonne will be OK. However, it's game over for the evolution Ducati of Ianonne. Andrea Dovizioso is still in this race.
Karel Abraham is also a retirement. Game over. Valentino Rossi runs wide in turn one and Pol Espargaro can't pass. Dani Pedrosa is chasing Jorge Lorenzo. Valentino Rossi is behind Pedrosa, who set fast lap. Valentino Rossi stays in there. It's factory Honda vs. factory Yamaha. Some of the other Ducati's are running well, including Hector Barbera on his new Ducati. Valentino Rossi is all over the rear wheel of Pedrosa.
They fly at 210 miles an hour down the back straight. Another lap done and dusted as Marquez sets fast lap. Not sure of the time. Pedrosa is all over Lorenzo like a rash. Valentino Rossi has crashed! He got tangled up with the bike. Will he be OK? Pedrosa moves across, and Rossi runs out of road, crashing. Pedrosa is right behind Jorge Lorenzo. Rossi seems to be alright. Hold third gear through the final corner, and shift up to fourth down the straight. Rossi will be fine. But, he can't be happy.
Jorge Lorenzo wants a win. But, Marc Marquez seems to have the advantage at the moment. Andrea Dovizioso is pushing Pol Espargaro. The grass and the astro turf are both very wet and that is what caught Rossi out, and Ianonne as well. Marc Marquez still leads Jorge Lorenzo. Marquez is whistling off into the distance. But, Jorge Lorenzo is going for it. Marc Marquez hops between bikes and some of the other guys have started to do it.
This might happen, if there's rain, and the spare bikes are needed. But, the rain threat is dissipating. Marquez is running in the 1:48 range. We have 17 laps, now 16 laps left. Stefan Bradl runs sixth. Pedrosa runs his best lap. He's 7/10ths of a second behind Marquez. Rossi is OK and is in the medical center getting checked out. Jorge Lorenzo is fed up with finishing second. He wants to win. But, will he beat Marquez?
Last year, Lorenzo led until half distance, and let Marquez pass. This year, maybe he's got other plans. Pol Espargaro is losing places and Cal Crutchlow passes. Alvaro Bautista is there, too. Can Pol Espargaro pass Crutchlow? Yes. Pol's brother Aleix Espargaro is alsop up there. Pol Espargaro ran deep. But, on lap nine, Lorenzo takes the lead from Marquez on lap nine. Two laps to halfway. Lorenzo wants his first win this year.
Lorenzo and Yamaha have never won at Aragon. Here they come onto the back straight that is a kilometer long. They brake for turn sixteen. The gap is a tenth of a second or so. Lorenzo is still flying. Yamaha has never had the pace of the Repsol Honda's this weekend. Did Jorge Lorenzo find something in the morning warmup? Lorenzo is running softer tires. The temperatures are hotter today, but there's no rain.
Marquez is running faster than Lorenzo right now. We're at halfway in this race now. Can Lorenzo become the fourth winner of 2014? Hmmm. Marquez wants this though. He's pushing. He wants by Lorenzo. Honda have won three of four races here at Aragon. Yamaha has not won. Can Marquez have a go at Lorenzo this time? Not now. The two riders are running two different lines. Alvaro Bautista passes Cal Crutchlow, as Marc Marquez gors back to the lead. Dani Pedrosa still runs third.
The crowd is going nuts. Pol Espargaro has passed Stefan Bradl for fifth. Turn one is a difficult overtaking spot on this track. Pedrosa is pressing Lorenzo. Rain is coming, too. Will they change to spare bikes? Maybe. The rain is falling, just spritzing a little bit. The white flag is being shown for slippery conditions even though this was declared a dry race before it began. Riders can now swap bikes. The spare bikes are warmed up and ready to go.
Will the rain stay away? Stefan Bradl hangs on to sixth. Pol Espargaro is fifth, as there are others in the bottom half of the top ten, looking for positions. Jorge Lorenzo is back in the lead. No he isn't. Marquez gets him back at 210 miles an hour. Lorenzo is not giving up. Lorenzo closes up, tries to make the pass, runs wide, and Marquez slides by again. Wow. Dani Pedrosa has a grandstand seat in third spot.
Lorenzo is back up to snuff. Hola Jorge. No. Adios Jorge. Marquez closes up, and runs wide. The drizzle is getting heavier. Watch out for white lines and curbs if it gets wet. How heavy is the rain? Eight laps left, chaps. Marquez closes on Lorenzo again. Marquez passes for P1. Dani Pedrosa is now into second. A Repsol Honda 1-2. Pedrosa wants to go after Marquez, too. Stefan Bradl has dropped to tenth. This is amazing stuff.
Lorenzo wants by Pedrosa. Dani Pedrosa won't let him. Pedrosa is a three-time World Champion. Bridgestone said the main wet tire was the soft tire. But, the teams will need a harder tire. Dani Pedrosa passes, but no. Marquez is back. Now, it's both of them fighting each other. Marquez is back, now it's Pedrosa! Side-by-side! It's close. Not quite close enough for Lorenzo! Six laps left. This is a wild one!
The former MotoGP champions since 1949, would LOVE to see this race! It's starting to really rain now. Only the riders can make the decision about switching to the spare bikes. Stick close and don't make a stupid mistake. Aleix Espargaro goes to get his spare bike in the pit lane. Wet tires on the spare bike. The rain has started and is bucketing down. There are lots of bikes coming in and there will be some changes. Alex de Angelis almost lost his second motorcycle in pit lane. But, the mechanics caught it.
The rain is bucketing down now. Watch out. Where do you brake at the end of the back straight? Come in to the pits now. Nope. They stay out! Yoohoo? Repsol Honda? What's up? These guys are the best of the best. If they are comfortable going faster on slicks, they'll do it. Bautista, Smith, and Bradl, all in pit lane. These guys can make a lot better decisions than a blogger typing frantically on his laptop. These blokes are going to get on with it. Dovizioso and Hernandez have both crashed!
Ugh! Jorge Lorenzo will switch to his spare bike with wet tires. Marquez is going to press on and risk it! Four laps remaining. There's lots of rain. Oh no! Pedrosa is down! Lorenzo switches to the wet weather bike. Can Pedrosa get his second bike? Pedrosa loses the front end and he gets thrown right off the bike! Just like in the old 500cc days. Marquez has to pit. Has he left it too late? Has Lorenzo left it too late? He's slowing down.
The top end of the track is soaked. Marquez has to come in. What has Lorenzo got left in the locker with wet tires? Watch Marquez. He's pitting. If he doesn't come in, he's going to lose! He's carrying on! Say what?! Marquez crashes out! Oh my gosh! Jorge Lorenzo is going to win this race! It will be the second win for Yamaha in two races! Marquez gets back on the bike. But, he's toast now. Jorge Lorenzo could win for Yamaha. Hernandez and Pedrosa change to their spare bikes.
But, Pedrosa is way down the order now. If you blink in this race, you're going to nfall. Marquez's bike is trashed. He's still on slick tires. Cal Crutchlow could get a podium on his Ducati. He's the last Ducati standing. But, the Ducati is a proven wet weather bike. Marc Marquez is going to struggle to get points. Hhe's into the pits, switching to his spare bike. He should have done that earlier. He's toast. Lorenzo could still win this thing.
Two laps to go. Nope. It's the final lap. It's almost over, folks. Almost. Jorge Lorenzo is going to win his first MotoGP race of 2014. Aleix Espargaro is going to score his first ever MotoGP podium. Will it be Cal Crutchlow or Stefan Bradl finishing third? Next year, Crutchlow replaces Bradl at LCR Honda. This will be Yamaha's first win at Aragon, and their second straight win. Pol Espargaro has passed Bradley Smith. What a race this has been, folks.
Two turns left for the two-time 500cc champ. Crutchlow has caught Espargaro. Jorge Lorenzo wins in Aragon, Spain! Who gets second? Aleix Espargaro by 17 thousandths of a second! Who will be fifth? Smith! Wow! What a sizzling race this was! Holy smokes!
#99 Jorge Lorenzo ESP. Yamaha
Aragon, is the final race in Europe until the last race of the season, also in Spain, at Valencia. The next three races go to Asia and Australia. The next event is in Motegi, Japan, at the Twin Ring Motegi circuit, and will take place in two weeks.
It is foggy, and will be the 800th MotoGP race, ever. Marc Marquez has his eleventh pole of 2014. The Yamaha's are sixth and seventh with grip issues. The Ducati's are the evo chassis bikes. Andrea Ianonne will start from the front row. Rain might be in the cards, and it is cool outside. Tires will be a big deal. Soft tires will be needed by Yamaha for race pace, and Ducati uses them because they are Open class bikes.
We're going to see lots of tire degradation throughout the race. Hopefully, no tire changes will be necessary. The 800th race is at a relatively new venue. It was supposed to be a temporary venue, but it became permanent. 17 turns on this track, with a long straight. 23 laps scheduled. It's still dry, but rain, could come. This is the 800th MotoGP race. Valentino Rossi has the longest winning record in MotoGP, taking the record away from his buddy, and fellow Italian, Loris Capirossi.
Yamaha has not won at Motorland Aragon. Jack Miller will step right up to MotoGP from Moto 3 next year. He will skip Moto 2 completely, running an Open class bike. Alex de Angelis is recovering from a wrist injury. Mike Dimeglio also had hand surgery. Nicky Hayden is back. Avintia will race Ducati's, starting now. Today is the day. Hector Barbera crashed in practice. Alvaro Bautista will race with Aprilia. Suzuki is coming, and so is KTM, in 2017.
Let's review how qualifying went. It was a dramatic session for the 800th race since the world championship was formed in 1949. Valentino Rossi ran well, and so did Hector Barbera on his new Ducati. Marc Marquez was quickest in Q2 until Dani Pedrosa went to pole. Andrea Dovizioso qualified ninth. Jorge Lorenzo will be only seventh. Pol Espargaro is the leading Yamaha. Andrea Ianonne is third.
The modified Ducati is narrower and easier to set up. Dani Pedrosa and Marc Marquez will start 1-2. If Marquez wins today, he could tie Mick Doohan's record of 12 wins in a season. Doohan set that record in 1997. This will be a dry race, fortunately. We're ready to go in Aragon. The morning warmup was delayed. There's still a threat of rain. Marquez could win the world championship at the next race in Japan.
Here we go. 23 laps. Go! At the start, Pedrosa leads as Marc Marquez falls behind. Inaonne passes, and Jorge Lorenzo is up there. Marc Marquez grabs second. Andrea Ianonne leads on the Ducati, and here comes Lorenzop at the top of the circuit into the Aragon Corkscrew. Down through turns eleven and twelve. There's some damp space on the road. Andrea Ianonne leads with Marquez second, and Pol Espargaro third.
Fourth. Check that. Pedrosa is third. Marc Marquez comes through and tries to pass Ianonne. Here comes Lorenzo, too. He's coming. What a start! These guys are flying. This is a real humdinger into turns eight and nine, through The Aragon Corkscrew again. Oh! Ianonne slides off the road and ditches the bike! The bike tumbles! But, Ianonne will be OK. However, it's game over for the evolution Ducati of Ianonne. Andrea Dovizioso is still in this race.
Karel Abraham is also a retirement. Game over. Valentino Rossi runs wide in turn one and Pol Espargaro can't pass. Dani Pedrosa is chasing Jorge Lorenzo. Valentino Rossi is behind Pedrosa, who set fast lap. Valentino Rossi stays in there. It's factory Honda vs. factory Yamaha. Some of the other Ducati's are running well, including Hector Barbera on his new Ducati. Valentino Rossi is all over the rear wheel of Pedrosa.
They fly at 210 miles an hour down the back straight. Another lap done and dusted as Marquez sets fast lap. Not sure of the time. Pedrosa is all over Lorenzo like a rash. Valentino Rossi has crashed! He got tangled up with the bike. Will he be OK? Pedrosa moves across, and Rossi runs out of road, crashing. Pedrosa is right behind Jorge Lorenzo. Rossi seems to be alright. Hold third gear through the final corner, and shift up to fourth down the straight. Rossi will be fine. But, he can't be happy.
Jorge Lorenzo wants a win. But, Marc Marquez seems to have the advantage at the moment. Andrea Dovizioso is pushing Pol Espargaro. The grass and the astro turf are both very wet and that is what caught Rossi out, and Ianonne as well. Marc Marquez still leads Jorge Lorenzo. Marquez is whistling off into the distance. But, Jorge Lorenzo is going for it. Marc Marquez hops between bikes and some of the other guys have started to do it.
This might happen, if there's rain, and the spare bikes are needed. But, the rain threat is dissipating. Marquez is running in the 1:48 range. We have 17 laps, now 16 laps left. Stefan Bradl runs sixth. Pedrosa runs his best lap. He's 7/10ths of a second behind Marquez. Rossi is OK and is in the medical center getting checked out. Jorge Lorenzo is fed up with finishing second. He wants to win. But, will he beat Marquez?
Last year, Lorenzo led until half distance, and let Marquez pass. This year, maybe he's got other plans. Pol Espargaro is losing places and Cal Crutchlow passes. Alvaro Bautista is there, too. Can Pol Espargaro pass Crutchlow? Yes. Pol's brother Aleix Espargaro is alsop up there. Pol Espargaro ran deep. But, on lap nine, Lorenzo takes the lead from Marquez on lap nine. Two laps to halfway. Lorenzo wants his first win this year.
Lorenzo and Yamaha have never won at Aragon. Here they come onto the back straight that is a kilometer long. They brake for turn sixteen. The gap is a tenth of a second or so. Lorenzo is still flying. Yamaha has never had the pace of the Repsol Honda's this weekend. Did Jorge Lorenzo find something in the morning warmup? Lorenzo is running softer tires. The temperatures are hotter today, but there's no rain.
Marquez is running faster than Lorenzo right now. We're at halfway in this race now. Can Lorenzo become the fourth winner of 2014? Hmmm. Marquez wants this though. He's pushing. He wants by Lorenzo. Honda have won three of four races here at Aragon. Yamaha has not won. Can Marquez have a go at Lorenzo this time? Not now. The two riders are running two different lines. Alvaro Bautista passes Cal Crutchlow, as Marc Marquez gors back to the lead. Dani Pedrosa still runs third.
The crowd is going nuts. Pol Espargaro has passed Stefan Bradl for fifth. Turn one is a difficult overtaking spot on this track. Pedrosa is pressing Lorenzo. Rain is coming, too. Will they change to spare bikes? Maybe. The rain is falling, just spritzing a little bit. The white flag is being shown for slippery conditions even though this was declared a dry race before it began. Riders can now swap bikes. The spare bikes are warmed up and ready to go.
Will the rain stay away? Stefan Bradl hangs on to sixth. Pol Espargaro is fifth, as there are others in the bottom half of the top ten, looking for positions. Jorge Lorenzo is back in the lead. No he isn't. Marquez gets him back at 210 miles an hour. Lorenzo is not giving up. Lorenzo closes up, tries to make the pass, runs wide, and Marquez slides by again. Wow. Dani Pedrosa has a grandstand seat in third spot.
Lorenzo is back up to snuff. Hola Jorge. No. Adios Jorge. Marquez closes up, and runs wide. The drizzle is getting heavier. Watch out for white lines and curbs if it gets wet. How heavy is the rain? Eight laps left, chaps. Marquez closes on Lorenzo again. Marquez passes for P1. Dani Pedrosa is now into second. A Repsol Honda 1-2. Pedrosa wants to go after Marquez, too. Stefan Bradl has dropped to tenth. This is amazing stuff.
Lorenzo wants by Pedrosa. Dani Pedrosa won't let him. Pedrosa is a three-time World Champion. Bridgestone said the main wet tire was the soft tire. But, the teams will need a harder tire. Dani Pedrosa passes, but no. Marquez is back. Now, it's both of them fighting each other. Marquez is back, now it's Pedrosa! Side-by-side! It's close. Not quite close enough for Lorenzo! Six laps left. This is a wild one!
The former MotoGP champions since 1949, would LOVE to see this race! It's starting to really rain now. Only the riders can make the decision about switching to the spare bikes. Stick close and don't make a stupid mistake. Aleix Espargaro goes to get his spare bike in the pit lane. Wet tires on the spare bike. The rain has started and is bucketing down. There are lots of bikes coming in and there will be some changes. Alex de Angelis almost lost his second motorcycle in pit lane. But, the mechanics caught it.
The rain is bucketing down now. Watch out. Where do you brake at the end of the back straight? Come in to the pits now. Nope. They stay out! Yoohoo? Repsol Honda? What's up? These guys are the best of the best. If they are comfortable going faster on slicks, they'll do it. Bautista, Smith, and Bradl, all in pit lane. These guys can make a lot better decisions than a blogger typing frantically on his laptop. These blokes are going to get on with it. Dovizioso and Hernandez have both crashed!
Ugh! Jorge Lorenzo will switch to his spare bike with wet tires. Marquez is going to press on and risk it! Four laps remaining. There's lots of rain. Oh no! Pedrosa is down! Lorenzo switches to the wet weather bike. Can Pedrosa get his second bike? Pedrosa loses the front end and he gets thrown right off the bike! Just like in the old 500cc days. Marquez has to pit. Has he left it too late? Has Lorenzo left it too late? He's slowing down.
The top end of the track is soaked. Marquez has to come in. What has Lorenzo got left in the locker with wet tires? Watch Marquez. He's pitting. If he doesn't come in, he's going to lose! He's carrying on! Say what?! Marquez crashes out! Oh my gosh! Jorge Lorenzo is going to win this race! It will be the second win for Yamaha in two races! Marquez gets back on the bike. But, he's toast now. Jorge Lorenzo could win for Yamaha. Hernandez and Pedrosa change to their spare bikes.
But, Pedrosa is way down the order now. If you blink in this race, you're going to nfall. Marquez's bike is trashed. He's still on slick tires. Cal Crutchlow could get a podium on his Ducati. He's the last Ducati standing. But, the Ducati is a proven wet weather bike. Marc Marquez is going to struggle to get points. Hhe's into the pits, switching to his spare bike. He should have done that earlier. He's toast. Lorenzo could still win this thing.
Two laps to go. Nope. It's the final lap. It's almost over, folks. Almost. Jorge Lorenzo is going to win his first MotoGP race of 2014. Aleix Espargaro is going to score his first ever MotoGP podium. Will it be Cal Crutchlow or Stefan Bradl finishing third? Next year, Crutchlow replaces Bradl at LCR Honda. This will be Yamaha's first win at Aragon, and their second straight win. Pol Espargaro has passed Bradley Smith. What a race this has been, folks.
Two turns left for the two-time 500cc champ. Crutchlow has caught Espargaro. Jorge Lorenzo wins in Aragon, Spain! Who gets second? Aleix Espargaro by 17 thousandths of a second! Who will be fifth? Smith! Wow! What a sizzling race this was! Holy smokes!
#99 Jorge Lorenzo ESP. Yamaha
Aragon, is the final race in Europe until the last race of the season, also in Spain, at Valencia. The next three races go to Asia and Australia. The next event is in Motegi, Japan, at the Twin Ring Motegi circuit, and will take place in two weeks.
news and notes
Before the MotoGP bikes take the green light at Motorland Aragon, here are a few newsworthy items.
Corsi to miss flyaway triple header
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Simone+Corsi+will+not+attend+the+three+overseas+races
Kallio and Morbidelli with Italtrans in 2015
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Kallio+and+Morbidelli+with+Italtrans+in+2015
MotoGP represented at key Sport Industry event in London
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/MotoGP+represented+at+key+Sport+Industry+event+in+London
Cuzari on 2015 package and rider line up
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Cuzari+on+2015+package+and+rider+line+up
Isaac Vinales to ride Husqvarna with Calvo Team in 2015
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Isaac+Viales+renews+with+Calvo+Team
Antonelli undergoes further surgery on collarbone
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Antonelli+undergoes+further+surgery+on+his+right+collarbone
Oliveira joins Red Bull KTM Ajo for 2015
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Oliveira+joins+Red+Bull+KTM+Ajo+for+2015
McPhee to stay with SaxoPrint-RTG and Honda for 2015 Moto 3 season
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/McPhee+to+stay+with+SaxoPrintRTG+and+Honda+for+2015+Moto3+season
Corsi to miss flyaway triple header
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Simone+Corsi+will+not+attend+the+three+overseas+races
Kallio and Morbidelli with Italtrans in 2015
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Kallio+and+Morbidelli+with+Italtrans+in+2015
MotoGP represented at key Sport Industry event in London
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/MotoGP+represented+at+key+Sport+Industry+event+in+London
Cuzari on 2015 package and rider line up
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Cuzari+on+2015+package+and+rider+line+up
Isaac Vinales to ride Husqvarna with Calvo Team in 2015
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Isaac+Viales+renews+with+Calvo+Team
Antonelli undergoes further surgery on collarbone
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Antonelli+undergoes+further+surgery+on+his+right+collarbone
Oliveira joins Red Bull KTM Ajo for 2015
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Oliveira+joins+Red+Bull+KTM+Ajo+for+2015
McPhee to stay with SaxoPrint-RTG and Honda for 2015 Moto 3 season
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/McPhee+to+stay+with+SaxoPrintRTG+and+Honda+for+2015+Moto3+season
Saturday, September 27, 2014
2015 Provisional MotoGP calendar announced
The provisional 2015 schedule for the MotoGP World Championship, has been announced, this weekend at Aragon, in Spain. No changes, as far as venues on next year's schedule. Lots more news to catch up on. But, this is the biggest headline for the time being.
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/2015+provisional+MotoGP+calendar+announced
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/2015+provisional+MotoGP+calendar+announced
Friday, September 26, 2014
Eslick wraps up Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson Series title in New Jersey, but not without a little drama
Here's how Danny Eslick won the AMA Vance & Hines Harley Davidson Series championship at New Jersey Motorsports Park. Some video highlights of this past season's races, may appear during the off season, and within the next month or so. Stay tuned.
http://www.amaproracing.com/rr/news/index.cfm?cid=61419
http://www.amaproracing.com/rr/news/index.cfm?cid=61419
Thursday, September 25, 2014
Valentino Rossi - Hungry for another San Marino
Can Valentino Rossi continue his winning ways at Motorland Aragon in Spain? Or, will one of the Spanish MotoGP matadors like Jorge Lorenzo, Marc Marquez, or Dani Pedrosa, steal his thunder and shut him down?
http://motorcycleracemag.com/all/motogp/rossi-hungry-for-another-san-marino/
http://motorcycleracemag.com/all/motogp/rossi-hungry-for-another-san-marino/
Wednesday, September 24, 2014
AMA Daytona Sportbike: New Jersey Motorsports Park Race 2
In the dry for the season finale (race two) of the AMA GoPro Daytona Sportbike Championship, from New Jersey Motorsports Park. Championship winners, have already been announced, in a news update, for all AMA Pro Road Racing classes. So long, until next year. Might update some more of the AMA action, along with lots of news, from MotoGP, of course. See you, for more AMA Pro Road Racing action, in 2015. So long, for now.
AMA Daytona Sportbike: New Jersey Motorsports Park Race 1
Race one, in the wet, for the AMA GoPro Daytona Sportbike season finale at New Jersey Motorsports Park in Millville, New Jersey. Race two, coming up, in a separate post.
Tuesday, September 23, 2014
MotoGP Aragon, Spain, preview, and lots of other news
Let's look at some of the riders' thoughts and observations about the upcoming MotoGP race in Aragon, Spain. Lots of them, are looking forward to this event.
Espargaro and De Angelis up for Aragon challenge
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/NGM+Forward+Racing+Aragon+Preview
Marquez looks to strike back on home territory
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Marquez+looks+to+strike+back+on+home+territory
Longest winning career in Grand Prix racing for Rossi
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Valentino+Rossi+logest+winning+career
Marquez on Aragon 'This is my favourite track of the year'
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Repsol+Honda+Aragon+Preview
Hayden excited to return to MotoGP action
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Hayden+excited+to+return+to+MotoGP+action
Here are more features, of historical nature, too. An interview with legendary MotoGP rider Phil Read, and, the 100th anniversary of the Australian motorcycle Grand Prix.
Phil Read on Grand Prix racing of now and then
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Phil+Read+on+Grand+Prix+racing+of+then+and+now
...and
Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix to turn 100
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Australian+Motorcycle+Grand+Prix+to+turn+100
Espargaro and De Angelis up for Aragon challenge
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/NGM+Forward+Racing+Aragon+Preview
Marquez looks to strike back on home territory
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Marquez+looks+to+strike+back+on+home+territory
Longest winning career in Grand Prix racing for Rossi
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Valentino+Rossi+logest+winning+career
Marquez on Aragon 'This is my favourite track of the year'
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Repsol+Honda+Aragon+Preview
Hayden excited to return to MotoGP action
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Hayden+excited+to+return+to+MotoGP+action
Here are more features, of historical nature, too. An interview with legendary MotoGP rider Phil Read, and, the 100th anniversary of the Australian motorcycle Grand Prix.
Phil Read on Grand Prix racing of now and then
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Phil+Read+on+Grand+Prix+racing+of+then+and+now
...and
Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix to turn 100
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Australian+Motorcycle+Grand+Prix+to+turn+100
Monday, September 22, 2014
KTM confirms 2017 MotoGP plan
Another major manufacturer will join the MotoGP grid in 2017. KTM will field an effort. Here are the details.
http://www.foxsports.com/motor/story/ktm-to-race-in-motogp-in-2017-092114
http://www.foxsports.com/motor/story/ktm-to-race-in-motogp-in-2017-092114
Sunday, September 21, 2014
stories about AMA Pro Road Racing 2014 champions
As promised, lets take a look into some of the riders that won major championships in AMA Pro Road Racing this season, and the official AMA Pro Road Racing webpage has some of those, and other tales of success from the final race of the season.
Gillim Claims first AMA Pro SuperSport title following epic battle with Dominguez
http://www.amaproracing.com/rr/news/index.cfm?cid=61365
Rider's Discount Triumph concludes the 2014 season as the top Triumph team
http://www.amaproracing.com/rr/news/index.cfm?cid=61366
Gagne continues his rise to the top by winning AMA Pro Road Racing GoPro Daytona Sportbike championship
http://www.amaproracing.com/rr/news/index.cfm?cid=61351
Hayes adds to his legendary status with fourth AMA Pro Road Racing SuperBike title
http://www.amaproracing.com/rr/news/index.cfm?cid=61338
Gillim Claims first AMA Pro SuperSport title following epic battle with Dominguez
http://www.amaproracing.com/rr/news/index.cfm?cid=61365
Rider's Discount Triumph concludes the 2014 season as the top Triumph team
http://www.amaproracing.com/rr/news/index.cfm?cid=61366
Gagne continues his rise to the top by winning AMA Pro Road Racing GoPro Daytona Sportbike championship
http://www.amaproracing.com/rr/news/index.cfm?cid=61351
Hayes adds to his legendary status with fourth AMA Pro Road Racing SuperBike title
http://www.amaproracing.com/rr/news/index.cfm?cid=61338
Saturday, September 20, 2014
The history of Aprilia in the World Championship
Let's take a look at Aprilia's history in the motorcycle world championship, with their return coming, along with Suzuki, next year, to join makes such as Honda, Yamaha, and Ducati.
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/The%20history%20of%20Aprilia%20in%20the%20World%20Championship
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/The%20history%20of%20Aprilia%20in%20the%20World%20Championship
Friday, September 19, 2014
AMA Superbike: New Jersey Motorsports Park: race 2
Race two (and the season finale for the AMA Superbike championship), at the Kawasaki Devil's Showdown at New Jersey Motorsports Park, in Millville, New Jersey. The 2014 AMA Pro Road Racing Superbike season is the books. So long, until next year. But, in the meantime, stay tuned for rundowns of other races at NJMP, as well as a blog entry about 2014 AMA Pro Road Racing championship winners.
AMA Superbike: New Jersey Motorsports Park: race 1
Here is the race broadcast of race one of two in the AMA Superbike season finale at a rainy New Jersey Motorsports Park in Millville, New Jersey, as part of the Kawasaki Devil's Showdown.
Thursday, September 18, 2014
Miller to join CWM LCR Honda Team for the 2015 MotoGP Campaign
Jack Miller, has signed with CWM LCR Honda in MotoGP for 2015. Here are the details.
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Miller+to+join+CWM+LCR+Honda+Team+for+the+2015+MotoGP+campaign
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Miller+to+join+CWM+LCR+Honda+Team+for+the+2015+MotoGP+campaign
Tuesday, September 16, 2014
Voltcom Crescent Suzuki wishes Laverty well for 2015
Eugene Laverty will of course move on to MotoGP next year, and his current FIM World Superbike team, Voltcom Crescent Suzuki, wishes him well in the pursuit of being a part of the biggest motorcycle championship in the world.
http://www.worldsbk.com/en/news/2014/Voltcom+Crescent+Suzuki+wishes+Laverty+well+for+2015
http://www.worldsbk.com/en/news/2014/Voltcom+Crescent+Suzuki+wishes+Laverty+well+for+2015
Bautista joins Aprilia for 2015 season
Alvaro Bautista will race one of the factory Aprilia motorcycles in MotoGP for Aprilia Gresini Racing Team, next year.
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Bautista+joins+Aprilia+for+2015+season
Right now, it is unclear as to who he team mate at the factory Aprilia squad will be.
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Bautista+joins+Aprilia+for+2015+season
Right now, it is unclear as to who he team mate at the factory Aprilia squad will be.
Monday, September 15, 2014
Moto 2 & Moto 3: San Marino
In Moto 2 at Misano, Marc VDS Racing scored another 1-2 finish, with Tito Rabat winning, and his team mate, Mika Kallio coming home in second spot. Johann Zarco for AirAsia Caterham completed the podium finishers, while the rest of the top ten included Maverick Vinales, Tom Luthi, Dominique Aegerter, Franco Morbidelli, Julian Simon, Axel Pons, and Takaaki Nakagami. 32 bikes finished the race in Moto 2 with four unclassified runners including Nico Terol, along with Ricard Cardus, Ricardo Russo, and Czech rider Miroslav Popov, who was caboose on the field.
#53 Esteve Rabat SPA. Kalex Barcelona
In the Moto 3 race, Alex Rins beat his Estrella Galicia Honda team mate Alex Marquez to the line. Aussie standout Jack Miller finished third on his Red Bull Ajo KTM. Miller, will move to MotoGP next year of course. Isaac Vinales, Enea Bastianini, Brad Binder, Alexis Masbou, Andrea Migno, Juanfran Guevara, and Efren Vazquez, round out the top ten.
#42 Alex Rins SPA Honda
28 bikes were classified at the end of the Moto 3 race. Retirements included Scott Deroue, Andrea Locatelli, Niklas Ajo, Gabriel Rodrigo, Karel Hanika, Francesco Bagnaia, and Matteo Ferrari. Next up for the Moto 2 and Moto 3 racers, along with the big boys and the big toys of MotoGP, will be in Aragon, Spain at Motorland Aragon in less than two weeks.
#53 Esteve Rabat SPA. Kalex Barcelona
In the Moto 3 race, Alex Rins beat his Estrella Galicia Honda team mate Alex Marquez to the line. Aussie standout Jack Miller finished third on his Red Bull Ajo KTM. Miller, will move to MotoGP next year of course. Isaac Vinales, Enea Bastianini, Brad Binder, Alexis Masbou, Andrea Migno, Juanfran Guevara, and Efren Vazquez, round out the top ten.
#42 Alex Rins SPA Honda
28 bikes were classified at the end of the Moto 3 race. Retirements included Scott Deroue, Andrea Locatelli, Niklas Ajo, Gabriel Rodrigo, Karel Hanika, Francesco Bagnaia, and Matteo Ferrari. Next up for the Moto 2 and Moto 3 racers, along with the big boys and the big toys of MotoGP, will be in Aragon, Spain at Motorland Aragon in less than two weeks.
Sunday, September 14, 2014
MotoGP round 13: San Marino
Valentino Rossi has pole for the San Marino Grand Prix. Now, Valentino Rossi is the hometown hero who was fastest in the morning warmup. Marc Marquez will start fourth and if he wins he will tie Mick Doohan for the most wins in a season.
The Misano circuit is located near Rimini in San Marino, opened in 1972, and is dedicated to the memory of Marco Simoncelli, killed in a crash in 2011. 28 laps scheduled. Jorge Lorenzo is the most successful rider here. Rain fell in practice. But, not in qualifying, and it's nice for today's race. The track is nestled in town with a lot of houses around.
Marc Marquez has tied Valentino Rossi's single season record of eleven wins. Remember, he can also tie Mick Doohan, who set his record in the glory days of the 500cc Grand Prix championship back in the 1980s and '90s. Marc Marquez could clinch the championship next time out in Aragon, Spain. But, if Marquez is going to win today, he will have to get by Valentino Rossi. Rossi has his own office and merchandising business.
VR46 produces Rossi's merchandise, but also does it for Dani Pedrosa, Marc Marquez, Cal Crutchlow, and Scott Redding. T shirts, hats, and mugs, are the most popular items. If Rossi finishes fourth or better today, he will become the first Grand Prix motorcycle racer to score 5,000 points in his career. In qualifying, we saw only the third different rider to claim pole. Pol Espargaro outqualifies his brother Aleix.
Andrea Dovizioso tried his best, but he could only muster sixth. No Repsol Honda's on the front row. They're off the front row for the first time since Catalunya in June, 2013. Andrea Ianonne makes his third front row start of the year. Jorge Lorenzo has his first pole of the season, and the first for the Yamaha factory team. Leon Camier will start once again, in place of injured Nicky Hayden. We're ready to race in Italy, folks.
The bikes form up on the grid for what could be the race of the year. Ready? Good. Let's do this. Go! At the start, Cal Crutchlow gets a good start and so does Valentino Rossi. Lorenzo leads. Marquez gets a good start. It's a Yamaha 1-2 right now. Andrea Dovizioso is up there, too. Lorenzo wants four wins. Mike DiMeglio falls. Game over. They fly into Tramonto for the first time. Then into Vurvone, one of the quickest corners in MotoGP.
Rossi is right with Lorenzo. This is like one, long, six-wheeled bike, with the three in line through Rio corner. 50 years ago yesterday, Phil Read won in 250cc racing on a Yamaha for their first win in 1964. Jorge Lorenzo has the hard compound front tire. Marc Marquez is chasing Valentino Rossi. This is a good race so far. Fast lap for Lorenzo. Marquez wants by Rossi, but no. Marquez goes up the inside, but no.
Into turn seven, Rossi fights back for second spot. The crowd is going berserk. Jorge Lorenzo extends his lead. Tramonto and Curvone again. Andrea Ianonne and Andrea Dovizioso battle. Remember, they'll be team mates on the factory Ducati team next year. Fastest laps being set already. Too busy to figure out the times as Rossi is attacking Lorenzo and passes for the lead! How long will he lead? Rossi and Lorenzo are absolutely going at it hammer and tongs.
Rossi takes the lead and Marc Marquez is third. This is the best chance for Rossi to try and win. Marquez goes back to second. Dani Pedrosa is fifth, splitting the Ducati's. Tons of fastest laps going down. Coming into Quercia, this battle is hotter than ever. Rossi, Marquez, Lorenzo. Rossi leads the way into Curvone. Rossi has not won since Assen last year, and has not won here in Italy in five years, since 2009.
Honda has very strong braking and a great seamless transmission. Yamaha needs to improve on those parts of their motorcycle. Ianonne is holding his own right now. Rossi still leads this race. Beautiful weather in Italy today, too. Yonny Hernandez, Karel Abraham and Hiroshi Aoyama occupy lower spots, just outside the top ten. Andrea Dovizioso is running well, too. Valentino Rossi continues to lead his home Grand Prix. 21 laps left yet. Settle down a little bit, boys.
Dani Pedrosa shoves his way by Andrea Ianonne, opening the door for Dovizioso to pass. Stefan Bradl has crashed out. Game over. Lorenzo does not want the gap to get too big, because then he won't have a chance. Rossi leads, with Marquez hanging on to second spot. Marc Marquez has lost the front end, gone down, and stalled the bikle. He laid the bike down. He's desperately trying to restart the bike, as Valentino Rossi is whistling off into the distance. Dani Pedrosa is third.
Marquez is not going to win today, chaps. Rossi is ahead. He has not won in Italy for a long time. This is an all Yamaha situation, as we are nearly to halfway in this event. Marc Marquez is way down in 20th spot. No way will Marquez win today. That was a weird wreck. But, Rossi might have a chance. Don't speak too soon, though. Has Lorenzo got anything left in the locker? Alex de Angelis might get a point in his home race.
Rossi has a special helmet design with hand prints, and the paw prints of his two dogs. Marc Marquez is going to continue to push. He's not in contention, but he'll keep trying. Andrea Dovizioso wants by Dani Pedrosa for third, putting in his personal best lap. Alex de Angelis (from San Marino), is 15th. Danilo Petrucci, is out. Watching the start, Dovizioso had a great one, and we look at super slow motion replays, which are absolutely awesome.
Jorge Lorenzo is closing on Valentino Rossi. Lorenzo has three straight wins here. Everyone wants to see a Rossi victory. We're not quite halfway here, blokes. Pedrosa, Dovizioso, Ianonne, and Bradley Smith, while Alvaro Bautista, and Cal Crutchlow, also battle with each other. Yonny Hernandez battles Aleix Espargaro. Marc Marquez won't win the title in Spain. We'll have to wait and see if he can do it in Japan.
Now, Rossi might have an issue. He slid the Yamaha a bit. We see Ducati catching Honda and Yamaha. Dovizioso wants by Pedrosa. This is getting intense as Rossi continues in P1. We continue watching Dovizioso and Pedrosa's scrap. We have about ten laps to go now. Giacomo Agostini is watching this race from the Yamaha pit. Jorge Lorenzo has won at Misano for the last three years. But, even he might not do it today. Dani Pedrosa runs his personal best lap. Marc Marquez is still 20th.
Cal Crutchlow slides wide getting on the brakes too late. He loses a spot to Aleix Espargaro. Rossi takes a lot of curb out of turn 15. Andrea Ianonne remains fifth. Scott Redding is the third customer Honda with Hiroshi Aoyama and Karel Abraham running ahead of him. Seven laps to go now. Lorenzo isn't making inroads on Rossi. Marc Marquez is passing backmarkers, going by Broc Parkes and by Hector Barbera. Can Aleix Espargaro pass Alvaro Bautista?
Pedrosa is still leading Dovizioso, and is running as quick as the Yamaha's at the front. Four laps left now. Stefan Bradl is OK after his wreck, and the bike is back in the garage. Bradl will run for Forward Racing Yamaha next year. Marc Marquez is trying to pass Michael Laverty for 17th on the Paul Bird Motorsports bike. Rossi is going to add to his total of winningest rider in MotoGP. Jorge Lorenzo is still second.
Giacomo Agostini and Lynn Jarvis look on. Jarvis is Rossi's crew chief. Trhough Tramanto, Rossi will get his 107th Grand Prix win today. The riders are leaning 61 degrees into the corners. Two laps to go. This will be Rossi's second win since coming back to Yamaha. Rossi is 35 years old, but he's still got it. Jorge Lorenzo will have to settle for second. One lap to go for Valentino Rossi, coming out of Misano corner.
Half a lap left now through to La Quercia for the final time. #46 is going to win for the first time at Misano in five years, and he's going to win for the first time in over a year since Assen, Holland, last year. This is it. Rossi is going to do it! Rossi wins!
#46 Valentino Rossi ITA. Yamaha
It is also Yamaha's first win of 2014! Wow! What a race! By the way, Marc Marquez, picked up one point, finishing 15th. The next race is in Spain at Motorland Aragon in Aragon, Spain, in two weeks.
The Misano circuit is located near Rimini in San Marino, opened in 1972, and is dedicated to the memory of Marco Simoncelli, killed in a crash in 2011. 28 laps scheduled. Jorge Lorenzo is the most successful rider here. Rain fell in practice. But, not in qualifying, and it's nice for today's race. The track is nestled in town with a lot of houses around.
Marc Marquez has tied Valentino Rossi's single season record of eleven wins. Remember, he can also tie Mick Doohan, who set his record in the glory days of the 500cc Grand Prix championship back in the 1980s and '90s. Marc Marquez could clinch the championship next time out in Aragon, Spain. But, if Marquez is going to win today, he will have to get by Valentino Rossi. Rossi has his own office and merchandising business.
VR46 produces Rossi's merchandise, but also does it for Dani Pedrosa, Marc Marquez, Cal Crutchlow, and Scott Redding. T shirts, hats, and mugs, are the most popular items. If Rossi finishes fourth or better today, he will become the first Grand Prix motorcycle racer to score 5,000 points in his career. In qualifying, we saw only the third different rider to claim pole. Pol Espargaro outqualifies his brother Aleix.
Andrea Dovizioso tried his best, but he could only muster sixth. No Repsol Honda's on the front row. They're off the front row for the first time since Catalunya in June, 2013. Andrea Ianonne makes his third front row start of the year. Jorge Lorenzo has his first pole of the season, and the first for the Yamaha factory team. Leon Camier will start once again, in place of injured Nicky Hayden. We're ready to race in Italy, folks.
The bikes form up on the grid for what could be the race of the year. Ready? Good. Let's do this. Go! At the start, Cal Crutchlow gets a good start and so does Valentino Rossi. Lorenzo leads. Marquez gets a good start. It's a Yamaha 1-2 right now. Andrea Dovizioso is up there, too. Lorenzo wants four wins. Mike DiMeglio falls. Game over. They fly into Tramonto for the first time. Then into Vurvone, one of the quickest corners in MotoGP.
Rossi is right with Lorenzo. This is like one, long, six-wheeled bike, with the three in line through Rio corner. 50 years ago yesterday, Phil Read won in 250cc racing on a Yamaha for their first win in 1964. Jorge Lorenzo has the hard compound front tire. Marc Marquez is chasing Valentino Rossi. This is a good race so far. Fast lap for Lorenzo. Marquez wants by Rossi, but no. Marquez goes up the inside, but no.
Into turn seven, Rossi fights back for second spot. The crowd is going berserk. Jorge Lorenzo extends his lead. Tramonto and Curvone again. Andrea Ianonne and Andrea Dovizioso battle. Remember, they'll be team mates on the factory Ducati team next year. Fastest laps being set already. Too busy to figure out the times as Rossi is attacking Lorenzo and passes for the lead! How long will he lead? Rossi and Lorenzo are absolutely going at it hammer and tongs.
Rossi takes the lead and Marc Marquez is third. This is the best chance for Rossi to try and win. Marquez goes back to second. Dani Pedrosa is fifth, splitting the Ducati's. Tons of fastest laps going down. Coming into Quercia, this battle is hotter than ever. Rossi, Marquez, Lorenzo. Rossi leads the way into Curvone. Rossi has not won since Assen last year, and has not won here in Italy in five years, since 2009.
Honda has very strong braking and a great seamless transmission. Yamaha needs to improve on those parts of their motorcycle. Ianonne is holding his own right now. Rossi still leads this race. Beautiful weather in Italy today, too. Yonny Hernandez, Karel Abraham and Hiroshi Aoyama occupy lower spots, just outside the top ten. Andrea Dovizioso is running well, too. Valentino Rossi continues to lead his home Grand Prix. 21 laps left yet. Settle down a little bit, boys.
Dani Pedrosa shoves his way by Andrea Ianonne, opening the door for Dovizioso to pass. Stefan Bradl has crashed out. Game over. Lorenzo does not want the gap to get too big, because then he won't have a chance. Rossi leads, with Marquez hanging on to second spot. Marc Marquez has lost the front end, gone down, and stalled the bikle. He laid the bike down. He's desperately trying to restart the bike, as Valentino Rossi is whistling off into the distance. Dani Pedrosa is third.
Marquez is not going to win today, chaps. Rossi is ahead. He has not won in Italy for a long time. This is an all Yamaha situation, as we are nearly to halfway in this event. Marc Marquez is way down in 20th spot. No way will Marquez win today. That was a weird wreck. But, Rossi might have a chance. Don't speak too soon, though. Has Lorenzo got anything left in the locker? Alex de Angelis might get a point in his home race.
Rossi has a special helmet design with hand prints, and the paw prints of his two dogs. Marc Marquez is going to continue to push. He's not in contention, but he'll keep trying. Andrea Dovizioso wants by Dani Pedrosa for third, putting in his personal best lap. Alex de Angelis (from San Marino), is 15th. Danilo Petrucci, is out. Watching the start, Dovizioso had a great one, and we look at super slow motion replays, which are absolutely awesome.
Jorge Lorenzo is closing on Valentino Rossi. Lorenzo has three straight wins here. Everyone wants to see a Rossi victory. We're not quite halfway here, blokes. Pedrosa, Dovizioso, Ianonne, and Bradley Smith, while Alvaro Bautista, and Cal Crutchlow, also battle with each other. Yonny Hernandez battles Aleix Espargaro. Marc Marquez won't win the title in Spain. We'll have to wait and see if he can do it in Japan.
Now, Rossi might have an issue. He slid the Yamaha a bit. We see Ducati catching Honda and Yamaha. Dovizioso wants by Pedrosa. This is getting intense as Rossi continues in P1. We continue watching Dovizioso and Pedrosa's scrap. We have about ten laps to go now. Giacomo Agostini is watching this race from the Yamaha pit. Jorge Lorenzo has won at Misano for the last three years. But, even he might not do it today. Dani Pedrosa runs his personal best lap. Marc Marquez is still 20th.
Cal Crutchlow slides wide getting on the brakes too late. He loses a spot to Aleix Espargaro. Rossi takes a lot of curb out of turn 15. Andrea Ianonne remains fifth. Scott Redding is the third customer Honda with Hiroshi Aoyama and Karel Abraham running ahead of him. Seven laps to go now. Lorenzo isn't making inroads on Rossi. Marc Marquez is passing backmarkers, going by Broc Parkes and by Hector Barbera. Can Aleix Espargaro pass Alvaro Bautista?
Pedrosa is still leading Dovizioso, and is running as quick as the Yamaha's at the front. Four laps left now. Stefan Bradl is OK after his wreck, and the bike is back in the garage. Bradl will run for Forward Racing Yamaha next year. Marc Marquez is trying to pass Michael Laverty for 17th on the Paul Bird Motorsports bike. Rossi is going to add to his total of winningest rider in MotoGP. Jorge Lorenzo is still second.
Giacomo Agostini and Lynn Jarvis look on. Jarvis is Rossi's crew chief. Trhough Tramanto, Rossi will get his 107th Grand Prix win today. The riders are leaning 61 degrees into the corners. Two laps to go. This will be Rossi's second win since coming back to Yamaha. Rossi is 35 years old, but he's still got it. Jorge Lorenzo will have to settle for second. One lap to go for Valentino Rossi, coming out of Misano corner.
Half a lap left now through to La Quercia for the final time. #46 is going to win for the first time at Misano in five years, and he's going to win for the first time in over a year since Assen, Holland, last year. This is it. Rossi is going to do it! Rossi wins!
#46 Valentino Rossi ITA. Yamaha
It is also Yamaha's first win of 2014! Wow! What a race! By the way, Marc Marquez, picked up one point, finishing 15th. The next race is in Spain at Motorland Aragon in Aragon, Spain, in two weeks.
AMA news headed into the season finale
Some stories being followed headed into the season finale for AMA Pro Road Racing competitors at New Jersey Motorsports Park this weekend.
Gillim and Dominguez in epic points battle heading into season finale at New Jersey Motorsports Park this weekend
http://www.amaproracing.com/rr/news/index.cfm?cid=61274
AMA Pro Road Racing riders in town for Kawasaki Devil's Showdown at New Jersey Motorsports Park Check Out Venue's 'Battlegrounds Paintball' Facility
http://www.amaproracing.com/rr/news/index.cfm?cid=61285
Eslick looks to capture second AMA Pro Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson Series championship this weekend at New Jersey Motorsports Park
http://www.amaproracing.com/rr/news/index.cfm?cid=61284
Celtic HVMC Suzuki's Alexander & Farris excited to finish 2014 season on high note
http://www.amaproracing.com/rr/news/index.cfm?cid=61287
Gillim and Dominguez in epic points battle heading into season finale at New Jersey Motorsports Park this weekend
http://www.amaproracing.com/rr/news/index.cfm?cid=61274
AMA Pro Road Racing riders in town for Kawasaki Devil's Showdown at New Jersey Motorsports Park Check Out Venue's 'Battlegrounds Paintball' Facility
http://www.amaproracing.com/rr/news/index.cfm?cid=61285
Eslick looks to capture second AMA Pro Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson Series championship this weekend at New Jersey Motorsports Park
http://www.amaproracing.com/rr/news/index.cfm?cid=61284
Celtic HVMC Suzuki's Alexander & Farris excited to finish 2014 season on high note
http://www.amaproracing.com/rr/news/index.cfm?cid=61287
Friday, September 12, 2014
Melandri on Gresini and Aprilia in MotoGP
Former MotoGP, current FIM World Superbike, and soon to be, returning MotoGP rider, Marco Melandri of Italy, is at his home track at Mugello this weekend for the race. Here is what Melandri said about a possible return to MotoGP.
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Melandri+on+Gresini+and+Aprilia+in+MotoGP
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Melandri+on+Gresini+and+Aprilia+in+MotoGP
Thursday, September 11, 2014
MotoGP news
Here are the latest MotoGP headlines, from all three divisions.
Marquez and Rins closing in on Miller
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Misano+MotoGP+preview
Gardner gets Moto3 chance at Misano
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Gardner+gets+Moto3+chance+at+Misano
Misano special for Red Bull KTM Ajo pair
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Misano+special+for+Red+Bull+KTM+Ajo+pair
Kallio remains key threat to Rabat as championship enters final third
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Misano+Moto2+preview
Nagashima recovering from injuries but not expected to return in 2014
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Tetsuta+Nagashima+injury+update
Terol ready for return to action
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Terol+ready+for+return+to+action
Espargaro and Smith highly motivated for final third
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Pol+espargar+Monster+yamaha+tech3+Misano+preview
Rossi on staying competitive and relationship with Lorenzo
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Rossi+on+staying+competitive+and+relationship+with+Lorenzo
Ducati pair hope Misano test will aid competitiveness
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Ducati+Team+Misano+Preview
Motul becomes title sponsor for Grand Prix of Japan
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Motul+becomes+title+sponsor+for+Grand+Prix+of+Japan
Lorenzo feeling stronger approaching Misano challenge
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Lorenzo+feeling+stronger+approaching+Misano+challenge
Important weekend for NGM Forward Racing
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/+3
Marquez and Rins closing in on Miller
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Misano+MotoGP+preview
Gardner gets Moto3 chance at Misano
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Gardner+gets+Moto3+chance+at+Misano
Misano special for Red Bull KTM Ajo pair
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Misano+special+for+Red+Bull+KTM+Ajo+pair
Kallio remains key threat to Rabat as championship enters final third
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Misano+Moto2+preview
Nagashima recovering from injuries but not expected to return in 2014
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Tetsuta+Nagashima+injury+update
Terol ready for return to action
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Terol+ready+for+return+to+action
Espargaro and Smith highly motivated for final third
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Pol+espargar+Monster+yamaha+tech3+Misano+preview
Rossi on staying competitive and relationship with Lorenzo
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Rossi+on+staying+competitive+and+relationship+with+Lorenzo
Ducati pair hope Misano test will aid competitiveness
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Ducati+Team+Misano+Preview
Motul becomes title sponsor for Grand Prix of Japan
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Motul+becomes+title+sponsor+for+Grand+Prix+of+Japan
Lorenzo feeling stronger approaching Misano challenge
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Lorenzo+feeling+stronger+approaching+Misano+challenge
Important weekend for NGM Forward Racing
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/+3
Wednesday, September 10, 2014
AMA news stories headed into the season finale at New Jersey Motorsports Park
Here are the stories being followed, headed into the season finale for AMA Pro Racing at New Jersey Motorsports Park in Millville, New Jersey, this weekend.
GEICO Honda rider Ulrich looking to finish strong at season-ending race
http://www.amaproracing.com/rr/news/index.cfm?cid=61246
Battle of the Jakes: Gagne, Lewis frontrunners in GoPro Daytona SportBike title chase heading into final round at New Jersey
http://www.amaproracing.com/rr/news/index.cfm?cid=61223
Millennium Technologies' Wyman ready to take Thunderbolt by storm
http://www.amaproracing.com/rr/news/index.cfm?cid=61258
Experience will benefit GEICO Honda rider Zemke at New Jersey season finale
http://www.amaproracing.com/rr/news/index.cfm?cid=61257
AMA Pro SuperBike rolls into New Jersey Motorsports Park for 2014 AMA Pro Road Racing season finale
http://www.amaproracing.com/rr/news/index.cfm?cid=61259
GEICO Honda rider Ulrich looking to finish strong at season-ending race
http://www.amaproracing.com/rr/news/index.cfm?cid=61246
Battle of the Jakes: Gagne, Lewis frontrunners in GoPro Daytona SportBike title chase heading into final round at New Jersey
http://www.amaproracing.com/rr/news/index.cfm?cid=61223
Millennium Technologies' Wyman ready to take Thunderbolt by storm
http://www.amaproracing.com/rr/news/index.cfm?cid=61258
Experience will benefit GEICO Honda rider Zemke at New Jersey season finale
http://www.amaproracing.com/rr/news/index.cfm?cid=61257
AMA Pro SuperBike rolls into New Jersey Motorsports Park for 2014 AMA Pro Road Racing season finale
http://www.amaproracing.com/rr/news/index.cfm?cid=61259
Tuesday, September 9, 2014
FIM World Superbike round 9: Jerez, Spain
Marco Melandri rode his factory Aprilia to a sweep of both FIM World Superbike races at the Jerez de la Frontera circuit in Jerez, Spain, this past weekend.
http://www.sportrider.com/sportbike-news/world-superbike-jerez-race-report?src=SOC&dom=fb
The other three classes (World Supersport, Superstock 1000, and Superstock 600), were also in action at Jerez.
World Superbike race 1: #33 Marco Melandri ITA. Aprilia Racing Team Aprilia RSV4 Factory
World Superbike race 2: #33 Marco Melandri ITA. Aprilia Racing Team Aprilia RSV4 Factory
World Supersport race: #60 Michael van der Mark NLD. PATA Honda World Supersport Team
Honda CBR600RR
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
Time is of the essence in World Superbike. Just two races are left in the season to determine the champions. The penultimate race of the season takes place in Magny Cours, France at the Circuit de Nevers, and will take place in less than a month, the first weekend in October.
http://www.sportrider.com/sportbike-news/world-superbike-jerez-race-report?src=SOC&dom=fb
The other three classes (World Supersport, Superstock 1000, and Superstock 600), were also in action at Jerez.
World Superbike race 1: #33 Marco Melandri ITA. Aprilia Racing Team Aprilia RSV4 Factory
World Superbike race 2: #33 Marco Melandri ITA. Aprilia Racing Team Aprilia RSV4 Factory
World Supersport race: #60 Michael van der Mark NLD. PATA Honda World Supersport Team
Honda CBR600RR
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
Time is of the essence in World Superbike. Just two races are left in the season to determine the champions. The penultimate race of the season takes place in Magny Cours, France at the Circuit de Nevers, and will take place in less than a month, the first weekend in October.
Monday, September 8, 2014
Passionate crowds await MotoGP at Misano
The race at Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli is one of the most anticipated races on the MotoGP calendar. Here's why.
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Misano+MotoGP+preview+1
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Misano+MotoGP+preview+1
Saturday, September 6, 2014
Doohan and Beattie thrill passengers at Philip Island
Grand Prix motorcycle racing legends from "Down Under" give Australian fans a real thrill ride. Check out this feature about five-time world champion Mick Doohan, and Daryl Beattie.
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Mick+Doohan+Ride+Day
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Mick+Doohan+Ride+Day
Management changes at SKY Racing Team VR46
A couple of new people have been added to the management team for Valentino Rossi's Moto 3 team, just a week before the San Marino Grand Prix to be held in Misano, Italy. Two people, will be the sporting directors of the team. Alessio "Uccio" Salucci, and Carlo Alberto Tebaldi, who work closely with Rossi, running the team's operations.
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Salucci+e+Tebaldi+VR46+Team+Manager
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Salucci+e+Tebaldi+VR46+Team+Manager
Lowes: 'Lack of team-mate the biggest challenge'
For Moto 2 rider Sam Lowes, not having a team mate at Speed Up, has been his biggest challenge of the whole 2014 season to date.
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Lowes+Lack+of+teammate+the+biggest+challenge
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Lowes+Lack+of+teammate+the+biggest+challenge
Friday, September 5, 2014
Statement from AMA Pro Racing on the future of the professional road racing discipline
After the end of the 2014 season, AMA Pro Road Racing, will have a new promoter in the American Motorcyclist Assoication, and Krave Group, while Daytona Motorsports Group, (the current promoter), will focus on promotion of other motorcycle racing championships within the AMA including Pro Flat Track, and hill climb racing.
http://www.amaproracing.com/rr/news/index.cfm?cid=61225
http://www.amaproracing.com/rr/news/index.cfm?cid=61225
Thursday, September 4, 2014
Donington Park to host 2015 British Motorcycle Grand Prix
The speculation we heard about this story in the MotoGP broadcast on Fox Sports 1 last Sunday, are true. Donington Park, will return, and replace the Silverstone Circuit as the host venue for the British Motorcycle Grand Prix, next year.
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Donington+Park+to+host+2015+British+Motorcycle+Grand+Prix
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Donington+Park+to+host+2015+British+Motorcycle+Grand+Prix
Wednesday, September 3, 2014
Alex Marquez to move up to Moto 2 with Marc VDS
Alex Marquez, (younger brother of MotoGP champion, Marc Marquez), will move up to Moto 2, next year. His brother Marc had great success there, won the championship, and subsequently moved on to be very successful in MotoGP of course. Alex Marquez, is set to team with Tito Rabat at Marc VDS Racing, next year. One wonders then, where will Mika Kallio, end up?
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Alex+Marquez+to+move+up+to+Moto2+with+Marc+VDS
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Alex+Marquez+to+move+up+to+Moto2+with+Marc+VDS
Tuesday, September 2, 2014
Moto 2 & Moto 3: Great Britain
Marc VDS Racing had a 1-2 sweep in the Moto 2 race at Silverstone. After not winning for a while, Esteve "Tito" Rabat, took victory followed home by team mate, Mika Kallio. Rounding out the podium was Maverick Vinales. The rest of the top ten included Johann Zarco, Tom Luthi, Franco Morbidelli, Sam Lowes, Hafizh Syahrin, Mattia Pasini, and Axel Pons.
30 riders were classified at the end of the race, with four non finishers that included Lorenzo Baldassari, Jonas Folger, Simone Corsi, and Moto 2 veteran Xavier Simeon.
#53 Esteve Rabat ESP. Kalex
In Moto 3, Alex Rins got back on form and won that race. Alex Marquez and the rapidly improving Enea Bastianini of Italy, rounded out the podium, with the top ten being completed by Miguel Oliviera, Jakub Kornfeil, Jack Miller, Niccolo Antonelli, Alexis Masbou, Danny Kent, and Niklas Ajo. 29 riders finished the Moto 3 event, with two unclassified. The two unclassified finishers were Scott Deroue and wildcard Andrea Migno.
Meanwhile, two more riders, didn't event start the race. Tough luck for Efren Vazquez, who has been at the front of Moto 3 races, and almost won them on some occasions. He didn't even make it off the line at Silverstone, nor did British wildcard rider, Joe Irving.
#42 Alex Rins ESP. Honda
Only six races are left on the calendar for 2014. The next one will be the San Marino Grand Prix at the Misano World Circuit, also known as San Marino e della Riviera di Rimini, in Misano, Italy, taking place in less than two weeks.
30 riders were classified at the end of the race, with four non finishers that included Lorenzo Baldassari, Jonas Folger, Simone Corsi, and Moto 2 veteran Xavier Simeon.
#53 Esteve Rabat ESP. Kalex
In Moto 3, Alex Rins got back on form and won that race. Alex Marquez and the rapidly improving Enea Bastianini of Italy, rounded out the podium, with the top ten being completed by Miguel Oliviera, Jakub Kornfeil, Jack Miller, Niccolo Antonelli, Alexis Masbou, Danny Kent, and Niklas Ajo. 29 riders finished the Moto 3 event, with two unclassified. The two unclassified finishers were Scott Deroue and wildcard Andrea Migno.
Meanwhile, two more riders, didn't event start the race. Tough luck for Efren Vazquez, who has been at the front of Moto 3 races, and almost won them on some occasions. He didn't even make it off the line at Silverstone, nor did British wildcard rider, Joe Irving.
#42 Alex Rins ESP. Honda
Only six races are left on the calendar for 2014. The next one will be the San Marino Grand Prix at the Misano World Circuit, also known as San Marino e della Riviera di Rimini, in Misano, Italy, taking place in less than two weeks.
Monday, September 1, 2014
MotoGP Round 12: Great Britain
Marc Marquez is clear that he is unfazed by having the win stolen from him last week. Silverstone succeeded the Isle of Man TT in 1977. Then, it took over from Donington Park, five years ago, after Donington hosted the race in the 1980s. This could be the final race at Silverstone. There's supposed to be a track in Wales. But the Welsh speedway has not been built yet. So, it could move back to Donington Park.
Silverstone was built in 1948 and is site of a former air base. Jorge Lorenzo has won three of the last four races at Silverstone. The temperature is in the low 60s and it's cloudy. Marc Marquez has a 77 point lead over Dani Pedrosa. Mike Hailwood and John Surtees, are two of the best British riders from MotoGP's past. Now, in qualifying, it was dull and windy, but dry. Alvaro Bautista and Scott Redding got into second qualifying. Cal Crutchlow will be deep in the field. There was a a crash at Aintree corner. Not sure who it was.
Five British riders will start the British GP for the first time since 1996. Jorge Lorenzo and Aleix Espargaro had good qualifying runs. Valentino Rossi will be starting his 246th MotoGP race. But, Marc Marquez has his tenth pole of 2014. Rossi has surpassed Spaniard Alex Barros for the most MotoGP start. Colin Edwards is at Silverstone, but of course, not racing. Leon Camier is subbing for the injured Nicky Hayden, who should be back for the next race in Italy.
We're ready to race, (possibly for the last time) at Silverstone. Welcome to round 12. Marc Marquez has pole. Remember, 77 points is Marquez's lead. Can Marquez win eleven MotoGP races? Valentino Rossi did that in 2005. 20 laps scheduled. Here we go!
At the start, Andrea Dovizioso has the jump, but here comes Jorge Lorenzo and Marc Marquez into Maggots/Becketts. We've got Jorge Lorenzo leading into Chapel and towards Hangar straight, and into Stowe. Aleix Espargaro is going for it through Vale and Club. Into Abbey along the old start/finish straight, and into The Loop. Andrea Dovizioso takes Espargaro. Almost a touch between Dovizioso and Espargaro just before Brooklands.
Into Woodcote, has Rossi got an advantage? Going into Copse, it's Yamaha and Honda. It's Lorenzo vs. Marquez at the start of the British Grand Prix. Deja vu from a year ago. Aleix Espargaro has lost another spot. He passes Rossi, but runs wide and Rossi re-passes. Bradley Smith has had a great start. Down the Wellington straight, it's still a battle as Dani Pedrosa is fifth. We watch Lorenzo and Marquez scrap. Fast lap for Dovizioso at 2:02.006.
Jorge Lorenzo has a great run out of Chapel curve. Into Vale and Club, which i a series of corners, coming up the old pit straight another time. Through Farm, Bradley Smith nabs Aleix Espargaro. Marquez closes on Lorenzo. All the top players are at the front. Marc Marquez is comfortable in second and Loprenzo is in the lead, too. Through Maggots/Becketts again. Karel Abraham passes Leon Camier. This battle is like a volcano ready to erupt. But, Stefan Bradl is losing spots.
Marc Marquez tries to go around the outside at Copse corner. Bradley Smith closes on Aleix Espargaro, or maybe, it's Pol Espargaro. Can Rossi make his pass on Dovizioso stick? Not quite. Andrea Dovizioso fends him off. Dani Pedrosa is also closing. This is as good as we've seen from Jorge Lorenzo. But, Marc Marquez will fight. He's keeping his powder dry right now. Bradley Smith passes Aleix Espargaro, but Espargaro is giving him trouble. Into Village, Rossi brakes late, and slides by the Ducati. Marquez will pull the trigger at any time.
Through Luffield, into Woodcote, and we've got 3/4 of the race left. Dani Pedrosa wants by Andrea Dovizioso through Stowe and Vale. They come back down Wellington straight towards Brooklands. Pedrosa still can't get by the Ducati, while Lorenzo and Marquez race off into the distance. The top five factory bikes have pulled away into a race of their own for the top five. Honda, Yamaha, Ducati. The old pit complex is where the start/finish line is for MotoGP. Formula One fans will recognize Silverstone.
Now, Lorenzo has some issues with grip. Hotter temperatures can make it work for Lorenzo. Marc Marquez has not yet laid all his cards on the table. Nine-time MotoGP champion Phil Read is watching this race. Rossi is being closed up on by Dani Pedrosa. The customer Honda's are running well even though they are down the order. The battle is simmering. Dani Pedrosa is right in Rossi's face right now. Andrea Dovizioso is beginning to come back as we look at the halfway mark in this race next time by.
They race into Brooklands. Last year, Dani Pedrosa set fast lap in this race. Rossi is going for it. But, let's see. Jorge Lorenzo and Marc Marquez are still battling at the front. Every rider has their strong point on the track. We're hitting half distance now. They go up the old pit straight, and towards Abbey another time. Pedrosa, Rossi, and Dovizioso are locked together. We're officially at half distance now. Back through Copse corner another time.
Will it be like Motegi last year, or Argentina this year? Will Marquez catch him? Or, will Lorenzo keep his lead? Sometimes, riders play mind games if they've got something in reserve. Bradley Smith has fallen and come back on track. But, he is not running well. But, it could be game over. Through the Aintree corner onto the Wellington straight. Lorenzo and Marquez run through Luffield. Nine laps remain now. Lorenzo and Marquez both run wide.
Through to Vale. Eight laps remain now. Back towards Abbey. Marquez needs to work hard to get by Lorenzo. We've run through half the race with just one retirement. That's Bradley Smith. We're down to four British riders. Now, Marquez will need to make his move ASAP to try and beat Lorenzo. Lorenzo has the advantage into Woodcote corner. It is down to two riders for the win. Two world champions. But, keep in mind, Lorenzo has won this race, three of the last four years.
Whoa! Marquez tries to pass and makes it stick, but Lorneoz is fighting back. No way through. It's going to take a half lap to find out what this race will become. Six laps left. Farm, Village, The Loop, Aintree. Those are the four critical corners. Aintree actually leads onto the Wellington straight, and towards Brooklands. Into Stowe, Lorenzo is fighting back. Into Vale, now. Marquez is pulling away. Andrea Dovizioso is still in front of Dani Pedrosa.
Marquez is focused. Lorenzo is doing everything to stay with Marquez. Marquez runs wide around Abbey. Marqueez slides into Abbey and stays on the motorcycle. Rossi, Dovizioso, and Pedrosa battle for third, fourth, and fifth. Hiroshi Aoyama is now in the points. Stefan Bradl runs ninth. Now, Lorenzo has passed Marquez! This is going to heat up, and fast. Four and a half laps to go, into Abbey, through Farm, Village, and The Loop. Lorenzo retakes the lead.
It's head to head now. Down the strart/finish straight and into Copse. Lorenzo has to defend from Marquez. Maggots/Becketts, and Lorenzo still leads. Chapel, Hangar straight, Stowe. Into Vale, Marquez is closing up. Yamaha has not won a race this year yet. It's been all Honda so far. All Repsol Honda. Lorenzo runs wide. Three laps to go now. Into Copse they come. It's a two man race. Where will Marquez attack? When? Two and a half laps to go.
Marquez will hav a go at Village or The LKoop. Here he comes, and he's trying. Lorenzo gets passed into Aintree. They touched twice. Lorenzo has to fight. But the gap is increasing. Marquez is booking it with two laps to go. No mistakes these last couple laps. Pedrosa can't pass Andrea Dovizioso. Can Valentino Rossi complete the podium? Lorenzo has given everything. But, he'll have to settle for second spot. Marquez has a wild moment into Abbey and towards Village and, The Loop.
The gap comes down by half. Lorenzo will have to try, but there's one lap left through Luffield and into Woodcote. One lap to go. The battle rages for third with Andrea Dovizoso being passed by Dani Pedrosa. Alvaro Bautista is out of it. He crashed. Game over. Down through Vale, Marquez is looking for his eleventh win of the year. Bradley Smith rejoined the race. But that doesn't matter. What matters is the last few corners. Marc Marquez is going to become the first rider since 2005, when Valentino Rossi did it, to win eleven races in a year.
Rossi has the edge on Pedrosa and Marquez wins it!
#93 Marc Marquez ESP. Honda
The next race in MotoGP is the San Marino Grand Prix at the Misano World Circuit in Misano, Italy, in two weeks.
Silverstone was built in 1948 and is site of a former air base. Jorge Lorenzo has won three of the last four races at Silverstone. The temperature is in the low 60s and it's cloudy. Marc Marquez has a 77 point lead over Dani Pedrosa. Mike Hailwood and John Surtees, are two of the best British riders from MotoGP's past. Now, in qualifying, it was dull and windy, but dry. Alvaro Bautista and Scott Redding got into second qualifying. Cal Crutchlow will be deep in the field. There was a a crash at Aintree corner. Not sure who it was.
Five British riders will start the British GP for the first time since 1996. Jorge Lorenzo and Aleix Espargaro had good qualifying runs. Valentino Rossi will be starting his 246th MotoGP race. But, Marc Marquez has his tenth pole of 2014. Rossi has surpassed Spaniard Alex Barros for the most MotoGP start. Colin Edwards is at Silverstone, but of course, not racing. Leon Camier is subbing for the injured Nicky Hayden, who should be back for the next race in Italy.
We're ready to race, (possibly for the last time) at Silverstone. Welcome to round 12. Marc Marquez has pole. Remember, 77 points is Marquez's lead. Can Marquez win eleven MotoGP races? Valentino Rossi did that in 2005. 20 laps scheduled. Here we go!
At the start, Andrea Dovizioso has the jump, but here comes Jorge Lorenzo and Marc Marquez into Maggots/Becketts. We've got Jorge Lorenzo leading into Chapel and towards Hangar straight, and into Stowe. Aleix Espargaro is going for it through Vale and Club. Into Abbey along the old start/finish straight, and into The Loop. Andrea Dovizioso takes Espargaro. Almost a touch between Dovizioso and Espargaro just before Brooklands.
Into Woodcote, has Rossi got an advantage? Going into Copse, it's Yamaha and Honda. It's Lorenzo vs. Marquez at the start of the British Grand Prix. Deja vu from a year ago. Aleix Espargaro has lost another spot. He passes Rossi, but runs wide and Rossi re-passes. Bradley Smith has had a great start. Down the Wellington straight, it's still a battle as Dani Pedrosa is fifth. We watch Lorenzo and Marquez scrap. Fast lap for Dovizioso at 2:02.006.
Jorge Lorenzo has a great run out of Chapel curve. Into Vale and Club, which i a series of corners, coming up the old pit straight another time. Through Farm, Bradley Smith nabs Aleix Espargaro. Marquez closes on Lorenzo. All the top players are at the front. Marc Marquez is comfortable in second and Loprenzo is in the lead, too. Through Maggots/Becketts again. Karel Abraham passes Leon Camier. This battle is like a volcano ready to erupt. But, Stefan Bradl is losing spots.
Marc Marquez tries to go around the outside at Copse corner. Bradley Smith closes on Aleix Espargaro, or maybe, it's Pol Espargaro. Can Rossi make his pass on Dovizioso stick? Not quite. Andrea Dovizioso fends him off. Dani Pedrosa is also closing. This is as good as we've seen from Jorge Lorenzo. But, Marc Marquez will fight. He's keeping his powder dry right now. Bradley Smith passes Aleix Espargaro, but Espargaro is giving him trouble. Into Village, Rossi brakes late, and slides by the Ducati. Marquez will pull the trigger at any time.
Through Luffield, into Woodcote, and we've got 3/4 of the race left. Dani Pedrosa wants by Andrea Dovizioso through Stowe and Vale. They come back down Wellington straight towards Brooklands. Pedrosa still can't get by the Ducati, while Lorenzo and Marquez race off into the distance. The top five factory bikes have pulled away into a race of their own for the top five. Honda, Yamaha, Ducati. The old pit complex is where the start/finish line is for MotoGP. Formula One fans will recognize Silverstone.
Now, Lorenzo has some issues with grip. Hotter temperatures can make it work for Lorenzo. Marc Marquez has not yet laid all his cards on the table. Nine-time MotoGP champion Phil Read is watching this race. Rossi is being closed up on by Dani Pedrosa. The customer Honda's are running well even though they are down the order. The battle is simmering. Dani Pedrosa is right in Rossi's face right now. Andrea Dovizioso is beginning to come back as we look at the halfway mark in this race next time by.
They race into Brooklands. Last year, Dani Pedrosa set fast lap in this race. Rossi is going for it. But, let's see. Jorge Lorenzo and Marc Marquez are still battling at the front. Every rider has their strong point on the track. We're hitting half distance now. They go up the old pit straight, and towards Abbey another time. Pedrosa, Rossi, and Dovizioso are locked together. We're officially at half distance now. Back through Copse corner another time.
Will it be like Motegi last year, or Argentina this year? Will Marquez catch him? Or, will Lorenzo keep his lead? Sometimes, riders play mind games if they've got something in reserve. Bradley Smith has fallen and come back on track. But, he is not running well. But, it could be game over. Through the Aintree corner onto the Wellington straight. Lorenzo and Marquez run through Luffield. Nine laps remain now. Lorenzo and Marquez both run wide.
Through to Vale. Eight laps remain now. Back towards Abbey. Marquez needs to work hard to get by Lorenzo. We've run through half the race with just one retirement. That's Bradley Smith. We're down to four British riders. Now, Marquez will need to make his move ASAP to try and beat Lorenzo. Lorenzo has the advantage into Woodcote corner. It is down to two riders for the win. Two world champions. But, keep in mind, Lorenzo has won this race, three of the last four years.
Whoa! Marquez tries to pass and makes it stick, but Lorneoz is fighting back. No way through. It's going to take a half lap to find out what this race will become. Six laps left. Farm, Village, The Loop, Aintree. Those are the four critical corners. Aintree actually leads onto the Wellington straight, and towards Brooklands. Into Stowe, Lorenzo is fighting back. Into Vale, now. Marquez is pulling away. Andrea Dovizioso is still in front of Dani Pedrosa.
Marquez is focused. Lorenzo is doing everything to stay with Marquez. Marquez runs wide around Abbey. Marqueez slides into Abbey and stays on the motorcycle. Rossi, Dovizioso, and Pedrosa battle for third, fourth, and fifth. Hiroshi Aoyama is now in the points. Stefan Bradl runs ninth. Now, Lorenzo has passed Marquez! This is going to heat up, and fast. Four and a half laps to go, into Abbey, through Farm, Village, and The Loop. Lorenzo retakes the lead.
It's head to head now. Down the strart/finish straight and into Copse. Lorenzo has to defend from Marquez. Maggots/Becketts, and Lorenzo still leads. Chapel, Hangar straight, Stowe. Into Vale, Marquez is closing up. Yamaha has not won a race this year yet. It's been all Honda so far. All Repsol Honda. Lorenzo runs wide. Three laps to go now. Into Copse they come. It's a two man race. Where will Marquez attack? When? Two and a half laps to go.
Marquez will hav a go at Village or The LKoop. Here he comes, and he's trying. Lorenzo gets passed into Aintree. They touched twice. Lorenzo has to fight. But the gap is increasing. Marquez is booking it with two laps to go. No mistakes these last couple laps. Pedrosa can't pass Andrea Dovizioso. Can Valentino Rossi complete the podium? Lorenzo has given everything. But, he'll have to settle for second spot. Marquez has a wild moment into Abbey and towards Village and, The Loop.
The gap comes down by half. Lorenzo will have to try, but there's one lap left through Luffield and into Woodcote. One lap to go. The battle rages for third with Andrea Dovizoso being passed by Dani Pedrosa. Alvaro Bautista is out of it. He crashed. Game over. Down through Vale, Marquez is looking for his eleventh win of the year. Bradley Smith rejoined the race. But that doesn't matter. What matters is the last few corners. Marc Marquez is going to become the first rider since 2005, when Valentino Rossi did it, to win eleven races in a year.
Rossi has the edge on Pedrosa and Marquez wins it!
#93 Marc Marquez ESP. Honda
The next race in MotoGP is the San Marino Grand Prix at the Misano World Circuit in Misano, Italy, in two weeks.
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