MotoGP Race Director, Mike Webb will hold a meeting with riders during the weekend of the MotoGP season finale in Valencia, Spain, next weekend. The meeting will discuss qualifying tactics as far as slowing to follow other riders onto the track. This has been a trend in all three divisions, and particularly, in Moto 3.
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Mike+Webb+on+slipstream+and+penalties
Friday, October 31, 2014
Thursday, October 30, 2014
Stoner runs Marquez and Pedrosa settings as 2015/16 test concludes
Casey Stoner used the same setups and settings as Marc Marquez and Dani Pedrosa use for their bikes in the MotoGP races, as the last day of testing at Motegi, concluded. Here's that story.
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Stoner%20runs%20Marquez%20and%20Pedrosa%20settings%20as%20201516%20test%20concludes
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Stoner%20runs%20Marquez%20and%20Pedrosa%20settings%20as%20201516%20test%20concludes
Wednesday, October 29, 2014
Stoner tests 2015 Honda RC213V at Motegi
Former Repsol Honda rider and MotoGP World Champion, Casey Stoner, continues to test for the factory Honda team, and has been doing so, on their new 2015 bike, which is the next iteration of the RC213V. They are testing the bike at their home track at Motegi.
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Stoner+tests+2015+Honda+RC213V+at+Motegi
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Stoner+tests+2015+Honda+RC213V+at+Motegi
Tuesday, October 28, 2014
reactions and rider stories after Malaysia
Here are thoughts of many of the MotoGP riders, after the Malaysian Grand Prix.
Hernandez finishes as top Ducati rider in Malaysia
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Yonny+Hernandez+Sepang+Race+review
Strong ride to fourth for Bradl
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Strong+ride+to+fourth+for+Bradl+1
Bautista and Espargaro give views on Sepang crash
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Bautista+and+Espargaro+give+views+on+Sepang+crash
Barbera pleased to be top Open rider again
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Avintia+Racing+Sepang+Race+Review
Hernandez finishes as top Ducati rider in Malaysia
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Yonny+Hernandez+Sepang+Race+review
Strong ride to fourth for Bradl
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Strong+ride+to+fourth+for+Bradl+1
Bautista and Espargaro give views on Sepang crash
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Bautista+and+Espargaro+give+views+on+Sepang+crash
Barbera pleased to be top Open rider again
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Avintia+Racing+Sepang+Race+Review
Monday, October 27, 2014
Moto 2 & Moto 3: Malaysia
Maverick Vinales won the Moto 2 race at the Sepang circuit in Malaysia ahead of Marc VDS team mates Mika Kallio and Tito Rabat. With his third place finish, Tito Rabat, is the 2014 Moto 2 World Champion! Will he step up to MotoGP next year? We shall see. Johann Zarco, Dominique Aegerter, Julian Simon, Sandro Cortese, Tom Luthi, Jonas Folger, and Marcel Schrotter, completed the top ten.
26 riders were classified finishers. The seven DNF's went to Franco Morbidelli, Sam Lowes, Axel Pons, Hafizh Syahrin, Louis Rossi, Takaaki Nakagami (a former Moto 2 winner), and Ratthapark Wilairot, while Gino Rea did not even complete the first lap of the race.
#40 Maverick Vinales ESP. Kalex Figueras
Champion:
#53 Esteve "Tito" Rabat ESP. Kalex Barcelona
In Moto 3, Efren Vazquez came through and won his second career Moto 3 event. Jack Miller and Alex Rins rounded out the podium, with Jack Miller, either already clinching, or about to clinch the Moto 3 world championship, before he moves straight to MotoGP next year, bypassing Moto 2 altogether.
#7 Efren Vazquez ESP. Honda
...And then, there was one. The final race for all three classes in MotoGP, is at the Circuit Ricardo Tormo in Valencia, Spain, coming up in less than two weeks. Stay tuned, for full coverage, of that race, as we close the book on the 2014 MotoGP season, here, on 2 wheelin'.
26 riders were classified finishers. The seven DNF's went to Franco Morbidelli, Sam Lowes, Axel Pons, Hafizh Syahrin, Louis Rossi, Takaaki Nakagami (a former Moto 2 winner), and Ratthapark Wilairot, while Gino Rea did not even complete the first lap of the race.
#40 Maverick Vinales ESP. Kalex Figueras
Champion:
#53 Esteve "Tito" Rabat ESP. Kalex Barcelona
In Moto 3, Efren Vazquez came through and won his second career Moto 3 event. Jack Miller and Alex Rins rounded out the podium, with Jack Miller, either already clinching, or about to clinch the Moto 3 world championship, before he moves straight to MotoGP next year, bypassing Moto 2 altogether.
#7 Efren Vazquez ESP. Honda
...And then, there was one. The final race for all three classes in MotoGP, is at the Circuit Ricardo Tormo in Valencia, Spain, coming up in less than two weeks. Stay tuned, for full coverage, of that race, as we close the book on the 2014 MotoGP season, here, on 2 wheelin'.
Sunday, October 26, 2014
Lorenzo vs. Rossi battle for second in the championship rages on
With now just one race remaining in the 2014 MotoGP World Championship, the duel for second spot in the points standings between factory Yamaha team mates Jorge Lorenzo and Valentino Rossi, will go down to the wire in Valencia, Spain, in two weeks.
http://www.foxsports.com/motor/story/lorenzo-vs-rossi-battle-for-second-in-the-championship-rages-on-in-sepang-102514?cmpid=tsmfb:fscom:speed
http://www.foxsports.com/motor/story/lorenzo-vs-rossi-battle-for-second-in-the-championship-rages-on-in-sepang-102514?cmpid=tsmfb:fscom:speed
MotoGP round 17: Malaysia
In the equatorial heat of Malaysia, the last thing you want to do, is wrestle a motorcycle around a race track, especially if it rains. But if you think that's a fun way to spend a Sunday, man, you are in the right place. Two races are left in the season. Marc Marquez has a 13th pole of the season. We've also got a battle between the Yamaha team mates. Valentino Rossi has momentum, after his win in Australia last weekend. This is the penultimate round of the MotoGP world championship. Also, in Australia, it was the first podium sweep for Yamaha since 2008, with Bradley Smith on the Monster Energy backed bike, third.
Andrea Ianonne will not race after a fall yesterday. The new asymmetrical tire used in Australia will not be in use here in Malaysia. But, it will be in use in two weeks at the season finale in Valencia, Spain at Circuit Ricardo Tormo. Asymmetrical tires came about because of needing to stabilize temperatures on both sides of the tire, depending on how the tracks are configured. It is a challenge to make a tire behave like a symmetric tire, but run differently. Bridgestone has developed the tires, right up to their final races in MotoGP, before Michelin takes over as tire supplier, next year.
This is the 15th time MotoGP has run in Malaysia. In 1991, there was a race at another trackcalled the Shah Alam circuit, as the season finale of the championship. At that time, American John Kocinski was the winner of the 500cc Grand Prix event, with Italy's Loris Capirossi taking honors in the 125cc class, and fellow Italian Luca Cadalora, winning the 250cc race.
Marc Marquez has pole and there were some injuries to some of the riders. Marc Marquez needs two more wins to break Mick Doohan's single season win record. The Sepang track is the third one to host this race. It was built in 1998 by Formula One track designer Herman Tilke. Dani Pedrosa won this race last year, but sadly, it is also the place where Italian rider Marco Simoncelli, lost his life in a fatal accident. It is the third track to host the Malaysian GP along with Shah Alam and a one-time appearance, at Johor, in 1998.
In qualifying, it was dry, but hot. Andrea Ianonne has an injured arm and will not race. Pol Espargaro also had a big crash, and so did Hiroshi Aoyama. Aleix Espargaro is seventh. Valentino Rossi could only manage sixth. Andrea Dovizioso, and Stefan Bradl had good performances. Jorge Lorenzo has his ninth front row start, and we have a Repsol Honda 1-2 with Marquez and Pedrosa at the front. Marquez becomes the first 13-time polesitter in MotoGP history.
58 degrees Celsius is track temperature, and that's 137 degrees Fahrenheit! Hot, hot, hot! 22 bikes will start this race. The track temperature, throttle control and tire degradation, and maintain concentration. It's going to be a tough, wild race, from a steamy venue in Sepang, Malaysia. We are ready, for the penultimate MotoGP race of 2014, folks. It's going to be a doozy.
Pride and redemption are on the line, right now, in the Grand Prix of Malaysia. Lets go racing, folks. Rossi, Lorenzo, and Pedrosa are still going for points positions. We have one more race, after this one. 82,000 people are attending this race. The bikes grid up. Let's go. It's too hot. Marquez wants his first MotoGP win here. 20 laps. Go!
At the start, Aleix Espargaro shoots through and it's the Honda's and Lorenzo running together as some run wide. Dani Pedrosa is in the lead. Lorenzo and Marquez got together. Cal Crutchlow and Aleix Espargaro battle, and Bradley Smith is in this scrum, too. Stefan Bradl and Andrea Dovizioso are also up there as the bikes race into turn nine. Lorenzo passes Dovizioso. Lorenzo and Dovizioso run the harder tire.
Lorenzo has the position. Marc Marquez is sixth. Some of these boys are going to have to recover. Lorenzo has. Stefan Bradl wants by Dani Pedrosa. They race back up into turn four. Oh no! Aleix Espargaro and Alvaro Bautista have both crashed. It's game over for both. Poor Aleix Espargaro. He's out, again, after taking out his aggression on the bike at Philip Island a week ago. Valentino Rossi is right behind Dani Pedrosa. Marquez goes by Dovizioso as the Honda and the Ducati almost touch.
Oh no! Dani Pedrosa loses the bike, and he's out of it! Marquez runs fast lap. Pedrosa loses the front end and the two-time Malaysia winner in 2012 and 2013, has a pear shaped race this year. It's the two Yamaha's leading. Marc Marquez is setting new lap records. Marquez is closing up on Rossi under braking. Lorenzo leads this race right now, chaps. There's only one factory Honda now. Bradley Smith and Yonny Hernandez are a bit farther down as Lorenzo runs wide. Lorenzo is still leading.
But, it's as close as you like. Marc Marquez has been crashing, but, he wants a twelfth win. These cats are earning their money today in this sweltering Malaysia heat. Lorenzo is on the hard compound tire while Rossi and Marquez run the medium compound Bridgestone. Lorenzo has never won a MotoGP race at Sepang, nor has Marquez. Rossi has won at Sepang, six times. Yonny Hernandez is in eighth and Hiroshi Aoyama is tenth. But, poor old Cal Crutchlow is out. It's been game over for him in the last three races.
Rossi wants Lorenzo into the corner and... not this time. The Bautista and Espargaro crash, is a question mark as to who crashed into who. Marquez has to win today, and at the finale in Valencia in two weeks. With Dani Pedrosa out, Lorenzo will have breathing room in the championship. They fly up to turn four, again. Andrea Dovizioso and Stefan Bradl are still running in the top placings. Bradl has had a good weekend so far. They run into the braking zone at turn nine. Yamaha team manager Lynn Jarvis believes they are equal to Honda. At least that is what he has told the Italian press.
Fourteen laps to go now. We work lap six. Nicky Hayden is out of this race now! Ugh! Hayden is the 2006 MotoGP world champ. Dani Pedrosa is back up, but he's caboose on the field and has no chance at second in the championship chase. Michael Laverty is running in the points and Alex de Angelis is also up there. Lorenzo leads Rossi and Marquez. This has been an intense race for the whole time. In the hot conditions, it's not hotter than it was yesterday in practice and qualifying. Watch the drop off on the front tire, towards the end of the race.
Has Marc Marquez got anything left in the locker? Lorenzo deliberately runs wide into the left hand turn, chopping across Valentino Rossi. Rossi is pushing Lorenzo, and wants to get by. Rossi has to conserve the medium tires. He wants to let Lorenzo do the heavy lifting. Or, not? Rossi is right up on lorenzo. Dani Pedrosa is way back in 15th. Marquez is coming, and coming fast. He wants by Rossi. The three best riders in the world are going at it hammer and tongs. Eleven laps to go. Another epic MotoGP race, chaps. We've seen many this year.
Rossi is definitely having a go. Lorenzo is pushing, and pushing hard. Here comes Rossi! He's in the lead now! Oh! Lorenzo wants it, but can't get it. Rossi runs wide and slams the door in Lorenzo's face, and here's Marquez! Marquez is right on Lorenzo's tail. He runs wide and gets through. Lorenzo comes back, but he can't quite make it. Eleven laps down. Halfway. Eleven to go. Rossi wants back-to-back GP wins for the first time in five years.
These boys are not giving each other an inch. Marquez is closing on Rossi. Lorenzo is dropping back a bit. We saw some tire drop off at Philip Island, and we are seeing the same thing here. Rossi and Marquez have found the sweet spot with the medium tire as Rossi runs wide. Marquez leads. But Rossi is still going for it. Rossi tries to get by a wide Marquez bike. Nope. Not now. Rossi has to go for it, and he almost touchs Marquez! This is a humdinger! Rossi needs to attack. Push, push, push, sunshine.
Rossi may be able to pass. Here he coms on the brakes. Nope. Left, and then, flick it right going uphill. Dani Pedrosa is now 12th. Rossi tries Marquez again, steaming down the straight. Eight laps left now. Marquez is pushing. Whoa. Marquez runs wide again. The crowd is going nuts! They are very much Rossi fans. Dani Pedrosa is back into eleventh spot. But, he's not going to make second in the championship. Rossi attacks Marquez for the lead. Into turn nine. The slowest corner on the track.
Rossi is really pushing. Rossi made his debut here in Grand Prix racing in 1996. Rossi goes in deeper, and poor old Dani Pedrosa crashes again! Game over. Six riders have retired now. We have sixteen finishers, apparently. We had fourteen at Philip Island last Saturday. Just six laps to go now. This race is going to come down to the wire. Pol Espargaro passes big brother Aleix for sixth in the championship. Lorenzo is going to finish third. Marquez leads the way with five laps left. Rossi wants number three. Marquez wants win number twelve.
Marc Marquez struggles with mid corner speed in the faster corners. Turn fifteen is the favorite overtaking spot on this track. Four laps to go. Andrea Dovizioso has lost two spots. Bradl and Smith go by. Could Dovizioso have a problem with his Ducati? He may have brake fade, and he's adjusting his right hand braking from the left hand side of the bike. Stefan Bradl and Bradley Smith are going to finish well. Marquez is opening a gap on Rossi, and it looks like he's going to make it to the end.
Three laps left now. We're 18 of 20 into this one. Jorge Lorenzo is losing time on the hard compound Bridgestone tire. Dovizioso is passed by Pol Espargaro. Hector Barbera is ninth, having passed Alex de Angelis. Hiroshi Aoyama has had some trouble, going off, and then, rejoining. Marc Marquez will seal the constructors world title for Honda, and the team title for Repsol Honda. Marquez is going to tie Mick Doohan's record of 12 wins in a season. Oops. It will seal the constructors title, but not the teams title. We're into the penultimate lap. Two left. Marquez has not won since Silverstone in England, back in early September.
Andrea Dovizioso continues to fall down the order. Marquez will get his first MotoGP win at Sepang, and his second win at the track, having won the 125cc race in 2010. One lap, 3.5 mils to go, for Marquez's record equaling 12th win. Stefan Bradl is being hounded by Bradley Smith in the tussle for fourth. Smith is not close enough to Bradl. The harder tire might be coming in just at the end of this race. Lorenzo is closing on Rossi and we see Smith closing on Bradl, too.
This is a hot scrap for fourth. These two need a spot, but also, need points. Marquez will get his 12th win. Marquez is back on the top step of the podium!
#93 Marc Msrquez ESP. Honda
Bradl goes for it, and gets the fourth spot over Smith after Smith runs wide. After his crash, Pol Espargaro finishes sixth. Yonny Hernandez did well, along with Dovizioso, Hector Barbera, and Scott Redding. Hiroshi Aoyama is eleventh, Michael Laverty, Mike DiMeglio, and a couple other riders finish. Marquez is now equal with Mick Doohan, who was a five-time champion in the 500cc class.
...And then, there was one. We will have one race remaining in MotoGP 2014, in Valencia, Spain, in two weeks time.
Andrea Ianonne will not race after a fall yesterday. The new asymmetrical tire used in Australia will not be in use here in Malaysia. But, it will be in use in two weeks at the season finale in Valencia, Spain at Circuit Ricardo Tormo. Asymmetrical tires came about because of needing to stabilize temperatures on both sides of the tire, depending on how the tracks are configured. It is a challenge to make a tire behave like a symmetric tire, but run differently. Bridgestone has developed the tires, right up to their final races in MotoGP, before Michelin takes over as tire supplier, next year.
This is the 15th time MotoGP has run in Malaysia. In 1991, there was a race at another trackcalled the Shah Alam circuit, as the season finale of the championship. At that time, American John Kocinski was the winner of the 500cc Grand Prix event, with Italy's Loris Capirossi taking honors in the 125cc class, and fellow Italian Luca Cadalora, winning the 250cc race.
Marc Marquez has pole and there were some injuries to some of the riders. Marc Marquez needs two more wins to break Mick Doohan's single season win record. The Sepang track is the third one to host this race. It was built in 1998 by Formula One track designer Herman Tilke. Dani Pedrosa won this race last year, but sadly, it is also the place where Italian rider Marco Simoncelli, lost his life in a fatal accident. It is the third track to host the Malaysian GP along with Shah Alam and a one-time appearance, at Johor, in 1998.
In qualifying, it was dry, but hot. Andrea Ianonne has an injured arm and will not race. Pol Espargaro also had a big crash, and so did Hiroshi Aoyama. Aleix Espargaro is seventh. Valentino Rossi could only manage sixth. Andrea Dovizioso, and Stefan Bradl had good performances. Jorge Lorenzo has his ninth front row start, and we have a Repsol Honda 1-2 with Marquez and Pedrosa at the front. Marquez becomes the first 13-time polesitter in MotoGP history.
58 degrees Celsius is track temperature, and that's 137 degrees Fahrenheit! Hot, hot, hot! 22 bikes will start this race. The track temperature, throttle control and tire degradation, and maintain concentration. It's going to be a tough, wild race, from a steamy venue in Sepang, Malaysia. We are ready, for the penultimate MotoGP race of 2014, folks. It's going to be a doozy.
Pride and redemption are on the line, right now, in the Grand Prix of Malaysia. Lets go racing, folks. Rossi, Lorenzo, and Pedrosa are still going for points positions. We have one more race, after this one. 82,000 people are attending this race. The bikes grid up. Let's go. It's too hot. Marquez wants his first MotoGP win here. 20 laps. Go!
At the start, Aleix Espargaro shoots through and it's the Honda's and Lorenzo running together as some run wide. Dani Pedrosa is in the lead. Lorenzo and Marquez got together. Cal Crutchlow and Aleix Espargaro battle, and Bradley Smith is in this scrum, too. Stefan Bradl and Andrea Dovizioso are also up there as the bikes race into turn nine. Lorenzo passes Dovizioso. Lorenzo and Dovizioso run the harder tire.
Lorenzo has the position. Marc Marquez is sixth. Some of these boys are going to have to recover. Lorenzo has. Stefan Bradl wants by Dani Pedrosa. They race back up into turn four. Oh no! Aleix Espargaro and Alvaro Bautista have both crashed. It's game over for both. Poor Aleix Espargaro. He's out, again, after taking out his aggression on the bike at Philip Island a week ago. Valentino Rossi is right behind Dani Pedrosa. Marquez goes by Dovizioso as the Honda and the Ducati almost touch.
Oh no! Dani Pedrosa loses the bike, and he's out of it! Marquez runs fast lap. Pedrosa loses the front end and the two-time Malaysia winner in 2012 and 2013, has a pear shaped race this year. It's the two Yamaha's leading. Marc Marquez is setting new lap records. Marquez is closing up on Rossi under braking. Lorenzo leads this race right now, chaps. There's only one factory Honda now. Bradley Smith and Yonny Hernandez are a bit farther down as Lorenzo runs wide. Lorenzo is still leading.
But, it's as close as you like. Marc Marquez has been crashing, but, he wants a twelfth win. These cats are earning their money today in this sweltering Malaysia heat. Lorenzo is on the hard compound tire while Rossi and Marquez run the medium compound Bridgestone. Lorenzo has never won a MotoGP race at Sepang, nor has Marquez. Rossi has won at Sepang, six times. Yonny Hernandez is in eighth and Hiroshi Aoyama is tenth. But, poor old Cal Crutchlow is out. It's been game over for him in the last three races.
Rossi wants Lorenzo into the corner and... not this time. The Bautista and Espargaro crash, is a question mark as to who crashed into who. Marquez has to win today, and at the finale in Valencia in two weeks. With Dani Pedrosa out, Lorenzo will have breathing room in the championship. They fly up to turn four, again. Andrea Dovizioso and Stefan Bradl are still running in the top placings. Bradl has had a good weekend so far. They run into the braking zone at turn nine. Yamaha team manager Lynn Jarvis believes they are equal to Honda. At least that is what he has told the Italian press.
Fourteen laps to go now. We work lap six. Nicky Hayden is out of this race now! Ugh! Hayden is the 2006 MotoGP world champ. Dani Pedrosa is back up, but he's caboose on the field and has no chance at second in the championship chase. Michael Laverty is running in the points and Alex de Angelis is also up there. Lorenzo leads Rossi and Marquez. This has been an intense race for the whole time. In the hot conditions, it's not hotter than it was yesterday in practice and qualifying. Watch the drop off on the front tire, towards the end of the race.
Has Marc Marquez got anything left in the locker? Lorenzo deliberately runs wide into the left hand turn, chopping across Valentino Rossi. Rossi is pushing Lorenzo, and wants to get by. Rossi has to conserve the medium tires. He wants to let Lorenzo do the heavy lifting. Or, not? Rossi is right up on lorenzo. Dani Pedrosa is way back in 15th. Marquez is coming, and coming fast. He wants by Rossi. The three best riders in the world are going at it hammer and tongs. Eleven laps to go. Another epic MotoGP race, chaps. We've seen many this year.
Rossi is definitely having a go. Lorenzo is pushing, and pushing hard. Here comes Rossi! He's in the lead now! Oh! Lorenzo wants it, but can't get it. Rossi runs wide and slams the door in Lorenzo's face, and here's Marquez! Marquez is right on Lorenzo's tail. He runs wide and gets through. Lorenzo comes back, but he can't quite make it. Eleven laps down. Halfway. Eleven to go. Rossi wants back-to-back GP wins for the first time in five years.
These boys are not giving each other an inch. Marquez is closing on Rossi. Lorenzo is dropping back a bit. We saw some tire drop off at Philip Island, and we are seeing the same thing here. Rossi and Marquez have found the sweet spot with the medium tire as Rossi runs wide. Marquez leads. But Rossi is still going for it. Rossi tries to get by a wide Marquez bike. Nope. Not now. Rossi has to go for it, and he almost touchs Marquez! This is a humdinger! Rossi needs to attack. Push, push, push, sunshine.
Rossi may be able to pass. Here he coms on the brakes. Nope. Left, and then, flick it right going uphill. Dani Pedrosa is now 12th. Rossi tries Marquez again, steaming down the straight. Eight laps left now. Marquez is pushing. Whoa. Marquez runs wide again. The crowd is going nuts! They are very much Rossi fans. Dani Pedrosa is back into eleventh spot. But, he's not going to make second in the championship. Rossi attacks Marquez for the lead. Into turn nine. The slowest corner on the track.
Rossi is really pushing. Rossi made his debut here in Grand Prix racing in 1996. Rossi goes in deeper, and poor old Dani Pedrosa crashes again! Game over. Six riders have retired now. We have sixteen finishers, apparently. We had fourteen at Philip Island last Saturday. Just six laps to go now. This race is going to come down to the wire. Pol Espargaro passes big brother Aleix for sixth in the championship. Lorenzo is going to finish third. Marquez leads the way with five laps left. Rossi wants number three. Marquez wants win number twelve.
Marc Marquez struggles with mid corner speed in the faster corners. Turn fifteen is the favorite overtaking spot on this track. Four laps to go. Andrea Dovizioso has lost two spots. Bradl and Smith go by. Could Dovizioso have a problem with his Ducati? He may have brake fade, and he's adjusting his right hand braking from the left hand side of the bike. Stefan Bradl and Bradley Smith are going to finish well. Marquez is opening a gap on Rossi, and it looks like he's going to make it to the end.
Three laps left now. We're 18 of 20 into this one. Jorge Lorenzo is losing time on the hard compound Bridgestone tire. Dovizioso is passed by Pol Espargaro. Hector Barbera is ninth, having passed Alex de Angelis. Hiroshi Aoyama has had some trouble, going off, and then, rejoining. Marc Marquez will seal the constructors world title for Honda, and the team title for Repsol Honda. Marquez is going to tie Mick Doohan's record of 12 wins in a season. Oops. It will seal the constructors title, but not the teams title. We're into the penultimate lap. Two left. Marquez has not won since Silverstone in England, back in early September.
Andrea Dovizioso continues to fall down the order. Marquez will get his first MotoGP win at Sepang, and his second win at the track, having won the 125cc race in 2010. One lap, 3.5 mils to go, for Marquez's record equaling 12th win. Stefan Bradl is being hounded by Bradley Smith in the tussle for fourth. Smith is not close enough to Bradl. The harder tire might be coming in just at the end of this race. Lorenzo is closing on Rossi and we see Smith closing on Bradl, too.
This is a hot scrap for fourth. These two need a spot, but also, need points. Marquez will get his 12th win. Marquez is back on the top step of the podium!
#93 Marc Msrquez ESP. Honda
Bradl goes for it, and gets the fourth spot over Smith after Smith runs wide. After his crash, Pol Espargaro finishes sixth. Yonny Hernandez did well, along with Dovizioso, Hector Barbera, and Scott Redding. Hiroshi Aoyama is eleventh, Michael Laverty, Mike DiMeglio, and a couple other riders finish. Marquez is now equal with Mick Doohan, who was a five-time champion in the 500cc class.
...And then, there was one. We will have one race remaining in MotoGP 2014, in Valencia, Spain, in two weeks time.
Saturday, October 25, 2014
Pre-race notes from Sepang
Let's take a look at some of the stories, leading into the Malaysian Grand Prix for MotoGP tomorrow.
Pedrosa continues strong practice form in Malaysia
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/MotoGP+FP3+Sepang+Pedrosa
Superb Sepang pole time from record breaker Marquez
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/MotoGP+Q2+Sepang+Marquez
Sensational pole man Marquez expects race battle with Pedrosa
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Sensational+pole+man+Marquez+expects+race+battle+with+Pedrosa
Iannone to miss Sepang race and head back early to Italy
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Iannone+to+miss+Sepang+race+and+head+back+early+to+Italy
Lorenzo pleased with front row slot in red hot Q2
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Lorenzo+pleased+with+front+row+slot+in+red+hot+Q2
Pol Espargaro's race fitness to be assessed on Sunday
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Pol+Espargaros+Sepang+race+fitness+to+be+assessed+on+Sunday
Bradl rides well in stifling heat to secure fourth
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Bradl+rides+well+in+stifling+heat+to+secure+fourth
Pedrosa continues strong practice form in Malaysia
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/MotoGP+FP3+Sepang+Pedrosa
Superb Sepang pole time from record breaker Marquez
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/MotoGP+Q2+Sepang+Marquez
Sensational pole man Marquez expects race battle with Pedrosa
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Sensational+pole+man+Marquez+expects+race+battle+with+Pedrosa
Iannone to miss Sepang race and head back early to Italy
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Iannone+to+miss+Sepang+race+and+head+back+early+to+Italy
Lorenzo pleased with front row slot in red hot Q2
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Lorenzo+pleased+with+front+row+slot+in+red+hot+Q2
Pol Espargaro's race fitness to be assessed on Sunday
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Pol+Espargaros+Sepang+race+fitness+to+be+assessed+on+Sunday
Bradl rides well in stifling heat to secure fourth
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Bradl+rides+well+in+stifling+heat+to+secure+fourth
Friday, October 24, 2014
MotoGP news from Malaysia
The teams and riders of MotoGP are now in Malaysia for the race, which will run early Sunday morning U.S. time. Here's the latest.
Marquez and Rossi on Moto 2 and Moto 3 title battles
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Marquez+and+Rossi+on+Moto2+and+Moto3+title+battles
Pedrosa starts round 17 weekend on the pace
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/MotoGP+FP1+Sepang+Pedrosa
Antonelli ahead of the rest in afternoon run
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Moto3+FP2+Sepang+Antonelli
Pedrosa's morning time tops Friday timesheets
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/MotoGP+FP2+Sepang+Pedrosa
Rabat fastest on first day at Sepang
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Moto2+FP2+Sepang+Rabat
Second overall on opening day for Aleix Espargaro
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Aleix+Espargaro+Sepang+Friday+review
Lorenzo: 'I think we can fight for the win'
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Lorenzo+I+think+we+can+fight+for+the+win
Sepang specialist Pedrosa leads on day one in Malaysia
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Sepang+specialist+Pedrosa+leads+on+day+one+in+Malaysia
Iannone recovering from Friday practice crash
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Iannone+Sepang+Friday+Review
Marquez and Rossi on Moto 2 and Moto 3 title battles
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Marquez+and+Rossi+on+Moto2+and+Moto3+title+battles
Pedrosa starts round 17 weekend on the pace
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/MotoGP+FP1+Sepang+Pedrosa
Antonelli ahead of the rest in afternoon run
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Moto3+FP2+Sepang+Antonelli
Pedrosa's morning time tops Friday timesheets
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/MotoGP+FP2+Sepang+Pedrosa
Rabat fastest on first day at Sepang
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Moto2+FP2+Sepang+Rabat
Second overall on opening day for Aleix Espargaro
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Aleix+Espargaro+Sepang+Friday+review
Lorenzo: 'I think we can fight for the win'
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Lorenzo+I+think+we+can+fight+for+the+win
Sepang specialist Pedrosa leads on day one in Malaysia
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Sepang+specialist+Pedrosa+leads+on+day+one+in+Malaysia
Iannone recovering from Friday practice crash
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Iannone+Sepang+Friday+Review
Thursday, October 23, 2014
MotoGP 2015
More official announcements have been made about how the 2015 MotoGP grid is going to shape up. There are lots and lots more stories to cover. But, these two, are the biggest, for today. Follow the links, and check them out on the official MotoGP website.
2015 MotoGP Entry List Announced
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/2015+MotoGP+Entry+List+Announced
...and
A new look grid for MotoGP in 2015
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/motogp+entry+list+analysis
2015 MotoGP Entry List Announced
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/2015+MotoGP+Entry+List+Announced
...and
A new look grid for MotoGP in 2015
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/motogp+entry+list+analysis
Wednesday, October 22, 2014
FIM World Superbike news
It is not often that yours truly gets to post news headlines from the FIM World Superbike Championship. But, in this case, there are some big ones.
De Angelis: "The highly leveled field is what makes WSBK special"
http://www.worldsbk.com/en/news/2014/De+Angelis+The+highly+leveled+field+is+what+makes+WSBK+special
Sofuoglu re-signs with Kawasaki for 2015
http://www.worldsbk.com/en/news/2014/Sofuoglu+resigns+with+Kawasaki+for+2015
Randy de Puniet joins Crescent Suzuki World Superbike for 2015
http://www.worldsbk.com/en/news/2014/Randy+de+Puniet+joins+Crescent+Suzuki+World+Superbike+for+2015
Iddon: "Plans are progressing, I have faith in the team"
http://www.worldsbk.com/en/news/2014/Iddon+Plans+are+progressing+I+have+faith+in+the+team
Lucas Mahias to ride for DMC-Panavto Yamaha in Qatar
http://www.worldsbk.com/en/news/2014/Lucas+Mahias+to+ride+for+DMC+PanavtoYamaha+in+Qatar
Salom: "It would be nice to grab the EVO title by being on top in Qatar"
http://www.worldsbk.com/en/news/2014/Salom+It+would+be+nice+to+grab+the+EVO+title+by+leading+in+Qatar
Here's more, older news.
Terol to join Althea Racing in 2015
http://www.worldsbk.com/en/news/2014/Motoworldes+Terol+to+join+Althea+Racing+in+2015
Valentino Rossi also tested a Yamaha Superbike in Japan, while MotoGP raced there.
Valentino Rossi to test Yamaha Superbike in Japan
http://www.worldsbk.com/en/news/2014/Gazzettait+Valentino+Rossi+to+test+Yamaha+Superbike+in+Japan
De Angelis: "The highly leveled field is what makes WSBK special"
http://www.worldsbk.com/en/news/2014/De+Angelis+The+highly+leveled+field+is+what+makes+WSBK+special
Sofuoglu re-signs with Kawasaki for 2015
http://www.worldsbk.com/en/news/2014/Sofuoglu+resigns+with+Kawasaki+for+2015
Randy de Puniet joins Crescent Suzuki World Superbike for 2015
http://www.worldsbk.com/en/news/2014/Randy+de+Puniet+joins+Crescent+Suzuki+World+Superbike+for+2015
Iddon: "Plans are progressing, I have faith in the team"
http://www.worldsbk.com/en/news/2014/Iddon+Plans+are+progressing+I+have+faith+in+the+team
Lucas Mahias to ride for DMC-Panavto Yamaha in Qatar
http://www.worldsbk.com/en/news/2014/Lucas+Mahias+to+ride+for+DMC+PanavtoYamaha+in+Qatar
Salom: "It would be nice to grab the EVO title by being on top in Qatar"
http://www.worldsbk.com/en/news/2014/Salom+It+would+be+nice+to+grab+the+EVO+title+by+leading+in+Qatar
Here's more, older news.
Terol to join Althea Racing in 2015
http://www.worldsbk.com/en/news/2014/Motoworldes+Terol+to+join+Althea+Racing+in+2015
Valentino Rossi also tested a Yamaha Superbike in Japan, while MotoGP raced there.
Valentino Rossi to test Yamaha Superbike in Japan
http://www.worldsbk.com/en/news/2014/Gazzettait+Valentino+Rossi+to+test+Yamaha+Superbike+in+Japan
Tuesday, October 21, 2014
MotoGP news
Some stories after Australia, and leading into the Malaysian round of the MotoGP World Championship, the penultimate event of the 2014 season.
Fourth place for Dovizioso as Crutchlow crashes on last lap
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Ducati+Team+Australia+Race+Review
Difficult weekend for Bradl at Philip Island
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/LCR+Honda+Australia+Race+Review
Bautista sixth in 200th GP whilst Redding equals season best result
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/GOFUN+Honda+Gresini+Australia+Race+Review
Aleix Espargaro disappointed after collision ends top five quest
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/NGM+Forward+Australia+Race+Review
Iannone laments crash and contact with Pedrosa
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Iannone+laments+crash+and+contact+with+Pedrosa
Hayden and Aoyama visit Indonesian capital Jakarta
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Hayden+and+Aoyama+visit+Indonesian+capital+Jakarta
Here is a preview of the action to come in Malaysia.
Rossi on a high in second as Marquez looks to win again
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Sepang+MotoGP+Preview
Plus, more news from Moto 2 and Moto 3.
Maverick Vinales satisfied with third win of 2014
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Maverick+Viales+satisfied+with+third+win+of+2014
Kallio makes Rabat wait as riders head to Malaysia
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Sepang+Moto2+Preview
Binder, Fenati, and Kent reflect on what might have been
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Binder+Fenati+and+Kent+reflect+on+what+might+have+been
Marquz and Miller take championship battle to Sepang
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Sepang+Moto3+preview
Fourth place for Dovizioso as Crutchlow crashes on last lap
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Ducati+Team+Australia+Race+Review
Difficult weekend for Bradl at Philip Island
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/LCR+Honda+Australia+Race+Review
Bautista sixth in 200th GP whilst Redding equals season best result
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/GOFUN+Honda+Gresini+Australia+Race+Review
Aleix Espargaro disappointed after collision ends top five quest
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/NGM+Forward+Australia+Race+Review
Iannone laments crash and contact with Pedrosa
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Iannone+laments+crash+and+contact+with+Pedrosa
Hayden and Aoyama visit Indonesian capital Jakarta
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Hayden+and+Aoyama+visit+Indonesian+capital+Jakarta
Here is a preview of the action to come in Malaysia.
Rossi on a high in second as Marquez looks to win again
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Sepang+MotoGP+Preview
Plus, more news from Moto 2 and Moto 3.
Maverick Vinales satisfied with third win of 2014
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Maverick+Viales+satisfied+with+third+win+of+2014
Kallio makes Rabat wait as riders head to Malaysia
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Sepang+Moto2+Preview
Binder, Fenati, and Kent reflect on what might have been
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Binder+Fenati+and+Kent+reflect+on+what+might+have+been
Marquz and Miller take championship battle to Sepang
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Sepang+Moto3+preview
Sunday, October 19, 2014
Moto 2 & Moto 3: Australia
In Moto 2 action at Philip Island, Maverick Vinales scored the victory over Thomas Luthi and Tito Rabat, who rounded out the podium places. Mika Kallio and Sam Lowes completed the top five. In sixth through tenth, came Sandro Cortese, Marcel Schrotter, Dominique Aegerter, Xavier Simeon, and Jordi Torres. In all, 27 riders finished the race, while five were DNF's including Mattia Pasini, Johann Zarco, Hafizh Syahrin, Ratthapark Willairot, and Thitipong Warokorn.
#40 Maverick Vinales ESP. Kalex Figueres
In the Moto 3 race at Philip Island, it was hometown hero, Aussie, Jack Miller, winning the race, followed by Alex Marquez and Alex Rins. Miller, of course, is bypassing Moto 2 altogether, and making the move straight to MotoGP next year. Efren Vazquez was fourth, with John McPhee, fifth. Rounding out the top ten were Alexis Masbou, Miguel Oliveira, Jakub Kornfeil, Niklas Ajo, and Niccolo Antonelli.
#8 Jack Miller AUS. KTM
In Moto 3, there were 28 finishers total, while Romano Fenati, Isaac Vinales, Enea Basitaninni, Andrea Locatelli, and Zulfahmi Khairuddin, did not finish. So, some heavy hitters were DNF's. Just two races remain in all classes, including Moto 2 and Moto 3. The penultimate round of the championship, will be run in Malaysia at the Sepang circuit, coming up, next weekend.
#40 Maverick Vinales ESP. Kalex Figueres
In the Moto 3 race at Philip Island, it was hometown hero, Aussie, Jack Miller, winning the race, followed by Alex Marquez and Alex Rins. Miller, of course, is bypassing Moto 2 altogether, and making the move straight to MotoGP next year. Efren Vazquez was fourth, with John McPhee, fifth. Rounding out the top ten were Alexis Masbou, Miguel Oliveira, Jakub Kornfeil, Niklas Ajo, and Niccolo Antonelli.
#8 Jack Miller AUS. KTM
In Moto 3, there were 28 finishers total, while Romano Fenati, Isaac Vinales, Enea Basitaninni, Andrea Locatelli, and Zulfahmi Khairuddin, did not finish. So, some heavy hitters were DNF's. Just two races remain in all classes, including Moto 2 and Moto 3. The penultimate round of the championship, will be run in Malaysia at the Sepang circuit, coming up, next weekend.
Saturday, October 18, 2014
MotoGP round 16: Australia
We are at Philip Island in Australia, located in the city of Victoria. It has been a part of the championship since 1997. Wayne Gardner, Mick Doohan, and Casey Stoner, are three of the Aussie legends of MotoGP. Gardner won the Australian Grand Prix in 1987 and Doohan and Stoner, also had lots of success. Marc Marquez has the title. But, team and manufacturer cups are still up for grabs.
Now, new and special tires are asymmetrical, and durable. 27 laps are scheduled. Marc Marquez has his 12th pole, and this ties him with Stoner and Mick Doohan, for most poles in na season. The track has twelve turns and is real fast. Everyone has to control a pace. Marquez has absolutely zero pressure now that he's the champ. The bikes are on the grid, and it is close to race time.
Valentino Rossi, Jorge Lorenzo, and Dani Pedrosa will be in contention for the other top positions. The Grand Prix circuit has run here at Philip Island, and, also at the Eastern Creek circuit. These races have taken place since 1989. But, motorcycle racing in Australia, actually goes back to 1956. A rider's leathers are designed for them, and it's fully printed, made from kangaroo leather, and also, fully vented. It has shoulder and elbow protectors, as well as knee protectors, for reducing friction on impact in a wreck.
There is an airbag in the suit. It is incorporated into the suit. It senses a rider will crash, and inflate the airbag. There are accelerometers in the suit, too. The sensors send data all the time, and looks at the data, asking the acclerometers, are getting bettrr, or worse, and the airbag deploys, should the rider fall off the motorcycle. The airbag is within the suit, protrcting most of the lower body, and protects the rider. It inflates to high pressure for the shell, and then, will deflate as the impact dissipates.
The suit can be plugged into a computer and have the data downloaded off of it, just like the bike. In qualifying, familiar faces are in unfamiliar places. Honda has not had the best weekend. But, Marquez is on pole. Cal Crutchlow is second, ahead of Jorge Lorenzo. Bbradley Smith starts fourth. Dani Pedrosa is fifth. Valentino Rossi, starts eighth. We have 23 bikes, with no wildcard riders from Australia, taking part.
Philip Island is surrounded by wildlife and it looks to drop in the water, and you hear the ocean crashing against the coast. But, what the Aussies hear today, is the roar of the MotoGP motorcycles. It's the Grand Prix of Australia! Lets go motorcycle racing, for the 20th time in MotoGP history. This will be a battle for victor, and for second place in the standings. The bikes are on the grid, ready. Let's do this. 27 laps.
Go! Can Marquez equal Mick Doohan's record? Marquez, Crutchlow, and Lorenzo have good starts, and here comes Bradley Smith! Marc Marquez flies through the first couple corners. Smith moves to second and runs wide. Dani Pedrosa drops back, as we're into Siberia corner for the first time. Here's Marquez through Hay Shed and Lukey Heights. Dani Pedrosa, and Andrea Dovizioso are up there. This is Valentino Rossi's 250th MotoGP start as they run through Doohan corner. They come back through the Southern Loop, and Stoner corner.
Pol Espargaro wants by Bradley Smith. Rossi is also back there. Honda, followed by a gaggle of Yamaha's. Dani Pedrosa falls down to ninth place. Here comes Valentino Rossi. He knows better than anyone that he needs to push like there's no tomorrow with Marquez and Lorenzo 1-2. Those two blokes are going to fly into the sunset. Marquez runs fast lap at 1:29.608. Pol Espargaro fights Rossi again through Stoner corner.
Marc Marquez is telling his rivals he is world champ, and he's taking no prisoners. Cal Crutchlow is going after Bradley Smith. The two Brits are on a charge. Marquez has a one second lead, going for it. Marquez has only won once at Philip Island, four years ago, in a 125cc race. Cal Crutchlow is all over Bradley Smith like a rash. These two used to be team mates. Through Lukey Heights again. Smith closes on Pol Espargaro. These two are team mates, and it will be tough for Smith to have good stability on the brakes. Down Gardner straight. The gap is over a second with Marquez in the lead.
The Ducati's are pushing. Crutchlow passes Smith. He's fifth, while Smith, is sixth. Dani Pedrosa remains ninth. Dovizioso is all over Smith now. Marquez still leads this race. Jorge Lorenzo is getting into his rhythm. Valentino Rossi is coming, too. The new rear tires, are much more heat resistant. So, they won't get up to temperature as quickly. Aleix Espargaro forces Bradley Smith wide, and drops two spots. Karel Abraham is out, and so is Andrea Ianonne. Game over for both of them.
Ianonne went up inside Dani Pedrosa, and spilled the bike. Dani Pedrosa likely has damage. The gap is back to a second. Marquez is keeping it constant. What a race so far. It is going to continue. Moments ago, Dani Pedrosa came into the pits and stopped. Pedrosa has retired. Marquez, Lorenzo, Rossi, Crutchlow, and Espargaro, are the top five. Ianonne ran up the back of Pedrosa, and bang! He was off the bike. Rossi and Lorenzo have run personal best lap times. Smith passes Dovizioso for seventh. He runs wide and just holds the advantage through Siberia.
Stefan Bradl, is ninth. Dani Pedrosa is now officially out of this race. The fairing was loose, and taped up. But, it won't work. Rossi is close down the Gardner straight. Marc Marquez opens the gap. Rossi sets fast lap of this race. Rossi and Lorenzo are right together. Through Stoner corner, Rossi nabs his team mate. Can he close up on Marquez? Where is Marc Marquez? Just over the top of Lukey Heights, Lorenzo has to respond. Working lap ten of 27. Three laps to halfway. Lorenzo dives inside his team mate.
Marc Marquez has a 1.9 second lead. Rossi has passed Lorenzo again, as they have battled down the Gardner straight and into Doohan corner. Marquez is pulling away. Cal Crutchlow and Andrea Dovizioso have moved up. The Espargaro brothers were also together, until Bradley Smith, split them, in sixth, seventh, and eighth. Lorenzo is trying to pass Rossi. The gap is 2.2 seconds at the front of the field. Pedrosa is indeed out of this one. He will likely fall to fourth in the championship. Pol Espargaro passes Bradley Smith for seventh.
Stefan Bradl has caught this group of bikes. Bradl is ninth, chasing the next group of bikes. Marc Marquez is running away with this race, folks. Back into Doohan corner, we have 15 laps left. Rossi has passed Lorenzo and is releasing himself from his grasp. These guys are battling for the championship places, but as they run through Siberia, their chances of winning "Down Under", are slipping away. Scott Redding runs in front of Alvaro Bautista. Nicky Hayden is way down in 16th. Scott Redding has the medium tires, and so does Hector Barbera.
Now, Jorge Lorenzo has moved back around Rossi. Lorenzo responded. Marquez runs in the 1:29.8 range, while the Yamaha's run 1:30s, back into Siberia again. Rossi has nine titles. Lorenzo, has four. Yamaha racing director Lynn Jarvis looks on. Cal Crutchlow is fourth. But, he has four seconds on his team mate, Dovizioso. We've got a real rat race further down the order. These guys are all over each other. Speaking of all over each other, Rossi is still hounding Lorenzo.
Bradley Smith gets pushed wide, and there's some action as the Espargaro brothers battle for sixth, and Stefan Bradl is next. Aleix is one point ahead of Pol. But, the Aussies won't be happy, because their hometown rider, Broc Parkes, is now in pit lane. Rossi and Lorenzo are committed to different lines,a nd Rossi just can't get close enough. Again, we watch the battle for fifth through tenth. Can Aleix Espargaro break away? Not yet. Marc Marquez has a 3.4 second lead advantage onto the Gardner straight.
Rossi comes pout of the slipstream, and Lorenzo shuts the door. Rossi wants by in thr hairpin. Through the Southern Loop and the Doohan corner. Can Cal Crutchlow cement fourth? The Ducati camp is letting Crutchlow ride on the same bike without fussing with the setup. Now, Rossi is second. But, Marquez is leading by a country mile, with ten laps remaining. Marquez is absolutely cruising, and proving why he has now won two straight MotoGP world championships. Valentino Rossi is now leading.
Moments ago, Marc Marquez, has fallen! He slid on his belly into the grass. The front wheel just gave out. Marquez is out of this race! Ugh! No luck for the world champ, Down Under. "The Doctor" is coming. This is going to be a Yamaha battle for the win. Pol Espargaro passes his brother. Wow. Contact! Pol Espargaro and Stefan Bradl collide, and Bradl is down. Jorge Lorenzo is being told that Marquez is out. Rossi will be second is points and Lorenzo, third. Marc Marquez is OK.
So is Stefan Bradl. He'll be fine. Dovizioso and Smith thankfully avoided the crash. Aleix Espargaro is out of this race, too. He's so mad, he's smashed the fairing on his motorcycle. This is Yamaha's race to lose. Cal Crutchlow is going to have a podium for Ducati, even though he'll leave the team for LCR Honda next year. Crutchlow looks to be under some pressure for Jorge Lorenzo. Crutchlow is booking it. Jorge Lorenzo is fighting to hold second, coming through Lukey Heights. Crutchloow was third in 2012.
Crutchlow has gained two and a half seconds! Holy smokes! Sixteen riders, and sixteen bikes are in the race. Everyone will score points. Michael Laverty for PBM is the final bike running. Crutchlow has passed Lorenzo. So, he will get second. Valentino Rossi is going to win at Philip Island. Four laps remain, before Rossi gets his sixth win at Philip Island, in his 250th MotoGP race. Aleix Espargaro is going to be fifth. Alvaro Bautista and Hector Barbera battle. This is a milestone start for Bautista, too, in his 200th race, across all three divisions. Bautista passes Barbera. Pol Espargaro could pass Jorge Lorenzo for his first MotoGP podium. He's catching Lorenzo hand over fist.
Three laps left. Crutchlow and Lorenzo are going for it. Espargaro is coming, and fast. Pol Espargaro has won the past two Moto 2 races. Oh! Darn it! Pol Espargaro is down! Both Espargaro brothers are down and out. Pol is OK. Don't blink. Two laps left. Espargaro had the front end wash out. He wanted his first podium, but no. We've got two laps to go. Valentino Rossi won a race here and put the #7 on a hotel bed sheet to honor Aussie MotoGP legend, Barry Sheene. Then, Casey Stoner came, and won six straight Philip Island GP races.
Every single rider who is going to finish, will score points. One lap to go for Rossi. He's going to win at Philip Island. Rossi won the 2004 world championship for Yamaha. He also did in 2005. But it has been nine years since Rossi has won at Philip Island. Oh no! Cal Crutchlow is down! Bradley Smith could get second. Check that. Lorenzo is second. Bradley Smith is third. Three Yamaha's on the podium. Valentino Rossi, wins it! "The Doctor" is in the house!
#46 Valentino Rossi ITA. Yamaha
Bradley Smith is on the podium! Hector Barbera finishes fifth! Wow! What a race! Only 14 bikes came home, of the 23 bikes that started. Poor Cal Crutchlow,l though. Yikes! Not sure who to feel good or bad for. Rossi gets his second win of the year in his 250th MotoGP start. Two races remain. The next race is in Malaysia, next weekend.
Now, new and special tires are asymmetrical, and durable. 27 laps are scheduled. Marc Marquez has his 12th pole, and this ties him with Stoner and Mick Doohan, for most poles in na season. The track has twelve turns and is real fast. Everyone has to control a pace. Marquez has absolutely zero pressure now that he's the champ. The bikes are on the grid, and it is close to race time.
Valentino Rossi, Jorge Lorenzo, and Dani Pedrosa will be in contention for the other top positions. The Grand Prix circuit has run here at Philip Island, and, also at the Eastern Creek circuit. These races have taken place since 1989. But, motorcycle racing in Australia, actually goes back to 1956. A rider's leathers are designed for them, and it's fully printed, made from kangaroo leather, and also, fully vented. It has shoulder and elbow protectors, as well as knee protectors, for reducing friction on impact in a wreck.
There is an airbag in the suit. It is incorporated into the suit. It senses a rider will crash, and inflate the airbag. There are accelerometers in the suit, too. The sensors send data all the time, and looks at the data, asking the acclerometers, are getting bettrr, or worse, and the airbag deploys, should the rider fall off the motorcycle. The airbag is within the suit, protrcting most of the lower body, and protects the rider. It inflates to high pressure for the shell, and then, will deflate as the impact dissipates.
The suit can be plugged into a computer and have the data downloaded off of it, just like the bike. In qualifying, familiar faces are in unfamiliar places. Honda has not had the best weekend. But, Marquez is on pole. Cal Crutchlow is second, ahead of Jorge Lorenzo. Bbradley Smith starts fourth. Dani Pedrosa is fifth. Valentino Rossi, starts eighth. We have 23 bikes, with no wildcard riders from Australia, taking part.
Philip Island is surrounded by wildlife and it looks to drop in the water, and you hear the ocean crashing against the coast. But, what the Aussies hear today, is the roar of the MotoGP motorcycles. It's the Grand Prix of Australia! Lets go motorcycle racing, for the 20th time in MotoGP history. This will be a battle for victor, and for second place in the standings. The bikes are on the grid, ready. Let's do this. 27 laps.
Go! Can Marquez equal Mick Doohan's record? Marquez, Crutchlow, and Lorenzo have good starts, and here comes Bradley Smith! Marc Marquez flies through the first couple corners. Smith moves to second and runs wide. Dani Pedrosa drops back, as we're into Siberia corner for the first time. Here's Marquez through Hay Shed and Lukey Heights. Dani Pedrosa, and Andrea Dovizioso are up there. This is Valentino Rossi's 250th MotoGP start as they run through Doohan corner. They come back through the Southern Loop, and Stoner corner.
Pol Espargaro wants by Bradley Smith. Rossi is also back there. Honda, followed by a gaggle of Yamaha's. Dani Pedrosa falls down to ninth place. Here comes Valentino Rossi. He knows better than anyone that he needs to push like there's no tomorrow with Marquez and Lorenzo 1-2. Those two blokes are going to fly into the sunset. Marquez runs fast lap at 1:29.608. Pol Espargaro fights Rossi again through Stoner corner.
Marc Marquez is telling his rivals he is world champ, and he's taking no prisoners. Cal Crutchlow is going after Bradley Smith. The two Brits are on a charge. Marquez has a one second lead, going for it. Marquez has only won once at Philip Island, four years ago, in a 125cc race. Cal Crutchlow is all over Bradley Smith like a rash. These two used to be team mates. Through Lukey Heights again. Smith closes on Pol Espargaro. These two are team mates, and it will be tough for Smith to have good stability on the brakes. Down Gardner straight. The gap is over a second with Marquez in the lead.
The Ducati's are pushing. Crutchlow passes Smith. He's fifth, while Smith, is sixth. Dani Pedrosa remains ninth. Dovizioso is all over Smith now. Marquez still leads this race. Jorge Lorenzo is getting into his rhythm. Valentino Rossi is coming, too. The new rear tires, are much more heat resistant. So, they won't get up to temperature as quickly. Aleix Espargaro forces Bradley Smith wide, and drops two spots. Karel Abraham is out, and so is Andrea Ianonne. Game over for both of them.
Ianonne went up inside Dani Pedrosa, and spilled the bike. Dani Pedrosa likely has damage. The gap is back to a second. Marquez is keeping it constant. What a race so far. It is going to continue. Moments ago, Dani Pedrosa came into the pits and stopped. Pedrosa has retired. Marquez, Lorenzo, Rossi, Crutchlow, and Espargaro, are the top five. Ianonne ran up the back of Pedrosa, and bang! He was off the bike. Rossi and Lorenzo have run personal best lap times. Smith passes Dovizioso for seventh. He runs wide and just holds the advantage through Siberia.
Stefan Bradl, is ninth. Dani Pedrosa is now officially out of this race. The fairing was loose, and taped up. But, it won't work. Rossi is close down the Gardner straight. Marc Marquez opens the gap. Rossi sets fast lap of this race. Rossi and Lorenzo are right together. Through Stoner corner, Rossi nabs his team mate. Can he close up on Marquez? Where is Marc Marquez? Just over the top of Lukey Heights, Lorenzo has to respond. Working lap ten of 27. Three laps to halfway. Lorenzo dives inside his team mate.
Marc Marquez has a 1.9 second lead. Rossi has passed Lorenzo again, as they have battled down the Gardner straight and into Doohan corner. Marquez is pulling away. Cal Crutchlow and Andrea Dovizioso have moved up. The Espargaro brothers were also together, until Bradley Smith, split them, in sixth, seventh, and eighth. Lorenzo is trying to pass Rossi. The gap is 2.2 seconds at the front of the field. Pedrosa is indeed out of this one. He will likely fall to fourth in the championship. Pol Espargaro passes Bradley Smith for seventh.
Stefan Bradl has caught this group of bikes. Bradl is ninth, chasing the next group of bikes. Marc Marquez is running away with this race, folks. Back into Doohan corner, we have 15 laps left. Rossi has passed Lorenzo and is releasing himself from his grasp. These guys are battling for the championship places, but as they run through Siberia, their chances of winning "Down Under", are slipping away. Scott Redding runs in front of Alvaro Bautista. Nicky Hayden is way down in 16th. Scott Redding has the medium tires, and so does Hector Barbera.
Now, Jorge Lorenzo has moved back around Rossi. Lorenzo responded. Marquez runs in the 1:29.8 range, while the Yamaha's run 1:30s, back into Siberia again. Rossi has nine titles. Lorenzo, has four. Yamaha racing director Lynn Jarvis looks on. Cal Crutchlow is fourth. But, he has four seconds on his team mate, Dovizioso. We've got a real rat race further down the order. These guys are all over each other. Speaking of all over each other, Rossi is still hounding Lorenzo.
Bradley Smith gets pushed wide, and there's some action as the Espargaro brothers battle for sixth, and Stefan Bradl is next. Aleix is one point ahead of Pol. But, the Aussies won't be happy, because their hometown rider, Broc Parkes, is now in pit lane. Rossi and Lorenzo are committed to different lines,a nd Rossi just can't get close enough. Again, we watch the battle for fifth through tenth. Can Aleix Espargaro break away? Not yet. Marc Marquez has a 3.4 second lead advantage onto the Gardner straight.
Rossi comes pout of the slipstream, and Lorenzo shuts the door. Rossi wants by in thr hairpin. Through the Southern Loop and the Doohan corner. Can Cal Crutchlow cement fourth? The Ducati camp is letting Crutchlow ride on the same bike without fussing with the setup. Now, Rossi is second. But, Marquez is leading by a country mile, with ten laps remaining. Marquez is absolutely cruising, and proving why he has now won two straight MotoGP world championships. Valentino Rossi is now leading.
Moments ago, Marc Marquez, has fallen! He slid on his belly into the grass. The front wheel just gave out. Marquez is out of this race! Ugh! No luck for the world champ, Down Under. "The Doctor" is coming. This is going to be a Yamaha battle for the win. Pol Espargaro passes his brother. Wow. Contact! Pol Espargaro and Stefan Bradl collide, and Bradl is down. Jorge Lorenzo is being told that Marquez is out. Rossi will be second is points and Lorenzo, third. Marc Marquez is OK.
So is Stefan Bradl. He'll be fine. Dovizioso and Smith thankfully avoided the crash. Aleix Espargaro is out of this race, too. He's so mad, he's smashed the fairing on his motorcycle. This is Yamaha's race to lose. Cal Crutchlow is going to have a podium for Ducati, even though he'll leave the team for LCR Honda next year. Crutchlow looks to be under some pressure for Jorge Lorenzo. Crutchlow is booking it. Jorge Lorenzo is fighting to hold second, coming through Lukey Heights. Crutchloow was third in 2012.
Crutchlow has gained two and a half seconds! Holy smokes! Sixteen riders, and sixteen bikes are in the race. Everyone will score points. Michael Laverty for PBM is the final bike running. Crutchlow has passed Lorenzo. So, he will get second. Valentino Rossi is going to win at Philip Island. Four laps remain, before Rossi gets his sixth win at Philip Island, in his 250th MotoGP race. Aleix Espargaro is going to be fifth. Alvaro Bautista and Hector Barbera battle. This is a milestone start for Bautista, too, in his 200th race, across all three divisions. Bautista passes Barbera. Pol Espargaro could pass Jorge Lorenzo for his first MotoGP podium. He's catching Lorenzo hand over fist.
Three laps left. Crutchlow and Lorenzo are going for it. Espargaro is coming, and fast. Pol Espargaro has won the past two Moto 2 races. Oh! Darn it! Pol Espargaro is down! Both Espargaro brothers are down and out. Pol is OK. Don't blink. Two laps left. Espargaro had the front end wash out. He wanted his first podium, but no. We've got two laps to go. Valentino Rossi won a race here and put the #7 on a hotel bed sheet to honor Aussie MotoGP legend, Barry Sheene. Then, Casey Stoner came, and won six straight Philip Island GP races.
Every single rider who is going to finish, will score points. One lap to go for Rossi. He's going to win at Philip Island. Rossi won the 2004 world championship for Yamaha. He also did in 2005. But it has been nine years since Rossi has won at Philip Island. Oh no! Cal Crutchlow is down! Bradley Smith could get second. Check that. Lorenzo is second. Bradley Smith is third. Three Yamaha's on the podium. Valentino Rossi, wins it! "The Doctor" is in the house!
#46 Valentino Rossi ITA. Yamaha
Bradley Smith is on the podium! Hector Barbera finishes fifth! Wow! What a race! Only 14 bikes came home, of the 23 bikes that started. Poor Cal Crutchlow,l though. Yikes! Not sure who to feel good or bad for. Rossi gets his second win of the year in his 250th MotoGP start. Two races remain. The next race is in Malaysia, next weekend.
Friday, October 17, 2014
MotoGP news just before the race at Phillip Island
Here are more stories being followed before the MotoGP Australian Grand Prix at Philip Island tomorrow night.
Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup selection - 12 of the best invited for 2015
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Red+Bull+MotoGP+Rookies+Cup+selection+12+of+the+best+invited+for+2015
Marquez relaxed after title win but still with work to do
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Marquez+relaxed+after+title+win+but+still+with+work+to+do
Aleix Espargaro leads sunny opening Phillip Island run
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/MotoGP+FP1+Phillip+Island+Aleix+Espargaro
Bayliss on Marquez: 'It is incredible what he is doing on that bike'
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Bayliss+on+Marquez+It+is+incredible+what+he+is+doing+on+the+bike
Lorenzo on top on Friday in Australia despite crash in incident packed session
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/MotoGP+FP2+Phillip+Island+Lorenzo
Three Australian Grand Prix stars honoured at the Island
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Three+Australian+Grand+Prix+stars+honoured+at+the+Island
Stoner on testing again with Honda and achievements of Marquez
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Stoner+on+testing+again+with+Honda+and+achievements+of+Marquez
Tyre strategy key after new material introduced at Phillip Island
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Tyre+strategy+key+after+new+material+introduced+at+Phillip+Island
Relentless Rabat quickest on opening day on the Island
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Moto2+FP2+Phillip+Island+Rabat
Kent fastest overall with Miller the pace setter in afternoon practice
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Moto3+FP2+Phillip+Island+Miller+Kent
Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup selection - 12 of the best invited for 2015
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Red+Bull+MotoGP+Rookies+Cup+selection+12+of+the+best+invited+for+2015
Marquez relaxed after title win but still with work to do
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Marquez+relaxed+after+title+win+but+still+with+work+to+do
Aleix Espargaro leads sunny opening Phillip Island run
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/MotoGP+FP1+Phillip+Island+Aleix+Espargaro
Bayliss on Marquez: 'It is incredible what he is doing on that bike'
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Bayliss+on+Marquez+It+is+incredible+what+he+is+doing+on+the+bike
Lorenzo on top on Friday in Australia despite crash in incident packed session
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/MotoGP+FP2+Phillip+Island+Lorenzo
Three Australian Grand Prix stars honoured at the Island
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Three+Australian+Grand+Prix+stars+honoured+at+the+Island
Stoner on testing again with Honda and achievements of Marquez
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Stoner+on+testing+again+with+Honda+and+achievements+of+Marquez
Tyre strategy key after new material introduced at Phillip Island
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Tyre+strategy+key+after+new+material+introduced+at+Phillip+Island
Relentless Rabat quickest on opening day on the Island
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Moto2+FP2+Phillip+Island+Rabat
Kent fastest overall with Miller the pace setter in afternoon practice
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Moto3+FP2+Phillip+Island+Miller+Kent
Rossi Reflects on the Last Three Races of The MotoGP Season
An article of an interview with Valentino Rossi, plus some video, and his thoughts on the final three races of the 2014 MotoGP season, via MotorcycleRaceMag.
http://motorcycleracemag.com/all/motogp/rossi-last-three-motogp-races/
http://motorcycleracemag.com/all/motogp/rossi-last-three-motogp-races/
Thursday, October 16, 2014
MotoGP news update
The latest news stories (some of them), headed into the next MotoGP race at Philip Island in Victoria, Australia, including a preview of that race.
Marquez: 'Title is to thank Honda for letting me bring all my people to the team'
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/marquez+reflects+on+his+fourth+World+Championship
World's fastest youngsters in Andalucia for Rookies Cup selection event
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Worlds+fastest+youngsters+in+Andalucia+for+Rookies+Cup+selection+event
Marquez championship win makes international headlines
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Marquezs+repercussion+in+international+medias
Fierce battle for second rages on behind phenomenal champion Marquez
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Australia+MotoGP+preview
Bridgestone develops new tyre allocation for Philip Island
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Bridgestone+develops+new+tyre+allocation+for+Phillip+Island
Repsol Honda team arrive in Australia on a high
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/repsol+honda+Phillip+Island+preview
Lorenzo and Rossi locked in battle for second
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Lorenzo+and+Rossi+locked+in+battle+for+second
Pedrosa and Miller #RideMelbourne en route to Philip Island
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Pedrosa+and+Miller+RideMelbourne+en+route+to+Phillip+Island
MotoGP stars delighted to arrive for Philip Island battle
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/MotoGP+stars+delighted+to+arrive+for+Phillip+Island+battle
MotoGP Legend Gardner believes son Remy on the right track
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/MotoGP+Legend+Gardner+believes+son+Remy+on+the+right+track
Alex Marquez edges clear of Miller before intriguing Australian contest
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Australia+Moto3+preview
Marquez and Miller analyse championship finale
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Marquez+and+Miller+analyse+championship+finale
Philip Island gives flying Rabat first title shot
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Australia+Moto2+preview
Dunlop brings bespoke high performance tyres to Philip Island
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Dunlop+brings+bespoke+high+performance+tyres+to+Phillip+Island
800th Grand Prix in the intermediate class
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/800th+Grand+Prix+in+the+intermediate+class
Rabat confident ahead of crucial weekend
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/rabat+confident+before+australian+weekend
Marquez: 'Title is to thank Honda for letting me bring all my people to the team'
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/marquez+reflects+on+his+fourth+World+Championship
World's fastest youngsters in Andalucia for Rookies Cup selection event
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Worlds+fastest+youngsters+in+Andalucia+for+Rookies+Cup+selection+event
Marquez championship win makes international headlines
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Marquezs+repercussion+in+international+medias
Fierce battle for second rages on behind phenomenal champion Marquez
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Australia+MotoGP+preview
Bridgestone develops new tyre allocation for Philip Island
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Bridgestone+develops+new+tyre+allocation+for+Phillip+Island
Repsol Honda team arrive in Australia on a high
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/repsol+honda+Phillip+Island+preview
Lorenzo and Rossi locked in battle for second
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Lorenzo+and+Rossi+locked+in+battle+for+second
Pedrosa and Miller #RideMelbourne en route to Philip Island
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Pedrosa+and+Miller+RideMelbourne+en+route+to+Phillip+Island
MotoGP stars delighted to arrive for Philip Island battle
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/MotoGP+stars+delighted+to+arrive+for+Phillip+Island+battle
MotoGP Legend Gardner believes son Remy on the right track
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/MotoGP+Legend+Gardner+believes+son+Remy+on+the+right+track
Alex Marquez edges clear of Miller before intriguing Australian contest
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Australia+Moto3+preview
Marquez and Miller analyse championship finale
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Marquez+and+Miller+analyse+championship+finale
Philip Island gives flying Rabat first title shot
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Australia+Moto2+preview
Dunlop brings bespoke high performance tyres to Philip Island
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Dunlop+brings+bespoke+high+performance+tyres+to+Phillip+Island
800th Grand Prix in the intermediate class
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/800th+Grand+Prix+in+the+intermediate+class
Rabat confident ahead of crucial weekend
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/rabat+confident+before+australian+weekend
Wednesday, October 15, 2014
Suzuki, Schwantz Unveil 2015 GSX-RR at Motegi
Kevin Schwantz, and Suzuki, unveiled the company's new factory MotoGP motorcycle at Suzuka, and the story comes directly from Suzuki Racing's webpage.
http://www.suzuki-racing.com/motogp/SUZUKI-SCHWANTZ-UNVEIL-2015-GSX-RR-AT-MOTEGI.52348.cms
http://www.suzuki-racing.com/motogp/SUZUKI-SCHWANTZ-UNVEIL-2015-GSX-RR-AT-MOTEGI.52348.cms
Alzamora on champion Marquez's Motegi ride: 'Marc showed how clever he is'
Former motorcycle racer, and Marc Marquez's manager, Emilio Alzamora, had this to say about how Marquez clinched his second straight MotoGP World Championship title in Japan last Sunday.
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Alzamora+on+marc+marquez+title+in+japan
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Alzamora+on+marc+marquez+title+in+japan
Tuesday, October 14, 2014
History of Road Racing
A great documentary about the history of motorcycle road racing in Ireland, especially on the Isle of Man.
Monday, October 13, 2014
Moto 2 & Moto 3: Japan
Yours truly watched both the Moto 2 and Moto 3 races from Twin Ring Motegi in Japan. But, here are the abbreviated highlights of each of those races.
In Moto 2, surprisingly, it was Switzerland's Thomas Luthi taking the win and he was followed on the podium by Maverick Vinales and Tito Rabat. Johann Zarco and Mika Kallio completed the top five, while the top ten was rounded out by Julian Simon, Franco Morbidelli, Hafizh Syahrin, Ricard Cardus, and Xavier Simeon.
30 bikes finished the race. Riccardo Russo did not even complete a lap and was caboose on the field, while other retirements from the race included Axel Pons, Anthony West, Mattia Pasini, Sandro Cortese and Sam Lowes.
#12 Tom Luthi CHE. Suter Linden
In the Moto 3 race at Motegi, it was Marc Marquez's younger brother, Alex taking the victory in the race over Efren Vazquez and Brad Binder. John McPhee, Jack Miller (bound for MotoGP next year), Danny Kent, Romano Fenati, Enea Bastianinni, Niccolo Antonelli, and Alex Rins, round out the top ten finishers in Moto 3. Check MotoGP.com for all the results. 24 motorcycles finished in Moto 3. But, there were even more that were unclassified, or didn't finish lap one.
Unclassified finishers:
Miguel Oliveira
Juanfran Guevara
Jakub Kornfeil
Jorge Navarro
Alexis Masbou
Not finished 1st lap
Niklas Ajo
Andrea Migno
Hikari Okubo
Scott Deroue
Sena Yamada
Even some Japanese wildcards had bad luck. 34 bikes started the race with ten, non-finishers.
#12 Alex Marquez ESP. Honda Cervera
The MotoGP championship may be done and dusted in favor of Marc Marquez. But, in Moto 2 and Moto 3, it is still all to play for with just three races remaining. The next event is in Australia, at the Philip Island circuit, located in Victoria, Australia, this weekend.
In Moto 2, surprisingly, it was Switzerland's Thomas Luthi taking the win and he was followed on the podium by Maverick Vinales and Tito Rabat. Johann Zarco and Mika Kallio completed the top five, while the top ten was rounded out by Julian Simon, Franco Morbidelli, Hafizh Syahrin, Ricard Cardus, and Xavier Simeon.
30 bikes finished the race. Riccardo Russo did not even complete a lap and was caboose on the field, while other retirements from the race included Axel Pons, Anthony West, Mattia Pasini, Sandro Cortese and Sam Lowes.
#12 Tom Luthi CHE. Suter Linden
In the Moto 3 race at Motegi, it was Marc Marquez's younger brother, Alex taking the victory in the race over Efren Vazquez and Brad Binder. John McPhee, Jack Miller (bound for MotoGP next year), Danny Kent, Romano Fenati, Enea Bastianinni, Niccolo Antonelli, and Alex Rins, round out the top ten finishers in Moto 3. Check MotoGP.com for all the results. 24 motorcycles finished in Moto 3. But, there were even more that were unclassified, or didn't finish lap one.
Unclassified finishers:
Miguel Oliveira
Juanfran Guevara
Jakub Kornfeil
Jorge Navarro
Alexis Masbou
Not finished 1st lap
Niklas Ajo
Andrea Migno
Hikari Okubo
Scott Deroue
Sena Yamada
Even some Japanese wildcards had bad luck. 34 bikes started the race with ten, non-finishers.
#12 Alex Marquez ESP. Honda Cervera
The MotoGP championship may be done and dusted in favor of Marc Marquez. But, in Moto 2 and Moto 3, it is still all to play for with just three races remaining. The next event is in Australia, at the Philip Island circuit, located in Victoria, Australia, this weekend.
Sunday, October 12, 2014
MotoGP round 15: Japan & 2014 MotoGP World Champion
This track has two tracks. It was built in 1997. It has an oval, and a road course. MotoGP has run here since 1999. This track is three miles long. We have a 24 lap distance scheduled. Braking and large rotors, will be needed. So, you need rear tire grip, and, also, get a good start to stay out of trouble.
Marc Marquez could clinch a championship for Honda, on their own speedway. Marc Marquez can indeed clinch today. This race kicks off a triple header of races on the Pacific Rim. Marc Marquez could win his second championship, if he wins the race. But, if he finishes second or lower, it could push the championship to Philip Island in Australia, next weekend. Marquez could win four championships, as he has won in Moto 3, Moto 2, and MotoGP.
He cannot lose points to Dani Pedrosa and Valentino Rossi. He has to be in front of both of them. There are other scenarios, too. We're drawing closer to the start of this race. Could Marc Marquez win his second title today? It's very possible. Rain is in the forecast in Japan, just like it was for the Formula One race last weekend. In qualifying, Bradley Smith was half a second slower than pole, which puts him tenth on the grid.
Andrea Ianonne is sixth. It was a top five shootout. Jorge Lorenzo starts behind Marc Marquez. He is fourth. Valentino Rossi is second, and Dani Pedrosa, third. It's pole for Andrea Dovizioso and puts Ducati on the pole. It has been 54 races since a Ducati was on a MotoGP pole position. Jorge Lorenzo is the defending champion of this race. Kazuke Nakasuga, on a Yamaha, is a wildcard rider for this race.
Will this be the day for Marc Marquez? We've got 24 laps ahead, to find out. The bikes set off on their warmup lap. The two wheeled world championship first raced here in 1999. Will we see the 2014 MotoGP championship clinched today? Here we go. W'ere ready to race. Will the title be won today? Here we go!
It's on! Who gets the lead? Side by side stuff as Valentino Rossi leads, and Marc Marquez makes contact with Jorge Lorenzo. Valentino Rossi leads. Marquez passes Pol Espargaro as Jorge Lorenzo passes Andrea Dovizioso. They head up the hill through the s curves. Dani Pedrosa got a bad start. It is a Yamaha 1-2 so far. Lorenzo, Dovizioso, Ianonne, Marquez. They drop into the 90 degree corner.
Into the Victory corner. Rossi leads this one. It's the Yamaha's in the lead at the moment. It is starting to settle down. Oh! Cal Crutchlow is down and out. Game over. One Ducati, out. Jorge Lorenzo and Valentino Rossi mean business. Now, Crutchlow was battling former team mate Bradley Smith, and he crashed on lap two. Andrea Dovizioso will have to try to keep up with the Yamaha's. That will be hard to do.
Marc Marquez follows behind Andrea Ianonne right now as Rossi sets fastest lap so far. After his Aragon wreck, Rossi has a sprained finger. But other wise, he's fine. Aleix Espargaro is down to sixteenth. Here comes Marquez. He's coming. Marquez squares off the hairpin as they go over the brow and back into the 90 degree corner. Push, push, push. The Yamaha's are the quckest as Rossi and Lorenzo are volleying fast lap back and forth.
No rain just yet. But, it might come. There will be a wet setup used, if the rain comes. Rossi leads Lorenzo, Dovizioso, and Marquez. Dani Pedrosa wants by Andrea Ianonne. But he's not running up to par at the moment. Watch to see if the Ducati moves ahead of the Honda. Marquez takes fast lap. He runs in the 1:45 bracket. Lorenzo has Dovizioso all over him. Into the V Corner, Pedrosa passes Ianonne and is up to fifth.
Into the V corner, Lorenzo brakes, and takes the lead. But the two are side by side. They can't battle, because Lorenzo passes. Nineteen laps to go. Marquez is right up there now. We are on lap five with 19 left. Lorenzo was half a second behind Rossi, but now he's coming back. Stefan Bradl battles Andrea Ianonne as Marc Marquez continues to push. This race is heating up already, folks. Unbelievable!
Jorge Lorenzo and Valentino Rossi still are 1-2. Marquez runs fourth. He won't be in position to clinch his second world title today. He might have to wait. 100 points are on offer. But, only 75, in the next race in Australia, next weekend. Lorenzo and Rossi still run together. Yamaha, Yamaha, Ducati, Honda. The Ducati of Dovizioso is the fastest bike on the track at the moment. Andrea Ianonne and Stefan Bradl also have a good scrap going.
We have about 15 or 16 laps to go here. Lorenzo is a full second quicker than Rossi. Marquez has passed Dovizioso on lap nine. Stand by. We're about to see a battle royal here if Marquez can push and go for the title. If he wants to, after winning the title, he would not need to race. But I don't know about that one to be honest. Marc Marquez's younger brother Alex is looking on. Valentino Rossi will fight to the end and so will Jorge Lorenzo and Andrea Dovizioso.
This is quite the race so far. Marquez runs third. He has to win this race to clinch the title today as he slams the brakes going after Rossi. Marquez is really closing on Rossi right now with 13 laps to go. He squares off turn two, and gets a quicker run to the third corner. We're almost halfway through this race, chaps. What can Marquez do to put the heat on the Yamaha's? Andrea Dovizioso is just 2.1 seconds behind the leader. He was on pole, and could be in with a shout if the top three make mistakes.
Back right through Victory corner again. As we stand now, the championship battle moves on to Philip Island next weekend. If he is on the podium, ahead of Rossi and Pedrosa, Marquez could still win his fourth title, and his second in MotoGP. Lorenzo extends the lead to 1.1 seconds. This is intense. He is on the verge of a second straight title, and is following his hero, Valentino Rossi. Marquez is closing up on Rossi as Lorenzo continues to lead. He is waiting to make his move. Marquez, that is.
Dani Pedrosa is catching Andrea Dovizioso. Marquez seems overly committed into the V corner. Rossi runs second with Marquez third. Eleven laps remain now. Pedrosa is outperforming Andrea Dovizioso. Dovizioso runs wide. He drops to fifth. What can Pedrosa do as we watch Rossi vs. Marquez. Alvaro Bautista is 17th. Nicky Hayden is 15th, behind team mate Hiroshi Aoyama. Marquez needs to pass Rossi, and he'll be the champion.
Rossi won this race in 2001 and in 2008 where he also won the title. We watch the Rossi/Marquez battle. They come back towards the S curve. Here is Marquez making a move! They;'re in the hairpin and Marquez is trying to pass to win the championship. Rossi has the advantage. Marquez cannot go wide. Rossi says, "if you want another world title, sunshine, you will need to beat me." Dani Pedrosa is also coming, fast. Karel Abraham, down, and out. Now, Rossi is still holding Marquez at bay.
Into the V corner, these two are still pushing. Marquez is throwing everything he has at Rossi. Rossi got snookered by Marquez. Marquez's dad Julian is cheering him on. Lorenzo wants his second straight win. Marquez is in position to clinch. Lorenzo is upping his pace. This race isn't over yet. Six laps remain in Japan at Twin Ring Motegi. This is some race. Lorenzo is putting on a clinic right now. The gap is 2.6 seconds at the moment. But, now, Marquez challenge in this race, might be fading, folks.
He is falling behind Lorenzo and Rossi. Lorenzo is just storming now. Five laps to go. It could be this championship is going to extend into the next race. Marc Marquez just has to finish. Kazuke Nakasuga is 13th. This is only his first race of 2014. Hiroshi Aoyama is in the points, and so is Nicky Hayden. Hiroshi Aoyama leads the customer Honda's. Marquez cannot drop the pace, as Rossi is keeping him legal. He's continuing to push.
Rossi cannot afford a mistake either, as we see just four laps remaining in this Grand Prix. Personal best laps are run for Rossi and Pedrosa as Bradley Smith runs wide. No one wants to let Marquez win the title here. Keep the t shirts in their wrappers for now, Honda Racing. Lorenzo is clar. Rossi and Pedrosa still chase. Lorenzo has this race in the bag. Marquez could still win the championship here.
Three laps to go. Keep watching the gaps. What can Pedrosa do? Marc Marquez has a tenth over Rossin and Pedrosa. 1:45.4 to 1:45.5. Rossi has won a few times in Japan. He won Misano, and then crashed at Aragon last time out. Marquez can't back off if he wants the crown. Two laps left. Lorenzo leads. Lorenzo has dominated this race. Now, Marquez is going to win the championship. A lap and a half to go. He will have 52 points in hand before the next race.
Jorge Lorenzo has dominated here, as mentioned earlier. We start the last lap in Japan. Lorenzo chases his second straight win in Japan and the second straight this season for him. Marc Marquez is going to win his second championship. Marquez is taking records away from all the greats like Rossi, John Surtees, and Freddie Spencer, to name a few. This is it. Fingers crossed at Honda. Into the hairpin one final time. Hond and the crowd are going to celebrate. Lorenzo wins the race. But, Marc Marquez is winning his second championship.
Lorenzo wins the race! Marquez wins the championship! Number two for #93!
#99 Jorge Lorenzo ESP. Yamaha
Lorenzo equals Mick Doohan's win total in the World Championship. But, Honda and Marc Marquez are World Champions!
#93 Marc Marquez ESP. Honda
Marquez did all he had to do, finishing second ahead of Valentino Rossi. We have three world champions on the podium at Motegi. The celebrations ensue. Honda wins another championship. But it is the first time they've won a title on their home track. The next MotoGP race is next weekend. It is the Australian Grand Prix at Philip Island, in Victoria, Australia.
Marc Marquez could clinch a championship for Honda, on their own speedway. Marc Marquez can indeed clinch today. This race kicks off a triple header of races on the Pacific Rim. Marc Marquez could win his second championship, if he wins the race. But, if he finishes second or lower, it could push the championship to Philip Island in Australia, next weekend. Marquez could win four championships, as he has won in Moto 3, Moto 2, and MotoGP.
He cannot lose points to Dani Pedrosa and Valentino Rossi. He has to be in front of both of them. There are other scenarios, too. We're drawing closer to the start of this race. Could Marc Marquez win his second title today? It's very possible. Rain is in the forecast in Japan, just like it was for the Formula One race last weekend. In qualifying, Bradley Smith was half a second slower than pole, which puts him tenth on the grid.
Andrea Ianonne is sixth. It was a top five shootout. Jorge Lorenzo starts behind Marc Marquez. He is fourth. Valentino Rossi is second, and Dani Pedrosa, third. It's pole for Andrea Dovizioso and puts Ducati on the pole. It has been 54 races since a Ducati was on a MotoGP pole position. Jorge Lorenzo is the defending champion of this race. Kazuke Nakasuga, on a Yamaha, is a wildcard rider for this race.
Will this be the day for Marc Marquez? We've got 24 laps ahead, to find out. The bikes set off on their warmup lap. The two wheeled world championship first raced here in 1999. Will we see the 2014 MotoGP championship clinched today? Here we go. W'ere ready to race. Will the title be won today? Here we go!
It's on! Who gets the lead? Side by side stuff as Valentino Rossi leads, and Marc Marquez makes contact with Jorge Lorenzo. Valentino Rossi leads. Marquez passes Pol Espargaro as Jorge Lorenzo passes Andrea Dovizioso. They head up the hill through the s curves. Dani Pedrosa got a bad start. It is a Yamaha 1-2 so far. Lorenzo, Dovizioso, Ianonne, Marquez. They drop into the 90 degree corner.
Into the Victory corner. Rossi leads this one. It's the Yamaha's in the lead at the moment. It is starting to settle down. Oh! Cal Crutchlow is down and out. Game over. One Ducati, out. Jorge Lorenzo and Valentino Rossi mean business. Now, Crutchlow was battling former team mate Bradley Smith, and he crashed on lap two. Andrea Dovizioso will have to try to keep up with the Yamaha's. That will be hard to do.
Marc Marquez follows behind Andrea Ianonne right now as Rossi sets fastest lap so far. After his Aragon wreck, Rossi has a sprained finger. But other wise, he's fine. Aleix Espargaro is down to sixteenth. Here comes Marquez. He's coming. Marquez squares off the hairpin as they go over the brow and back into the 90 degree corner. Push, push, push. The Yamaha's are the quckest as Rossi and Lorenzo are volleying fast lap back and forth.
No rain just yet. But, it might come. There will be a wet setup used, if the rain comes. Rossi leads Lorenzo, Dovizioso, and Marquez. Dani Pedrosa wants by Andrea Ianonne. But he's not running up to par at the moment. Watch to see if the Ducati moves ahead of the Honda. Marquez takes fast lap. He runs in the 1:45 bracket. Lorenzo has Dovizioso all over him. Into the V Corner, Pedrosa passes Ianonne and is up to fifth.
Into the V corner, Lorenzo brakes, and takes the lead. But the two are side by side. They can't battle, because Lorenzo passes. Nineteen laps to go. Marquez is right up there now. We are on lap five with 19 left. Lorenzo was half a second behind Rossi, but now he's coming back. Stefan Bradl battles Andrea Ianonne as Marc Marquez continues to push. This race is heating up already, folks. Unbelievable!
Jorge Lorenzo and Valentino Rossi still are 1-2. Marquez runs fourth. He won't be in position to clinch his second world title today. He might have to wait. 100 points are on offer. But, only 75, in the next race in Australia, next weekend. Lorenzo and Rossi still run together. Yamaha, Yamaha, Ducati, Honda. The Ducati of Dovizioso is the fastest bike on the track at the moment. Andrea Ianonne and Stefan Bradl also have a good scrap going.
We have about 15 or 16 laps to go here. Lorenzo is a full second quicker than Rossi. Marquez has passed Dovizioso on lap nine. Stand by. We're about to see a battle royal here if Marquez can push and go for the title. If he wants to, after winning the title, he would not need to race. But I don't know about that one to be honest. Marc Marquez's younger brother Alex is looking on. Valentino Rossi will fight to the end and so will Jorge Lorenzo and Andrea Dovizioso.
This is quite the race so far. Marquez runs third. He has to win this race to clinch the title today as he slams the brakes going after Rossi. Marquez is really closing on Rossi right now with 13 laps to go. He squares off turn two, and gets a quicker run to the third corner. We're almost halfway through this race, chaps. What can Marquez do to put the heat on the Yamaha's? Andrea Dovizioso is just 2.1 seconds behind the leader. He was on pole, and could be in with a shout if the top three make mistakes.
Back right through Victory corner again. As we stand now, the championship battle moves on to Philip Island next weekend. If he is on the podium, ahead of Rossi and Pedrosa, Marquez could still win his fourth title, and his second in MotoGP. Lorenzo extends the lead to 1.1 seconds. This is intense. He is on the verge of a second straight title, and is following his hero, Valentino Rossi. Marquez is closing up on Rossi as Lorenzo continues to lead. He is waiting to make his move. Marquez, that is.
Dani Pedrosa is catching Andrea Dovizioso. Marquez seems overly committed into the V corner. Rossi runs second with Marquez third. Eleven laps remain now. Pedrosa is outperforming Andrea Dovizioso. Dovizioso runs wide. He drops to fifth. What can Pedrosa do as we watch Rossi vs. Marquez. Alvaro Bautista is 17th. Nicky Hayden is 15th, behind team mate Hiroshi Aoyama. Marquez needs to pass Rossi, and he'll be the champion.
Rossi won this race in 2001 and in 2008 where he also won the title. We watch the Rossi/Marquez battle. They come back towards the S curve. Here is Marquez making a move! They;'re in the hairpin and Marquez is trying to pass to win the championship. Rossi has the advantage. Marquez cannot go wide. Rossi says, "if you want another world title, sunshine, you will need to beat me." Dani Pedrosa is also coming, fast. Karel Abraham, down, and out. Now, Rossi is still holding Marquez at bay.
Into the V corner, these two are still pushing. Marquez is throwing everything he has at Rossi. Rossi got snookered by Marquez. Marquez's dad Julian is cheering him on. Lorenzo wants his second straight win. Marquez is in position to clinch. Lorenzo is upping his pace. This race isn't over yet. Six laps remain in Japan at Twin Ring Motegi. This is some race. Lorenzo is putting on a clinic right now. The gap is 2.6 seconds at the moment. But, now, Marquez challenge in this race, might be fading, folks.
He is falling behind Lorenzo and Rossi. Lorenzo is just storming now. Five laps to go. It could be this championship is going to extend into the next race. Marc Marquez just has to finish. Kazuke Nakasuga is 13th. This is only his first race of 2014. Hiroshi Aoyama is in the points, and so is Nicky Hayden. Hiroshi Aoyama leads the customer Honda's. Marquez cannot drop the pace, as Rossi is keeping him legal. He's continuing to push.
Rossi cannot afford a mistake either, as we see just four laps remaining in this Grand Prix. Personal best laps are run for Rossi and Pedrosa as Bradley Smith runs wide. No one wants to let Marquez win the title here. Keep the t shirts in their wrappers for now, Honda Racing. Lorenzo is clar. Rossi and Pedrosa still chase. Lorenzo has this race in the bag. Marquez could still win the championship here.
Three laps to go. Keep watching the gaps. What can Pedrosa do? Marc Marquez has a tenth over Rossin and Pedrosa. 1:45.4 to 1:45.5. Rossi has won a few times in Japan. He won Misano, and then crashed at Aragon last time out. Marquez can't back off if he wants the crown. Two laps left. Lorenzo leads. Lorenzo has dominated this race. Now, Marquez is going to win the championship. A lap and a half to go. He will have 52 points in hand before the next race.
Jorge Lorenzo has dominated here, as mentioned earlier. We start the last lap in Japan. Lorenzo chases his second straight win in Japan and the second straight this season for him. Marc Marquez is going to win his second championship. Marquez is taking records away from all the greats like Rossi, John Surtees, and Freddie Spencer, to name a few. This is it. Fingers crossed at Honda. Into the hairpin one final time. Hond and the crowd are going to celebrate. Lorenzo wins the race. But, Marc Marquez is winning his second championship.
Lorenzo wins the race! Marquez wins the championship! Number two for #93!
#99 Jorge Lorenzo ESP. Yamaha
Lorenzo equals Mick Doohan's win total in the World Championship. But, Honda and Marc Marquez are World Champions!
#93 Marc Marquez ESP. Honda
Marquez did all he had to do, finishing second ahead of Valentino Rossi. We have three world champions on the podium at Motegi. The celebrations ensue. Honda wins another championship. But it is the first time they've won a title on their home track. The next MotoGP race is next weekend. It is the Australian Grand Prix at Philip Island, in Victoria, Australia.
Saturday, October 11, 2014
MotoAmerica announces tentative 2015 schedule - No Daytona
The new MotoAmerica motorcycle racing championship, has announced it's tentative 2015 schedule. For safety reasons, Daytona International Speedway is not a part of it. But, there are some other wonderful tracks the series will race at.
http://www.sportrider.com/sportbike-news/motoamerica-announces-tentative-2015-schedule-no-daytona?src=SOC&dom=fb
http://www.sportrider.com/sportbike-news/motoamerica-announces-tentative-2015-schedule-no-daytona?src=SOC&dom=fb
Friday, October 10, 2014
MotoGP news stories headed into Japan
Lots of news and insight headed into this weekend's Japanese Grand Prix at Twin Ring Motegi. Here are the stories being followed.
Dovizioso believes Ducati will be competitive in Japan
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Dovizioso+believes+Ducati+will+be+competitive+in+Japan
Tech3 pair prepare for intense triple-header
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Tech3+pair+prepare+for+intense+tripleheader
Bridgestone look ahead to Motegi round
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Bridgestone+look+ahead+to+Motegi+round
Everything to play for ahead of Shell Advance Asia Talent Cup racing in Japan
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Shell+Advance+Asia+Talent+Cup+Motegi+preview
Riders in good spirits approaching Motegi round
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Riders+in+good+spirits+approaching+Motegi+round
Rivals on Marquez's challenge to clinch the title
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Rivals+on+Marquezs+challenge+to+clinch+the+title
Rossi reflects on security after Aragon crash
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Rossi+reflects+on+security+after+Aragon+crash
Webb clarifies point on Ducati's wet and dry podium results
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Webb+clarifies+point+on+Ducatis+wet+and+dry+podium+results
Dovizioso believes Ducati will be competitive in Japan
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Dovizioso+believes+Ducati+will+be+competitive+in+Japan
Tech3 pair prepare for intense triple-header
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Tech3+pair+prepare+for+intense+tripleheader
Bridgestone look ahead to Motegi round
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Bridgestone+look+ahead+to+Motegi+round
Everything to play for ahead of Shell Advance Asia Talent Cup racing in Japan
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Shell+Advance+Asia+Talent+Cup+Motegi+preview
Riders in good spirits approaching Motegi round
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Riders+in+good+spirits+approaching+Motegi+round
Rivals on Marquez's challenge to clinch the title
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Rivals+on+Marquezs+challenge+to+clinch+the+title
Rossi reflects on security after Aragon crash
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Rossi+reflects+on+security+after+Aragon+crash
Webb clarifies point on Ducati's wet and dry podium results
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Webb+clarifies+point+on+Ducatis+wet+and+dry+podium+results
Thursday, October 9, 2014
MotoGP in the media
Click the link, and scroll through several stories over the past month or so, that highlight MotoGP in several varied media outlets.
http://www.motogp.com/en/MotoGP+in+the+Media
http://www.motogp.com/en/MotoGP+in+the+Media
Lorenzo: 'I hope to stay at Yamaha all my career'
Jorge Lorenzo is interviewed for the "I Signori del MotoGP" television program on the Italian Sky Sport affiliate. Read his thoughts, HERE.
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Jorge+Lorenzo+Sky+Italia+Interview
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Jorge+Lorenzo+Sky+Italia+Interview
Wednesday, October 8, 2014
MotoGP en route to Far East with Marquez aiming to clinch title
Marc Marquez looks to clinch his second straight MotoGP World Championship title, this weekend at Twin Ring Motegi, in Japan. It is his first of two chances at races on the Pacific Rim, and in the Far East, to do it.
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Motegi%20MotoGP%20Preview
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Motegi%20MotoGP%20Preview
Tuesday, October 7, 2014
AMA Daytona Sportbike: New Jersey: Race 2
Race two and, the season finale for the AMA Daytona Sportbike class at New Jersey Motorsports Park in Millville, New Jersey. See you in 2015 for more action, fans. So long, for now.
AMA Daytona Sportbike: New Jersey Race 1
A wet race one for the AMA Daytona Sportbike division, from the season finale at New Jersey Motorsports Park in Millville, New Jersey. Race two is coming up. Stay tuned.
Monday, October 6, 2014
FIM World Superbike round 10: France
In the penultimate race of the 2014 FIM World Superbike season, it was Aprilia, dominating. In race one, Sylvain Guintoli won it, while in race two, it was his team mate, Marco Melandri, taking the checkered flag first.
http://www.worldsbk.com/en/news/2014/Another+double+onetwo+for+Aprilia+in+the+French+Round
World Superbike race 1: #50 Sylvain Guintoli FRA. Aprilia Racing Team Aprilia RSV4 Factory
World Superbike race 2; #33 Marco Melandri ITA. Aprilia Racing Team Aprilia RSV4 Factory
World Supersport race: #16 Jules Cluzel FRA. MV Agusta Reparto Corse MV Agusta F3 675
Superstock 1000 race: #94 Matthieu Lussiana FRA. Team Garnier By ASPI Kawasaki ZX-10R
Superstock 600 race: #54 Toprak Razgatioglu TUR. Bike Service Racing Kawasaki ZX6R
For the Superstock classes, this was the final round of their championship, at Magny Cours. One race remains for World Superbike and World Supersport. That will be at the Losail International Circuit in Doha, Qatar, coming up in a month or so.
http://www.worldsbk.com/en/news/2014/Another+double+onetwo+for+Aprilia+in+the+French+Round
World Superbike race 1: #50 Sylvain Guintoli FRA. Aprilia Racing Team Aprilia RSV4 Factory
World Superbike race 2; #33 Marco Melandri ITA. Aprilia Racing Team Aprilia RSV4 Factory
World Supersport race: #16 Jules Cluzel FRA. MV Agusta Reparto Corse MV Agusta F3 675
Superstock 1000 race: #94 Matthieu Lussiana FRA. Team Garnier By ASPI Kawasaki ZX-10R
Superstock 600 race: #54 Toprak Razgatioglu TUR. Bike Service Racing Kawasaki ZX6R
For the Superstock classes, this was the final round of their championship, at Magny Cours. One race remains for World Superbike and World Supersport. That will be at the Losail International Circuit in Doha, Qatar, coming up in a month or so.
Sunday, October 5, 2014
Baz joins NGM Forward Racing for 2015
FIM World Superbike rider for the factory Kawasaki team, Loris Baz, of France, will actually be set to make his debut in MotoGP for NGM Forward Racing. He will do so, next year. Baz, will be team mates with Germany's Stefan Bradl.
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Baz+joins+NGM+Forward+Racing+for+2015
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Baz+joins+NGM+Forward+Racing+for+2015
Saturday, October 4, 2014
More MotoGP News
Lots more news out of the MotoGP ranks as well as Moto 2 and Moto 3. Here are the latest stories.
Vinales: 'I've always adapted well to new bikes'
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Maverick+Viales+on+his+move+to+MotoGP+and+Suzuki
Brivio says electronics and engine performance are focal points for Suzuki
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Brivio+says+electronics+and+engine+performance+are+focal+points+for+Suzuki
Jarvis praises Lorenzo following victory in Spain
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Jarvis+praises+Lorenzo+following+victory+in+Spain
Pramac Racing sign Petrucci for next two years
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Agreement+between+Pramac+Racing+and+Danilo+Petrucci
Aleix Espargaro: 'I'm arriving at Suzuki in the prime of my career'
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Aleix+Espargar+on+Suzuki+agreement
Eugene Laverty joins DRIVE M7 Aspar Team for 2015
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Eugene+Laverty+joins+DRIVE+M7+Aspar+Team+for+2015
Michelin plans to test at all tracks in 2015
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Michelin+plans+to+test+at+all+tracks+in+2015
Vinales has Marquez's Moto 2 rookie records in his sights
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Viales+2014+Moto2+Rookie+of+the+Year
Best result of the season for Morbidelli
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Morbidelli+Aragn+race+review+1
Choonia and Martinez on Mahindra and Aspar collaboration
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Choonia+and+Martinez+on+Mahindra+and+Aspar+collaboration
Aspar recruit Rookies Cup champion Martin
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Aspar+recruit+Rookies+Cup+champion+Martin
Darryn Binder and Tonucci with WWR in 2015
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Darryn+Binder+and+Alessandro+Tonucci+with+WWR+in+2015
Red Bull KTM Ajo sign Brad Binder for 2015
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Red+Bull+KTM+Ajo+sign+Brad+Binder+for+2015
Miller and Marquez give their thoughts on Aragon clash
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Miller+and+Marquez+give+their+thoughts+on+Aragon+clash
Antonelli with Ongetta-Rivacold in 2015
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Antonelli+with+OngettaRivacold+in+2015
Vinales: 'I've always adapted well to new bikes'
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Maverick+Viales+on+his+move+to+MotoGP+and+Suzuki
Brivio says electronics and engine performance are focal points for Suzuki
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Brivio+says+electronics+and+engine+performance+are+focal+points+for+Suzuki
Jarvis praises Lorenzo following victory in Spain
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Jarvis+praises+Lorenzo+following+victory+in+Spain
Pramac Racing sign Petrucci for next two years
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Agreement+between+Pramac+Racing+and+Danilo+Petrucci
Aleix Espargaro: 'I'm arriving at Suzuki in the prime of my career'
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Aleix+Espargar+on+Suzuki+agreement
Eugene Laverty joins DRIVE M7 Aspar Team for 2015
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Eugene+Laverty+joins+DRIVE+M7+Aspar+Team+for+2015
Michelin plans to test at all tracks in 2015
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Michelin+plans+to+test+at+all+tracks+in+2015
Vinales has Marquez's Moto 2 rookie records in his sights
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Viales+2014+Moto2+Rookie+of+the+Year
Best result of the season for Morbidelli
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Morbidelli+Aragn+race+review+1
Choonia and Martinez on Mahindra and Aspar collaboration
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Choonia+and+Martinez+on+Mahindra+and+Aspar+collaboration
Aspar recruit Rookies Cup champion Martin
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Aspar+recruit+Rookies+Cup+champion+Martin
Darryn Binder and Tonucci with WWR in 2015
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Darryn+Binder+and+Alessandro+Tonucci+with+WWR+in+2015
Red Bull KTM Ajo sign Brad Binder for 2015
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Red+Bull+KTM+Ajo+sign+Brad+Binder+for+2015
Miller and Marquez give their thoughts on Aragon clash
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Miller+and+Marquez+give+their+thoughts+on+Aragon+clash
Antonelli with Ongetta-Rivacold in 2015
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Antonelli+with+OngettaRivacold+in+2015
Thursday, October 2, 2014
Suzuki returns to MotoGP with Aleix Espargaro and Maverick Vinales in 2015
The factory Suzuki MotoGP rider lineup for their return to the world championship next year, has been announced. Aleix Espargaro, and MotoGP rookie (current Moto 2 rider), Maverick Vinales, will race for the team.
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Suzuki+return+to+MotoGP+with+Aleix+Espargaro+and+Maverick+Viales+in+2015
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Suzuki+return+to+MotoGP+with+Aleix+Espargaro+and+Maverick+Viales+in+2015
Wednesday, October 1, 2014
Cameron Beaubier recaps his rookie season aboard the Monster Energy/Graves Yamaha R1 SuperBike
Check out the video in this link, as Cameron Beaubier talks about his rookie season riding for Monster Energy/Graves Yamaha in AMA SuperBike competition, in 2014.
http://www.amaproracing.com/rr/news/index.cfm?cid=61494
http://www.amaproracing.com/rr/news/index.cfm?cid=61494
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)