Round four of the 2015 FIM World Superbike Championship took place at "The Cathedral of Speed", the Assen circuit in Assen, Holland. Johnny Rea and Kawasaki, swept both races for World Superbike.
World Superbike Race 1: #65 Johnny Rea GBR. Kawasaki Racing Team Kawasaki ZX-10R
World Superbike Race 2: #65 Johnny Rea GBR. Kawasaki Racing Team Kawasaki ZX-10R
World Supersport Race: #54 Kenan Sofuoglu TUR. Kawasaki Puccetti Racing Kawasaki ZX-6R
Superstock 1000 Race: #32 Lorenzo Savadori ITA. Nuova M2 Racing Aprilia RSV4 RF
Superstock 600 Race 1: #54 Tuprak Razgatlioglu TUR. Kawasaki Puccetti Racing Kwasaki ZX-6R
Superstock 600 Race 2: #54 Tuprak Razgatlioglu TUR. Kawasaki Puccetti Racing Kwasaki ZX-6R
The next event on the calendar for FIM World Superbike, is set to take place in Imola, Italy at the Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari, in less than two weeks.
Thursday, April 30, 2015
Wednesday, April 29, 2015
FIM World Superbike Round 3: Aragon, Spain
Yours truly, has been asleep at the wheel with FIM World Superbike coverage lately. So, all apologies to my readers. But, therefore, you get a two-for-one sale! Results of round three from Aragon, Spain, posted now, and the results of round four, posted shortly.
Round three of the 2015 FIM World Superbike season was run in Aragon, Spain on the 12th of April, just over two weeks ago. Johnny Rea on his factory Kawasaki, won the first race, and in race two, it was Chaz Davies, on his Aruba.it Ducati, taking the win.
World Superbike Race 1: #65 Johnny Rea GBR. Kawasaki Racing Team Kawasaki ZX10R
World Superbike Race 2: #7 Chaz Davies GBR. Aruba.it Racing/Ducati Racing Team
Ducati Ducati Panigale R
World Supersport Race: #54 Kenan Sofuoglu TUR. Kawasaki Puccetti Racing Team
Kawasaki ZX6R
Superstock 1000 Race: #2 Roberto Tamburini ITA. Team MotoXRacing BMW S1000RR
Superstock 600 Race: #54 Toprak Razgatlioglu TUR. Kawasaki Puccetti Racing Team
Kawasaki ZX6R
Round four of the series, was just run, in Assen, Holland, at "The Cathedral of Speed". Stay tuned, for those results, forthcoming, in another post, soon.
Round three of the 2015 FIM World Superbike season was run in Aragon, Spain on the 12th of April, just over two weeks ago. Johnny Rea on his factory Kawasaki, won the first race, and in race two, it was Chaz Davies, on his Aruba.it Ducati, taking the win.
World Superbike Race 1: #65 Johnny Rea GBR. Kawasaki Racing Team Kawasaki ZX10R
World Superbike Race 2: #7 Chaz Davies GBR. Aruba.it Racing/Ducati Racing Team
Ducati Ducati Panigale R
World Supersport Race: #54 Kenan Sofuoglu TUR. Kawasaki Puccetti Racing Team
Kawasaki ZX6R
Superstock 1000 Race: #2 Roberto Tamburini ITA. Team MotoXRacing BMW S1000RR
Superstock 600 Race: #54 Toprak Razgatlioglu TUR. Kawasaki Puccetti Racing Team
Kawasaki ZX6R
Round four of the series, was just run, in Assen, Holland, at "The Cathedral of Speed". Stay tuned, for those results, forthcoming, in another post, soon.
Tuesday, April 28, 2015
Rossi closes in on 200th GP Podium
If he finishes in the top three places this weekend in Spain, Valentino Rossi, will record an amazing statistic in the MotoGP record books. It will be his 200th career podium finish across all three classes in Grand Prix motorcycle competition.
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/28/rossi-closes-in-on-200th-gp-podium/174516
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/28/rossi-closes-in-on-200th-gp-podium/174516
Honda expects Marquez, Pedrosa to race at Jerez
Honda team manager Livio Suppo says both his riders (Marc Marquez, and Dani Pedrosa), will be fit enough to be able to race this weekend in the Spanish Grand Prix at Jerez de la Frontera.
http://www.motorsport.com/motogp/news/honda-expects-marquez-pedrosa-to-race-at-jerez
http://www.motorsport.com/motogp/news/honda-expects-marquez-pedrosa-to-race-at-jerez
Monday, April 27, 2015
Brilliant opening day of the season in Portimao
A look at round one of the FIM CEV Repsol, held at the Portimao circuit in Portimao, Portugal.
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/27/brilliant-opening-day-of-the-season-in-portimao/174538
Round two will be at the Bugatti circuit at Le Mans in Le Mans, France. But, for that event, only the Moto 3 Junior World Championship riders, will compete, along with Moto 3, Moto 2, and MotoGP.
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/27/brilliant-opening-day-of-the-season-in-portimao/174538
Round two will be at the Bugatti circuit at Le Mans in Le Mans, France. But, for that event, only the Moto 3 Junior World Championship riders, will compete, along with Moto 3, Moto 2, and MotoGP.
Sunday, April 26, 2015
Marc Marquez Fractures Finger In Dirt-Track Crash
MotoGP World Champion, Marc Marquez, has fractured a finger, racing a dirt bike. He has injured his pinky finger, on his left hand.
http://www.motoamerica.com/marc-marquez-fractures-finger-dirt-track-crash
Here, is an update. He has undergone surgery, to repair his pinky finger.
Marquez undergoes operation on little finger fracture
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/25/marquez-undergoes-operation-on-little-finger-fracture/174529
http://www.motoamerica.com/marc-marquez-fractures-finger-dirt-track-crash
Here, is an update. He has undergone surgery, to repair his pinky finger.
Marquez undergoes operation on little finger fracture
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/25/marquez-undergoes-operation-on-little-finger-fracture/174529
Westby Racing Signs Josh Day
Motorcycle rider Josh Day, has been signed by Westby Racing, to compete in the remaining events of the inaugural MotoAmerica season in the Superstock 1000 class.
http://www.motoamerica.com/westby-racing-signs-josh-day
http://www.motoamerica.com/westby-racing-signs-josh-day
Saturday, April 25, 2015
more MotoGP news
Some more bits and pieces of news from the world of MotoGP, including entries from riders in MotoGP, on their own blogs.
#Bradley38 Blog: This is a new Bradley Smith
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/23/bradley38blog-this-is-a-new-bradley-smith/174468
Pedrosa Blog: Slowly does it
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/23/pedrosa-blog-slowly-does-it/174492
Rolling the dice on red backfires for Marquez
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/23/rolling-the-dice-on-red-backfires-for-marquez/174512
Marquez on track with his fans
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/24/marquez-on-track-with-his-fans/174522
News from Moto 2 and Moto 3 will follow, tomorrow.
#Bradley38 Blog: This is a new Bradley Smith
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/23/bradley38blog-this-is-a-new-bradley-smith/174468
Pedrosa Blog: Slowly does it
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/23/pedrosa-blog-slowly-does-it/174492
Rolling the dice on red backfires for Marquez
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/23/rolling-the-dice-on-red-backfires-for-marquez/174512
Marquez on track with his fans
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/24/marquez-on-track-with-his-fans/174522
News from Moto 2 and Moto 3 will follow, tomorrow.
Thursday, April 23, 2015
Marquez: "I have a lot of lessons to learn"
Marc Marquez admits after his wreck that gave Valentino Rossi a victory in Argentina in MotoGP last weekend, he's got a lot to think about, and a lot to learn.
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/22/marquez-i-have-a-lot-of-lessons-to-learn/174494
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/22/marquez-i-have-a-lot-of-lessons-to-learn/174494
Wednesday, April 22, 2015
MotoAmerica round 2: Road Atlanta
Cameron Beaubier did the double at a wet Road Atlanta in Braselton, Georgia, last weekend, taking the win in the MotoAmerica Superbike class.
http://www.motoamerica.com/beaubier-doubles-road-atlanta-superbike
The next race for MotoAmerica, is in less than a month's time, and it will be at the beautiful Virginia International Raceway in Danville, Virginia.
http://www.motoamerica.com/beaubier-doubles-road-atlanta-superbike
The next race for MotoAmerica, is in less than a month's time, and it will be at the beautiful Virginia International Raceway in Danville, Virginia.
Tuesday, April 21, 2015
Moto 2 & Moto 3: Argentina
In Moto 2 action at Autodromo Termas de Rio Hondo, Johann Zarco was the race winner, followed on the podium by Alex Rins, and Sam Lowes. Mika Kallio and Franco Morbidelli, completed the top five. In positions six through ten, it was Tom Luthi, Sandro Cortese, Lorenzo Baldassarri, Jonas Folger, and Hafizh Syahrin. 28 of 30 riders finished, which is a good percentage of the field. Only Louis Rossi and Simone Corsi, failed to see the checkered flag.
#5 Johann Zarco FRA. Kalex
In Moto 3 action in Argentina, Danny Kent, scored his second straight race win, after also winning the previous weekend in Austin, Texas, at Circuit of the Americas. Efren Vazquez, and Miguel Oliveira, completed the podium, while Fabio Quartararo, and John McPhee, rounded out the top five places. In sixth through tenth, it was, (in order), Alexis Masbou, Romano Fenati, Karel Hanika, Jorge Navarro, and Niccolo Antonelli.
All 34 riders who started, were classified at the finish.
http://www.motogp.com/en/Results+Statistics
#52 Danny Kent GBR. Honda
Moto 2 and Moto 3 riders and teams, join their brethren in MotoGP, for the next round of the championship... the Spanish Grand Prix at Jerez de la Frontera, Spain, in less than two weeks.
#5 Johann Zarco FRA. Kalex
In Moto 3 action in Argentina, Danny Kent, scored his second straight race win, after also winning the previous weekend in Austin, Texas, at Circuit of the Americas. Efren Vazquez, and Miguel Oliveira, completed the podium, while Fabio Quartararo, and John McPhee, rounded out the top five places. In sixth through tenth, it was, (in order), Alexis Masbou, Romano Fenati, Karel Hanika, Jorge Navarro, and Niccolo Antonelli.
All 34 riders who started, were classified at the finish.
http://www.motogp.com/en/Results+Statistics
#52 Danny Kent GBR. Honda
Moto 2 and Moto 3 riders and teams, join their brethren in MotoGP, for the next round of the championship... the Spanish Grand Prix at Jerez de la Frontera, Spain, in less than two weeks.
Monday, April 20, 2015
The Marc Marquez, Valentino Rossi incident
Reactions from Marc Marquez, and Valentino Rossi, after their wreck in the Grand Prix of Argentina, from the Facebook page, 2Wheeled Racing News And Views.
***
Marc Marquez:
"It’s a shame what happened, because we were having a good race! It was interesting, because our tyre choice was different from Valentino’s as I felt we were not as competitive the harder compound. The strategy was working out well for us - it’s just a pity about the last two laps. When I saw that he was closing in on me, I decided to conserve the tyres a little. On the final laps I went back to riding in the low 1'39s to check that the tyres were still in good shape, and knew that we would be fighting to the end. When he caught me, we fought for a few corners and unfortunately we touched and I crashed. I've always said that he's my idol and my reference, so you always learn things from him. Now we have to think about Jerez and begin to recover points."
Valentino Rossi:
“It's a great victory, we made the right decision and started with the extra hard tyre. When I saw Marc start with the red one I knew that he would try to push at the beginning. I made a great start but on the first corner Iannone pushed me on the outside. Step by step I came back, and when I arrived in second Marc had a little more than four-second lead. I knew the race was long, so I knew he could have some difficulty. Catching him lap by lap, I could see him far away but coming closer and closer, it was a great taste! I overtook him in braking, but he is a rider who is all or nothing, he touched me in the corner, then he touched me again as I was accelerating, I think he made a mistake and he crashed. It's a shame because it could have been a great fight on the last lap. In three races we have demonstrated we can be competitive everywhere and fight for the championship.”
***
Marc Marquez:
"It’s a shame what happened, because we were having a good race! It was interesting, because our tyre choice was different from Valentino’s as I felt we were not as competitive the harder compound. The strategy was working out well for us - it’s just a pity about the last two laps. When I saw that he was closing in on me, I decided to conserve the tyres a little. On the final laps I went back to riding in the low 1'39s to check that the tyres were still in good shape, and knew that we would be fighting to the end. When he caught me, we fought for a few corners and unfortunately we touched and I crashed. I've always said that he's my idol and my reference, so you always learn things from him. Now we have to think about Jerez and begin to recover points."
Valentino Rossi:
“It's a great victory, we made the right decision and started with the extra hard tyre. When I saw Marc start with the red one I knew that he would try to push at the beginning. I made a great start but on the first corner Iannone pushed me on the outside. Step by step I came back, and when I arrived in second Marc had a little more than four-second lead. I knew the race was long, so I knew he could have some difficulty. Catching him lap by lap, I could see him far away but coming closer and closer, it was a great taste! I overtook him in braking, but he is a rider who is all or nothing, he touched me in the corner, then he touched me again as I was accelerating, I think he made a mistake and he crashed. It's a shame because it could have been a great fight on the last lap. In three races we have demonstrated we can be competitive everywhere and fight for the championship.”
Sunday, April 19, 2015
MotoGP round 3: Argentina
The Autodromo Termas de Rio Hondo is the venue for the third race of the 2015 MotoGP season. We have journeyed to South America, and will race on a monstrously fast, but very abrasive track.
The Grand Prix of Argentina, could set the tone for the rest of the MotoGP season. This track is so hard on tires, Bridgestone has produced a new rear tire with a hard compound. The track is nearly three miles long, with 14 corners. The teams have an idea of what to expect with the setups on this track. Scott Redding says that the track conditions were treacherous. This year, there is more data, for all the riders.
For Redding, he knows the track more, and is racing on a new bike, for a new team. Rio Hondo has a very good flow between the corners. Tires are built for the specific circuit. Last year, there was blistering on the tires, because this is a low grip track. The gearing of the bikes, will come with time. The teams will return to Europe for half a dozen races, followed by the second U.S. race, four more in Europe, three on the Pacific rim, and then, closing the season out in Valencia, Spain, back in Europe.
Hiroshi Aoyama takes Dani Pedrosa's place again this weekend. Suzuki and Aprilia are back in the championship. Suzuki's team boss, Davide Brivio, says that they wanted to come into the series in 2014. With the electronics regs changes, Suzuki, was not ready. They had to redesign the software. The riders do like the new motorcycle. The bike has an inline four cylinder motor, and they want to eveentually have customer bikes.
Testing and development, continues. Suzuki has their first front row spot in their return to MotoGP competition. The bikes are gridding up, as we look at the track. This course is 2.99 miles, with 14 corners, and an abrasive surface. Factory riders will run an extra hard rear Bridgestone tires. 25 laps scheduled. In qualifying, it was thrilling. Marc Marquez used all three tires. Aleix Espargaro on the Suzuki, brought the team a dront row strart.
Andrea Ianonne is third on the factory Ducati. Neither team can use the extra hard rear tire. Cal Crutchlow made a mistake. Jorge Lorenzo felt slowed down, and starts fifth. Yamaha has a strong race pace. Can anyone beat Marc Marquez? Manage the tires. This track eats them alive. Nail the start on this flowing track. Go for points. Chasing Marquez, will trash your tires. We're going racing, next.
We wait for the lights to go out, and it's going to be a very hotly contested race, as we come to Argentina, for the second straight year. Marc Marquez is the man to beat. This is the first Grand Prix, for the factory class, using the super hard rear tire. Let's go racing. Valentino Rossi leads the championship, by a point. Marquez and Crutchlow have only taken the hard tire, instead of the extra hard.
Here we go. At the start, Marquez and Espargaro lead away. Andrea Ianonne gets swamped. Espargaro leads on the Suzuki. Crutchlow and Dovizioso are going for it. Espargaro leads right now onto the one kilometer back straight. Marquez swallows up the Suzuki. Jorge Lorenzo moves inside Casl Crutchlow. Andrea Ianonne drops back. Lorenzo has to watch out so he doesn't make a mistake. Aleix Espargaro is still fighting, running wide. Lorenzo has to catch Marquez, who is breaking away from the field, and here comes Espargaro! Lorenzo gets second.
Marquez is right where he wanted to be. He's got 8/10ths of a second over the rest of the field. Valentino Rossi has eighth place, where he started. Cal Crutchlow battles Aleix Espargaro. Crutchlow makes the pass, for third, fair and square. Andrea Dovizioso moves to second on the factory Ducati. Ianonne is coming back up, while Espargaro's Suzuki is sixth. Marquez is leading. He won here last year.
Cal Crutchlow has taken second from Jorge Lorenzo and here comes Andrea Dovizioso. Andrea Ianonne also pressures Lorenzo. Lorenzo is the only top six rider, using the extra hard tire. Marquez is breaking away by 1.6 seconds. Aleix Espargaro sinks to seventh on the Suzuki. Valentino Rossi is on the extra hard rear tire saving it for the latter part of this race. Crutchlow is still second. He wants to get a podium here in Argentina. Marquez has a two second lead. Crutchlow is pushing, keeping the Ducati's at bay.
Danilo Petrucci, Yonny Hernandez, and others, are running well. Aleix Espargaro seems to be falling down the order. Lorenzo and Rossi battle on the two factory Yamaha's. Marquez continues to lead. Marc Marquez flies through turns ten and eleven. He's slightly concerned about the rear tire. But, he's ahead by a country mile, and it's already lap four. 2.5 seconds from Marquez to Crutchlow. Rossi tries passing his team mate for fourth. Manage the tires. What will happen with track temperature?
Last year, the tires began to blister here at Termas de Rio Hondo. Will this happen again? Lorenzo is on the medium front tire, and Rossi, on the hard compound front. Rossi is pushing, hard. He's too far back to try and pass Lorenzo. Twenty laps remain in Argentina. Rossi is sixth, going through turn four, into sixth gear, at 210 miles an hour, on a motorcycle! Just amazing! Rossi is all over Lorenzo. Dovizioso and Ianonne are coming, and here comes Rossi, making a pass on his team mate.
Andrea Ianonne is currently fourth. Crutchlow remains second. The advantage is 3.2 seconds through just five or six laps of racing. Rossi passes Lorenzo back, for fifth. Marquez continues adding to his advantage as we watch a replay of Crutchlow running wide, allowing the Ducati to move ahead. onny Hernandez, has a fire on his Pramac Ducati. It's really on fire. Did the rear tire explode? An oil fire, for sure. Game over for Yonny Hernandez.
Jorge Lorenzo has fallen to sixth spot, behind Rossi. Rossi is running even quicker than Marquez though. He moves ahead of Andrea Ianonne. Is Rossi coming back? He sure is. "The Doctor" is still in the house. Rossi is now fourth as we see a battle between Dovizioso, Crutchlow, and Rossi. Through turns two, three, and four, then to five, and onto the back straight. Rossi tries. He wants to get Crutchlow. He's not close enough. Marquez and Rossi are the only riders in the 1:39 lap time range.
Crutchlow loses a spot to Rossi, and almost falls! Oh wow! Crutchlow is under pressure from Ianonne. He ran off onto the dirty section, where all the clag is. Watch Marquez's lap times, too. Marquez is still the quickest rider on track as we work lap eleven. One lap to halfway. Here comes Rossi into second past Dovizioso's Ducati GP15. Rossi's rear tire should last. It's the extra hard one of course.
Bridgestone says that you start with lots of grip, then there's a little drop off. The fastest laps are still to come. Keep something in reserve. Keep it in the locker, and then, unlock what you've got, and start pushing. Crutchlow gets passed by Ianonne. Rossi was tapped by Andrea Ianonne in replay. Marc Marquez still has a four second lead. Marquez won here last year. But, he came from sixth place. This time, he's ahead. The gap between Marquez and Rossi on the last lap was six thousandths of a second.
Moving to lap 14, he's four seconds clear on Rossi. Pol Espargaro started eighteenth and has gained half of the spots from where he started, in ninth. He's behind his brother. Stefan Bradl is going to get some points running for Forward Racing on the Yamaha. He battles for top Open class honors with Hector Barbera, and Jack Miller. We're gearing up, folks, for a great finish, here in Argentina. Marquez's gap has been shrinking. He's on the softer compound rear tire. Rossi is taking 3/10ths or more of a second, each time by.
Andrea Dovizioso on the Ducati is also right there. Rossi is coming, and fast. Less than ten laps to go. It looked like Marquez had this race done and dusted, and in the bag. Not even close! Rossi is coming, while Dovizioso and Ducati, hold third. Rossi is pushing. Marquez is easing off a little bit to preserve the rear tire. Valentino Rossi is continuing to push, and so is Dovizioso. Cal Crutchlow goes inside Andrea Ianonne, retaking fourth, as Jorge Lorenzo is catching these two. Marquez on hard tires, is still ahead.
Don't forget, Marc Marquez had the extra hard tire, before changing to the option tire, on the grid, before the race began. If things end the way they are now, Marquez and Rossi will be even, headed for the first race in Europe, at Jerez, in Spain. Is Marquez looking after his tires? Rossi is consistent, and confident in the rear tire. Rossi is shaving away 2/10ths of a second, with three or four laps left now.
The gap is closing as Rossi runs a 1:39.399, his personal best lap. Well, there's more like seven laps left. The hard tires are dropping off, now. Marquez took a gamble. Does he have anything left in the locker? Rossi is closing, and fast. Crutchlow, Ianonne, and Lorenzo, still battle. The gap is two seconds between Marquez and Rossi, now with six laps left. Andrea Dovizioso is becoming a part of the fight again. Marquez now has a lead under two seconds. The lead is down to 1.7. Rossi is pushing.
Catching and passing, are two different things. If he is pushing, Marquez's tires will fall off more. He needs to cool it, towards the end of this race. Rossi is only within 1.5 seconds, as Rossi runs a 1:39.019, a new lap record! It's a shootout between Marquez and Rossi. Andrea Dovizioso, is going to be third. It's mano e mano, Rossi and Marquez. Rossi is going to pounce as soon as he can. Four laps left. They go through turns seven and eight. Let's watch Marc Marquez to see if he's got anything else in reserve.
The gap is down to 1.l57 seconds. Will the hard option rear tire hold up? The gap is closing. Rossi is as close as he's been all race. Three laps left now. Rossi eats another tenth out of the gap. Rossi is almost right with Marquez. Three laps to go. This has been some race. Rossi wants his second win of 2015, and so does Marquez. Marquez is twitching on the rear tire. They fly down the back straight. Into turn five. Marquez runs over the curb. Rossi is cloising, and can smell blood. Will Marquez's gamble pay off?
Rossi is right with Marquez. Two laps left in the Grand Prix of Argentina. Here comes Rossi! He looks inside and takes the lead. Rossi comes back. Now, Rossi on the brakes, back up the i9nside, and they touch! Marquez has wrecked! He's out of this one! No points for Marc Marquez! His race is run! Rossi will win the Grand Prix of Argentina, to increase his lead in the championship! Holy smokes! It's the final lap. Marquez clipped Rossi's rear wheel. Andrea Dovizioso will finish second. The stewards, will investigate this wreck. Marquez clips the back of Rossi.
Race Director Mike Webb will look at the incident. Shades of the Johann Zarco and Xavier Simeon fracas in Texas, last weekend in Moto 2. But, Valentino Rossi wins it! "The Doctor" is in the house! Cal Crutchlow gets past Andrea Ianonne, and is on the podium, in third!
#46 Valentino Rossi ITA. Yamaha
Valentino Rossi continues his decorated career, for his 84th career MotoGP win. If his victory stands, he'll open a sure gap in the World Championship. The next race for MotoGP is the Spanish Grand Prix at the Circuito de Jerez, in Jerez de la Frontera, Spain, three weeks from now.
The Grand Prix of Argentina, could set the tone for the rest of the MotoGP season. This track is so hard on tires, Bridgestone has produced a new rear tire with a hard compound. The track is nearly three miles long, with 14 corners. The teams have an idea of what to expect with the setups on this track. Scott Redding says that the track conditions were treacherous. This year, there is more data, for all the riders.
For Redding, he knows the track more, and is racing on a new bike, for a new team. Rio Hondo has a very good flow between the corners. Tires are built for the specific circuit. Last year, there was blistering on the tires, because this is a low grip track. The gearing of the bikes, will come with time. The teams will return to Europe for half a dozen races, followed by the second U.S. race, four more in Europe, three on the Pacific rim, and then, closing the season out in Valencia, Spain, back in Europe.
Hiroshi Aoyama takes Dani Pedrosa's place again this weekend. Suzuki and Aprilia are back in the championship. Suzuki's team boss, Davide Brivio, says that they wanted to come into the series in 2014. With the electronics regs changes, Suzuki, was not ready. They had to redesign the software. The riders do like the new motorcycle. The bike has an inline four cylinder motor, and they want to eveentually have customer bikes.
Testing and development, continues. Suzuki has their first front row spot in their return to MotoGP competition. The bikes are gridding up, as we look at the track. This course is 2.99 miles, with 14 corners, and an abrasive surface. Factory riders will run an extra hard rear Bridgestone tires. 25 laps scheduled. In qualifying, it was thrilling. Marc Marquez used all three tires. Aleix Espargaro on the Suzuki, brought the team a dront row strart.
Andrea Ianonne is third on the factory Ducati. Neither team can use the extra hard rear tire. Cal Crutchlow made a mistake. Jorge Lorenzo felt slowed down, and starts fifth. Yamaha has a strong race pace. Can anyone beat Marc Marquez? Manage the tires. This track eats them alive. Nail the start on this flowing track. Go for points. Chasing Marquez, will trash your tires. We're going racing, next.
We wait for the lights to go out, and it's going to be a very hotly contested race, as we come to Argentina, for the second straight year. Marc Marquez is the man to beat. This is the first Grand Prix, for the factory class, using the super hard rear tire. Let's go racing. Valentino Rossi leads the championship, by a point. Marquez and Crutchlow have only taken the hard tire, instead of the extra hard.
Here we go. At the start, Marquez and Espargaro lead away. Andrea Ianonne gets swamped. Espargaro leads on the Suzuki. Crutchlow and Dovizioso are going for it. Espargaro leads right now onto the one kilometer back straight. Marquez swallows up the Suzuki. Jorge Lorenzo moves inside Casl Crutchlow. Andrea Ianonne drops back. Lorenzo has to watch out so he doesn't make a mistake. Aleix Espargaro is still fighting, running wide. Lorenzo has to catch Marquez, who is breaking away from the field, and here comes Espargaro! Lorenzo gets second.
Marquez is right where he wanted to be. He's got 8/10ths of a second over the rest of the field. Valentino Rossi has eighth place, where he started. Cal Crutchlow battles Aleix Espargaro. Crutchlow makes the pass, for third, fair and square. Andrea Dovizioso moves to second on the factory Ducati. Ianonne is coming back up, while Espargaro's Suzuki is sixth. Marquez is leading. He won here last year.
Cal Crutchlow has taken second from Jorge Lorenzo and here comes Andrea Dovizioso. Andrea Ianonne also pressures Lorenzo. Lorenzo is the only top six rider, using the extra hard tire. Marquez is breaking away by 1.6 seconds. Aleix Espargaro sinks to seventh on the Suzuki. Valentino Rossi is on the extra hard rear tire saving it for the latter part of this race. Crutchlow is still second. He wants to get a podium here in Argentina. Marquez has a two second lead. Crutchlow is pushing, keeping the Ducati's at bay.
Danilo Petrucci, Yonny Hernandez, and others, are running well. Aleix Espargaro seems to be falling down the order. Lorenzo and Rossi battle on the two factory Yamaha's. Marquez continues to lead. Marc Marquez flies through turns ten and eleven. He's slightly concerned about the rear tire. But, he's ahead by a country mile, and it's already lap four. 2.5 seconds from Marquez to Crutchlow. Rossi tries passing his team mate for fourth. Manage the tires. What will happen with track temperature?
Last year, the tires began to blister here at Termas de Rio Hondo. Will this happen again? Lorenzo is on the medium front tire, and Rossi, on the hard compound front. Rossi is pushing, hard. He's too far back to try and pass Lorenzo. Twenty laps remain in Argentina. Rossi is sixth, going through turn four, into sixth gear, at 210 miles an hour, on a motorcycle! Just amazing! Rossi is all over Lorenzo. Dovizioso and Ianonne are coming, and here comes Rossi, making a pass on his team mate.
Andrea Ianonne is currently fourth. Crutchlow remains second. The advantage is 3.2 seconds through just five or six laps of racing. Rossi passes Lorenzo back, for fifth. Marquez continues adding to his advantage as we watch a replay of Crutchlow running wide, allowing the Ducati to move ahead. onny Hernandez, has a fire on his Pramac Ducati. It's really on fire. Did the rear tire explode? An oil fire, for sure. Game over for Yonny Hernandez.
Jorge Lorenzo has fallen to sixth spot, behind Rossi. Rossi is running even quicker than Marquez though. He moves ahead of Andrea Ianonne. Is Rossi coming back? He sure is. "The Doctor" is still in the house. Rossi is now fourth as we see a battle between Dovizioso, Crutchlow, and Rossi. Through turns two, three, and four, then to five, and onto the back straight. Rossi tries. He wants to get Crutchlow. He's not close enough. Marquez and Rossi are the only riders in the 1:39 lap time range.
Crutchlow loses a spot to Rossi, and almost falls! Oh wow! Crutchlow is under pressure from Ianonne. He ran off onto the dirty section, where all the clag is. Watch Marquez's lap times, too. Marquez is still the quickest rider on track as we work lap eleven. One lap to halfway. Here comes Rossi into second past Dovizioso's Ducati GP15. Rossi's rear tire should last. It's the extra hard one of course.
Bridgestone says that you start with lots of grip, then there's a little drop off. The fastest laps are still to come. Keep something in reserve. Keep it in the locker, and then, unlock what you've got, and start pushing. Crutchlow gets passed by Ianonne. Rossi was tapped by Andrea Ianonne in replay. Marc Marquez still has a four second lead. Marquez won here last year. But, he came from sixth place. This time, he's ahead. The gap between Marquez and Rossi on the last lap was six thousandths of a second.
Moving to lap 14, he's four seconds clear on Rossi. Pol Espargaro started eighteenth and has gained half of the spots from where he started, in ninth. He's behind his brother. Stefan Bradl is going to get some points running for Forward Racing on the Yamaha. He battles for top Open class honors with Hector Barbera, and Jack Miller. We're gearing up, folks, for a great finish, here in Argentina. Marquez's gap has been shrinking. He's on the softer compound rear tire. Rossi is taking 3/10ths or more of a second, each time by.
Andrea Dovizioso on the Ducati is also right there. Rossi is coming, and fast. Less than ten laps to go. It looked like Marquez had this race done and dusted, and in the bag. Not even close! Rossi is coming, while Dovizioso and Ducati, hold third. Rossi is pushing. Marquez is easing off a little bit to preserve the rear tire. Valentino Rossi is continuing to push, and so is Dovizioso. Cal Crutchlow goes inside Andrea Ianonne, retaking fourth, as Jorge Lorenzo is catching these two. Marquez on hard tires, is still ahead.
Don't forget, Marc Marquez had the extra hard tire, before changing to the option tire, on the grid, before the race began. If things end the way they are now, Marquez and Rossi will be even, headed for the first race in Europe, at Jerez, in Spain. Is Marquez looking after his tires? Rossi is consistent, and confident in the rear tire. Rossi is shaving away 2/10ths of a second, with three or four laps left now.
The gap is closing as Rossi runs a 1:39.399, his personal best lap. Well, there's more like seven laps left. The hard tires are dropping off, now. Marquez took a gamble. Does he have anything left in the locker? Rossi is closing, and fast. Crutchlow, Ianonne, and Lorenzo, still battle. The gap is two seconds between Marquez and Rossi, now with six laps left. Andrea Dovizioso is becoming a part of the fight again. Marquez now has a lead under two seconds. The lead is down to 1.7. Rossi is pushing.
Catching and passing, are two different things. If he is pushing, Marquez's tires will fall off more. He needs to cool it, towards the end of this race. Rossi is only within 1.5 seconds, as Rossi runs a 1:39.019, a new lap record! It's a shootout between Marquez and Rossi. Andrea Dovizioso, is going to be third. It's mano e mano, Rossi and Marquez. Rossi is going to pounce as soon as he can. Four laps left. They go through turns seven and eight. Let's watch Marc Marquez to see if he's got anything else in reserve.
The gap is down to 1.l57 seconds. Will the hard option rear tire hold up? The gap is closing. Rossi is as close as he's been all race. Three laps left now. Rossi eats another tenth out of the gap. Rossi is almost right with Marquez. Three laps to go. This has been some race. Rossi wants his second win of 2015, and so does Marquez. Marquez is twitching on the rear tire. They fly down the back straight. Into turn five. Marquez runs over the curb. Rossi is cloising, and can smell blood. Will Marquez's gamble pay off?
Rossi is right with Marquez. Two laps left in the Grand Prix of Argentina. Here comes Rossi! He looks inside and takes the lead. Rossi comes back. Now, Rossi on the brakes, back up the i9nside, and they touch! Marquez has wrecked! He's out of this one! No points for Marc Marquez! His race is run! Rossi will win the Grand Prix of Argentina, to increase his lead in the championship! Holy smokes! It's the final lap. Marquez clipped Rossi's rear wheel. Andrea Dovizioso will finish second. The stewards, will investigate this wreck. Marquez clips the back of Rossi.
Race Director Mike Webb will look at the incident. Shades of the Johann Zarco and Xavier Simeon fracas in Texas, last weekend in Moto 2. But, Valentino Rossi wins it! "The Doctor" is in the house! Cal Crutchlow gets past Andrea Ianonne, and is on the podium, in third!
#46 Valentino Rossi ITA. Yamaha
Valentino Rossi continues his decorated career, for his 84th career MotoGP win. If his victory stands, he'll open a sure gap in the World Championship. The next race for MotoGP is the Spanish Grand Prix at the Circuito de Jerez, in Jerez de la Frontera, Spain, three weeks from now.
Saturday, April 18, 2015
Rossi: "I feel I could do better..."
Valentino Rossi is not too happy about starting from the third row in tomorrow's MotoGP race in Argentina.
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/18/rossi-i-feel-i-could-do-better/174161
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/18/rossi-i-feel-i-could-do-better/174161
1982 500cc World Championship Grand Prix of Argentina
As we look forward to tomorrow's MotoGP race in Argentina, here's a throwback to the 1982 edition of the race, with the great 500cc Grand Prix motorcycles, and a battle between Barry Sheene, Freddie Spencer, and Kenny Roberts. A familiar voice, (current Fox Sports sports car analyst, who also had the role for Speedvision, Speed Channel, and Speed), Andrew Marriott, has the call.
Friday, April 17, 2015
more stories from Argentina
More stories leading up to Sunday's MotoGP action at Autodromo Termas de Rio Hondo in Argentina.
The Brits Are Back
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/16/the-brits-are-back/173884
Redding: "We can put the disappointment of Austin behind us"
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/16/redding-we-can-put-the-disappointment-of-austin-behind-us/173875
Laverty: "I will watch videos to learn my way around"
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/16/laverty-i-will-watch-videos-to-learn-my-way-around/173858
Lorenzo: "I hope Argentina will suit us better..."
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/16/lorenzo-i-hope-argentina-will-suit-us-better/173874
Dovizioso: "I am sure at Termas we can fight for the lead"
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/16/dovizioso-i-am-sure-at-termas-we-can-fight-for-the-lead/173864
Marquez: "We have a good momentum which I hope to continue"
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/16/marquez-we-have-a-good-momentum-which-i-hope-to-continue/173857
Rossi "I am happy to go to Argentina as I like the track"
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/16/rossi-i-m-happy-to-go-to-argentina-as-i-like-the-track/173873
GoPro goes behind the scenes at #AmericasGP
http://www.motogp.com/en/video_update/2015/04/16/gopro-goes-behind-the-scenes-at-americasgp/173894
A funny Tweet from Moto 2 rider Dominqiue Aegerter on a police motorcycle.
http://www.motogp.com/en/instagram_update/2015/04/16/whoop-whoop-it-s-the-sound-of-the-police-watch-out/173916
Riders relish Argentina challenge
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/16/riders-relish-argentina-challenge/173921
Miller: "It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience"
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/17/miller-it-was-a-once-in-a-lifetime-experience/173948
Suzuki seeking the right power/reliability balance
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/17/suzuki-seeking-the-right-power-reliability-balance/173939
Antonelli quickest in Moto 3 FP1 ahead of Kent
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/17/antonelli-quickest-in-moto3-fp1-ahead-of-kent/173941
Espargaro heads MotoGP FP1 for Suzuki
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/17/espargaro-heads-motogp-fp1-for-suzuki/173942
The Brits Are Back
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/16/the-brits-are-back/173884
Redding: "We can put the disappointment of Austin behind us"
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/16/redding-we-can-put-the-disappointment-of-austin-behind-us/173875
Laverty: "I will watch videos to learn my way around"
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/16/laverty-i-will-watch-videos-to-learn-my-way-around/173858
Lorenzo: "I hope Argentina will suit us better..."
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/16/lorenzo-i-hope-argentina-will-suit-us-better/173874
Dovizioso: "I am sure at Termas we can fight for the lead"
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/16/dovizioso-i-am-sure-at-termas-we-can-fight-for-the-lead/173864
Marquez: "We have a good momentum which I hope to continue"
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/16/marquez-we-have-a-good-momentum-which-i-hope-to-continue/173857
Rossi "I am happy to go to Argentina as I like the track"
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/16/rossi-i-m-happy-to-go-to-argentina-as-i-like-the-track/173873
GoPro goes behind the scenes at #AmericasGP
http://www.motogp.com/en/video_update/2015/04/16/gopro-goes-behind-the-scenes-at-americasgp/173894
A funny Tweet from Moto 2 rider Dominqiue Aegerter on a police motorcycle.
http://www.motogp.com/en/instagram_update/2015/04/16/whoop-whoop-it-s-the-sound-of-the-police-watch-out/173916
Riders relish Argentina challenge
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/16/riders-relish-argentina-challenge/173921
Miller: "It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience"
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/17/miller-it-was-a-once-in-a-lifetime-experience/173948
Suzuki seeking the right power/reliability balance
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/17/suzuki-seeking-the-right-power-reliability-balance/173939
Antonelli quickest in Moto 3 FP1 ahead of Kent
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/17/antonelli-quickest-in-moto3-fp1-ahead-of-kent/173941
Espargaro heads MotoGP FP1 for Suzuki
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/17/espargaro-heads-motogp-fp1-for-suzuki/173942
Thursday, April 16, 2015
Moto 2 & Moto 3 stories after Austin, headed to Argentina
Wrapping up Moto 2 and Moto 3 action from Austin, Texas, before moving on to Argentina, this weekend.
Sam Lowes said he has to learn to stop crashing. But, then, he goes out, and wins the race.
Lowes: "I have to stop crashing and learn a little bit"
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/12/lowes-i-have-to-stop-crashing-and-learn-a-little-bit/173566
Lowes claims heroic maiden Moto 2 victory
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/12/lowes-claims-heroic-maiden-moto2-victory/173622
Lowes battles through the pain to take #AmericasGP win
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/12/lowes-battles-through-the-pain-to-take-americasgp-win/173651
Zarco: "I tried to catch Sam, but he was very fast"
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/13/zarco-i-tried-to-catch-sam-but-he-was-very-fast/173786
Rins: "I'm still a rookie and there are many more races"
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/13/rins-i-m-still-a-rookie-and-there-are-many-more-races/173787
Rabat: "When it started to rain the bike was sliding a lot"
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/14/rabat-when-it-started-to-rain-the-bike-was-sliding-a-lot/173789
Just how good was the #AmericasGP for British riders?
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/14/just-how-good-was-the-americasgp-for-british-riders/173829
Rookie Rins takes surprise Moto 2 lead to Argentina
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/15/rookie-rins-takes-surprise-moto2-lead-to-argentina/173778
Who won last year's Moto 2 race at the #ArgentinaGP?
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/15/who-won-last-year-s-moto2-race-at-the-argentinagp/173832
Kent: "I brought it home safely so I am really happy"
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/12/kent-i-brought-it-home-safely-so-i-m-really-happy/173638
Kent dominates weekend to claim Austin victory
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/12/kent-dominates-weekend-to-claim-austin-victory/173640
Quartararo: "I was able to stay upright and catch Masbou"
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/13/quartararo-i-was-able-to-stay-upright-and-catch-masbou/173780
Vazquez: "Starting from P16 I didn't expect to finish 3rd"
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/13/vazquez-starting-from-p16-i-didn-t-expect-to-finish-3rd/173781
McPhee: "I decided to ride safe and get some points"
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/14/mcphee-i-decided-to-ride-safe-and-get-some-points/173785
Fabio Quartararo 6th youngest podium finisher of all-time
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/14/fabio-quartararo-6th-youngest-podium-finisher-of-all-time/173830
Who is looking to match Barry Sheene's record in Argentina?
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/15/who-is-looking-to-match-barry-sheene-s-record-in-argentina/173833
Kent the man to beat in Moto 3 at #ArgentinaGP?
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/15/kent-the-man-to-beat-in-moto3-at-argentinagp/173779
Sam Lowes said he has to learn to stop crashing. But, then, he goes out, and wins the race.
Lowes: "I have to stop crashing and learn a little bit"
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/12/lowes-i-have-to-stop-crashing-and-learn-a-little-bit/173566
Lowes claims heroic maiden Moto 2 victory
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/12/lowes-claims-heroic-maiden-moto2-victory/173622
Lowes battles through the pain to take #AmericasGP win
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/12/lowes-battles-through-the-pain-to-take-americasgp-win/173651
Zarco: "I tried to catch Sam, but he was very fast"
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/13/zarco-i-tried-to-catch-sam-but-he-was-very-fast/173786
Rins: "I'm still a rookie and there are many more races"
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/13/rins-i-m-still-a-rookie-and-there-are-many-more-races/173787
Rabat: "When it started to rain the bike was sliding a lot"
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/14/rabat-when-it-started-to-rain-the-bike-was-sliding-a-lot/173789
Just how good was the #AmericasGP for British riders?
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/14/just-how-good-was-the-americasgp-for-british-riders/173829
Rookie Rins takes surprise Moto 2 lead to Argentina
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/15/rookie-rins-takes-surprise-moto2-lead-to-argentina/173778
Who won last year's Moto 2 race at the #ArgentinaGP?
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/15/who-won-last-year-s-moto2-race-at-the-argentinagp/173832
Kent: "I brought it home safely so I am really happy"
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/12/kent-i-brought-it-home-safely-so-i-m-really-happy/173638
Kent dominates weekend to claim Austin victory
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/12/kent-dominates-weekend-to-claim-austin-victory/173640
Quartararo: "I was able to stay upright and catch Masbou"
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/13/quartararo-i-was-able-to-stay-upright-and-catch-masbou/173780
Vazquez: "Starting from P16 I didn't expect to finish 3rd"
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/13/vazquez-starting-from-p16-i-didn-t-expect-to-finish-3rd/173781
McPhee: "I decided to ride safe and get some points"
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/14/mcphee-i-decided-to-ride-safe-and-get-some-points/173785
Fabio Quartararo 6th youngest podium finisher of all-time
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/14/fabio-quartararo-6th-youngest-podium-finisher-of-all-time/173830
Who is looking to match Barry Sheene's record in Argentina?
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/15/who-is-looking-to-match-barry-sheene-s-record-in-argentina/173833
Kent the man to beat in Moto 3 at #ArgentinaGP?
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/15/kent-the-man-to-beat-in-moto3-at-argentinagp/173779
Wednesday, April 15, 2015
more MotoGP news
More stories and interviews, from MotoGP, as we put Austin, Texas, in the rear view mirror, and, move ahead, to this weekend's action, in Argentina.
Marquez marches on to Argentina
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/15/marquez-marches-on-to-argentina/173777
Miller: "I am very happy we finally got some points"
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/14/miller-i-am-very-happy-to-finally-get-some-points/173808
Bautista: "Towards the end I was on the limit"
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/14/bautista-towards-the-end-i-was-on-the-limit/173809
Hayden: "Taking points was a small victory in my 200th GP"
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/14/hayden-taking-points-was-a-small-victory-in-my-200th-gp/173807
Pol Espargaro: "It turned out to be a disaster"
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/14/pol-espargaro-it-turned-out-to-be-a-disaster/173810
Redding: "I went in a little bit too hot..."
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/14/redding-i-went-in-a-little-bit-too-hot/173819
Marquez retains 100% record in Austin
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/13/marquez-maintains-100-record-in-austin/173654
Espargaro: "8th place is not where this team deserves to be"
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/13/espargaro-8th-place-is-not-where-this-team-deserves-to-be/173798
Barbera: "It was better to grab the win than risk a crash!"
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/13/barbera-it-was-better-to-grab-the-win-than-risk-a-crash/173805
Crutchlow: "I got caught up in the crash on the first lap"
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/13/crutchlow-i-got-caught-up-in-the-crash-on-the-first-lap/173757
Marquez: "That was when I was able to open up a gap"
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/13/marquez-that-was-when-i-was-able-to-open-up-a-gap/173673
Smith: "I decided to gamble and go around the outside"
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/13/smith-i-decided-to-gamble-and-go-around-the-outside/173748
Marquez marches on to Argentina
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/15/marquez-marches-on-to-argentina/173777
Miller: "I am very happy we finally got some points"
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/14/miller-i-am-very-happy-to-finally-get-some-points/173808
Bautista: "Towards the end I was on the limit"
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/14/bautista-towards-the-end-i-was-on-the-limit/173809
Hayden: "Taking points was a small victory in my 200th GP"
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/14/hayden-taking-points-was-a-small-victory-in-my-200th-gp/173807
Pol Espargaro: "It turned out to be a disaster"
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/14/pol-espargaro-it-turned-out-to-be-a-disaster/173810
Redding: "I went in a little bit too hot..."
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/14/redding-i-went-in-a-little-bit-too-hot/173819
Marquez retains 100% record in Austin
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/13/marquez-maintains-100-record-in-austin/173654
Espargaro: "8th place is not where this team deserves to be"
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/13/espargaro-8th-place-is-not-where-this-team-deserves-to-be/173798
Barbera: "It was better to grab the win than risk a crash!"
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/13/barbera-it-was-better-to-grab-the-win-than-risk-a-crash/173805
Crutchlow: "I got caught up in the crash on the first lap"
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/13/crutchlow-i-got-caught-up-in-the-crash-on-the-first-lap/173757
Marquez: "That was when I was able to open up a gap"
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/13/marquez-that-was-when-i-was-able-to-open-up-a-gap/173673
Smith: "I decided to gamble and go around the outside"
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/13/smith-i-decided-to-gamble-and-go-around-the-outside/173748
Tuesday, April 14, 2015
Iannone: "All things considered it was a positive weekend"
Andrea Iannone was satisfied with his overall performance in the MotoGP race at Circuit of The Americas, last weekend.
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/13/iannone-all-things-considered-it-was-a-positive-weekend/173792
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/13/iannone-all-things-considered-it-was-a-positive-weekend/173792
Monday, April 13, 2015
MotoAmerica Superbike Round 1: Circuit of The Americas
Josh Hayes won the season opener for the MotoAmerica Superbike championship. Here are the video highlights, and full race report and results. It was a wet race, for the Superbikes. Hayes won Superbike, while Jake Gagne won Superstock 1000, and JD Beach, won Supersport.
http://www.motoamerica.com/josh-hayes-wins-motoamerica-superbike-opener
Round two for MotoAmerica, is this weekend, at Road Atlanta, in Braselton, Georgia. Stay tuned, for highlights, of that event, here on 2 Wheelin'.
http://www.motoamerica.com/josh-hayes-wins-motoamerica-superbike-opener
Round two for MotoAmerica, is this weekend, at Road Atlanta, in Braselton, Georgia. Stay tuned, for highlights, of that event, here on 2 Wheelin'.
Sunday, April 12, 2015
MotoGP Round 2: Circuit of The Americas
It's time, for the big boys, and the big toys. The MotoGP World Championship, is on track at Circuit of The Americas. We are ready, for the Grand Prix of the Americas.
Watch out for the Ducati and the Suzuki thoroughout the season. Two weeks ago in Qatar, we saw Valentino Rossi carve his way through the field, and win. He won a title in 2009. Can someone as old as Rossi, win the title? Rossi is a nine-time champion already. A true legend of Grand Prix motorcycle racing. Rossi thought he'd struggle. But, of course, he got the win. His competitors are amazed at what he's able to do. Rossi is 36 years old, and still has the fire. His competitors, have nothing but good things to say about "The Doctor".
"The Doctor" is still, in the house. There has never been and never will be a rider like Valentino Rossi. 100 race wins. 20 seasons. Nine championships. He hasn't had success at COTA. But, he could change that today. Marc Marquez says the weather should be stable for the race. Can he keep a perfect record in Texas? We'll see. Today is Nicky Hayden's 200th MotoGP start. This is the third MotoGP race at COTA after opening in 2013. 3.4 miles, with 20 turns. 11 left, nine right. 210 miles an hour is the top speed on the straight, for a MotoGP motorcycle.
Keys to winning include, get through turn one, on Fill Hill. Watch the skies. Sun is out now. Showers, could come. Manage your tires. The heat, might wreak havoc on the Michelin tires, in this 21 lap contest. In qualifying session two, Marc Marquez has issues with the primary bike, runs to his backup bike, does one quick lap, and wins the pole with a track record at 2:02.135! Andrea Dovizioso is second. Third is Jorge Lorenzo.
Valentino Rossi fourth. Cal Crutchlow, fifth. Scott Redding, sixth. Andrea Ianonne is seventh. Maverick Vinales, eighth. Hiroshi Aoyama, fills in, for the injured, Dani Pedrosa. We're ready, for a wicked race, chaps. The moment has arrived, for the most advanced, fastest motorcycles in the world, to race, in mere minutes. Let's do this. It's the Grand Prix of the Americas!
Everyone is now off their bikes. Why? Water is under the bridges on the track. We cannot start this event yet. Water on the road. Hmmm. What's next? Keep Austin weird, as they say. This morning, there was fog, and then, rain, and mist. We were going to have a dry race. But, there's something going on. It was a fog bank this morning. It looked more like Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, when the tour raced there.
We wait, and anticipate. Right now, it's very humid, with light wind, in the mid 70s. Sunshine has come through. The riders will go through a restart process. They can refuel the bikes. Water has spilled off the bridge. It happened at Mid Ohio Sports Car Course, when a fan dumped his cooler and caused water on the road. A dog also ran onto the road earlier in the week. Hey, in Austin, there's a football league, played on unicycles. "Keep Austin weird".
It is difficult to tell where the watrer came from. But the brooms and the jet dryer are still working on the problem. Honda team manager Livio Suppo says that a new engine is in Marc Marquez's bike. Dani Pedrosa's surgery for arm pump, went fine, and he'll be back, in a couple races. Once the track is dry, we'll go racing. The race, will begin, in five minutes, after pit lane opens up. 21 laps scheduled for this race.
The temperature, is getting hotter, (track temp). The bikes are now back on track, on their siting lap. We're now ready, to start this race. MotoGP, set to get underway. Moments ago, Marc Marquez was visualizing the lap. Lean right, lean left, go straight. Concentrate. No mistakes. Fifth gear on the front straight. Flatten out at the top, before going downhill in third gear, into three. Three through six are s curves, and into another quick curve, short straight, into a 90 degree corner. Straight, more corners. Then, downhill. Turn eleven, onto the 1.2 kilometer back straight.
203 miles an hour down the straight, back to first gear for turn 12. Then through thirteeen, fourteeen, fifteen, before a triple apex right hander, and into the esses. Go to second for turn nineteen, thouch the rev limiter, and back to first gear for the final turn. Hiroshi Aoyama ran 344 clicks. Nearly 214 miles an hour. Folks, we are ready. Finally. We are going to get underway, at COTA.
Yamaha team boss Massimo Megali, says that Rossi is on hard tires, on the front. Jorge Lorenzo, is on the medium compound Bridgestone. Marco Melandri starts caboose on the field, on the Aprilia. MtoGP riders have a spare bike available. The bikes are on their warmup lap. Let's see. It should be dry under the bridge. 3.43 miles, 20 corners. The rear tire is asymmetrical. The longest straight (again), is 3/4 of a mile. Nicky Hayden, makes his 200th MotoGP start.
Again. 21 laps. The weather is going to be something to watch. Could Valentino Rossi be the oldest rider since 1952 to win back-to-back races? Here come the lights. Go! Good launch for Marc Marquez. Jorge Lorenzo is pushing already, and Andrea Dovizioso has the advantage already. Dovizioso, Marquez, Rossi. Oh no! Scott Redding and Pol Espargaro, down! They have not had ambient or track temps like they are seeing now.
Andrea Dovizioso leads the first lap of the Grand Prix of the Americas. Cal Crutchlow loses spots. Pol Espargaro's race, is over. Scott Redding went in too deep, leaned over too far, and rammed Espargaro. Bradley Smith is fourth. Valentino Rossi is shadowing Marc Marquez. Hiroshi Aoyama is now in 15th place, last in the points paying spots. Aoyama, has to score points, even if Dani Pedrosa can't come back this year.
2:04.3 is fastest lap so far. Downhill, and then, back uphill, before going onto the back straight, which is not straight or level. Aleix Espargaro is moving up well on the Suzuki. We complete lap three. Espargaro and Andrea Ianonne are in lockstep. Rossi is right on Marquez's rear tire. The top four draws away from Jorge Lorenzo in fifth place. Stefan Bradl, has crashed his Honda. The TV feed has not picked up the wreck. Cal Crutchlow, (Bradl's team mate), continues.
The new Ducati, handles a lot better than past bikes. Marc Marquez wanted corner exit speed on the Honda improved, and it has been. Andrea Dovizioso scored a podium last year. Dovizioso wants to win this race. Rossi looks down the inside. No dice. No mirrors on a MotoGP bike. Whoa! Marquez powers down past Marquez. Can he draw away? Dovi could not do the over under move. Marquez has speed in his pocket. He should have plenty left in the locker.
Bradley Smith hangs on with this group, as Stefan Bradl dumps the bike. Bradl could have run with the factory Honda team. But, he is now on the Open class Yamaha. We are on lap six. Marquez is running well. Jorge Lorenzo is closing, and Andrea Ianonne is right behind, on the second factory Ducati bike. Marquez has a new riding style, with amazing lean angle. Dorna invested in new technology, to show the lean angle of riders. There are sensors, for the riders, to track them. But, Marquez was so good at his lean angle, he barely drags his knee or his elbow.
So, the sensors won't work. Dovizioso has the speed. But, he's being hounded by Valentino Rossi. The gap grows. Good news for Marquez. Bad news, for everyone else. Rossi goes down the inside and trakes second from Dovizioso. Dovizioso responds, saying, "no you don't sunshine." A Pramac Ducati rider, has dumped it. Yonny Hernandez, out. Will this bring out a sdafety car? Hernandez has a low side crash. But, he left the bike behind. He didn't bother to pick up the bike.
Valentino Rossi put a move on Andrea Dovizioso for second spot. Bradley Smith under pressure fro Ianonne. The two Ducati's now run third and fourth. Marquez has a 1.9 second gap. Jorge Lorenzo is up to fifth. Rossi shuts the door on Dovizioso! Yikes! These are motorcycles. You don't have a chance, if you crash, except to hope you don't get hurt. Game over for Yonny Hernandez. He'll be back. Ducati's are working with two liter less fuel.
This levels the playing field, via Dorna and the FIM's rules. Marquez is happy to sit behind until he chooses his place, and whistles off into the distance. Marquez has changed the face of MotoGP. Aleix Espargaro and Cal Crutchlow battle. Factory Suzuki vs. semi factory Honda. Nicky Hayden is 14th. Lorenzo and Smith battle. The top four is running 2:04 lap times. A year ago, Marquez had a four plus second gap to win this race. He's right on schedule. Marco Melandri brings the Aprilia into the pits.
Melandri is having trouble coming to terms with the Prototype Aprilia, having raced for BMW and Aprilia in FIM World Superbike before. Andrea Dovizioso passes Andrea Ianonne. Marquez is 2.4 seconds clear of this scrap. Dovizioso's bike is moving around more. Marc Marquez continues to lead. He holds his foot, under braking. Hiroshi Aoyama is 11th. He's tested this bike. He's been under real pressure to perform. We don't know when or if Dani Pedrosa will be back due to his arm pump issues.
Rossi, Dovizioso, and others, battle. Aoyama was fastest in a straight line at 211+ miles an hour, on a motorcycle! Can you believe that? Nicky Hayden is in the points, battling with Jack Miller. Through turns ten and eleven. The field is split from Aleix Espargaro to Danilo Petrucci, by 13 seconds, of empty racetrack. Watching Marc Marquez, control a tail happy rear wheel. He has a 3.527 second gap. You are watching the gold standard of the sport right now. He has redefined Grand Prix motorcycle racing.
We have seven laps left. Will the tires hold? Will they fall off in performance? It's getting hot in Texas. These blokes are earning their money. It's the second race of the season. Training does not match the challenge of riding your motorcycle, with seven laps left, at COTA. Six laps left now. 3.594 seconds between Marquez and his competition. Ooh! Dovizioso makes a great pass into turn two as Ianonne pulls up to Rossi. Are Rossi's tires fading. Massimo Mengali (Yamaha team boss), said the tire compounds were different, for each tire, on both Yamaha's. 210+ miles an hour, and grab the carbon brakes into turn twelve.
Maverick Vinales is in tenth, on the second Suzuki. Stopping... braking... is the most impressive feature, of a MotoGP bike. Lorenzo has had bronchitis, and has taken antibiotics. He says he's missed out on some energy, fighting it. No change up front. It's been a fun race to watch, nonetheless. Game over for Karel Abraham. The Czech rider, headed for the house. Marquez's gap grows to 4.2 seconds.
Ducati is loose in the back. Hang on to the bike, as we go through turn 20. The gap is less than half a hundredth between Ianonne and Lorenzo. These guys are pretty close. Nicky Hayden is 14th. He'll pick up a couple points from this effort. Bradley Smith in sixth is the top bike from a satellite team. Jack Miller is behind Nicky Hayden. Each bike, has a distinct engine note. The Ducati's have a low rumble. Whereas, some of these other bikes, sound more like the old 500cc Grand Prix machines.
Three laps left. Tight apex from Iannone in turn one. He's trying to fend off Jorge Lorenzo's challenge. Lorenzo goes for it before the left hanhder and he's got it. Ianonne can't come back. Lorenzo is now fourth. The Ducati boys are not happy about it. Two laps to go next time by the flag stand. Ducati has done well with their new GP15 bike. Marquez continues to dominate. Sometimes he doesn't qualify well. Other times he goes forward from the back. Today, he's on a Sunday cruise. Marquez fell, had to grab his spare bike, and still, managed to earn pole, right at the end of qualifying.
He had to sprint down pit lane, get the spare bike, and in one lap, he broke the track record, and scored pole. Yikes! A Ducati will be on the podium. But, after his difficult race in Qatar, coming from 25th to fifth, (after Alvaro Bautista got slammed and had a brake line on his Aprilia, break), Marquez has put on a clinic, today, in Austin, Texas. MotoGP is as competitive as it's ever been. Marquez is just controlling the pace. Dani Pedrosa must be watching this race, back in Spain, watching Hiroshi Aoyama in 11th.
Nicky Hayden passes Jack Miller back. Marquez though, is back on top. He has won three times in Austin, and remains undefeated in MotoGP races here in the United States!
#93 Marc Marquez ESP. Honda
The next MotoGP race is at the Autodromo Termas de Rio Hondo, in Argentina, next weekend. Look for a race report, right here, on 2 Wheelin'.
Watch out for the Ducati and the Suzuki thoroughout the season. Two weeks ago in Qatar, we saw Valentino Rossi carve his way through the field, and win. He won a title in 2009. Can someone as old as Rossi, win the title? Rossi is a nine-time champion already. A true legend of Grand Prix motorcycle racing. Rossi thought he'd struggle. But, of course, he got the win. His competitors are amazed at what he's able to do. Rossi is 36 years old, and still has the fire. His competitors, have nothing but good things to say about "The Doctor".
"The Doctor" is still, in the house. There has never been and never will be a rider like Valentino Rossi. 100 race wins. 20 seasons. Nine championships. He hasn't had success at COTA. But, he could change that today. Marc Marquez says the weather should be stable for the race. Can he keep a perfect record in Texas? We'll see. Today is Nicky Hayden's 200th MotoGP start. This is the third MotoGP race at COTA after opening in 2013. 3.4 miles, with 20 turns. 11 left, nine right. 210 miles an hour is the top speed on the straight, for a MotoGP motorcycle.
Keys to winning include, get through turn one, on Fill Hill. Watch the skies. Sun is out now. Showers, could come. Manage your tires. The heat, might wreak havoc on the Michelin tires, in this 21 lap contest. In qualifying session two, Marc Marquez has issues with the primary bike, runs to his backup bike, does one quick lap, and wins the pole with a track record at 2:02.135! Andrea Dovizioso is second. Third is Jorge Lorenzo.
Valentino Rossi fourth. Cal Crutchlow, fifth. Scott Redding, sixth. Andrea Ianonne is seventh. Maverick Vinales, eighth. Hiroshi Aoyama, fills in, for the injured, Dani Pedrosa. We're ready, for a wicked race, chaps. The moment has arrived, for the most advanced, fastest motorcycles in the world, to race, in mere minutes. Let's do this. It's the Grand Prix of the Americas!
Everyone is now off their bikes. Why? Water is under the bridges on the track. We cannot start this event yet. Water on the road. Hmmm. What's next? Keep Austin weird, as they say. This morning, there was fog, and then, rain, and mist. We were going to have a dry race. But, there's something going on. It was a fog bank this morning. It looked more like Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, when the tour raced there.
We wait, and anticipate. Right now, it's very humid, with light wind, in the mid 70s. Sunshine has come through. The riders will go through a restart process. They can refuel the bikes. Water has spilled off the bridge. It happened at Mid Ohio Sports Car Course, when a fan dumped his cooler and caused water on the road. A dog also ran onto the road earlier in the week. Hey, in Austin, there's a football league, played on unicycles. "Keep Austin weird".
It is difficult to tell where the watrer came from. But the brooms and the jet dryer are still working on the problem. Honda team manager Livio Suppo says that a new engine is in Marc Marquez's bike. Dani Pedrosa's surgery for arm pump, went fine, and he'll be back, in a couple races. Once the track is dry, we'll go racing. The race, will begin, in five minutes, after pit lane opens up. 21 laps scheduled for this race.
The temperature, is getting hotter, (track temp). The bikes are now back on track, on their siting lap. We're now ready, to start this race. MotoGP, set to get underway. Moments ago, Marc Marquez was visualizing the lap. Lean right, lean left, go straight. Concentrate. No mistakes. Fifth gear on the front straight. Flatten out at the top, before going downhill in third gear, into three. Three through six are s curves, and into another quick curve, short straight, into a 90 degree corner. Straight, more corners. Then, downhill. Turn eleven, onto the 1.2 kilometer back straight.
203 miles an hour down the straight, back to first gear for turn 12. Then through thirteeen, fourteeen, fifteen, before a triple apex right hander, and into the esses. Go to second for turn nineteen, thouch the rev limiter, and back to first gear for the final turn. Hiroshi Aoyama ran 344 clicks. Nearly 214 miles an hour. Folks, we are ready. Finally. We are going to get underway, at COTA.
Yamaha team boss Massimo Megali, says that Rossi is on hard tires, on the front. Jorge Lorenzo, is on the medium compound Bridgestone. Marco Melandri starts caboose on the field, on the Aprilia. MtoGP riders have a spare bike available. The bikes are on their warmup lap. Let's see. It should be dry under the bridge. 3.43 miles, 20 corners. The rear tire is asymmetrical. The longest straight (again), is 3/4 of a mile. Nicky Hayden, makes his 200th MotoGP start.
Again. 21 laps. The weather is going to be something to watch. Could Valentino Rossi be the oldest rider since 1952 to win back-to-back races? Here come the lights. Go! Good launch for Marc Marquez. Jorge Lorenzo is pushing already, and Andrea Dovizioso has the advantage already. Dovizioso, Marquez, Rossi. Oh no! Scott Redding and Pol Espargaro, down! They have not had ambient or track temps like they are seeing now.
Andrea Dovizioso leads the first lap of the Grand Prix of the Americas. Cal Crutchlow loses spots. Pol Espargaro's race, is over. Scott Redding went in too deep, leaned over too far, and rammed Espargaro. Bradley Smith is fourth. Valentino Rossi is shadowing Marc Marquez. Hiroshi Aoyama is now in 15th place, last in the points paying spots. Aoyama, has to score points, even if Dani Pedrosa can't come back this year.
2:04.3 is fastest lap so far. Downhill, and then, back uphill, before going onto the back straight, which is not straight or level. Aleix Espargaro is moving up well on the Suzuki. We complete lap three. Espargaro and Andrea Ianonne are in lockstep. Rossi is right on Marquez's rear tire. The top four draws away from Jorge Lorenzo in fifth place. Stefan Bradl, has crashed his Honda. The TV feed has not picked up the wreck. Cal Crutchlow, (Bradl's team mate), continues.
The new Ducati, handles a lot better than past bikes. Marc Marquez wanted corner exit speed on the Honda improved, and it has been. Andrea Dovizioso scored a podium last year. Dovizioso wants to win this race. Rossi looks down the inside. No dice. No mirrors on a MotoGP bike. Whoa! Marquez powers down past Marquez. Can he draw away? Dovi could not do the over under move. Marquez has speed in his pocket. He should have plenty left in the locker.
Bradley Smith hangs on with this group, as Stefan Bradl dumps the bike. Bradl could have run with the factory Honda team. But, he is now on the Open class Yamaha. We are on lap six. Marquez is running well. Jorge Lorenzo is closing, and Andrea Ianonne is right behind, on the second factory Ducati bike. Marquez has a new riding style, with amazing lean angle. Dorna invested in new technology, to show the lean angle of riders. There are sensors, for the riders, to track them. But, Marquez was so good at his lean angle, he barely drags his knee or his elbow.
So, the sensors won't work. Dovizioso has the speed. But, he's being hounded by Valentino Rossi. The gap grows. Good news for Marquez. Bad news, for everyone else. Rossi goes down the inside and trakes second from Dovizioso. Dovizioso responds, saying, "no you don't sunshine." A Pramac Ducati rider, has dumped it. Yonny Hernandez, out. Will this bring out a sdafety car? Hernandez has a low side crash. But, he left the bike behind. He didn't bother to pick up the bike.
Valentino Rossi put a move on Andrea Dovizioso for second spot. Bradley Smith under pressure fro Ianonne. The two Ducati's now run third and fourth. Marquez has a 1.9 second gap. Jorge Lorenzo is up to fifth. Rossi shuts the door on Dovizioso! Yikes! These are motorcycles. You don't have a chance, if you crash, except to hope you don't get hurt. Game over for Yonny Hernandez. He'll be back. Ducati's are working with two liter less fuel.
This levels the playing field, via Dorna and the FIM's rules. Marquez is happy to sit behind until he chooses his place, and whistles off into the distance. Marquez has changed the face of MotoGP. Aleix Espargaro and Cal Crutchlow battle. Factory Suzuki vs. semi factory Honda. Nicky Hayden is 14th. Lorenzo and Smith battle. The top four is running 2:04 lap times. A year ago, Marquez had a four plus second gap to win this race. He's right on schedule. Marco Melandri brings the Aprilia into the pits.
Melandri is having trouble coming to terms with the Prototype Aprilia, having raced for BMW and Aprilia in FIM World Superbike before. Andrea Dovizioso passes Andrea Ianonne. Marquez is 2.4 seconds clear of this scrap. Dovizioso's bike is moving around more. Marc Marquez continues to lead. He holds his foot, under braking. Hiroshi Aoyama is 11th. He's tested this bike. He's been under real pressure to perform. We don't know when or if Dani Pedrosa will be back due to his arm pump issues.
Rossi, Dovizioso, and others, battle. Aoyama was fastest in a straight line at 211+ miles an hour, on a motorcycle! Can you believe that? Nicky Hayden is in the points, battling with Jack Miller. Through turns ten and eleven. The field is split from Aleix Espargaro to Danilo Petrucci, by 13 seconds, of empty racetrack. Watching Marc Marquez, control a tail happy rear wheel. He has a 3.527 second gap. You are watching the gold standard of the sport right now. He has redefined Grand Prix motorcycle racing.
We have seven laps left. Will the tires hold? Will they fall off in performance? It's getting hot in Texas. These blokes are earning their money. It's the second race of the season. Training does not match the challenge of riding your motorcycle, with seven laps left, at COTA. Six laps left now. 3.594 seconds between Marquez and his competition. Ooh! Dovizioso makes a great pass into turn two as Ianonne pulls up to Rossi. Are Rossi's tires fading. Massimo Mengali (Yamaha team boss), said the tire compounds were different, for each tire, on both Yamaha's. 210+ miles an hour, and grab the carbon brakes into turn twelve.
Maverick Vinales is in tenth, on the second Suzuki. Stopping... braking... is the most impressive feature, of a MotoGP bike. Lorenzo has had bronchitis, and has taken antibiotics. He says he's missed out on some energy, fighting it. No change up front. It's been a fun race to watch, nonetheless. Game over for Karel Abraham. The Czech rider, headed for the house. Marquez's gap grows to 4.2 seconds.
Ducati is loose in the back. Hang on to the bike, as we go through turn 20. The gap is less than half a hundredth between Ianonne and Lorenzo. These guys are pretty close. Nicky Hayden is 14th. He'll pick up a couple points from this effort. Bradley Smith in sixth is the top bike from a satellite team. Jack Miller is behind Nicky Hayden. Each bike, has a distinct engine note. The Ducati's have a low rumble. Whereas, some of these other bikes, sound more like the old 500cc Grand Prix machines.
Three laps left. Tight apex from Iannone in turn one. He's trying to fend off Jorge Lorenzo's challenge. Lorenzo goes for it before the left hanhder and he's got it. Ianonne can't come back. Lorenzo is now fourth. The Ducati boys are not happy about it. Two laps to go next time by the flag stand. Ducati has done well with their new GP15 bike. Marquez continues to dominate. Sometimes he doesn't qualify well. Other times he goes forward from the back. Today, he's on a Sunday cruise. Marquez fell, had to grab his spare bike, and still, managed to earn pole, right at the end of qualifying.
He had to sprint down pit lane, get the spare bike, and in one lap, he broke the track record, and scored pole. Yikes! A Ducati will be on the podium. But, after his difficult race in Qatar, coming from 25th to fifth, (after Alvaro Bautista got slammed and had a brake line on his Aprilia, break), Marquez has put on a clinic, today, in Austin, Texas. MotoGP is as competitive as it's ever been. Marquez is just controlling the pace. Dani Pedrosa must be watching this race, back in Spain, watching Hiroshi Aoyama in 11th.
Nicky Hayden passes Jack Miller back. Marquez though, is back on top. He has won three times in Austin, and remains undefeated in MotoGP races here in the United States!
#93 Marc Marquez ESP. Honda
The next MotoGP race is at the Autodromo Termas de Rio Hondo, in Argentina, next weekend. Look for a race report, right here, on 2 Wheelin'.
Moto 2: Circuit of The Americas
Moto 2 is up next. These are the middle class bikes. 600cc Honda engines, in all bikes. Four cylinder bikes, in three frame brands, on Dunlop tires. The frame brands are Kalex, Speed Up, and Suter. 19 laps scheduled for this race. On pole is Xavier Simeon. Tito Rabat, and Johann Zarco, are up at the sharp end of the grid. Sam Lowes feels like he can do well. He had a big disappointment in Qatar. Here we go.
Go! At the start, Xavier Simeon, Sam Lowes, and Tito Rabat, lead. Carefully, gentlemen. Alex Rins gets pushed wide. Tito Rabat leads. But, here comes Sam Lowes for second. Johann Zarco tried to get Rabat for the lead. No dice. Zarco led in Qatar until he got stuck in third gear and finishing eighth. Dominique Aegerter runs seventh. Heavy clouds blanket the track. No sign of rain, as Xavier Simeon slides. He caught a damp patch with the front tire. The conditions are changing by the minute.
Zarco, Lowes, Simeon, Morbidelli, and others. No changes in positions yet. Sam Lowes isn't going easy on Tito Rabat at all. Lowes had a big crash in practice, and almost couldn't race. He's got a sore back, but that's it. The motorcycle slid into him as he lay on the ground. Through the twisty bits they go into the stadium section. There's an opil flag, and that means, either oil, or, more than likely, rain. Each rider uses only one motorcycle in this class, as in Moto 3. Luis Salom goes off and on. Louis Rossi is having a good run.
Johann Zarco and Sam Lowes draw away from the field. They fly down the 3/4 mile backstretch atg 175 miles an hour. A gap forms between Lowes and Xavier Simeon. Colin Edwards is at the track, and he's working with some of the Brits in the media. Edwards is pulling for Sam Lowes. Raindrops are coming. No flags shown yet. Zarco leads Lowes. The gap is 1.2 seconds to Simeon. Rabat wants to repeat as champion. Xavier Simeon and Franco Morbidelli are up there, and so is Hafizh Syahrin, from Malaysia.
Lorenzo Baldassari crashed on lap nine. There is a puddle at turn sixteen. Dominique Aegerter of Switzerland also fell off. Hopefully he's alright. Dominique Aegerter gets a little loose and is down to 22nd. Ten laps to go, and we see a battle between Johann Zarco and Sam Lowes. Maverick Vinales won this race on the #40 bike a year ago. All of the top 15 riders are back in Moto 2 except Maverick Vinales who is racing for Suzuki in MotoGP, up next. Tito Rabat fell to seventh spot when the rain flag waved. He is now fifth, chasing Alex Rins.
Rins is four seconds up the road. Mika Kallio is also going for it. Supercross rider Chad Reed is here to cheer on Valentino Rossi. The Supercross bikes raced in Houston, Texas, last night. Jonas Folger is having a good race today. Folger won in Qatar, last time out. Correction. Zarco. This is the middle step of the ladder to MotoGP. Most riders in Moto 2 are in their mid 20s. The step between Moto 2 and MotoGP is huge, because of the electronics, and the higher horsepower.
Through turn 12. Close up under braking. Tito Rabat is not doing too well today. He collided with Simone Corsi in Qatar. Oops. An oil flag off turn 20 onto the front straight. Not a good sign. Oil? Standing water? Hmmm. We are actually now seeing blue skies. The skies opened for the MotoAmerica season opener yesterday, a race, you may see covered, on this blog. We'll see. Johann Zarco has to be wondering if he can hold on after a surprise in Qatar.
But, we'll see. Four laps to go in Moto 2. This race has flown by. Sam Lowes took the lead from Zarco, tucked to the inside, driving off the apex well. Moments ago, a scrum for third. Xavier Simeon gets pitched off the bike! Holy cow! Simeon had contact, with Zarco. They leaned on each other, and Simeon, got a wake up call. Lowes, Zarco, and Rins are on the podium. Rabat and Morbidelli, follow.
On Friday, Sam Lowers had a wreck where he pushed the front end, and the bike tries to twist around, and throws him off. He was hit in the back, by the bike! Ouch! Lowes wonders if his back is OK. The doctors gave him the OK. Lowes wiggles again and does fast lap, at 2:10 and change. Luis Salom runs 176 miles an hour, but is 27th. Anthony West, Takaki Nakagami, and others, have had good runs. 15 finishers, score points. The Simeon and Zarco incident is being investigated by the stewards.
Simeon is back in the garage now. Two guys going for the same piece of real estate, and Simeon ran out of road. Will marshals agree? Lowes' riding style is fun to watch. But, this race is about over. One lap to go now. We are on the last lap. Three riders will battle for the win. Lowes races a German Speed Up chassis, while Kalex, which is also German, are the most popular chassis in Moto 2. All Honda motors. Don't risk anything. Lowes heads Zarco. But, Llowes, looks like he'll win this thing.
Two turns left, and a well deserved victory, comes to Sam Lowes, with a wheelie! He wins his first Moto 2 race here in Austin.
#22 Sam Lowes GBR. Speed Up
MotoGP, the big boys and the big toys, are coming up on 2 Wheelin'... next!
Go! At the start, Xavier Simeon, Sam Lowes, and Tito Rabat, lead. Carefully, gentlemen. Alex Rins gets pushed wide. Tito Rabat leads. But, here comes Sam Lowes for second. Johann Zarco tried to get Rabat for the lead. No dice. Zarco led in Qatar until he got stuck in third gear and finishing eighth. Dominique Aegerter runs seventh. Heavy clouds blanket the track. No sign of rain, as Xavier Simeon slides. He caught a damp patch with the front tire. The conditions are changing by the minute.
Zarco, Lowes, Simeon, Morbidelli, and others. No changes in positions yet. Sam Lowes isn't going easy on Tito Rabat at all. Lowes had a big crash in practice, and almost couldn't race. He's got a sore back, but that's it. The motorcycle slid into him as he lay on the ground. Through the twisty bits they go into the stadium section. There's an opil flag, and that means, either oil, or, more than likely, rain. Each rider uses only one motorcycle in this class, as in Moto 3. Luis Salom goes off and on. Louis Rossi is having a good run.
Johann Zarco and Sam Lowes draw away from the field. They fly down the 3/4 mile backstretch atg 175 miles an hour. A gap forms between Lowes and Xavier Simeon. Colin Edwards is at the track, and he's working with some of the Brits in the media. Edwards is pulling for Sam Lowes. Raindrops are coming. No flags shown yet. Zarco leads Lowes. The gap is 1.2 seconds to Simeon. Rabat wants to repeat as champion. Xavier Simeon and Franco Morbidelli are up there, and so is Hafizh Syahrin, from Malaysia.
Lorenzo Baldassari crashed on lap nine. There is a puddle at turn sixteen. Dominique Aegerter of Switzerland also fell off. Hopefully he's alright. Dominique Aegerter gets a little loose and is down to 22nd. Ten laps to go, and we see a battle between Johann Zarco and Sam Lowes. Maverick Vinales won this race on the #40 bike a year ago. All of the top 15 riders are back in Moto 2 except Maverick Vinales who is racing for Suzuki in MotoGP, up next. Tito Rabat fell to seventh spot when the rain flag waved. He is now fifth, chasing Alex Rins.
Rins is four seconds up the road. Mika Kallio is also going for it. Supercross rider Chad Reed is here to cheer on Valentino Rossi. The Supercross bikes raced in Houston, Texas, last night. Jonas Folger is having a good race today. Folger won in Qatar, last time out. Correction. Zarco. This is the middle step of the ladder to MotoGP. Most riders in Moto 2 are in their mid 20s. The step between Moto 2 and MotoGP is huge, because of the electronics, and the higher horsepower.
Through turn 12. Close up under braking. Tito Rabat is not doing too well today. He collided with Simone Corsi in Qatar. Oops. An oil flag off turn 20 onto the front straight. Not a good sign. Oil? Standing water? Hmmm. We are actually now seeing blue skies. The skies opened for the MotoAmerica season opener yesterday, a race, you may see covered, on this blog. We'll see. Johann Zarco has to be wondering if he can hold on after a surprise in Qatar.
But, we'll see. Four laps to go in Moto 2. This race has flown by. Sam Lowes took the lead from Zarco, tucked to the inside, driving off the apex well. Moments ago, a scrum for third. Xavier Simeon gets pitched off the bike! Holy cow! Simeon had contact, with Zarco. They leaned on each other, and Simeon, got a wake up call. Lowes, Zarco, and Rins are on the podium. Rabat and Morbidelli, follow.
On Friday, Sam Lowers had a wreck where he pushed the front end, and the bike tries to twist around, and throws him off. He was hit in the back, by the bike! Ouch! Lowes wonders if his back is OK. The doctors gave him the OK. Lowes wiggles again and does fast lap, at 2:10 and change. Luis Salom runs 176 miles an hour, but is 27th. Anthony West, Takaki Nakagami, and others, have had good runs. 15 finishers, score points. The Simeon and Zarco incident is being investigated by the stewards.
Simeon is back in the garage now. Two guys going for the same piece of real estate, and Simeon ran out of road. Will marshals agree? Lowes' riding style is fun to watch. But, this race is about over. One lap to go now. We are on the last lap. Three riders will battle for the win. Lowes races a German Speed Up chassis, while Kalex, which is also German, are the most popular chassis in Moto 2. All Honda motors. Don't risk anything. Lowes heads Zarco. But, Llowes, looks like he'll win this thing.
Two turns left, and a well deserved victory, comes to Sam Lowes, with a wheelie! He wins his first Moto 2 race here in Austin.
#22 Sam Lowes GBR. Speed Up
MotoGP, the big boys and the big toys, are coming up on 2 Wheelin'... next!
Moto 3: Circuit of The Americas
These are the smallest bikes and the youngest riders. Last week's race in Qatar, was incredible. Enea Bastianni and Efren Vazquez battled to the end, and Alexis Masbou, was the winner.
The 2015 championship is wide open. Vazquez won last year at Indianapolis. Romano Fenati, and Alexis Masbou, are all up there. Masbou is the current points leader. Danny Kent is on pole. But, he has electrical issues on his bike. We're getting ready to race. The riders are on their siting lap. These are the smallest bikes. 250cc, two cylinder engines. Here we go. ASt the start, with rain a threat, great getaway across the front row. Kent on the outside has to let others by. Watch out for the white paint. Kent has not seen the track, until now.
Patience, and drafting, are a big deal. Andrea Locatelli tries to keep the lead. The riders jockey for position into turn twelve of 20 on this 3.4 mile track. 18 laps schedule for Moto 3. Through the long sweeper, and into turn 19. It's a tough corner. Fabio Quartararo is fast, and Romano Fenati is moving up. Rumor is the KTM's are down on speed compared to the Honda's. Mahindra and Husqvarna also have Moto 3 bikes. Enea Bastianini is going for it. Like Danny Kent, he had no laps in the warmup.
Locatelli has to stand up. Miugel Oliveira goes after Niccolo Antonelli. Watch Matteo Ferrari, too. Livio Loi went off and on. Quartararo is under pressure from Danny Kent who also passed Jorge Navarro. Be patient. Set up your passes. It's warm in Texas. Low 70s, with high humidity, and a threat of rain. Miguel Oliveira leads over Niccolo Antonelli and Fabio Quartararo. Danny Kent is gapping the rest of the field. Hirokinononand Niccolo Antonelli both go down. Antonelli nearly gets hit by Ono's bike.
Alexis Masbou and Fabio Quartararo lead a prison riot for second, while Danny kent is on a Sunday ride. Kent was third in Qatar. Quartararo passes Francesco Bagnaia. Is Miguel Oliveira having issues? Maybe the brakes aren't working. We complete lap nine, as Danny Kent has a five second gap over Alexis Masbou. Kent runs a lap at 2:17.579. Brad Binder is doing well, the South African rider. His brother Darren Binder is also racing.
Oops. One more rider down. Francesco Bagnaia is one, and Jorge Navarro is the other. One bike falls, and then, another. There's some damp track out there. These are high compression bikes for 250cc single cylinder motors. Same as the Antonelli and Ono incident earlier. The wind is dying down. But, there's still damp spots on the road. The wind is dropping. Shadows seem to be forming, which means the sun., Oh! Oliviera loses it! He slid, and fortunately, wasn't hit!
The conditions caught out Miguel Oliviera, and noting is wrong with the bike. He's stopped. Meanwhile, Danny Kent has six seconds in hand over Alexis Masbou. Oliviera was the only rider besides Kent, running 2:17s. Fabio Quartararo of France, runs third. We're into the closing laps of Moto 3 here at COTA. Three and a half laps to go in this one. It has been the Danny Kent show. He's 8.7 seconds clear of Masbou. Masbou won in Qatar by 27 thousandths of a second. Kent is putting on a clinic.
Danny Kent is clicking off consistent lap ntimes. Masbou will lose a spot to Fabio Quartararo, and possibly to Enea Bastianini. Efren Vazquez is now fifth. Maria Herrera and Ana Carasco are the two female riders in this race. Kent has absolutely obliterated the rest of the field. John McPhee and Brad Binder are battling. Quartararo and is being hounded by Masbou. Brad Binder and John McPhee are going for it, too. Two laps remain.
The top five riders in points are all in the top ten, as we approach one lap remaining. If anything indicates in this race, no one will go out for warmup in Argentina next week. Vazquez gets out of shape, but stays on two wheels. Brad Binder follows Enea Bastianinni. One lap left now. In Moto 2 and Moto 3 you are only allowed one bike. In MotoGP, you can use two. Masbou, Quartararo, Vazquez, Binder, and McPhee, scrap for the final podium place.
Binder is off the front pack. Who will be here at the finish? Wow. Masbou is trying. Ugh! These boys are scrambling. Six corners left. Masbou and Bastianinni tussle. Quartararo is going for it, needing to relax. One corner to go. Danny kent wins it! Masbou falls down! He has to run the bike to the finish line! Oh boy! He makes the finish, but won't score points.
#52 Danny Kent GBR. Honda
Moto 2, up next.
The 2015 championship is wide open. Vazquez won last year at Indianapolis. Romano Fenati, and Alexis Masbou, are all up there. Masbou is the current points leader. Danny Kent is on pole. But, he has electrical issues on his bike. We're getting ready to race. The riders are on their siting lap. These are the smallest bikes. 250cc, two cylinder engines. Here we go. ASt the start, with rain a threat, great getaway across the front row. Kent on the outside has to let others by. Watch out for the white paint. Kent has not seen the track, until now.
Patience, and drafting, are a big deal. Andrea Locatelli tries to keep the lead. The riders jockey for position into turn twelve of 20 on this 3.4 mile track. 18 laps schedule for Moto 3. Through the long sweeper, and into turn 19. It's a tough corner. Fabio Quartararo is fast, and Romano Fenati is moving up. Rumor is the KTM's are down on speed compared to the Honda's. Mahindra and Husqvarna also have Moto 3 bikes. Enea Bastianini is going for it. Like Danny Kent, he had no laps in the warmup.
Locatelli has to stand up. Miugel Oliveira goes after Niccolo Antonelli. Watch Matteo Ferrari, too. Livio Loi went off and on. Quartararo is under pressure from Danny Kent who also passed Jorge Navarro. Be patient. Set up your passes. It's warm in Texas. Low 70s, with high humidity, and a threat of rain. Miguel Oliveira leads over Niccolo Antonelli and Fabio Quartararo. Danny Kent is gapping the rest of the field. Hirokinononand Niccolo Antonelli both go down. Antonelli nearly gets hit by Ono's bike.
Alexis Masbou and Fabio Quartararo lead a prison riot for second, while Danny kent is on a Sunday ride. Kent was third in Qatar. Quartararo passes Francesco Bagnaia. Is Miguel Oliveira having issues? Maybe the brakes aren't working. We complete lap nine, as Danny Kent has a five second gap over Alexis Masbou. Kent runs a lap at 2:17.579. Brad Binder is doing well, the South African rider. His brother Darren Binder is also racing.
Oops. One more rider down. Francesco Bagnaia is one, and Jorge Navarro is the other. One bike falls, and then, another. There's some damp track out there. These are high compression bikes for 250cc single cylinder motors. Same as the Antonelli and Ono incident earlier. The wind is dying down. But, there's still damp spots on the road. The wind is dropping. Shadows seem to be forming, which means the sun., Oh! Oliviera loses it! He slid, and fortunately, wasn't hit!
The conditions caught out Miguel Oliviera, and noting is wrong with the bike. He's stopped. Meanwhile, Danny Kent has six seconds in hand over Alexis Masbou. Oliviera was the only rider besides Kent, running 2:17s. Fabio Quartararo of France, runs third. We're into the closing laps of Moto 3 here at COTA. Three and a half laps to go in this one. It has been the Danny Kent show. He's 8.7 seconds clear of Masbou. Masbou won in Qatar by 27 thousandths of a second. Kent is putting on a clinic.
Danny Kent is clicking off consistent lap ntimes. Masbou will lose a spot to Fabio Quartararo, and possibly to Enea Bastianini. Efren Vazquez is now fifth. Maria Herrera and Ana Carasco are the two female riders in this race. Kent has absolutely obliterated the rest of the field. John McPhee and Brad Binder are battling. Quartararo and is being hounded by Masbou. Brad Binder and John McPhee are going for it, too. Two laps remain.
The top five riders in points are all in the top ten, as we approach one lap remaining. If anything indicates in this race, no one will go out for warmup in Argentina next week. Vazquez gets out of shape, but stays on two wheels. Brad Binder follows Enea Bastianinni. One lap left now. In Moto 2 and Moto 3 you are only allowed one bike. In MotoGP, you can use two. Masbou, Quartararo, Vazquez, Binder, and McPhee, scrap for the final podium place.
Binder is off the front pack. Who will be here at the finish? Wow. Masbou is trying. Ugh! These boys are scrambling. Six corners left. Masbou and Bastianinni tussle. Quartararo is going for it, needing to relax. One corner to go. Danny kent wins it! Masbou falls down! He has to run the bike to the finish line! Oh boy! He makes the finish, but won't score points.
#52 Danny Kent GBR. Honda
Moto 2, up next.
Saturday, April 11, 2015
Marquez claims pole in dramatic fashion at Circuit of The Americas
One more pre-race story from COTA. Marc Marquez, has pole, for the MotoGP race. Here's how he got it.
http://www.foxsports.com/motor/story/motogp-marc-marquez-claims-pole-position-austin-andrea-dovizioso-jorge-lorenzo-cota-041115
http://www.foxsports.com/motor/story/motogp-marc-marquez-claims-pole-position-austin-andrea-dovizioso-jorge-lorenzo-cota-041115
MotoGP pre-race news from Austin, Texas
One more big news flash, before MotoGP sets sail with all three classes at Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas, tomorrow.
Crutchlow gets a new chassis and seat for #AmericasGP
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/10/crutchlow-gets-a-new-chassis-and-seat-for-americasgp/173288
Dovizioso snatches FP1 from Marquez at #AmericasGP
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/10/dovizioso-snatches-fp1-from-marquez-at-americasgp/173285
Marquez re-establishes dominance during MotoGP FP2
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/10/marquez-restablishes-dominance-during-motogp-fp2/173311
Marquez "Our initial feeling is positive"
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/11/marquez-our-initial-feeling-is-positive/173355
A Tweet from Marc Marquez.
Happy in wet and dry conditions. #AmericasGP
http://www.motogp.com/en/twitter_update/2015/04/10/happy-in-wet-and-dry-conditions-americasgp/173380
Smith: "It was a big shame to crash at the end of FP2"
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/10/smith-it-was-a-big-shame-to-crash-at-the-end-of-fp2/173388
Redding: "We made the step forward that we were expecting"
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/10/redding-we-made-the-step-forward-that-we-were-expecting/173395
Crutchlow: "We need to do more laps on the new chassis"
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/10/crutchlow-we-need-to-do-more-laps-on-the-new-chassis/173385
Iannone: "I had a good feeling with the GP15"
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/10/iannone-i-had-a-good-feeling-with-the-gp15/173396
A Tweet from Sam Lowes
http://www.motogp.com/en/twitter_update/2015/04/11/thanks-everyone-for-messages-was-big-one-pushing-a-lot/173403
Lowes: "I feel okay... and am really, really happy"
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/11/lowes-i-feel-okay-and-i-am-really-happy/173401
A Tweet from Jorge Lorenzo, who isn't feeling all that well.
http://www.motogp.com/en/twitter_update/2015/04/11/today-i-didn-t-feel-comfortable-i-felt-sick-tomorrow-more/173384
More on Lorenzo's ailment.
Lorenzo: "The doctor's told me it's bronchitis"
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/11/lorenzo-the-doctors-told-me-it-s-bronchitis/173409
Marquez shows he's still the man to beat in Austin
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/11/marquez-shows-he-is-still-the-man-to-beat-in-austin/173350
Crutchlow gets a new chassis and seat for #AmericasGP
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/10/crutchlow-gets-a-new-chassis-and-seat-for-americasgp/173288
Dovizioso snatches FP1 from Marquez at #AmericasGP
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/10/dovizioso-snatches-fp1-from-marquez-at-americasgp/173285
Marquez re-establishes dominance during MotoGP FP2
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/10/marquez-restablishes-dominance-during-motogp-fp2/173311
Marquez "Our initial feeling is positive"
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/11/marquez-our-initial-feeling-is-positive/173355
A Tweet from Marc Marquez.
Happy in wet and dry conditions. #AmericasGP
http://www.motogp.com/en/twitter_update/2015/04/10/happy-in-wet-and-dry-conditions-americasgp/173380
Smith: "It was a big shame to crash at the end of FP2"
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/10/smith-it-was-a-big-shame-to-crash-at-the-end-of-fp2/173388
Redding: "We made the step forward that we were expecting"
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/10/redding-we-made-the-step-forward-that-we-were-expecting/173395
Crutchlow: "We need to do more laps on the new chassis"
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/10/crutchlow-we-need-to-do-more-laps-on-the-new-chassis/173385
Iannone: "I had a good feeling with the GP15"
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/10/iannone-i-had-a-good-feeling-with-the-gp15/173396
A Tweet from Sam Lowes
http://www.motogp.com/en/twitter_update/2015/04/11/thanks-everyone-for-messages-was-big-one-pushing-a-lot/173403
Lowes: "I feel okay... and am really, really happy"
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/11/lowes-i-feel-okay-and-i-am-really-happy/173401
A Tweet from Jorge Lorenzo, who isn't feeling all that well.
http://www.motogp.com/en/twitter_update/2015/04/11/today-i-didn-t-feel-comfortable-i-felt-sick-tomorrow-more/173384
More on Lorenzo's ailment.
Lorenzo: "The doctor's told me it's bronchitis"
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/11/lorenzo-the-doctors-told-me-it-s-bronchitis/173409
Marquez shows he's still the man to beat in Austin
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/11/marquez-shows-he-is-still-the-man-to-beat-in-austin/173350
Jake Gagne "I have The Greatest People Around Me"
An interview with MotoAmerica Superstock 1000 rider, Jake Gagne, as he hopes for a win in Texas, this weekend.
http://www.motoamerica.com/jake-gagne-i-have-greatest-people-around-me
http://www.motoamerica.com/jake-gagne-i-have-greatest-people-around-me
Friday, April 10, 2015
Beaubier And Fong Lead First Day of Practice at Circuit of the Americas
Cameron Beaubier and Bobby Fong, lead practice for the opening race of MotoAmerica in support of the MotoGP Grand Prix of the Americas at Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas.
http://www.motoamerica.com/beaubier-and-fong-lead-first-day-practice-circuit-americas
http://www.motoamerica.com/beaubier-and-fong-lead-first-day-practice-circuit-americas
Thursday, April 9, 2015
Moto 2 & Moto 3 news
News and features, from the Moto 2 and Moto 3 classes, headed into racing at Circuit of The Americas in Austin, Texas, this Sunday. This includes, riders thoughts on the keys to doing well in the races themselves.
Which 2015 Moto 2 rider has won at COTA before?
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/07/which-2015-moto2-rider-has-won-at-cota-before/173128
Moto 2 riders ready to bounce back in Austin
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/07/moto2-riders-ready-to-bounce-back-in-austin/173089
Rabat: "I need to use opening laps to find a good rhythm"
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/07/rabat-i-need-to-use-opening-laps-to-find-a-good-rhythm/173177
Simeon: "Atmosphere during the race weekend is incredible"
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/08/simeon-atmosphere-during-the-race-weekend-is-incredible/173191
Alex Marquez: "First sector is critical to a good lap time"
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/08/alex-marquez-first-sector-is-critical-to-a-good-lap-time/173176
Zarco: "The end result in Qatar was unfair"
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/08/zarco-the-end-result-in-qatar-was-unfair/173221
Bastianini heads Dunlop #ForeverForward league table
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/07/bastianini-heads-dunlop-foreverforward-league-table/173169
Bastianini: "I changed the way I ride the bike"
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/01/bastianini-i-changed-the-way-i-ride-the-bike/173035
#Kent52Blog: "It felt so good to be back racing"
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/01/kent52blog-it-felt-so-good-to-be-back-racing/173086
Quartararo: "I have to be more relaxed on the final laps"
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/02/quartararo-i-have-to-be-more-relaxed-on-the-final-laps/173054
Who finished runner-up in the Austin Moto 3 race last year?
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/07/who-finised-runner-up-in-the-austin-moto3-race-last-year/173127
Which 2015 Moto 2 rider has won at COTA before?
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/07/which-2015-moto2-rider-has-won-at-cota-before/173128
Moto 2 riders ready to bounce back in Austin
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/07/moto2-riders-ready-to-bounce-back-in-austin/173089
Rabat: "I need to use opening laps to find a good rhythm"
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/07/rabat-i-need-to-use-opening-laps-to-find-a-good-rhythm/173177
Simeon: "Atmosphere during the race weekend is incredible"
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/08/simeon-atmosphere-during-the-race-weekend-is-incredible/173191
Alex Marquez: "First sector is critical to a good lap time"
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/08/alex-marquez-first-sector-is-critical-to-a-good-lap-time/173176
Zarco: "The end result in Qatar was unfair"
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/08/zarco-the-end-result-in-qatar-was-unfair/173221
Bastianini heads Dunlop #ForeverForward league table
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/07/bastianini-heads-dunlop-foreverforward-league-table/173169
Bastianini: "I changed the way I ride the bike"
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/01/bastianini-i-changed-the-way-i-ride-the-bike/173035
#Kent52Blog: "It felt so good to be back racing"
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/01/kent52blog-it-felt-so-good-to-be-back-racing/173086
Quartararo: "I have to be more relaxed on the final laps"
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/02/quartararo-i-have-to-be-more-relaxed-on-the-final-laps/173054
Who finished runner-up in the Austin Moto 3 race last year?
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/07/who-finised-runner-up-in-the-austin-moto3-race-last-year/173127
Wednesday, April 8, 2015
more MotoGP news
Lots more news to cover in the world of MotoGP as we look forward, this weekend, to the first of two races in the United States for the three MotoGP classes, at Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas.
Hayden: "I am looking forward to racing in front of my fans"
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/07/hayden-i-am-looking-forward-to-racing-in-front-of-my-fans/173188
Rossi: "It won't be easy, but we will try"
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/07/rossi-it-won-t-be-easy-but-we-will-try/173194
Red Bull Grand Prix of The Americas: Can It Get Any Better?
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/07/red-bull-grand-prix-of-the-americas-can-it-get-any-better/173079
Melandri: "I'd like to take a few steps forward"
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/08/melandri-i-d-like-to-take-a-few-steps-forward/173181
Smith: "I am ready to hit Texas at full speed"
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/08/smith-i-am-ready-to-hit-texas-at-full-speed/173209
Nicky Hayden - A life dedicated to racing
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/08/nicky-hayden-a-life-dedicated-to-racing/173193
Lorenzo: "I'm going to push at the maximum"
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/08/lorenzo-i-m-going-to-push-at-the-maximum/173195
Marquez: "I'm looking forward to putting Qatar behind us"
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/08/marquez-i-m-looking-forward-to-putting-qatar-behind-us/173174
Hayden: "I am looking forward to racing in front of my fans"
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/07/hayden-i-am-looking-forward-to-racing-in-front-of-my-fans/173188
Rossi: "It won't be easy, but we will try"
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/07/rossi-it-won-t-be-easy-but-we-will-try/173194
Red Bull Grand Prix of The Americas: Can It Get Any Better?
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/07/red-bull-grand-prix-of-the-americas-can-it-get-any-better/173079
Melandri: "I'd like to take a few steps forward"
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/08/melandri-i-d-like-to-take-a-few-steps-forward/173181
Smith: "I am ready to hit Texas at full speed"
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/08/smith-i-am-ready-to-hit-texas-at-full-speed/173209
Nicky Hayden - A life dedicated to racing
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/08/nicky-hayden-a-life-dedicated-to-racing/173193
Lorenzo: "I'm going to push at the maximum"
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/08/lorenzo-i-m-going-to-push-at-the-maximum/173195
Marquez: "I'm looking forward to putting Qatar behind us"
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/08/marquez-i-m-looking-forward-to-putting-qatar-behind-us/173174
Tuesday, April 7, 2015
Who Will Be Starting their 200th MotoGP race at COTA?
To find out the answer, check out these stats, from motogp.com ahead of this weekend's showdown in Austin, Texas.
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/06/who-will-be-starting-their-200th-motogp-race-at-cota/173132
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/06/who-will-be-starting-their-200th-motogp-race-at-cota/173132
Monday, April 6, 2015
MotoGP records destroyed in the desert
The opening race of the 2015 MotoGP season in Qatar, broke LOTS of records.
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/05/motogp-records-destroyed-in-the-desert/173124
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/05/motogp-records-destroyed-in-the-desert/173124
Sunday, April 5, 2015
Petrucci: "Something strange was going on with rear tyre"
Danilo Petrucci explains that his issues with being off pace in Qatar, had to do with the rear tire of his Pramac Ducati.
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/04/petrucci-something-strange-was-going-on-with-rear-tyre/173101
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/04/petrucci-something-strange-was-going-on-with-rear-tyre/173101
Saturday, April 4, 2015
Successful surgery for Pedrosa in Madrid
Dani Pedrosa, underwent a successful surgery, in Madrid, Spain, to solve his arm pump problem.
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/03/successful-surgery-for-pedrosa-in-madrid/173139
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/03/successful-surgery-for-pedrosa-in-madrid/173139
Friday, April 3, 2015
Shell Advance Asia Talent Cup Round 2: Qatar
Brief highlights of races three and four in the Shell Advance Asia Talent Cup at the Losail International Circuit, in Qatar.
http://www.motogp.com/en/video_update/2015/03/31/shell-advance-asia-talent-cup-round-2-highlights/173047
Round three of the series, will not take place, until summer, in late July/early August.
http://www.motogp.com/en/video_update/2015/03/31/shell-advance-asia-talent-cup-round-2-highlights/173047
Round three of the series, will not take place, until summer, in late July/early August.
Thursday, April 2, 2015
More MotoGP news & notes
The latest news from MotoGP as we look ahead to the first U.S. race at Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas.
Bradl: "I cannot say I'm satisfied at all"
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/02/bradl-i-cannot-say-i-m-satisfied-at-all/173099
Quartararo: "I have to be more relaxed on the final laps"
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/02/quartararo-i-have-to-be-more-relaxed-on-the-final-laps/173054
A tweet, from Jack Miller.
http://www.motogp.com/en/instagram_update/2015/04/02/we-out-feeling-like-my-other-half-today-heading/173113
Pramac Ducati tweet.
http://www.motogp.com/en/instagram_update/2015/04/02/iotifopetrux-pramacracing-ducati-motogp/173114
Rins: "I lacked a bit of aggression"
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/02/rins-i-lacked-a-bit-of-aggression/173051
Espargaro: "The main positive is that we managed to finish"
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/02/espargaro-the-main-positive-is-that-we-managed-to-finish/173093
Di Meglio: "I was not able to brake..."
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/02/di-meglio-i-was-not-able-to-brake/173091
Aleix Espargaro tweet.
http://www.motogp.com/en/instagram_update/2015/04/02/mountain-training-andorra/173134
Fortune doesn't always favour the brave
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/02/fortune-doesn-t-always-favour-the-brave/173083
Aoyama to replace Pedrosa for Austin & Argentina
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/02/aoyama-to-replace-pedrosa-for-austin-argentina/173122
Bradl: "I cannot say I'm satisfied at all"
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/02/bradl-i-cannot-say-i-m-satisfied-at-all/173099
Quartararo: "I have to be more relaxed on the final laps"
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/02/quartararo-i-have-to-be-more-relaxed-on-the-final-laps/173054
A tweet, from Jack Miller.
http://www.motogp.com/en/instagram_update/2015/04/02/we-out-feeling-like-my-other-half-today-heading/173113
Pramac Ducati tweet.
http://www.motogp.com/en/instagram_update/2015/04/02/iotifopetrux-pramacracing-ducati-motogp/173114
Rins: "I lacked a bit of aggression"
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/02/rins-i-lacked-a-bit-of-aggression/173051
Espargaro: "The main positive is that we managed to finish"
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/02/espargaro-the-main-positive-is-that-we-managed-to-finish/173093
Di Meglio: "I was not able to brake..."
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/02/di-meglio-i-was-not-able-to-brake/173091
Aleix Espargaro tweet.
http://www.motogp.com/en/instagram_update/2015/04/02/mountain-training-andorra/173134
Fortune doesn't always favour the brave
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/02/fortune-doesn-t-always-favour-the-brave/173083
Aoyama to replace Pedrosa for Austin & Argentina
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/04/02/aoyama-to-replace-pedrosa-for-austin-argentina/173122
Wednesday, April 1, 2015
Casey Stoner
From the Facebook page 2Wheeled Racing News & Views.
Honda Racing Corporation are pleased to announce Casey Stoner’s return to MotoGP in two weeks at the Austin GP.
The two-time MotoGP Champion (2007 and 2011) will replace Dani Pedrosa for the next two races, who has been suffering from "arm pump" and is seaking medical advise. Casey, will be the teammate of Honda’s double world champion Marc Marquez who replaced Stoner two years ago at Honda after the Australian retired. Stoner said " i'm pleased to be back, really looking forward to showing everyone i've still got it and im aiming to win, Marc and Valentino better watch out!"
Honda Racing Corporation are pleased to announce Casey Stoner’s return to MotoGP in two weeks at the Austin GP.
The two-time MotoGP Champion (2007 and 2011) will replace Dani Pedrosa for the next two races, who has been suffering from "arm pump" and is seaking medical advise. Casey, will be the teammate of Honda’s double world champion Marc Marquez who replaced Stoner two years ago at Honda after the Australian retired. Stoner said " i'm pleased to be back, really looking forward to showing everyone i've still got it and im aiming to win, Marc and Valentino better watch out!"
Espargaro: "The main problem now is the power"
Despite a good performance for Suzuki, returning to MotoGP for the first time in a few seasons, Aleix Espargaro, is not too happy with the new bike.
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/03/31/espargaro-the-main-problem-now-is-the-power/173037
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/03/31/espargaro-the-main-problem-now-is-the-power/173037
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